Desire

by Simone Sowood

Sometimes fate lands on your lap...

Leo:
A stunning woman approaches me in my hotel lobby.
She's dressed for sin. And I'm a sinner.
I brush past her and, the next thing I know, she flings herself across me in the backseat of my cab.
I didn’t want an escort tonight, but the look of her lying in my lap is impossible to resist.
Except she's not what I thought. They never are.
Young. Beautiful. Innocent. I can't get her out of my head.
She's not to be trusted. But one night in my bed won't do any harm.

Grace:
Leo is way hotter than I’d anticipated when my boss dressed me up and sent me out to lure him into saving our company.
Sure, he’s arrogant and rude but the air around us is electric. Unable to resist, I wear the red dress and give him my virginity.
It’s just one time but there’s something more between us, something real, I’m sure of it.
Until I end up pregnant and Leo disappears off the face of the earth.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

275 pages, ebook

Published December 1, 2017

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 “Falling Fast” stars!!

It was mistaken identity, lust at first sight, comedic relief, and intense chemistry all rolled into one. Leo was a multi-billionaire toy company owner who was looking for a way out. Stuck at another stuffy event, he’s not so surprised when a beautiful woman approaches him as a date. Assuming she’s an escort that he didn’t even hire, he treats her as such. At least until Grace lets him know she’s just another person after his money. Except, that’s not what she’s really after. After a lot of miscommunication, these two combust beautifully in a service closet. One thing leads to the next and they find themselves travelling the road to love.

There was very little drama, very little conflict, and very few things to get upset about. It was steamy and extremely easy to read. It was a little on the sweeter side for this author, which was an okay change of pace. I look forward to what she delivers to us next!

Release Date: December 27, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone

[Hanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leo is a rich and successful businessman. He is on his way to an event when Grace approaches him. Grace works for a company that has made a new app. She hopes to talk to Leo about that app and to get some financial support from him. But Leo thinks that Grace is someone else and treats her not so nicely. Later that night, Leo and Grace get trapped somewhere for the rest of the night. They talk a little and connect. When someone finally saves them, Grace doesn’t expect to see Leo ever again but Leo surprises her a few days later. They spend a lot time together and grow very close.

Grace and Leo are great characters. Leo is rich, closed off and arrogant. He is a man who knows what he wants and he always gets it. He does have a soft side that Grace gets to see. Leo worked very hard his whole life and this has made him very rich. He’s done with working so hard and wants to sell his company. It would have been done if his brother wanted to sell too. Leo isn’t close to his family.

Grace is sweet, loving, genuine, smart and innocent. She isn’t sure what’s happening when she meets Leo, but she decides to go with the flow. She wants to help the company she’s working for. Grace trusts Leo and starts to feel good around him. Grace loves to spend time with Leo and she doesn’t care who he is.

Grace and Leo have a great chemistry. There was an instant attraction between them, but it took some time before that attraction became love. Leo is hesitant to fall in love, because women have only wanted him for his money. Grace is different and she’s actually what Leo needs.

My actual rating would be 3.5 stars. I really liked Desire, but I unfortunately didn’t love it like I did love the author’s other books. I didn’t always feel the connection between Leo and Grace. They also changed their opinions a little too fast sometimes.

-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Why? Because I hate a rushed action! And this book was all rushed. I don’t like it when couples get married after such a short time. I mean it takes some time to know someone. You don’t just jump in a marriage. 🙄
And damn, the main female character was stupid. A 23 years old virgin who slept with the guy who was supposed to help her career?! Wtf! And so soon!
Well... if I liked the first book I read by Simone, this one left me with a bitter taste.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC Provided by the Author***

Leo and Grace are an insta-love story...sort of. They meet, they go their separate ways, they meet again and then go their separate ways again...but this time, he is out of touch and she finds out she is pregnant (this is all in the blurb, so not a spoiler). So, the attraction is instant, but not really acted on until later, but, not for lack of trying on their part.

There is a lot here already. Throw in that he thinks she is an escort, her family is nothing but drama, her employer is going under and has no issues pimping her out to the (hopefully) highest bidder, Leo's drama with his brother and wanting to sell the company, and Grace's stress about her job. So, the plot is busy and at times it does jump a bit from point to point, which keeps it moving.

This book was busy and, while this meant that it moved quickly, I felt a little like the relationship with Grace and Leo took a little bit of a backseat to the myriad other things that were going on it the story.

I did enjoy it overall. I liked the characters and this was a fun, lighter read. I do recommend this title.

[Janice Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful love story. There is a lot angst along with dirty talking and nasty going on. The actual deed is a chance in waiting. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Leo is the Owner of a Toy company and one of the most well known multi-million dollar toy making company. He has to make a speech at a black-tie event. Already late and wanting to get it over with. As he exits the elevator and a woman calls my name and he told the hotel that he didn't need an escort, but she's just his type...
Grace is sent to intercept Leo and make a pitch to him to help save their new company. Her boss even picked out what she was to wear and it's a red and skimpy dress. She told her to do whatever it takes to get the use of his brands to save the company. There's only one thing wrong with this, Leo thinks she's an escort... I'm a virgin...

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a sexy comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Grace and Leo get stuck together through circumstances beyond their control, but does it end in happiness for them, or does Leo walk away from Grace's proposal? I loved the story and the little twists that turned things upside down. It was amazing and sweetly hot.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desire by Simone Sowood is an extremely well written, captivating, and steamy read with a great storyline and characters, lust, intense chemistry, angst, some humor, twists and turns, dirty talk, and love.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I'm usually a huge fan of Simone Sowood and typically devour her books. Unfortunately, Desire left a lot to be desired. The characters are really well done and there is a decent storyline but the plot isn't as exciting as some other Simone Sowood books.

If you are looking for a sweet romance with a little sex thrown in, this is the book for you. If you are looking for more drama than reality tv, keep it moving.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t like the hero. He was smug, overbearing and just expected Grace to do his bidding straight away. He was often very insulting towards the heroine. This was a DNF for me.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet nice read of two characters longing for love and nothing else.
Grace meets Leo on a wrong foot, accosting him at his hotel was not the perfect timing, especially when he is known to get escorts from hotel’s services.
They begin on the wrong way until she realizes what he thinks she is and he understand she is here on a business purpose.
Leo Newbury is a billionaire in the kid toys universe but he has reached his limits and wants to sell but he is locked by his own brother’s refusal.
Grace, coming from a very disrupted family, works for a small company close to bankrupt, so her boss sent her to meet Leo in order to gain his attention to invest in its business.
But nothing goes as expected, Leo refuses to hear about her boss company, then left for a trip and when he comes back he is only interested in Grace, not her job.
And while things move between them, Leo has to left again, normally for a short but it goes longer and Grace discovering she is pregnant begins to think he left for sure when she does not heard anymore from him.
To learn more, you might have to read it.
I very liked Leo’s character, if we put his wealth in brackets, he is a kind man, he acts to please when it is for those he cares, he can cry when he knows he fucked things and even after being hurt by his ex-wife, he is able to accept to love again and then he loves with all his heart.
Grace is younger and needs reassurance, she gets angry faster but when it is necessary she can put her pride aside and apologize and forgive.
A good romance to spend a nice moment.

[Armenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy, wild storyline...3.5 stars!

Being the owner and CEO of Newbury Toys isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Long hours and even longer travel time has Leo Newbury considering selling his company. Everyone seems to want a piece of Leo and his billions, and with a failed marriage, it’s no wonder he resorts to escort services for his needs. He mistakes a young, voluptuous woman at his hotel lobby thinking she’s his escort for the night. And Leo lets her know what’s expected in her “ job description.”

Grace knows it’s all a mistake when Leo Newbury presumes a lot with her body and roving lustful eyes. Her boss has sent her, in a last ditch effort, to approach Leo convincing him to license his toy brands to their company’s app, Mini Motivations, in hopes of staving off bankruptcy.

But it’s a crazy plotline from Leo and Grace getting stuck together in a janitor’s closet overnight, to Leo hunting down his brother, George, halfway around the world, and then throw in an alcoholic mother and sister with kids from different fathers. And that’s not all….throw in huge misunderstanding and a misguided roommate, and a pregnancy...and all this stuff gets thrown at Leo and Grace. Can their budding relationship survive all this?

Desire has it all. Billionaire, virgin, secret baby, brother problems, and all the hurdles. But thank goodness it’s romance, Leo and Grace get their HEA.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistaken identity leads to a world win romance of the dirtiest kind. Well in the case for Grace it just happened that way. She was sent by her boss to try and attract the attention of billionaire toy maker Leo. She didn’t know he uses escorts and the way she was dressed well, kinda hard for him to not think that especially when she allowed him to talk to her the way he did.

Leo, the lonely tot maker is done with the industry, he wants out but can’t sell unless he has agreement from his brother to sell but he enjoys the life of luxury and not working. All he wants is a family and a wife to spend his life with. Little did he know that Grace would give him so much more than that.

Grace wanted more out of life than what her mom and sister has back home. She never thought that a man like Leo would ever be interested in her but oh man, when the guy turns on the charm, she is melted butter in the arms of his man.

I think my favorite part was when they got locked in the janitor closest for the night. That was the game changer for Leo all the way.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Leo and Grace. When Leo meets Grace he just expects a woman out looking for a good time for a night. Little did he know what all he would get when this woman literally falls into his lap. Grace is just supposed to ensure the help from Leo to make sure that the company she works for won't go under. However when she literally falls into Leo's lap she gets so much more. Can they both get all that they want or is this just a series of mistakes that will blow up in their faces?

This is an amazing book that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. There are some twists and turns that I want to tell you all about but don't want to ruin the book for anyone else. I will say make sure you have something cool near by or be ready for some cold showers cause this book will heat you up. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Chiquita Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Read!

Desire by Simone Sowood is a fabulous read with unique storyline with laughter, heartache, lust, love and steamy sex as Leo, a wealthy business man meets Grace, an attractive young woman. He mistakenly judges her to be one of the escorts he uses often and the results are hilarious at times, when he discovers she still has her V-card. I didn’t appreciate Leo’s attitude at first , but learned to love his character as much as I did Grace’s. Her mission was to leave her hometown and head to New York and break the cycle that her mother and sister lived by becoming young mothers and living a life of poverty. There are unexpected twists and turns as this story plays out. Just when you think Leo and Grace will achieve their HEA, there is more heartache, disappointment and feelings of betrayal. Simone Sowood has become one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed the bonus reads as well as Desire!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm… this book almost makes me want to recycle my review of the previous book I read. I had such a strikingly similar reaction to it. There were moments that made me laugh and moments that made me want to pitch my reader out a window. It took me a bit to warm up to Leo, but once I did, he was probably my favorite character in the book. Grace was, well, I think I liked her best while she was being mistaken for an escort. She had fire and personality. And a valid reason to be jumping to conclusions. Things she seems to lose as the story progresses. The times we get to see Grace and Leo together are as hot as they are sweet. And I adored watching all the ways Leo wanted to look after her and ‘their’ family. I would have loved to know more about the rift between Leo and his brother. It became such an important part of the story, but I don’t know what happened to put these two men on opposite sides of the situation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. The writing was good, and it flowed well. What made me not enjoy this story as much as others from this author, was the characters. Leo was a complete jerk at first, but in his defense, he was in the dark about who Grace was. He got better after the first few chapters. Grace was just a mess. She was pretty much letting her boss pimp her out, but was mad at Leo for thinking that's what she was. She kept taking it out on Leo that her boss was using her. Also, when she finds out she's pregnant, she goes off on Leo. He told her where he was going, but she went of the deep end. I could understand if he told her he didn't want her, but that didn't happen. She just irritated me, and it was hard to like them as a couple after that. I usually love this author's work, so I will be looking out for what comes next.

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is a great Cinderella story. Grace is sent by her boss to try and convince Leo to invest in the company she works for. Unfortunately he thinks she is a paid escort. She is offended by his rude remarks and wandering hands. But she needs to convince him to invest or she will be out of a job along with at least ten others. She doesn’t convince him to invest but he in turn convinces her to go with him to New York. They fall for each other but almost get torn apart. Can Grace overcome her past and not turn out like her family. And all Leo wants is to get his brother to let him sell the family business so he can have his life with Grace. Such a good story and a great ending!

[Karen Shortridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo is the owner of a multi million pound toy company and is fed up off his life always working and people using him for what they can get from him. Grace has been set up by her boss to get Leo to invest/ promote them and save the failing company but with how her boss has dressed her he mistakes her for an escort hired to keep him company to an awards ceremony. The chemistry between them is instantly strong, there is lust, twists, dirty talk, humour and love. They are from totally opposite lifestyles, he's a sexy billionaire and she is determined not to repeat her alcoholic mother's and sister's mistakes by becoming single parents and struggling. She is determined to have a happy ever after but things don't always go to plan......... you need to read this to find out.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a apprentice at her work she determined to save the comps for works for so her boss send her out to try save the company..waiting for Leo in the lobby when he finally arrived he’s nothing what’s she extended. His good looks so nothing to save his as he’s personally is arrogant and rude and he’s way out of order with the things he says....but getting locked in a janitors. Cupboard is the last thing grace wanted to be after the way Leo treated all evening. After hours of being stuck in the cupboard lies starts to show his true colours after he leans grace isn’t a escort sent to him to Company him throw the award night. Things end up getting headed in the small dim lit cupboard but are interrupted by a member of staff finding them.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is the owner of a toy company, and is feeling rather jaded. Grace has been sent by her company to intercept Leo in order for him to save their business, however, when she approaches him, he mistakenly thinks that she is an escort. The chemistry between these two is steamy, and this storyline is filled with angst, lust, twists, dirty talk, humour, and love. This is a well written story which had me intrigued and captivated from the very beginning. This author is one of my all time favourites, and I always highly recommend her work for all readers, as she never disappoints with her work.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Another great book from Ms Sowood. I found Grace and Leo's story a page turner from the beginning. They may have met in an unusual way and there my have been a bit of misunderstanding but the chemistry between them was unmistakable. This was a very well written book with just a touch of humor. Leo might have not been very nice to Grace in the beginning but once he is away from her he can't stop thinking about her and wonders if he will see her again. I really enjoyed this book and I loved how everything worked out in the end for them. Wonderful HEA.

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is Leo a wealthy businessman who meets Grace unexpectedly. Then there is Grace who wants is tasked with getting Leo to use the company she works for. Leo wants to sell his multibillion dollar company but has to convince his brother first. Grace is a strong, sassy and beautiful woman who is not interested in Leo the way he is interested in her. But one thing leads to another... There is good character development and good secondary characters as well. The book keeps you reading with lots of things happening and it is well written. Enjoy!!

I voluntarily wrote this book from an advanced copy.

[Moon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced copy of this manuscript"
Calling on to all the billionaire romance addicts outhere!!!! Simone Sowood delights us once again with an amazing insta love and sexy little masterpiece!!!! From the first page you will swoon and melt!! Well written, red hot, interesting and captivating with a very happy ending, you won't be able to put it down!!! Perfect for a weekend or just a feel good read, this book will give you straight up the butterflies and angst you're looking for!!! Two thumbs up high in the sky for this little shot of heat and sunshine!!!!

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
This is another one of Simone Sowood’s masterpieces!
There are so many ups and downs in Leo and Grace’s relationship, a rollercoaster ride in comparison is a mere walk in the rain.
Both feel the unbelievable chemistry between each other, both care deeply about each other and yet they struggle to believe in an “us” because of trust issues caused by their pasts…
This is a book absolutely worth your time, a must read and a real page turner!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

DESIRE

Very enjoyable read. The storyline intriguing and captivating, and filled with excitement and angst moments along with some funny ones. Leo and Grace’s relationship starts off more as a insta-love rather than a drawn out love story, although there is more to it than that. I loved the characters. Leo and Grace were a good match and suited each other perfectly. Overal this was a great read which kept me hooked from beginning to end. A copy was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with my honest opinion.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo is an billionaire and co owner of a toy company and wants nothing more then to sell his company. Grace is sent to see Leo and to try to save the company she works for. Insta attraction and mistaken identity land Leo & Grace stuck in a closet and gets very aquatinted with each other. Leo knows woman want him for his money until Grace, now he will do anything to hold onto her, but when she over hears something it could be the end. Great insta love story that will keep you intrigued until the end.

[Jill Kirtley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
When Leo meets Grace he mistakes her for an escort, which makes for a very confusing assignment. Grace was meant to get billionaire Leo's backing to save the company she works for. What she wasn't meant to do was fall in love with the billionaire arrogant a$$hole, and she certainly wasn't meant to get pregnant by him. Desire by Simone Sowood is fun and angsty, with great characters. It's not one to be missed! I received an advanced reader copy.

[Lieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desire is a great and quick paced story . I fell in love with the plot line from the synopsis and couldn't wait to dive in this amazing read.
The whole time I loved the way how Grace & Leo's incredible jouney developed and was so sucked in from the start that once hitting the end I was sad to see it ending . Once again ,Ms. Sowood did a fantastic job and delivered exactly what I expected out of this highly recommended book .
Voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy .

[Lori Vandenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. Leo is a successful toy maker. He's been jaded by women and uses escorts now. It's straightforward and easier. Grace has been sent by her boss to pitch a proposal to Mr. Newbury at his hotel. If he doesn't agree then they will go under. Their meeting was anything, but normal. However, it was memorable. Can they overcome their differences and obstacles? It was interesting to read to find out. I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Readers Copy.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the latest from Simone Sowood! Leo is king of a toy empire and it seems everyone wants a piece of him so his relationships boil down to escorts when the mood hits. Grace meets Leo when her company sends her in to get him to listen to the pitch to help the company, but that's not the situation as Leo sees it. A mistaken identity leaves both of them wanting more. Leo and Grace are an amazing couple and I loved their story! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.