What do you think?
Rate this book
A Ruthless Proposition
All that glitters may lead right to his heart…
The last thing Cleopatra Knight expects on her business trip to Tokyo is to fall into bed with her arrogant, irresistibly hot boss, Dante Damaso. It’s a mistake—a steamy, mind-blowingly satisfying mistake. But a few nights of passion with the superwealthy bad boy prove to have long-term effects when Cleo’s world is unexpectedly turned upside down.
Dante has cultivated an enviable, jet-setting lifestyle: beautiful women, exotic destinations, and luxury without limits. He’s not looking to be domesticated, and certainly not by his assistant—even though he can’t get her out of his mind. Still, he knows he has both the responsibility and the financial means to help Cleo.
Though Cleo has no interest in Dante’s money, her lack of prospects gives her little choice but to accept his help. But living under the same roof, Dante discovers he wants more, and if Cleo lets down her guard, she just might find what her heart’s wanted all along.
The last thing Cleopatra Knight expects on her business trip to Tokyo is to fall into bed with her arrogant, irresistibly hot boss, Dante Damaso. It’s a mistake—a steamy, mind-blowingly satisfying mistake. But a few nights of passion with the superwealthy bad boy prove to have long-term effects when Cleo’s world is unexpectedly turned upside down.
Dante has cultivated an enviable, jet-setting lifestyle: beautiful women, exotic destinations, and luxury without limits. He’s not looking to be domesticated, and certainly not by his assistant—even though he can’t get her out of his mind. Still, he knows he has both the responsibility and the financial means to help Cleo.
Though Cleo has no interest in Dante’s money, her lack of prospects gives her little choice but to accept his help. But living under the same roof, Dante discovers he wants more, and if Cleo lets down her guard, she just might find what her heart’s wanted all along.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
1571 people are currently reading
5062 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Anders
24 books3,186 followersSince making her publishing debut in 2012, Natasha Anders has drawn praise and attention as a unique voice in romance. Montlake author and 2018 RITA® Finalist, Anders was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She spent nine years as an associate English teacher in Niigata, Japan, where she became a legendary karaoke diva. Anders currently lives in Cape Town.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 993 reviews
February 10, 2017
Solid 4.5 Stars
So, not gonna lie, I didn't love this as much as I loved The Unwanted Wife, but alas, veritable perfection is hard to beat.
So I'll accept it.
With gusto.
I love Natasha Anders books.
They are like Harlequins on steroids.
But classier.
Cleo (minus the "patra") shows a little bit of backbone here and there, but for the most part, acts very similar to other Anders heroines.
Well, she's not technically a virgin, so hold yourselves back, book piranhas.
And the jury is still out on her driving skills because, you know, billionaire private jet and all.
But I really wanted to use that gif.
Since they just don't make teen movies as awesome as Clueless anymore, amiright?
Except for Mean Girls, don't forget Mean Girls.
As pre-hot mess of a drug hag Lindsey Lohan had some legit talent. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are comedic goddesses. And because "fetch" should totally happen.
Oh and RIP Brittany Murphy.
But I digress.
Dante was a huge dick.
HUGE.
Some of the things he said to Cleo were straight awful.
In fact, he made my beloved Sandro look like a purring kitty cat in comparison.
But I fucking loved it.
Because like I said...
Harlequin + Val = fat kid eating cake levels of excitement
I don't know why, but I just love books where the H is a ginormous asshole, acts the fools (not cheating) and then has to grovel his way back into the h's good graces.
I'm sure this is indicative of major childhood damage to my inner female psyche, which resulted in an adult need to see grown men on their knees or some other such nonsense.
LOLZ.
But it's a good thing I don't fucking care.
Find me at:
So, not gonna lie, I didn't love this as much as I loved The Unwanted Wife, but alas, veritable perfection is hard to beat.
So I'll accept it.
With gusto.
I love Natasha Anders books.
They are like Harlequins on steroids.
But classier.
Cleo (minus the "patra") shows a little bit of backbone here and there, but for the most part, acts very similar to other Anders heroines.
Well, she's not technically a virgin, so hold yourselves back, book piranhas.
And the jury is still out on her driving skills because, you know, billionaire private jet and all.
But I really wanted to use that gif.
Since they just don't make teen movies as awesome as Clueless anymore, amiright?
Except for Mean Girls, don't forget Mean Girls.
As pre-hot mess of a drug hag Lindsey Lohan had some legit talent. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are comedic goddesses. And because "fetch" should totally happen.
Oh and RIP Brittany Murphy.
But I digress.
Dante was a huge dick.
HUGE.
Some of the things he said to Cleo were straight awful.
In fact, he made my beloved Sandro look like a purring kitty cat in comparison.
But I fucking loved it.
Because like I said...
Harlequin + Val = fat kid eating cake levels of excitement
I don't know why, but I just love books where the H is a ginormous asshole, acts the fools (not cheating) and then has to grovel his way back into the h's good graces.
I'm sure this is indicative of major childhood damage to my inner female psyche, which resulted in an adult need to see grown men on their knees or some other such nonsense.
LOLZ.
But it's a good thing I don't fucking care.
Find me at:
March 25, 2017
NOTE: THERE ARE SPOILERS AHEAD
After reading two books by this author, Natasha Anders, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
and liking them both so much, I really wanted to love this one. Sadly I found I couldn't love it....not even liking it!!!
I found the premise - office romance - interesting - it was the characters that turned me totally off this story!!! I found none likable...never mind the two mc's.....even the secondary characters were kind of bleh!!!
Dante Damaso, the hero and boss is the most despicable guy......now, I like alpha males...but this guy takes it to a level that I find totally unacceptable. He shows no respect to the heroine - rude, obnoxious....awful...awful.....horrible...horrible.....check out what he says the day after he's slept with his PA, the heroine....
There's no respect shown by either of them........
So, after their Tokyo trip, it's back home to Cape Town....and the sh#$$$t continues!!! Suddenly Cleopatra finds herself pregnant with Dante's baby...see, there's no safety in condoms!!! And when she tells him......OMG....his reaction is beyond appalling!!!
After reading two books by this author, Natasha Anders, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
and liking them both so much, I really wanted to love this one. Sadly I found I couldn't love it....not even liking it!!!
I found the premise - office romance - interesting - it was the characters that turned me totally off this story!!! I found none likable...never mind the two mc's.....even the secondary characters were kind of bleh!!!
Dante Damaso, the hero and boss is the most despicable guy......now, I like alpha males...but this guy takes it to a level that I find totally unacceptable. He shows no respect to the heroine - rude, obnoxious....awful...awful.....horrible...horrible.....check out what he says the day after he's slept with his PA, the heroine....
“He sighed before putting his tablet aside. “Chloe,” he said, keeping his voice low so the driver couldn’t hear them. “Last night was just to relieve some of the stress of the day; you know that, right? I don’t usually fuck my employees. Too damned messy.” And quite frankly, he didn’t relish the potential sexual-harassment lawsuits from disgruntled sexual partners in the workplace, but he didn’t tell her that.Just blew my mind!!!
Cleopatra Pandora Knight, the heroine and PA to A@#$$hole boss, Dante......at first, I kind of liked her....she showed a bit of spunk...but then she suddenly discovers she has the hots for the boss and all reason and sanity goes out the door....never mind his behaviour after their first time f@#$$$ck!!!
“Thanks, Chloe. I needed that.” His voice was slurred. He sounded like a very drunk or very tired man, and the gentle snore that followed a mere second later confirmed the latter fact.Does his behaviour stop her from going back for "seconds?"..........Not in a million years!!!! Ooooh, she keeps going back for more and more abuse!!!!
Cleo sighed, trying not to be completely demoralized by the fact that this man, whom she had known for nearly four frickin’ months, had just called her by the wrong name.
No matter what verbal abuse he flings at her..........
“ “Are you coming on to me?” he hissed. “Wasn’t one night enough for you? If you want more than that, you need but say it. But don’t expect anything other than sex from me. Just because you’re Luc’s sister doesn’t automatically entitle you to more than that. Once we get this deal out of the way, we can fuck again if that’s what you want, but it will never be more than that. Entender? Understand?”she continues to be a sucker for punishment!!!
There's no respect shown by either of them........
“Distasteful? Who the hell did she think she was? Better women than she would kill for the chance of a love affair with him . . . and why the hell was he even offended? She was nothing more than his employee. His very annoying and very temporary employee. So they’d had a little lapse in judgment. So what? Shit like that happened all the time. Not to him, but there was a first time for everything.I couldn't understand how they could have any kind of relationship....in fact, I couldn't feel any chemistry between these two.
So, after their Tokyo trip, it's back home to Cape Town....and the sh#$$$t continues!!! Suddenly Cleopatra finds herself pregnant with Dante's baby...see, there's no safety in condoms!!! And when she tells him......OMG....his reaction is beyond appalling!!!
But wait.....if his behaviour is inexcusable........then hers is even more so when she discusses her pregnant situation!! First, she thinks she might have an abortion...then wait...no, she will have the baby and give it up for adoption...some more wait...she feels the baby kick....and now....OOOOOOHHH...she wants the baby...she loves the baby!!!!
By this time, I am totally "off" Cleopatra!!!
When we get to the part where "something" really not so good happens to these two.....
...where I should be feeling a bit sad and sorry for them.......where I should be showing some sympathy for their "loss".................what happens????
I found it really hard, excruciating and frustrating to finish reading this. Turning the last page.........at last...THE END!!!!
I know there are a lot of other readers who liked this book...but for me....just missed the "mark". However, I am looking forward to reading another book by this author and hopefully is going to be a good one!!!
December 9, 2015
5 Stars
A few years ago I discovered this author when I first read The Unwanted Wife and I've been absolutely hooked ever since. She has a winning formula that works for me every single time. Take an utter asshole of an alpha, throw in a bit of a meek heroine that grows a backbone and a hell of one throughout the story, mix it in with some delicious angst and steam and BAM! Book perfection.
See I have this thing about assholes, I absolutely love them. The more asshole-ly they are, the more I pant after them. I don't even know what it is about it, but it just does it for me. It's like that saying about the bigger they are, the harder they fall and I absolutely love watching them fall and then of course the grovel. All of it put together is basically a literary orgasm for me.
Cleopatra Knight knows that the only reason she continues to have her job is her boss happens to be her brother's best friend. That's not why she applied, and it certainly wasn't her means of getting it, but it is part of the reason she stays. After her dreams of being a dancer were shattered after a devastating injury, she may not know what else there is for her, but her job is a means to an end. Too bad her boss is a demanding, demeaning, unthoughtful and overworked asshole.
Dante Damaso is rich and successful beyond his wildest dreams, and he works his ass off to stay that way. He's not interested in lasting relationships. Seeing his father work his way through countless wives has put him off relationships indefinitely. But he's certainly not one to abstain. He loves a sweaty night between the sheets with a beautiful woman...so long as it's just that night. And he makes himself very clear in that respect. When a trip to Tokyo stirs his attraction to his assistant, he sees no reason to abstain either. But he makes it very clear to her what it is and what it isn't. After all, he's not about permanence, particularly with a woman that he believes used his connection to her brother to get a job without being even a little qualified.
But one night together begins to turn into another, and he can barely control his lust around her. Until a particular consequence brings things crashing down, turning Cleo's world upside down.
A Ruthless Proposition follows Natasha Ander's tried and true formula and I found myself devouring the pages. I couldn't put it down. At first because I was waiting for the epic fuck up, then because I was waiting for the epic grovel. And I got both of those. In spades. I also found myself blubbering like a baby towards the end of it. It's not often that a book will bring me to tears like that, so this deserves a 5 star for that feat alone.
If you've read this author before and enjoyed her books, this one will be a hit as well. I love that even while her formula for romance follows from book to book, none of her books sound the same. The characters are unique and as are their story. I loved this one and if you're a fan of assholes and angst, you really can't go wrong with it.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
This is what happened when you allowed yourself to have feelings for someone like Dante Damaso- they found the most creative ways to hurt you, and God, this hurt.
A few years ago I discovered this author when I first read The Unwanted Wife and I've been absolutely hooked ever since. She has a winning formula that works for me every single time. Take an utter asshole of an alpha, throw in a bit of a meek heroine that grows a backbone and a hell of one throughout the story, mix it in with some delicious angst and steam and BAM! Book perfection.
See I have this thing about assholes, I absolutely love them. The more asshole-ly they are, the more I pant after them. I don't even know what it is about it, but it just does it for me. It's like that saying about the bigger they are, the harder they fall and I absolutely love watching them fall and then of course the grovel. All of it put together is basically a literary orgasm for me.
Cleopatra Knight knows that the only reason she continues to have her job is her boss happens to be her brother's best friend. That's not why she applied, and it certainly wasn't her means of getting it, but it is part of the reason she stays. After her dreams of being a dancer were shattered after a devastating injury, she may not know what else there is for her, but her job is a means to an end. Too bad her boss is a demanding, demeaning, unthoughtful and overworked asshole.
Dante Damaso is rich and successful beyond his wildest dreams, and he works his ass off to stay that way. He's not interested in lasting relationships. Seeing his father work his way through countless wives has put him off relationships indefinitely. But he's certainly not one to abstain. He loves a sweaty night between the sheets with a beautiful woman...so long as it's just that night. And he makes himself very clear in that respect. When a trip to Tokyo stirs his attraction to his assistant, he sees no reason to abstain either. But he makes it very clear to her what it is and what it isn't. After all, he's not about permanence, particularly with a woman that he believes used his connection to her brother to get a job without being even a little qualified.
But one night together begins to turn into another, and he can barely control his lust around her. Until a particular consequence brings things crashing down, turning Cleo's world upside down.
A Ruthless Proposition follows Natasha Ander's tried and true formula and I found myself devouring the pages. I couldn't put it down. At first because I was waiting for the epic fuck up, then because I was waiting for the epic grovel. And I got both of those. In spades. I also found myself blubbering like a baby towards the end of it. It's not often that a book will bring me to tears like that, so this deserves a 5 star for that feat alone.
If you've read this author before and enjoyed her books, this one will be a hit as well. I love that even while her formula for romance follows from book to book, none of her books sound the same. The characters are unique and as are their story. I loved this one and if you're a fan of assholes and angst, you really can't go wrong with it.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
June 30, 2020
Hmm, I kinda sort of almost LOVED this?
If you know me well, then you can tell what had attracted me to this book. Yes, . Though it turned out to be a dud. Ugh, let’s not go there yet! I was LIVID when I found out about it.
Anyway, that one DISASTER aside, A Ruthless Proposition is actually . . . dare I say . . . fulfilling. It’s got all (most) of my boxes on ‘How to win me over: Enemies to Lovers Edition’ ticked.
Box 1:
The ultimate antihero you love to hate but want to make babies with. Dante is despicable in all the things he say and do, but he’s not completely irredeemable. You’ll see him change from someone who’s an A grade a$$hole to a thoroughly domesticated H who does swoon worthy things and adorably stumbles over words to confess his feelings.
Box 2:
The seemingly doormat h who learns to grow her spine. Cleo is quite acquiescent, but beneath that she’s a little lost and confused. To be honest, she’s just the good kind of mediocre h whom I neither disliked nor admired.
Box 3:
The slow burn romance. This part is so good that I couldn’t even stay mad about the absolutely shitty plot twist for long. I loved that Cleo doesn’t let Dante have his way without making him sweat first. I loved all of the sweet moments they have when living together. Oh, and the best one, I loved Dante’s groveling.
Box 4:
. I was most ecstatic about this. Dante’s reaction to the news is APPALLING but also makes sense considering what a jerk he is. I loved how both him and Cleo slowly come to terms with the ‘surprise’—from shock, to denial, to reluctance, to acceptance, to protectiveness, and love.
Unfortunately, this is also where the story takes a nosedive . . .
Freakin’ Cleo has to . I know, T-R-A-G-I-C! I mean, like . . . GAH! THE NERVE OF THIS BOOK—Wut the #$@&%*! It was so far off from what I’d been anticipating that I was hysterical. I wanted to laugh out loud and simultaneously cry.
Bonus point: The ‘unusual’ setting. Obviously, we get a little bit of Tokyo at the beginning of the book. The rest of the story is set in Cape Town. Also, Dante is Spanish. As in, he is from Spain. Cleo is (I surmised) Caucasian and was born and raised in South Africa.
IMPORTANTE!
Lastly, the audiobook is SPLENDID. I truly believe that I would have enjoyed this book less if it weren’t for how completely immersed I was in the narration. The inner monologues is narrated in a British accent. Cleo has a South African accent. Meanwhile, Dante speaks with Spanish accent. When the two of them argue, it sounds extremely amusing yet sexy to any untrained ear.
(Read as an Audiobook)
Tropes: hate to love, billionaire douche H, office romance, reluctant cohabitation, .
If you know me well, then you can tell what had attracted me to this book. Yes, . Though it turned out to be a dud. Ugh, let’s not go there yet! I was LIVID when I found out about it.
Anyway, that one DISASTER aside, A Ruthless Proposition is actually . . . dare I say . . . fulfilling. It’s got all (most) of my boxes on ‘How to win me over: Enemies to Lovers Edition’ ticked.
Box 1:
“You’re a miserable excuse of a man, Dante,” she said, venom dripping from every word. “And if you came crawling to me on broken glass, professing to love me, I would never believe you . . . because you’re incapable of feeling anything remotely close to love.”
The ultimate antihero you love to hate but want to make babies with. Dante is despicable in all the things he say and do, but he’s not completely irredeemable. You’ll see him change from someone who’s an A grade a$$hole to a thoroughly domesticated H who does swoon worthy things and adorably stumbles over words to confess his feelings.
Box 2:
“You have absolutely no right to insert yourself in here like you have some kind of stake in all of this. Stop stalking me and get the hell out of my life.” “You know what?” he growled, taking hold of her arm firmly. “No.”
The seemingly doormat h who learns to grow her spine. Cleo is quite acquiescent, but beneath that she’s a little lost and confused. To be honest, she’s just the good kind of mediocre h whom I neither disliked nor admired.
Box 3:
“You’re it, Cleo,” he snapped, clearly annoyed with himself for losing his grasp on the English language so completely. “You’re her. You’re my she. My other. Mine.”
The slow burn romance. This part is so good that I couldn’t even stay mad about the absolutely shitty plot twist for long. I loved that Cleo doesn’t let Dante have his way without making him sweat first. I loved all of the sweet moments they have when living together. Oh, and the best one, I loved Dante’s groveling.
Box 4:
. I was most ecstatic about this. Dante’s reaction to the news is APPALLING but also makes sense considering what a jerk he is. I loved how both him and Cleo slowly come to terms with the ‘surprise’—from shock, to denial, to reluctance, to acceptance, to protectiveness, and love.
Unfortunately, this is also where the story takes a nosedive . . .
Freakin’ Cleo has to . I know, T-R-A-G-I-C! I mean, like . . . GAH! THE NERVE OF THIS BOOK—Wut the #$@&%*! It was so far off from what I’d been anticipating that I was hysterical. I wanted to laugh out loud and simultaneously cry.
Bonus point: The ‘unusual’ setting. Obviously, we get a little bit of Tokyo at the beginning of the book. The rest of the story is set in Cape Town. Also, Dante is Spanish. As in, he is from Spain. Cleo is (I surmised) Caucasian and was born and raised in South Africa.
IMPORTANTE!
Lastly, the audiobook is SPLENDID. I truly believe that I would have enjoyed this book less if it weren’t for how completely immersed I was in the narration. The inner monologues is narrated in a British accent. Cleo has a South African accent. Meanwhile, Dante speaks with Spanish accent. When the two of them argue, it sounds extremely amusing yet sexy to any untrained ear.
(Read as an Audiobook)
March 29, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
I'm gonna start by saying that this book did not go the way I thought it was gonna go after it had such horrible start.
Why did it have a horrible start? Because the male lead was a complete and utter waste of fictional human garbage. And the heroine? She was disgustingly accommodating, lacking in self-respect, tolerating all the shit that the already introduced "human garbage" was slinging at her.
Ok... after that glowing introduction, I was ready to appoint this duo to the DNF pile. But... I'm no quitter, and to be honest, I had evil intentions in mind... I wanted to come here and rip this book apart after finishing it *evil cackle*..
Joke's on me, cause this author should be dubbed the queen of 180's or queen of redemption or queen of grovel... they all fit, take your pick.
What we originally thought was a spineless idiot who gets weak in the knees for some hot douche-canoe, is actually a little bit too understanding and a lot confused woman.
I mean, it feels like sacrilege to say this, but after the 70/80 % mark, I was feeling bad for the former asswipe. Some people are awful, but then you look closer, and you understand that they are just lonely and haven't reached the emotional maturity to do something about it, therefore they become bullies and users. He was so entrenched in that type of lifestyle, he couldn't see past it.
Anyway, I'm not gonna do a psychological profile on the guy but basically this wasn't just about him being a jerk, him grovelling and then the HEA.
By the end of the book, both MCs make some discoveries about themselves, grow as people and are granted an HEA as individuals as well as a couple. It bears mentioning that the heroine, while not as bad a person as the hero, she wasn't some Mary-Sue, she was flawed, maybe in contrast to him she was a saint but otherwise she had some growing to do of her own.
It also bears mentioning that I sobbed my heart out at a certain point in the book. Ugly tears and snotty hiccups were involved .. be warned. I hadn’t cried in some time, so it was.. therapeutic?!
To conclude, I'd encourage whoever picks this up, not to give up after the dismal beginning.. it's all part of the genius of this book. Makes you think it's the old song and dance, frustrating you into throwing your kindle at the wall and later has you singing praises on GR.. its been a journey. LOL
I'm gonna start by saying that this book did not go the way I thought it was gonna go after it had such horrible start.
Why did it have a horrible start? Because the male lead was a complete and utter waste of fictional human garbage. And the heroine? She was disgustingly accommodating, lacking in self-respect, tolerating all the shit that the already introduced "human garbage" was slinging at her.
Ok... after that glowing introduction, I was ready to appoint this duo to the DNF pile. But... I'm no quitter, and to be honest, I had evil intentions in mind... I wanted to come here and rip this book apart after finishing it *evil cackle*..
Joke's on me, cause this author should be dubbed the queen of 180's or queen of redemption or queen of grovel... they all fit, take your pick.
What we originally thought was a spineless idiot who gets weak in the knees for some hot douche-canoe, is actually a little bit too understanding and a lot confused woman.
I mean, it feels like sacrilege to say this, but after the 70/80 % mark, I was feeling bad for the former asswipe. Some people are awful, but then you look closer, and you understand that they are just lonely and haven't reached the emotional maturity to do something about it, therefore they become bullies and users. He was so entrenched in that type of lifestyle, he couldn't see past it.
Anyway, I'm not gonna do a psychological profile on the guy but basically this wasn't just about him being a jerk, him grovelling and then the HEA.
By the end of the book, both MCs make some discoveries about themselves, grow as people and are granted an HEA as individuals as well as a couple. It bears mentioning that the heroine, while not as bad a person as the hero, she wasn't some Mary-Sue, she was flawed, maybe in contrast to him she was a saint but otherwise she had some growing to do of her own.
It also bears mentioning that I sobbed my heart out at a certain point in the book. Ugly tears and snotty hiccups were involved .. be warned. I hadn’t cried in some time, so it was.. therapeutic?!
To conclude, I'd encourage whoever picks this up, not to give up after the dismal beginning.. it's all part of the genius of this book. Makes you think it's the old song and dance, frustrating you into throwing your kindle at the wall and later has you singing praises on GR.. its been a journey. LOL
January 28, 2016
3.75 STARS
[image error]
This is my first read by this author and I’m pleasantly surprised by her writing style. The story however, caught me off guard because I thought I was in for hilarious banter, hot chemistry and sexy sex scenes which I didn’t find in this book. What I got was a cold hero who slowly warms and a SAD story line that I won’t spoil but message me if you want the details.
I couldn’t help but feel like I ordered one thing on the menu and got something else entirely.
The hero is very cold and harsh. He's utterly self-centered while the heroine I felt was realistic in her expectations and lack of expectations of the hero at times. Their relationship was well developed and believable, slow at times and then BAM I was slammed with the sad and I mean slammed. The author does deliver some unforgettable grovel quotes in the end here’s a small taste.
”You’re it, Cleo,” he snapped, clearly annoyed with himself for losing his grasp on the English language so completely. “You’re her. You’re my she. My other. Mine.”
So yeah, that’s how you write good grovel… swoon! This was a good read, not sexy and witty like I thought I was in for but a good emotional read nonetheless.
[image error]
This is my first read by this author and I’m pleasantly surprised by her writing style. The story however, caught me off guard because I thought I was in for hilarious banter, hot chemistry and sexy sex scenes which I didn’t find in this book. What I got was a cold hero who slowly warms and a SAD story line that I won’t spoil but message me if you want the details.
I couldn’t help but feel like I ordered one thing on the menu and got something else entirely.
The hero is very cold and harsh. He's utterly self-centered while the heroine I felt was realistic in her expectations and lack of expectations of the hero at times. Their relationship was well developed and believable, slow at times and then BAM I was slammed with the sad and I mean slammed. The author does deliver some unforgettable grovel quotes in the end here’s a small taste.
”You’re it, Cleo,” he snapped, clearly annoyed with himself for losing his grasp on the English language so completely. “You’re her. You’re my she. My other. Mine.”
So yeah, that’s how you write good grovel… swoon! This was a good read, not sexy and witty like I thought I was in for but a good emotional read nonetheless.
December 5, 2015
Netgalley for an honest review.
Absolutely did NOT like this hero!!!! The way he spoke to and treated the heroine was not okay.
There are alpha heroes but this guy was a jerk!!!
Dante is Cleo's boss and finds her lacking as an assistant. He does what he can to make sure she isn't working directly with/for him. But he has a business trip to Japan and she's the only one available. What transpires during this business trip is our hero needs stress relief and decides Cleo, or whatever her name is (he calls her different names because he can't remember) help him in that area (sex). Oh and when they are having sex, "the stress relief", he calls her by another name during and after. The hero is no hero as he treats Cleo like she's below him and of no importance at all but for sex, at night. Dante asks her to sign a gag order (contract) that whats transpired is to go no further, but just between them. She's insulted and he proceeds to call her a slut/whore and she concedes and signs the contract.
And what REALLY bothers me is the heroine just accepts it. They return home and he uses her a couple times more, at the office. He becomes angry because she is now a distraction and moves her to another office. She becomes pregnant, he tells her she's lying, is after his money only and fires her. Yep, real gem here. Oh and then he decides to have DNA test done, pay's her off and then wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
But then 2/3's into the book he does a one-eighty and decides he wants to be a Father to the baby. We have Cleo making bad decisions and acting hot and cold. She allowed and accepted most of this bad behavior from Dante so I have NO sympathy for her at all.
Boy these two just made me mad!!! They were heartless, dumb, no character and made one bad decision after another. This was painful, irritating and difficult to finish.
Absolutely did NOT like this hero!!!! The way he spoke to and treated the heroine was not okay.
There are alpha heroes but this guy was a jerk!!!
Dante is Cleo's boss and finds her lacking as an assistant. He does what he can to make sure she isn't working directly with/for him. But he has a business trip to Japan and she's the only one available. What transpires during this business trip is our hero needs stress relief and decides Cleo, or whatever her name is (he calls her different names because he can't remember) help him in that area (sex). Oh and when they are having sex, "the stress relief", he calls her by another name during and after. The hero is no hero as he treats Cleo like she's below him and of no importance at all but for sex, at night. Dante asks her to sign a gag order (contract) that whats transpired is to go no further, but just between them. She's insulted and he proceeds to call her a slut/whore and she concedes and signs the contract.
And what REALLY bothers me is the heroine just accepts it. They return home and he uses her a couple times more, at the office. He becomes angry because she is now a distraction and moves her to another office. She becomes pregnant, he tells her she's lying, is after his money only and fires her. Yep, real gem here. Oh and then he decides to have DNA test done, pay's her off and then wants nothing to do with her or the baby.
But then 2/3's into the book he does a one-eighty and decides he wants to be a Father to the baby. We have Cleo making bad decisions and acting hot and cold. She allowed and accepted most of this bad behavior from Dante so I have NO sympathy for her at all.
Boy these two just made me mad!!! They were heartless, dumb, no character and made one bad decision after another. This was painful, irritating and difficult to finish.
September 18, 2020
Book slumps are the worst. 🥺
Nothing is holding my interest beyond the first chapters, so it's time to ✨re-read my favorite books. ✨
Re-read number 7 :
This book still breathes life into me. 🖤✨
Nothing is holding my interest beyond the first chapters, so it's time to ✨re-read my favorite books. ✨
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Re-read number 7 :
This book still breathes life into me. 🖤✨
May 3, 2021
If only the hero wasn’t a huge jerk who deserved a slap or two.
January 27, 2016
Shot to the heart…and Dante’s to blame.
He certainly gives love, a bad name. I knew Natasha Anders would make me cranky, sad and frustrated, but I must… enjoy the pain, need my tear ducts cleaned out and get off on douchewaffle heroes WHO TAKE FOREVER TO WAKE THE HELL UP!! I started A Ruthless Proposition girding my loins, knowing what I would be facing as I’d survived Ms Anders The Unwanted Wife with only minimal damage. She has a remarkable ability to make me hate a hero, dislike a heroine and then suffer along with the hero and heroine as they attack each other with hurtful words and actions (never physical violence). The hardest part for me is starting the story with such a negative feeling towards the characters, and knowing that I’m probably going to absolutely adore them in the end. I started and finished this book in 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down.
Cleopatra Pandora Knight, is a little flighty for her age, likes to chat and doesn’t seem to take things too seriously. Unfortunately, she’s taken a very serious job as PA to the cranky, egotistical and demanding Dante Damaso. The story starts with them in Japan where they are finalising details for a new hotel being constructed. At first, Cleo was excited for the opportunity to go to Japan, but very quickly she realised her mistake. Mr Damaso does not care if she is fed and watered, cares less if she is suffering from jet lag and her thoughts and feelings are not needed or wanted. It’s her job, so, even though I thought she put up with more than I ever would, I can sort of understand. Cleo wants to keep her job, and she may have worried he'd leave her alone in a foreign country. Still…he was an ass. Cleo does not like Dante at all and is surprised that her big brother, Luc, is friends with him. What Cleo can’t deny, is Dante is extremely good looking, sexy, and when he hints at them both reducing their stress levels by having sex, she (with a little hesitation) agrees.
Dante comes across as an emotionless freak. His sexual relationships are with women who won’t become attached to him. We learn that he is this way because the only people who approach him, generally want something from him. Better to keep people at arms length, or if they are in touching distance, there’s a thin slip of paper between them (witnessed by his lawyers) that protects him from attack. His biggest problem is the annoying Chloe Knight . Miss Knight is under his skin and he does not like it at all.
There are a lot of “issues” that arise from their “thing” in Japan. How they handle their issues and survive the fallout of their decisions, is where this author excels. We can all take a guess at how we would handle their situation, but she gives a somewhat real, if not brutal take on the battle.
My heart was hurting for these two, but the amount of attacks it took from Dante slowed down my recovery and took longer for me to forgive him. It wasn’t until the end that I really forgave him and it was only because his speech made me smile, melt and shiver. His grovel was one of the best I’ve EVER read.
If you like a wee bit of emotion packed into your romance and don’t mind a douchewaffle hero who comes good in the end, this story is for you. I’m a crier and this book had me bawling my eyes out. Luckily, it was 5:30 in the morning and I could sniffle quietly as hubby slept beside me. Natasha Anders handled the sensitive subject very well, and I applaud her for not trivialising it, nor make it over the top. It was just real. Will I go back for more heartbreak from Ms Anders? Probably…more than likely…of course, I will.
I received a complimentary copy of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
To buy A Ruthless Proposition from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1n7Wkws
He certainly gives love, a bad name. I knew Natasha Anders would make me cranky, sad and frustrated, but I must… enjoy the pain, need my tear ducts cleaned out and get off on douchewaffle heroes WHO TAKE FOREVER TO WAKE THE HELL UP!! I started A Ruthless Proposition girding my loins, knowing what I would be facing as I’d survived Ms Anders The Unwanted Wife with only minimal damage. She has a remarkable ability to make me hate a hero, dislike a heroine and then suffer along with the hero and heroine as they attack each other with hurtful words and actions (never physical violence). The hardest part for me is starting the story with such a negative feeling towards the characters, and knowing that I’m probably going to absolutely adore them in the end. I started and finished this book in 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down.
Cleopatra Pandora Knight, is a little flighty for her age, likes to chat and doesn’t seem to take things too seriously. Unfortunately, she’s taken a very serious job as PA to the cranky, egotistical and demanding Dante Damaso. The story starts with them in Japan where they are finalising details for a new hotel being constructed. At first, Cleo was excited for the opportunity to go to Japan, but very quickly she realised her mistake. Mr Damaso does not care if she is fed and watered, cares less if she is suffering from jet lag and her thoughts and feelings are not needed or wanted. It’s her job, so, even though I thought she put up with more than I ever would, I can sort of understand. Cleo wants to keep her job, and she may have worried he'd leave her alone in a foreign country. Still…he was an ass. Cleo does not like Dante at all and is surprised that her big brother, Luc, is friends with him. What Cleo can’t deny, is Dante is extremely good looking, sexy, and when he hints at them both reducing their stress levels by having sex, she (with a little hesitation) agrees.
Dante comes across as an emotionless freak. His sexual relationships are with women who won’t become attached to him. We learn that he is this way because the only people who approach him, generally want something from him. Better to keep people at arms length, or if they are in touching distance, there’s a thin slip of paper between them (witnessed by his lawyers) that protects him from attack. His biggest problem is the annoying Chloe Knight . Miss Knight is under his skin and he does not like it at all.
There are a lot of “issues” that arise from their “thing” in Japan. How they handle their issues and survive the fallout of their decisions, is where this author excels. We can all take a guess at how we would handle their situation, but she gives a somewhat real, if not brutal take on the battle.
My heart was hurting for these two, but the amount of attacks it took from Dante slowed down my recovery and took longer for me to forgive him. It wasn’t until the end that I really forgave him and it was only because his speech made me smile, melt and shiver. His grovel was one of the best I’ve EVER read.
If you like a wee bit of emotion packed into your romance and don’t mind a douchewaffle hero who comes good in the end, this story is for you. I’m a crier and this book had me bawling my eyes out. Luckily, it was 5:30 in the morning and I could sniffle quietly as hubby slept beside me. Natasha Anders handled the sensitive subject very well, and I applaud her for not trivialising it, nor make it over the top. It was just real. Will I go back for more heartbreak from Ms Anders? Probably…more than likely…of course, I will.
I received a complimentary copy of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
To buy A Ruthless Proposition from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1n7Wkws
January 26, 2016
★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
This book was recommended to me by a few of my fellow bloggers who, like me, love a ruthless bastard hero. The author is well known for writing alpha male arseholes and so I immediately requested this from Netgalley and started reading as soon as I could.
Spanish born Dante Damaso runs his own international hotel chain and is on a business trip in Japan with his assistant Cleo, when he is forced to interact with the woman who has him feeling all of a fluster. You would never know it though, because on the outside he is cool and collected and a complete arrogant slave driver who shows a disdain for this seemingly flighty lady.
Ex-ballerina Cleo knows she only got the job because her brother is friends with her new boss, but she is very capable and is constantly trying to prove to Dante that she is up for the job. Unfortunately, she can't seem to do anything right and he continues to be a controlling jerk.
Despite their disdain for each other, they seem to have a huge amount of sexual tension that they simply cannot ignore and so by night they are lovers but by day they are boss and employee, with an air of aloofness that is quite painful at times.
Once back in their home town of Cape Town, Dante insists that their 'relationship' is over, and Cleo is quite happy to stay as far away from him as possible.
However, things are never quite what they seem and life has a way of throwing a curve ball when you least expect it, so the events that occur after their return, force them to spend more time together.
The second half of this book was quite heart wrenching, and for anyone who has been in the position that Cleo and Dante find themselves in, or have been close to someone who has, then your heart will break and then some. I have to say that Natasha Anders dealt with this issue beautifully and I applaud her for being brave enough to write about it.
On a more uplifting note, Cleo and Dante come to terms with the fact that they in fact have real serious feelings for each other, and I loved watching it all come together.
Dante definitely redeemed himself in my eyes and he ended up being the perfect man for Cleo. I have to add that Cleo wasn't a complete doormat and I loved the occasions that her sharp tongue lashed back at Dante, she was not easily trampled over, and stayed classy throughout.
If you love this trope, I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. I can see how some might think he is a little bit too mean, but for me that made it all the more delicious when he fell.
I am now going to download Natasha Anders back catalogue and immerse myself in some more sexy bastards.
Oh and his boat was named Arabella, how cool is that! Although, he named his boat after his first dog, so...
A Ruthless Proposition is a standalone contemporary romance, told in third person dual POV. Releasing January 26th, 2016
ARC gratefully received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
This book was recommended to me by a few of my fellow bloggers who, like me, love a ruthless bastard hero. The author is well known for writing alpha male arseholes and so I immediately requested this from Netgalley and started reading as soon as I could.
Spanish born Dante Damaso runs his own international hotel chain and is on a business trip in Japan with his assistant Cleo, when he is forced to interact with the woman who has him feeling all of a fluster. You would never know it though, because on the outside he is cool and collected and a complete arrogant slave driver who shows a disdain for this seemingly flighty lady.
Ex-ballerina Cleo knows she only got the job because her brother is friends with her new boss, but she is very capable and is constantly trying to prove to Dante that she is up for the job. Unfortunately, she can't seem to do anything right and he continues to be a controlling jerk.
Despite their disdain for each other, they seem to have a huge amount of sexual tension that they simply cannot ignore and so by night they are lovers but by day they are boss and employee, with an air of aloofness that is quite painful at times.
Once back in their home town of Cape Town, Dante insists that their 'relationship' is over, and Cleo is quite happy to stay as far away from him as possible.
However, things are never quite what they seem and life has a way of throwing a curve ball when you least expect it, so the events that occur after their return, force them to spend more time together.
The second half of this book was quite heart wrenching, and for anyone who has been in the position that Cleo and Dante find themselves in, or have been close to someone who has, then your heart will break and then some. I have to say that Natasha Anders dealt with this issue beautifully and I applaud her for being brave enough to write about it.
On a more uplifting note, Cleo and Dante come to terms with the fact that they in fact have real serious feelings for each other, and I loved watching it all come together.
"You wanted to make me laugh. That was sweet of you, Dante. Don't deny it."
Dante definitely redeemed himself in my eyes and he ended up being the perfect man for Cleo. I have to add that Cleo wasn't a complete doormat and I loved the occasions that her sharp tongue lashed back at Dante, she was not easily trampled over, and stayed classy throughout.
If you love this trope, I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. I can see how some might think he is a little bit too mean, but for me that made it all the more delicious when he fell.
I am now going to download Natasha Anders back catalogue and immerse myself in some more sexy bastards.
Oh and his boat was named Arabella, how cool is that! Although, he named his boat after his first dog, so...
A Ruthless Proposition is a standalone contemporary romance, told in third person dual POV. Releasing January 26th, 2016
ARC gratefully received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
January 4, 2016
4,5 “Dulzura” Stars.
When Cleo and her boss, the sexy and powerful Dante, have sex together, her life takes a complete change. But if you think this is your traditional “PA falls for boss” typical story you couldn’t be more wrong.
Dante makes clear that there’s nothing between them and when the unexpected happens and Cleo is forced so ask for Dante’s help, he’s nothing but rude and makes a difficult proposition to her, that Cleo has no chance but to accept.
But when his own decision starts to turn against him, Dante will realize that sometimes what we need is right in front of us.
This book was such an emotional ride, that I think I’m still dizzy from it. A hot, sweet and tear-your-heat-apart romance that will leave you hooked from the first page. I’m serious, you’ll not be able to put it down, not even to scratch your eyes.
What started as a traditional forbidden romance suddenly becomes a story about healing, redemption and second chances in life. The only reason I can’t give this a full 5 stars is because of the hero, even if I did fall in love with in the end.
Definitely, a book you should read.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Cleo was a great heroine, when faced against a powerful asshole, she managed to hold her own and stay true to herself. She was feisty, honest and despite slightly annoyed with her towards the end, she was a heroine easy to like. Dante was a biggest problem. During the first part of the book he was a pure, complete asshole and I just wanted to shove his head against a wall. But towards the end I loved him as much as I hated him in the beginning, talk about a redeeming hero. Natasha Anders did a wonderful job giving this hero a second chance.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
*ARC kindly provided in exchange of honest review.*
When Cleo and her boss, the sexy and powerful Dante, have sex together, her life takes a complete change. But if you think this is your traditional “PA falls for boss” typical story you couldn’t be more wrong.
Dante makes clear that there’s nothing between them and when the unexpected happens and Cleo is forced so ask for Dante’s help, he’s nothing but rude and makes a difficult proposition to her, that Cleo has no chance but to accept.
But when his own decision starts to turn against him, Dante will realize that sometimes what we need is right in front of us.
This book was such an emotional ride, that I think I’m still dizzy from it. A hot, sweet and tear-your-heat-apart romance that will leave you hooked from the first page. I’m serious, you’ll not be able to put it down, not even to scratch your eyes.
What started as a traditional forbidden romance suddenly becomes a story about healing, redemption and second chances in life. The only reason I can’t give this a full 5 stars is because of the hero, even if I did fall in love with in the end.
Definitely, a book you should read.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Cleo was a great heroine, when faced against a powerful asshole, she managed to hold her own and stay true to herself. She was feisty, honest and despite slightly annoyed with her towards the end, she was a heroine easy to like. Dante was a biggest problem. During the first part of the book he was a pure, complete asshole and I just wanted to shove his head against a wall. But towards the end I loved him as much as I hated him in the beginning, talk about a redeeming hero. Natasha Anders did a wonderful job giving this hero a second chance.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
*ARC kindly provided in exchange of honest review.*
December 26, 2015
3.5 stars
Natasha Anders is the master of writing asshole heroes. Sometimes she pulls it off (The Unwanted Wife), sometimes she doesn't (His Unlikely Lover). Regardless of this, she's a writer who sucks you into her story, asshole hero or not. The first half of this book I freaking hated Dante with a fiery passion, like I wanted his balls to catch fire. By the end I felt cuddly feelings for him.
A Ruthless Proposition is about Cleo who works for a jerk of a boss Dante. As his assistant, she accompanies him on a business trip to Japan where the two embark on an unexpected and surprising affair. The two have great chemistry in the bedroom, but he's an unfeeling dick. By the end of the trip and their return to South Africa, Cleo and Dante aren't on speaking terms.
This is one of those books where I almost DNF'd it based on the hero, and then ended up staying awake until 3am trying to finish it because I was totally enthralled by the story. Anders is a master at writing men who grovel, and while I wish there was a tiny bit more, I loved reading the visible change in Dante's character and behavior throughout the book. Cleo in return got stronger throughout the book and more independent.
I recommend to all of you who love redeemable men and the women who love them, despite the rough parts.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Natasha Anders is the master of writing asshole heroes. Sometimes she pulls it off (The Unwanted Wife), sometimes she doesn't (His Unlikely Lover). Regardless of this, she's a writer who sucks you into her story, asshole hero or not. The first half of this book I freaking hated Dante with a fiery passion, like I wanted his balls to catch fire. By the end I felt cuddly feelings for him.
A Ruthless Proposition is about Cleo who works for a jerk of a boss Dante. As his assistant, she accompanies him on a business trip to Japan where the two embark on an unexpected and surprising affair. The two have great chemistry in the bedroom, but he's an unfeeling dick. By the end of the trip and their return to South Africa, Cleo and Dante aren't on speaking terms.
This is one of those books where I almost DNF'd it based on the hero, and then ended up staying awake until 3am trying to finish it because I was totally enthralled by the story. Anders is a master at writing men who grovel, and while I wish there was a tiny bit more, I loved reading the visible change in Dante's character and behavior throughout the book. Cleo in return got stronger throughout the book and more independent.
I recommend to all of you who love redeemable men and the women who love them, despite the rough parts.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 16, 2015
Dante. Even the name conjures up "assholery"!! Does such a word exist. He was a dick, he was a prick. I loved him.
[image error]
Cleo. Loved her. Strong heroine. Stood up to the fucking wanker. Was not afraid to question him.
Yes, when "that" happened, I was sort of expecting it.
Dante is an asshole of the highest order for a lot of this book. Rich, privileged, not looking for love. Handsome, fit, lives in a Penthouse in Cape Town.
I'm a bit knackered tonight to do a full review.
Lady AB got a mention.
Even though she was compared to a dog!! LOL. xxx Love you honey.
July 31, 2017
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: Well, I think I just couldn't get past the H and as_hole behavior. He was so nasty at times, and the h just took it for the most part! Which is probably my least favorite h/H dynamic. She was really close to me classifying her as a doormat for sure. I had such issues with what the H would say and do, but then I was just supposed to believe that he changed so drastically all of a sudden?!? Sorry, but I didn't believe it -- and it actually ended up ruining the book for me. I think it was supposed to be a hate-to-love type story, but I just sadly failed to get to the "love" part.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Cleo and Dante's story. Cleo got a job with her brothers best friend, Dante, as his personal assistant. Dante is a boss from hell and Cleo doesn't like working for him at all, so needless to say -- they clash. One night on a business trip, they cross the line and start a physical relationship. . There are some angry and mean words spilled, some sad moments, and some sweet moments...and the couple get their HEA in the end.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Cleo and Dante in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I felt like there were some parts in the middle that dragged, but I never felt the need to skim. I also felt like the ending was way too abrupt.
Instalove: No. I'd say they had good development into the "I love you" status.
H rating: 1 stars. Dante. I struggled with him. He was such an as_hole to the h, and then all of a sudden he did a complete 180 and was sweet?!? I didn't get it, nor did I believe it (and it ruined the story for me).
h rating: 3 stars. Cleo. I liked her, but I had some major issues with feeling like she was verging into doormat status with how she let the H treat her (and that's a big pet-peeve for me)
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times in this book.
Heat level: Moderate. I thought the scenes were kind of meh
Descriptive sex: Yes and no. Some in the form of recalling an encounter instead of details.
Safe sex: Yes. Use of condoms mentioned.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM:No
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had an abrupt ending, but with the epilogue I would call it a HEA.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Safe with exception
Overall Opinion: Well, I think I just couldn't get past the H and as_hole behavior. He was so nasty at times, and the h just took it for the most part! Which is probably my least favorite h/H dynamic. She was really close to me classifying her as a doormat for sure. I had such issues with what the H would say and do, but then I was just supposed to believe that he changed so drastically all of a sudden?!? Sorry, but I didn't believe it -- and it actually ended up ruining the book for me. I think it was supposed to be a hate-to-love type story, but I just sadly failed to get to the "love" part.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Cleo and Dante's story. Cleo got a job with her brothers best friend, Dante, as his personal assistant. Dante is a boss from hell and Cleo doesn't like working for him at all, so needless to say -- they clash. One night on a business trip, they cross the line and start a physical relationship. . There are some angry and mean words spilled, some sad moments, and some sweet moments...and the couple get their HEA in the end.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Cleo and Dante in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I felt like there were some parts in the middle that dragged, but I never felt the need to skim. I also felt like the ending was way too abrupt.
Instalove: No. I'd say they had good development into the "I love you" status.
H rating: 1 stars. Dante. I struggled with him. He was such an as_hole to the h, and then all of a sudden he did a complete 180 and was sweet?!? I didn't get it, nor did I believe it (and it ruined the story for me).
h rating: 3 stars. Cleo. I liked her, but I had some major issues with feeling like she was verging into doormat status with how she let the H treat her (and that's a big pet-peeve for me)
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times in this book.
Heat level: Moderate. I thought the scenes were kind of meh
Descriptive sex: Yes and no. Some in the form of recalling an encounter instead of details.
Safe sex: Yes. Use of condoms mentioned.
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM:No
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had an abrupt ending, but with the epilogue I would call it a HEA.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: Safe with exception
December 18, 2015
What can I say? Natasha Anders' books is like crack in such a way that you know it's bad for your reading sanity but you keep going back for your fix because it is what it is, and you just can't help yourself.
Full review to come...
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come...
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2015
Cleo has just started working for Dante and already hates her job. Despite her boss being her brother’s best friend he is a complete jerk to her. He is constantly talking down to her and treating her like she is inferior. But when he comes on to her during a business trip she finds herself giving in to his advances.
Dante is a pretty ruthless business man or man in general, her isn’t a hearts and flowers kind of guy. While reading Ruthless Proposition it was easy to hate Dante, if you could get past his dirty talking and the wild, hot sex. I am the eternal optimist when I reading and even I was wondering when Dante would come over from dark side.
Cleo and Dante return from their business trip and decide to end their affair. Neither have any deep feelings for each other and now that they are back in the office decide to keep things more professional. Despite their plan, weeks later Cleo and Dante find themselves forced back together.
I absolutely loved this story, for one big reason, the feels. This story absolutely pulled me in on every level. Yes, it’s hot and sexy, but the plot and character development blew me away. Throughout the story I saw Dante and Cleo change and develop, and I was hooked. I love how this isn’t a story of insta-love, but more the characters developing and growing. I love how the twists were full of feels and different than what I normally read.
Days after finishing this story I am still thinking about Dante and Cleo. If you are looking for a fun, sexy read this is for you. The banter had me laughing out loud. The dirty talk and sexiness is off the charts. Most importantly the plot is full of feels and heart wrenching moments. Highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
She must have lost her mind. Why else would she have slept with a condescending, arrogant bastard?
Dante is a pretty ruthless business man or man in general, her isn’t a hearts and flowers kind of guy. While reading Ruthless Proposition it was easy to hate Dante, if you could get past his dirty talking and the wild, hot sex. I am the eternal optimist when I reading and even I was wondering when Dante would come over from dark side.
Cleo and Dante return from their business trip and decide to end their affair. Neither have any deep feelings for each other and now that they are back in the office decide to keep things more professional. Despite their plan, weeks later Cleo and Dante find themselves forced back together.
I absolutely loved this story, for one big reason, the feels. This story absolutely pulled me in on every level. Yes, it’s hot and sexy, but the plot and character development blew me away. Throughout the story I saw Dante and Cleo change and develop, and I was hooked. I love how this isn’t a story of insta-love, but more the characters developing and growing. I love how the twists were full of feels and different than what I normally read.
Days after finishing this story I am still thinking about Dante and Cleo. If you are looking for a fun, sexy read this is for you. The banter had me laughing out loud. The dirty talk and sexiness is off the charts. Most importantly the plot is full of feels and heart wrenching moments. Highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
FIVE DANTE DAMASO STARS.
"All that glitters may lead right to his heart..."
This will be the book that divides the reading community; some will love it, and others won't be convinced. As for me, I absolutely devoured it. This book was the start of my love affair with this authors writing and this novel sealed the deal that I would read all and everything that Natasha Anders releases in the future. I fell in love with Dante and Cleo, their story will always be one that I would recommend to readers who love a gritty romance with plenty of strength and interest.
What's it all about?
I don't want to give even a smidgen of a spoiler away. This book deserves to be read with no expectations other than be prepared to fall insanely in love with an anti hero to die for and a love story that will blow your socks off. I will tell you that this book features an epic 'enemies to lovers' theme between colleagues and this novel includes some of the best story telling that I've read for a long time.
What did I love?
This author took leaps to unapologetically write a hero that quite frankly at times is unlikeable and for that alone I applaud the talented, Natasha Anders. Her story telling was erotic, full of depth and at times heart destroying. I couldn't praise this authors work enough, I loved the journey that I was taken on throughout and even though at times it dealt with some difficult subject matter it was always handled with maturity and class. I was spellbound by both hero and heroine, both characters had much to offer to the plot and I was riveted by each part of the unraveling story. I was entertained from start to finish and I certainly found myself wrapped up in this authors ability to keep me on my toes from chapter one until the end.
Final thoughts ...
'A ruthless proposition' is a novel that will stay with me for time to come. As an avid romance reader I can say with absolute certainty that this book will be a forever favourite. This author blew me away with her ability to suck me right into her story telling and produce an original novel that quite frankly in my opinion will be hard to beat. readers who love their romance to be entangled with angst and uncertainly will devour this special novel and I for one will make sure I never miss a release by this author in the future. Enjoy ... Kisses.
"All that glitters may lead right to his heart..."
This will be the book that divides the reading community; some will love it, and others won't be convinced. As for me, I absolutely devoured it. This book was the start of my love affair with this authors writing and this novel sealed the deal that I would read all and everything that Natasha Anders releases in the future. I fell in love with Dante and Cleo, their story will always be one that I would recommend to readers who love a gritty romance with plenty of strength and interest.
What's it all about?
I don't want to give even a smidgen of a spoiler away. This book deserves to be read with no expectations other than be prepared to fall insanely in love with an anti hero to die for and a love story that will blow your socks off. I will tell you that this book features an epic 'enemies to lovers' theme between colleagues and this novel includes some of the best story telling that I've read for a long time.
What did I love?
This author took leaps to unapologetically write a hero that quite frankly at times is unlikeable and for that alone I applaud the talented, Natasha Anders. Her story telling was erotic, full of depth and at times heart destroying. I couldn't praise this authors work enough, I loved the journey that I was taken on throughout and even though at times it dealt with some difficult subject matter it was always handled with maturity and class. I was spellbound by both hero and heroine, both characters had much to offer to the plot and I was riveted by each part of the unraveling story. I was entertained from start to finish and I certainly found myself wrapped up in this authors ability to keep me on my toes from chapter one until the end.
Final thoughts ...
'A ruthless proposition' is a novel that will stay with me for time to come. As an avid romance reader I can say with absolute certainty that this book will be a forever favourite. This author blew me away with her ability to suck me right into her story telling and produce an original novel that quite frankly in my opinion will be hard to beat. readers who love their romance to be entangled with angst and uncertainly will devour this special novel and I for one will make sure I never miss a release by this author in the future. Enjoy ... Kisses.
January 27, 2016
4.25 Love/Hate Stars!
A Ruthless Proposition is one of those books I went in completely blind, simply because I've read other books by this author and knew she was a hit for me. She always seems to stick to the trope of "assholish heroes who redeem themselves with flying colors." Well, she had her work cut out for her with Dante because this man I loathed for the first half of the book.
Dante Damaso is a uber successful hotelier. Rich and powerful, arrogant and rude, he revels in making his meek little personal assistant feel like the dirt beneath his shoe. I kid you not, I hated him. And this is coming from a reader who loves herself some assholish heroes. I think my issue with him was how demeaning and outright rude he was. He was hurtful and mean and it made me want to junk-punch him whenever he opened his condescending mouth.
Enter the meek PA in question- Cleo Knight. Well, she grated my nerves in the beginning also. I totally get she needed the job and was poor, supporting her and her gay BFF, but holy smokes, I wanted to assist her in growing a backbone for f*cks sake. Dante was brutal and she took the verbal beatings and using of her, and just walked away with her tail between her legs....How she got a lady-boner everytime he propositioned her I cannot fathom. His attitude would've been his demise...him being a sex-on-a-stick be damned! It's called self respect, Cleo!
And then we get the switcheroo- the game changer in the plotline. I'm not going to spoil anything but BAM, now, we get "nice" Dante. I can certainly deal with a jerky guy who turns nice but something about his character switch was so complete 180' all the time, I had a hard time buying it. Also, the same with Cleo. She went from meek little church mouse to a girl with a certifiable backbone and she was sometimes downright mean to HIM. I think my head was spinning by then between BOTH of them doing a 180' personality switcheroo. Who are you people???
So, you're reading my frustration and wondering how I am rating this book so well? Well, I really liked the storyline and the angst factor. I'm a sucker for angst and Ms. Anders gave me quite the angst factor here. The first half, I can admit I struggled a bit mostly because of my sheer dislike of both the characters. He needed to be junk-punched and she needed to be slapped senseless. But then a plot-twist hits and I'm all in! Though their personality morph was pretty immediate with the plot twist, the love story here was built at a believable pace. This was no insta-love and I'm thankful for that. The author took her time growing both their friendship and feelings beyond that.
On a side note- book is tagged erotica. Though it has some steam, I would say it's far from erotica-steamy. A lot of scenes fade right out to gray so if you're more of a Contemporary Romance reader than full-blown erotica, this book is well suited for you.
So, if you're a fan of assholish heroes that redeem themselves in flying colors, this book will likely be a big hit. Also, the meek-turned girl-with-a-backbone lovers will also like this story. Natasha Anders has found her niche in this storyline style and she pulls it off here once again. Looking forward to more from her...
Advanced copy received by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
A Ruthless Proposition is one of those books I went in completely blind, simply because I've read other books by this author and knew she was a hit for me. She always seems to stick to the trope of "assholish heroes who redeem themselves with flying colors." Well, she had her work cut out for her with Dante because this man I loathed for the first half of the book.
Dante Damaso is a uber successful hotelier. Rich and powerful, arrogant and rude, he revels in making his meek little personal assistant feel like the dirt beneath his shoe. I kid you not, I hated him. And this is coming from a reader who loves herself some assholish heroes. I think my issue with him was how demeaning and outright rude he was. He was hurtful and mean and it made me want to junk-punch him whenever he opened his condescending mouth.
Enter the meek PA in question- Cleo Knight. Well, she grated my nerves in the beginning also. I totally get she needed the job and was poor, supporting her and her gay BFF, but holy smokes, I wanted to assist her in growing a backbone for f*cks sake. Dante was brutal and she took the verbal beatings and using of her, and just walked away with her tail between her legs....How she got a lady-boner everytime he propositioned her I cannot fathom. His attitude would've been his demise...him being a sex-on-a-stick be damned! It's called self respect, Cleo!
And then we get the switcheroo- the game changer in the plotline. I'm not going to spoil anything but BAM, now, we get "nice" Dante. I can certainly deal with a jerky guy who turns nice but something about his character switch was so complete 180' all the time, I had a hard time buying it. Also, the same with Cleo. She went from meek little church mouse to a girl with a certifiable backbone and she was sometimes downright mean to HIM. I think my head was spinning by then between BOTH of them doing a 180' personality switcheroo. Who are you people???
So, you're reading my frustration and wondering how I am rating this book so well? Well, I really liked the storyline and the angst factor. I'm a sucker for angst and Ms. Anders gave me quite the angst factor here. The first half, I can admit I struggled a bit mostly because of my sheer dislike of both the characters. He needed to be junk-punched and she needed to be slapped senseless. But then a plot-twist hits and I'm all in! Though their personality morph was pretty immediate with the plot twist, the love story here was built at a believable pace. This was no insta-love and I'm thankful for that. The author took her time growing both their friendship and feelings beyond that.
On a side note- book is tagged erotica. Though it has some steam, I would say it's far from erotica-steamy. A lot of scenes fade right out to gray so if you're more of a Contemporary Romance reader than full-blown erotica, this book is well suited for you.
So, if you're a fan of assholish heroes that redeem themselves in flying colors, this book will likely be a big hit. Also, the meek-turned girl-with-a-backbone lovers will also like this story. Natasha Anders has found her niche in this storyline style and she pulls it off here once again. Looking forward to more from her...
Advanced copy received by Montlake Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2020
5 STARS!!
Loved it! Yes, Dante was a complete ass, but his assholery didn't have Cleo swooning. She had a backbone that held her strong against him.
I highly recommend! And in return, I thank all those who loved it and convinced me to read it: Mina, Arini, BB, and Julia. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
There is a trigger here that's not related to sex. It WILL spoil the story, so go in at your own risk.
Also, the audio was a bit weird in the beginning, but the narrator settled into the role after the first 15 minutes or so. Audio: 4 STARS!
Loved it! Yes, Dante was a complete ass, but his assholery didn't have Cleo swooning. She had a backbone that held her strong against him.
I highly recommend! And in return, I thank all those who loved it and convinced me to read it: Mina, Arini, BB, and Julia. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
There is a trigger here that's not related to sex. It WILL spoil the story, so go in at your own risk.
Also, the audio was a bit weird in the beginning, but the narrator settled into the role after the first 15 minutes or so. Audio: 4 STARS!
August 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five stars -
* update: re-read (again lol) on 4/10/22 - and I’m going to create a new shelf to celebrate my love of this book called, “highly romantic - all the feels”
…
I just love this book! This is my favorite Natasha Anders book (I didn’t care for “The Unwanted Wife” and have rated that one three stars - you can read my review of that popular Natasha book here 👉 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... 👈). This book, “A Ruthless Proposition”, gets five all the feels stars from me every time I read it.
Yes, the Hero here is an arrogant ass, especially in the beginning of the story, but the story here is about love and finding love, and he does come around, and it’s the best part of the story watching him fall in love with our heroine.
The entire bones of this tale is about two people falling in love, and I just love that. I also love my Heroes to be strong alpha men, and I especially love stories where the H is rude to our heroine, but then they get to know each other, and he becomes endearing, albeit still most likely grumpy lol. I eat those types of stories right up, and it’s my favorite H and h relationship arc, and Natasha more than delivers that trope here; she serves it up in spades.
*** spoiler to follow ***
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
Note that this story is also highly emotional, especially to those sensitive to issues affecting mothers and motherhood. Natasha frequently writes her stories to include miscarriage, and that is a strong part of the love story here. Those sensitive will need a box of tissues on hand, as this topic is addressed here, and our h does unfortunately miscarry.
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
*** end spoiler ***
…..
This story gets five stars from me. The writing is superb, the story is a modern romance for adults, with a strong emotional component, which I strongly connected with and it made the bond between the h and H highly believable imo. The heroine here is strong, smart, and capable.
I love everything about this story and have reread it several times. Highly recommended to those that love to read emotional love stories with a hea.
* update: re-read (again lol) on 4/10/22 - and I’m going to create a new shelf to celebrate my love of this book called, “highly romantic - all the feels”
…
I just love this book! This is my favorite Natasha Anders book (I didn’t care for “The Unwanted Wife” and have rated that one three stars - you can read my review of that popular Natasha book here 👉 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... 👈). This book, “A Ruthless Proposition”, gets five all the feels stars from me every time I read it.
Yes, the Hero here is an arrogant ass, especially in the beginning of the story, but the story here is about love and finding love, and he does come around, and it’s the best part of the story watching him fall in love with our heroine.
The entire bones of this tale is about two people falling in love, and I just love that. I also love my Heroes to be strong alpha men, and I especially love stories where the H is rude to our heroine, but then they get to know each other, and he becomes endearing, albeit still most likely grumpy lol. I eat those types of stories right up, and it’s my favorite H and h relationship arc, and Natasha more than delivers that trope here; she serves it up in spades.
*** spoiler to follow ***
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
Note that this story is also highly emotional, especially to those sensitive to issues affecting mothers and motherhood. Natasha frequently writes her stories to include miscarriage, and that is a strong part of the love story here. Those sensitive will need a box of tissues on hand, as this topic is addressed here, and our h does unfortunately miscarry.
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
…..
*** end spoiler ***
…..
This story gets five stars from me. The writing is superb, the story is a modern romance for adults, with a strong emotional component, which I strongly connected with and it made the bond between the h and H highly believable imo. The heroine here is strong, smart, and capable.
I love everything about this story and have reread it several times. Highly recommended to those that love to read emotional love stories with a hea.
December 2, 2015
Ok, let me be honest in saying that at first, I thought this book was going to be a bust. Dante is very much an @$$hole that I wanted to throw my Nook at. What saved this for me was the absolute growth and transformation that he goes through. Not only did you make me like the dude I couldn't stand but you managed to make me believe he changed. Cleo was cool but needed a bit more spine. Turned out pretty good :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
4.5 stars!
I really love this author. Second book i've now read and i'm seeing a pattern. Arrogant& rude jerk of a hero, sassy & sweet heroine, unique plot/twist, a whole lot of grovelling...with an amazing HEA. PERFECTO!
I really love this author. Second book i've now read and i'm seeing a pattern. Arrogant& rude jerk of a hero, sassy & sweet heroine, unique plot/twist, a whole lot of grovelling...with an amazing HEA. PERFECTO!
May 4, 2017
***2.5 Stars***
Cleo is in Tokyo with her abrasive, condescending, arrogant, asshole boss Dante. After suffering an injury that ended her ballet career, she's making the most of things by working at Dante's company as his assistant. Spending their time in such close quarters is beginning to play havoc on Cleo's libido, because Dante may be an asshole....but he's a hot one!
Eventually one thing leads to another and they both succumb to their sexual needs. And so for the rest of their business trip, days are spent negotiating in conference rooms while their nights are spent burning up the sheets....and the couch, and the floor, and the wall. However, life has a way of throwing you a curveball when you least expect it and now Cleo and Dante find themselves dealing with a surprising turn of events. Can the two find common ground to handle what's in store for them? Can they put their stubbornness aside to figure out what's best?
Well, looks like yet again I find myself in the minority.
First off, let me start with the plot. If I had known that this particular trope would have been used in this book I wouldn't have picked it up. So I guess, shame on me for not looking a little more into the details of the book. For those that are curious, I'll put it under a spoiler. I'm not a fan of this plotline, it almost never works for me, and unfortunately that rang true here.
Now, I'm not a hater of flawed characters....in fact, I really like them. I enjoy seeing a character grow and evolve and being on that journey with them. But frankly, I could NOT in any capacity get on board with Cleo.
I can't remember when's the last time I've disliked a heroine so much. Cleo was frustratingly stubborn, inconsiderate, immature, lacked compassion and was unbelievably selfish. Her first knee jerk reaction to everything is to blame someone else. From her rebellious childhood, to her ballet career to the predicament she finds herself in now....all she sang is woe is me. With every passing chapter she unnerved me more and more.
When she finds herself in her current situation, she panics (which would be normal) and then spends the next couple of days figuring out how she wants to handle the situation. Once she reached her conclusion, she shared the news with Dante. Did he over-react? Oh hell yes! Was he a downright asshole douche? Fuck yeah! Did he eventually calm down? Absolutely. Cleo had time to deal with what was ahead of them, but yet she hypocritically held Dante's initial reaction against him for the majority of the book! Her first reaction wasn't all sunshine and roses either, but nooooooo she refuses to see the changes he's made. His later actions spoke volumes....but her stubborn ways refused to see that.
Because of her selfishness and stubbornness, she didn't attempt to get to know Dante. He took the initiative to start opening up to Cleo, but she refused to acknowledge any of it. And because of her self-centered ways, she never took the time to notice his defense mechanisms....the way Dante would shut down and act aloof when he felt rejected or vulnerable.
Now, I'm not saying that Dante is a saint here. He was definitely an arrogant asshole, but he was also caring and sweet, if not a bit overprotective and controlling. He had reason. He lives everyday trying not to be his father. He grew up with such a skewed view on love and gold digging women that he doesn't know how to move past those preconceived notions. But we can see him trying with Cleo. He may not have approached every situation appropriately, but you could see what his intentions were and that he meant well.
As far as the romance is concerned, I didn't feel much of that here. The book opens with Dante and Cleo in Tokyo, and I didn't even get a chance to establish a connection with them before they jumped in the sack. They were victims to this uncontrollable sexual chemistry... yet I didn't feel any of it. None of that supposed chemistry came off the page for me to grab on to.
By the time we make it to the HEA, I had zero emotional investment in this couple or their future. They spent the majority of the book at odds and didn't resolve their issues and have an actual grown up conversation until almost the 95% mark. I'm sorry, but for me, that's just way too long to deal with the stubborn bickering, frustrations at the lack of communication and annoyingly selfish heroine. I had spent 95% of the book waiting for these people to get their shit together, and I was exhausted by the time I got there.
I've been a fan of Natasha Anders since I read The Unwanted Wife. It's clear that she is a very talented writer and has a gift for creating a redeeming asshole that you can't help but root for. I've struggled with her heroines a bit, but Cleo really takes the cake for me. I've never denied that I'm usually pretty hard on my heroines, and I try to give a little leeway when I feel like I'm in an exceptionally picky mood, but Cleo really tested my patience.
I know I'm in the minority with this book, so don't be afraid to pick this one up....who knows....it might be your next 5 star read!
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review***
June 26, 2019
Natasha Anders has the formula really fine tuned. An alphahole jerk who really mistreats the h, considers her no more than a bangable sex object, refusing to even honor/acknowledge their ‘relationship’, and then this surprise pregnancy comes up and voila, the jerk connects with his sensitive side!
What is different from ‘The Unwanted Wife’ is that they are not married and also the asshattery happens in the story and not in the flashbacking past.
After ‘The Unwanted Wife’ I felt her other work fell so short of my expectations that I couldn’t read another of her books.
Mixed reviews always set me off hunting for the said book. So when I randomly came across people pouring hate on this H, I sensed blood (a possible trainwreck!). Now trainwrecks have to be done a certain way to make to my ‘hated more rated more’ list, but this book (and the H) I couldn’t hate at all.
Rather the opposite!
Reasons?
What is different from ‘The Unwanted Wife’ is that they are not married and also the asshattery happens in the story and not in the flashbacking past.
After ‘The Unwanted Wife’ I felt her other work fell so short of my expectations that I couldn’t read another of her books.
Mixed reviews always set me off hunting for the said book. So when I randomly came across people pouring hate on this H, I sensed blood (a possible trainwreck!). Now trainwrecks have to be done a certain way to make to my ‘hated more rated more’ list, but this book (and the H) I couldn’t hate at all.
Rather the opposite!
Reasons?
September 12, 2020
Currently ugly crying in my room while a tropical storm is passing through. This freaking book has my heart doing a happy dance!!!
November 25, 2015
I guess if I don't mention the H, Dante being an asshole, I would be in major denial. A MAJOR asshole.
The book starts off in Japan, with the h, Cleo and Dante on a business trip. Dante is an owner of a international hotel chain. Dante is cold, aloof, bossy, moody, etc. Cleo has been a serial job changer. She's in her late 20s and feeling pressure to stick with this job, even though she can't stand her Boss (Dante)
The POV is 3rd person, but it seems to favor Cleo. Naturally. She's the more sympathetic and likeable character.
Dante and Cleo begin an affair while on their business trip to Japan. After having sex, each time, Dante goes back to being a jerk. During work time, he acts like nothing has happened between them. They are so opposite, in every way. Cleo and Dante can't imagine they would be compatible.
Ms Anders excels in writing unsympathetic leading male characters. I wondered why Dante was like that. Is there any emotion besides anger and contempt? I have to say that Dante is not too far from a real life personality.
I feel so bad for people that are so stoic, rigid, cold, that I wonder if there is any hope for real love.
Are people born that way or is it learned? Dante's mother died when he was a young boy. His father, back in Spain, married and divorced several times. Dante was left alone, ignored. As a teen, when he would have anger problems, his dad got him boxing and fitness training. Nothing was done about what was contributing to the anger(and loneliness). No one to love him. Can anyone like that have real affection?
Cleo is happy go lucky but still has the nerve (and courage) to call Dante on his assholery. It drives him crazy. She talks a lot. He won't say more than two words except to order her around. He was downright mean to her for more than half the book. All the while, they would have major sexual tension and bouts of wild sex.
About 2/3 in, the plot takes a turn. Dante has some moments of being nice. Then he would turn aloof again.
Cleo didn't have illusions about any future with Dante.
I was very torn about this book until the last 20 % or so. A huge heartbreaking event occurs. This seems to be the end for them. Cleo tries to stand on her own. Dante has some inner examining to do.
I know a lot of readers gave up early. I can understand that. Call me curious. I love this trope. I want a grovel. I wanted the romance and wanted it earlier and often. I had major issues with Dante being a capable lover. Not just the sex.
I do think that Dante could have shown some redeeming qualities earlier in the story.
The 3.75 stars rounding up to 4 stars is for, IMO, a strong ending. Dante! He speaks. He feels. He's compassionate. Great epilogue. It almost seemed corny, in contrast to the rest of the story.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
The book starts off in Japan, with the h, Cleo and Dante on a business trip. Dante is an owner of a international hotel chain. Dante is cold, aloof, bossy, moody, etc. Cleo has been a serial job changer. She's in her late 20s and feeling pressure to stick with this job, even though she can't stand her Boss (Dante)
The POV is 3rd person, but it seems to favor Cleo. Naturally. She's the more sympathetic and likeable character.
Dante and Cleo begin an affair while on their business trip to Japan. After having sex, each time, Dante goes back to being a jerk. During work time, he acts like nothing has happened between them. They are so opposite, in every way. Cleo and Dante can't imagine they would be compatible.
Ms Anders excels in writing unsympathetic leading male characters. I wondered why Dante was like that. Is there any emotion besides anger and contempt? I have to say that Dante is not too far from a real life personality.
I feel so bad for people that are so stoic, rigid, cold, that I wonder if there is any hope for real love.
Are people born that way or is it learned? Dante's mother died when he was a young boy. His father, back in Spain, married and divorced several times. Dante was left alone, ignored. As a teen, when he would have anger problems, his dad got him boxing and fitness training. Nothing was done about what was contributing to the anger(and loneliness). No one to love him. Can anyone like that have real affection?
Cleo is happy go lucky but still has the nerve (and courage) to call Dante on his assholery. It drives him crazy. She talks a lot. He won't say more than two words except to order her around. He was downright mean to her for more than half the book. All the while, they would have major sexual tension and bouts of wild sex.
About 2/3 in, the plot takes a turn. Dante has some moments of being nice. Then he would turn aloof again.
Cleo didn't have illusions about any future with Dante.
I was very torn about this book until the last 20 % or so. A huge heartbreaking event occurs. This seems to be the end for them. Cleo tries to stand on her own. Dante has some inner examining to do.
I know a lot of readers gave up early. I can understand that. Call me curious. I love this trope. I want a grovel. I wanted the romance and wanted it earlier and often. I had major issues with Dante being a capable lover. Not just the sex.
I do think that Dante could have shown some redeeming qualities earlier in the story.
The 3.75 stars rounding up to 4 stars is for, IMO, a strong ending. Dante! He speaks. He feels. He's compassionate. Great epilogue. It almost seemed corny, in contrast to the rest of the story.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
July 26, 2019
From the blurp the book is about office romance. The billionaire boss falls for his personal assistant. But in Natasha Anders hands, it becomes so much more. So do not let the blurp fools you. I am recently a fan of Miss Anders since I read her work on Wing Man. Miss Anders has this unique way creating her hero character. Asshole, jerk but with a hint of vulnerability. And that vulnerability really stole my heart.
This book is not different. Dante is such a arrogant man. He is lack of compassionate to others really makes him a total jerk. The lowest of the jerk. But his quite vulnerability what really makes me loves him. And.... enter Cleo. She is feisty and strong will woman. She also have pride of herself and takes no one pity. Combine them together, the story explodes.
The steamy sex is there but lingering in the background. The character building, the chemistry is what the focus of this book. And Miss Anders delivers. Bravo!
5 stars
This book is not different. Dante is such a arrogant man. He is lack of compassionate to others really makes him a total jerk. The lowest of the jerk. But his quite vulnerability what really makes me loves him. And.... enter Cleo. She is feisty and strong will woman. She also have pride of herself and takes no one pity. Combine them together, the story explodes.
The steamy sex is there but lingering in the background. The character building, the chemistry is what the focus of this book. And Miss Anders delivers. Bravo!
5 stars
February 15, 2016
4 Stars
Natasha Anders is an author I have been stalking for a while. I read her debut novel and have loved her since. She writes really mean Heroes. Does that sound like a turn off? You just have to be in that mood. These Heroes she creates aren’t just adorable mean, they are purely mean. They are selfish, egotistical and it usually takes them a while to fall for the Heroine, but when I am in that kind of mood, it hits the right spot.
Cleo is Dante’s temporary assistant. Dante’s assistant is on maternity leave and he’s stuck with Cleo. They are in Tokyo trying to land a business deal and even though Cleo is super attracted to her boss, she makes no attempts towards him.
I really liked Cleo. She’s sassy, strong and doesn’t take crap from Dante. Dante is a demanding boss. He always finds fault in Cleo and he’s hard on her. Cleo takes it in strides. One night, things get hot and heavy and Dante crosses the line.
Dante isn’t an easy Hero to like. He’s mean, like I said, he’s simply a jerk to Cleo, but he wants her and he takes her. So they finish the affair in Tokyo, but when they come back home, it’s back to normal.
Or so everyone thought.
I like how when Cleo realizes she shouldn’t have slept with her boss but she didn’t pine for him. She understood Dante didn’t care for her and was just using her body so she was able to separate her feelings and work life.
Then something happens and Cleo realizes she is in a pickle and it’s all Dante’s fault. I really don’t want to give anything away, because the change in the book really brings the story up a notch. The writing is REALLY descriptive, so having this little shift helped changed the mood.
The brought more tension and angst between Cleo and Dante and I was okay with that. Like I said Natasha Anders writes really mean Heroes, so Dante isn’t throwing himself at Cleo any time soon. The mixed reviews are they are. You have to be okay with reading a mean Hero and some tension and angst. I like it when I am in that kind of mood.
If you are a fan of the author, you will not be disappointed.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON $5.49
Natasha Anders is an author I have been stalking for a while. I read her debut novel and have loved her since. She writes really mean Heroes. Does that sound like a turn off? You just have to be in that mood. These Heroes she creates aren’t just adorable mean, they are purely mean. They are selfish, egotistical and it usually takes them a while to fall for the Heroine, but when I am in that kind of mood, it hits the right spot.
Cleo is Dante’s temporary assistant. Dante’s assistant is on maternity leave and he’s stuck with Cleo. They are in Tokyo trying to land a business deal and even though Cleo is super attracted to her boss, she makes no attempts towards him.
I really liked Cleo. She’s sassy, strong and doesn’t take crap from Dante. Dante is a demanding boss. He always finds fault in Cleo and he’s hard on her. Cleo takes it in strides. One night, things get hot and heavy and Dante crosses the line.
Dante isn’t an easy Hero to like. He’s mean, like I said, he’s simply a jerk to Cleo, but he wants her and he takes her. So they finish the affair in Tokyo, but when they come back home, it’s back to normal.
Or so everyone thought.
I like how when Cleo realizes she shouldn’t have slept with her boss but she didn’t pine for him. She understood Dante didn’t care for her and was just using her body so she was able to separate her feelings and work life.
Then something happens and Cleo realizes she is in a pickle and it’s all Dante’s fault. I really don’t want to give anything away, because the change in the book really brings the story up a notch. The writing is REALLY descriptive, so having this little shift helped changed the mood.
The brought more tension and angst between Cleo and Dante and I was okay with that. Like I said Natasha Anders writes really mean Heroes, so Dante isn’t throwing himself at Cleo any time soon. The mixed reviews are they are. You have to be okay with reading a mean Hero and some tension and angst. I like it when I am in that kind of mood.
If you are a fan of the author, you will not be disappointed.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON $5.49Displaying 1 - 30 of 993 reviews