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Double Dealing
An arranged marriage in New York in 2016… That could never work out.
Caught in a messy merger with the mounting pressure to close a multi-billion-dollar deal, business mogul Ryder Granger finds things are more hostile than the average takeover, but he’s not just interested in acquiring the lucrative Lyon coffee chain. He has an entirely more personal motive hidden beneath his cool exterior and designer suit.
Trace Lyon believes the merger with B&G could be the way out of the closet his strict Southern father keeps him locked in, but there’s one big problem. Ryder Granger is everything Trace wants, and everything his father despises. Two years ago, they shared one incredible night together, but despite the connection and the intense heat, both walked away.
With the deal falling through, Ryder brings an unexpected offer to the table — a more personal type of merger between the two rival families, one Trace is dead against.
Taking control in the only way he can, Trace agrees to marry Ryder, but secretly plots to double deal both his father and Ryder. He just has to get this whole absurd wedding out of the way first and ignore how happy Ryder makes him feel.
Caught in a messy merger with the mounting pressure to close a multi-billion-dollar deal, business mogul Ryder Granger finds things are more hostile than the average takeover, but he’s not just interested in acquiring the lucrative Lyon coffee chain. He has an entirely more personal motive hidden beneath his cool exterior and designer suit.
Trace Lyon believes the merger with B&G could be the way out of the closet his strict Southern father keeps him locked in, but there’s one big problem. Ryder Granger is everything Trace wants, and everything his father despises. Two years ago, they shared one incredible night together, but despite the connection and the intense heat, both walked away.
With the deal falling through, Ryder brings an unexpected offer to the table — a more personal type of merger between the two rival families, one Trace is dead against.
Taking control in the only way he can, Trace agrees to marry Ryder, but secretly plots to double deal both his father and Ryder. He just has to get this whole absurd wedding out of the way first and ignore how happy Ryder makes him feel.
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
26 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Colville
48 books401 followersWelcome to the home of bittersweet M/M romances which will leave you craving more.
Nicole grew bored being a supermodel genius who worked part time for NASA, and decided to take a break from helping solve the mysteries of the universe with Stephen Hawkins to write m/m romance.
She has a loving relationship with her hubby of twenty years, and has achieved a lot in her short life considering she's only eighteen. She has fourteen dogs of all different breeds, plus twenty cats, and when she's not tending to their every need, and solving complex math problems, she loves to sew and can be often found knitting in the garden, which she maintains all by herself with her magical green fingers.
Finding time to make all of her own clothing and master the kitchen better than Gordon Ramsey, she's also a vegan domestic goddess and can often be found cooking up a storm bare foot in her kitchen.
Okay, so that's not true, especially the cooking part, though I do tend to be bare foot and I swear like Gordon does while burning my latest creation -- and I still think NASA will be getting in touch. Any day now!! *crosses fingers* I could sooo do that job because I'm so obviously awesome, but until they do...
I'm a full time author of M/M Romance and Erotica, and somehow I have several bestselling books under my belt. I've been writing for four years, and I self publish all my work under Hidden Pleasures Publishing along with my amazing team of helpers in the form my cover designer Kellie Dennis, editor Jessica McKenna, and all of my beta readers and PA's.
I'm a wife to my beloved hubby and mother to two young girls, and I do in fact have two cats who I adore, but no dog, as the hubby put his foot down. I live in Leeds in the North of England and I love it, despite the terrible weather.
My men are all seeking what everyone is, true love mixed with passion and their own happy-ever-after full of laughter and tears.
www.facebook.com/nicole.colville.the....
www.facebook.com/The.Hidden.Series.Ni...
Nicole grew bored being a supermodel genius who worked part time for NASA, and decided to take a break from helping solve the mysteries of the universe with Stephen Hawkins to write m/m romance.
She has a loving relationship with her hubby of twenty years, and has achieved a lot in her short life considering she's only eighteen. She has fourteen dogs of all different breeds, plus twenty cats, and when she's not tending to their every need, and solving complex math problems, she loves to sew and can be often found knitting in the garden, which she maintains all by herself with her magical green fingers.
Finding time to make all of her own clothing and master the kitchen better than Gordon Ramsey, she's also a vegan domestic goddess and can often be found cooking up a storm bare foot in her kitchen.
Okay, so that's not true, especially the cooking part, though I do tend to be bare foot and I swear like Gordon does while burning my latest creation -- and I still think NASA will be getting in touch. Any day now!! *crosses fingers* I could sooo do that job because I'm so obviously awesome, but until they do...
I'm a full time author of M/M Romance and Erotica, and somehow I have several bestselling books under my belt. I've been writing for four years, and I self publish all my work under Hidden Pleasures Publishing along with my amazing team of helpers in the form my cover designer Kellie Dennis, editor Jessica McKenna, and all of my beta readers and PA's.
I'm a wife to my beloved hubby and mother to two young girls, and I do in fact have two cats who I adore, but no dog, as the hubby put his foot down. I live in Leeds in the North of England and I love it, despite the terrible weather.
My men are all seeking what everyone is, true love mixed with passion and their own happy-ever-after full of laughter and tears.
www.facebook.com/nicole.colville.the....
www.facebook.com/The.Hidden.Series.Ni...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 3, 2016
I had a very difficult time getting into this book. By the time it finished I still wasn't really invested. It just seemed like the same argument on repeat between the MCs through the entire length of the book. So this was just an okay read for me.
December 17, 2016
4 Stars for Double Dealing.
I’ll admit, I read this book because I have a weak spot for arranged marriages between two people that turn out to be perfect for each other, and I was absolutely 100% not disappointed with Double Dealing.
Ryder was a go-getter. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it. He’d spent so many years on top of the world and in-charge that when he was faced with Trace, whom he wanted oh so badly and who he knew wanted him back (but refused to cave), he was beyond confused.
Trace, on the other hand, was sick and tired of living a lie. His very southern, very conservative family refused to allow him to live his life as he wanted to: with a man. They threatened his inheritance and his happiness time and time again to get what they wanted from him.
And his arranged marriage with Ryder was no different. Through a little bit of string pulling and ear whispering, Ryder got Trace’s father to agree to an arranged marriage between him and his son. He thought Trace would be happy, to be with a man (finally) and a man that he had such a burning desire for…
But Ryder couldn’t have been more wrong. Trace hated it that people kept making his decisions for him instead of letting him choose how he was going to live his life. He wanted Ryder AND his family to back up and let him make his own decisions about how he wanted to live his life and who he wanted to spend it with.
Their year together as a married couple was tough on them both. Ryder felt like he was walking on eggshells and Trace felt like he was forced into an arrangement that he wanted no part of. They fought so much you’d almost swear they hated each other.
But Ryder and Trace really knew how to heat up the sheets, if you catch my drift. They couldn’t keep their hands off of each other and they somehow knew exactly how to set each other off. Watching them argue was like turning up the thermostat and waiting until it got too hot to argue with clothes on. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife!
They both had to make a lot of sacrifices and compromises to even speak to each other, but I really enjoyed reading about these two men from two completely different worlds set their pride aside and try to work things out.
This was my first Nicole Colville read, and I have to say I was pretty happy I picked it up. She’s a solid writer and her characters were complex and real. Despite this being a very unlikely situation, Colville pulled me into the book and I wasn’t flipping through the pages scoffing at how ridiculous the situation was (despite how strange arranged marriages in the 21st century sound). I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it to other M/M readers!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
I’ll admit, I read this book because I have a weak spot for arranged marriages between two people that turn out to be perfect for each other, and I was absolutely 100% not disappointed with Double Dealing.
Ryder was a go-getter. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get it. He’d spent so many years on top of the world and in-charge that when he was faced with Trace, whom he wanted oh so badly and who he knew wanted him back (but refused to cave), he was beyond confused.
Trace, on the other hand, was sick and tired of living a lie. His very southern, very conservative family refused to allow him to live his life as he wanted to: with a man. They threatened his inheritance and his happiness time and time again to get what they wanted from him.
And his arranged marriage with Ryder was no different. Through a little bit of string pulling and ear whispering, Ryder got Trace’s father to agree to an arranged marriage between him and his son. He thought Trace would be happy, to be with a man (finally) and a man that he had such a burning desire for…
But Ryder couldn’t have been more wrong. Trace hated it that people kept making his decisions for him instead of letting him choose how he was going to live his life. He wanted Ryder AND his family to back up and let him make his own decisions about how he wanted to live his life and who he wanted to spend it with.
Their year together as a married couple was tough on them both. Ryder felt like he was walking on eggshells and Trace felt like he was forced into an arrangement that he wanted no part of. They fought so much you’d almost swear they hated each other.
But Ryder and Trace really knew how to heat up the sheets, if you catch my drift. They couldn’t keep their hands off of each other and they somehow knew exactly how to set each other off. Watching them argue was like turning up the thermostat and waiting until it got too hot to argue with clothes on. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife!
They both had to make a lot of sacrifices and compromises to even speak to each other, but I really enjoyed reading about these two men from two completely different worlds set their pride aside and try to work things out.
This was my first Nicole Colville read, and I have to say I was pretty happy I picked it up. She’s a solid writer and her characters were complex and real. Despite this being a very unlikely situation, Colville pulled me into the book and I wasn’t flipping through the pages scoffing at how ridiculous the situation was (despite how strange arranged marriages in the 21st century sound). I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it to other M/M readers!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
November 5, 2016
So my rating is among a minority, if not the only one. Part of it is "It's not the book, it's me". I've never really read an arranged marriage story in MM before and I don't think it's a trope for me. I did like the idea of a lighter romance with a more character driven plot. I just couldn't quite sink into the storyline.
Trace's character annoyed the crap out of me. I'm glad he was still rather young because he appeared much like a spoiled brat through most of the story. I mean, he didn't really have to agree to marry Ryder. I couldn't understand how he went from being so enamored of Ryder in the prologue to being so bitchy and stubborn towards him when they met two years later. I also couldn't see where his character made any real effort to stand up to his father or get his mother on his side. At first I thought she was supposed to be homophobic too but then later, she wasn't at all. So all I could see was a spineless, unreasonable character.
I also didn't get enough about Ryder and Trace outside of the business or sex scenes. It was all Trace telling off Ryder and very little conversation from Ryder. I guess that was supposed to be the problem between them but I just didn't get it. There was too little about any of the time at home together. We were mostly just told about it. I didn't even care for the sex scenes too much. I'd have rather seen at least one more that was in a bed, being tender and passionate. Too much quick, rough stuff. Then the ending and turnaround was too fast for my taste.
This just wasn't my bag although I'm sure it is a popular theme for many others. It reminded me too much of those old historical romances, where the woman is forced into marriage with the Duke with the bad reputation or something. I think I read one, once! I have enjoyed many of Nicole's other stories, this just wasn't for me.
An ARC was provided to me by the author for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion. A review was not a requirement
Trace's character annoyed the crap out of me. I'm glad he was still rather young because he appeared much like a spoiled brat through most of the story. I mean, he didn't really have to agree to marry Ryder. I couldn't understand how he went from being so enamored of Ryder in the prologue to being so bitchy and stubborn towards him when they met two years later. I also couldn't see where his character made any real effort to stand up to his father or get his mother on his side. At first I thought she was supposed to be homophobic too but then later, she wasn't at all. So all I could see was a spineless, unreasonable character.
I also didn't get enough about Ryder and Trace outside of the business or sex scenes. It was all Trace telling off Ryder and very little conversation from Ryder. I guess that was supposed to be the problem between them but I just didn't get it. There was too little about any of the time at home together. We were mostly just told about it. I didn't even care for the sex scenes too much. I'd have rather seen at least one more that was in a bed, being tender and passionate. Too much quick, rough stuff. Then the ending and turnaround was too fast for my taste.
This just wasn't my bag although I'm sure it is a popular theme for many others. It reminded me too much of those old historical romances, where the woman is forced into marriage with the Duke with the bad reputation or something. I think I read one, once! I have enjoyed many of Nicole's other stories, this just wasn't for me.
An ARC was provided to me by the author for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion. A review was not a requirement
January 1, 2017
Liked but...
While I have pretty much loved all of this authors books.... this one just didn't do it for me.... here's why... Trace!!! The kid whine and was a serious brat and sure while he was whining and pushing Mr granger away there were yummy sexy times but it Killed the whole flow for me. It was a good read but not great. Would have liked to see a whole lot less bratty behavior and a build up to a deeper relationship
While I have pretty much loved all of this authors books.... this one just didn't do it for me.... here's why... Trace!!! The kid whine and was a serious brat and sure while he was whining and pushing Mr granger away there were yummy sexy times but it Killed the whole flow for me. It was a good read but not great. Would have liked to see a whole lot less bratty behavior and a build up to a deeper relationship
December 14, 2016
***4.5 Stars***
Double Dealing is a story filled with super sexy hotness, alpha rich men, unrequited sort of then requited love, lies, secrets, and most importantly; the search for that one person that makes you whole. Did I mention it’s really hot? Seriously! The sex scenes are off the charts explosive. I read a lot and I have to say these guys, Trace and Ryder, are raw, animalistic, and all consuming. Sex like that can only come with an unrelenting love.
So now that you know I loved the sexy times let’s talk characters. Ryder first. LOVED him. I mean yeah I think it was slightly underhanded what he did to get Trace to be with him but it’s also ridiculously (and yes fiction) romantic. He did have flaws but honestly they were warranted. He’s a man in a room of millions and yet always alone. Until Trace. Opening up more would be his singular flaw. No really he’s practically perfect!
Trace… Okay so, my heart hurt for him at times with his dealings with his dad. His dad isn’t the nicest guy but oddly he loves Trace in his way. His mom is nothing like I’d thought she’d be based on early conversations about her. Trace as a person... I liked him. I really did. He has some broken parts but I did want to hug him and love him. No doubt he’s frustrated and I’d be too. The only minor issue I had with him was; he whined a real lot. Almost to the point I was like, “Oh, Ryder, how are you not packing his bags for him?” I felt that needed to be reined in a little because it was too much for my taste.
I loved the idea of the story and obviously the sex in this book. Ryder rocked my socks clean off and he is truly every knight in shining armor I ever dreamed about.
This is a very exciting, hot, romantic story that I absolutely recommend if you love romantic suspense, hotness, and alpha men in suits.
Double Dealing is a story filled with super sexy hotness, alpha rich men, unrequited sort of then requited love, lies, secrets, and most importantly; the search for that one person that makes you whole. Did I mention it’s really hot? Seriously! The sex scenes are off the charts explosive. I read a lot and I have to say these guys, Trace and Ryder, are raw, animalistic, and all consuming. Sex like that can only come with an unrelenting love.
So now that you know I loved the sexy times let’s talk characters. Ryder first. LOVED him. I mean yeah I think it was slightly underhanded what he did to get Trace to be with him but it’s also ridiculously (and yes fiction) romantic. He did have flaws but honestly they were warranted. He’s a man in a room of millions and yet always alone. Until Trace. Opening up more would be his singular flaw. No really he’s practically perfect!
Trace… Okay so, my heart hurt for him at times with his dealings with his dad. His dad isn’t the nicest guy but oddly he loves Trace in his way. His mom is nothing like I’d thought she’d be based on early conversations about her. Trace as a person... I liked him. I really did. He has some broken parts but I did want to hug him and love him. No doubt he’s frustrated and I’d be too. The only minor issue I had with him was; he whined a real lot. Almost to the point I was like, “Oh, Ryder, how are you not packing his bags for him?” I felt that needed to be reined in a little because it was too much for my taste.
I loved the idea of the story and obviously the sex in this book. Ryder rocked my socks clean off and he is truly every knight in shining armor I ever dreamed about.
This is a very exciting, hot, romantic story that I absolutely recommend if you love romantic suspense, hotness, and alpha men in suits.
November 16, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 stars
New to me author Nicole Colville has me intrigued and while I had some problems with Double Dealing, I enjoyed it enough that I will seek out her work in the future. Two men who have one pretty amazing night meet again across the boardroom table where one aims to take over his family's company and the other just wants to lead a life of his own.
There is no denying Ryder Granger and Trace Lyon connect on a physical level but when Ryder uses Trace as a bargaining chip to gain the Lyon's family company their relationship is forever changed. Despite his closed off demeanor I really liked Ryder and felt that in everything he did, he meant well. Being a typical male, he didn't share his feelings and though he could communicate his ideas with his employees and colleagues with people he cared about he struggled. While I felt sorry for Trace in that he'd always had to hide his sexuality to appease his parents, I grew really tired of his infantile behavior and him constantly refusing to believe that Ryder wanted to be with him.
While I struggled with this couple constantly repeating the same argument, I also couldn't help but root for them to figure it out and get back to that magical time when they first met. At times frustrating, at times sexy and at times endearing I enjoyed Double Dealing and look forward to reading this author again.
ARC provided with no expectations
3.5 stars
New to me author Nicole Colville has me intrigued and while I had some problems with Double Dealing, I enjoyed it enough that I will seek out her work in the future. Two men who have one pretty amazing night meet again across the boardroom table where one aims to take over his family's company and the other just wants to lead a life of his own.
There is no denying Ryder Granger and Trace Lyon connect on a physical level but when Ryder uses Trace as a bargaining chip to gain the Lyon's family company their relationship is forever changed. Despite his closed off demeanor I really liked Ryder and felt that in everything he did, he meant well. Being a typical male, he didn't share his feelings and though he could communicate his ideas with his employees and colleagues with people he cared about he struggled. While I felt sorry for Trace in that he'd always had to hide his sexuality to appease his parents, I grew really tired of his infantile behavior and him constantly refusing to believe that Ryder wanted to be with him.
While I struggled with this couple constantly repeating the same argument, I also couldn't help but root for them to figure it out and get back to that magical time when they first met. At times frustrating, at times sexy and at times endearing I enjoyed Double Dealing and look forward to reading this author again.
ARC provided with no expectations
December 14, 2016
4 Stars!
Ugh. Trace makes me so mad I actually found myself smothering a scream or two into my pillow. I wanted to shake him like a rag doll. The first time I read Double Dealing (originally part of the Confidential Encounters Anthology) I liked Ryder but was annoyed by Trace. Now reading it again I have to say I absolutely love Ryder, love him to pieces. I, however, do not and I emphasize DO NOT like Trace.
Trace is the most wishy-washy king of mixed messages. For the love of everything holy, the man basically said he was falling in love with Ryder within the first 12 hours of meeting him. Then later he throws a fit at the idea of marrying a man (Ryder) he didn't know. He was begging Ryder to sleep with him and then 3 seconds after his orgasm, he was jumping out of bed mad because they could not do that again. His attitude towards Ryder just pissed me off. If I'd been Ryder I would have said "forget it" and just destroyed the company before walking away.
Yeah, this book is good, I won't deny that, but be warned it will most likely make you mad. It's full of steam and humor, angst and drama so it's definitely a wild ride. But as for characters I much rather have read about Ryder and someone else and not Trace.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Ugh. Trace makes me so mad I actually found myself smothering a scream or two into my pillow. I wanted to shake him like a rag doll. The first time I read Double Dealing (originally part of the Confidential Encounters Anthology) I liked Ryder but was annoyed by Trace. Now reading it again I have to say I absolutely love Ryder, love him to pieces. I, however, do not and I emphasize DO NOT like Trace.
Trace is the most wishy-washy king of mixed messages. For the love of everything holy, the man basically said he was falling in love with Ryder within the first 12 hours of meeting him. Then later he throws a fit at the idea of marrying a man (Ryder) he didn't know. He was begging Ryder to sleep with him and then 3 seconds after his orgasm, he was jumping out of bed mad because they could not do that again. His attitude towards Ryder just pissed me off. If I'd been Ryder I would have said "forget it" and just destroyed the company before walking away.
Yeah, this book is good, I won't deny that, but be warned it will most likely make you mad. It's full of steam and humor, angst and drama so it's definitely a wild ride. But as for characters I much rather have read about Ryder and someone else and not Trace.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
November 4, 2016
4.5 stars.
A bit cheesy, a lot swoony. I loved Ryder, the arranged marriage trope, and the ending. Total feel good, comfort read. ^_^
A bit cheesy, a lot swoony. I loved Ryder, the arranged marriage trope, and the ending. Total feel good, comfort read. ^_^
November 6, 2016
I hated Trace. He was a massive arsehole throughout the whole story. Plus, the book was so repetitive I got bored.
November 23, 2016
I was drawn to this book when I find out it is about arranged marriage between two men. Is gonna be a first for me. But too bad the story it doesn't revolve around two strangers who came to love each other despite the circumstances. Instead we have Ryder, the business mogul who wanted Trace, the Lyon's heir after their one incredible night together two long years ago. I wish there is more detail on the said night that make Ryder making such drastic decision to keep Trace in his life.
Is easy to be smitten with Ryder. I know he came from a good place, wanting Trace and will do anything to have him. Unfortunately, Trace doesn't see Ryder's affection. He think Ryder is crazy and they have constant argument of it. Well, I don't blame Trace for being dramatic and causing all these angst. Ryder clearly have some communication issue and proposing marriage just after two nights of passionate sex? I would have balk at the idea too.
Nonetheless, I'm rooting for them both, especially with Trace's dad trying to control his life. When Ryder and Trace ain't arguing over the same issue over and over again, they are quite a pair.
Is easy to be smitten with Ryder. I know he came from a good place, wanting Trace and will do anything to have him. Unfortunately, Trace doesn't see Ryder's affection. He think Ryder is crazy and they have constant argument of it. Well, I don't blame Trace for being dramatic and causing all these angst. Ryder clearly have some communication issue and proposing marriage just after two nights of passionate sex? I would have balk at the idea too.
Nonetheless, I'm rooting for them both, especially with Trace's dad trying to control his life. When Ryder and Trace ain't arguing over the same issue over and over again, they are quite a pair.
April 13, 2024
Too Much Bickering
I liked the premise of this book, but it left a lot to be desired. I wish the author would have given us a deeper glimpse into the prologue where Ryder and Trace first meet and fall in love since so much of the rest of the book references this part.
There were many time I considered DNF’ing. The two MC’s spend about 90% of the story arguing and bickering. It really made me wonder why these two even liked each other (again wishing the prologue delved deeper). There was a lack of chemistry and passion between these two. Trace was especially frustrating. I get that being forced into an arranged marriage wasn’t what he wanted, but he was stubborn and ignored his own feelings up until almost the very end. Not very enjoyable when we don’t get to see them as an actual couple. I felt like I was a witness to a couple who couldn’t stop arguing and kept on going in circles.
I liked the premise of this book, but it left a lot to be desired. I wish the author would have given us a deeper glimpse into the prologue where Ryder and Trace first meet and fall in love since so much of the rest of the book references this part.
There were many time I considered DNF’ing. The two MC’s spend about 90% of the story arguing and bickering. It really made me wonder why these two even liked each other (again wishing the prologue delved deeper). There was a lack of chemistry and passion between these two. Trace was especially frustrating. I get that being forced into an arranged marriage wasn’t what he wanted, but he was stubborn and ignored his own feelings up until almost the very end. Not very enjoyable when we don’t get to see them as an actual couple. I felt like I was a witness to a couple who couldn’t stop arguing and kept on going in circles.
November 3, 2016
Double Dealing how I loved this book.
Ryder and Trace two years ago found each other their memories of that time are extremely special.
The passion they showed then continues now they have met again.
Push you up against the wall passion consumes both men.
But--- it's not easy to show your true feelings or to show who you are to the one you love!
Beautiful book Nicole does herself proud .
Written as Pat Jay
Ryder and Trace two years ago found each other their memories of that time are extremely special.
The passion they showed then continues now they have met again.
Push you up against the wall passion consumes both men.
But--- it's not easy to show your true feelings or to show who you are to the one you love!
Beautiful book Nicole does herself proud .
Written as Pat Jay
December 1, 2016
This book is pretty good. Some issues of the characters needing to be honest with themselves and each other or get out of their own way. But I suppose that is pretty realistic since a lot of people's lives would be better if they could only be more honest with themselves and stop self destructing.
December 22, 2016
Doubly fun to read
I'm so glade I choose to read this when I had unlimited time to read it. I found my self holding my breathe waiting to see who would own to their love first, Ryder or Trace but I as always Nicole made that aww monument epic while keeping you on the edge of your set till the vary last. Double Dealing is so Worth reading.
I'm so glade I choose to read this when I had unlimited time to read it. I found my self holding my breathe waiting to see who would own to their love first, Ryder or Trace but I as always Nicole made that aww monument epic while keeping you on the edge of your set till the vary last. Double Dealing is so Worth reading.
June 18, 2017
I love a well written romance and this certainly fits the bill! Ms. Colville has written another wonderful story with strong characters who struggle to trust and open their hearts to another. Ryder needs Trace and Trace needs to get away from his father's machinations. Their tentative forays into a relationship give you hope for a HEA.
July 30, 2018
first 50% ！！！
later 50% what the fu… why… ok…
later 50% what the fu… why… ok…
August 5, 2019
i don't want the entire world. i want to be someone's world.
life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
it's about learning to dance in the rain.
life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
it's about learning to dance in the rain.
July 4, 2020
Once again, another must read by Nicole. Ryder and Trace, strong enough but gentle. Loved these two. Thank you Nicole.
January 4, 2018
This book was a great surprise. I knew that in would like it but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I'm kinda over billionaires but the arranged marriage concept intrigued me and it was well played out.
March 6, 2017
I am a fan of Nicole Colville and will continue to read her books in the future. I thought I would enjoy this book more than I did, but Trace Lyon's constant whining and pain in the ass attitude stopped me from connecting with his character and rooting for this couple. It was hard for me to cheer for his HEA when what I really wanted to do was beat the hell out of him for being sooooo annoying!
March 2, 2017
This book is not a literary giant and Trace did annoy me but I really, really liked the story and Ryder and Trace in spite of his stubborn ass. Nicole is a new author for me and I intend to follow up with another book by her very soon.
December 14, 2016
Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Two years ago, Ryder and Trace meet in a bar and have a hot, one-night stand. They both feel a connection, and Ryder wants more than one night with Trace. Trace can't give him anything more. He comes from a southern family and has been groomed to take over the company from his father, who would never accept a gay son. Ryder has tried to forget Trace and can't move on, Trace is who he wants in his life. Ryder is working with Trace's father in a merger of their companies and it's not going well. Trace's father refuses to retire and allow Trace to run the company and Ryder makes one last ditch effort which he thinks will give both him and Trace what they want. Ryder proposes that Trace marries him, and Trace will lead the Lyon's division of his company. Trace's father accepts the ridiculous offer and is making plans for Trace to divorce within a year and then he can retain the head of the family company, get millions of dollars from Ryder and then marry an acceptable woman. The plan doesn't work as Ryder thinks it will because Trace is unhappy with an arranged marriage.
I liked Ryder. He went about things the wrong way, but I think he truly thought he was doing what was best for Trace. He knew Trace was unable to lead the life he wanted, that he had to do his father's bidding to keep him happy so he could maybe one day lead the company. Ryder knew Trace leading the company was best for both of them. What Ryder could learn to do is use his words more than his actions to show how he feels and then there would be less drama in his life. I didn't like Trace, at all. Well, I might have liked him in the epilogue but probably not before then. Trace acted like a teenager through most of the book and honestly, I wanted Ryder to just to walk away from him and find someone else. Seriously, at some point, you have to draw the line and just let go. I get it, Trace was unhappy to have his life dictated to him by first his father and then Ryder. But honestly, if he had used his big boy words, he could have had all his self-induced drama solved earlier. In reality, he wanted Ryder and wanted to marry him. He just refused to be an adult and make the difficult decisions for himself. He allowed his father to control him. He allowed Ryder to make the decisions for both of them. Then he refused to acknowledge that he was allowing himself to be a puppet.
Rating: 4 stars
Two years ago, Ryder and Trace meet in a bar and have a hot, one-night stand. They both feel a connection, and Ryder wants more than one night with Trace. Trace can't give him anything more. He comes from a southern family and has been groomed to take over the company from his father, who would never accept a gay son. Ryder has tried to forget Trace and can't move on, Trace is who he wants in his life. Ryder is working with Trace's father in a merger of their companies and it's not going well. Trace's father refuses to retire and allow Trace to run the company and Ryder makes one last ditch effort which he thinks will give both him and Trace what they want. Ryder proposes that Trace marries him, and Trace will lead the Lyon's division of his company. Trace's father accepts the ridiculous offer and is making plans for Trace to divorce within a year and then he can retain the head of the family company, get millions of dollars from Ryder and then marry an acceptable woman. The plan doesn't work as Ryder thinks it will because Trace is unhappy with an arranged marriage.
I liked Ryder. He went about things the wrong way, but I think he truly thought he was doing what was best for Trace. He knew Trace was unable to lead the life he wanted, that he had to do his father's bidding to keep him happy so he could maybe one day lead the company. Ryder knew Trace leading the company was best for both of them. What Ryder could learn to do is use his words more than his actions to show how he feels and then there would be less drama in his life. I didn't like Trace, at all. Well, I might have liked him in the epilogue but probably not before then. Trace acted like a teenager through most of the book and honestly, I wanted Ryder to just to walk away from him and find someone else. Seriously, at some point, you have to draw the line and just let go. I get it, Trace was unhappy to have his life dictated to him by first his father and then Ryder. But honestly, if he had used his big boy words, he could have had all his self-induced drama solved earlier. In reality, he wanted Ryder and wanted to marry him. He just refused to be an adult and make the difficult decisions for himself. He allowed his father to control him. He allowed Ryder to make the decisions for both of them. Then he refused to acknowledge that he was allowing himself to be a puppet.
Rating: 4 stars
November 5, 2016
A 3 though at times it was a 4 so maybe a 3.5 but I can't say that I really liked it. I don't think I can articulate the amount of frustration I felt with this book. There were times I slammed my Kindle down on the desk along with times I wanted to sling the Kindle across the room. OMG, Ryder and Trace made me nuts. Generally speaking, I love the marriage of convenience of trope. These books are like catnip to me. In the beginning, though, unfortunately the book reminded me of some of the alpha male, you are mine, I can buy anything I want because I am richer than Croesus kind of books I read in the M/F world. The whole name dropping of the very high end products - the constant reminder that Ryder is chauffeured in a Maybach, we find out a couple of times that his jet is a Learjet - all this reminded me of those billionaire books I gobbled like gumdrops some years ago. And it bothered me. OKAY Ryder is rich. We don't need to keep harping on it. And the whiplash I got as Trace and Ryder connected through incendiary sex then ran away from each other infuriated me. Yes, I got it. Trace was essentially forced into this marriage through circumstances largely due to his father's control over his son's life but also because Ryder, through his ham-fisted view of love, wanted Trace but didn't know how to convey his feelings. Which leads me to another thing - they had a one night stand 2 years ago. Yes, there was a connection, but I needed more to make me believe in the feelings they had now. They screwed, worked well together and then they were off fighting again. Didn't see much of an on page connection. I enjoyed some of the writing - particularly the snarky bits about Model K! That bit about Marc, now that was odd. Now I know that I am in the minority on this book and so many loved it. But oh boy, while I liked the ending and other parts, I wanted to strangle both Trace and Ryder. Which brings me to the point - yes, we as readers read because we want to feel, we want to connect with our characters and perhaps that happened with me and this book but I was so angry at these two dopes that I just couldn't rate higher than a 3. (Maybe we could get a book about Jeremy - liked him!).
November 3, 2016
What happens when the man you really want is too scared to come out and live the life he wants to live because he could lose everything, the company he stands to inherit and his family? You come up with a plan to take over that said company and then you throw in the deal the fact you want that said man included.
Trace and Ryder both have it bad for the other the moment they lay eyes on each other. The next morning Trace figured out who Ryder was and ran. Two years later they are about to come face to face again and Ryder is determined to have Trace forever despite Trace's father.
The problem I see with these two men is they could had such an easier journey if one or both of them would admit to the other how they truly feel. Neither man is good at being open and honest with the other and gay puts a major strain on their marriage of inconvenience. Or at least it is a marriage of inconvenience in Trace's eyes because although he knows Ryder cares about him, he does not know that Ryder is truly in love with him. Ryder is too scared to admit to Trace he true feelings.
With all that is left unsaid between them, it puts a huge strain on their marriage and Trace is biding his time for the twelve months to be over so he can walk away with no consequences. Ryder has a totally different plan all together and does not plan to let Trace walk away without a fight.
This book was a great read with a lot of misunderstandings, resentment, guilt, lust, and in the end lots of love. There was a lot of ups and downs. There was happy times and a lot of times hat neither man was happy at all. And last but not least, this book had a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of learning and growing on both men's parts. It was definitely a book that I feel would portray what an arranged marriage would be like in this day and time. Nicole did a great job with this book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Trace and Ryder both have it bad for the other the moment they lay eyes on each other. The next morning Trace figured out who Ryder was and ran. Two years later they are about to come face to face again and Ryder is determined to have Trace forever despite Trace's father.
The problem I see with these two men is they could had such an easier journey if one or both of them would admit to the other how they truly feel. Neither man is good at being open and honest with the other and gay puts a major strain on their marriage of inconvenience. Or at least it is a marriage of inconvenience in Trace's eyes because although he knows Ryder cares about him, he does not know that Ryder is truly in love with him. Ryder is too scared to admit to Trace he true feelings.
With all that is left unsaid between them, it puts a huge strain on their marriage and Trace is biding his time for the twelve months to be over so he can walk away with no consequences. Ryder has a totally different plan all together and does not plan to let Trace walk away without a fight.
This book was a great read with a lot of misunderstandings, resentment, guilt, lust, and in the end lots of love. There was a lot of ups and downs. There was happy times and a lot of times hat neither man was happy at all. And last but not least, this book had a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of learning and growing on both men's parts. It was definitely a book that I feel would portray what an arranged marriage would be like in this day and time. Nicole did a great job with this book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
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December 3, 2016Be My Home
I think that the cover of this story led me astray but that is OK because I somehow got here. This author was new to me so I really had no expectations. If I had known how much I would enjoy the story, I would have certainly read it sooner. I will definitely add this author to my favorites. Amazon defines a 5***** review as "I loved it". True!
Ryder is a businessman in his mid 30s who happens to be gay. His primary focus is work although he does take time out for romance. It is difficult for a high profile CEO like Ryder to find "the one" so at this conference, in Memphis, he would need to look for the one for right now. An exceptionally hot young blond man in the bar was a nice surprise and their night was an even bigger surprise. The next morning the surprise blew up in their faces when they shared last names and he discovered that the man with whom he had had such a wonderful night, with intimate conversation and even more inmate passion, was Trace Lyon, the son of the business man with whom he was in contentious takeover negotiations. The am wakeup call from the hotel was more of a wakeup than expected. Trace discovered that Ryder is Ryder Granger, the CEO trying to take over his father's company. Trace was still in the closet in his home and business at the demand of his homophobic father. He had a plan and Ryder's takeover would ruin everything. Their attraction, compelling connection, was mutual but impossible because Trace had a plan that he couldn't let be derailed. In order to take control of his father's company and his own future he couldn't be led astray by this beautiful man. Little did he know that Ryder Granger was a patient man and extremely powerful and he would get what he needed, Trace Lyon.
I loved this story and appreciate KU even more for offering such entertaining, engaging reading and new favorite authors!
I think that the cover of this story led me astray but that is OK because I somehow got here. This author was new to me so I really had no expectations. If I had known how much I would enjoy the story, I would have certainly read it sooner. I will definitely add this author to my favorites. Amazon defines a 5***** review as "I loved it". True!
Ryder is a businessman in his mid 30s who happens to be gay. His primary focus is work although he does take time out for romance. It is difficult for a high profile CEO like Ryder to find "the one" so at this conference, in Memphis, he would need to look for the one for right now. An exceptionally hot young blond man in the bar was a nice surprise and their night was an even bigger surprise. The next morning the surprise blew up in their faces when they shared last names and he discovered that the man with whom he had had such a wonderful night, with intimate conversation and even more inmate passion, was Trace Lyon, the son of the business man with whom he was in contentious takeover negotiations. The am wakeup call from the hotel was more of a wakeup than expected. Trace discovered that Ryder is Ryder Granger, the CEO trying to take over his father's company. Trace was still in the closet in his home and business at the demand of his homophobic father. He had a plan and Ryder's takeover would ruin everything. Their attraction, compelling connection, was mutual but impossible because Trace had a plan that he couldn't let be derailed. In order to take control of his father's company and his own future he couldn't be led astray by this beautiful man. Little did he know that Ryder Granger was a patient man and extremely powerful and he would get what he needed, Trace Lyon.
I loved this story and appreciate KU even more for offering such entertaining, engaging reading and new favorite authors!
November 6, 2016
3.5*stars
There was so much I liked about this story and a few things I didn't.....
I'm a sucker for arranged marriages and alpha males, so this appealed to me and it delivered. Ryder is a typically confident and arrogant billionaire. Trace, the closeted and down trodden son of a Southern billionaire. They meet by chance and for one glorious night, titles and labels are not applied -
"Love takes just a moment. A flicker in time. A glance. One smile."
The cold light of day sets Trace running and Ryder on a two year quest to get him back.....
The arranged marriage and the subsequent acquiring of all assets , including Trace, was cleverly done and the right words and actions were applied by Ryder, but I did feel he was lacking warmth. Trace completely did my swede in. He acted like a petulant child and when he threw a *Scarlett O'Hara* fit, I wanted to slap him upside the head!!! They had no trouble communicating between the sheets, but neither of them were willing to fully put their hearts on the line and for three quarters of the book you had this constant push and pull, the stubbornness (mostly from Trace) and miscommunication (mostly from Ryder) got tiring....... very quickly.
The side characters were all good additions to the story - Trace's father was an arse and I didn't like him. Trace's mother was full of the southern charm and their best advocate in the end. Owen made me smile and I wanted more from model K!
The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed, a lot was crammed in, Trace's epiphany seemed a little too much too late. It included a sweet and fluffy epilogue, but I would've liked it to have been included in the main page count as I was (and always) greedy for a little more detail!
Overall, it ends on a HEA and left me content. Entertaining read.
There was so much I liked about this story and a few things I didn't.....
I'm a sucker for arranged marriages and alpha males, so this appealed to me and it delivered. Ryder is a typically confident and arrogant billionaire. Trace, the closeted and down trodden son of a Southern billionaire. They meet by chance and for one glorious night, titles and labels are not applied -
"Love takes just a moment. A flicker in time. A glance. One smile."
The cold light of day sets Trace running and Ryder on a two year quest to get him back.....
The arranged marriage and the subsequent acquiring of all assets , including Trace, was cleverly done and the right words and actions were applied by Ryder, but I did feel he was lacking warmth. Trace completely did my swede in. He acted like a petulant child and when he threw a *Scarlett O'Hara* fit, I wanted to slap him upside the head!!! They had no trouble communicating between the sheets, but neither of them were willing to fully put their hearts on the line and for three quarters of the book you had this constant push and pull, the stubbornness (mostly from Trace) and miscommunication (mostly from Ryder) got tiring....... very quickly.
The side characters were all good additions to the story - Trace's father was an arse and I didn't like him. Trace's mother was full of the southern charm and their best advocate in the end. Owen made me smile and I wanted more from model K!
The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed, a lot was crammed in, Trace's epiphany seemed a little too much too late. It included a sweet and fluffy epilogue, but I would've liked it to have been included in the main page count as I was (and always) greedy for a little more detail!
Overall, it ends on a HEA and left me content. Entertaining read.
December 23, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
There were parts of this story I truly enjoyed and parts I struggled with. I kept getting distracted with the parts I struggled with since I felt like I was missing something and that’s why I didn’t like that part. The set up was good. I liked how Trace and Ryder met. I liked how Ryder worked to get Trace to be with him. My favorite line by far is when Trace says “I don’t want the entire world. I want to be someone’s world.” It perfectly sums up how love should be. I liked how Ryder showed his hand and had marriage to Trace be a part of the deal. Trace’s emotions about the whole merger and marriage were clear from the start. You could feel the with him. But from the start of the marriage to the double deal, I struggled to truly get into the story and understand why they were both resisting the relationship. The way Trace and Ryder refused to truly talk to each other or explain their feelings grated. They both mentioned more than once how they didn’t know why the other wasn’t trying hard enough or explaining enough. But they both ignored each other. Trace’s stubbornness and Ryder’s unwillingness to listen made for an atmosphere where they both spent a large portion of the story not connecting. The way they came together in the end was wonderful. Trace’s feelings felt a little forced. However by the epilogue you could tell Trace was so in Love with Ryder, and Ryder with Trace. In the end I wound up liking these two together and how they got there. I just wanted them to connect better earlier in the story.
Four stars!
There were parts of this story I truly enjoyed and parts I struggled with. I kept getting distracted with the parts I struggled with since I felt like I was missing something and that’s why I didn’t like that part. The set up was good. I liked how Trace and Ryder met. I liked how Ryder worked to get Trace to be with him. My favorite line by far is when Trace says “I don’t want the entire world. I want to be someone’s world.” It perfectly sums up how love should be. I liked how Ryder showed his hand and had marriage to Trace be a part of the deal. Trace’s emotions about the whole merger and marriage were clear from the start. You could feel the with him. But from the start of the marriage to the double deal, I struggled to truly get into the story and understand why they were both resisting the relationship. The way Trace and Ryder refused to truly talk to each other or explain their feelings grated. They both mentioned more than once how they didn’t know why the other wasn’t trying hard enough or explaining enough. But they both ignored each other. Trace’s stubbornness and Ryder’s unwillingness to listen made for an atmosphere where they both spent a large portion of the story not connecting. The way they came together in the end was wonderful. Trace’s feelings felt a little forced. However by the epilogue you could tell Trace was so in Love with Ryder, and Ryder with Trace. In the end I wound up liking these two together and how they got there. I just wanted them to connect better earlier in the story.
December 9, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
This hovered between and 3 and 4 star read for me but I’m going with 4 because Ryder. Yes, he was rich and yes he spent the entire book reminding us of this fact and yes he was hugely alpha all the time with the whole mine thing going on BUT he was also a little lost stuck up there in his ivory tower and I got great pleasure out of him falling in love and finding some happiness.
There is a lot of backwards and forwards in this story. One night of melt the sheets hot sex and Ryder wants Trace like he has never wanted anything in his life but Trace is younger, in the closet and a bit of a puppet where his father is concerned. Its two years until they come face to face again and sex isn’t on the agenda this time as Ryder is trying to buy out Traces’s family business.
I felt like Trace needed to grow up and at least attempt to put his foot down with both Ryder and his father. They both tried to solve their problems with sex and whilst it was hot it clearly didn’t work. Communication would have worked far better for the pair of them and I think Trace would have had an easier time of things if Ryder had been more open and honest. I’m glad they got their HEA and I liked the way it was instigated – it proved that finally Trace was thinking for himself and Ryder finally got what he wanted.
This hovered between and 3 and 4 star read for me but I’m going with 4 because Ryder. Yes, he was rich and yes he spent the entire book reminding us of this fact and yes he was hugely alpha all the time with the whole mine thing going on BUT he was also a little lost stuck up there in his ivory tower and I got great pleasure out of him falling in love and finding some happiness.
There is a lot of backwards and forwards in this story. One night of melt the sheets hot sex and Ryder wants Trace like he has never wanted anything in his life but Trace is younger, in the closet and a bit of a puppet where his father is concerned. Its two years until they come face to face again and sex isn’t on the agenda this time as Ryder is trying to buy out Traces’s family business.
I felt like Trace needed to grow up and at least attempt to put his foot down with both Ryder and his father. They both tried to solve their problems with sex and whilst it was hot it clearly didn’t work. Communication would have worked far better for the pair of them and I think Trace would have had an easier time of things if Ryder had been more open and honest. I’m glad they got their HEA and I liked the way it was instigated – it proved that finally Trace was thinking for himself and Ryder finally got what he wanted.
November 8, 2016
Loved this story.
I stumbled upon this book and thought it seemed to be a good story from the description. Ryder is the CEO of his family's company. His dad passed away a few years ago and he runs this company, and spends most of his time on his job. He doesn't seem to ever commit to a serious relationship. His longest one was two years. He meets a gorgeous blond at a weekend event and spends the night with him. Trace is from the south and his dad does not except him being gay. He wants Trace to marry a southern belle and produce heirs. Trace and Ryder has a great time and really are interested in each other. Trace freaks out when he finds out who Ryder really is and leaves. Two years later Ryder is trying to make a merger between his company and Trace's family's company. As soon as Mr. Lyons realizes that Ryder is gay he breaks off negotiations. Ryder finally makes an offer that Mr. Lyon takes a little more seriously. He offers a marriage venture between him and Trace. Grab this story and see if these two guys can make a relationship with everything going on around them.
I stumbled upon this book and thought it seemed to be a good story from the description. Ryder is the CEO of his family's company. His dad passed away a few years ago and he runs this company, and spends most of his time on his job. He doesn't seem to ever commit to a serious relationship. His longest one was two years. He meets a gorgeous blond at a weekend event and spends the night with him. Trace is from the south and his dad does not except him being gay. He wants Trace to marry a southern belle and produce heirs. Trace and Ryder has a great time and really are interested in each other. Trace freaks out when he finds out who Ryder really is and leaves. Two years later Ryder is trying to make a merger between his company and Trace's family's company. As soon as Mr. Lyons realizes that Ryder is gay he breaks off negotiations. Ryder finally makes an offer that Mr. Lyon takes a little more seriously. He offers a marriage venture between him and Trace. Grab this story and see if these two guys can make a relationship with everything going on around them.
November 4, 2016
A stubborn man by any other name...
Although I did enjoy this story, the ongoing juvenile stubbornness of Trace's behavior was a bit irritating. He acted more like a recalcitrant teenager than a business savvy adult. Southern mannerisms and a controlling father aside, he fought his own best interests and desires to fight Ryder's obvious feelings for him.
Ryder, on the other hand, spoke to and tried to show Trace his commitment to their marriage by word and deed. That he didn't utter those three little words until the end of the story, shouldn't have been the stumbling block to Trace opening up his eyes and his heart to what had been in front of him all along.
In true romance book fashion though, everything was worked out in the end and they lived happily ever after.
Although I did enjoy this story, the ongoing juvenile stubbornness of Trace's behavior was a bit irritating. He acted more like a recalcitrant teenager than a business savvy adult. Southern mannerisms and a controlling father aside, he fought his own best interests and desires to fight Ryder's obvious feelings for him.
Ryder, on the other hand, spoke to and tried to show Trace his commitment to their marriage by word and deed. That he didn't utter those three little words until the end of the story, shouldn't have been the stumbling block to Trace opening up his eyes and his heart to what had been in front of him all along.
In true romance book fashion though, everything was worked out in the end and they lived happily ever after.
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