The Story of Jax and Payton

A Silicon Valley Prince #1

by Anita Claire

The Story of Jax and Payton

Payton's hectic schedule didn't include being ordered to show up at a customer’s office after his computers are taken hostage.

Of course, Jax, the guy doing the ordering wasn’t expecting his computer guy to be such a beauty.

Their first meeting doesn’t get off too well as Jax blurts out, “Payton—the dude I’ve been texting back and forth with for the last two years—is really a girl?”

“Yeah, well, Jax, you look a lot different than what I pictured too.” Except Payton finds Jax to be big, broad, and ruggedly handsome. Why do all the good-looking guys have to be such dicks? Payton wonders.

Jax can’t stop watching this beauty fix his computers, while Payton’s intrigued and repulsed all at the same time.

Afterwards Jax can’t get Payton out of his mind. A couple of days later, wanting to see Payton again, Jax hatches a plan.

Nothing could have prepared Payton for the ride Jax would take her on. And she certainly wasn't prepared for where she’d wind up when the ride was over.
All good things must come to an end, right?
Except their ending was one Payton didn't see coming.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

212 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Be sure to follow me on BookBub since I use this site to announce any sales, pre-order alerts, and R2R requests for my books: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anita...

Work Stuff -- I've spent many years working high-tech in Silicon Valley at both large companies and start-ups. This has given me plenty of war stories and a rich understanding of how things work in the valley. I use this as a backdrop to my stories.

Family Stuff -- I'm a mom of a wonderful teenage daughter.

Book Stuff --
Coaching my daughter's soccer team was the inspiration for the Princess series. I watched all these wonderful girls and imagined what they would be like in ten years.

The Prince stories were inspired by all the single 30-somethings I know who are all working hard and still looking for that someone special.

The Reunion series was motivated by me going back to my high school reunion. The love stories are all from my imagination but many of the interactions were real.

Background Stuff --
Most of my stories take place in Silicon Valley. Not only do I live in Silicon Valley but I find it a unique and dynamic place with lots of smart people who work really hard. It also has its own culture I rarely find correctly represented in our media. I think most people who write about Silicon Valley have never worked at a Silicon Valley high-tech company. In other words, they really don't understand why it is the way that it is, they just write about the manifestations of what they see. I hope my books are a fun and an under-the-cover look, at high-tech Silicon Valley-style.

When I was looking for a second location for my stories, I wanted a place that would be different from Silicon Valley. That's why I chose Western New York -- where I grew up. I liked that it was three thousand miles away so the weather was different, the land was different, and it has a very different economic base.

Why I write --
A few years ago I had a cardiac arrest, spent four days in a coma, and lost ten days of my memory. With my damaged heart, I spent the rest of the year laying on my couch trying to get oxygen to my muscles and reading ... a lot. I found I liked books that have a first-person narrative, are relationship-driven and have a happy ending. These three characteristics were in all romance novels.

My Niche --
What I didn't see in most of the romance books was intelligent women with non-traditional jobs, a strong group of friends, and a loving relationship with their families. Since I have no desire to try to fix a broken man or date an unrepentant bad boy I found the typical romance men to be unappealing. That doesn't mean my hero's don't have issues. It's just their issues can be solved by opening up and falling in love with a great woman.

Where I get my ideas --
I got my idea for my books from life. My first series “The Princesses” is about 20-something men and women who live in Silicon Valley and are transitioning from college to full adulthood. For my second series, “The Princes”, I aged the protagonists up so they are dealing with issues people in their 30's face. With my third series “Reunion” I felt the issues and lifestyle of adults in their late thirties were universal and the stories did not need to be tied to Silicon Valley.

Reviews

[Keep Calm Novel On · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.

Payton is a girl…and that is the beginning of this charming contemporary romance.

Jax owns a successful construction company and Payton owns her own computer systems management company. They have never met and he assumes that Payton is a guy! Wrong! Payton must go to Jax’s office to clear up a complicated computer problem. Their first encounter is delightful and filled with humor.

The author shares their journey via Payton and Jax’s points of view. The reader will understand their private fears, hopes and dreams. This perfectly paired couple must overcome brilliantly written obstacles. Anita Claire gives the reader strong characters with distinct voices and personalities. She exposes their undeniable chemistry along with an unstoppable emotional connection. This character driven novel reveals Jax’s trying past and their patience is tested along the way. The computer storyline adds unexpected twists and turns as well. This page turner does not disappoint.

The Story of Jax and Payton is Anita Claire’s first installment in the Silicon Valley Princes series. Looking forward to the next book. A perfect read for the beach, daily commute or a lazy afternoon.

[Vampress Bathory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!! *sings* Stop! Wait a minute! Read this book don't waste another minute!!! I really adored this book, man! This is a summer must read! Sweet, lovely, light, awesome, fun, steamy, contemporary romance.
This is my second book from this author, my first one being Juliette from the ''Princesses of Silicon Valley''. I must admit that I was expecting something along the lines of the first series when I saw the name of this series which is ''A Silicon Valley Prince", but man was I wrong!! I can say that this series is different and yes I have a feeling that it'll be a favorite of mine.
The most important thing in here that made me happy is the total absence of a love triangle. Whoop, whoop!! I am a total hater of love triangles, I think they're overused and they stress and bore me to death so yeah this is a very important factor to me.
The hero Jax, and the heroine Payton, are in their 30's, they're intelligent and mature with sta ble homes and careers. I loved how the story is told from the POV or them both, because this way the story feels more real and you get to see their feelings, emotions and fears. Yes, there is insta-attraction, but not insta-love. We get to see their relationship developing and that makes everything more believable. They are so good together and their attraction is off the charts. Jax is a hot, swoon worthy hero, he has a healthy thinking, he is awesome with Payton, he has some minor issues regarding his family but he handles everything perfectly and yeah he is so delightful that you'll want him for yourself. Payton is a computer tech, she is lovely, intelligent and sweet. She is focused on her work and she has some relationship fears but she overcomes them beautifully. Jax and Payton are perfect for each other and man they are so compatible, especially when it comes to steamy scenes. Oh, man, things were really hot when these two were in the business.
As for all of the other characters, I loved their interaction with the hero and heroine.
The plot is interesting, it flows perfectly, it has romance, steamy scenes but it also has some action regarding some hackers bad guys that messed with the hero's construction business and our heroine needs to trace and catch them. Loved the HEA soooo much!!!
Can't wait for Brody's story, I need it ASAP and I'm sure I'm going to love it!! ( hoping for another absence of the love triangle).
*** the author was so kind to provide me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!! Thank you so much!

[Annette Dahl "Old Vicarious Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in return for my honest review.

Sweetest contemporary romance I've read in a while.

Let me start off by saying I was delighted that our H/h were in their thirties. Most of the stories I read either, contemporary or paranormal, the characters are in their early twenties. And, I wouldn't have a problem with that if I was reading a new adult story, I just find it annoying. Not the case with this delightful love story.

There are so many reasons why I loved this story and why it pulled me in. But, mostly it felt real, true to life, and the dialogue in the minds of both of these two just seemed so realistic. There was sweet romantic banter that made me giggle. Also, the story was alternate point of view which I love to read. Jax was all about getting Payton into his bed, and our sweet Payton’s thoughts were all about caution. The writing style was excellent, and the sentences flowed and were easy to comprehend.

Every once in a while a story feels so real that it comes to life for me. It takes me back in time to my love affairs, and such was the case with Jax and Payton. There was a scene from Jax's point of view where he explained how he lifted her chin and softly kissed her lips, I was swooning like it was me not Payton. That’s excellent storytelling in my opinion.

Jax... He started off sounding like a chauvinist, but he soon had me at, "I hate screwing a skeleton". He loved Payton’s curves, and for us curvy girls that is just plain swoon worthy.

Payton… She was so realistic and easy to relate to. Like most of our heroines she was sweet and very lovable.

I loved this love story, and even though it had a happily ever after I wished I could have watched them grow old together. I just didn’t want to give them up. Sweet story, and an excellent read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for ARC from the author for honest review: A well written sweet beginning of a relationship of a couple that met under the least suspecting of circumstances. Payton was their computer tech consult that no one had ever met and when she's called to do on site visit it throws Jax, the client into a spin.

It's a very fun book with layers of situations where they discover each other The chemistry is off the charts with Jax and Payton. He makes mental lists of what he likes about her as their dates increase.

There is a secondary plot point regarding the computer viruses where Payton barters tracking the instigator for salvaged (mostly new) materials for her house. It's pretty developed and fun to read.

It's a pleasant read and maybe a great book for the beach this summer.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not particularly enamored about reading this book, because I struggled a bit with the detail in the Silicon Valley Princess Series. However what I can say is that I was completely shocked and surprised and thoroughly enjoy the first book in the Silicon Valley Prince Series, it got to the story line quickly, it was punchy the characters personalities played out on the page. There was a nice introduction to characters in future series and the description of each characters personal triumphs was well written and explained, without being overly laboured and resolution came quickly, so the reader did not feel anxious for the outcome. I'm am definitely looking forward to book 2 in this series!

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book from the author for R2R. I am always honest with my opinions.

I always find that the first book in a new series tends to be a bit awkward (not necessarily in a bad way), and for me, understandably so. The first book is pretty much laying the groundwork for everything to come for the series. We're meeting the characters, exploring the new setting, and getting a feel for the tone of what we might expect from these stories. But because of those things the story sometimes doesn't always flow in the same way the others might. That's just how I usually feel. I felt this book is a perfect example of that. There is loads to like about this book as well as a couple of things that just felt sort of, to repeat myself, awkward. There were two things that, to different degrees, pulled me out of the story. Though to be honest it wasn't anything that was too glaring, and I got past them pretty quickly. The first thing was that it seemed like after only five minutes of Jax meeting Payton he was all "she so different than anyone I've ever dated," and he didn't even know her. I was just like okay, cool it man. Maybe take like 20 minutes before you make such a claim. I mean she could have been a total b**ch. But again it was a small detail that I got past almost immediately. I just like a little more build up. The second issue was all the hacker talk/lingo. I have absolutely zero understanding of coding or hacking, or computers in general, so when Payton was talking about it I was like, huh? It took me a minute to get into that and just go with it. It began to make so much more sense the farther I read. And that is the thing about this book, I wanted to keep reading. It definitely holds your interest and I went through it very quickly (though life did intrude a few times). The characters were so different but worked so well together. They didnt need to spend every single second together because they had busy lives, and thats okay. They had real issues to sort out and deal with and that was good. And in the end I believed the HEA because it felt real. There was a lot of great humor, which I need in a book. I loved that Payton was in a field that is pretty much dominated by men and was strong and feisty. And I loved her dog!! I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing where things go.

[Cheney Stropus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for a review. I wasn't super excited considering I read one of her other books from the Princesses of Silicon Valley series and didn't care for it much, but I'm always willing to give books a try. While I did enjoy this book a lot more, it is still not one of my favorites. I liked the way the plot rolled on in this book, and I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters. I thought the relationships they had outside each other, i.e. their friends, we're forced and unrealistic though. I also thought the "steamy" scenes, and I use that term lightly, needed a lot of work. Sometimes they were rushed and I was left to infer what happened, and sometimes there were details, but the verbiage used was elementary at best and made me feel like I was listening to someone describing their middle school dance experiences. Things like, "he grabbed my butt", and the use of the word "boob", make it very juvenile. It seemed like at times Payton was very unsure of herself and then sometimes became a sex kitten. A little contradictory to me. I thought the plot line about her being a hacker and getting back into the hacking game was kind of cool, but even that came off as mundane and boring. And I thought it was lame that she felt like she needed to keep her Everyman sleep schedule a secret was just plain lame! Who cares if she only sleeps like 4 hours a day! I sleep 5! I don't feel ashamed! It means I'm busy reading or watching hockey! Pretty dumb that she thought that would somehow be a deal breaker! I also would have liked a little more follow-up with what happened to the people who originally hacked him! She found them and got them to turn on each other, but what happened with Justin? What happened with Bruce and JC? I don't need a ton of info, but I feel like there could have been more. I also felt like the end was pretty rushed. It was kind of just all of a sudden over. I honestly didn't want anymore, but would have liked a little more build up. Better than the "Princesses" series, but still not one I'd really recommend.

[Drue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (R2R). How awesome is that?

First, I love a story that features an intelligent, well-educated, driven female lead, who is in her 30s. Payton has a thriving business in computer systems management. She works remotely--from her home. A longterm client demands her presence, so off she goes to meet him for the first time. He's a handsome and extremely gruff ex-football player, who has built a very successful Silicon Valley business in mega-mansion construction. I found my happy, reading smile when Payton asserts herself and puts him in his place.

There begins the excitement. Payton and Jax (the hottie) fight their attraction, while she works to solve his computer issues, and he uses his builder wares and connections to help her complete a personal project.

It seems like the premise would result in a superficial and easy read. While it's not a challenging work, the author's provided some truly fantastic elements that combine to form a great book. There's some mystery and intrigue, while Payton figures out the computer issues and their cause. Payton's backstory is well-integrated into the plot. She's a fully realized character, with flaws, struggles and, ultimately, successes. At the same time, we have glimpses of Jax's own history, which Anita Claire manages to weave in without the common angst or vices. I enjoyed the details on hacking and renos, too.

I really enjoyed this first book in the new Silicon Valley Prince series. I can't wait for the next one!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jax has discovered that his computer has a virus and he demands that Payton (his IT guy) comes out to his office and fix the problem. Since Jax had never actually met Payton he was thrown for a loop when he realizes that Payton wasn't a "dude" as he had originally thought (Gotta love the unisex names), but whatever you do DO NOT call her a girl because she is a woman in her thirties and does not appreciate being called a girl at all.

I have to say that this was an enjoyable read, it was light and sweet perfect reading material for hanging out at the beach or pool. But if you go into this thinking it's going to be a steamy ready you will be disappointed, while Jax and Payton did get together and have "adult time" it wasn't spicy or steamy, it left me wanting more. I also didn't care for Payton's friends to much, there was just something about them that fell flat. One thing I really liked is that they agreed to a barter arrangement, she was going to track down the person(s) that gave him the virus in exchange for material to help renovate her home. That was a great way for both parties to get what they wanted without shelling out cash. I would say that this was a solid start to the new series.


**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was supplied to me from the author for a honest review (Read2Review).

I gave the book a 5 star rating. I enjoyed how the characters met at work in a most unlikely way and weren't exactly looking for romance. They are mature (in their 30's) and both are settled with homes, and careers.

In Juliette the Silicon Valley Princess Series Book one, I was troubled by the hi-tech "shop talk" and was afraid it would happen with this book also. I was pleasantly surprised. Although this first book in the Silicon Valley Prince Series still is computer related, I didn't get bogged down trying to understand it.

I liked how at first Jax and Payton's meetings were all work related using it as an excuse to get together until Jax makes it clear he wants a date.

There is a secondary plot woven into the story regarding tracking computer viruses that leads to miscommunication and the conflict in their relationship. Every love story needs a happily ever after and this did not disappoint.

It's a quick, light, fun, romantic read and would be perfect for the beach this summer.

[Janom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre– Contemporary Romance
Steamy?– Yes
Cliffhanger?– No
Can be read as Standalone?– Yes
Rating– 4.5 out of 5 Stars

***COMPLIMENTARY COPY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***

I really, really liked this book! I couldn’t put it down! The chemistry felt natural and believable between the MCs. I found it refreshing that the characters were in their 30s – the story felt more mature and adult. The pace and flow was perfect – not rushed but not prolonged with unnecessary misunderstandings. And as usual, I love that the story is set in my backyard.

The story wasn’t so deep that it touched my soul (the only reason I didn’t give this a 5) but I don’t think that was the intention of the book. It was a light romantic read and it repeatedly gave me the warm feelings that I seek in these kinds books. For that, it succeeded admirably. I am definitely looking forward to the next books in the series.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

As the title suggests, this is Jax and Payton's story. Jax has a construction business where he is having serious problems with a computer virus and blackmail, and his tech "guy" Payton is on way to help. Jax is in for a surprise. What he didn't know was that the Payton he had been paying for looking after his computer security is in fact a woman...and a very pretty, sassy, intelligent one at that.

After the initial shock they realise that they have a pull towards one another, but neither are expecting it. The story unfolds to reveal their true feelings for each other.

What I now like about Anita's writng style is the detail. You really get to know what makes the characters tick. A great start to another series. If this series is like her other one, the books are all stand alone but are connected by events and the characters tend to be friends.

[Trish Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Mrs. Claire for the opportunity to review this book. I think all authors are brave creatures for putting their creativity out in the world.
This is the second of Mrs. Claire's books that I have been asked to review. I really enjoyed the idea behind this book and the supporting characters. However, I do believe that the story was a bit choppy at times and lacked that peaceful flow that allows the reader to effortlessly float through a story. In comparison to the first book I reviewed for Mrs. Claire, "The Story of Jax & Payton", the crude language was a little more subdued. ( Still abundantly present but not as much). My big cringe over this book has to do with the intimate scenes. I'm all for passion, but let's keep it classy! And why so many? It makes it seem like their entire relationship is based upon what happens behind closed doors, or rather in the closets.

[Ginevra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

I have to say I liked the book, the story is really cute and sweet, and hot at the same time. I'm a sucker for a bad boy, so i must admit when I read the first meeting between Jax and Payton I was super excited that he wasn't straight away a charming nice guy. I was a bit disappointed that this didnt last long. I found their relationship a bit "linear" in the sense, that they kinda had not too serious issues to overcome. Also, I found a bit annoying the fact that as soon as they started their relationship all the rest kinda of disappeared (aka Payton's friends).
Overall though I liked the book, I found it easy and light to read, but not boring.

Nice for the upcoming summer, to relax on the beach!

[Lesleigh Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I gave Jax and Payton's story this rating bc to tell you the truth it's an awesome book.. If you are familiar with any of Anita Clair's book then you know her journeys and characters are so real , well to me they are .. I love to read in fact I read a lot and all of her books I've read they just pulled me in , it's like your part of them n in everyone especially Jax and Payton's story there was a situation u can relate to in some aspect in your life ..
Anita is just an awesome author and truly one of my favorites ..
If you are not really familiar with any of Anita's book this is the PERFECT story to start with and to get you hooked....
I so so recommend Jax and Payton's story , u will fall in love .. But grab a box of tissue ..

[Kim Peckitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a review copy of this book. I apologize for not getting this read before the release. A short, sweet tale and a great start to this new series. Loved the 30 something leads which is is refreshing in this genre. I will say that the intro was a little too technical on the IT stuff for my taste but I bet the key to writing books is to write what you know so I can't knock the author for that.

[Irene Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sent to me for an honest review.
I must admit that it started good enough, the story very interesting and unique but I found it a little flat.... The characters lack the depth needed to be able to enter their positions and I could feel their chemistry. That magic was missing, at times it felt mechanical and too similar each scene with the other to be able to make me feel it.
Generally though it was an interesting story but I'm not sure 3 whole stars are too much.

[Mirella Veder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to read this book, it's refreshing story. I loved the characters and you get in the story immediately. Well done Anita... it's a definitely better from you first serie.....

A must read book... can't wait to read 2nd book.

[jGarTor · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Brody's story had to go back and re-read this sweet and emotional story. You never imagine what someone family is like until meet them. Thanks you for allowing me to ready this book. Totally recommend this read.

[Elva Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

i really enjoyed this book a lot! shorter read but it kept me interested. Reading the next book about payton and jac

[Beth Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Some of the chapters are really short and I blew through this book in a matter of hours. Sometimes the end of 1 chapter flowed right to the beginning of the next chapter, but other times, there was a big jump in the story between the end of a chapter and the beginning of the next. I frequently would need to go back and make sure I was reading the chapters in number sequence. That was a bit annoying, but would obviously be better with a paper book as you can check page numbers and such.

The story was fun. Jax is a bit chauvinistic, while Payton is a down to earth, modern woman. The chapters alternate between Jax's viewpoint and then Payton's. I wasn't sure I'd like that but I did. I enjoyed reading Payton's concerns and overthinking stuff. She seemed real - confident and successful while being very unsure about some things. Sometimes she makes dumb decisions but most times she is smart...aren't we all like that? I like that Jax had taken time and counseling to work through his family issues. So many times guys especially, just try to push everything under the rug. It seemed true to life that he'd only be where he was with professional help as well as big breaks and hard work. They both showed weaknesses and strengths. That's great.

There were plenty of steamy scenes in this story as well as some profanity. I could do without the profanity; I personally, wouldn't put up with it in a business setting. I can't imagine anyone texting F-bombs to work colleagues or business contacts that they don't know extremely well and in person. However, I know that people in the customer service line of work often get sworn at by angry customers and Jax's use of it went along with his brusque, testosterone laden personality.

If you can handle the sex scenes and profanity, then this makes an easy, fun read. I would read more of Anita Claire's work.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review – The Story of Jax and Payton -

>I am an independent reviewer. This is the first book in the Silicon Valley Prince series and ends in an HEA. Payton is an IT tech who works from home. Due to her gender neutral name, most of her clients think she is male. She only interacts with her clients online, so no one has actually met her. Jackson has a computer virus and needs to have Payton actually visit his office. He builds high end homes. Right away sparks fly. I love that these two characters are both in their thirties. They both have homes and jobs and lives.

>Payton is a breath of fresh air for Jax. She is uncomplicated and says what she means. She also love DIY home projects, which meshes with Jax’s career. Jax does have a bit of family craziness to overcome. He has a few triggers that cause strife between Jax and Payton, but ultimately they prove that communication is the key. Jax is an alpha male, old school. I would have liked a few over the top protective tendencies towards Payton. The dog walking crew was a great way to hash out Payton's feelings and introduce some cute dogs to the story.

>There is a scene where Payton's brother has a birthday party for his 3 year old and it is so chaotic that her parents, her and Jax go to a corner coffee shop to hide. So funny! The story was both sweet and funny, with a look into the lives of the rich and tasteless.

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the story 4 stars.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, the fact that Payton's name didn’t say if she was a woman or a man worked to her advantage. It was hard enough to succeed in a male dominated field when the part hiring you knew you were competent. Tell them she was a girl? And doubts appeared. Although at 34 she was all woman. But today, as she walked into the offices of Hammer Construction the name thing was clearly a challenge. To her client that is. Jax Hammer didn’t expect the Payton that had been helping him with his computers for the last two years to be a sassy and gorgeous woman. For the moment it took him to come to terms with it, he managed to piss her off and to become completely enthralled with her. He knows she is good at her job and that she can get the guy who tried to steal from him, but that is not the reason Jax is willing to play detective. He wants her. Even if only on a weekend basis. It's been a long time since Payton had a thing with a guy. Obviously Jax is not a long term thing, but he was gorgeous, sexy and his whole demeanor called to her on a primal level. Spending time together couldn’t be a bad idea, right? The more time Jax and Payton spend together, the more they want each other. Too bad past ghosts are tricky and come haunting when least expected… The story of Jax and Payton is fun and hot with a good dose of spy games. Family, friends and dogs play a part in telling a tale fit for Silicon Valley.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fine story by an author with a half dozen titles under her belt.

This is a straight forward, uncomplicated light romance between two successful thirty-something adults. He's a builder of high-end homes and she is an "IT guy". If you, too, are in the mood for a cozy romance with little drama and with "yummy" scenes, this is probably a good read for you. If you are interested in something with more you might want to hold off on this story for another time. Easy to put down and pick back up, this story was refreshing as the drama quotient is very low. Thank goodness! I am forty-something and enjoy contemporary romances without the minutiae of high school drama which the adult characters should have long outgrown.

I was contacted by the author with an offer to receive this book in a Read for Review arrangement in advance of its July 1st release. As author and publisher alike hope, reading the book blurb grabbed my interest. It didn't hurt that this is a moderately short book (212 print page length) -- a perfect fit as I was between books. The initial version I was sent needed editing attention. I received a better edited version when I was near the 70% range, but that corrected version also needs a bit more attention.

The two-star rating is the best fit as GoodReads describes two stars as "It was okay", and it was.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick, sweet read. There are a lot of good things in this story. Payton is a good character. She has her own business and works on her house in her free time. She spends a lot of her time on the beach with her dog and friends. She is basically a well rounded person and doesn't need to have anyone take care of her. Jax is a total guys guy. He was a football player and owns a construction company. He does call Payton a girl and is surprised that she is female. Payton works on Jax's computer security. Most techy people I know are guys so I don't fault Jax for his assumption. Maybe it is because I am from the South but I don't get offended when guys refer to women as girls.

After Jax and Payton get past their initial issues with each other, they start to bond over home renovations and become friends. They do a swap of services type deal. Payton will track down the hacker that was trying to extort Jax and he will help her finish her house by giving her fixtures and supplies that his clients reject. It is a good deal until Payton falls back down the rabbit hole of hacking herself and it causes some problems.

If you want to read a book with a little bit of mystery and some hot romance this is the book for you. I am giving it 4.2 stars out of 5. Go get it!!!!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I was given a free arc for an honest review, I was unable to open it, so I purchased it.
Hot! Hot! Hot!
When Jax and Payton meet, Payton thinks Jax is a chauvinistic jerk. A HOT jerk, but a jerk non-the-less. Jax has never met a female computer whiz and even though she's been a contract worker of his for a few years, he assumed Payton was a man's name. All sorts of sparks begin to fly. Jax is into Crossfit and is a gifted builder. He is building monstrous houses for ridiculous money, so an emergency repair on his infected computers is really no object. Payton fixes Jax's computers and feels a lot of energy surrounding them. She offers to "track" the person who infected his computers. Jax really doesn't care about tracking them, but he goes along with it as a way to spend time with Payton. They decide to use the "barter" system for payment. Payton will find his attacker and he will give her access to his builder's warehouse and the upscale but unused items inside. Win/win!
Jax and Payton both carry some deep secrets and are struggling to make a commitment. Trust issues are difficult to overcome. Is the heat and passion worth it?

[Jessica Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review

The story of Jax and Payton

This story is cute and a light easy read. Payton is a computer engineer who is on her own as a consultant. Jax is a former college football star who was injured and moved own to construction. He currently owns his business where hey build mansions.

After going on a business trip Jax computers are hit with a virus and the they are asking for a ransom. Jax demands that Payton his computer guy to come fix this problem. Well Jax is surprised when his guy is a girl. Right away Payton is furious when he treats her like a child but she can't help but realize how he makes her feel. Jax can't stop thinking about her, even though he is not her Can these two really make it worn

These two are so different from each other but yet so a like. Both smart and know what they want.

If your looking for a light and realistic read this is for you.

[chloegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually excited to read this after seeing the heroine is a woman in tech, in her 30s. I thought the story concept was interesting, but it just fell so flat to me. The characters were very vanilla, the so called chemistry between them wasn't very visible or could be felt by reading their story. They just seemed like they wanted to bang, and in the process got things out of their "friendship" (Payton's home upgrades for her tech services). Most of the "hot" scenes felt very mechanical and just did not invoke the feelings I like to feel when reading books in this genre. And the way the characters acted seemed way too childish for their supposed mid-30s age. The virus tracking was interesting, but some things bothered me about how easy it was for Payton to figure things out. I just seemed rather convenient. Not sure if I'll be reading anymore in this series.

[Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taken from Goodreads: Payton's hectic schedule didn't include being ordered to show up at a customer’s office after his computers are taken hostage.

Of course, Jax, the guy doing the ordering wasn’t expecting his computer guy to be such a beauty.

I received this book for free from the Author to review, I had read another of her books before and was happy to do so again. I really enjoyed this book, Payton and Jax's story was a fun read, the love built slowly and relationship felt very natural. I look forward to more books in the series.

I only noticed one typo in the whole book and the whole thing just felt natural. I was able to relate to the story from both characters sides as I love both computers and DIY projects. I am looking forward to more books by Anita Claire.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of Jax & Payton. It is a quick read and the story line is not too complicated. It flows well. Jax is that bad boy that is set in his ways. Payton is the computer geek that works from home and it wrapped up in her comfortable life. Payton works for Jax but they have never met so he assumes Payton is a guy - WRONG! The story unfolds.

I had previously read another story by this author and the tech part overtook the story so much that you lost connection with the characters. I think this book has found a great balance between the technical aspect and story itself. You get just enough detail but your eyes do not glaze over because it is over your head.

This was a nice story to read. I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange from my read2review.