Librarian note: the title of this book has been changed to Naughty Business
I’m always on top…
Many women come across my path. But I can’t be tied down. They simply fill a need, a desire...
I am next in line to be the CEO for my foster dad’s oil company, and this has given me access to the luxury and power most people ever dream of. But it comes with a cost. I can’t settle down with a woman. Women take my eyes off my goal.
That is, until Charlotte Gardner comes across my path. The attraction is instant. She is gorgeous, spontaneous, wild and ignites a fire in me I was not aware of.
I want to make her mine even though I shouldn’t.
I can’t stop it.
The more I try, the harder I fall.
I am ruined!
Sexy Business is a hot and steamy romance about a man who redefines the purpose of his life because of falling in love with a woman. It is intended for adults and contains a very satisfying, happy ending!
This was a meh book for me. I read it a while ago and when I was looking at both the title and the author, neither rang a bell. It wasn't until I read the outline that it came back to me.
Now part of why I'm not rating it higher is I'm not a fan of the rich business guy as a rule and that's what this one was about, a workaholic straight-laced business man, Vladamir destined to head up his adopted family business and a young architect, Charlotte, whose designs he is not keen on at all. Slowly, through love, the stick starts coming out his ass and he is a better person.
Others who like this kind of story will probably like it better than I did.
Loved the book! This was a great start to this series and I can't wait to get the rest of the books. This series is going to focus on the Kensley family. This book is about Vladimir Kensley. His father adopted 5 children from around the world when they were younger, but not babies. They all remember where they came from and what they went through before being adopted. Vladimir might not be the oldest but he is the leader, the one to take over the CEO role after his father retires. They all have their own quirks as we see during their interactions in the book. Vladimir has a very high IQ and so his EQ (emotional quotient) is not where everyone else is at. He is very logical and has some OCD tendencies. He is a perfectionist and his own worst critic. He is in charge of a large new project in LA and his dad has picked the architect. Vlad and Charlotte (the architect) are opposites. Charlotte doesn't fit in a box and is different, a little wild, a little crazy. But there's just something that draws them to each other. Vlad doesn't understand her building as it's different than what he was expecting. He didn't mean to be as insulting as he was at their first meeting and so apologizes and makes the effort to get to know her. This leads to lunches and questions. They build a friendship, both ignoring the attraction they have for each other since they have a professional relationship as well. The connection continues to build though and the relationship just continues to get stronger, even though they don't realize it. I loved the way that this book showed the relationship building and the fact that we got to know the characters so well. This book takes place over a period of time so things happen fairly gradually in the beginning. It felt very natural, especially once you get to know their personalities. The sex is explicit when they give in. There was plenty in this story to keep me engaged and entertained the whole time. I really enjoyed the characters. The book has a nice steady pace so nothing felt drawn out. I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. This is a bit of a longer book, definitely not short but it was really great to read and I enjoyed the length. I can't wait for the next book and the next brother to meet his match! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Vladimir is the adopted Russian son of an American billionaire.For the last several years he has been groomed to take his father's place as CEO. Vladimir is super involved and a constant worrier. Then his dad announces that he is retiring in the next year and Vladimir's worries multiply. His dad asks him to supervise the building of their west coast hub. His dad had picked a new architect,Charlotte, with some radical ideas. Charlotte's dad is an old friend of Vladimir's dad. Vladimir reviews the plans and is shocked by how untraditional they are. He insults Charlotte unintentionally Charlotte is not your traditional architect. She not only thinks outside of the box, she rebuilds the box. Working for her old firm was stifling so when her dad's friend gave her a chance to design the building, she was thrilled. Then she meets Vladimir and he is as dismissive of her designs as lots of others are. She is sad that he isn't open-minded. Then Vladimir apologizes and suggest they spend time together getting to know each other. Charlotte agrees and then as time passes they get to be more understanding. Vladimir is having a problem. He is attracted to Charlotte but he knows a relationship would unprofessional. This is a good book. Vladimir is very likable for being a little bit of a stick in the mud. Charlotte is emotional and flamboyent. Will the two opposites ever get together? I voluntarily received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This was the first book I have read by this author and my review is a mix bag. While I enjoyed the storyline between Vlad and Charlotte, I must say initially I was a little bored with the book. Ms. lane does wonderful character builds and you can't help but find a sweet spot in your heart for Vlad. Vlad is Russian and was adopted by an American CEO. Though not the oldest Vlad will take over as CEO when his father steps down. Vlad worries about everything and is always fearful he will let his family down. When he meets Charlotte he is attracted to her but realizes a relationship is very unprofessional and how he fits his attraction and his protection of Charlotte will make you laugh as well as love him. Charlotte is an architect that thinks way outside the box. She is Vlad opposite. Their initial meeting takes Vlad off guard and then when they meet again he insults her. Charlotte also feel the attraction. This book may take a bit to get into but once it gets going you will not want to put it down. I can't wait to see the book about Vlad other international brothers. I received this book and am voluntarily giving a review.
This is the sweet story of Charlotte and Vladimir. She is the architect that is hired to work on the new building for Vlad’s families business. Charlotte is sweet, attractive, and intuitive in her thinking and has a way with Vlad. I found her to be a great business woman who knew her stuff and a fun exciting woman. Vlad is a strong willed CEO who has is opinions and is not one to bend easily. Vlad is in the process of taking over the business and he is put into at position of finding Charlotte attractive and wanting to cross the professional line into romance. There is instant attraction and the reader feels the characters emotions and believes the love these two have for each other. The story was written well but it started out a bit slow until Charlotte and Vlad started getting together than it picked up pace. As a reader I never really go into the story, there was no connection for me to any character, however, it was well written and detailed. I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Charlotte Gardner is an architect, she is spontaneous, her designs are different from the norm in the industry and she is wanting to branch out with her own company. Vladimir Kensley is Russian, adopted as a child and now lives in America. He is the CEO in waiting for his adopted fathers company. His father sends him to LA to oversee the building of what will be the companies west coast headquarters. He is dedicated to work and not interested in meeting a women for a commitment. On arrival in LA media shy Vladimir is swamped with the press. Charlotte is at the airport to pick up a friend but see’s Vladimir in trouble so goes to his rescue. They have a business meeting the next day, he doesn’t like her plans. Vladimir is attracted to Charlotte. They are opposites, do they get together and have their HEA?
This was the first of Ellen Lane's books I have read and I didn't really know what to expect other than it would be a romance novel. I enjoyed the storyline and found the Kensley family intriguing. The fact that the 5 brothers are all adopted from different countries added a different element that I haven't experienced anywhere else. These characters and their potential back stories have peaked my interest enough that I will read the rest of the series.
If you're expecting a groundbreaking storyline you're not going to get it with this book but if you enjoy a traditional romance storyline with enjoyable characters and exotic locations this ticks all those boxes. Worth a read!
He was scared of having it all only because that would mean his dad wasn't around anymore. She just wanted to prove her worth. When they meet sparks fly. Its was one challenge after another between them, yet when they were in private quarters nothing could stop them, as long as nobody else knew. When coming back from overseas, a scare with his dad changes everything. He really messed up, but his love is strong enough. I absolutely loved this book. I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book.
I loved this book so much. Vlad is such a strong powerful man. I love how he finally lets go and how charlotte just tells it like it is and doesn't put up with his arrogance. Just so good, it's a must read.
This was a great story. Loved Vladimir. Love when men who are so in control can finally lose control if only for a little while. Charlotte does a great job getting him to that point. Loved them together. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I read an advanced copy of this book. I fell in love with this book and characters. I am so glad that Ellen is continuing the series so we can learn more about the men of the Kensley clan.
He’s learning to become the boss. But Charlotte won’t let him run her away. But learning to understand each other might just be the thing that pushes them together on this project.
I didn't really get into this book I admit it. Not because it wasn't good but because I couldn't connect with the characters. Plus the fact is that this book is named one thing on Amazon and another on GR and to that it became a total turn off for me,
This book covers the story of Vladimir one of the adopted sons of a successful business man and Charlotte is an up and coming architect that puts a spanner in the works as soon as she meets Vlad. This book will take you on a hot steamy read. Could not put this book down until the very last page. This is the first book I have read by this author and is definit let a five star read.
Two quite different people meet - with a little help from Mr Kensley Senior. They do have one thing in common and that is their love of working. They both love it - one by passion and the other more of an obligation ( even if he likes what he's doing). When they meet - there's sparks between them. A very well written story and well described surroundings. Especially when in Russia. I felt as I was part of the story, heart ache, laughter and even shed a tear. Do read it!
‘Sexy Business: Vladimir Kensley’ by Ellen Lane was a first time read for me by this author and it was a quite a good introduction to her writing. This is the first in a series that will focus on the Kensley family with this one centring round Vladimir who was adopted from Russia when he was younger. Although Vladimir is not the oldest of the family he is the one primed to take over the family business.
This for me was a bit of a slow starter but was thrilled to have kept reading. Vladimir is not quite your usual hero of the story as he has some unique quirks and is a bit of a worrier, which was actually a bit of a break from the normal overbearing arrogant alpha. Vlad will find his way into your heart the more you read.
Charlotte has been given the task of designing a building for Vladimir’s company and architectural ideas are maybe a bit different from what Vlad had in mind. The attraction between them is there but a friendship is built first after some initial setbacks. Charlotte is the opposite from Vlad in many ways but that might be the thing that makes them work so much.
This was a great quick read and I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the Kensley family books.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest review of this book based on an advanced readers copy of Sexy Business by Ellen Lane. I do believe this is the first book I read by Ellen and was impressed. This story was written in both characters POV. Vladimir is in line to take over as CEO once his father steps down and retires and really has no time for a love life. Charlotte is a architect who was hired to designed a building for Vladimir father in LA and always puts work before her relationship. When Charlotte meet Vladimir at the airport there is an instant attraction on both their parts. The day of the meeting things get a little messy as Vladimir insults Charlotte design for the building and leaves him scrambling to fix things, so they can work together without tension. The more time they spend together working together while the building is being built, Vladimir and Charlotte fall in love. Vladimir realizes no one will ever get him, understand, put up with him and love him like Charlotte can.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the first in the Kensley Brothers series and ends in an HEA. The theme of this book is opposites attract. Vlad is a type ‘A’ personality. He is a worrier and perfectionist, always putting the company first. Charlotte is an artsy, gypsy-like dreamer. She is very creative, and rarely remembers to eat. When Vlad and Charlotte are forced to work together, sparks fly.
>I realize work place romances are a little taboo, but Vlad really fights against his feelings to the point of being absurd. His protective tendencies are the best part of the book. The way Vlad cares for Charlotte is so romantic. Charlotte really comes through with her support of Vlad when there is a Kensley family emergency. The other brothers were introduced and will each make a great story for future books in this series.
>The descriptions of Russia were interesting. I wish I could have gotten a better mental picture of Charlotte’s building designs, as they were described as being so unique. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the story 4 stars. Once Vlad gets on board with his feelings for running the company and for Charlotte, the story really shines.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book Oh if there was ever a story that made me laugh and cry at the same time, this one did. Vladimir Kensley was a very strong minded, focused, sexy, single minded man. Not to mention he was the biggest worrier on the planet. If ever anyone needed to lighten up it was him. He was one of 5 adopted brothers, all different and loving parents Jackson and Olivia Kensley. His father wanted to pass over being CEO in a year to him and that made Vlad worry even more. Fate is funny, just when you think things are plodding along nicely, things change. Vlad doesn't like change but meeting Architect Charlotte Gardner will more than change things for him, she will rock his world. A brilliant story of them working together , well quite explosive at first , then starting to get used to each other in a fashion. I liked the character of Charlotte, fiery redhead, feisty, knows what she hopes for in her life and takes no bull from anyone. Lots of emotions, dramas, hopes, dreams, family love and so much more. Brilliantly written and loved it all.
Vladimir is the adopted son of Jackson Kensley. He is also next in line for the family business as CEO when his father Jackson retires. Always the worrier he wonders will he ever be good enough for the company, let along for his family. Even if they love him unconditionally as their real son he still wonders. Visiting family even while on vacation, he still has his head in the clouds about all the business. His family wants him to be happy and not broody. They want him to find a girlfriend or wife. But where he has no trouble finding willing women to hop into his bed. He doesn't want to be distracted from work. So when he gets sent to LA for overseeing the West Coast Company building being built. Then he meets her, Little Miss Gardner his Artitect for the new building. Will he be able to keep his heart in his chest or will he lose it all?
Charlotte Gardner is a up and coming California architect in the making. When she landed the contract for the Kensley's LA Building, she was ecstatic. Even if it was due to her dad showing her designs off to his best friend Mr. Kensley. She would be meeting him in a couple weeks time. When she finally meets the handsome up and coming CEO, will she be able to keep her job professional and her heart clear of Mr. Tall, handsome and brooding Vladimir Kensley?
Honestly it took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did, there was no turning back!!!!
Vladimir Kensley was being groomed to take over the family business. So when his father sends him over to LA to work on construction of a new building, Vladimir was not as prepared for Charlotte.
Charlotte Gardner is an up and coming architect that was chosen to design the new Kensley building. Charlotte's ideas are unconventional especially in Vladimir's eyes.
There is such a connection between Charlotte & Vladimir and it was great to see their story unfold.
This is my first book by Ellen Lane and it definitely won't be my last!
***I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily reviewed this book.***
After being adopted by Jackson Kensley, Vladimir is determined to prove that it was the right choice and that he is capable of running the family business. After graduating architect school, Charlotte has been told time and time again that her designs are crazy and unconventional, but she gets the chance of a lifetime when Jackson Kensley hires her. Vladimir likes things to be in order and on a schedule, so will he accept Charlotte's design? When all is said and done, will he be able to relax to acknowledge his feelings for her?
First book that I have read for this author and I loved it. It takes you up and down on an emotional roller coaster. Favorite thing is the opposites attract aspect, you have Charlotte whom is a little bit more relaxed and wilder and then Vladimir whom is strict and used the things done a certain way! Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for Ethan's book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sexy Business by Ellen Lane - Wow this story takes a few chapters to really get into it but when it does you won't be able to put down. A tussle between wants & needs. A truly Great read, I can't wait for more! I voluntary read an advanced readers copy of this story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. It was fun, flirty, intense and hot! All the right ingredients for a short fun read. Vlad is the ultimate Alpha male, intense, good looking and controlling, he's about to take over the family's business and he's concentrating on his work alone. However his father has more than one trick in his bag and he sends Vlad to LA to oversee a project they have going. The architect on the project is Charlotte, is stubborn, opinionated and creative - the complete opposite to Vlad. But their first meeting is like the clash of the titans and intense chemistry is mind blowing. This is my first book form Ellen Lane and I am looking forward to reading what's next.
We meet Vladimir, the eldest of his adopted siblings, who's completedly devoted to running his father's company. When he hires Charlotte as an architect, they find themselves madly attracted to each other. They're both strong personalities, yet they can't ignore the chemistry building. I loved Vlad and Charlotte's story together, and I can't wait to see how each of his siblings find their soul mates. Theirs was a sexy and sweet story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Vlad and Charlotte's sexual tension is palpable. They both want each other so bad but keep letting working together and sometimes anger at each other get in the way. Great read. Relatively quick too, I read it in one day. Now I want all the brothers books! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. *unrelated to the review side note. It's written with duel pov (love), but each pov is written in third person. This makes no difference. Just I'd you're like me and hate third person, just a heads up. Still worth the read and recommend.
This is the 1st book of this series about the Kensley family and I can't wait to read the next one. This book is about Vladimir, who was adopted, along with 4 other children from around the world by Jackson Kensley. Vladimir's got the leadership quality & will bethe one to take over the CEO role after his father retires, but his family wants him to be happy with a gf or even a wife. He's too focused on work, although he could get any women he wants, he thinks they will distract him from his work. Jackson puts him in charge of a new large project of which he chose the architect, which happens to be his best friend's daughter Charlotte, who's ecstatic about the prospect. Vlad & Charlotte's first meeting starts of on a bad foot & he feels bad & apologizes. They start a friendship, although both feel an attraction towards the other.
I enjoyed this story of two people that are very strong and determined but find it hard to resist their attraction even with all the complications. They try a friendship but the chemistry between them is too hard to deny. The author lets the relationship and tension build so that you really get an explosion when they give in to their attraction.
This book was about two people that are from different part of society setting. Vlad is being groom to take over his father business and that is all that is on his mind. He does not want anything to steer him from that and that includes women until Charlotte. Charlotte has work hard to get where she at as architect. When these two meet you can feel the steam coming from the pages with all the sexual tension between these two. What happens when these two give in? Can’t wait to read more from this authors and hopefully more about the family. Recommend this book
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review. This book started out very slow for me. Slow enough that it was hard to pay attention and I found myself distracted by other things. In the beginning there is a lot of character building, which while I appreciate, felt it could've been done in less words. A little more than half way through, it started to pick up and heat up. At that point, I didn't put the book down. The characters, main and supporting, are all great. The story itself was good too. Just whittle down the first half.