Joseph Middleton is the eldest of the brothers and acted like it. There were no women, only work. Yet, all it took was one look at Rachael Harrison to ruin all his plans. He wanted to own her, body and soul, but he owned the hotel. He wanted to claim her, but that wasn’t a smart move. And Joseph Middleton prided himself on smart moves.
Rachael Harrison was immediately attracted to Joseph Middleton to the point of fantasizing about him while she was supposed to be working. Her daydreaming must have caught her supervisor’s notice because suddenly she called in the big boss to observe the hotel, particularly her. And he doesn’t seem to like what he sees in his hotel—starting with her.
Sparks fly as they try to avoid each other. The heated tension escalates to the boiling point.
"I’ve spent the past three fucking months trying to figure out how to make you mine.”
"....Rachael. I’m not good at this, but I need you. I want you. Fucking hell, I can’t live without you.”
Seriously, this book was WOW, just about the most amazing book ever!
IMO, It had it all! The hero and heroine are both each other's one and only. And they are both faithful to each other and even when they were not together, they still treated each other with respect.
It was just so wonderful!
And the drama, what little there was of it, served a purpose. It moved the plot and allowed them to creat a deeper more meaningful relationship. I just loved that!
And the epilogue, oh boy the epilogue is truly something Wonderful to behold! Almost 25 years later and they are still together still going strong and growing!
It was just awesome and in IMO it was...
But please don't take my word on it here, READ THE BOOK and discover this for yourself. It's available through Kindle Unlimited but it's only 1 dollar or so to purchase.
Completely worth it, and I thought the first book was amazing, but this one blew that one right out of the park. Hard to image her next book could top it.
** ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
I am totally loving these Middleton brothers! They are sexy, sweet and NOT skanky manwhores!
Joseph falls head over heals for Rachel at first sight. Being the boss, it takes him a little bit to finally act on his feelings, but once he does, he's not taking no for an answer.
Rachel has loved Joseph for three years. Ever since she saw him at her family home. She is 10 years younger than him and doesn't think he will ever notice her. Some false assumptions and miscommunication keeps these two circling each other, but when it finally erupts, it's so hot!
-no cheating -om drama - none -ow drama - his assistant has set her sights on him but he is oblivious. He has no desire for her whatsoever and puts her in her place. She causes trouble by trying to make people think they are together. -no violence -pushing away - no really pushing away as much as dancing around their feelings -steamy sex scenes -fabulous epilogue that is 3 years, then 20 years out!! Love that!
Another great addition to this series! I gotta say I liked this better than the first one, which is surprising because Joseph doesn't just take what he wants like his brother - he is patient and calculating.
We learn in book 1 that Rachael and Joe aren't the biggest fans of each other. They have lots of sexual tension, and in Rachael's case she has many misunderstandings when it comes to Joe. I wasn't really liking the catty secretary bit of the story, it seemed a bit too OTT and unnecessary.
But besides that it was an enjoyable, sweet, and steamy read ! :)
P.S. We get two virgins in this story folks! And while I find it completely unbelievable that a 28 year old millionaire is a virgin, it was fun to read!
It was good but I liked the first book better than this one.
The story is about Joseph and Rachael.
He's the oldest of the three brothers. She's his employee. He's been stalking her through the CCTV camera since he saw her but he didn't do anything until a couple months later.
There's someone causing problems and I didn't like that he just let it happened. I mean, his brothers told him about it so he had an idea and he heard rumors around the workplace. Though it's light, it still took him long enough time to do something, IMO. I was curious why she hates him when I read book 1 and now that I know why, I can't blame her. Though it's not entirely his fault, I still want him to be more alpha than he was.
"Built to Last" is the story of Rachel and Joseph.
Another sweet, May-December, love-hate romance in which our MCs miscommunication and have jealous tantrums, only to realize they love each other, have kept their chastity belts on, and soon remove them to breed like bunnies.
Wow that was even better than book 1! I love virginal heroines but virginal heroes not so much. Still it was a super steamy and sexy read and both characters were lovable. Epilogue was super cute I was swooning non stop! I mean 6 kids? C.M Steele is amazing!!
I am truly honored to have received an ARC of this delightful book from the very talented C.M. Steele. This is the second book in the Middleton Hotel Series and it was fast paced and quite entertaining. I like Joseph and Rachael even better than Jacob and Harley and I'm anxious as hell to read about Julian. Joseph Middleton is 28 years old, the oldest of three sons. Joseph and his two brothers run the family business together, they own several hotels all over. Joseph has always been the serious, uptight one, never having time for a girlfriend. Until he sees video feed of Rachael, who works the front desk at one of his hotels. He's 10 years older than her plus he knows he can never get involved with an employee. Rachael is a college student, she doesn't need to be working she comes from a wealthy family but she wants to do things on her own. She's had a crush on Joseph since the first time she saw him when she was 15 years old. He attended a dinner party at her parents' house but she was forced to stay upstairs and saw him when she sneaked a peek. After some assuming on both their parts these two stubborn people finally get together.
Book info: - Novella - Age gap - Dual virgin - Insta-love - Stalking-ish - Workplace romance - HEA
Note: - OWD. Not really, his delulu assistant was spreading news for years that she and Joe was dating. He didn't know about this but heard of it as a rumour and he chose to ignore it. He's not interested in her at all.
Rachael saw Joe at a party three years ago; she was young, and she saw him with his assistant, but he didn't see her. But this didn't stop her from crushing on him; even after three years, she's still infatuated with Joe. To be honest, I think she's halfway in love already.
Anyway, in the present time, Joe saw Rachael on one of the surveillance cameras in the hotel and, for some reason, got interested in her. He tried to talk to her, but seeing that he's the boss, it wouldn't paint a good image for him and their business. So he only visited twice in a week, I think?? But he's actively stalking her 😂 When he finally wanted to make a move on her, his crazy assistant ruined things for both of them; she made Rachael think that something was going on between them, and Rachael got mad and hurt about it, so she tried to avoid him as much as she could. Then three torturous months passed, and Joe had enough of Rachael's treatment, so he finally took the step to make her his officially.
Overall, this was okay. I didn't like the sexism, though. There was a customer who ogled Rachael, and Joe's reaction was to implement a uniform for the staff. It wasn't her fault that the guy was a pervert, but from the way it was explained, it seems that the staff should adjust so that they won't get disrespected (load of bs)🙄. Also, Rachael constantly calling the OW "bitch" was annoying; I mean, aren't we past that yet? It's the 21st century already; women and everyone should stop name-calling. 🤷♀️
Anyway, still a good read, didn't enjoy it unlike the first book.
Love this sweetness of the hero and heroine. Love their cute misunderstanding and love their HOT HOTTITY HOT love scenes!!
I basically love this book better than the first series. For me, this book got the more real story, more real sweetness and the hero and the heroine wasn't easy peasy lemon chessy. No. They have their own point of view and that was adorably hilarious!!!
Love them, just love them and love their sweet story so much!
After reading the first book I was a little confused about the timeline of this book. After finishing the book, I realized the beginning of this book started well before the first book. I did like that they were both virgins.
Rachael and Joseph. Kind of like having a candybar for dinner. Leaves you feeling empty after. Rachael's parents are scum, but Joseph can't help the insta love for Rachael when he first sees her. There is an OW wannabe that happens to be Joe's long time assistant, with the emotional depth of a nickle. Rachael is only 18 but lands a job as a receptionist for Joseph's swanky new hotel. Yeah right... I think you need to approach these kind of fluffy empty calorie stories, like a fairy tales. Not much happens. It was fun until about 40% and then just became pablum. all safe of course. I gotta stop reading this author...
**I highly recommend reading book one, Built to Last, first as Joseph and Rachael are introduced in it and the tension between them is noticeable.**
Joseph, at twenty-eight, is the oldest and head of the Middleton Hotels, and as such has dedicated his life to the family business. He had no time for anything else...until he saw her three weeks ago on the surveillance cameras. Rachael may be 10 years younger than him, yes, he looked at her HR file and he's not sorry for it, but he knows she's it for him. However, as he's always followed the rules, and she's an employee, he knows she's off-limits. He maintained his distance for two weeks, but during the third he could no longer deny himself.
Rachael can't stop her body from reacting to seeing Joseph Middleton, her celebrity crush, in person. She's been in awe of him for three years after seeing him at a party her family held. No she doesn't have to work, but knowing she could possibly see Joseph while being an employee of his family is all the incentive she needed. Unfortunately, her dreams are crushed when a woman, Roxie, arrives asking for him, and Joseph invites her to join him for dinner. Apparently the rumors regarding him and his assistant are true.
Over the next three weeks, Joseph has been around the hotel and it seems as if he's just waiting for the chance to fire Rachael. She doesn't know what she did, nor why Roxie continually feels the need to ensure Rachael knows, or at least believes, that she and Joseph are together, but she still yearns for Joseph, while wanting to strangle him at the same time. When Joseph overhears a conversation of Rachael's, not realizing the words are coming from hurt and anger, he's crushed, believing she'll never see him as he does her.
Are Joseph and Roxie together? Why does Joseph seem to have it out for Rachael? Is he looking for a reason to fire her? Can Joseph convince Rachael she's misunderstood everything regarding them? Will Rachael believe him? Will she confess her feelings for Joseph? What will Roxie do when she finds out? Is Rachael safe? Will Joseph and Rachael get their HEA?
One-click now and follow along as true love faces numerous obstacles on the path to its future. On a purely personal note, I wanted to smack the crap out of Roxie. I wish someone would've put Nair *do they still make that stuff? LOL* in her shampoo. Psst...both Joseph and Rachael experience something new for both of them...you'll see.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
These Middleton brothers—oh my! They are so sexy, so hot, and they are full on alpha males that care about their women! They make my pulse race and they do NOT Cheat… Where can I get one?
In book 2 “Built to Last”, this is Joseph’s story- Joseph falls head over heels for Rachel –it was love at first sight. Joseph is Rachel’s boss and he can’t act on his feeling but the alpha in him so wants to. Rachel has loved Joseph for three years-ever since she saw him at her parents house , it was as if she was struck by Cupid’s bow . She thinks Joseph will never see her –one thing against her is her age- she is 10 years younger than him, another thing is this woman who works with her who makes it a point to keep these two apart. Oh the heat and their chemistry is awesome. There are many twists and turns in this story. I loved this book and these Middleton brothers—this was an awesome instalove story with no cheating. I hated when the book ended and am looking forward to Julian's story.
My rating: 4.6 stars **** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Joseph is the eldest of the brothers and he is all work and no play and has time for nothing else besides work. So when he sees Rachael Harrison his world changes immediately. And she became his life. He knew he wanted her and he would do anything to get her
Sexy Hot insta love and totally OTT Alpha who will do anything for his women, even if she doesn't know she's his! I loved Rachael cause she is this sexy sassy women who won't let any one walk over her, she gave as good as she got!
Loved this series, and can't wait for the next one
I love the entire Middleton Hotel series. This one is Joseph and Rachael's story. It's an Instalove that has to wait. 100% safe and has no abuse of any kind, no cheating, dual virgins. There is a bit of drama with his assistant but it is NOT and never was a relationship just her causing problems. An extremely happily ever after
I really enjoyed this book! I have been itching to get my hands on this book since I finished the first book. Joseph and Rachael are perfect for one another yet at the same time total opposites. Joseph is a stick in the mud. He is one hundred per cent work focused. Rachael is an independent woman that is trying to prove her rich, unloving parents that she doesn’t need them. Joseph is the hard to Rachael’s soft. As soon as I one clicked this book I couldn’t help but devour it in one sitting. I REALLY wanted to punch Roxie. I was hoping Joseph would see her evil ways sooner, but he didn’t. I liked the hint of sass that we got from Rachael. Despite her being in lust with her boss, she didn’t put up with his attitude. I can honestly admit that I was rooting for Rachael to punch Roxie. The two epilogues for this book are super sweet and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The storyline for this book is easy to follow and delicious to devour in one go. If you’re looking for a fast paced steamy romance with virgin hero and heroines then this book is for you.
Joseph Middleton has wanted Rachael Harrison since he first saw on his security monitor. After weeks of trying to stay away, he decides to spend time around her. By spending time at his chain of hotel that she works at. Rachael has been in love with Joseph Middleton since she first saw him at the age of fifteen. When Joseph suddenly starts spending time at the hotel, which she works at, she is ecstatic. That all changes when Joseph’s assistant, Roxie, starts causing trouble for her. When Joseph makes changes in the hotel because of Rachael, she soon gets the blame from her peers. Annoyed by Joseph she speaks her mind to her friend, unbeknownst that Joseph is listening in. Will Joseph figure out why Rachael hates him? Will Joseph get his woman? You’ll have to read it and find out. BUT lets get real for a minute; this book is a C.M. Steele book so obviously it will have a HEA *wink, wink*.
There is such a thing as love at first sight. That's exactly what happens when Rachael sees Joseph at a party that her father is throwing when she was a teen. She had dreams that he would be her white knight and come and save her in her castle. But alas he was older and always had his girlfriend on his arm so her crush will just have to stay hidden. When Joseph first sees Rachael years later when she is working as a receptionist in his hotel he knows that she is the one, that she was made for him he just has to find out why she hates him so much when he hasn't done anything to her. No matter what he does Rachael is always on his mind he has to find a way to make her see that they were built to last together. When the truth comes to light these two come together and it's so Sweet and Hot! And Love Love Love the extra epilogue!! HEA Guaranteed!! Can't wait for the next one!
At only 70 pages, book 2 of this series is only slightly longer than book 1. It did allow a slight bit more character development since there were 20 additional pages. But, in the grand scheme of things, it seemed to fit the same mold as the previous book. Just featured a different couple (who also were virgins) and an insanely jealous OW thrown in just to stir up drama. He is also 10 years older than the heroine.
If you like a rushed romance where the main couple barely truly know each other and the leading man is OTT alpha cave man obsessed with making her his and she's likewise been crushing on him from afar, you may really enjoy this addition to the series. It just lacked a substantial amount of substance to earn a higher rate from this reviewer.
(These comments are based on Kindle Unlimited version. This is not a detailed ARC review.)
Oh My God....this was such an amazing read!!! I love this short quick insta love story between Joseph and Rachel!!! I always have a soft spot of hard working, handsome virgin heroes who fall in love at first sight!! No cheating only HEA!!! Misunderstandings keep Rachel away from Joesph but our man finally manages to grab his girl and clear all misunderstandings away. Add in crazy assistant Roxie who has her personal agenda and this make it one spicy read!! I loved book 1 and now book 2 of the Middleton series!! Can't wait for Julian's story!!!
Short and quick instalove read. Was fun but I liked the first one better. I find this h a bit immature at times, to be honesr, but she probably is just acting her age.
There is actually more to the story than the prior installment, but this also means less time for the couple to be together.
I still like it though with a totally besotted H that will give his woman the world and is totally into her he never sees anyone else *le sigh*
I liked this one a little better because their relationship seemed a little more fleshed out than the previous book. Again we have a v-card carrying hero whose 28 so to me that seems extremely far fetched but that's just cause I like my H's older and experienced ;) There was just enough misunderstandings and slight ow drama to keep me interested but there wasn't really a clear set up about which couple will feature in the next book.....anyways on to the next one!