**This is not the first book in the series. If you start with Phil’s story you will get some spoilers and miss out on previous characters and their relevance to this story. Undeniable Love is the beginning of this saga!** Phil Hartley is the ultimate, unrepentant and untamable ladies’ man. He couldn’t be happier, he’s free to do whatever and whomever he chooses. That is until Hadlee Landreth throws a hitch in his plans. Can a reprehensible rake become a reformed and responsible bloke??
It took me a while to connect all the dots and remember Phil from previous books -- he was an unapologetic pussy hound. I didn't like Phil then and I still don't like him but we finally get his backstory. His fiancee cheated on him and every woman since then has paid the price -- until he officially meets Hadlee.
Though Phil and Hadlee were casually dating, I really disliked him hooking up with other women. Since he wasn't getting it from Hadlee yet, he was getting it elsewhere. Again, just to be clear -- Phil and Hadlee weren't a couple, but this still bothered me. It wasn't until the name Sydnee was mentioned that I connected all the dots and remembered Phil.
When a misunderstanding happens Phil refuses to listen to Hadlee's explanation. He's very unforgiving and shuts down completely, thus cancelling their plans to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve together. The end and resolution came too quickly and the heroine seemed to be okay picking up where they left off. This story feels unfinished, so I believe we can expect another story with this couple and Phil's ex-fiancee Farren.
It's best if you read the prior books to get to know Phil, he's the best friend of Wyatt and previously dated Stephane's best friend Sydnee and went on to briefly date Darby. Undeniable Love (Wyatt & Stephane) / Something Old, Something New (Sydnee/Colton/Phil) / Picture Perfect Deception (Darby/Daniel/Phil)
First read by this author and I wasn't really diggin' this book. First, it starts off with Darby calling Phil about having a son, then transitions to him and Farren. Understandable that they are intergal parts of his story but to me it was told in a way that it seem like that would be the story. It did get a little better toward the end but at that point I was just over this story and ready for it to end.
I did a binge read on all of the Emeline Piaget books that I have before I read this one. I did it to familiarize myself with the series. I love Emeline Piaget's work but this book wasn't for me. The characters, in my opinion, had no chemistry. Maybe I'm biased because I hate Phil. I noticed that all of Emeline Piaget's books follow the same pattern. Friendly flirtations, wet dreams (each and every book has one from the male and female perspective), someone assuming the worst (very immaturely), and then a quick reconnection. I say these things because I feel like Emeline Piaget should mix up the potion sometime. She's an amazing writer so I know she's capable.