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Reluctant Substitute
After five years, Alison Walker's working life had become stagnant. On an impulsive whim, Alison applies for a PA position with elite modelling agency, Sublime Elegance; certain she didn't stand a chance. According to her live-in boyfriend, Blake, she was an ugly duckling. No-one was more surprised than she was when she landed the job---without meeting former model, turned owner and CEO, Jaxon Connors---the man who was to be her new boss.
When hotness personified, Jaxon Connors, fires a model used by his most important client, Lachlan Steele, Alison finds herself the reluctant substitute taking her place. Decadent Desires Photographic Studio fills Alison with panic when she assumes she's mistakenly stepped straight into a set for a porno. Chains, whips and torturous equipment litters the studio. What the hell has she got herself into?
Provocative poses in racy lingerie is out of her comfort zone. But when Jaxon's client unexpectedly requests extra shots, Alison ends up in steamy poses with Jaxon---seductively held in his arms, surrounded with his intoxicating scent, smothered with his warmth, his mouth moulding perfectly with hers with a kiss so erotic, her half-naked body explodes with an intense orgasm.
When Blake drunkenly attacks her, with organized participation from his two equally drunk mates, Alison turns to her best friend, Lexi Forsythe for help. When Jaxon inadvertently discovers her injuries, he takes her to his house to recuperate---and allows her into his Dungeon. When her curiosity gets the better of her, Jaxon offers to allow her to try one thing in his Dungeon---to see what it feels like. She isn’t prepared for her reaction---Or for Jaxon's offer.
When hotness personified, Jaxon Connors, fires a model used by his most important client, Lachlan Steele, Alison finds herself the reluctant substitute taking her place. Decadent Desires Photographic Studio fills Alison with panic when she assumes she's mistakenly stepped straight into a set for a porno. Chains, whips and torturous equipment litters the studio. What the hell has she got herself into?
Provocative poses in racy lingerie is out of her comfort zone. But when Jaxon's client unexpectedly requests extra shots, Alison ends up in steamy poses with Jaxon---seductively held in his arms, surrounded with his intoxicating scent, smothered with his warmth, his mouth moulding perfectly with hers with a kiss so erotic, her half-naked body explodes with an intense orgasm.
When Blake drunkenly attacks her, with organized participation from his two equally drunk mates, Alison turns to her best friend, Lexi Forsythe for help. When Jaxon inadvertently discovers her injuries, he takes her to his house to recuperate---and allows her into his Dungeon. When her curiosity gets the better of her, Jaxon offers to allow her to try one thing in his Dungeon---to see what it feels like. She isn’t prepared for her reaction---Or for Jaxon's offer.
- GenresBDSM
370 pages, ebook
Published May 5, 2017
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Carol Delmornay
20 books46 followersCarol Delmornay writes predominantly erotic romance. Always a veracious reader, the urge to write didn't hit until later in life. Carol poured many hours, blood, sweat and tears into her first four book series; "His Word-The Trusted Saga", and is currently continuing on with "His Word - The Shattered Series". She has also penned a duet; "Reluctant Substitute" & the sequel, "Alison's Awakening". Carol has also dipped her toe into the world of dark erotica with her novel, "Lick of Darkness". Her novels are explicitly detailed, and not for the faint of heart.
Carol was born and raised in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia, which is where she met and married husband, Mark, 28 years ago. She and Mark moved to a small town in the Goldfields region of Western Australia in December 2015 to renovate their home and design their gardens. Together, they've raised three children and are proud new grandparents to a gorgeous grandson who arrived in September 2020. Carol spends all her spare time writing and listening to music, swimming, walking and enjoying the peaceful life of the country.
Carol was born and raised in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia, which is where she met and married husband, Mark, 28 years ago. She and Mark moved to a small town in the Goldfields region of Western Australia in December 2015 to renovate their home and design their gardens. Together, they've raised three children and are proud new grandparents to a gorgeous grandson who arrived in September 2020. Carol spends all her spare time writing and listening to music, swimming, walking and enjoying the peaceful life of the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 21, 2017
I received this book an exchange for an honest review
This was a pretty good read. Alison Walker is tired of her job and on a whim she applies for a job as a personal assistant at a top modeling agency she is surprised when she gets it. Alison has a boyfriend who calls her names and makes her feel bad about herself and she still does everything for him. Her first day on the job she runs into her boss Jaxon Connors he is hot, rich and down a model. Jaxon convinces her to do the shoot although she thinks she is ugly when the client sees the pictures they want more and Jaxon does the shoot with her. This was a good read Alison's self-esteem has been beat down by her no good boyfriend and so many woman stay in relationships thinking they can't do any better. When she passes out at work Jaxson takes her home and to his dungeon. Turns out he is into BDSM and she is shocked by this turn of events. This book had some hot scenes in it. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
This was a pretty good read. Alison Walker is tired of her job and on a whim she applies for a job as a personal assistant at a top modeling agency she is surprised when she gets it. Alison has a boyfriend who calls her names and makes her feel bad about herself and she still does everything for him. Her first day on the job she runs into her boss Jaxon Connors he is hot, rich and down a model. Jaxon convinces her to do the shoot although she thinks she is ugly when the client sees the pictures they want more and Jaxon does the shoot with her. This was a good read Alison's self-esteem has been beat down by her no good boyfriend and so many woman stay in relationships thinking they can't do any better. When she passes out at work Jaxson takes her home and to his dungeon. Turns out he is into BDSM and she is shocked by this turn of events. This book had some hot scenes in it. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
August 8, 2017
OMG what a way to end the book!
Review to follow
Review to follow
June 1, 2019
Reluctant Substitute
Wow! This was my first time reading a book by this author.
Totally blown away! If you like a steamy read this is most definitely for you.
Alison lived with her Asshole boyfriend, until she started a new job and her life
Changed for the better.
It begins with some photo shoots with her hot boss and this leads to a trip to his dungeon...
A must read. You won't be disappointed.
Now to get stuck into book 2 Alisons Awakening.
Wow! This was my first time reading a book by this author.
Totally blown away! If you like a steamy read this is most definitely for you.
Alison lived with her Asshole boyfriend, until she started a new job and her life
Changed for the better.
It begins with some photo shoots with her hot boss and this leads to a trip to his dungeon...
A must read. You won't be disappointed.
Now to get stuck into book 2 Alisons Awakening.
November 1, 2017
Amount of sex 2 / 5
How explicit 2.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5 / 5)
Reluctant Substitute is a deliciously erotic office romance by author Carol Delmornay. There are many office romances out there today to choose from, but I have to say... this story is unique. Alison lives with her boyfriend Blake, who is always putting her down. She does not have the confidence in herself and is shocked when her new boss Jaxon asks her to stand in for a model that canceled at the last minute.
Jaxon is a sexy alpha male. He is confident, but not overly arrogant. Jaxon is always there to help encourage Ali when her boyfriend Blake pulls her down. After a horrible incident, Jaxon takes charge in helping her through the difficult time. Ali has had feelings for Jaxon since she started working for him, but it's become more difficult to fight her desires.
What will happen when Jaxon hands over a contract for Alison to read? Will she sign it and have Jaxon become more than her boss?
Loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough! Warning, it does end with a cliffhanger! The sequel, Alison’s Awakening, should be released by the end of 2017.
*Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy*
How explicit 2.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5 / 5)
Reluctant Substitute is a deliciously erotic office romance by author Carol Delmornay. There are many office romances out there today to choose from, but I have to say... this story is unique. Alison lives with her boyfriend Blake, who is always putting her down. She does not have the confidence in herself and is shocked when her new boss Jaxon asks her to stand in for a model that canceled at the last minute.
Jaxon is a sexy alpha male. He is confident, but not overly arrogant. Jaxon is always there to help encourage Ali when her boyfriend Blake pulls her down. After a horrible incident, Jaxon takes charge in helping her through the difficult time. Ali has had feelings for Jaxon since she started working for him, but it's become more difficult to fight her desires.
What will happen when Jaxon hands over a contract for Alison to read? Will she sign it and have Jaxon become more than her boss?
Loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough! Warning, it does end with a cliffhanger! The sequel, Alison’s Awakening, should be released by the end of 2017.
*Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy*
June 27, 2017
Alison was always a wallflower. Pretty but nothing special. So when she takes a job at a modeling agency the last thing she expected was to become a model herself. And her new boss is persistent in keeping her as anything he needs. Helping him in her new job position opens a side in her she never knew existed, however he saw it in her all along. Now to just build her confidence to really bring it out. With the opportunity of a lifetime and her job on the line, just how far will she go as far as keeping it professional or taking a chance on a new adventure she may have been wanting all along?
June 25, 2017
"I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book." Wholly waxed chapstick! This was a great story! Twists you won't see coming and will have torn in two! You won't know what side to be on while in the hurricane of love, lust and definite sexiness.
July 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the character's of Jaxon and Alison and can't wait to see what happens next.
June 21, 2017
Hello Jaxon
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Holy Holy Hotness. This book has a little bit of everything that will make your insides shiver.
Alison, a gorgeous, sweet, stuck in an abusive 2 yr relationship, that starts working as at Sublime Elegance as a personal assistant to Sexy, Hunky Jaxon.
From New jobs to ex boyfriend to Sexy photo shoots with the boss, add in dungeons , contracts this is the start of one great series.
Thank you Carol Delmornay, I cannot wait for book 2. Will she or won't she. Only time will tell.
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Holy Holy Hotness. This book has a little bit of everything that will make your insides shiver.
Alison, a gorgeous, sweet, stuck in an abusive 2 yr relationship, that starts working as at Sublime Elegance as a personal assistant to Sexy, Hunky Jaxon.
From New jobs to ex boyfriend to Sexy photo shoots with the boss, add in dungeons , contracts this is the start of one great series.
Thank you Carol Delmornay, I cannot wait for book 2. Will she or won't she. Only time will tell.
June 20, 2017
Wow, this is the first book I've read by this author and she didn't disappoint! What a great story and very well written. Alison needs a job and finally gets to be PA to the hot, sexy, handsome Jaxon. What a steamy, erotic, heart-pounding story. Alison goes from PA to a hot as sin step in model. What will happen when she realizes she is liking her new role more than she thought. Will she step up to his desires or stay in the stage of her life she is accustomed to. Can't wait for the next book to see where it goes.
June 27, 2017
Well developed and well written hotness. Could not put it down. Loved it Allison.... Jaxson.... just hotness!!!!!
June 14, 2017
I just loved this story! When Alison finds a job working for Sublime Elegance she is so excited but then she has to stand in for Montana a model that couldn't make it. She is embarrassed but she doesn't let them photograph her face because she is posing in negligees plus if her boyfriend sees them she will get a beating. Her boss Jaxson makes her feel different and when he kisses her she has an orgasm but she thinks something is wrong with her. When things at home get heated she leaves and moves in with her best friend and her boyfriend. This story is kind of an awakening for Alison and it seems Jaxson is interested in her too but she has a hard time with it. I really hope to read more from this author as the story was well written and interesting.
December 16, 2017
BDSM intro at its finest. I loved this book and the buildup for Allison to find herself. Warning there is a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed this book and the way Allison is becoming herself. JAxON ND Alison are great characters and I can't wait to see what comes from next book
October 5, 2018
I am shocked at how good this book really was. As a voracious reader, I am always excited when I find an author that sings to my soul. This book is one long, torturous ode to foreplay and believe me, that's a very good thing. This is a book with dark themes of abuse and rape; hot-as-all-getout sex scenes of attraction including BDSM; and incredible characters that ring true in a detailed story that will leave you breathless. Ali's introduction to modeling lights the fire that has been simmering with her hot new boss. The author writes these scenes with skill, making me feel a blushing voyeur.
If you enjoy erotic romance, you should appreciate the writing here. As I've mentioned, there are scenes that may involve triggers, so be aware before buying this book. Even in my ARC copy, there are very few proofreading errors which illustrate the attention to detail. These will most likely be fixed in the final copy for publication. I am looking forward to reading "Alison's Awakening: Reluctant Substitute Sequel" for which I also have an ARC opportunity.
Don't hesitate to get this book. I hope you'll be glad you did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you enjoy erotic romance, you should appreciate the writing here. As I've mentioned, there are scenes that may involve triggers, so be aware before buying this book. Even in my ARC copy, there are very few proofreading errors which illustrate the attention to detail. These will most likely be fixed in the final copy for publication. I am looking forward to reading "Alison's Awakening: Reluctant Substitute Sequel" for which I also have an ARC opportunity.
Don't hesitate to get this book. I hope you'll be glad you did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2017
My first read by this author and it was great
What in the Sam hill did I just read?? How are you going to end the book like that?? OMG!!
What would you do if your body was telling you, you were to be a submissive or a slave in the BDSM world? But your head was telling you heck no!
Alison is this person, she works for a modeling company, a personal assistant. However little did she know that she would end up modeling with the BOSS!! Not only that actually liking the very hot, steamy, sexy scenes they were in, even though she put up a front.
Her personal life wasn't so great. Her boyfriend Blake is an asshat! He should rot in hell for what he did, along with his best blokes! I swear I hope Jax gets to him and I never really wish that on any character.
Reluctant Substitute was a great read. I can't wait for the next book.
What in the Sam hill did I just read?? How are you going to end the book like that?? OMG!!
What would you do if your body was telling you, you were to be a submissive or a slave in the BDSM world? But your head was telling you heck no!
Alison is this person, she works for a modeling company, a personal assistant. However little did she know that she would end up modeling with the BOSS!! Not only that actually liking the very hot, steamy, sexy scenes they were in, even though she put up a front.
Her personal life wasn't so great. Her boyfriend Blake is an asshat! He should rot in hell for what he did, along with his best blokes! I swear I hope Jax gets to him and I never really wish that on any character.
Reluctant Substitute was a great read. I can't wait for the next book.
March 11, 2018
Outstanding
I couldn't put this book down yet bother fab read by Carol, I love reading alison and Jaxon story this is one steamy book i loved it
I couldn't put this book down yet bother fab read by Carol, I love reading alison and Jaxon story this is one steamy book i loved it
September 16, 2017
This book is a MUST read of the year! It's definitely in my top 5, that's for sure! I absolutely LOVED it and didn't want to put it down once I'd begun reading it!!!
Alison Walker, Ali, is a woman that I think a lot of us can relate to in some form. While she's intelligent, she underestimates both her looks and what she's capable of. Her loser boyfriend, Blake doesn't help in the self-confidence department; rather, the opposite. I disliked him from the get-go and that dislike turned to border-line hate as the story progressed. Thankfully, Ali has a kicka** best friend who always has her back and gives a boost to her self-esteem when she needs it.
Jaxon Connor, Jax, stole my heart from his first appearance in the book. He's Ali's complete opposite, as he oozed self-confidence, he was clearly comfortable in his own skin, and as CEO of a company, has a high measure of self-worth. Ms. Delmornay successfully accomplished what I've found a lot of authors struggle with sometimes: how to create the epitome of a self-confident, alpha male without having him come off as arrogant. He's a Dominant, force to be reckoned with, that's for sure, but he's kind and caring, too. He seems to know Ali's limits and what she can handle better than she can, a trait that all subs want from their Dom.
After going to work for Jax, Ali soon finds herself in a situation she never thought she'd be in, one that pushes her boundaries and helps her to discover who she truly is. This book is a journey into the start of Ali and Jax's romance and their lives. It does end on a cliffhanger, but to be honest, I don't even care. The book was THAT good! The most surprising thing about the book is that there aren't very many sex scenes, but you don't miss them. As the characters develop intimacy and trust, the scenes are so hot that you don't even notice that they aren't actually having sex. I can't think of any other book I've read that aroused me without the actual sex act occurring.
This book will pull you in from the very first page, run your emotions through the ringer, and have you wishing it didn't end. Alas, it will, and seemingly all too soon, even though at 218 pages, it's a decent length. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss this book! I received an ARC, but after reading the very first chapter, I purchased the book. I will definitely be reading this book again as I eagerly await the release of book 2. I can't wait to discover how these characters grow and evolve as individuals and as a couple.
There is light BDSM, but for the most part, the BDSM is primarily explanation. **Trigger Warning: There is a brief scene of sexual assault, but it is very brief and not overly detailed. However, for those who may have a trigger regarding assault of any kind, tread lightly.**
Alison Walker, Ali, is a woman that I think a lot of us can relate to in some form. While she's intelligent, she underestimates both her looks and what she's capable of. Her loser boyfriend, Blake doesn't help in the self-confidence department; rather, the opposite. I disliked him from the get-go and that dislike turned to border-line hate as the story progressed. Thankfully, Ali has a kicka** best friend who always has her back and gives a boost to her self-esteem when she needs it.
Jaxon Connor, Jax, stole my heart from his first appearance in the book. He's Ali's complete opposite, as he oozed self-confidence, he was clearly comfortable in his own skin, and as CEO of a company, has a high measure of self-worth. Ms. Delmornay successfully accomplished what I've found a lot of authors struggle with sometimes: how to create the epitome of a self-confident, alpha male without having him come off as arrogant. He's a Dominant, force to be reckoned with, that's for sure, but he's kind and caring, too. He seems to know Ali's limits and what she can handle better than she can, a trait that all subs want from their Dom.
After going to work for Jax, Ali soon finds herself in a situation she never thought she'd be in, one that pushes her boundaries and helps her to discover who she truly is. This book is a journey into the start of Ali and Jax's romance and their lives. It does end on a cliffhanger, but to be honest, I don't even care. The book was THAT good! The most surprising thing about the book is that there aren't very many sex scenes, but you don't miss them. As the characters develop intimacy and trust, the scenes are so hot that you don't even notice that they aren't actually having sex. I can't think of any other book I've read that aroused me without the actual sex act occurring.
This book will pull you in from the very first page, run your emotions through the ringer, and have you wishing it didn't end. Alas, it will, and seemingly all too soon, even though at 218 pages, it's a decent length. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss this book! I received an ARC, but after reading the very first chapter, I purchased the book. I will definitely be reading this book again as I eagerly await the release of book 2. I can't wait to discover how these characters grow and evolve as individuals and as a couple.
There is light BDSM, but for the most part, the BDSM is primarily explanation. **Trigger Warning: There is a brief scene of sexual assault, but it is very brief and not overly detailed. However, for those who may have a trigger regarding assault of any kind, tread lightly.**
December 11, 2018
When Alison impulsively applies for a PA position at a local modeling agency, she has no idea this impulsive decision will change her life in significant ways. Her boyfriend has completely destroyed Alison's self-esteem to the point that she has no idea that anyone finds her attractive at all. So imagine her surprise when the hot guy from the elevator ride up on her first day is her boss, and that he finds her so exquisitely beautiful that he has her stand in at a photo shoot when the current model is nowhere to be found.
From there it's an interesting, although rather wordy and a bit draggy, trip to Alison's discovery that her ultimate feeling of belonging comes when she's collared and kneeling at Jaxon's feet during a photo shoot.
I sort of enjoyed the first part of Alison's journey to finding herself. I only mention Alison because it appears to really be her story and Jaxon happens to be the catalyst for her journey of self-discovery. I would have not only appreciated Jaxon's POV, but also much more detail about him, rather than focusing everything on Alison's POV. The pace, as I mentioned previously, is very wordy and draggy in the middle, and it caused me to get bored and be tempted to skim. The other reason for the 3.5 stars is that I felt the whole BDSM thing wasn't defined enough for not only Alison's tastes, but mine as well, AND after the horrible treatment she received at her boyfriend's hands, some of the things Jaxon did to her during the shoots and while at his home really would have been counteractive to her healing after the abuse she suffered. It was way too soon for her to have realistically been thinking of anything like that right after what she went through. So I guess the relationship (not that there really was one, at least not a defined one) development is pretty weak.
I am looking forward to the sequel, though. I just hope it includes not only Jaxon's POV, but also a better defined relationship and more relationship and character development.
ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.
July 2, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by the author.
http://thesecretworldofbooklovers.blo...
This was an intense read for sure. It was my first book from the author and I'm certain it won't be my last!
She accomplished an amazing thing, she got me hooked from the start, I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I kept opening my kindle app at work just to see what happened next, I was obsessed with Alison and Jaxon's relationship.
The fact that she is making us wait and that the entire story is a never ending and intense foreplay session, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Believe me, the no actual sex scenes is not a bad thing at all and it doesn't make this book any less sexually charged. The intensity that existed between the characters since the moment they met was crazy and it keeps on escalating.
Alison is in a total state of arousal since she lays her eyes on him and I'm guessing it was all part of Jaxon's plan.
The photo shoot setups are described in a way that makes you feel like you are in the room right beside them; you will get to feel the intensity of every moment through the pages.
Let's talk a bit about the boyfriend, I disliked him from the first moment he showed up in the book. I couldn't understand why she would be with a guy like that, but I guess she was trapped in that never ending abuse circle. Getting out of there would be the best thing for her.
Jaxon changes everything, he helps her regain her self-esteem and little by little she starts to believe in herself again. But most importantly, he shows her who she really is, what her darkest and deepest desires are.
Giving over total control is a crazy feeling, and finds herself in a crossroad that could change her whole life in a second.
What will she choose?!
http://thesecretworldofbooklovers.blo...
This was an intense read for sure. It was my first book from the author and I'm certain it won't be my last!
She accomplished an amazing thing, she got me hooked from the start, I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I kept opening my kindle app at work just to see what happened next, I was obsessed with Alison and Jaxon's relationship.
The fact that she is making us wait and that the entire story is a never ending and intense foreplay session, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Believe me, the no actual sex scenes is not a bad thing at all and it doesn't make this book any less sexually charged. The intensity that existed between the characters since the moment they met was crazy and it keeps on escalating.
Alison is in a total state of arousal since she lays her eyes on him and I'm guessing it was all part of Jaxon's plan.
The photo shoot setups are described in a way that makes you feel like you are in the room right beside them; you will get to feel the intensity of every moment through the pages.
Let's talk a bit about the boyfriend, I disliked him from the first moment he showed up in the book. I couldn't understand why she would be with a guy like that, but I guess she was trapped in that never ending abuse circle. Getting out of there would be the best thing for her.
Jaxon changes everything, he helps her regain her self-esteem and little by little she starts to believe in herself again. But most importantly, he shows her who she really is, what her darkest and deepest desires are.
Giving over total control is a crazy feeling, and finds herself in a crossroad that could change her whole life in a second.
What will she choose?!
July 9, 2017
Alison Walker is about to embark on an adventure she didn't realise how much she needed.
She applied for a PA at a modelling agency. Her verbally abusive boyfriend Blake convinces her shes not smart enough nor pretty enough to get such a prestigious job.
No one is more surprised than Alison when she not only gets the job but is asked to substitute as a model in a very important client's ad campaign. Who better to partner up with in the ad but former model turned CEO of the agency, Jaxon Connors.
As Alisons relationship with Blake deteriorates, her relationship with her boss begins to heat up. When he makes her an offer she cant refuse things really heat up.
July 9, 2017
Alison Walker is about to embark on an adventure she didn't realise how much she needed.
She applied for a PA at a modelling agency. Her verbally abusive boyfriend Blake convinces her shes not smart enough nor pretty enough to get such a prestigious job.
No one is more surprised than Alison when she not only gets the job but is asked to substitute as a model in a very important client's ad campaign. Who better to partner up with in the ad but former model turned CEO of the agency, Jaxon Connors.
As Alisons relationship with Blake deteriorates, her relationship with her boss begins to heat up. When he makes her an offer she cant refuse things really heat up.
***Reviewed for All The Feels PR & Blog***
She applied for a PA at a modelling agency. Her verbally abusive boyfriend Blake convinces her shes not smart enough nor pretty enough to get such a prestigious job.
No one is more surprised than Alison when she not only gets the job but is asked to substitute as a model in a very important client's ad campaign. Who better to partner up with in the ad but former model turned CEO of the agency, Jaxon Connors.
As Alisons relationship with Blake deteriorates, her relationship with her boss begins to heat up. When he makes her an offer she cant refuse things really heat up.
***Reviewed for All The Feels PR & Blog***
July 12, 2017
The author did a great job writing this book. It is very hot and steamy. I love the connection Ali had with Jaxson.
October 18, 2020
This is book one in The Reluctant Substitute Series and it is Alison and Jaxon's story. This book is a must read with all its twists and turns and great character's that take you on a journey with them and you don't want to get off as you have to see what will happen next. This book ends with a cliff hanger and the next book has already been published for you to read next. Carol is an amazing author and writer and I love her books so much and they are a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2019
Title: Reluctant Substitute
Carol Delmornay Author
Reviewer: Rainey Day Book Reviews - Lorraine Leatham
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alison Walker's working life had become stagnant. On a whim, she applies for a PA position with elite modelling agency, Sublime Elegance. Her live-in boyfriend, Blake, constantly refers to her as an ugly duckling. Surprisingly, she lands the job---without meeting former model, turned owner and CEO, Jaxon Connors---the man who was to be her new boss.
Jaxon Connors, fires a model used by his most important client, Lachlan Steele, Alison finds herself the reluctant substitute taking her place. It's a part of her contract. In the event that something happens to a model she may be required to fill in. Alison finds herself posing in racy lingerie no less with her boss!
Be prepared there is BDSM involved and a scene that might be a trigger for some. This was might first time reading anything by this author. I was pleasantly surprised at how well written it was.
Carol Delmornay Author
Reviewer: Rainey Day Book Reviews - Lorraine Leatham
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alison Walker's working life had become stagnant. On a whim, she applies for a PA position with elite modelling agency, Sublime Elegance. Her live-in boyfriend, Blake, constantly refers to her as an ugly duckling. Surprisingly, she lands the job---without meeting former model, turned owner and CEO, Jaxon Connors---the man who was to be her new boss.
Jaxon Connors, fires a model used by his most important client, Lachlan Steele, Alison finds herself the reluctant substitute taking her place. It's a part of her contract. In the event that something happens to a model she may be required to fill in. Alison finds herself posing in racy lingerie no less with her boss!
Be prepared there is BDSM involved and a scene that might be a trigger for some. This was might first time reading anything by this author. I was pleasantly surprised at how well written it was.
December 4, 2018
I found this book quite hard to review, I liked parts and it also seemed like their relationship was going to develop into something more for both of them that what they have been used to, BUT what I struggled with is she was raped and abused and the very next day was fine to have a ‘try out!’ it doesn’t make sense???? I can’t understand how someone could get over what was done to them overnight? or even why Jaxson would’ve wanted to rush her after caring for her after her fainting and tending to her wounds? That was way to fast for me to get my head around, also if she has suddenly gone from PA to model wouldn’t her wages at least have differed? Going to read the next book though because I’m sure things will straighten themselves out more 🤞😁
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2019
Our heroine has always been put down and told she is not pretty. But when an unexpected opportunity occurs, she learns that not everyone agrees with that assessment.
This is actually a rather tender romance between a billionaire that is not an arrogant jerk and a woman who just needs some positive support. The story is extremely well written with characters that you can actually believe in and a good solid story line. There are challenges, including some real emotional ups and downs, but it will still draw you in for the ride. It drew me in and kept me reading until later than I should.
While book does not end on a cliffhanger, it also does not wrap everything up neatly. However, I found it well worth the read and I will be eager to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is actually a rather tender romance between a billionaire that is not an arrogant jerk and a woman who just needs some positive support. The story is extremely well written with characters that you can actually believe in and a good solid story line. There are challenges, including some real emotional ups and downs, but it will still draw you in for the ride. It drew me in and kept me reading until later than I should.
While book does not end on a cliffhanger, it also does not wrap everything up neatly. However, I found it well worth the read and I will be eager to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
November 8, 2020
This is a touching and intense story of Allision and her path to self discovery and the book grabbed my attention and hold it until the end. The behavior she experiences and the emotional abuse from her boyfriend Blake is appalling. He has chipped away at her self-confidence until she thinks she deserves no better. Her boss Jaxon is there to support her and pick her up after Blake's treatments and there is a slow burning admiration and attraction developing. Though there are some BDSM in the book, but not enough explanations or descriptions leaving Allison to search the internet for details. This book end in one heck of a cliffhanger and I must read the next book. Excellent writing, absolutely love this author's books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I thought it was fantastic. It pulled me in from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. There was over the top chemistry between Alison and Jaxon, super hot sex scenes, and some twists and turns. I loved Jaxon and how he was with Alison. The two of them were perfect together. There are some scenes that could be a trigger for some. There is also a cliffhanger in this one. I cannot wait to get started on the sequel to see what happens next! I would definitely recommend this one!
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
November 5, 2020
Now I am not a fan of cliffhangers but this is an exception. Alison is a super character being done down by her live in boyfriend and what a nasty character he was. Together with his two drunken friends I did wish something bad would happen to them. Jaxson was quite a strange character and at first I couldn't quite get him. A strangely sexy story and I have had to purchase the next book to find out what happens to Alison. She certainly has feelings for Jaxson and I think he obviously has feelings for her. I shall have to find out. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2018
She is boredom her job and she decided to go for another job. She is in for a shock as she gets the job. She ends up being used as a model and things get really steamy with her boss. Her boyfriend and his mates attack her so her friend helps her to get away. When her boss finds out he takes her home to recover. Things will get very interesting and a new offer is given to her. See if she will take up the offer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
A new job means a new way of life for Alison. Her new boss Jaxon is the one who turns her life around as he appreciates everything about her and gets her to try new things...unlike her boyfriend. A story of an emerging butterfly who has been cocooned by cruelty. A fabulous book that had me spellbound in it's intensity. A few awful moments in the book that make you tear up but thankfully Jaxon is at hand to help. We all need a Jaxon in our lives.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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