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Bits & Bytes #0
Denial of Interest
This is Book 1 of 2 in the Version 2.0 series, and can be read as a stand alone novel.
Zach Johnston had it all. A billion dollar software empire, a different girl in his bed every night, and a business partner who shared his vision of market domination, one gaming console at a time.
No one can stay on top forever, and calling what their biggest competitor did to them a hostile takeover doesn't do it justice. No-lube violation is more accurate.
Even worse, the only woman he's never been able to forget is back in his life. Rae Nielson is filling his business partner’s head with delusions of starting over and haunting Zach’s most vivid fantasies.
The safe choice is to deny his interest in Rae and her plan. But Zach didn't make it big the first time around by playing it safe.
Warning: This book contains a scorching second chance for a billionaire CEO and his high school sweetheart, and scores of randomly geeky gaming references.
Publisher's Note: This book was previously released as Holding Her Close (Bits & Bytes Book 0). It has been revised and edited for this re-release.
Zach Johnston had it all. A billion dollar software empire, a different girl in his bed every night, and a business partner who shared his vision of market domination, one gaming console at a time.
No one can stay on top forever, and calling what their biggest competitor did to them a hostile takeover doesn't do it justice. No-lube violation is more accurate.
Even worse, the only woman he's never been able to forget is back in his life. Rae Nielson is filling his business partner’s head with delusions of starting over and haunting Zach’s most vivid fantasies.
The safe choice is to deny his interest in Rae and her plan. But Zach didn't make it big the first time around by playing it safe.
Warning: This book contains a scorching second chance for a billionaire CEO and his high school sweetheart, and scores of randomly geeky gaming references.
Publisher's Note: This book was previously released as Holding Her Close (Bits & Bytes Book 0). It has been revised and edited for this re-release.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
31 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Allyson Lindt
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Allyson Lindt has been telling stories since before she could put the words on paper. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. Their cats are their children, and when they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving couples find their futures together.
Allyson Lindt has been telling stories since before she could put the words on paper. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. Their cats are their children, and when they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving couples find their futures together.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 6, 2014
UPDATE: Went back and finished.
________________________
Setting this aside for now. Third attempt and still can't get invested in this book/storyline.
HOLDING HER CLOSE feels very NA, which I didn't expect. I can't relate to the MCs and find both of them very immature, which is somewhat at odds with their purported professional status. Too little of the MCs' backstory and prior history is reveal early enough so I'm left uncertain as to whether I care about their second chance. Getting info in bits and pieces didn't work for me.
I don't know if it's my current mood or the writing style but many parts feel stilted and don't flow smoothly. And the constant contradictions/directional changes of the MCs' internal musings make them seem wishy-washy and give me reader's whiplash. Unfortunately, edit/proof errors only added to my growing irritation. Although most would probably consider them to be fairly insignificant, my current state is catching all of them and impeding my enjoyment.
________________________
Setting this aside for now. Third attempt and still can't get invested in this book/storyline.
HOLDING HER CLOSE feels very NA, which I didn't expect. I can't relate to the MCs and find both of them very immature, which is somewhat at odds with their purported professional status. Too little of the MCs' backstory and prior history is reveal early enough so I'm left uncertain as to whether I care about their second chance. Getting info in bits and pieces didn't work for me.
I don't know if it's my current mood or the writing style but many parts feel stilted and don't flow smoothly. And the constant contradictions/directional changes of the MCs' internal musings make them seem wishy-washy and give me reader's whiplash. Unfortunately, edit/proof errors only added to my growing irritation. Although most would probably consider them to be fairly insignificant, my current state is catching all of them and impeding my enjoyment.
June 30, 2013
Zach has had a two women break his heart, the first was his high school sweetheart who dumped him for reasons that still make no sense to him. His second was a fiancee who dumped him and sold his companies share in a swift act of betrayal.
With his company facing a hostile takeover, Rae is called in to help find a solution but old feelings come circling back. Rae was the high school sweetheart and he animosity still is evident. Hoping that a different solution will put the past behind them, they agree to one night together for closure sake. Of course when they both get a sample of one another, one night might not be enough.
Entertaining story, I thought Zach was a sweetheart, he is the type of man who you just want to cuddle. I liked that there was unresolved history between Rae and Zach. Great story, look forward to reading the next in series.
With his company facing a hostile takeover, Rae is called in to help find a solution but old feelings come circling back. Rae was the high school sweetheart and he animosity still is evident. Hoping that a different solution will put the past behind them, they agree to one night together for closure sake. Of course when they both get a sample of one another, one night might not be enough.
Entertaining story, I thought Zach was a sweetheart, he is the type of man who you just want to cuddle. I liked that there was unresolved history between Rae and Zach. Great story, look forward to reading the next in series.
Want to read
January 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/15/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Zach Johnston had it all.
No one can stay on top forever, and calling what their biggest competitor did to them a hostile takeover doesn't do it justice. No-lube violation is more accurate.
Even worse, the only woman he's never been able to forget is back in his life. Rae Nielson is filling his business partner’s head with delusions of starting over, and haunting Zach’s most vivid fantasies.
But giving into desire means losing his heart and his company again.
Blurb:
Zach Johnston had it all.
No one can stay on top forever, and calling what their biggest competitor did to them a hostile takeover doesn't do it justice. No-lube violation is more accurate.
Even worse, the only woman he's never been able to forget is back in his life. Rae Nielson is filling his business partner’s head with delusions of starting over, and haunting Zach’s most vivid fantasies.
But giving into desire means losing his heart and his company again.
July 18, 2013
3.5 Stars
Holding Her Close is the prequel to the Bits & Bytes series by Allyson Lindt. It's not a perfect set up for a series, but it's left me interested enough that I will probably read more in the series and see what happens.
Zach doesn't have good luck with women. His first experience with love didn't go well at all. It ended with her screaming and yelling at him and then not speaking to each other, again. His second foray went even worse. Thinking his long time girlfriend was the "one" he proposes her in a very public and spectacular fashion, only to have her turn down his proposal, sell the majority shares of his multi-billion dollar business and ruin his life. From that point forward the decision was made - women are okay to sleep with, but never, ever trust them. Saving his business is not as easy of a fix. He and his best friend and partner are losing the company that they built from their hearts and their doesn't seem to be anything they can do to stop it. Like he needed anymore problems, his high school sweetheart is back in his life, he wants to fix the past and move on with their lives. He just has to remind himself to never trust a woman!
Rae has made a mess of her dating life. Zach was the first guy she ever loved and she blew it. The combination of diet pills, insecurity and not eating was seriously messing with her head and she went off on him in a spectacular fashion one day ruining anything they had together. She's moved on from that mistake, but has always regretted the way it all ended. Running into Zach seems to be happening more and more often these days. After all, she's best friends with his business partner and her sister works for him. It seems like the smart thing to do would be to make amends for the past and move on. She quickly finds that the sparks are still there when she's alone with Zach and it makes her wonder if they could build a future together after all.
This book was entertaining to read and for a technology junky like me it was kind of fun to read a little of the "behind the scenes". I was not a huge fan of Zach, which really influenced the book for me. I hated how he and Rae couldn't be around each other for more than 2 seconds without fighting and sniping at each other. I felt Zach was manipulative and argued for the thrill of it. But, then his next words were how much he loved Rae and wanted to make a go of it. I don't know, it was just annoying for me and made it really hard to root for him. This was the first time that I ever finished a book wishing she would've moved on with her life without him and then maybe he wouldn't be such a jerk in the future. It will be interesting to see how the next books are.
Thank you to Allyson Lindt for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
Holding Her Close is the prequel to the Bits & Bytes series by Allyson Lindt. It's not a perfect set up for a series, but it's left me interested enough that I will probably read more in the series and see what happens.
Zach doesn't have good luck with women. His first experience with love didn't go well at all. It ended with her screaming and yelling at him and then not speaking to each other, again. His second foray went even worse. Thinking his long time girlfriend was the "one" he proposes her in a very public and spectacular fashion, only to have her turn down his proposal, sell the majority shares of his multi-billion dollar business and ruin his life. From that point forward the decision was made - women are okay to sleep with, but never, ever trust them. Saving his business is not as easy of a fix. He and his best friend and partner are losing the company that they built from their hearts and their doesn't seem to be anything they can do to stop it. Like he needed anymore problems, his high school sweetheart is back in his life, he wants to fix the past and move on with their lives. He just has to remind himself to never trust a woman!
Rae has made a mess of her dating life. Zach was the first guy she ever loved and she blew it. The combination of diet pills, insecurity and not eating was seriously messing with her head and she went off on him in a spectacular fashion one day ruining anything they had together. She's moved on from that mistake, but has always regretted the way it all ended. Running into Zach seems to be happening more and more often these days. After all, she's best friends with his business partner and her sister works for him. It seems like the smart thing to do would be to make amends for the past and move on. She quickly finds that the sparks are still there when she's alone with Zach and it makes her wonder if they could build a future together after all.
This book was entertaining to read and for a technology junky like me it was kind of fun to read a little of the "behind the scenes". I was not a huge fan of Zach, which really influenced the book for me. I hated how he and Rae couldn't be around each other for more than 2 seconds without fighting and sniping at each other. I felt Zach was manipulative and argued for the thrill of it. But, then his next words were how much he loved Rae and wanted to make a go of it. I don't know, it was just annoying for me and made it really hard to root for him. This was the first time that I ever finished a book wishing she would've moved on with her life without him and then maybe he wouldn't be such a jerk in the future. It will be interesting to see how the next books are.
Thank you to Allyson Lindt for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
August 11, 2013
A few months ago, I reviewed the first book in the Bits and Bytes series, Conflict of Interest. (Holding Her Close, is actually a prequel.) In Conflict of Interest, we met Scott and Zach, co-owners of a lucrative software/gaming development company, and followed Scott's romance with the gal hired to groom him so he could make nice with the investors/world. In Holding Her Close, we travel back to a darker time, when the lads' first company was subject to a hostile takeover, and their futures looked bleak.
Zach, a long-haired blond dude, is haunted by the fact that their company wouldn't be in such dire straits if his former girlfriend hadn't pulled out from investing (and very publicly rejected his marriage proposal - ouch). Worse, a previous, more important ex-girlfriend, Rae, feeds Scott's hopes that they can restore their company to its former glory — something Zach knows to be impossible. Still, Zach appreciates that, after ten years of not being on speaking terms with Rae, they can now interact without one or both of them freaking out. (More or less.)
Rae's good with numbers and believes she can help the fellas come back from defeat, only it's gonna take a lot for her to convince Zach of that fact. The Zach she dumped when they were in high school. The Zach she never stopped wanting. And, from the looks of things, Zach isn't quite off the emotional hook either. He proposes they do the thing they didn't the first time around — have sex. You know, just to get it out of their systems. *For closure.* ('Cause that'll *totally* work.)
I enjoyed Holding Her Close; it engrossed me straightaway and didn't seem too inclined to let me get to bed at a reasonable hour. The writing is crisply contemporary and I found myself relating to Rae, and liking her, quite a lot. Zach was a bit more glib than I generally like in a romance hero, though I appreciate that he keeps things at a superficial level in self-defense, at some cost to his own peace of mind. Seeing them reconnect and process their past was a pleasure, as were their love-scenes (which, I have to tell you, really grabbed my attention in ways that other writers' love-scenes don't always manage to). (They were hawt, is what I'm sayin'.)
I feel like I'd have liked to follow Rae as she dug up some very pertinent information regarding the hostile takeover (I even think it'd have been fun to see her and Zach team up, Scooby Doo style, to uncover these mysteries, and would've provided more dramatic opportunities for them to re-bond). But that's a minor point, as I found the story engaging, came to care a great deal about the main characters, and really wanted them to enjoy a "happily ever after."
All in all, Holding Her Close was a lot of fun and I'd recommend it for anyone into gaming, young professionals, and lovers of romance of all ages.
Zach, a long-haired blond dude, is haunted by the fact that their company wouldn't be in such dire straits if his former girlfriend hadn't pulled out from investing (and very publicly rejected his marriage proposal - ouch). Worse, a previous, more important ex-girlfriend, Rae, feeds Scott's hopes that they can restore their company to its former glory — something Zach knows to be impossible. Still, Zach appreciates that, after ten years of not being on speaking terms with Rae, they can now interact without one or both of them freaking out. (More or less.)
Rae's good with numbers and believes she can help the fellas come back from defeat, only it's gonna take a lot for her to convince Zach of that fact. The Zach she dumped when they were in high school. The Zach she never stopped wanting. And, from the looks of things, Zach isn't quite off the emotional hook either. He proposes they do the thing they didn't the first time around — have sex. You know, just to get it out of their systems. *For closure.* ('Cause that'll *totally* work.)
I enjoyed Holding Her Close; it engrossed me straightaway and didn't seem too inclined to let me get to bed at a reasonable hour. The writing is crisply contemporary and I found myself relating to Rae, and liking her, quite a lot. Zach was a bit more glib than I generally like in a romance hero, though I appreciate that he keeps things at a superficial level in self-defense, at some cost to his own peace of mind. Seeing them reconnect and process their past was a pleasure, as were their love-scenes (which, I have to tell you, really grabbed my attention in ways that other writers' love-scenes don't always manage to). (They were hawt, is what I'm sayin'.)
I feel like I'd have liked to follow Rae as she dug up some very pertinent information regarding the hostile takeover (I even think it'd have been fun to see her and Zach team up, Scooby Doo style, to uncover these mysteries, and would've provided more dramatic opportunities for them to re-bond). But that's a minor point, as I found the story engaging, came to care a great deal about the main characters, and really wanted them to enjoy a "happily ever after."
All in all, Holding Her Close was a lot of fun and I'd recommend it for anyone into gaming, young professionals, and lovers of romance of all ages.
June 27, 2013
Coming hot on the heels of author Allyson Lindt’s debut novel, Conflict of Interest, Holding her Close is not so much a sequel, as a companion novel. It shares characters and a world with Conflict of Interest, but the action occurs before that novel’s timeframe.
Zach and Rae were high school sweethearts. Since their explosive breakup, they’ve avoided one another – something that has been difficult since Rae’s best friend, Scott, is Zach’s business partner.
Now Scott and Zach are in the midst of a crisis as their successful gaming company undergoing a hostile takeover. When Rae walks into the mess, suddenly neither she nor Zach can keep their minds off each other.
Zach proposes a one nigh fling to get it out of their system. Rae agrees, but the sex is better than either of them had ever dreamed it could be, and soon, “just this once”, has become “just one more time.”
Complicating matters is the fact Rae thinks she knows how to fix the business problems both men are having. Scott is willing to listen, but Zach refuses even to open an ear to her.
This is a hot romance with some of the steamiest sex scenes I’ve read in a contemporary romance novel. But there’s a lot more to this book than just sex. The characters are layered and nuanced, growing and changing through the experiences they deal with through the novel. To begin with I thought Zach was an arrogant ass and was sorry to see Rae fall for his lines, but as the novel progresses, what makes Zach tick becomes clearer and his behavior is completely understandable.
The idea that these two have been holding a torch for each other for over ten years lends urgency to the proceedings. Neither will be able to move on as long as the other remains tantalizingly nearby. So the stakes in this relationship are already sky high.
Lindt obviously knows the world her characters inhabit well, and offers cubicle dwellers a chance to indulge their own fantasies of sex on a boardroom table or in an alcove away from a buzzing conference.
Fast paced, sexy and easy to relate to, Holding Her Close is a must for any office worker who thinks romance can’t happen in the workplace.
Zach and Rae were high school sweethearts. Since their explosive breakup, they’ve avoided one another – something that has been difficult since Rae’s best friend, Scott, is Zach’s business partner.
Now Scott and Zach are in the midst of a crisis as their successful gaming company undergoing a hostile takeover. When Rae walks into the mess, suddenly neither she nor Zach can keep their minds off each other.
Zach proposes a one nigh fling to get it out of their system. Rae agrees, but the sex is better than either of them had ever dreamed it could be, and soon, “just this once”, has become “just one more time.”
Complicating matters is the fact Rae thinks she knows how to fix the business problems both men are having. Scott is willing to listen, but Zach refuses even to open an ear to her.
This is a hot romance with some of the steamiest sex scenes I’ve read in a contemporary romance novel. But there’s a lot more to this book than just sex. The characters are layered and nuanced, growing and changing through the experiences they deal with through the novel. To begin with I thought Zach was an arrogant ass and was sorry to see Rae fall for his lines, but as the novel progresses, what makes Zach tick becomes clearer and his behavior is completely understandable.
The idea that these two have been holding a torch for each other for over ten years lends urgency to the proceedings. Neither will be able to move on as long as the other remains tantalizingly nearby. So the stakes in this relationship are already sky high.
Lindt obviously knows the world her characters inhabit well, and offers cubicle dwellers a chance to indulge their own fantasies of sex on a boardroom table or in an alcove away from a buzzing conference.
Fast paced, sexy and easy to relate to, Holding Her Close is a must for any office worker who thinks romance can’t happen in the workplace.
June 14, 2013
Holding Her Close is a nice 4**** read that is both sweet & sassy - just like our female MC, Rae. Our male MC, Zach, is a nice guy who has been hurt in the past by women he loved - including his first love, Rae. And this hurt, caused by both of them to each other, is something neither has been able to forgive or forget. Or move on from completely.
Over the ensuing years, even though their lives could have intersected, they deliberately avoided each other until there was no way they could do it anymore. 10 long years had passed and each had grown up - hadn't they? But neither had gotten over the other, they realized, once they came face to face. In order to try and put the past behind them, Zach proposes, and Rae agrees, to one night together. The night they could have/should have had as high school sweethearts.
As days and then weeks go by and "just this once" becomes "just one more time", Zach and Rae slowly rebuild the friendship and trust they had. But just when things are becoming interesting, reality steps in and these two may be forced to choose - between friends, between family, between dreams and between each other.
Can these two find a way to have life and love and friends around them and live their dreams? Or will they continue be a couple (of people) who need to grow up and realize they belong together?
Over the ensuing years, even though their lives could have intersected, they deliberately avoided each other until there was no way they could do it anymore. 10 long years had passed and each had grown up - hadn't they? But neither had gotten over the other, they realized, once they came face to face. In order to try and put the past behind them, Zach proposes, and Rae agrees, to one night together. The night they could have/should have had as high school sweethearts.
As days and then weeks go by and "just this once" becomes "just one more time", Zach and Rae slowly rebuild the friendship and trust they had. But just when things are becoming interesting, reality steps in and these two may be forced to choose - between friends, between family, between dreams and between each other.
Can these two find a way to have life and love and friends around them and live their dreams? Or will they continue be a couple (of people) who need to grow up and realize they belong together?
July 30, 2013
**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Holding Her Close was a sweet and sassy novel that took us behind the scenes of a fledgling company in the throes of a hostile takeover combined with a longstanding mutual attraction that doesn’t seem to be flagging.
I actually love the tried and true “Let’s try this once and get it out of our system”. It makes me laugh every time even though I know that it’s never going to work. Rae and Zach were both good characters separately but I didn’t like them together until they resolved their issues. Their constant sniping and personal attacks were a little childish. I, personally, am not a fan of love triangles unless they continue into the bedroom :P so I didn’t like the third party honing in on the action although I understand and appreciate the angle he was coming from.
The tone of the novel was good and I liked how things were tied up including Zach’s issue laden past. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Holding Her Close was a sweet and sassy novel that took us behind the scenes of a fledgling company in the throes of a hostile takeover combined with a longstanding mutual attraction that doesn’t seem to be flagging.
I actually love the tried and true “Let’s try this once and get it out of our system”. It makes me laugh every time even though I know that it’s never going to work. Rae and Zach were both good characters separately but I didn’t like them together until they resolved their issues. Their constant sniping and personal attacks were a little childish. I, personally, am not a fan of love triangles unless they continue into the bedroom :P so I didn’t like the third party honing in on the action although I understand and appreciate the angle he was coming from.
The tone of the novel was good and I liked how things were tied up including Zach’s issue laden past. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 28, 2013
This book was a little hard for me to follow in some parts. The story itself is a good one- kind of nerdy lol. Rae well I didn't love love her I did like her. I think she was wrong in the way she treated Zach in the past and present. There were some hot juicy sex scenes.
February 28, 2019
An enjoyable read yet again! Geeks have never been so sexy.
March 24, 2014
The Remarkables:
Hands down, the characters are wonderful. I like the down-to-earth people who are doing normal, every-day jobs. And designing games–I almost squealed aloud when I stumbled across E3. Individually the characters are great, and together they work well. The best friendship of Scott and Zach is completely believable, as is the friendship between Scott and Rae. They’re engaging, colorful and I’ll remember them.
The twist on a significant other having been the downfall of Zach and Scott’s dream was really interesting (so much so I’d almost like to see that bitchy woman be redeemed in a book). The fallout and how it feeds personal insecurities and internal conflicts fed the story appropriately.
There’s a really entertaining event that comes toward the climax of the book, and that had me chuckling out loud. The author did a wonderful job in this scene of making me uneasy, setting some tension, and then turning my expectations on their tail. Perhaps I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t, which made it that much more enjoyable.
The Unremarkables:
While the characters were wonderful and completely plausible…at times I couldn’t relate to them at all. Zach came off more than a little unforgivably arrogant with both the heroine and his best friend. I have a hard time putting my finger on exactly what it is here, suffice to say that it felt forced, not like natural turns of events, in how they reacted or, more often, how they forced the conflicts. Motivation thin in several areas with no true tension to the interpersonal hero/heroine romantic relationship.
I had a hard time following the opening of the story. I didn’t know what the heroine did professionally until several chapters in, although it was referenced as if I should know. Almost in a fashion where this book would have been a later book in series, not the series opener. I had a feeling this would smooth out as I read, so I kept going, and it does become more cohesive. But for me, getting into the story was a bit of a bumpy ride.
And I almost set the book aside when we made a time jump of significant proportions. At that point, it felt completely unresolved, definitely contrived action by the characters based on a thin thread that hadn’t been fully grounded or established, and I was very agitated by the jump. But I’m stubborn. I don’t set books aside unless they are just terrible, and I kept reading. I’m glad I did. The ending was very charming while still delivering smokin’ chemistry. It resolved well and left me satisfied.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It’s lighthearted, not terribly deep, but that doesn’t negatively impact the story. If you’re looking for an enjoyable contemporary read, check this one out. You will definitely have some laughs. Oh, and for those of you non-nerdy types, don’t worry, the computer bits aren’t over the top and you don’t have to speak in code, or even know what code is, to appreciate the read.
Hands down, the characters are wonderful. I like the down-to-earth people who are doing normal, every-day jobs. And designing games–I almost squealed aloud when I stumbled across E3. Individually the characters are great, and together they work well. The best friendship of Scott and Zach is completely believable, as is the friendship between Scott and Rae. They’re engaging, colorful and I’ll remember them.
The twist on a significant other having been the downfall of Zach and Scott’s dream was really interesting (so much so I’d almost like to see that bitchy woman be redeemed in a book). The fallout and how it feeds personal insecurities and internal conflicts fed the story appropriately.
There’s a really entertaining event that comes toward the climax of the book, and that had me chuckling out loud. The author did a wonderful job in this scene of making me uneasy, setting some tension, and then turning my expectations on their tail. Perhaps I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t, which made it that much more enjoyable.
The Unremarkables:
While the characters were wonderful and completely plausible…at times I couldn’t relate to them at all. Zach came off more than a little unforgivably arrogant with both the heroine and his best friend. I have a hard time putting my finger on exactly what it is here, suffice to say that it felt forced, not like natural turns of events, in how they reacted or, more often, how they forced the conflicts. Motivation thin in several areas with no true tension to the interpersonal hero/heroine romantic relationship.
I had a hard time following the opening of the story. I didn’t know what the heroine did professionally until several chapters in, although it was referenced as if I should know. Almost in a fashion where this book would have been a later book in series, not the series opener. I had a feeling this would smooth out as I read, so I kept going, and it does become more cohesive. But for me, getting into the story was a bit of a bumpy ride.
And I almost set the book aside when we made a time jump of significant proportions. At that point, it felt completely unresolved, definitely contrived action by the characters based on a thin thread that hadn’t been fully grounded or established, and I was very agitated by the jump. But I’m stubborn. I don’t set books aside unless they are just terrible, and I kept reading. I’m glad I did. The ending was very charming while still delivering smokin’ chemistry. It resolved well and left me satisfied.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It’s lighthearted, not terribly deep, but that doesn’t negatively impact the story. If you’re looking for an enjoyable contemporary read, check this one out. You will definitely have some laughs. Oh, and for those of you non-nerdy types, don’t worry, the computer bits aren’t over the top and you don’t have to speak in code, or even know what code is, to appreciate the read.
January 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It is about the on-again off-again romance between Zach and Rae. They were a "thing" in high school, but then she left town just when he thought they had it all. They haven't spoken in a decade when she comes into town to visit her sister, Chloe. Chloe works for Zach's company, well Zach and his best friend Scott. Rae has seen Scott in the last few years, and they have become close friends.
Scott convinces Rae and Zach that they need to bury the hatchet. This does not go exactly as planned. Zach comes up with an idea that they get together for a night and "rewrite their ending." This also does not go exactly as planned. They connect sexually, but they still harbor resentments against the other. Meanwhile, Zach and Scott's company is involved in a hostile takeover that is emotionally draining for all involved.
I don't want to spoil the story for you. I thought Rae and Zach didn't seem to ever want to talk to each other about important things. They drifted along with each one refusing to voice their wants or expectations. Sorta like real life. Read and enjoy. I am looking forward to Scott's story in book 2.
Scott convinces Rae and Zach that they need to bury the hatchet. This does not go exactly as planned. Zach comes up with an idea that they get together for a night and "rewrite their ending." This also does not go exactly as planned. They connect sexually, but they still harbor resentments against the other. Meanwhile, Zach and Scott's company is involved in a hostile takeover that is emotionally draining for all involved.
I don't want to spoil the story for you. I thought Rae and Zach didn't seem to ever want to talk to each other about important things. They drifted along with each one refusing to voice their wants or expectations. Sorta like real life. Read and enjoy. I am looking forward to Scott's story in book 2.
March 30, 2018
I liked this book. Very interesting story and great characters. Viewpoints flip between Zach and Rae and I enjoyed being in their heads - it was always clear whose viewpoint I was in. I liked the whole story behind the company and how Rae fits into the boys' friendship. I'm not usually keen on reconciliation stories but this one was handled well and I was keen to see what happened.
The book lost a star because the whole agreement that the couple had was ridiculous. I could see how a creepy guy would want that but it rang false that a woman with that background and history with him would agree. I also didn't like how long the main secret was kept as it started to feel like it was purposefully kept that way to build conflict. The gap in the timeline was odd. I would've preferred there to be a quicker resolution as it felt odd for the relationship to hang like that for so long..
I see there is another book in the series but I'm not compelled to continue - not sure why. I think maybe I didn't really take to Scott.
Worth reading, definitely recommended.
The book lost a star because the whole agreement that the couple had was ridiculous. I could see how a creepy guy would want that but it rang false that a woman with that background and history with him would agree. I also didn't like how long the main secret was kept as it started to feel like it was purposefully kept that way to build conflict. The gap in the timeline was odd. I would've preferred there to be a quicker resolution as it felt odd for the relationship to hang like that for so long..
I see there is another book in the series but I'm not compelled to continue - not sure why. I think maybe I didn't really take to Scott.
Worth reading, definitely recommended.
September 9, 2016
Prequel to Conflict of Interest
October 19, 2015
Love gets a second chance
Zach and his buddy Scott own a gaming company. Their company was in a hostile takeover and they are being booted out. Rae is a consultant. She takes a vacation to her sister's. Her and Zach dated in high school but she left him without a goodbye. Zach thinks they need closure so he suggests a one night stand and then move on. But neither can get the other out of their heads. She gets them set up for another company and then leaves. A year later Zach tracks her down to have her look at their financials and see if they can hire one person..her. She is scared the fire they make together will burn out and she'll be left out.
Great story. Totally hot! Sexy nerd game techs.
Zach and his buddy Scott own a gaming company. Their company was in a hostile takeover and they are being booted out. Rae is a consultant. She takes a vacation to her sister's. Her and Zach dated in high school but she left him without a goodbye. Zach thinks they need closure so he suggests a one night stand and then move on. But neither can get the other out of their heads. She gets them set up for another company and then leaves. A year later Zach tracks her down to have her look at their financials and see if they can hire one person..her. She is scared the fire they make together will burn out and she'll be left out.
Great story. Totally hot! Sexy nerd game techs.
October 14, 2019
I picked this up as a freebie and I am really surprised there aren't more reviews. This is a good solid story! Zach and Rae are our main characters with Scott a heavily involved secondary character because the 3 of them are on again off again best friends.
I really like Rae. She is a strong independent female lead and it's good to have a kick ass career woman front and center. Zach and Scott own a gaming company this is enduring a hostile takeover. Rae comes to their aid and makes financial suggestions based on her kick ass accounting techniques. Hello geek squard! I love it though. The love story plays out right along with the company ups and downs. The characters felt authentic, the love story believable, the writing style was well done.
I really like Rae. She is a strong independent female lead and it's good to have a kick ass career woman front and center. Zach and Scott own a gaming company this is enduring a hostile takeover. Rae comes to their aid and makes financial suggestions based on her kick ass accounting techniques. Hello geek squard! I love it though. The love story plays out right along with the company ups and downs. The characters felt authentic, the love story believable, the writing style was well done.
May 18, 2015
I've had this book for a while and now wonder why it took me so long to get to it. I spent an afternoon reading this story straight through. I was able to connect with the characters. While they seem a little on the immature side, I can also see 50 year olds behaving this way! (Sorta! Ha!)This would be a great beach read. Note: This is for adults! Steamy! Hot! Fun! Great fuel for my imagination: both clean and not so clean. I liked it so much I started the second book in the series the next day and also read it in one shot!
May 28, 2015
Pretty Good
Didn't have much expectations about this book since I didn't know anything about the author but I was pleasantly surprised. It was very well written and had its humor as well. I really enjoyed getting to know Rae and Zach. I loved their chemistry and relationship as well as those surrounding them. I would definitely recommend this to other readers.
Didn't have much expectations about this book since I didn't know anything about the author but I was pleasantly surprised. It was very well written and had its humor as well. I really enjoyed getting to know Rae and Zach. I loved their chemistry and relationship as well as those surrounding them. I would definitely recommend this to other readers.
April 14, 2018
Leave The Past
This is about high school sweethearts who broke up a decade ago. They've never forgiven each other for for perceived slights but they haven't forgotten what they had with each other either. This is a entertaining hot read. Enjoy I did.
This is about high school sweethearts who broke up a decade ago. They've never forgiven each other for for perceived slights but they haven't forgotten what they had with each other either. This is a entertaining hot read. Enjoy I did.
January 19, 2019
Another great read. The characters are interesting and engaging and fun. Allyson's writing style is always such a pleasure to read. And I love that she shows Geeks really can be cool! Look forward to devouring her next book.
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June 30, 2013Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
August 24, 2013
very confusig at first. the story seemed disjointed and the characters were acting very juvenile. pass on this free download
November 23, 2016
Cute Story
Take your general love story she left mad. And some computer terms and them getting back together and you will pretty much have the story.
Take your general love story she left mad. And some computer terms and them getting back together and you will pretty much have the story.
December 17, 2016
it was a cute story, but a little too vulgar for me
January 17, 2019
His long shot
The story was well developed. Rae is a strong woman, who fights for what she wants. Zach is adorable. The book was well written. I can't wait to read Scott's story.
The story was well developed. Rae is a strong woman, who fights for what she wants. Zach is adorable. The book was well written. I can't wait to read Scott's story.
January 24, 2019
OK read. Spotted a few typos.
February 28, 2019
Great, entertaining read!
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