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Charming
He’s a bad boy trying to be good…
Ford’s gone from hard-partying playboy to responsible CEO. Since he inherited his father’s billion-dollar corporation, he has everything to prove.
He also has a secret.
Her name is Autumn, and her voice is perfect. Sometimes sweet and innocent, sometimes sultry and seductive, but always exactly right.
Ford can’t help wanting a real relationship with the woman on the other end of the phone. He just has to make sure she never learns how much he really knows about her… and why.
She’s a good girl pretending to be bad…
Autumn’s job at the fantasy hotline helps pay the bills—and with a younger sister to raise, she has a lot of bills. The shy 23-year-old is good at role-playing. She’s an innocent girl next door for one caller, a naughty nurse for the next… anyone but herself.
Except with Ford. He’s the one man who never asks for fake moans or empty flirtations. He wants the girl behind the fantasy… the real Autumn. And she can’t help wishing he were more than a voice in the night.
When Autumn’s in danger and Ford rushes to her rescue, their unlikely connection becomes a Cinderella story. But Autumn has a secret of her own… one that could tear apart their fairy-tale romance.
***Charming is a full-length romance novel with steamy scenes, no cheating, and a very happy ending.***
Ford’s gone from hard-partying playboy to responsible CEO. Since he inherited his father’s billion-dollar corporation, he has everything to prove.
He also has a secret.
Her name is Autumn, and her voice is perfect. Sometimes sweet and innocent, sometimes sultry and seductive, but always exactly right.
Ford can’t help wanting a real relationship with the woman on the other end of the phone. He just has to make sure she never learns how much he really knows about her… and why.
She’s a good girl pretending to be bad…
Autumn’s job at the fantasy hotline helps pay the bills—and with a younger sister to raise, she has a lot of bills. The shy 23-year-old is good at role-playing. She’s an innocent girl next door for one caller, a naughty nurse for the next… anyone but herself.
Except with Ford. He’s the one man who never asks for fake moans or empty flirtations. He wants the girl behind the fantasy… the real Autumn. And she can’t help wishing he were more than a voice in the night.
When Autumn’s in danger and Ford rushes to her rescue, their unlikely connection becomes a Cinderella story. But Autumn has a secret of her own… one that could tear apart their fairy-tale romance.
***Charming is a full-length romance novel with steamy scenes, no cheating, and a very happy ending.***
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2016
982 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Brooks
41 books206 followersSophie enjoys reading, writing, seeking, and dreaming about romance! She feels most likely to experience the romantic side of life while traveling to new cities, hiking through the mountains, or making new friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 27, 2016
Such a short, yet sweet story that brings the whole Cinderella atmosphere to the 21st century...
This story brings so many things to the table that you sort of expect coming due to the fact there is a comparison to the Cinderella story, but what you do not see coming is the action and so much passion and love being endured in every aspect. I truly enjoyed it more than what I was expecting, even with the plot twists that I did not see coming... But I highly recommend this one for those who are looking for a short but enticing read!
This story brings so many things to the table that you sort of expect coming due to the fact there is a comparison to the Cinderella story, but what you do not see coming is the action and so much passion and love being endured in every aspect. I truly enjoyed it more than what I was expecting, even with the plot twists that I did not see coming... But I highly recommend this one for those who are looking for a short but enticing read!
October 30, 2018
Charming was, indeed, charming. I love fairytale retellings and unique meet-cutes? Even better.
The Gist: Ford and Autumn? The meet when he calls into the fantasy hotline--where Autumn works--looking to get his rocks off. Okay, well, maybe just to talk. Really. That's all he wants. Not the "naughty nurse" or the "sexy submissive" just Autumn. So he calls. And they talk. Often. Until one night an emergency brings their relationship off the phones and into real life.
Ford and Autumn were fun. Ford is a super confident, sexy, dominant billionaire with some hidden secrets and a generous kind heart. And Autumn is a struggling young woman doing whatever she has to to provide for her younger sister. They're both hard working, earnest, and easy to like even if they aren't always perfect.
The romance was something A little awkward at first because hello phone sex line! I mean. Is he a perv? Is he legit? Ack! But they had such great chemistry and I enjoyed them as they got to know each other in real life-- complete with blunders, sweet moments and super steamy foreplay.
All in all, a good time was had. Fun characters, a unique first meet, some struggles and missteps and pulling everything back together. I would have loved to spend more even more time with these two.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R0M8nW
The Gist: Ford and Autumn? The meet when he calls into the fantasy hotline--where Autumn works--looking to get his rocks off. Okay, well, maybe just to talk. Really. That's all he wants. Not the "naughty nurse" or the "sexy submissive" just Autumn. So he calls. And they talk. Often. Until one night an emergency brings their relationship off the phones and into real life.
Ford and Autumn were fun. Ford is a super confident, sexy, dominant billionaire with some hidden secrets and a generous kind heart. And Autumn is a struggling young woman doing whatever she has to to provide for her younger sister. They're both hard working, earnest, and easy to like even if they aren't always perfect.
The romance was something A little awkward at first because hello phone sex line! I mean. Is he a perv? Is he legit? Ack! But they had such great chemistry and I enjoyed them as they got to know each other in real life-- complete with blunders, sweet moments and super steamy foreplay.
All in all, a good time was had. Fun characters, a unique first meet, some struggles and missteps and pulling everything back together. I would have loved to spend more even more time with these two.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R0M8nW
February 27, 2019
That was a hot little number. A sweet, and naughty Cinderella inspired story.
December 4, 2016
"Charming" , is a delightful, modern day play on Cinderella.
Our modern day Prince Charming,"Ford" has become enamored with, our modern day Cinderella, " "Autumn ". In a bit f a twist n the story though Autumn does not have an evil stepmother or step- sisters, just one younger sister she is left to care for after her mother's death. Having to take over the care of her younger sister just barely out of high school herslf Autumn has struggled working to jobs. By day she works as a waitress and three nights a week she works from home You could say using her acting skills aquired in high school by role playing over the phone for a company called Sultry Sirens.role plying such as the naughty nurse , the cheerleader, the submissive. Autumn's sister believes she is working as a customer service rep from home , if she only knew.
Our Prince Charming has never met Autumn in person, he has only ever spoken with her over the phone, but their conversations are differ ten Ford be ever wants her to play a roll, he wants to actually talk; and the one time after months of talking that the conversation ventures into a more adventurous zone, someone breaks into her apartment . Autumn is forced to take alarmed leap of trust and provide her address so Ford can call the police for her while she hides. While she is hiding waiting on the police , Ford is rushing to get to her side also.
This may not be the way Ford wanted to meet Autum for the first time but having her rush into his arms when he introduces himself is more than worth it. Ford proceeds to instead himself into the life of the two women and finds himself thinking long term when it comes to Autumn.
Autumn has no clue who Ford really is , that he is the CEO of ahuge corporation Davenport Industries, but Ford coming into her life brings changes and oppurtunities for her and her sister Cara. Will secrets , however be the end of the fairytale romance or will a happy ending be in the picture for Autumn and this Charming man?
Arc Graciuosly provided by author for an honest review.
Our modern day Prince Charming,"Ford" has become enamored with, our modern day Cinderella, " "Autumn ". In a bit f a twist n the story though Autumn does not have an evil stepmother or step- sisters, just one younger sister she is left to care for after her mother's death. Having to take over the care of her younger sister just barely out of high school herslf Autumn has struggled working to jobs. By day she works as a waitress and three nights a week she works from home You could say using her acting skills aquired in high school by role playing over the phone for a company called Sultry Sirens.role plying such as the naughty nurse , the cheerleader, the submissive. Autumn's sister believes she is working as a customer service rep from home , if she only knew.
Our Prince Charming has never met Autumn in person, he has only ever spoken with her over the phone, but their conversations are differ ten Ford be ever wants her to play a roll, he wants to actually talk; and the one time after months of talking that the conversation ventures into a more adventurous zone, someone breaks into her apartment . Autumn is forced to take alarmed leap of trust and provide her address so Ford can call the police for her while she hides. While she is hiding waiting on the police , Ford is rushing to get to her side also.
This may not be the way Ford wanted to meet Autum for the first time but having her rush into his arms when he introduces himself is more than worth it. Ford proceeds to instead himself into the life of the two women and finds himself thinking long term when it comes to Autumn.
Autumn has no clue who Ford really is , that he is the CEO of ahuge corporation Davenport Industries, but Ford coming into her life brings changes and oppurtunities for her and her sister Cara. Will secrets , however be the end of the fairytale romance or will a happy ending be in the picture for Autumn and this Charming man?
Arc Graciuosly provided by author for an honest review.
December 8, 2016
Autumn is doing her best to raise her sister, it means working two jobs she will do it. Waitress at a diner has it's perks because it has tips, but working as a fantasy line operator is a whole other ballgame. Autumn doesn't typically think to much beyond the narrated script but it led her to Ford. A mystery man who doesn't play in the facade the telephone and has become an over the phone friend.
Ford has had to give up his bad boy ways but he still has one vice, Autumn. He has been biding his time to get to know her in person but when Autumn needs his help he is there. Could Autumn be the woman he has been looking for and will Autumn accept everything he has to offer?
Charmingly naughty is the right words in describing this story. I thought this was a whole bunch of fun, liked Ford and thought Autumn was adorable. Had a lot of layers to this story that I think readers will enjoy. Great read and worth picking up.
Ford has had to give up his bad boy ways but he still has one vice, Autumn. He has been biding his time to get to know her in person but when Autumn needs his help he is there. Could Autumn be the woman he has been looking for and will Autumn accept everything he has to offer?
Charmingly naughty is the right words in describing this story. I thought this was a whole bunch of fun, liked Ford and thought Autumn was adorable. Had a lot of layers to this story that I think readers will enjoy. Great read and worth picking up.
January 10, 2017
This was a 4 possible 5 star book until the ending dragged it down to 3. The ending just sucked! It was as if the writer as in a rush to finish and just wrote some sappy crappy ending to get it done. As the reader I feel robbed because it really was a good book until the last few chapters and now I feel incomplete, like I'm still waiting for the great ending.
February 13, 2022
Super sweet story!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: billionaire
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Autumn works as a phone smex worker three days a week to help support her and her sister. Ford is her number one customer who oddly calls only to chat, but when someone breaks into her house while she's on the phone with her, their lives come together when he swoops in for the rescue.
This was really such a sweet, well written story. Absolutely loved the characters! Ford somehow manages to be the super sweet hero while still being stalker-y and super jealous/possessive, lol. Autumn is just an all around nice girl who 100% deserves her happy ending. The chemistry between the two of them was super hot despite it being a mostly clean read, and there was lots of fooling around. Can't wait to read the next one!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: billionaire
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Autumn works as a phone smex worker three days a week to help support her and her sister. Ford is her number one customer who oddly calls only to chat, but when someone breaks into her house while she's on the phone with her, their lives come together when he swoops in for the rescue.
This was really such a sweet, well written story. Absolutely loved the characters! Ford somehow manages to be the super sweet hero while still being stalker-y and super jealous/possessive, lol. Autumn is just an all around nice girl who 100% deserves her happy ending. The chemistry between the two of them was super hot despite it being a mostly clean read, and there was lots of fooling around. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 20, 2017
So I feel like I was teased for the entire book only to be left hanging. Call me a perve, but when reading a book about a phone sex operator I thought that maybe she would get past third-base in her real life. I heard more about his past fucks then about their,the MCs, actual intimate relationship.
September 23, 2017
This began as a five-star read for me. We meet a gorgeous billionaire who befriends a young woman on a sexy chat line. Unlike her other clients, he wants her to be herself- no pretending or false personas. Like a true knight in shining armour, he suddenly appears when her life and body are in danger and carries her and her teen sister to a posh hotel suite.
The story declined a bit for me after the climax. During the falling action and resolution, I didn't see the strong, take-charge Alpha CEO I'd fallen for in the first half of the story. He suddenly appeared indecisive and not so on top of everything. The heroine failed to show much growth as a character. She was too content to be submissive to the hero. I wanted her to step out of his shadow and prove herself a heroine worthy of sparring with him in the boardroom as well as the bedroom.
A very romantic tale nevertheless. . . loved the nods to Cinderella.
The story declined a bit for me after the climax. During the falling action and resolution, I didn't see the strong, take-charge Alpha CEO I'd fallen for in the first half of the story. He suddenly appeared indecisive and not so on top of everything. The heroine failed to show much growth as a character. She was too content to be submissive to the hero. I wanted her to step out of his shadow and prove herself a heroine worthy of sparring with him in the boardroom as well as the bedroom.
A very romantic tale nevertheless. . . loved the nods to Cinderella.
April 5, 2023
1☆
meh. i was pretty bored the whole time and didn’t like either mc. he was kind of an ahole who was a bit snobby and superficial. she seemed reluctant the entire time and it felt off and unromantic. the energy was just not it idk☹️
meh. i was pretty bored the whole time and didn’t like either mc. he was kind of an ahole who was a bit snobby and superficial. she seemed reluctant the entire time and it felt off and unromantic. the energy was just not it idk☹️
May 30, 2017
Hotness
4 stars
I loved this book. It was hot in all the right pages mostly everywhere and the screaming was plentiful.
An amazing twist to Cinderella and then some. Who knew Prince Charming had eyes of a demon but a soul of an angel.
Happy Sexy Readinng
4 stars
I loved this book. It was hot in all the right pages mostly everywhere and the screaming was plentiful.
An amazing twist to Cinderella and then some. Who knew Prince Charming had eyes of a demon but a soul of an angel.
Happy Sexy Readinng
December 21, 2018
This was a decent read. I thought the characters were well thought out and easy to relate to. I liked that the relationship between Autumn and Ford took time and wasn't "insta" love. I enjoyed the relationship between Autumn and Cara as sisters. I can definitely see reading more by this author.
Rate: R (some profanity and sexual content)
Language: some profanity
Recommend: Yes
Rate: R (some profanity and sexual content)
Language: some profanity
Recommend: Yes
November 26, 2016
This modern day twist on the Cinderella fairy tale was done perfectly in my mind. It had the great elements of the classic tale that we love, without over the top cheesiness.
The characters were smart, well-spoken, likeable and witty, which made the dialogue and the banter between Ford and Autumn so fun and flirty!!
Ford and Autumn get to know each other in an unconventional way. They are both anonymous and are at opposite ends of a Fantasy Phone Line. Autumn works from home part time on this fantasy phone line to help support her high school aged sister, of whom she is guardian. She also works as a diner waitress fulltime. Autumn is very proud and has worked hard to provide for herself and her sister, without resorting to taking handouts. Their life is not glamourous, but it is comfortable and filled with love.
Ford is also a very good guy. Generous to a fault and driven to get what he wants. He starts to call Autumn regularly on the chat line and they get to know each other very well. For him, she doesn’t do a ‘character’, she is just herself (minus her real name) and they become good friends despite having never met face to face.
When Autumn finds herself in danger during one of their regular calls, Ford swoops in to the rescue and from then on, she can’t shake him. He wants to help give them a better life, he wants her safe and he wants her in his bed (eventually), but most of all he wants her to be happy and able to enjoy life. Autumn and her sister are very grateful for all of the help Ford has generously provided, but Autumn is concerned that she is merely a rescue/fix up project and not an equal in real relationship.
Will Ford be able to forgive Autumn when her family secret is revealed? Can Autumn accept help from the gorgeous billionaire who just wants to make her life better, or is she too stubborn and proud? Will Ford finally convince Autumn that he adores her and that she is worth being adored by him?
I really, really loved this book. It was hilarious at times, sweet, serious when it needed to be and sexy. The story felt genuine and had heart. It’s a standalone. With a very, very happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
Charming is just that…charming. You’ll laugh and swoon and maybe even tear up, but you will enjoy every moment of this fabulous love story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The characters were smart, well-spoken, likeable and witty, which made the dialogue and the banter between Ford and Autumn so fun and flirty!!
Ford and Autumn get to know each other in an unconventional way. They are both anonymous and are at opposite ends of a Fantasy Phone Line. Autumn works from home part time on this fantasy phone line to help support her high school aged sister, of whom she is guardian. She also works as a diner waitress fulltime. Autumn is very proud and has worked hard to provide for herself and her sister, without resorting to taking handouts. Their life is not glamourous, but it is comfortable and filled with love.
Ford is also a very good guy. Generous to a fault and driven to get what he wants. He starts to call Autumn regularly on the chat line and they get to know each other very well. For him, she doesn’t do a ‘character’, she is just herself (minus her real name) and they become good friends despite having never met face to face.
When Autumn finds herself in danger during one of their regular calls, Ford swoops in to the rescue and from then on, she can’t shake him. He wants to help give them a better life, he wants her safe and he wants her in his bed (eventually), but most of all he wants her to be happy and able to enjoy life. Autumn and her sister are very grateful for all of the help Ford has generously provided, but Autumn is concerned that she is merely a rescue/fix up project and not an equal in real relationship.
Will Ford be able to forgive Autumn when her family secret is revealed? Can Autumn accept help from the gorgeous billionaire who just wants to make her life better, or is she too stubborn and proud? Will Ford finally convince Autumn that he adores her and that she is worth being adored by him?
I really, really loved this book. It was hilarious at times, sweet, serious when it needed to be and sexy. The story felt genuine and had heart. It’s a standalone. With a very, very happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
Charming is just that…charming. You’ll laugh and swoon and maybe even tear up, but you will enjoy every moment of this fabulous love story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 4, 2016
This is my first book by Sophie Brooks and I was hooked from the first chapter! I didn't know what to expect going into the book, but I was definitely intrigued when I found out the heroine had a job as a call girl through Sultry Sirens. I thought it was funny that she could sit at home and doodle or knit while talking to men about their fantasies. And then we got to meet Ford - her caller who didn't want her to be fake at all and literally wanted an honest conversation with her. I can understand why she wondered why a man like him would pay per minute for a normal conversation when he called a sex hotline.
But Ford turned out to be quiet the gentleman when one phone call landed Autumn in a predicament that she never imagined happening and he walked her through the horror. Autumn's fantasy man walked into her real life that night after she told him a personal detail that she should've never given out. But that night started to change her life forever.
Ford became a man who saw the good in Autumn and encouraged her to take risks and chances to better herself for her and her sister. Helping her with her career path and boosting her confidence in her self-esteem as well as her self-worth seemed to do wonders for her. Autumn brought life to Ford and made him want to be the man that his father always said he could be.
But sometimes secrets are kept from those that we are closest to because we don't want to hurt them. Ford and Autumn are both keeping secrets that they don't know how to broach the subject on with one another. Will these secrets keep them from their happily ever after? Or will love find a way to overcome the tragic past and prevail in the end?
Absolutely charming story!
But Ford turned out to be quiet the gentleman when one phone call landed Autumn in a predicament that she never imagined happening and he walked her through the horror. Autumn's fantasy man walked into her real life that night after she told him a personal detail that she should've never given out. But that night started to change her life forever.
Ford became a man who saw the good in Autumn and encouraged her to take risks and chances to better herself for her and her sister. Helping her with her career path and boosting her confidence in her self-esteem as well as her self-worth seemed to do wonders for her. Autumn brought life to Ford and made him want to be the man that his father always said he could be.
But sometimes secrets are kept from those that we are closest to because we don't want to hurt them. Ford and Autumn are both keeping secrets that they don't know how to broach the subject on with one another. Will these secrets keep them from their happily ever after? Or will love find a way to overcome the tragic past and prevail in the end?
Absolutely charming story!
February 14, 2017
Sweet read
This book was a delightfully sweet read that was entertaining! It's well written with very intersting characters that keeps things lively!
This book was a delightfully sweet read that was entertaining! It's well written with very intersting characters that keeps things lively!
February 7, 2017
This was one of those little gems I did not see coming. I have never read a book but this author before, and I just bought it on a whim as the blurb sounded sweet......and it was everything and more that I hoped for.... I loved it!!!
December 5, 2016
It's a good easy read. A familiar story line. The reason I didn't rate it higher was the sex. It was so impersonal. They never did make love. In fact I'm pretty sure they never had sex while facing each other. Some people may love the sex this way but I want the personal face to face vanilla lovemaking when two people are first in love. Experiment later when over initial honeymoon period.
January 29, 2017
A modern fairy tale.!,
Very sweet and romantic, it captures your attention from the beginning to the end.!!
First time reading her books and I'm so glad I did.!!
Very well done, highly recommend it.!!
Very sweet and romantic, it captures your attention from the beginning to the end.!!
First time reading her books and I'm so glad I did.!!
Very well done, highly recommend it.!!
November 19, 2016
Arc review For honest review. When Ford hears Autumns voice on a sex hotline he just had to know her .This story is very beautiful and has a lot of great writing in it.
December 27, 2016
I don't know why I thought it would be more, better, less cliche than it turned out to be. Stupid me. But no thank you.
December 31, 2016
The pacing in this one was off for me. Started out strong, got tedious and the ending was sweet but cheesy. By then I was glad it was over.
January 2, 2017
4.5 stars. Love a possessive alpha!
February 9, 2017
What little girl hasn't dreamed of being Cinderella? Prince Charming comes to the rescue and you ride off on the while stallion together into your very own happy ending. But there comes a time when every little girl has to grow up. As she grows up, she realizes that Prince Charming isn't really out there and we have to rescue ourselves sometimes.
This is where Autumn is at in her life. Her mother passed away after a horrible bout with cancer, her father is not in the picture, and she is raising her little sister all alone. She has put her dreams on hold. Autumn works two jobs to support the little crap-hole of an apartment they live in. One of those jobs is a phone sex operator. It doesn't really bother Autumn, there is anonymity in these calls and she can keep herself fairly detached from the callers. But one repeat caller gets under her skin. Ford. He doesn't call to talk up kinky scenarios. He calls to talk to her. She's so comfortable as they flirt lightly and share pieces of their lives. He's on the phone the night robbers break into her apartment. He talks her through it, calls 911 for her, and actually comes to her place to comfort and care for her. He is her knight.
But Ford's armor isn't gleaming. He has important secrets that he doesn't share with Autumn. They will need to work past all of them and Ford will have to realize that Autumn doesn't necessarily need rescuing. She needs someone who sees her worth and understands her. Can Ford do that? And will it be Autumn's secret that actually tears them apart?
Ford is a great guy, but he's a bit manipulative. I get that he's just trying to be a hero and a good guy, but it comes off as controlling. He is a bit older than Autumn, and I have no issue with that at all. Eventually he wraps his head around the idea that he might need saving as much as he thought Autumn did.
This is where Autumn is at in her life. Her mother passed away after a horrible bout with cancer, her father is not in the picture, and she is raising her little sister all alone. She has put her dreams on hold. Autumn works two jobs to support the little crap-hole of an apartment they live in. One of those jobs is a phone sex operator. It doesn't really bother Autumn, there is anonymity in these calls and she can keep herself fairly detached from the callers. But one repeat caller gets under her skin. Ford. He doesn't call to talk up kinky scenarios. He calls to talk to her. She's so comfortable as they flirt lightly and share pieces of their lives. He's on the phone the night robbers break into her apartment. He talks her through it, calls 911 for her, and actually comes to her place to comfort and care for her. He is her knight.
But Ford's armor isn't gleaming. He has important secrets that he doesn't share with Autumn. They will need to work past all of them and Ford will have to realize that Autumn doesn't necessarily need rescuing. She needs someone who sees her worth and understands her. Can Ford do that? And will it be Autumn's secret that actually tears them apart?
Ford is a great guy, but he's a bit manipulative. I get that he's just trying to be a hero and a good guy, but it comes off as controlling. He is a bit older than Autumn, and I have no issue with that at all. Eventually he wraps his head around the idea that he might need saving as much as he thought Autumn did.
March 17, 2019
So, this is the first romance novel (that was not Outlander) that I've read in ages, thank to the Lisa Challenge. [She challenged her FB friends/followers to read three romance novels this year, with the following stipulations:
-MUST be categorized as romance: the story focuses on two (or more) people of any gender falling in love and they eventually reach a happy ending (which can be HEA--happily ever after, or HFN--happy for now).
-MUST be written since 2000. I love me some 70s-80s bodice rippers, but that is not where the genre is anymore.
-CAN be 'category' romances, i.e. Harlequin, but don't have to be. ]
So, I liked this one, partially because of the fairy-tale parallels, but it really did suffer from the modern book/movie trope of "Wait, let me explain!" and IF YOU JUST TOLD THEM THE THING, THIS WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. (TV Tropes may have an official name for this; I don't.)
That said, I enjoyed it enough that I grabbed the other two books in the series because, see above, fairy-tale parallels are neat, and it seems like they all take place in the same world, and characters will come across each other, and I'm really a sucker for that. (It explains why I love Tales of the City SO MUCH.)
Now, for the stuff I didn't love: The bad guy wasn't really adequately established. Like, you got the feeling that he was the bad guy, but there were no overt passages that suggested it. He didn't need to be mustache-twirling Snidely Whiplash the whole time, but a little more foreshadowing wouldn't have hurt.
Second, the steamy scenes were just that, steamy, and I was on board, because they were way better than a) the romance novels I happened upon as a kid, b) V.C. Andrews books, c) any and everything that Laurell K. Hamilton has ever written. HOWEVER, I was weirded out by Ford calling Autumn "little subbie." It was kind of infantilizing, and that's not what I'm reading romance for, yeah?
-MUST be categorized as romance: the story focuses on two (or more) people of any gender falling in love and they eventually reach a happy ending (which can be HEA--happily ever after, or HFN--happy for now).
-MUST be written since 2000. I love me some 70s-80s bodice rippers, but that is not where the genre is anymore.
-CAN be 'category' romances, i.e. Harlequin, but don't have to be. ]
So, I liked this one, partially because of the fairy-tale parallels, but it really did suffer from the modern book/movie trope of "Wait, let me explain!" and IF YOU JUST TOLD THEM THE THING, THIS WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. (TV Tropes may have an official name for this; I don't.)
That said, I enjoyed it enough that I grabbed the other two books in the series because, see above, fairy-tale parallels are neat, and it seems like they all take place in the same world, and characters will come across each other, and I'm really a sucker for that. (It explains why I love Tales of the City SO MUCH.)
Now, for the stuff I didn't love: The bad guy wasn't really adequately established. Like, you got the feeling that he was the bad guy, but there were no overt passages that suggested it. He didn't need to be mustache-twirling Snidely Whiplash the whole time, but a little more foreshadowing wouldn't have hurt.
Second, the steamy scenes were just that, steamy, and I was on board, because they were way better than a) the romance novels I happened upon as a kid, b) V.C. Andrews books, c) any and everything that Laurell K. Hamilton has ever written. HOWEVER, I was weirded out by Ford calling Autumn "little subbie." It was kind of infantilizing, and that's not what I'm reading romance for, yeah?
January 14, 2018
This was probably the cutest, funniest stories I’ve read. Autumn had to deal with a lot. She works two jobs to support her 16-year-old baby sister, her mother has died some years back and her father’s....well, he’s not around and for good reason too. By day, Autumn is a waitress. By night, she is a phone-sex worker. One of her clients is named Ford, a handsome, sexy as fuck billionaire.
Something happens that brings these couples past the phone conversations to the real world.
Autumn is far from Cinderella. She’s independent, witty, smart, creative and beautiful. She shares a great chemistry with Ford, who isn’t just some typical alpha billionaire. He’s also charming (no pun intended lol), kind, generous, and HAWT!!! He was playing a Captain Save’em, but I liked how he respected Autumn’s wishes instead and actually listened to her.
The writing was wonderful and the pacing was great. I loved the surprises, humor, and their relationship. Although Ford’s intentions were creepy and stalkerish, his generosity and kindness sort of canceled it out—sort of. I’m looking forward to Sophie Brook’s other books. I’d like to read about Cara, who as a teenager is so sweet and witty just like her sister, which takes place six years after Autumn. Sophie is really good at bringing characters to life!
Something happens that brings these couples past the phone conversations to the real world.
Autumn is far from Cinderella. She’s independent, witty, smart, creative and beautiful. She shares a great chemistry with Ford, who isn’t just some typical alpha billionaire. He’s also charming (no pun intended lol), kind, generous, and HAWT!!! He was playing a Captain Save’em, but I liked how he respected Autumn’s wishes instead and actually listened to her.
The writing was wonderful and the pacing was great. I loved the surprises, humor, and their relationship. Although Ford’s intentions were creepy and stalkerish, his generosity and kindness sort of canceled it out—sort of. I’m looking forward to Sophie Brook’s other books. I’d like to read about Cara, who as a teenager is so sweet and witty just like her sister, which takes place six years after Autumn. Sophie is really good at bringing characters to life!
July 29, 2022
The book is better than 2 stars, but I HATE reading about spanking. It always comes off as demeaning and I don't enjoy even light bondage. I can stomach it if it's done right, but to do kinky shit before they'd even made out, in what was otherwise a sweet romance, is just weird. I wouldn't take off stars for this if the book had a warning about kinky bedroom times or whatever. But it didn't.
The characters were overall quite good and I enjoyed the majority of the story but Ford rubbed me the wrong way starting in the middle of the book when he got tickets to a musical for the heroine and her sister. She said she wouldn't fly to NYC to see the play. He said they wouldn't fly to NYC, so instead he takes them to Chicago. This was next level manipulative. He knew she thought he meant the show was in LA.
She should have dumped him for that alone because her sister was in the car with them, packed and excited to see her favorite show. He never recovered from that for me. It was just too much emotional manipulation and it boggles the mind why the author would make the hero look SO bad, when the scenes in Chicago did nothing to make him more likable. Plus, the more we know about him, the more we see how manipulative he really is with her.
The characters were overall quite good and I enjoyed the majority of the story but Ford rubbed me the wrong way starting in the middle of the book when he got tickets to a musical for the heroine and her sister. She said she wouldn't fly to NYC to see the play. He said they wouldn't fly to NYC, so instead he takes them to Chicago. This was next level manipulative. He knew she thought he meant the show was in LA.
She should have dumped him for that alone because her sister was in the car with them, packed and excited to see her favorite show. He never recovered from that for me. It was just too much emotional manipulation and it boggles the mind why the author would make the hero look SO bad, when the scenes in Chicago did nothing to make him more likable. Plus, the more we know about him, the more we see how manipulative he really is with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
Teasing story with some issues.
The good stuff... Written in dual first person POV. There was some humor and some sexy times. I liked Ford as he didn’t come across as an idiotic playboy without any real interest in the company he ran. I mostly liked Autumn - she was trying her best to raise her sister.
The not so good stuff... There are a few sexy scenes with foreplay but then either the scene naturally stops (which is mostly fine) or the author chose to end it. This was odd to me as there are descriptions of other stuff so it wasn’t that the author had objections to writing a sex scene but instead was that she chose not to. My other issues were with regards to how Autumn ended up as Cara’s guardian (other option was available but didn’t pan out and it wasn’t really discussed after), repetition of thoughts (reiterating something is fine but repeating it incessantly doesn’t stress the point but instead is just annoying) and some details that were left out (resolutions to some of Autumn’s earlier problems specifically).
The good stuff... Written in dual first person POV. There was some humor and some sexy times. I liked Ford as he didn’t come across as an idiotic playboy without any real interest in the company he ran. I mostly liked Autumn - she was trying her best to raise her sister.
The not so good stuff... There are a few sexy scenes with foreplay but then either the scene naturally stops (which is mostly fine) or the author chose to end it. This was odd to me as there are descriptions of other stuff so it wasn’t that the author had objections to writing a sex scene but instead was that she chose not to. My other issues were with regards to how Autumn ended up as Cara’s guardian (other option was available but didn’t pan out and it wasn’t really discussed after), repetition of thoughts (reiterating something is fine but repeating it incessantly doesn’t stress the point but instead is just annoying) and some details that were left out (resolutions to some of Autumn’s earlier problems specifically).
June 27, 2020
H.O.L.E. 3.5
This is, I believe (never assume!!) an older story so little point in giving a recap. I have a couple thoughts and with that......SPOILERS
You. Have. Been. Warned. Tiny, tiny ones. Spoilers.
Dad’s best friend-from first mention to last was nothing more some old cliche driven character.
Her Dad-see above note
The proposal? So many dumb things. I am a graduate of a very fine HS drama department (Ms Chesley still adore her, been mumble years), but this was too much. I spoiled that enough.
Her education-quick someone tell me if you found any nugget regarding this. *sarcasm*
I could go on, but you are not that lucky (save that luck for when you need it). The first couple chapters were amaze balls, but the further in the more it became too much.
Still in the mood for something light? HEA and all that? This is a fine choice, but there are better.
H. His
O. Omega
L. Loves
E. Erections
Scale one to five
This is, I believe (never assume!!) an older story so little point in giving a recap. I have a couple thoughts and with that......SPOILERS
You. Have. Been. Warned. Tiny, tiny ones. Spoilers.
Dad’s best friend-from first mention to last was nothing more some old cliche driven character.
Her Dad-see above note
The proposal? So many dumb things. I am a graduate of a very fine HS drama department (Ms Chesley still adore her, been mumble years), but this was too much. I spoiled that enough.
Her education-quick someone tell me if you found any nugget regarding this. *sarcasm*
I could go on, but you are not that lucky (save that luck for when you need it). The first couple chapters were amaze balls, but the further in the more it became too much.
Still in the mood for something light? HEA and all that? This is a fine choice, but there are better.
H. His
O. Omega
L. Loves
E. Erections
Scale one to five
February 4, 2017
I couldn't quite figure out why a handsome billionaire was calling a sex hotline 3x's a week to only talk with Autumn (or Summer). Autumn looks forward to Ford's calls more than she cares to admit and when something scary happens she has to make a decision to fully trust him. Autumn is caught by surprise by how handsome Ford is and she can't quite believe that he would be interested in her. Ford wants to be the Price Charming and swoop in and make Autumn's life better but Autumn doesn't want someone to fix her life. As things develop we find out that both of them are hiding things which might destroy the relationship. When each secret blows up they have to fight to keep the relationship. Some hot scenes but nothing too over the top. Fantastic ending.
July 6, 2017
Modern twist on Cinderella
There's no evil step mom or sisters, just real life gone wrong that leads to a whole lot of problems. Autumn has tried so hard to do right by everyone else, mainly her parents and sister. She puts her own dreams on hold to ensure her sister is taken care of. But who is there for her?
Enter her prince (Ford) who seemingly comes from no where and gives her something to look foreword to, to start to hope of a future better than her reality. He saves her in more ways than one. But then she also saves him.
In the end they work together to solve some mysteries that have haunted and caused them harm. They truly are better together than they were on their own.
There's no evil step mom or sisters, just real life gone wrong that leads to a whole lot of problems. Autumn has tried so hard to do right by everyone else, mainly her parents and sister. She puts her own dreams on hold to ensure her sister is taken care of. But who is there for her?
Enter her prince (Ford) who seemingly comes from no where and gives her something to look foreword to, to start to hope of a future better than her reality. He saves her in more ways than one. But then she also saves him.
In the end they work together to solve some mysteries that have haunted and caused them harm. They truly are better together than they were on their own.
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