What do you think?
Rate this book
Flatiron Five Fitness #1
Simply Irresistible
Tyler has had enough...
Going to his fourth sister's wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to "help" him find romance. Ty's ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn't want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he's sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there's far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds...simply irresistible?
Going to his fourth sister's wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to "help" him find romance. Ty's ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn't want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he's sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there's far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds...simply irresistible?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
1843 people are currently reading
1753 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Cooke
89 books854 followersDeborah Cooke also writes under the names Claire Delacroix and Claire Cross.
Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.
Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.
Currently, she’s writing paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and medieval romances as Claire Delacroix.
Deborah thinks a lot about publishing and writing, and also knits too much.
Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.
Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.
Currently, she’s writing paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and medieval romances as Claire Delacroix.
Deborah thinks a lot about publishing and writing, and also knits too much.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 10, 2023
This was fine I just couldn’t get into it and was a little boring all the way through. I read 20 pages of it in two days then finally got myself to finish it today.
Want to read
December 22, 2020💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/15/18)!💝
Blurb:
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
Blurb:
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
March 5, 2023
Purch Amazon Sept. 21, 2018
Simply Irresistible by Deborah Cooke
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Romance
2.75 Stars
Mostly it was boring.
The last half was much better than the 1st half and is what brought my star rating up.
More about this story later.
Simply Irresistible by Deborah Cooke
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Romance
2.75 Stars
Mostly it was boring.
The last half was much better than the 1st half and is what brought my star rating up.
More about this story later.
July 23, 2019
kinda anticipated the end....humour was good but was lost in the middle....kinda clique....not recommended.....dragged and skipped to the end
August 13, 2018
3.5 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SIMPLY IRESISTIBLE is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE erotic romance series focusing on five friends-owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton’s story line.
NOTE: SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is an erotic, romance story line with some light BDSM scenarios including spanking and bondage that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Amy SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE focuses on the fake relationship between financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton. Tyler McKay is tired of the his mother’s need to marry off her only son, and with the upcoming wedding of sister number four, Tyler needs a ‘fake girlfriend’ to ward off his mother’s matchmaking advances. Enter receptionist Amy Thornton, a ‘plain Jane’ woman whose interests include erotic romance story lines, and BDSM. When his very own F5 Fitness Club offers classes in sexual awareness, Tyler soon discovers that the ‘shy and dower’ Amy Thornton has signed up for some awareness of her own. What ensues is the building romance between Tyler and Amy, as Tyler makes Amy an offer she cannot refuse. When Tyler asks Amy to be his plus-one for his sister’s wedding, he also offers to be Amy’s plus-one for her cousin’s wedding in return.
Amy Thornton is a bit of a ‘door-mat’ in that she is easily pushed around by her boss, and a cousin who demands all of Amy’s time in advance of her own wedding. Her inability to say no, and need to help didn’t do our heroine any favours. Having no knowledge about her extended family, Amy is pulled into the vortex that will become her own personal h*ll. Tyler McKay doesn’t do relationships but meeting Amy Thornton, something about our heroine tugs at Tyler’s heart including her need to discover her kinkier side.
The relationship between Tyler and Amy begins as an arrangement; a fake relationship to appease Tyler’s mother, and the growing entourage of aunts and sisters who are determined to marry Tyler to the first suitable bachelorette. With no plans for anything permanent, Amy considers a relationship with someone else, someone who isn’t quite whom they appear to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios.
We are introduced to Tyler’s business partners at F5: Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo; Amy’s best friend and book store owner Jade; Tyler’s sister Lauren whose own marriage is spiralling out of control; and an assortment of well-meaning sisters and cousins, including a ‘bridezilla’ intent on abusing Amy’s quiet nature. Kyle and Lauren’s story line is next in ADDICTED TO LOVE.
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is a story of family, honor, betrayal and trust. Because this is a story with a secondary premise focusing on BDSM, the issues of trust come into question. The ‘Dominant’ is deceitful with his identity, and continues to perpetuate a lie throughout most of the story, but in the end, all is forgiven rather quickly and without any emotional fall-out. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and flirty but the heroine’s need to ‘save’ everyone interfered with my overall enjoyment.
Own a copy
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SIMPLY IRESISTIBLE is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE erotic romance series focusing on five friends-owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton’s story line.
NOTE: SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is an erotic, romance story line with some light BDSM scenarios including spanking and bondage that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Amy SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE focuses on the fake relationship between financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton. Tyler McKay is tired of the his mother’s need to marry off her only son, and with the upcoming wedding of sister number four, Tyler needs a ‘fake girlfriend’ to ward off his mother’s matchmaking advances. Enter receptionist Amy Thornton, a ‘plain Jane’ woman whose interests include erotic romance story lines, and BDSM. When his very own F5 Fitness Club offers classes in sexual awareness, Tyler soon discovers that the ‘shy and dower’ Amy Thornton has signed up for some awareness of her own. What ensues is the building romance between Tyler and Amy, as Tyler makes Amy an offer she cannot refuse. When Tyler asks Amy to be his plus-one for his sister’s wedding, he also offers to be Amy’s plus-one for her cousin’s wedding in return.
Amy Thornton is a bit of a ‘door-mat’ in that she is easily pushed around by her boss, and a cousin who demands all of Amy’s time in advance of her own wedding. Her inability to say no, and need to help didn’t do our heroine any favours. Having no knowledge about her extended family, Amy is pulled into the vortex that will become her own personal h*ll. Tyler McKay doesn’t do relationships but meeting Amy Thornton, something about our heroine tugs at Tyler’s heart including her need to discover her kinkier side.
The relationship between Tyler and Amy begins as an arrangement; a fake relationship to appease Tyler’s mother, and the growing entourage of aunts and sisters who are determined to marry Tyler to the first suitable bachelorette. With no plans for anything permanent, Amy considers a relationship with someone else, someone who isn’t quite whom they appear to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios.
We are introduced to Tyler’s business partners at F5: Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo; Amy’s best friend and book store owner Jade; Tyler’s sister Lauren whose own marriage is spiralling out of control; and an assortment of well-meaning sisters and cousins, including a ‘bridezilla’ intent on abusing Amy’s quiet nature. Kyle and Lauren’s story line is next in ADDICTED TO LOVE.
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is a story of family, honor, betrayal and trust. Because this is a story with a secondary premise focusing on BDSM, the issues of trust come into question. The ‘Dominant’ is deceitful with his identity, and continues to perpetuate a lie throughout most of the story, but in the end, all is forgiven rather quickly and without any emotional fall-out. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and flirty but the heroine’s need to ‘save’ everyone interfered with my overall enjoyment.
Own a copy
February 6, 2017
Simply Irresistible
Deborah Cooke
Deb Cooke’s debut in her new Flat Iron 5 contemporary series is a delight, and a bit naughty romantic comedy. In it she gives readers a fantastic fake date trope staring a closet reading e-rom, nerd girl with some rather wicked fantasies and matches her with a hot, too sexy for his Brooks Brother’s suit wearing vanilla-nice guy. Her dialogue is catchy and fast paced its full of poetry and great quotes and is a love letter to the Manhattan setting in this sexy and sweet with a lot of heat romance. So if you’re looking for something to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night you’ve come to the right place. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next but if you read book one you might get a hint!
Tyler McKay has a big problem his little sister is getting married and if he shows up stag to the wedding he knows his big, noisy, interfering family, especially his fanatic for grandbabies, mother will try to fix him up. He’s not opposed to marriage, he simply wants to chose his own partner in his own time. So his solution is proposing a fake dating scheme with the woman he’s been noticing in his building’s lunchroom, the buttoned up, voracious reader he’s affectionately nicknamed, the librarian. When he finally meets her, he learns that she can also benefit from a fake wedding date, plus he’s pleased to learn she’s not as buttoned up as he first thought. And he’s actually looking forward to making this fake date as fun as possible.
With a dead end job, a house that’s falling apart and no funds for repairs, Amy Thornton’s only outlet was living vicariously through the characters in her erotic romance novels. Until the hot sexy guy she’s been secretly referring to as Mr. Yum approaches her with the most hair-brained proposition. She knows it won’t work, she knows no one will believe they’re dating but she also knows it will be sweet revenge bringing him to her Bridezilla cousin’s wedding. So her answer as implausible as it seems, is a resounding YES!
Deborah Cooke
Deb Cooke’s debut in her new Flat Iron 5 contemporary series is a delight, and a bit naughty romantic comedy. In it she gives readers a fantastic fake date trope staring a closet reading e-rom, nerd girl with some rather wicked fantasies and matches her with a hot, too sexy for his Brooks Brother’s suit wearing vanilla-nice guy. Her dialogue is catchy and fast paced its full of poetry and great quotes and is a love letter to the Manhattan setting in this sexy and sweet with a lot of heat romance. So if you’re looking for something to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night you’ve come to the right place. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next but if you read book one you might get a hint!
Tyler McKay has a big problem his little sister is getting married and if he shows up stag to the wedding he knows his big, noisy, interfering family, especially his fanatic for grandbabies, mother will try to fix him up. He’s not opposed to marriage, he simply wants to chose his own partner in his own time. So his solution is proposing a fake dating scheme with the woman he’s been noticing in his building’s lunchroom, the buttoned up, voracious reader he’s affectionately nicknamed, the librarian. When he finally meets her, he learns that she can also benefit from a fake wedding date, plus he’s pleased to learn she’s not as buttoned up as he first thought. And he’s actually looking forward to making this fake date as fun as possible.
With a dead end job, a house that’s falling apart and no funds for repairs, Amy Thornton’s only outlet was living vicariously through the characters in her erotic romance novels. Until the hot sexy guy she’s been secretly referring to as Mr. Yum approaches her with the most hair-brained proposition. She knows it won’t work, she knows no one will believe they’re dating but she also knows it will be sweet revenge bringing him to her Bridezilla cousin’s wedding. So her answer as implausible as it seems, is a resounding YES!
December 13, 2016
I am not a fan of erotic romances or the modern millionaire-playboy-meets-the-girl romances. I much prefer historical and paranormal romances, so this wasn't my kind of genre. Deborah Cooke asked me to read it so I thought I'd give it a shot. It had its moments. The fake date relationship between Amy and Ty was good and even her curiosity about the BDSM world added some spice, but after her two sessions at the gym, I hoped she would have leaned more towards Ty and not Matteo. I didn't particularly like Amy. At times she behaved so naively, especially about Matteo. She had a great guy in Ty and she considers throwing it away for the possibility of saving Matteo and having her sexual adventure. Ty was also a bit too forgiving, I mean they make love and in less than an hour or so since he leaves, she is calling Matteo specifically to have sex. Dude, I mean what is wrong with her? I would have washed my hands of her at that point and I would have told her the truth before walking away. Why he would be worrying about her feelings when she is turning to another man shortly after they were together was mind blowing. There was one aspect that I really did love, throughout the story the two main characters quoted Pride and Prejudice, The Importance of Being Ernest, and several other authors and romantic comedy movies. That made me smile a lot. Love me some Austen and Wilde.
The story does end well. She wasn't angry when the truth came out, which I kind of expected, but it would have been predictable so I think it was a plus that she wasn't. I am curious about the other partners' stories, so the plot concept is good and progressed smoothly and intrigued me. My only negative was Amy's naïve manner about wanting to save Matteo in spite of a great guy like Ty. I'm glad he opened up his views to accept what she needed but the choice between the two men should have been a no-brainer.
The story does end well. She wasn't angry when the truth came out, which I kind of expected, but it would have been predictable so I think it was a plus that she wasn't. I am curious about the other partners' stories, so the plot concept is good and progressed smoothly and intrigued me. My only negative was Amy's naïve manner about wanting to save Matteo in spite of a great guy like Ty. I'm glad he opened up his views to accept what she needed but the choice between the two men should have been a no-brainer.
September 28, 2018
Tyler finds himself trapped in a mess of his own making. He solves it by asking out the smart and beautiful Amy. He has wanted to talk to her for a while.
Amy always feels like she is not enough. She has trouble from her past that she hopes to never see again. Will getting involved with Tyler's plan ruin everything?
Loved this story. So excited to read the rest of the series. These characters were so meant to be. I loved the humor, the heat, and the sexy was out of this world hot! I thought is was great and cannot wait for the next book in the Flatiron Five series.
Amy always feels like she is not enough. She has trouble from her past that she hopes to never see again. Will getting involved with Tyler's plan ruin everything?
Loved this story. So excited to read the rest of the series. These characters were so meant to be. I loved the humor, the heat, and the sexy was out of this world hot! I thought is was great and cannot wait for the next book in the Flatiron Five series.
May 18, 2020
JUST ONE FAKE DATE is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE FITNESS erotic, romance series focusing on the five friends -owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five Fitness-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is Flatiron Five Fitness part owner and financial consultant Tyler McKay, and photographer Shannyn Hawke’s story line.
NOTE: JUST ONE FAKE DATE is the rebranding and rewritten story line of Tyler McKay first introduced in the original SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE. The author has reworked and reimagined Tyler’s story so that it no longer resembles the original release including a new heroine whose personality is in complete opposition to the one before.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Shannyn JUST ONE FAKE DATE follows the building relationship and romance between former college classmates Flatiron Five Fitness part owner and financial consultant Tyler McKay, and photographer Shannyn Hawke. Shannyn Hawke’s latest assignment finds her face to face with a part of her past she had hoped to forget. The odd woman out in a class of beautiful and sexy students Shannyn discovered that she was the only woman whom Tyler and his group of friends never considered worthy of their time. Fast forward twelve years wherein Shannyn is offered an opportunity to photograph the owners and members at Flatiron Five Fitness, an opportunity that finds our heroine falling in love with the man who had once broken her heart. Tyler McKay, along with his business partner Kyle Stuyvesant vaguely remembered our heroine but something about Shannyn pulled at Tyler’s rapidly beating heart. A one-night stand proved not to be enough for our story line hero so Tyler made Shannyn an offer she couldn’t refuse- a fake date for his sister’s wedding in exchange for a few weeks together to keep his mother and sisters at bay. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Tyler and Shannyn, and the potential fall-out as Shannyn struggles with past heart break and pain, and the realization that she is on the outside looking in as it pertains to the McKay family dynamics.
JUST ONE FAKE DATE is a Cinderella story. Shannyn struggles to make ends meet, and Tyler is a man of wealth and stature. Shannyn is a strong-willed, independent and oft-times exasperating heroine who needs to be in control of her destiny and her life. Tyler McKay knows to stop his mother from harassing him about his love life, he is going to need to act fast, and Shannyn is the perfect foil to his mother’s need to control his life but Shannyn refuses to draw outside the lines, and in this sets a set of rules to be adhered, rules that Tyler is determined to break.
The relationship between Tyler and Shannyn is a frenemies to lovers in which Shannyn battles between head and heart. Having suffered heart break in the past, Shannyn refuses to be placed in a situation where she could once again, lose her heart to a man who is unable to see beyond the truth, and in this, Shannyn is determined to take control, having the upper hand when it comes to losing her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Tyler McKay’s partner at Flatiron Five Fitness: Kyle Stuyvesant, Cassie Wilson, Theo Tremblay, and Damon Perez: Tyler’s sisters Stephanie, Lauren, Paige and her husband Derek, Katelyn, and their parents Jeffery and Colleen McKay; Shannyn’s brother Aidan, and her best friend Kirsten.
JUST ONE FAKE DATE is a story of family, friendships, business and love; of heart beak and revelations; of acceptance and hope The premise is engaging and inviting; the characters are stubborn, quirky, and energetic; the romance is spicy and moving.
Copy supplied for review
NOTE: JUST ONE FAKE DATE is the rebranding and rewritten story line of Tyler McKay first introduced in the original SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE. The author has reworked and reimagined Tyler’s story so that it no longer resembles the original release including a new heroine whose personality is in complete opposition to the one before.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Shannyn JUST ONE FAKE DATE follows the building relationship and romance between former college classmates Flatiron Five Fitness part owner and financial consultant Tyler McKay, and photographer Shannyn Hawke. Shannyn Hawke’s latest assignment finds her face to face with a part of her past she had hoped to forget. The odd woman out in a class of beautiful and sexy students Shannyn discovered that she was the only woman whom Tyler and his group of friends never considered worthy of their time. Fast forward twelve years wherein Shannyn is offered an opportunity to photograph the owners and members at Flatiron Five Fitness, an opportunity that finds our heroine falling in love with the man who had once broken her heart. Tyler McKay, along with his business partner Kyle Stuyvesant vaguely remembered our heroine but something about Shannyn pulled at Tyler’s rapidly beating heart. A one-night stand proved not to be enough for our story line hero so Tyler made Shannyn an offer she couldn’t refuse- a fake date for his sister’s wedding in exchange for a few weeks together to keep his mother and sisters at bay. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Tyler and Shannyn, and the potential fall-out as Shannyn struggles with past heart break and pain, and the realization that she is on the outside looking in as it pertains to the McKay family dynamics.
JUST ONE FAKE DATE is a Cinderella story. Shannyn struggles to make ends meet, and Tyler is a man of wealth and stature. Shannyn is a strong-willed, independent and oft-times exasperating heroine who needs to be in control of her destiny and her life. Tyler McKay knows to stop his mother from harassing him about his love life, he is going to need to act fast, and Shannyn is the perfect foil to his mother’s need to control his life but Shannyn refuses to draw outside the lines, and in this sets a set of rules to be adhered, rules that Tyler is determined to break.
The relationship between Tyler and Shannyn is a frenemies to lovers in which Shannyn battles between head and heart. Having suffered heart break in the past, Shannyn refuses to be placed in a situation where she could once again, lose her heart to a man who is unable to see beyond the truth, and in this, Shannyn is determined to take control, having the upper hand when it comes to losing her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Tyler McKay’s partner at Flatiron Five Fitness: Kyle Stuyvesant, Cassie Wilson, Theo Tremblay, and Damon Perez: Tyler’s sisters Stephanie, Lauren, Paige and her husband Derek, Katelyn, and their parents Jeffery and Colleen McKay; Shannyn’s brother Aidan, and her best friend Kirsten.
JUST ONE FAKE DATE is a story of family, friendships, business and love; of heart beak and revelations; of acceptance and hope The premise is engaging and inviting; the characters are stubborn, quirky, and energetic; the romance is spicy and moving.
Copy supplied for review
August 19, 2019
Simply Unbelievable
Even with BDSM this book is unbelievable. This is the first in a series of The FlatIron Five - five friends owning widely successful, businesses together, with Ty being the only partner against them entering a business dealing with fulfilling people images of sex for pleasure. Their business dipped in superficial BDSM.
Ty and Amy agreed to be fake dates because of upcoming weddings in their lives. Ty knew his family would began to try to get him married next and needed Amy as a cover. I think Amy wasn't aware of why she was eager to please everyone in her life until Ty pointed it out to her.
This book had an unusual twist to it. Ty and Amy often saw each other during lunch, it wasn't until Ty propositioned Amy during lunch for them to become each other fake dates. The book moved at a slow clip until BDSM entered the picture. Amy believing love conquers all, believed the dark erotic romances she read. BDSM requires voluntary participants not women who are tied up and mistreated with no ability to agree with or disagree.
Ty found out what type of books Amy read and believed and set out to show that she's wrong. That's the premise of the book and is based on lies and deceptions. The rest follows their fake dates and both introduction to BDSM. It's unbelievable in all instances.
However, Ty and Any move slowly to their HEA expected from all fake dates, romance books. I became more interested in Lauren, Ty's sister and Kyle, Ty's business business parter. They both seemed more believable and exciting than Ty and Amy.
Even with BDSM this book is unbelievable. This is the first in a series of The FlatIron Five - five friends owning widely successful, businesses together, with Ty being the only partner against them entering a business dealing with fulfilling people images of sex for pleasure. Their business dipped in superficial BDSM.
Ty and Amy agreed to be fake dates because of upcoming weddings in their lives. Ty knew his family would began to try to get him married next and needed Amy as a cover. I think Amy wasn't aware of why she was eager to please everyone in her life until Ty pointed it out to her.
This book had an unusual twist to it. Ty and Amy often saw each other during lunch, it wasn't until Ty propositioned Amy during lunch for them to become each other fake dates. The book moved at a slow clip until BDSM entered the picture. Amy believing love conquers all, believed the dark erotic romances she read. BDSM requires voluntary participants not women who are tied up and mistreated with no ability to agree with or disagree.
Ty found out what type of books Amy read and believed and set out to show that she's wrong. That's the premise of the book and is based on lies and deceptions. The rest follows their fake dates and both introduction to BDSM. It's unbelievable in all instances.
However, Ty and Any move slowly to their HEA expected from all fake dates, romance books. I became more interested in Lauren, Ty's sister and Kyle, Ty's business business parter. They both seemed more believable and exciting than Ty and Amy.
December 28, 2025
Nice characters, great world building for future books and cute romance with steamy elements.
The ending was a bit rushed, as I felt it unnecessary to have the characters get married right away. I guess it has to happen for the next book, but I didn't deem it needed.
The ending was a bit rushed, as I felt it unnecessary to have the characters get married right away. I guess it has to happen for the next book, but I didn't deem it needed.
January 23, 2018
Sweet
I enjoyed this book...the chemistry between the main characters was hot...and when Ty became Matteo...hot hot hot! I think that is why Amy fell so hard.
I enjoyed this book...the chemistry between the main characters was hot...and when Ty became Matteo...hot hot hot! I think that is why Amy fell so hard.
May 16, 2020
Wow what a great book and start of a series! I am just delighted by Deborah reworking this opening book to her Flatiron 5 series because it's just FABULOUS! Her stories just keep getting better with each release. I can't wait to reread the series. That's saying something as I hardly ever reread anything!
Tyler McKay is in a bind. He needs a date to his sister's wedding and everyone he dates seems to be a golddigger. Then there's his mother who is determined all of her five children have to be married asap and start producing grandchildren. She is in a competition with her sister and she's behind. Ty is a catch as he's one of the 5 partners in Manhattan's hot fitness club Flatiron Five Fitness, all friends from college. He's also the only one with a day job. He's day job is at Fleming Financial and he's the finance guy of F5F. When he sees Shannyn Hawke walk into F5F he knows he's found his perfect fake date for the wedding since he knows she hates him, if he can convince her to do it.
Shannyn Hawke is a freelance photographer who's been asked to take on a quick job for her college Alumni magazine. She's on deadline but she needs the money to reroof her house. She remembers these partners from college. She actually told Tyler exactly what she thought of the "smug entitled a$$hole" at an end of year party. When he approaches her with his proposition she makes a deal with him. She had a huge crush on him in college and now is her chance to see what she's been missing so they make a deal...you gotta read the book to find out what and how many deals they end up making! It's good believe me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tyler McKay is in a bind. He needs a date to his sister's wedding and everyone he dates seems to be a golddigger. Then there's his mother who is determined all of her five children have to be married asap and start producing grandchildren. She is in a competition with her sister and she's behind. Ty is a catch as he's one of the 5 partners in Manhattan's hot fitness club Flatiron Five Fitness, all friends from college. He's also the only one with a day job. He's day job is at Fleming Financial and he's the finance guy of F5F. When he sees Shannyn Hawke walk into F5F he knows he's found his perfect fake date for the wedding since he knows she hates him, if he can convince her to do it.
Shannyn Hawke is a freelance photographer who's been asked to take on a quick job for her college Alumni magazine. She's on deadline but she needs the money to reroof her house. She remembers these partners from college. She actually told Tyler exactly what she thought of the "smug entitled a$$hole" at an end of year party. When he approaches her with his proposition she makes a deal with him. She had a huge crush on him in college and now is her chance to see what she's been missing so they make a deal...you gotta read the book to find out what and how many deals they end up making! It's good believe me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
August 18, 2020JUST ONE FAKE DATE is not the same book as SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, with a new cover and title. It's a different book, even though the two are linked here as different editions of the same book.
What's the same? The book is still the series starter and the hero, Tyler McKay, is still the finance guy for the fitness club in New York. He's still attending his fourth sister's wedding and his partner Kyle suggests a fake date. In this version, Tyler isn't convinced of that plan—until the heroine shows up.
What's different? JOFD has a different heroine and thus, a different romance. Shannyn had a crush on Tyler when they had a class together in college. She suggests the fake date. She's looking for a fling, because of her romantic history, but Tyler decides to try and convince her to wish for more. Her character is very different from that of Amy, the heroine of SI.
Why did I rewrite the series starter? I thought SI was too different in tone from the rest of the books in the series. It wasn't my plan at the outset but the series just worked out that way. JOFD is a lot more consistent in tone and trope: if you like it, you'll like the rest of the books. The other books in the series are essentially the same as previously, with new covers and titles. Naturally, the name of Tyler's partner has been updated throughout. There are a couple of new characters, including Jax, whose story is upcoming. Book #3 has a new epilogue, too. If you bought those ebooks, you can download the new editions as updates.
JOFD and SI are merged here, as if they are the same book even though they're not. JOFD was published in May 2020 and SI was unpublished then, so reviews posted after that date will be for JOFD.
What's the same? The book is still the series starter and the hero, Tyler McKay, is still the finance guy for the fitness club in New York. He's still attending his fourth sister's wedding and his partner Kyle suggests a fake date. In this version, Tyler isn't convinced of that plan—until the heroine shows up.
What's different? JOFD has a different heroine and thus, a different romance. Shannyn had a crush on Tyler when they had a class together in college. She suggests the fake date. She's looking for a fling, because of her romantic history, but Tyler decides to try and convince her to wish for more. Her character is very different from that of Amy, the heroine of SI.
Why did I rewrite the series starter? I thought SI was too different in tone from the rest of the books in the series. It wasn't my plan at the outset but the series just worked out that way. JOFD is a lot more consistent in tone and trope: if you like it, you'll like the rest of the books. The other books in the series are essentially the same as previously, with new covers and titles. Naturally, the name of Tyler's partner has been updated throughout. There are a couple of new characters, including Jax, whose story is upcoming. Book #3 has a new epilogue, too. If you bought those ebooks, you can download the new editions as updates.
JOFD and SI are merged here, as if they are the same book even though they're not. JOFD was published in May 2020 and SI was unpublished then, so reviews posted after that date will be for JOFD.
September 29, 2018
I started skimming at 66% because I got tired of waiting for that other shoe to drop, plus there's more description than I care about. Luckily, I liked how it resolved. I particularly liked who took it the best, and why.
I liked the writer's style, but she needed to work harder to give me a believable plot. That the deception drags on with so much assumption and presumption despite growing feelings? That lessened my respect for both characters, making the whole story less appealing. People do keep secrets, and lie, but this was excessive and nonsensical - a plot device rather than a functional plot element. Unlike a few other reviewers, I didn't dislike the dishonesty in the D/s aspect. These two are both very new and Ty isn't even sure it's okay for quite awhile, despite being stupid enough to do what his friend suggests.
Ultimately, I don't like stupid MCs. Read this if free is a price you prefer. :)
I liked the writer's style, but she needed to work harder to give me a believable plot. That the deception drags on with so much assumption and presumption despite growing feelings? That lessened my respect for both characters, making the whole story less appealing. People do keep secrets, and lie, but this was excessive and nonsensical - a plot device rather than a functional plot element. Unlike a few other reviewers, I didn't dislike the dishonesty in the D/s aspect. These two are both very new and Ty isn't even sure it's okay for quite awhile, despite being stupid enough to do what his friend suggests.
Ultimately, I don't like stupid MCs. Read this if free is a price you prefer. :)
November 29, 2016
This book is a little different for me with a higher heat level and a little more into bdsm then I would normally pick. Amy looks like a librarian and is a receptionist with a keen interest in naughty books. In the age old story, Ty needs a pretend date for his sister's wedding to keep his mother off his back. A chance meeting and hidden dirty book hitting the floor later, Ty decides Amy is the perfect date and she just happens to need a date of her own to her cousin's wedding. Secret identities and emerging secret fantasies add twists and turns to a novel that heat seems to sky rocket on. The first in a new series, this book is a good, hot, fast-paced story with an HEA. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
May 14, 2020
I recieved this as an ARC, but I think that it is a rename and new cover. The characters are all very attractive and charming as expected. I like how Shannyn and Tyler find friendship first and then true love. The hot sex is irrelevant. The author provides backstory to both Shannyn and Tyler, however I feel that this is book 2. Shannyn was to be a teacher, was it an art teacher? How did she get into photography? Why didn't she go back to working at the dress shop or use those connections to do wedding photography which is lucrative? How did the Flat Iron Five manage to purchase a building in Manhattan even during the 2008 housing crash and then have the money to renovate it into a gym. I realize that these questions may not matter to some, but for me they puzzled me to the point of not focusing on the romance.
January 25, 2018
Hard limits
This may contain some spoilers. The writing is good and you're pulled into the story pretty quickly. There is a lot of inner dialogue in the beginning but it wasn't too bad. My problem is the trust that should be there when learning or when you're in a BDSM relationship. When you lie who you are to your partner that ruins everything to me. If you can't trust the person you're with to give you basic information then there's a problem. I've read up to 56% and I don't know if I'll finish the book. If I do I'll update my review. I was really interested to see where the story was going but not with this big of a lie.
This may contain some spoilers. The writing is good and you're pulled into the story pretty quickly. There is a lot of inner dialogue in the beginning but it wasn't too bad. My problem is the trust that should be there when learning or when you're in a BDSM relationship. When you lie who you are to your partner that ruins everything to me. If you can't trust the person you're with to give you basic information then there's a problem. I've read up to 56% and I don't know if I'll finish the book. If I do I'll update my review. I was really interested to see where the story was going but not with this big of a lie.
October 4, 2019
I was already struggling with reading this book, but when it came to hitting the bottoms of her feet, while she is tied up and suspended, her first time doing BDSM with a man whose never done it...
Nope. You don't learn Shibari in one hour and think you can teach what you've never done it. She has some idea what she'd like...he thinks BDSM is some horrible abuse trip.
Not letting any man "dom" me who thinks that way. Know something about the thing you're pretending you're an expert in.
FSOG is referenced repeatedly, as a book where the author knows something about BDSM. This author should have done her research better. James knew next to nothing, and it showed in her writing.
Nope. You don't learn Shibari in one hour and think you can teach what you've never done it. She has some idea what she'd like...he thinks BDSM is some horrible abuse trip.
Not letting any man "dom" me who thinks that way. Know something about the thing you're pretending you're an expert in.
FSOG is referenced repeatedly, as a book where the author knows something about BDSM. This author should have done her research better. James knew next to nothing, and it showed in her writing.
January 26, 2018
Silly, shallow, boring
If this is typical of contemporary romance novels, I pass. I found the characters silly, the dialog juvenile and the plot shallow and boring.
If this is typical of contemporary romance novels, I pass. I found the characters silly, the dialog juvenile and the plot shallow and boring.
August 13, 2018
3.5 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SIMPLY IRESISTIBLE is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE erotic romance series focusing on five friends-owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton’s story line.
NOTE: SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is an erotic, romance story line with some light BDSM scenarios including spanking and bondage that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Amy SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE focuses on the fake relationship between financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton. Tyler McKay is tired of the his mother’s need to marry off her only son, and with the upcoming wedding of sister number four, Tyler needs a ‘fake girlfriend’ to ward off his mother’s matchmaking advances. Enter receptionist Amy Thornton, a ‘plain Jane’ woman whose interests include erotic romance story lines, and BDSM. When his very own F5 Fitness Club offers classes in sexual awareness, Tyler soon discovers that the ‘shy and dower’ Amy Thornton has signed up for some awareness of her own. What ensues is the building romance between Tyler and Amy, as Tyler makes Amy an offer she cannot refuse. When Tyler asks Amy to be his plus-one for his sister’s wedding, he also offers to be Amy’s plus-one for her cousin’s wedding in return.
Amy Thornton is a bit of a ‘door-mat’ in that she is easily pushed around by her boss, and a cousin who demands all of Amy’s time in advance of her own wedding. Her inability to say no, and need to help didn’t do our heroine any favours. Having no knowledge about her extended family, Amy is pulled into the vortex that will become her own personal h*ll. Tyler McKay doesn’t do relationships but meeting Amy Thornton, something about our heroine tugs at Tyler’s heart including her need to discover her kinkier side.
The relationship between Tyler and Amy begins as an arrangement; a fake relationship to appease Tyler’s mother, and the growing entourage of aunts and sisters who are determined to marry Tyler to the first suitable bachelorette. With no plans for anything permanent, Amy considers a relationship with someone else, someone who isn’t quite whom they appear to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios.
We are introduced to Tyler’s business partners at F5: Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo; Amy’s best friend and book store owner Jade; Tyler’s sister Lauren whose own marriage is spiralling out of control; and an assortment of well-meaning sisters and cousins, including a ‘bridezilla’ intent on abusing Amy’s quiet nature. Kyle and Lauren’s story line is next in ADDICTED TO LOVE.
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is a story of family, honor, betrayal and trust. Because this is a story with a secondary premise focusing on BDSM, the issues of trust come into question. The ‘Dominant’ is deceitful with his identity, and continues to perpetuate a lie throughout most of the story, but in the end, all is forgiven rather quickly and without any emotional fall-out. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and flirty but the heroine’s need to ‘save’ everyone interfered with my overall enjoyment.
Own a copy
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 21, 2016
Tyler has had enough…
Going to his fourth sister’s wedding without a date will only encourage his female relations to “help” him find romance. Ty’s ready to wait for Ms. Right, and doesn’t want anyone meddling in his love life. When he learns that the quiet cute woman who works in his building has the same predicament, he’s sure they can each provide a solution for the other. But there’s far more to Amy than meets the eye, and Tyler finds himself not only intrigued by her secrets, but falling hard. How far will he go to make their temporary arrangement permanent, and win the heart of a woman he finds…simply irresistible?
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--SIMPLY IRESISTIBLE is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE erotic romance series focusing on five friends-owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton’s story line.
NOTE: SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is an erotic, romance story line with some light BDSM scenarios including spanking and bondage that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tyler and Amy SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE focuses on the fake relationship between financial investor Tyler McKay, and receptionist Amy Thornton. Tyler McKay is tired of the his mother’s need to marry off her only son, and with the upcoming wedding of sister number four, Tyler needs a ‘fake girlfriend’ to ward off his mother’s matchmaking advances. Enter receptionist Amy Thornton, a ‘plain Jane’ woman whose interests include erotic romance story lines, and BDSM. When his very own F5 Fitness Club offers classes in sexual awareness, Tyler soon discovers that the ‘shy and dower’ Amy Thornton has signed up for some awareness of her own. What ensues is the building romance between Tyler and Amy, as Tyler makes Amy an offer she cannot refuse. When Tyler asks Amy to be his plus-one for his sister’s wedding, he also offers to be Amy’s plus-one for her cousin’s wedding in return.
Amy Thornton is a bit of a ‘door-mat’ in that she is easily pushed around by her boss, and a cousin who demands all of Amy’s time in advance of her own wedding. Her inability to say no, and need to help didn’t do our heroine any favours. Having no knowledge about her extended family, Amy is pulled into the vortex that will become her own personal h*ll. Tyler McKay doesn’t do relationships but meeting Amy Thornton, something about our heroine tugs at Tyler’s heart including her need to discover her kinkier side.
The relationship between Tyler and Amy begins as an arrangement; a fake relationship to appease Tyler’s mother, and the growing entourage of aunts and sisters who are determined to marry Tyler to the first suitable bachelorette. With no plans for anything permanent, Amy considers a relationship with someone else, someone who isn’t quite whom they appear to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios.
We are introduced to Tyler’s business partners at F5: Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo; Amy’s best friend and book store owner Jade; Tyler’s sister Lauren whose own marriage is spiralling out of control; and an assortment of well-meaning sisters and cousins, including a ‘bridezilla’ intent on abusing Amy’s quiet nature. Kyle and Lauren’s story line is next in ADDICTED TO LOVE.
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is a story of family, honor, betrayal and trust. Because this is a story with a secondary premise focusing on BDSM, the issues of trust come into question. The ‘Dominant’ is deceitful with his identity, and continues to perpetuate a lie throughout most of the story, but in the end, all is forgiven rather quickly and without any emotional fall-out. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and flirty but the heroine’s need to ‘save’ everyone interfered with my overall enjoyment.
Own a copy
April 24, 2021
I read the Flatiron Five Fitness series three years ago and really liked it, the first book (Simply Irrisistible****) too. But after finishing the series the author wasn't satisfied any longer with the "weak" heroine, Amy, of book 1 and decided to rewrite it and pair Ty with a "strong" woman.
70% into the book I don't like the new heroine Sheanna and cannot believe her vita. She is said to be left behind by her mother after birth in the hospital and then having gone from one foster home to the next becoming an angry rebellious child - really? Adopting a newborn baby is the dream of every couple wanting to adopt, and the author makes us believe the heroine was not picked?
She was adopted by a loving family at the age of five and still has abandonment issues.....theme of many novels.
Her husband left her when she couldn't concieve..... She has a career as a photographer (we never learn how she started that career instead of finishing her teaching degree), which just pays the bills, she regularly visits thrift stores to upcycle and then sell stuff, all those traits don't make a strong heroine for me.
What repelled me mostly was Sheanna's bold and inappropiate suggestion right in the beginning
During the weeks before their wedding date the heroine gives mixed signals, turning hot and cold, leaving Ty guessing whether or not she'll keep their bargain.
I nerver felt any love between them, they were always misunderstanding the other one.
Not my cup of tea.
70% into the book I don't like the new heroine Sheanna and cannot believe her vita. She is said to be left behind by her mother after birth in the hospital and then having gone from one foster home to the next becoming an angry rebellious child - really? Adopting a newborn baby is the dream of every couple wanting to adopt, and the author makes us believe the heroine was not picked?
She was adopted by a loving family at the age of five and still has abandonment issues.....theme of many novels.
Her husband left her when she couldn't concieve..... She has a career as a photographer (we never learn how she started that career instead of finishing her teaching degree), which just pays the bills, she regularly visits thrift stores to upcycle and then sell stuff, all those traits don't make a strong heroine for me.
What repelled me mostly was Sheanna's bold and inappropiate suggestion right in the beginning
During the weeks before their wedding date the heroine gives mixed signals, turning hot and cold, leaving Ty guessing whether or not she'll keep their bargain.
I nerver felt any love between them, they were always misunderstanding the other one.
Not my cup of tea.
December 4, 2016
When Tyler McKay notices a woman in the food court where he eats his lunch every day he gives her the name "The Librarian". Amy Thornton had noticed him too. They both were readers, although Amy's taste in books we're hidden behind book covers. He thought it must surely be Jane Austen - so imagine his surprise when he finds out that she reads Erotica.
The two have a common problem, they are both invited to relatives weddings and need a date. Why not work together to provide a fake date for each other. The problem was, the more they came to know about each other the more the fake part seemed wrong. There was a spark between them that was growing. There was only one issue. Amy wanted to explore sexual bondage while Ty was more conservative sexually. Could this be a deal-breaker? Could/ would Ty consider doing the things that my seemed to want/need.
Deb Cooke does an amazing job at telling this story and showing to what lengths both parties could grow sexually when given the freedom that love provides. I'm not a regular reader of contemporary romance and especially not ones with alternate sexual options but I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books in this Flatiron 5 Series. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
The two have a common problem, they are both invited to relatives weddings and need a date. Why not work together to provide a fake date for each other. The problem was, the more they came to know about each other the more the fake part seemed wrong. There was a spark between them that was growing. There was only one issue. Amy wanted to explore sexual bondage while Ty was more conservative sexually. Could this be a deal-breaker? Could/ would Ty consider doing the things that my seemed to want/need.
Deb Cooke does an amazing job at telling this story and showing to what lengths both parties could grow sexually when given the freedom that love provides. I'm not a regular reader of contemporary romance and especially not ones with alternate sexual options but I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books in this Flatiron 5 Series. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
May 5, 2020
If their was ever a more perfectly imperfect book boyfriend, Tyler McKay would be it. Looking for a fake date to his sisters upcoming wedding, Ty strikes up a conversation with Amy in the lunchroom of the building where they both work.
From the outside, Amy is described as a librarian. And Ty thinks this will be perfect for him to not fall in love. Who has time for love and commitment? But at the end of lunch Ty learns that Amy’s not reading Austen behind her book covers, she’s read erotic fiction.
And this is just the first of many surprises that Ty learns about Amy. And whenever she feels he is being pigheaded or thinking she can’t handle it, she calls him out.
But when Amy wants to learn more about BDSM and sees there are classes at the local gym, she signs up. Just for Ty to learn as he owns that gym with his friends. Enter his alter ego, Matteo. Who works with Amy during these classes.
But now Amy’s torn. Does she go for the safe bet with Ty or for the sexy and mysterious Matteo? And what happens when she finds out they’re the same person.
This book is a stand-alone in a series with a HEA.
From the outside, Amy is described as a librarian. And Ty thinks this will be perfect for him to not fall in love. Who has time for love and commitment? But at the end of lunch Ty learns that Amy’s not reading Austen behind her book covers, she’s read erotic fiction.
And this is just the first of many surprises that Ty learns about Amy. And whenever she feels he is being pigheaded or thinking she can’t handle it, she calls him out.
But when Amy wants to learn more about BDSM and sees there are classes at the local gym, she signs up. Just for Ty to learn as he owns that gym with his friends. Enter his alter ego, Matteo. Who works with Amy during these classes.
But now Amy’s torn. Does she go for the safe bet with Ty or for the sexy and mysterious Matteo? And what happens when she finds out they’re the same person.
This book is a stand-alone in a series with a HEA.
January 1, 2024
4.5 STARS
The beginning when the two meet up again was a nice start, but then they hop into bed almost immediately and that was a turn off for me. Thankfully the story did improve and their relationship went slow from there.
The h is quirky in just the right way. The H is a work alcoholic and has no time for relationships. These two have history that was barely touched on 12 years previously.
The other partners in their fitness center and seem interesting with their own strengths and I bet their stories are as interesting. Nice set up for the rest of the series.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.
I liked the H's siblings and some of their stories will leave you wanting to know more. The h's backstory was sad and you felt her emotion. The H's mother was a bit overbearing and I liked the ending with the h.
No cheating, no cliffhanger but I felt ending rushed, HEA, romantic and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
The beginning when the two meet up again was a nice start, but then they hop into bed almost immediately and that was a turn off for me. Thankfully the story did improve and their relationship went slow from there.
The h is quirky in just the right way. The H is a work alcoholic and has no time for relationships. These two have history that was barely touched on 12 years previously.
The other partners in their fitness center and seem interesting with their own strengths and I bet their stories are as interesting. Nice set up for the rest of the series.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.
I liked the H's siblings and some of their stories will leave you wanting to know more. The h's backstory was sad and you felt her emotion. The H's mother was a bit overbearing and I liked the ending with the h.
No cheating, no cliffhanger but I felt ending rushed, HEA, romantic and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
February 13, 2018
Still Digesting the Storyline!
I had a hard time rating this book. I grew to love the characters, Amy, the woman who neglects her desires while she is busy helping deal with her parent’s terminal illnesses and ultimate deaths and Ty, the oldest of four siblings and the only brother, who is the protector. It was the storyline that I had trouble. These two pursue honesty in a relationship yet Amy could desire Matteo and pursue him with calls just after been intimate with Ty. Then there is Ty, who hides behind a mask rather than letting Amy know he is willing to do whatever his sexual partner wants to satisfy her. I had a hard time with Amy vacillating between a head strong woman, capable of making her own decisions and being a submissive. In the end, my uncertainty didn’t keep me from giving the book a 4 star rating. The
I had a hard time rating this book. I grew to love the characters, Amy, the woman who neglects her desires while she is busy helping deal with her parent’s terminal illnesses and ultimate deaths and Ty, the oldest of four siblings and the only brother, who is the protector. It was the storyline that I had trouble. These two pursue honesty in a relationship yet Amy could desire Matteo and pursue him with calls just after been intimate with Ty. Then there is Ty, who hides behind a mask rather than letting Amy know he is willing to do whatever his sexual partner wants to satisfy her. I had a hard time with Amy vacillating between a head strong woman, capable of making her own decisions and being a submissive. In the end, my uncertainty didn’t keep me from giving the book a 4 star rating. The
August 15, 2019
Do you know if you like bondage?
Tylor looks like he just walked off the set of a GQ magazine cover photo. It's hard to believe that he is interested in a girl who looks like a librarian. When Ty goes to the cafeteria for lunch he always sees her reading a book. He was going to ask her to be his fake date for the last of his four younger sister's wedding when she gets up to leave and drops her book and he sees that her book is about sex and bondage. This leads to them finding out more about each other and how they fall in love with each other. It's a little kinky but funny too. I really enjoyed it 😊
Tylor looks like he just walked off the set of a GQ magazine cover photo. It's hard to believe that he is interested in a girl who looks like a librarian. When Ty goes to the cafeteria for lunch he always sees her reading a book. He was going to ask her to be his fake date for the last of his four younger sister's wedding when she gets up to leave and drops her book and he sees that her book is about sex and bondage. This leads to them finding out more about each other and how they fall in love with each other. It's a little kinky but funny too. I really enjoyed it 😊
October 4, 2019
Absolutely Perfect
There were never two such perfect individuals for each other! They complimented and brought out the differences in such a way that you felt you were in the story.
Really the realistic characters, setting, and theme, perfect!
The best I can say is , THIS IS A MUST READ!
I look forward to the next in the F5 series, but in all honesty, the hero was amazing in the first! After getting a ,just a small one, glimmer of Kyle and Lauren's personalities in the first book, how can Kyle compare to Lauren's big brother... It will be fun finding out!
Absolute must have!
Karen
There were never two such perfect individuals for each other! They complimented and brought out the differences in such a way that you felt you were in the story.
Really the realistic characters, setting, and theme, perfect!
The best I can say is , THIS IS A MUST READ!
I look forward to the next in the F5 series, but in all honesty, the hero was amazing in the first! After getting a ,just a small one, glimmer of Kyle and Lauren's personalities in the first book, how can Kyle compare to Lauren's big brother... It will be fun finding out!
Absolute must have!
Karen
July 23, 2020
Wonderful story!!
I can't say that I'm surprised by the way the story flowed and followed each character. After all, I have so many novels by Deborah Cooke, just not this genre. I don't normally read contemporary romance; PNR being my drug of choice. But I'm very happy I chose Flatiron Five to be my next series read. The introduction of the other members of F5 was also a nice way of letting readers know what is to come. You can never have too much backstory. From the door, Tyler and Amy just clicked. I also think the bondage scene were well written and very hot. Needless to say, I will be reading this entire series to the end.
I can't say that I'm surprised by the way the story flowed and followed each character. After all, I have so many novels by Deborah Cooke, just not this genre. I don't normally read contemporary romance; PNR being my drug of choice. But I'm very happy I chose Flatiron Five to be my next series read. The introduction of the other members of F5 was also a nice way of letting readers know what is to come. You can never have too much backstory. From the door, Tyler and Amy just clicked. I also think the bondage scene were well written and very hot. Needless to say, I will be reading this entire series to the end.
March 17, 2024
Shannyn and Ty are a fun couple that work really well together. They constantly challenge one another, but are not intensely antagonistic to each other. I love a couple who constantly challenges each other and makes one another better. They’re also a great fit in that Shannyn is able to slot into Ty’s world seamlessly and they are both able to find professional and personal fulfillment together. Absolutely adorable and seriously enjoyable.
I love that Shannyn and Ty come from vastly different backgrounds. And that, ultimately, they end up together because Shannyn decides to take a big risk and plunge. I’m a big believer that fully committing to someone is always a risk that takes a pretty big step on both peoples’ behalf’s. But, with Shannyn’s background and experience, I love the strength of self that she shows in deciding to take that plunge.
As someone who comes from a highly involved family, I love how involved all of Ty’s family is. They might be slightly overbearing and a little bit too much, but I thought they were fantastic. As was Shannyn’s mother and brother. Family comes in all shapes and sizes, and I love that they both come from supportive backgrounds. Even if this meant that Ty’s mother got a little bit too involved and presented as a bit of an obstacle to overcome.
Even though Ty’s mum was a bit of an obstacle, I thought that both she and Cassie would be far more of a challenge than they were. Particularly Cassie, it’s obvious that she had her sights majorly set on Ty. And even when she made a play for him and started to realise that it wasn’t going to work, she wasn’t as much of a challenge to Shannyn and Ty’s romance as I thought. Which I kind of liked. I get a bit fed up with women being petty and horrible to each other. That wasn’t the case in this story, rather both women had concerns about Shannyn, but bowed out to Ty’s happiness.
This romance was an incredibly easy read with a whole lot of heart. I really enjoyed it, and can’t wait until the rest of the Flatiron Five Fitness team fall in love and find their happily ever afters.
I love that Shannyn and Ty come from vastly different backgrounds. And that, ultimately, they end up together because Shannyn decides to take a big risk and plunge. I’m a big believer that fully committing to someone is always a risk that takes a pretty big step on both peoples’ behalf’s. But, with Shannyn’s background and experience, I love the strength of self that she shows in deciding to take that plunge.
As someone who comes from a highly involved family, I love how involved all of Ty’s family is. They might be slightly overbearing and a little bit too much, but I thought they were fantastic. As was Shannyn’s mother and brother. Family comes in all shapes and sizes, and I love that they both come from supportive backgrounds. Even if this meant that Ty’s mother got a little bit too involved and presented as a bit of an obstacle to overcome.
Even though Ty’s mum was a bit of an obstacle, I thought that both she and Cassie would be far more of a challenge than they were. Particularly Cassie, it’s obvious that she had her sights majorly set on Ty. And even when she made a play for him and started to realise that it wasn’t going to work, she wasn’t as much of a challenge to Shannyn and Ty’s romance as I thought. Which I kind of liked. I get a bit fed up with women being petty and horrible to each other. That wasn’t the case in this story, rather both women had concerns about Shannyn, but bowed out to Ty’s happiness.
This romance was an incredibly easy read with a whole lot of heart. I really enjoyed it, and can’t wait until the rest of the Flatiron Five Fitness team fall in love and find their happily ever afters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews