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City of Dreams #1
The Marriage Ultimatum
Dead-end job? Dreary apartment? Disastrous love life? Check, check, and check. Toddler who makes it all worthwhile? Absolutely. Juggling work, college, and the care of young Alex was never Sabrina's plan.
But Sabrina's dreams are bigger than any curve ball life can throw at her. Her top priority is keeping her small family together, no matter what the cost.
Vladimir Grigory doesn't believe in dreams. He earned his position at the top of New York's corporate ladder with his own sweat. His empire is his baby, and he'll destroy anyone who threatens it. Even the sexy employee who challenges him on every level. When the New York tabloids and the world call him the baby daddy of Sabrina's son, Vlad believes Sabrina is part of a plot to expose the secrets of his past. He threatens to destroy her future. But since Sabrina has secrets of her own, she has no choice but to agree to Vlad's marriage ultimatum.
But Sabrina's dreams are bigger than any curve ball life can throw at her. Her top priority is keeping her small family together, no matter what the cost.
Vladimir Grigory doesn't believe in dreams. He earned his position at the top of New York's corporate ladder with his own sweat. His empire is his baby, and he'll destroy anyone who threatens it. Even the sexy employee who challenges him on every level. When the New York tabloids and the world call him the baby daddy of Sabrina's son, Vlad believes Sabrina is part of a plot to expose the secrets of his past. He threatens to destroy her future. But since Sabrina has secrets of her own, she has no choice but to agree to Vlad's marriage ultimatum.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2016
About the author
Charlotte O'Shay
16 books392 followersEscape into Charlotte O'Shay's award winning, best selling, sweet & steamy romance
City of Dreams series
The Marriage Ultimatum ~ Sabrina & Vlad
A Model Engagement ~ Lacey & Connor
Their No-Strings Affair ~ Honey & Jake
Deerbourne Inn series
Forever in a Moment ~ Samantha & Jed
Home in Your Arms ~ Karla & Zane
One Scoop or Two series
Always, Almond Fudge~ Merry & Anthony
Fortunato Family Series
My Only One ~ Esme & Shane
Say You're Mine - Skylar & Finn
Snowfire - Natalya & Luca
Look for Charlotte here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 4, 2016
3 Secretive Stars
* * *
What happens when two people drowning in deep secrets collide...lots of sexual tension and a rocky road to love. Charlotte O'Shay tackles these situations and more in The Marriage Ultimatum.
We have a harried young woman trying to hold together the raising of her brother once her mother dies tragically in a head on car crash. Life already has been an up hill battle and with the loss of her mother, her fear of the System taking her 9 month old brother away causes her to claim he is her son.
As the years go by, she has worked hard; taking care of her brother by accepting all overtime offered at the international company where she works. A neighbor with a loving heart has been a life saver doing the necessary childcare.... Freeing our gal to work, do online college and make a way in the world for her and her brother.
We meet Sabrina as she is rooting through the frig at work one evening... someone has taken her Red Bull. We are not alone in watching this taking place.... a well built intense man is enjoying the vision of her bent... reaching into the shelf, throwing cans of sodas left and right...with each movement accompanied with the most colorful of language. He lets her know she has an audience by inquiring what seems to be the problem....
Sabrina looks, sees and cannot believe of all days she is dressed in the most non-put together way...but then figures.... what are you supposed to do when it was a choice of taking care of Alex by putting him to bed with a story or doing laundry. As both of these naturally attractive people stare at each other...a type of force field starts... and if Vlad hadn't stepped away at the last minute...lips would have touched....
Both go about their business for the rest of the evening and after finishing all of the overtime admin work, Sabrina is out on the street waiting for a company car in the rain. The boots are soaked, no umbrella and frustration in waiting for the car is how Vlad finds her. She looks at him and cannot believe this guy is still here at midnight and still looking like he stepped off a runway in his suit.
When the car arrives Sabrina says a polite good bye but instead of closing the door for her...he climbs in.
Oh, no this isn't happening... Sabrina asks why are you in this car... there is a fleet for the company...Vlad says they are saving the environment by sharing and before she knows it they are going to her place in Brooklyn, not his downtown.
Something else happens in the backseat of this car, too...those lips connect then hands touch bodies with an urgent need... but are disrupted by the realization the car is in front of her place. Vlad asks if he is coming up and Sabrina shuts him down...she has her brother, job and life to think about.
The next part of this story is no surprise...Vlad is the owner of the company and it seems her supervisor from hell has written Sabrina up for being late or not participating in some retreat required by the company. This information is in the file Vlad has in his hands. He believes in manning up and doing the difficult job of releasing ... or firing his employees himself.
When Sabrina walks in and sees the man she almost climbed like a tree, she dies. Vlad is shocked it is Sabrina but at the same time doesn't stop the process of reading all the things she has supposedly done wrong... dropping the final comments of you are released from your position here.
Now this is where things get a bit cray cray...Sabrina at first is shocked and explains the tardy days and also how she was excused for family obligations from the retreat. Vlad, a man who was left in the streets with his baby brother only to land in an orphanage back in Russia, has no sympathy for Sabrina's mention of her "son". Words are said that cannot be taken back...but the bottom line is Sabrina has been fired and with no financial cushion to take care of Alex, her brother.
It was just her luck, Sabrina had arranged for Alex to be the lobby with her neighbor. He had a Dr.'s appointment to go to but now it was too late. As she is there with Alex, she gets her second wind and the anger of this situations starts to bubble. The next thing she knows, she is stomping with Alex in his stroller into Vlad's office while his assistant tries to stop her...
Vlad starts to see flashbacks of his fighting to escape the horrors of the orphanage with his brother, remembering all he did to provide for them. He steels himself and holds strong against all of the pleading and words Sabrina says. Oh, and not to be forgotten... there is an audience right outside his office door.
Still fired and furious, Sabrina leaves the office. Once home, she settles Alex down and tries to collect her thoughts. She is going to figure this out... she always does...
She is awoken with banging on her door and there, steaming and angry, is Vlad. Yelling at her, demanding to know who got to her to set him up. He shows her all the pictures of them together as she left the building with Alex captured "Father of a love child he ignored!!!!!" on his phone. He will not have it. He demands she immediately go with him and has already sweet talked the neighbor into agreeing to watch Alex. Sabrina is out maneuvered and goes with him. Vlad believes Sabrina set this up, will not listen to her and the only way to fight the negativity is to have them in a relationship.
This book had an interesting premise...and there were strong moments after the set up.
This had a story to follow, conflicted main characters and their journey through a love maze of their making.
A gifted copy was provided by The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * *
What happens when two people drowning in deep secrets collide...lots of sexual tension and a rocky road to love. Charlotte O'Shay tackles these situations and more in The Marriage Ultimatum.
We have a harried young woman trying to hold together the raising of her brother once her mother dies tragically in a head on car crash. Life already has been an up hill battle and with the loss of her mother, her fear of the System taking her 9 month old brother away causes her to claim he is her son.
As the years go by, she has worked hard; taking care of her brother by accepting all overtime offered at the international company where she works. A neighbor with a loving heart has been a life saver doing the necessary childcare.... Freeing our gal to work, do online college and make a way in the world for her and her brother.
We meet Sabrina as she is rooting through the frig at work one evening... someone has taken her Red Bull. We are not alone in watching this taking place.... a well built intense man is enjoying the vision of her bent... reaching into the shelf, throwing cans of sodas left and right...with each movement accompanied with the most colorful of language. He lets her know she has an audience by inquiring what seems to be the problem....
Sabrina looks, sees and cannot believe of all days she is dressed in the most non-put together way...but then figures.... what are you supposed to do when it was a choice of taking care of Alex by putting him to bed with a story or doing laundry. As both of these naturally attractive people stare at each other...a type of force field starts... and if Vlad hadn't stepped away at the last minute...lips would have touched....
Both go about their business for the rest of the evening and after finishing all of the overtime admin work, Sabrina is out on the street waiting for a company car in the rain. The boots are soaked, no umbrella and frustration in waiting for the car is how Vlad finds her. She looks at him and cannot believe this guy is still here at midnight and still looking like he stepped off a runway in his suit.
When the car arrives Sabrina says a polite good bye but instead of closing the door for her...he climbs in.
Oh, no this isn't happening... Sabrina asks why are you in this car... there is a fleet for the company...Vlad says they are saving the environment by sharing and before she knows it they are going to her place in Brooklyn, not his downtown.
Something else happens in the backseat of this car, too...those lips connect then hands touch bodies with an urgent need... but are disrupted by the realization the car is in front of her place. Vlad asks if he is coming up and Sabrina shuts him down...she has her brother, job and life to think about.
The next part of this story is no surprise...Vlad is the owner of the company and it seems her supervisor from hell has written Sabrina up for being late or not participating in some retreat required by the company. This information is in the file Vlad has in his hands. He believes in manning up and doing the difficult job of releasing ... or firing his employees himself.
When Sabrina walks in and sees the man she almost climbed like a tree, she dies. Vlad is shocked it is Sabrina but at the same time doesn't stop the process of reading all the things she has supposedly done wrong... dropping the final comments of you are released from your position here.
Now this is where things get a bit cray cray...Sabrina at first is shocked and explains the tardy days and also how she was excused for family obligations from the retreat. Vlad, a man who was left in the streets with his baby brother only to land in an orphanage back in Russia, has no sympathy for Sabrina's mention of her "son". Words are said that cannot be taken back...but the bottom line is Sabrina has been fired and with no financial cushion to take care of Alex, her brother.
It was just her luck, Sabrina had arranged for Alex to be the lobby with her neighbor. He had a Dr.'s appointment to go to but now it was too late. As she is there with Alex, she gets her second wind and the anger of this situations starts to bubble. The next thing she knows, she is stomping with Alex in his stroller into Vlad's office while his assistant tries to stop her...
Vlad starts to see flashbacks of his fighting to escape the horrors of the orphanage with his brother, remembering all he did to provide for them. He steels himself and holds strong against all of the pleading and words Sabrina says. Oh, and not to be forgotten... there is an audience right outside his office door.
Still fired and furious, Sabrina leaves the office. Once home, she settles Alex down and tries to collect her thoughts. She is going to figure this out... she always does...
She is awoken with banging on her door and there, steaming and angry, is Vlad. Yelling at her, demanding to know who got to her to set him up. He shows her all the pictures of them together as she left the building with Alex captured "Father of a love child he ignored!!!!!" on his phone. He will not have it. He demands she immediately go with him and has already sweet talked the neighbor into agreeing to watch Alex. Sabrina is out maneuvered and goes with him. Vlad believes Sabrina set this up, will not listen to her and the only way to fight the negativity is to have them in a relationship.
This book had an interesting premise...and there were strong moments after the set up.
This had a story to follow, conflicted main characters and their journey through a love maze of their making.
A gifted copy was provided by The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 30, 2016
This book had so much potential, and unfortunately, missed the mark for me. There were plot holes, pacing issues, and that by the end, it felt almost incomplete/unfinished. The premise kept me interested, but I just wish the author had fleshed it out a bit more. The romance felt rushed, and the resolution was abrupt. (As in, she resolved it in 2-3 paragraphs in the last chapter. WTF?) I probably would've DNF'd had I not listened to it on audio. (Which the narrator was great, BTW.)
This gets a 2.5 star rating from me. :-/
This gets a 2.5 star rating from me. :-/
July 20, 2021
Vlad the impregnator
I hated the hero name really. It made me think of vampires for some reason and I just keep thinking Vlad the impaler and it kind of fit since they had sex on every other page. But I digress. This was pretty much an HP and it kept my interest. There were a couple of weird twists in the story and they were pretty unbelievable too. But I don't want to give them away. But Vlad was attracted to Sabrina but he had to fire her. Then the next day a story comes out about Vlad being the father of her little boy and that he abandoned her. He wasn't the Father and surprise she is not his Mother, she's his sister but her Mother died and She is raising him. He thinks she got paid money to say it but she didn't. He is kind of a jerk. He really is attracted to her and he can't get enough of her but deodorant trust her. Yet he married her. Just a lot of stuff that didn't quite jive but it was still good. Safe too which is important to me. The only angst is his high and cold attitude towards her, even after he learns she's pregnant. I did like this story and I will look for more books by this author.
I hated the hero name really. It made me think of vampires for some reason and I just keep thinking Vlad the impaler and it kind of fit since they had sex on every other page. But I digress. This was pretty much an HP and it kept my interest. There were a couple of weird twists in the story and they were pretty unbelievable too. But I don't want to give them away. But Vlad was attracted to Sabrina but he had to fire her. Then the next day a story comes out about Vlad being the father of her little boy and that he abandoned her. He wasn't the Father and surprise she is not his Mother, she's his sister but her Mother died and She is raising him. He thinks she got paid money to say it but she didn't. He is kind of a jerk. He really is attracted to her and he can't get enough of her but deodorant trust her. Yet he married her. Just a lot of stuff that didn't quite jive but it was still good. Safe too which is important to me. The only angst is his high and cold attitude towards her, even after he learns she's pregnant. I did like this story and I will look for more books by this author.
December 20, 2016
I'm honestly not sure what made me finish this book. It's probably because I had exhausted all of the audiobooks on my MP3 player and was desperate. This book was a mess. There were so many scenarios in the book that had me shaking my head. Even if the press speculated that the Sabrina's brother was his son, Vlad could have had his lawyers do a paternity test and clear it up in the press. Making her marry him was ridiculous. The hero was a major ass. He treated Sabrina like crap, bullied her, and kidnapped her and she ends up sleeping with him? Ick. Also, the coincidence of the identity of Sabrina's brother's father was just too convenient. I can't recommend this one at all.
Did Not Finish
January 15, 2018DNFed ~20%
Oh Erin Mallon, the crap you make me try! (Yes, I'm blaming the narrator.)
This book would only have made sense if it was set in the 80s or earlier. Nobody in NYC cares about the private life of boring business people - they are like a gazillion in here - and if there were questions about the paternity, they just had to conduct a DNA test. There was no need to marry because of gossip!!
Oh Erin Mallon, the crap you make me try! (Yes, I'm blaming the narrator.)
This book would only have made sense if it was set in the 80s or earlier. Nobody in NYC cares about the private life of boring business people - they are like a gazillion in here - and if there were questions about the paternity, they just had to conduct a DNA test. There was no need to marry because of gossip!!
November 28, 2017
As a nurse with a pretty stressful and hectic work life, there is nothing better than coming home, throwing my pajamas on, lighting a few candles and escaping into a steamy, sexy fantasy like Charlotte O'Shay's The Marriage Ultimatum. I have to admit, it had been a while since I took the time for myself to induldge in a good book. However, the author of this complete and utter page-turner made it impossible to keep me from being totally sucked in! My boyfriend started making remarks about how he's never seen me so lost in a book. (Little did he know what I was getting lost into!) I won't go spoiling the specific details, but if you're looking for an escape of your own into an unpredictable, passionate yet dangerous, plot twisting romance novel, this is by far by number one recommendation. I can't wait to start A Model Engagement tonight!!
October 4, 2020
Perfect amount of romance, humor and steamy love scenes. Vlad the billionaire alpha CEO and Sabrina the struggling employee/sister/mom that he wants from the moment they meet. Fate brought them together and passion kept them moving forward. I laughed, cried and rooted for them to find their HEA. I loved the way this this author told this fabulous story and look forward to reading more of her books.
November 30, 2016
GREAT BOOK!!!!!!
July 2, 2016
The tag line on the cover reads "is love worth the risk of telling your secrets," and these main characters have a few whopper secrets they're not only keeping from each other, but trying to hide from the world. The story may be flawed in places, like its characters, but the first thing I wanted to do when I finished was to start over again from the beginning and live through it all a second time.
Life has not been easy for Sabrina Boyd. Her dad took off when she was small, leaving her single mom to struggle in poverty and through a series of failed relationships. When it seemed her mother had finally turned the corner, with a steady job and steady guy, she got pregnant. After the baby was born, a tragic accident left Sabrina alone with an infant to care for. Not wanting to lose her only remaining family to DSS, Sabrina dropped out of college to raise her baby brother as if he were her own.
Vladimir Grigory might be a billionaire, but he started life as an orphan on the docks of St. Petersburg, his younger brother clinging to him. He escaped that fate by going to sea on a merchant ship, and later made his fortune in the U.S. shipping industry. In all that time, he never forgot his lonely origins and vowed to make life better for Russia's other abandoned children.
So when tabloid stories and photos surface accusing Vlad of fathering - and abandoning - Sabrina's child, he understandably goes a bit ballistic and overreacts. Sabrina is caught up in the whirlwind, and even though she is a strong, independent woman, she gets totally sucked along in Vlad's plan, his seduction, and his marriage ultimatum. But what happens when her secret gets out? And how will Vlad keep his own childhood secret as Sabrina grows closer to his heart?
As I said, the story has a few quirks, but all in all was well written, well told, and thoroughly enjoyable. Totally recommend for a fast paced, absorbing beach read, filled with both heart and sizzle. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Life has not been easy for Sabrina Boyd. Her dad took off when she was small, leaving her single mom to struggle in poverty and through a series of failed relationships. When it seemed her mother had finally turned the corner, with a steady job and steady guy, she got pregnant. After the baby was born, a tragic accident left Sabrina alone with an infant to care for. Not wanting to lose her only remaining family to DSS, Sabrina dropped out of college to raise her baby brother as if he were her own.
Vladimir Grigory might be a billionaire, but he started life as an orphan on the docks of St. Petersburg, his younger brother clinging to him. He escaped that fate by going to sea on a merchant ship, and later made his fortune in the U.S. shipping industry. In all that time, he never forgot his lonely origins and vowed to make life better for Russia's other abandoned children.
So when tabloid stories and photos surface accusing Vlad of fathering - and abandoning - Sabrina's child, he understandably goes a bit ballistic and overreacts. Sabrina is caught up in the whirlwind, and even though she is a strong, independent woman, she gets totally sucked along in Vlad's plan, his seduction, and his marriage ultimatum. But what happens when her secret gets out? And how will Vlad keep his own childhood secret as Sabrina grows closer to his heart?
As I said, the story has a few quirks, but all in all was well written, well told, and thoroughly enjoyable. Totally recommend for a fast paced, absorbing beach read, filled with both heart and sizzle. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 5, 2020
Great premise but poorly executed. There were so many plot holes, incredible coincidences (Vlad’s brother turns out to be Alex’ father? - who then harassed and blackmails the heroine? He’d wanted Lily to abort but now talks about getting custody?) I know the genre demands suspension of disbelief but by this time I was beyond annoyed.
The characters had great sexual chemistry but the love was ignored. I kept waiting to be engaged but it never happened. I was more interested in the relationship between Vlad and Alex! The author is a decent enough writer but she didn’t excite me and the story was wound up far too quickly. Deeply unsatisfying!
The characters had great sexual chemistry but the love was ignored. I kept waiting to be engaged but it never happened. I was more interested in the relationship between Vlad and Alex! The author is a decent enough writer but she didn’t excite me and the story was wound up far too quickly. Deeply unsatisfying!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
3.5 stars
Loved the story, lots of angst. It was a little choppy now and then and the ending was a bit abrupt. All in all a great read.
Loved the story, lots of angst. It was a little choppy now and then and the ending was a bit abrupt. All in all a great read.
July 8, 2019
I literally finished this book in a day. It’s a quick read that holds your interest, and you can’t wait to find out how everything will come together in the end. I think the primary features of this novel which draw you in are the lovable characters. He’s a billionaire businessman. She was just fired from his company. They seemingly come from completely different worlds. However, it is their troubled backgrounds which have made them into the people they are today. Vlad hails from an orphanage in Russia, while Sabrina struggles to support her brother Alex since the unexpected death of their mother. They are fighters. They are survivors. They strive to move on from their pasts, but it is the fact that they both come from broken homes which links them together.
These two have the sex side of things down to a science. No question. They find it difficult to remain within close proximity for any length of time without putting their hands all over each other. The part that they have trouble with is trust. He believes she went to the tabloids in an attempt to disgrace his reputation by claiming he’s the father of her child. Sabrina feels she can’t tell him the truth that the young child in her care is actually her brother, not her son. She’s struggled to care for him all by herself, and fears that Alex will be taken away from her if the truth gets out.
Who knew that entering into a marriage deal would be the answer to both their problems? But can Vlad still keep his distance from this supposed liar as they spend more time together? Can Sabrina continue to let him think she’s Alex’s mother even as he develops a stronger relationship with the young boy? You’ll just have to read it to find out!
If I had to find one teeny, tiny, little complaint about this novel, it would be that it ended too quickly. The entire book is sort of one big build-up to the final reveal of the true identity of Alex’s father. As I got 90% of the way through the book, I wondered if the truth would ever be revealed. And then bam! It happened.
Vlad discovers the truth and the matter is seemingly resolved in just a matter of pages. After so much build-up, I think I would have liked a longer climactic scene at the end. Again though, it’s just the teeniest of little itty bitty complaints.
These two have the sex side of things down to a science. No question. They find it difficult to remain within close proximity for any length of time without putting their hands all over each other. The part that they have trouble with is trust. He believes she went to the tabloids in an attempt to disgrace his reputation by claiming he’s the father of her child. Sabrina feels she can’t tell him the truth that the young child in her care is actually her brother, not her son. She’s struggled to care for him all by herself, and fears that Alex will be taken away from her if the truth gets out.
Who knew that entering into a marriage deal would be the answer to both their problems? But can Vlad still keep his distance from this supposed liar as they spend more time together? Can Sabrina continue to let him think she’s Alex’s mother even as he develops a stronger relationship with the young boy? You’ll just have to read it to find out!
If I had to find one teeny, tiny, little complaint about this novel, it would be that it ended too quickly. The entire book is sort of one big build-up to the final reveal of the true identity of Alex’s father. As I got 90% of the way through the book, I wondered if the truth would ever be revealed. And then bam! It happened.
Vlad discovers the truth and the matter is seemingly resolved in just a matter of pages. After so much build-up, I think I would have liked a longer climactic scene at the end. Again though, it’s just the teeniest of little itty bitty complaints.
August 11, 2016
I just loved The Marriage Ultimatum by new to me author Charlotte O'Shay. This standalone story incorporates everything I enjoy....a strong damsel in distress, a self-made billionaire, a marriage of convenience, and a villain that turns out to be a complete wimp.
Sabrina is in college when her mother tragically passes away. In order to prevent her three-year-old brother Alex from going into foster care, she runs herself ragged to keep a semblance of normalcy. Sabrina loves her brother with all her heart and will do whatever she has to do to keep him in her care. Sabrina's life changes completely when she is photographed with Vladimir Grigory, a corporate magnate with a squeaky clean record. Their photo, along with the made-up headline that Vladimir is the father of Sabrina's toddler, becomes a worldwide sensation. Furthermore, Vlad believes it is Sabrina who set the whole thing up. Vlad will do anything to keep his reputation pristine, so that his past remains undiscovered, and his charitable foundations continue to be funded. As a result, Sabrina, Vlad, and Alex are forced together for better and for worse.
I really enjoyed this book and the cover is very pretty. Marriage of Convenience stories are my absolute favorite type of romance trope, and this one does not disappoint. This is a well-written book that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. The story is nicely paced, the characters are well developed and replete with determination. Sabrina and Alex are a hot couple and their sexy times are sizzling. Alex is a cute toddler and I loved how the author brought out his true personality as his environment improved. Furthermore, Ms. O'Shay evolves Vidal's intimating personality thoughtfully, and in the end, he turns out to be a loving man who needed to be exposed to true familial happiness.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Sabrina is in college when her mother tragically passes away. In order to prevent her three-year-old brother Alex from going into foster care, she runs herself ragged to keep a semblance of normalcy. Sabrina loves her brother with all her heart and will do whatever she has to do to keep him in her care. Sabrina's life changes completely when she is photographed with Vladimir Grigory, a corporate magnate with a squeaky clean record. Their photo, along with the made-up headline that Vladimir is the father of Sabrina's toddler, becomes a worldwide sensation. Furthermore, Vlad believes it is Sabrina who set the whole thing up. Vlad will do anything to keep his reputation pristine, so that his past remains undiscovered, and his charitable foundations continue to be funded. As a result, Sabrina, Vlad, and Alex are forced together for better and for worse.
I really enjoyed this book and the cover is very pretty. Marriage of Convenience stories are my absolute favorite type of romance trope, and this one does not disappoint. This is a well-written book that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. The story is nicely paced, the characters are well developed and replete with determination. Sabrina and Alex are a hot couple and their sexy times are sizzling. Alex is a cute toddler and I loved how the author brought out his true personality as his environment improved. Furthermore, Ms. O'Shay evolves Vidal's intimating personality thoughtfully, and in the end, he turns out to be a loving man who needed to be exposed to true familial happiness.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 29, 2016
Dr Phil used to say that "when people show you who they are, believe them." I wish poor Sabrina had used that bit of wisdom.
Vlad is a huge a**hole and I loved him. Sabrina is a huge doormat and her indecision got on my nerves. We as readers have the benefit of reading Vlad's point of view so we know he really isn't as terrible as he is pretending to be. In fact, he's kinda sweet. But Sabrina only knows what he shows her and boy does he show her. And what does she do about it? Nothing. Other than remind herself again, and again, and again that it's "only sex" and he is "just pretending" and "don't forget this is all an act". She says this to herself repeatedly throughout the book and then promptly hops in bed with him. And this is the main problem with the book. As a reader we know things will work out because Vlad really is a sweetheart. But with all the information Sabrina has, she behaves like a weak fool and I lost all respect for her as a character.
So while it was fun to read about these two, I have a hard time respecting a doormat who never once stands up for herself.
Vlad is a huge a**hole and I loved him. Sabrina is a huge doormat and her indecision got on my nerves. We as readers have the benefit of reading Vlad's point of view so we know he really isn't as terrible as he is pretending to be. In fact, he's kinda sweet. But Sabrina only knows what he shows her and boy does he show her. And what does she do about it? Nothing. Other than remind herself again, and again, and again that it's "only sex" and he is "just pretending" and "don't forget this is all an act". She says this to herself repeatedly throughout the book and then promptly hops in bed with him. And this is the main problem with the book. As a reader we know things will work out because Vlad really is a sweetheart. But with all the information Sabrina has, she behaves like a weak fool and I lost all respect for her as a character.
So while it was fun to read about these two, I have a hard time respecting a doormat who never once stands up for herself.
November 22, 2016
Great new author! I love a good romance story, but usually I get bored when the characters almost connect and then never end up having the climax (pardon the pun) that their relationship deserves. But this one doesn't disappoint! Charlotte Oshay's freshman edition provided the intrigue I crave in a good romance (how frustrating is it that he just won't believe her?!) and the physical chemistry that keeps the story moving and the reader invested. Others have commented that they don't like Vlad because he's an asshole or Sabrina for supposedly being weak, but I think they they depict relevant, relatable characters who both carry their share of baggage, just like any of us do when entering a relationship. I loved to hate his temper and her struggle to help him see her point of view. I finished this book in 48 hours, and probably would have finished it more quickly if I wasn't traveling.
June 5, 2018
Reading this book second which means out of order was fascinating. Being introduced to Sabrina, Vlad, Alex, as well as Pieter after reading Lacey's story was exhilarating.
This story was really an adventure and even intertwined with ups and downs. It had more deception, secrets for decades that must eventually come out.
This book was so intense and full of surprises I had to really be careful not to get a papercut as I zoomed through each page in anticipation. It was so amazing that I found myself being able to imagine with clarity each and every scenario in this rapturous plot. I think this would be my favorite of the two books in this series I've read but only because it was so unpredictable and so immaculately written. I would have to say the second is just as good but this one gets first place! 5 stars of radiance for this perfect novel!
Trully
This story was really an adventure and even intertwined with ups and downs. It had more deception, secrets for decades that must eventually come out.
This book was so intense and full of surprises I had to really be careful not to get a papercut as I zoomed through each page in anticipation. It was so amazing that I found myself being able to imagine with clarity each and every scenario in this rapturous plot. I think this would be my favorite of the two books in this series I've read but only because it was so unpredictable and so immaculately written. I would have to say the second is just as good but this one gets first place! 5 stars of radiance for this perfect novel!
Trully
June 3, 2019
I loved Sabrina's fiery personality although it got muted quite a bit when she was around Vlad and her hormones took over. She reminded me of a dog seeing a squirrel when she was around him and thought about sex. Vlad had a horrible childhood and was rather stoic. He also got overwhelmed with urges when around Sabrina. Alex was precious and there was no way not to love the little guy. The story gets going when it comes out in the press that Alex is Vlad's love child. He is sure Sabrina is behind the stories and needs to do damage control to protect the many charities he has started for orphans in Russia. The lengths he is willing to go to and the what Sabrina is willing to put up with to protect Alex are what bring them further together. It is not all smooth sailing to their HEA but they do eventually get it.
September 7, 2019
This is not what I expected. This was a good story with interesting characters. I loved vlad’s character. Ooh lala! It did have a great ending and I found the book hard to put down. This was definitely a sexy story. What woman wouldn’t love to be utterly irresistible to a hot man? I kinda hit it with the brother angle, what a tool.
October 18, 2016
2.5/5.0
Hot steamy sex - the book raises the bar on “oh my” scenes of sexual exploration that are really well written.
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Hot steamy sex - the book raises the bar on “oh my” scenes of sexual exploration that are really well written.
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Well written just like a book should. Romantic I loved this book and hope to read the rest of the series in paperback too.
Not to much write other than WOW, Well done Charlotte O'Shay.
I highly recommend the book and will read again.
Not to much write other than WOW, Well done Charlotte O'Shay.
I highly recommend the book and will read again.
August 13, 2019
The Marriage Ultimatum is the first book in the City of Dreams series and can be read as a stand-alone book.
Sabrina is working hard, long hours to provide for herself and her 3 year old brother who she is trying to pass off as her son. Her Dad hasn't been in the picture and her Mom died over two years ago.
A chance meeting in the breakroom late one evening has her meeting the owner of her company, Vlad. She doesn't know who he is and just wants to finish her work and go home. They share a company car home and have sizzling chemistry but stop before it gets too far.
The next day, Vlad fires Sabrina for a poor job review. Angry, she stomps into his office with her "son" and gives him a piece of her mind. Soon, the rumor mill starts and the press is publishing that little Alex is Vlad's love child who he has ignored all this time.
Vlad all but kidnaps Sabrina to get her to agree to marry him and straighten out his tarnished reputation before it can hurt the charities he supports for orphaned children in Russia. Too much miscommunication, secrets not shared and things that could have had an easy answer that were never considered (DNA test anyone?). If you can suspend reality, it is a well written but sometimes frustrating storyline.
Sabrina is working hard, long hours to provide for herself and her 3 year old brother who she is trying to pass off as her son. Her Dad hasn't been in the picture and her Mom died over two years ago.
A chance meeting in the breakroom late one evening has her meeting the owner of her company, Vlad. She doesn't know who he is and just wants to finish her work and go home. They share a company car home and have sizzling chemistry but stop before it gets too far.
The next day, Vlad fires Sabrina for a poor job review. Angry, she stomps into his office with her "son" and gives him a piece of her mind. Soon, the rumor mill starts and the press is publishing that little Alex is Vlad's love child who he has ignored all this time.
Vlad all but kidnaps Sabrina to get her to agree to marry him and straighten out his tarnished reputation before it can hurt the charities he supports for orphaned children in Russia. Too much miscommunication, secrets not shared and things that could have had an easy answer that were never considered (DNA test anyone?). If you can suspend reality, it is a well written but sometimes frustrating storyline.
July 22, 2019
As a reader, when finishing the first chapter of a novel I crave the feeling of wanting to read more. I can honestly say that I was completely enthralled after the first few chapters of Charlotte O'Shay's story.
As a resident of NYC and a young woman, I really enjoyed the spirit and wit of Sabrina's character - I even found myself chuckling out loud at some of her more blunt thoughts and remarks. Of course it was hard not to fall in lust with the mysterious man who is Vlad, but as the plot progressed Vlad's true personality and tender heart made him even harder to resist!
Apart of from the unique characters, what I really loved about the novel was the author's detailed and vivid descriptions of the various settings throughout the novel. This use of imagery really allowed me to visualize the environment and further intensified each scene between the characters.
I am SO looking forward to the next novel in the series, but until then where can I find MY Vlad in this City of Dreams???
As a resident of NYC and a young woman, I really enjoyed the spirit and wit of Sabrina's character - I even found myself chuckling out loud at some of her more blunt thoughts and remarks. Of course it was hard not to fall in lust with the mysterious man who is Vlad, but as the plot progressed Vlad's true personality and tender heart made him even harder to resist!
Apart of from the unique characters, what I really loved about the novel was the author's detailed and vivid descriptions of the various settings throughout the novel. This use of imagery really allowed me to visualize the environment and further intensified each scene between the characters.
I am SO looking forward to the next novel in the series, but until then where can I find MY Vlad in this City of Dreams???
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January 18, 2020The Marriage Ultimatum - A good quick read
This book was a quick read.
Sabrina was raising her younger brother because her mother passed away suddenly and she was doing the best she could. She did not want her brother to go into foster care so she claimed that Alex was her own son. She was working and trying to finish her degree to get a better job. She was working late one night and ran into the owner of company that night but she didn't even know it. So when they meet each other again that night in the pouring rain waiting for the company car things started to happen but she stopped it before it went anywhere. The next day when she went into work she was fired.
Vlad was a wealthy man that tried to keep his last in the past. He never told anyone where he came from as he thought of himself as a backyard that his own parents didn't want him and his brother. So when he ran into Sabrina his life was turned upside down.
This book was a quick read.
Sabrina was raising her younger brother because her mother passed away suddenly and she was doing the best she could. She did not want her brother to go into foster care so she claimed that Alex was her own son. She was working and trying to finish her degree to get a better job. She was working late one night and ran into the owner of company that night but she didn't even know it. So when they meet each other again that night in the pouring rain waiting for the company car things started to happen but she stopped it before it went anywhere. The next day when she went into work she was fired.
Vlad was a wealthy man that tried to keep his last in the past. He never told anyone where he came from as he thought of himself as a backyard that his own parents didn't want him and his brother. So when he ran into Sabrina his life was turned upside down.
April 5, 2020
Would have been a 3-star read (which for me means nothing special, forgettable after the read but worth a lazy Sunday afternoon) except all the angst was dealt with in 0.5 pages.
h is alone, H's brother says some wrong things but oh, thankfully the H hears them and then they cuddle and life is good. Actually, it probably happened quicker than that.
Really, you invest in so much writing a book you could at least resolve major issues with the couple with more effort than that.
h is alone, H's brother says some wrong things but oh, thankfully the H hears them and then they cuddle and life is good. Actually, it probably happened quicker than that.
Really, you invest in so much writing a book you could at least resolve major issues with the couple with more effort than that.
September 13, 2020
I finished it but it was not very good. The first fourth saw the couple falling into instant lust, the second quarter they were adversaries yet slept together, the third and part of the final quarter they spent building a family life, then the very last tiny part we had the big reveal which fell flat. No way would this hero have been so blase about the identity of the little boy. It was as thought author ran out of space and had to cram in the ending.
August 3, 2019
Liked but...
I liked the story. I enjoyed all the twists. However it was really hard cause I wanted to shake the h for taking the H back when he was an ass without making him grovel at all. Like, cmon, I get lust but sheesh he was being an ass. AND how did he not know she had nothing to do with the tabloids? Check her bank accounts...she had nothing!
I liked the story. I enjoyed all the twists. However it was really hard cause I wanted to shake the h for taking the H back when he was an ass without making him grovel at all. Like, cmon, I get lust but sheesh he was being an ass. AND how did he not know she had nothing to do with the tabloids? Check her bank accounts...she had nothing!
April 23, 2020
I really did like this story, but there was a significant jump between their honeymoon and the end that seemed to miss some details. It felt like it tidied up loose ends a little too fast to go with the rest of the story. Otherwise I thought it was good. Also, he never finds out her virginal status? That seems odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
Fabulous and unexpected
Such a cute story of two people that seem so different and yet share so many similarities. The chemistry between the two of them is evident as you read the story but their fear and insecurities keep you reading until you’re done hoping they’ll pull through.
First time reading this author and can’t wait to read more!
- Tania Trozzo, author
Such a cute story of two people that seem so different and yet share so many similarities. The chemistry between the two of them is evident as you read the story but their fear and insecurities keep you reading until you’re done hoping they’ll pull through.
First time reading this author and can’t wait to read more!
- Tania Trozzo, author
April 27, 2019
Parenthood
Who is to say what makes a person a parent? Sabrina and Vlad May not have been traditional parents but they fulfilled those rolls. They also found a way to help each other and to become traditional parents.
Who is to say what makes a person a parent? Sabrina and Vlad May not have been traditional parents but they fulfilled those rolls. They also found a way to help each other and to become traditional parents.
August 27, 2021
Secrets, romance, and sizzling chemistry you'll never forget. Charlotte O'Shay delivers yet another amazing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering how everything will come together in the end. A great story from start to finish.
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