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Hawaiian Heartbreak #4
Open Home, Closed Heart
“He’s infuriating. A backstabber wrapped up in pretty packaging. And I know better than to unwrap that present.”
From the moment Tess sees the new guy at work, she feels the pull towards him. But then he opens his mouth. And reveals himself as an arrogant jerk, intent on making her work life hell.
Avoiding Damian is the safest bet, but Tess has never been one to walk away from a fight. If he wants a war, he can have one. And he should be prepared to lose.
Because Tess built her real estate career to protect what’s left of her family. And no arrogant jerk is going to take it from her. No matter how good he looks in a suit.
Open Home, Closed Heart is a full-length standalone sequel to the Hawaiian Heartbreak trilogy. Intended for readers over 18 due to explicit sexual content.
From the moment Tess sees the new guy at work, she feels the pull towards him. But then he opens his mouth. And reveals himself as an arrogant jerk, intent on making her work life hell.
Avoiding Damian is the safest bet, but Tess has never been one to walk away from a fight. If he wants a war, he can have one. And he should be prepared to lose.
Because Tess built her real estate career to protect what’s left of her family. And no arrogant jerk is going to take it from her. No matter how good he looks in a suit.
Open Home, Closed Heart is a full-length standalone sequel to the Hawaiian Heartbreak trilogy. Intended for readers over 18 due to explicit sexual content.
226 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2016
325 people want to read
About the author
Libby Cole
6 books133 followersI was an avid fan of romance books before I decided to do what I loved, and become a writer of them too. Now you can usually find me in a cafe in my home town of Wellington, New Zealand, typing up my latest love story while having the fifth coffee of the day.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 14, 2016
They say love and hate are two emotions that are closer than we think. When the arrogant new guy struts into Tess’ real estate office, ready to become the number one seller, at first look, Tess is impressed, and then he came gunning for her sales an her status in the office.
Damian is a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even backstabbing and undermining Tess. The line has been drawn in the proverbial sand and Tess has no plans on losing to the hot guy who thinks he is the god of home sales. For Tess, her career has been what she needed to re-build her life, but Damian has a secret, too and only when Tess overhears what it is, does she consider trying to play nice…too bad he is so full of himself.
Libby Cole is back with another entry in her Hawaiian Heartbreak series and the third best thing about Open Home, Closed Heart is that it can be read as a standalone. The second best thing is how Ms. Cole has honed her craft and gone with just the right amount of light-hearted banter, quips and barbs and that ever-present heated attraction. Reason number one-the characters, themselves! Tess is a strong-willed, gorgeous woman who knows how to play the sales game, making a name in the industry for herself. Damian, comes on as a bit of a jerk, okay, a huge jerk, but underneath it all is this adorable and sweet guy who has too much on his plate to handle.
Looking for a fun read, with some spice and verbal sparring? Like a hate to love situation that makes you smile? I’m thinking Libby Cole has it right here and it will make a perfect summer read!
I received an ARC edition from Libby Cole in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Hawaiian Heartbreak - Book 4
Publication Date: June 27, 2016
Publisher: Libby Cole
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 187 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Damian is a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even backstabbing and undermining Tess. The line has been drawn in the proverbial sand and Tess has no plans on losing to the hot guy who thinks he is the god of home sales. For Tess, her career has been what she needed to re-build her life, but Damian has a secret, too and only when Tess overhears what it is, does she consider trying to play nice…too bad he is so full of himself.
Libby Cole is back with another entry in her Hawaiian Heartbreak series and the third best thing about Open Home, Closed Heart is that it can be read as a standalone. The second best thing is how Ms. Cole has honed her craft and gone with just the right amount of light-hearted banter, quips and barbs and that ever-present heated attraction. Reason number one-the characters, themselves! Tess is a strong-willed, gorgeous woman who knows how to play the sales game, making a name in the industry for herself. Damian, comes on as a bit of a jerk, okay, a huge jerk, but underneath it all is this adorable and sweet guy who has too much on his plate to handle.
Looking for a fun read, with some spice and verbal sparring? Like a hate to love situation that makes you smile? I’m thinking Libby Cole has it right here and it will make a perfect summer read!
I received an ARC edition from Libby Cole in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Hawaiian Heartbreak - Book 4
Publication Date: June 27, 2016
Publisher: Libby Cole
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 187 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 10, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by Libby Cole and if this book is any indication of her others I look forward to reading many more of her books.
Tess is the highest ranked real estate agent with her firm but newbie Damian plans on changing that. You know the old adage "There's a thin line between Love and Hate,"
well Damian and Tess are proof positive that it's true statement.
Damien does some pretty underhanded stuff at the beginning, but when Tess is forced to work with Damien and show him the ropes, things start to change between the two and they can no longer fight the attraction they feel regardless of what their mind is telling them to do.
This was a sweet romance with a lot of spice and it just may change the way you think when you go to an open house. ;)
✿ ✿ ✿ ARC Giveaway! ✿ ✿ ✿
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Tess is the highest ranked real estate agent with her firm but newbie Damian plans on changing that. You know the old adage "There's a thin line between Love and Hate,"
well Damian and Tess are proof positive that it's true statement. Damien does some pretty underhanded stuff at the beginning, but when Tess is forced to work with Damien and show him the ropes, things start to change between the two and they can no longer fight the attraction they feel regardless of what their mind is telling them to do.
This was a sweet romance with a lot of spice and it just may change the way you think when you go to an open house. ;)
✿ ✿ ✿ ARC Giveaway! ✿ ✿ ✿
Part of the Shh… Summer Buzz Book Event 2016!
❀ Shh… Summer Buzz Book ARC Giveaway: https://goo.gl/uqgC3u
Win ARCs for all the Buzz Books featured!
❀ Shh… Summer Buzz Books: https://goo.gl/4p43qo
Jun-Sep book, release & ARC info!!
❀ Shh… Summer Buzz Book Calendar: https://goo.gl/78NlrK
All Buzz Books organized by week of release!
❀ Join Shh…: http://goo.gl/OmQUZv
Join for direct links to work. GR redirects all non-members to group home.
❀ RSVP: https://goo.gl/bvZGC3
❀ Author sign-up: https://goo.gl/uUUetK
August 10, 2016
Open Home, Closed Heart is the first book by Libby that I have read and I am sure it will not be the last. It's the fourth book in the Hawaiian Heartbreak Series but can be read as a standalone. If you have read the other books then I am sure you have met Tess and happy that this is her story...
Tess is at the top of her game as a realtor in Auckland, New Zealand. She works hard to find homes for her clients as well as taking care of younger sister that is a student at the University. She doesn't date much because she seems to attract the bad boys and she has vowed to stay clear of them. That is until the new guy comes into the office. She feels a pull towards him. He is one hot man in a suit but then he talks to her. To put it lightly...he is an asshole. He is determined to dethrone her as top seller. She doesn't understand why he is being an arrogant jerk but she refuses to back down. If he wants a war, then he will get one.
Tess and Damian have to find a way to work together. A peace treaty, you can say. It's business after all and they need each other to achieve their goals. Tess doesn't fully trust him but he is showing other sides of himself that confuses the hell out of her. He seems to have the perfect blend of hotness, sweetness and asshole down to a science. She doesn't know what to do about it. He body can't say no but her head wants to say it. The heat is too much for her. The banter is too fun. His sides are too confusing. Will she let him in or keep her heart closed?
I liked Tess but I loved Damian. There was just something about him that got to me even from the start. Yes, was an asshole but he also made me laugh and I could tell it made Tess feel more alive. The banter both pissed her off and excited her. I loved that he enjoyed her when she was in power bitch mode. He took as much as he gave. And that made it a fun book. And the hate/lust sex made it hot.
Overall...it was a fun, sexy, and fast read.
Quotes:
“I don’t need your clients or your ideas, Barbie.” Damian’s voice was low, but the disdain was still unmistakable. “Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
Will that meet your approval?”
“I suppose so. Only if you promise not to get my glass slippers dirty.”
“I’ve promised you many things, but I’ve never promised to be a gentleman.”
Tess is at the top of her game as a realtor in Auckland, New Zealand. She works hard to find homes for her clients as well as taking care of younger sister that is a student at the University. She doesn't date much because she seems to attract the bad boys and she has vowed to stay clear of them. That is until the new guy comes into the office. She feels a pull towards him. He is one hot man in a suit but then he talks to her. To put it lightly...he is an asshole. He is determined to dethrone her as top seller. She doesn't understand why he is being an arrogant jerk but she refuses to back down. If he wants a war, then he will get one.
Tess and Damian have to find a way to work together. A peace treaty, you can say. It's business after all and they need each other to achieve their goals. Tess doesn't fully trust him but he is showing other sides of himself that confuses the hell out of her. He seems to have the perfect blend of hotness, sweetness and asshole down to a science. She doesn't know what to do about it. He body can't say no but her head wants to say it. The heat is too much for her. The banter is too fun. His sides are too confusing. Will she let him in or keep her heart closed?
I liked Tess but I loved Damian. There was just something about him that got to me even from the start. Yes, was an asshole but he also made me laugh and I could tell it made Tess feel more alive. The banter both pissed her off and excited her. I loved that he enjoyed her when she was in power bitch mode. He took as much as he gave. And that made it a fun book. And the hate/lust sex made it hot.
Overall...it was a fun, sexy, and fast read.
Quotes:
“I don’t need your clients or your ideas, Barbie.” Damian’s voice was low, but the disdain was still unmistakable. “Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
Will that meet your approval?”
“I suppose so. Only if you promise not to get my glass slippers dirty.”
“I’ve promised you many things, but I’ve never promised to be a gentleman.”
June 22, 2016
Another great book by Libby!!!
I really enjoyed the first three books with Kayla and Jay, so I knew this one was going to be a good one as well. In this story we got to see what Kayla's best friend, Tess, is up to. I knew this book was going to be good right as I started it. The chemistry between the main characters was really well written and it just made me root for them even more. Towards the end when we got some big revelations, I was just anxious to see how it was going to unravel. But, with the way the Tess and Damian acted towards each other I knew we were going to like them even more by the end. And I was right! Make sure you guys add this book to your tbr! And don't miss the first 3!
I really enjoyed the first three books with Kayla and Jay, so I knew this one was going to be a good one as well. In this story we got to see what Kayla's best friend, Tess, is up to. I knew this book was going to be good right as I started it. The chemistry between the main characters was really well written and it just made me root for them even more. Towards the end when we got some big revelations, I was just anxious to see how it was going to unravel. But, with the way the Tess and Damian acted towards each other I knew we were going to like them even more by the end. And I was right! Make sure you guys add this book to your tbr! And don't miss the first 3!
October 1, 2016
Book Synopsis:
Tessa is a real estate agent, a top performer at her agency, and the boss's pet. She is ambitious, talented, and assertive in her job, and she's on track to go places.
Then Damien comes along.
Damien is a transfer from a competing company, and immediately sizes Tessa up as his top competition, literally giving her a run for her money. He ruthlessly sets out to beat her numbers, even using some pretty underhanded methods to go about it.
But things aren't always what they seem, and they both find out soon enough that there's a little more to each other's story than what meets the eye.
My Review
3.5 STARS (rounded up to 4)
What worked:
This book has a pretty good opening line and immediately starts giving the reader some depth to the main character. Immediately, we know she has a habit of being late, and she's pretty realistic about making a point to work on that but knowing it's not likely to happen any time soon.
Throughout the book, there are some witty lines that made me laugh. The writer has a pretty good foundation on writing well, overall. I also felt like the story flowed at a good pace for the majority of the book.
Then there were the steamy scenes. Quite a few of them, actually! Those, I felt, were well-written and did a good job of pulling me in. In fact, I'd say the steamy scenes are what made this book work, and I especially liked the tension building up to those.
I also liked that the female protagonist/main character was a strong female lead, not just a weak, damsel-in-distress type who needs to be rescued and have other people solve her own problems for her. I definitely liked Tessa's character the most, but Damien's character wasn't so bad himself. Of course, isn't it every girl's secret fantasy to make the bad boy fall so desperately in love with her that he changes for her and her alone? No? Okay, well maybe that's just me.
What could use some work:
My biggest complaint about this book is, I felt like the ending could have been developed a lot more. I felt like there could have been a little more conflict in the final plot twist to help draw it out and keep the reader hooked in to the story. As it was, without giving too much away, it felt almost too easy, and then some emotional stuff that happened a little too instantly for my taste, or maybe not instantly but definitely too fast. This could just be a personal preference that others would not agree with.
Instead of an epilogue, I could see there being a sequel to this book, that goes into the struggles, conflict, and ultimate resolution for something major that was revealed in the end portion of the book, that would let us see how Tess would ultimately reach her biggest goal in life. Those are some stakes, right there.
There were a few minor grammatical errors here and there (against when it should have said again, he when it should have said she). These were few and far between, and not enough to deter me from reading.
Overall, I felt like the story was interesting, and there wasn't any point of the book where I really just felt like putting it down because of my interest level, even though I took several days to read it from beginning to end. It was a fairly quick read, and I would recommend it, especially for the steamy scenes! (/fans myself.)
Tessa is a real estate agent, a top performer at her agency, and the boss's pet. She is ambitious, talented, and assertive in her job, and she's on track to go places.
Then Damien comes along.
Damien is a transfer from a competing company, and immediately sizes Tessa up as his top competition, literally giving her a run for her money. He ruthlessly sets out to beat her numbers, even using some pretty underhanded methods to go about it.
But things aren't always what they seem, and they both find out soon enough that there's a little more to each other's story than what meets the eye.
My Review
3.5 STARS (rounded up to 4)
What worked:
This book has a pretty good opening line and immediately starts giving the reader some depth to the main character. Immediately, we know she has a habit of being late, and she's pretty realistic about making a point to work on that but knowing it's not likely to happen any time soon.
Throughout the book, there are some witty lines that made me laugh. The writer has a pretty good foundation on writing well, overall. I also felt like the story flowed at a good pace for the majority of the book.
Then there were the steamy scenes. Quite a few of them, actually! Those, I felt, were well-written and did a good job of pulling me in. In fact, I'd say the steamy scenes are what made this book work, and I especially liked the tension building up to those.
I also liked that the female protagonist/main character was a strong female lead, not just a weak, damsel-in-distress type who needs to be rescued and have other people solve her own problems for her. I definitely liked Tessa's character the most, but Damien's character wasn't so bad himself. Of course, isn't it every girl's secret fantasy to make the bad boy fall so desperately in love with her that he changes for her and her alone? No? Okay, well maybe that's just me.
What could use some work:
My biggest complaint about this book is, I felt like the ending could have been developed a lot more. I felt like there could have been a little more conflict in the final plot twist to help draw it out and keep the reader hooked in to the story. As it was, without giving too much away, it felt almost too easy, and then some emotional stuff that happened a little too instantly for my taste, or maybe not instantly but definitely too fast. This could just be a personal preference that others would not agree with.
Instead of an epilogue, I could see there being a sequel to this book, that goes into the struggles, conflict, and ultimate resolution for something major that was revealed in the end portion of the book, that would let us see how Tess would ultimately reach her biggest goal in life. Those are some stakes, right there.
There were a few minor grammatical errors here and there (against when it should have said again, he when it should have said she). These were few and far between, and not enough to deter me from reading.
Overall, I felt like the story was interesting, and there wasn't any point of the book where I really just felt like putting it down because of my interest level, even though I took several days to read it from beginning to end. It was a fairly quick read, and I would recommend it, especially for the steamy scenes! (/fans myself.)
November 14, 2016
Libby Cole has been one author whose writings I have been following. I have read all the three books in her Hawaiian Heartbreak Series and this is the last one in the series. While the first three books revolve around Kayla, this gives a peek into the life of Tess, her best friend.
This story too deals with love. It is about how the initial hatred for and anger against a person slowly gets replaced with love. There is attraction, there is passion, but in the end, it is the mutual feelings for each other that matters. This story is about relationships and romance in the true sense of the term.
The story is very simple, in fact, if need be, it can be narrated as a short flash fiction. Yet, what sets it apart is the manner in which it has been narrated. Libby has a distinct writing style and that is what had compelled me to read all her stories. Her stories are not complex but the emotions depicted are. Reading it would make to want to run to the protagonist and give her a hug. It kind of generates empathy, making you want to be a part of the happenings that are going on. The story is for a mature audience yet, Libby has given more emphasis to emotions like love, pain, sorrow. Her writing makes you live through emotions as you keep reading.
There are not many characters and that complicates a writer's task. Yet, Libby has done complete justice to portraying the vulnerabilities, the strengths and weaknesses of all the characters. The complexities in human relations, emotions, drama, are all elements that have been brought out in intricate details.
To sum, I loved the series and there is a tinge of disappointment that it has ended. This story, though a part of the series, runs parallel and that sets it apart from the other three. It is a must-read for all those who believe in the magic of love. It is a key to all the others who have an open home but closed heart. On the whole, an awesome piece of writing.
P.S - I chose to read this book for the writing style of the author and the review is an unbiased opinion. I hope there are more stories to come from this upcoming author.
This story too deals with love. It is about how the initial hatred for and anger against a person slowly gets replaced with love. There is attraction, there is passion, but in the end, it is the mutual feelings for each other that matters. This story is about relationships and romance in the true sense of the term.
The story is very simple, in fact, if need be, it can be narrated as a short flash fiction. Yet, what sets it apart is the manner in which it has been narrated. Libby has a distinct writing style and that is what had compelled me to read all her stories. Her stories are not complex but the emotions depicted are. Reading it would make to want to run to the protagonist and give her a hug. It kind of generates empathy, making you want to be a part of the happenings that are going on. The story is for a mature audience yet, Libby has given more emphasis to emotions like love, pain, sorrow. Her writing makes you live through emotions as you keep reading.
There are not many characters and that complicates a writer's task. Yet, Libby has done complete justice to portraying the vulnerabilities, the strengths and weaknesses of all the characters. The complexities in human relations, emotions, drama, are all elements that have been brought out in intricate details.
To sum, I loved the series and there is a tinge of disappointment that it has ended. This story, though a part of the series, runs parallel and that sets it apart from the other three. It is a must-read for all those who believe in the magic of love. It is a key to all the others who have an open home but closed heart. On the whole, an awesome piece of writing.
P.S - I chose to read this book for the writing style of the author and the review is an unbiased opinion. I hope there are more stories to come from this upcoming author.
June 19, 2016
So I am always pleasantly surprised when I get an email from an author (new to me) asking if I would be interested in reviewing their books. For me, it's very humbling and it also introduces me to authors I may not have otherwise found.
When I got this email, I was not sure when I would have time. This book is due to be released later this month and my June is pretty booked, but when I asked if it would be ok for a within 2 weeks of review date review, she said "absolutely". I am a pretty quick reader, so when I see a book that is not exceptionally long, I know I can get it read fairly quickly.
Having never read anything by this author before, I really had no idea what to expect. So I started this book yesterday, and finished it late last night. It's not a really long book, and the pace is pretty quick so it's easy to just keep going.
As spoiler free as possible, this book is about Tess and Damian and is told from Tess's POV only. If I could change one thing about this book, it would be to possibly have a few chapters from Damian's POV. Tess and Damian meet at work, and while Tess can appreciate the way Damian looks, she is put off by his initial behavior, because for a lack of better words, he's an ass to her. Tess is on top at her company, and it would appear that Damian wishes to de-throne her. But, there's always more to the story than that.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect length for a quick little read with likable characters with good character development. The witty/sarcastic banter between the two was perfect and let's not forget the sexual tension between them. Make's for some super steamy sex scenes ;)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
When I got this email, I was not sure when I would have time. This book is due to be released later this month and my June is pretty booked, but when I asked if it would be ok for a within 2 weeks of review date review, she said "absolutely". I am a pretty quick reader, so when I see a book that is not exceptionally long, I know I can get it read fairly quickly.
Having never read anything by this author before, I really had no idea what to expect. So I started this book yesterday, and finished it late last night. It's not a really long book, and the pace is pretty quick so it's easy to just keep going.
As spoiler free as possible, this book is about Tess and Damian and is told from Tess's POV only. If I could change one thing about this book, it would be to possibly have a few chapters from Damian's POV. Tess and Damian meet at work, and while Tess can appreciate the way Damian looks, she is put off by his initial behavior, because for a lack of better words, he's an ass to her. Tess is on top at her company, and it would appear that Damian wishes to de-throne her. But, there's always more to the story than that.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect length for a quick little read with likable characters with good character development. The witty/sarcastic banter between the two was perfect and let's not forget the sexual tension between them. Make's for some super steamy sex scenes ;)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
Review Highlights:
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Age: 18+
Recommendation: Yes, this is short and sexy.
Type: Part of the Hawaiian Heartbreak series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Pages: 187
Summary:+fast paced +HEA +/- cliche yet enjoyable plot +hot romance +well built characters
Full Review:
Libby Cole does it again! In the same fashion as her Hawaiian Heartbreak Trilogy, Libby Cole gives us something short, steamy and satisfying. This book follows Tess, a high performing real estate agent who experiences hate at first sight with the new guy in her office. Forced to work together, Tess and Damian reluctantly get to know each other and discover feelings that neither of them really want but both desperately need. In true classic romance fashion, this book starts out with a bang and ends with one.
As short as this book is, the progression doesn't feel rushed and manages to successfully tell the story in less than two hundred pages. The love scenes are graphic and sizzling. The chemistry between Damian and Tess is so thick it's hard to believe either of them can manage to get any work done at all.
I have to mention the cover, the look on the female models face is a bit pornographic, so naturally it makes me giggle. Both models are true to the characters description in the story but I feel like Tess is so spunky she deserved a better representation. This book is a fun, easy read that didn't make me stress reading it. I would recommend to anyone wanting something quick, sexy and non-complicated.
Disclaimer: I obtained an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Libby Cole!
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Age: 18+
Recommendation: Yes, this is short and sexy.
Type: Part of the Hawaiian Heartbreak series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Pages: 187
Summary:+fast paced +HEA +/- cliche yet enjoyable plot +hot romance +well built characters
Full Review:
Libby Cole does it again! In the same fashion as her Hawaiian Heartbreak Trilogy, Libby Cole gives us something short, steamy and satisfying. This book follows Tess, a high performing real estate agent who experiences hate at first sight with the new guy in her office. Forced to work together, Tess and Damian reluctantly get to know each other and discover feelings that neither of them really want but both desperately need. In true classic romance fashion, this book starts out with a bang and ends with one.
As short as this book is, the progression doesn't feel rushed and manages to successfully tell the story in less than two hundred pages. The love scenes are graphic and sizzling. The chemistry between Damian and Tess is so thick it's hard to believe either of them can manage to get any work done at all.
I have to mention the cover, the look on the female models face is a bit pornographic, so naturally it makes me giggle. Both models are true to the characters description in the story but I feel like Tess is so spunky she deserved a better representation. This book is a fun, easy read that didn't make me stress reading it. I would recommend to anyone wanting something quick, sexy and non-complicated.
Disclaimer: I obtained an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Libby Cole!
July 15, 2016
Open Home, Closed Heart is the forth installment of the Hawaiian Heartbreak series by Libby Cole. She’s also a new author to me.
Tess has always been the top performer in her real-estate agency, but when a new guy transfers into her firm things get a bit dicey. The only ways for Tess to remain professional is to simply avoid Damien, but that seems to be a challenge considering he’s around every corner….And her top competitor.
Is it all a game or will these two be able to open their hearts?
Open Home, Closed Heart was a great read. I loved that the author just dove right into the story by giving the reader the basic characteristics of Tess. As I read further I found myself either giggling or laughing out loud with all the quick witty comments Ms. Cole dishes out. In additional the chemistry build up between Tess and Damien was so intense that I was afraid that my kindle might explode. The one thing that really sold me, was how Tess and Damien both has something to fight for and I loved that with each page we got to see more into their lives. The only thing that I didn’t really like was I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. Overall, I still enjoyed the story and felt that the pace was perfect throughout the book.
Open Home, Closed Heart can be read as a standalone.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
Tess has always been the top performer in her real-estate agency, but when a new guy transfers into her firm things get a bit dicey. The only ways for Tess to remain professional is to simply avoid Damien, but that seems to be a challenge considering he’s around every corner….And her top competitor.
Is it all a game or will these two be able to open their hearts?
Open Home, Closed Heart was a great read. I loved that the author just dove right into the story by giving the reader the basic characteristics of Tess. As I read further I found myself either giggling or laughing out loud with all the quick witty comments Ms. Cole dishes out. In additional the chemistry build up between Tess and Damien was so intense that I was afraid that my kindle might explode. The one thing that really sold me, was how Tess and Damien both has something to fight for and I loved that with each page we got to see more into their lives. The only thing that I didn’t really like was I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. Overall, I still enjoyed the story and felt that the pace was perfect throughout the book.
Open Home, Closed Heart can be read as a standalone.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
June 21, 2016
**I was given an ARC for an honest review**
I have to say I have a hard time rating this book. I'm stuck between 4 and 5 stars...
I absolutely love enemies turned lovers books, and Tess and Damian have to be one of my favorites I've read so far!
Tess has worked hard to get her real estate career to the point where she is now. After the death of her parents she's done everything she can to put her sister through school and support them both. There's no room or time for the arrogant jerk who's determined to take her clients and undermine her hard work.
But Damian has personal issues going on in his life that have him pushing Tess away. But there's only so much pushing away a person can do before they both cave into their feelings.
I really enjoyed getting to read the banter between these two. I laughed so much! I think if I had any kind of issue with story it would be Tess's back and forth with her feelings for Damian. There was no kind of past explained that would let us know why she was so determined to keep him out her life. I especially really don't care for females who keep their pregnancy from men, especially since he never gave her any kind of indication he would be against having a kid.
I have to say I have a hard time rating this book. I'm stuck between 4 and 5 stars...
I absolutely love enemies turned lovers books, and Tess and Damian have to be one of my favorites I've read so far!
Tess has worked hard to get her real estate career to the point where she is now. After the death of her parents she's done everything she can to put her sister through school and support them both. There's no room or time for the arrogant jerk who's determined to take her clients and undermine her hard work.
But Damian has personal issues going on in his life that have him pushing Tess away. But there's only so much pushing away a person can do before they both cave into their feelings.
I really enjoyed getting to read the banter between these two. I laughed so much! I think if I had any kind of issue with story it would be Tess's back and forth with her feelings for Damian. There was no kind of past explained that would let us know why she was so determined to keep him out her life. I especially really don't care for females who keep their pregnancy from men, especially since he never gave her any kind of indication he would be against having a kid.
June 27, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud more than once and smiling practically through the entire book. This was an awesome hate to love romance with a determined alpha male for sure!
Tess works in real estate, determined to allow her sister to continue her college studies even without her parents in the picture any longer. Damian is new to where she works but not new to the real estate game. He sees Tess as a simple obstacle to make it to the top of his career. He’s nothing but an arrogant jerk to her and she’s nothing but a plastic snob to him. That is, until they’re forced to work with one another.
I would defiantly recommend this book to lovers of contemporary romance, alpha males, and intense hate to love romances. It’s a fun read that you won’t be able to put down till the last word. This is also a complete standalone so you do not need to have read the previous books in this serious to thoroughly enjoy this book.
Tess works in real estate, determined to allow her sister to continue her college studies even without her parents in the picture any longer. Damian is new to where she works but not new to the real estate game. He sees Tess as a simple obstacle to make it to the top of his career. He’s nothing but an arrogant jerk to her and she’s nothing but a plastic snob to him. That is, until they’re forced to work with one another.
I would defiantly recommend this book to lovers of contemporary romance, alpha males, and intense hate to love romances. It’s a fun read that you won’t be able to put down till the last word. This is also a complete standalone so you do not need to have read the previous books in this serious to thoroughly enjoy this book.
August 10, 2016
3.5 stars. Arc received for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
Tess is a real estate agent, She's the highest selling agent at her firm and gets on well with everyone. She has big dreams of opening her own agency and nothing and nobody is going to get in the way of that. Not even the hot new guy, Damian who seems intent on knocking Tess off her perch.
On starting at his new job, Damian knows that if he's going to be the best, he needs to beat the best - even if he has to go about it in an underhand way.
When the boss throws them together, Can Tess and Damian fight the pull or will give in to the temptation?
This was a nice, easy read. I really liked Tess, she was a strong character with a good heart but I didn't really take to Damian. I know he had his reasons for being a douche but he never really grew on me.
The storyline was pretty good and the writing flowed really well. I did feel like the end was a bit rushed but all in all an enjoyable, well written story.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
Tess is a real estate agent, She's the highest selling agent at her firm and gets on well with everyone. She has big dreams of opening her own agency and nothing and nobody is going to get in the way of that. Not even the hot new guy, Damian who seems intent on knocking Tess off her perch.
On starting at his new job, Damian knows that if he's going to be the best, he needs to beat the best - even if he has to go about it in an underhand way.
When the boss throws them together, Can Tess and Damian fight the pull or will give in to the temptation?
This was a nice, easy read. I really liked Tess, she was a strong character with a good heart but I didn't really take to Damian. I know he had his reasons for being a douche but he never really grew on me.
The storyline was pretty good and the writing flowed really well. I did feel like the end was a bit rushed but all in all an enjoyable, well written story.
July 8, 2016
This is the first time I've had a new to me author contact me and ask if I would be interested in reading and reviewing their book. I love finding new authors so I said yes and am so glad I did. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more work from this author.
Tess has worked hard in her career as a real estate agent and is the top seller at her agency. When the new guy, Damian, starts, Tess is instantly attracted to him. Until he opens his mouth and she finds out he's cocky and arrogant jerk. Damian sees Tess as a typical blonde Barbie and begins a war of sorts. Tess is one to never back down and the game is on. When they are forced to work together, the sparks begin to fly. As they grow closer, they each learn that their first impressions of the other are completely wrong.
I'm a sucker for insta-attraction and enemies to lovers stories and this book has both. Tess and Damian are sizzling hot together and I was completely drawn into the story.
Tess has worked hard in her career as a real estate agent and is the top seller at her agency. When the new guy, Damian, starts, Tess is instantly attracted to him. Until he opens his mouth and she finds out he's cocky and arrogant jerk. Damian sees Tess as a typical blonde Barbie and begins a war of sorts. Tess is one to never back down and the game is on. When they are forced to work together, the sparks begin to fly. As they grow closer, they each learn that their first impressions of the other are completely wrong.
I'm a sucker for insta-attraction and enemies to lovers stories and this book has both. Tess and Damian are sizzling hot together and I was completely drawn into the story.
Want to read
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June 27, 2016
Tumultuous relationship experienced entirely from Tess's point of view. It is a rare opportunity to see into the mind of a girl that has the sad burden and responsibility resulted from a trauma in the past, who feels insecure and mistrusts men, especially cocky, muscle bound men and whose perceptions of reality are based on her beliefs, experiences and preconceived notions. Damian, too jumps to preconceived stereotypes on first meeting Tess. So much for first impressions! We see Tess slowly get to see other levels to Damian, to understand and see him more clearly, to forgive. Both Damian & Tess are life-like characters that slowly evolve from a disastrous first meeting to an open loving heart. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.
June 10, 2016
This is the 4th book that I have read from this author & all I can say is that they keep getting better.
I adored both Tess & Damian's characters. Tess is sweet, funny with the right kind of sass. You can't help but love her from the minute you meet her. Their relationship doesn't get off to the best of starts & shall we say that you should never judge a book by its cover or you will constantly keep being surprised.
You can't help but want to kick Damian's bum at first but you will grow to love him. There's a thin line between love & hate between theses two.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was sexy, funny & romantic.
I adored both Tess & Damian's characters. Tess is sweet, funny with the right kind of sass. You can't help but love her from the minute you meet her. Their relationship doesn't get off to the best of starts & shall we say that you should never judge a book by its cover or you will constantly keep being surprised.
You can't help but want to kick Damian's bum at first but you will grow to love him. There's a thin line between love & hate between theses two.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was sexy, funny & romantic.
June 13, 2016
Five stars coz it surprised me! And I love it when books do that to me :) It's a pretty short and steamy read. Romance lovers will definitely enjoy it!
A standalone spin-off from the Hawaiin Hearbreak trilogy, this one's got office romance that starts off on a very wrong foot. Tess and Damian can't stand each other until their mutual attraction takes over. I'm sure you are thinking "Ah, another one of those jerk hotties and weak-kneed girls". But don't judge people or stories at the first glance is my advice. Won't spoil it much. The author is going to go places, I'm sure. Well done, Libby!Libby Cole
A standalone spin-off from the Hawaiin Hearbreak trilogy, this one's got office romance that starts off on a very wrong foot. Tess and Damian can't stand each other until their mutual attraction takes over. I'm sure you are thinking "Ah, another one of those jerk hotties and weak-kneed girls". But don't judge people or stories at the first glance is my advice. Won't spoil it much. The author is going to go places, I'm sure. Well done, Libby!Libby Cole
June 20, 2016
I absolutely loved Tess and how she doesn't hold back. You met Tess in Libby's first series. You don't have to read that series but I would highly recommend that you do.
Damien is the new guy in the office, Tess is the Star. Damien is judgemental in his meeting with Tess. I just wanted to knock him out. I loved the back and forth between the two. At times, it had me laughing.
These two were like mixing oil and vinegar, but it was so worth seeing the outcome.
I had an inclination of what was coming but it still didn't ruined the story.
****received a copy for my honest review****
Damien is the new guy in the office, Tess is the Star. Damien is judgemental in his meeting with Tess. I just wanted to knock him out. I loved the back and forth between the two. At times, it had me laughing.
These two were like mixing oil and vinegar, but it was so worth seeing the outcome.
I had an inclination of what was coming but it still didn't ruined the story.
****received a copy for my honest review****
June 18, 2016
I first came across this author with the first in this series, Hawaiian Heartbreak. One of the things I have enjoyed about reading her books is seeing the development of her writing style which has improved incrementally with each book.
This addition to the series is a lovely, distracting read. A fun, and sexy escape from the hum drum of everyday life. Whilst there are some elements to the story which might be a little obvious, it didn't detract from my overall appreciation of the tale.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This addition to the series is a lovely, distracting read. A fun, and sexy escape from the hum drum of everyday life. Whilst there are some elements to the story which might be a little obvious, it didn't detract from my overall appreciation of the tale.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Written in past tense, third person - which admittedly took a little getting used to - this story sucked me right in.
Tess is really likeable and even Damien is too, even though he's a bit douche-worthy initially. I do love seeing the douche and the main girl come together though...not sure what that says about me exactly.
The author is from New Zealand and I found the dialogue really relaxed like I'm used to in Australia, we share a lot of the same expressions so it was comforting and nice to read that.
Will definitely be picking up more by this author!
Tess is really likeable and even Damien is too, even though he's a bit douche-worthy initially. I do love seeing the douche and the main girl come together though...not sure what that says about me exactly.
The author is from New Zealand and I found the dialogue really relaxed like I'm used to in Australia, we share a lot of the same expressions so it was comforting and nice to read that.
Will definitely be picking up more by this author!
June 28, 2016
I live the sexual tension between these two, yiu can feel it by just being near them. I also love how they bicker with each other. But can also be sweet at times. When no one is looking. Loved Tess and Damian story definitely wasn't expecting these terms of events. Great job Libby!!!
June 30, 2016
My Thoughts:
A story that give us that angst we are looking for and the perfect hate/lust/love relationship.
Full review posted at http://goo.gl/jX6zZ9
A story that give us that angst we are looking for and the perfect hate/lust/love relationship.
Full review posted at http://goo.gl/jX6zZ9
July 12, 2016
Yes five hot stars!!!
I love the lines, the plot and characters.
Please read! The story's so funny and sexy.
I love the lines, the plot and characters.
Please read! The story's so funny and sexy.
April 22, 2019
Book Synopsis:
Tessa is a real estate agent, a top performer at her agency, and the boss's pet. She is ambitious, talented, and assertive in her job, and she's on track to go places.
Then Damien comes along.
Damien is a transfer from a competing company, and immediately sizes Tessa up as his top competition, literally giving her a run for her money. He ruthlessly sets out to beat her numbers, even using some pretty underhanded methods to go about it.
But things aren't always what they seem, and they both find out soon enough that there's a little more to each other's story than what meets the eye.
My Review
3.5 STARS (rounded up to 4)
What worked:
This book has a pretty good opening line and immediately starts giving the reader some depth to the main character. Immediately, we know she has a habit of being late, and she's pretty realistic about making a point to work on that but knowing it's not likely to happen any time soon.
Throughout the book, there are some witty lines that made me laugh. The writer has a pretty good foundation on writing well, overall. I also felt like the story flowed at a good pace for the majority of the book.
Then there were the steamy scenes. Quite a few of them, actually! Those, I felt, were well-written and did a good job of pulling me in. In fact, I'd say the steamy scenes are what made this book work, and I especially liked the tension building up to those.
I also liked that the female protagonist/main character was a strong female lead, not just a weak, damsel-in-distress type who needs to be rescued and have other people solve her own problems for her. I definitely liked Tessa's character the most, but Damien's character wasn't so bad himself. Of course, isn't it every girl's secret fantasy to make the bad boy fall so desperately in love with her that he changes for her and her alone? No? Okay, well maybe that's just me.
What could use some work:
My biggest complaint about this book is, I felt like the ending could have been developed a lot more. I felt like there could have been a little more conflict in the final plot twist to help draw it out and keep the reader hooked in to the story. As it was, without giving too much away, it felt almost too easy, and then some emotional stuff that happened a little too instantly for my taste, or maybe not instantly but definitely too fast. This could just be a personal preference that others would not agree with.
Instead of an epilogue, I could see there being a sequel to this book, that goes into the struggles, conflict, and ultimate resolution for something major that was revealed in the end portion of the book, that would let us see how Tess would ultimately reach her biggest goal in life. Those are some stakes, right there.
There were a few minor grammatical errors here and there (against when it should have said again, he when it should have said she). These were few and far between, and not enough to deter me from reading.
Overall, I felt like the story was interesting, and there wasn't any point of the book where I really just felt like putting it down because of my interest level, even though I took several days to read it from beginning to end. It was a fairly quick read, and I would recommend it, especially for the steamy scenes! (/fans myself.)
Tessa is a real estate agent, a top performer at her agency, and the boss's pet. She is ambitious, talented, and assertive in her job, and she's on track to go places.
Then Damien comes along.
Damien is a transfer from a competing company, and immediately sizes Tessa up as his top competition, literally giving her a run for her money. He ruthlessly sets out to beat her numbers, even using some pretty underhanded methods to go about it.
But things aren't always what they seem, and they both find out soon enough that there's a little more to each other's story than what meets the eye.
My Review
3.5 STARS (rounded up to 4)
What worked:
This book has a pretty good opening line and immediately starts giving the reader some depth to the main character. Immediately, we know she has a habit of being late, and she's pretty realistic about making a point to work on that but knowing it's not likely to happen any time soon.
Throughout the book, there are some witty lines that made me laugh. The writer has a pretty good foundation on writing well, overall. I also felt like the story flowed at a good pace for the majority of the book.
Then there were the steamy scenes. Quite a few of them, actually! Those, I felt, were well-written and did a good job of pulling me in. In fact, I'd say the steamy scenes are what made this book work, and I especially liked the tension building up to those.
I also liked that the female protagonist/main character was a strong female lead, not just a weak, damsel-in-distress type who needs to be rescued and have other people solve her own problems for her. I definitely liked Tessa's character the most, but Damien's character wasn't so bad himself. Of course, isn't it every girl's secret fantasy to make the bad boy fall so desperately in love with her that he changes for her and her alone? No? Okay, well maybe that's just me.
What could use some work:
My biggest complaint about this book is, I felt like the ending could have been developed a lot more. I felt like there could have been a little more conflict in the final plot twist to help draw it out and keep the reader hooked in to the story. As it was, without giving too much away, it felt almost too easy, and then some emotional stuff that happened a little too instantly for my taste, or maybe not instantly but definitely too fast. This could just be a personal preference that others would not agree with.
Instead of an epilogue, I could see there being a sequel to this book, that goes into the struggles, conflict, and ultimate resolution for something major that was revealed in the end portion of the book, that would let us see how Tess would ultimately reach her biggest goal in life. Those are some stakes, right there.
There were a few minor grammatical errors here and there (against when it should have said again, he when it should have said she). These were few and far between, and not enough to deter me from reading.
Overall, I felt like the story was interesting, and there wasn't any point of the book where I really just felt like putting it down because of my interest level, even though I took several days to read it from beginning to end. It was a fairly quick read, and I would recommend it, especially for the steamy scenes! (/fans myself.)
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