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Without #1

Without Apology

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He’s neat, always on time, and a professed workaholic. I’m chaotic, always running late, and looking for more from life than just my job. Yet our mutual attraction is undeniable. 

The last thing I expected after our first date was to have Simon show up at my office. The warm and funny guy I’d met was now gone, replaced by the cold and calculating man in an impeccable suit. While my professional future is in his hands, I can’t stop thinking about how his hands felt on my body. 

Whatever had started between us can’t possibly happen now, but that’s easier said than done. Because the more I try not to think of his sexy smirk or delicious accent, the harder it is to stay away. And if our forbidden office kiss is any indication, his resolve is slipping too. 

I’ve sworn I’d never fall for a man who puts his job first.
Too bad my heart isn’t listening.
 
*** Without Apology is a standalone romance for mature audiences due to steamy bedroom scenes that are in no way contained to just the bedroom.***

286 pages, ebook

First published April 29, 2018

462 people are currently reading
644 people want to read

About the author

Aubrey Bondurant

29 books1,085 followers
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Aubrey Bondurant is a romance author who believes life is better with humor, heat, and a happily-ever-after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—smart, flirty, and spicy enough to make you blush in public.

When she’s not writing, Aubrey is usually spending time with her family. She can be tempted by anything caffeinated, great cocktails, and any dog big enough to knock her over with enthusiasm. She’s convinced the world needs more kindness, more laughter, and way more swoony book boyfriends.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
Want to read
April 9, 2019
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |


Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
He’s neat, always on time, and a professed workaholic. I’m chaotic, always running late, and looking for more from life than just my job. Yet our mutual attraction is undeniable.
The last thing I expected after our first date was to have Simon show up at my office. The warm and funny guy I’d met was now gone, replaced by the cold and calculating man in an impeccable suit. While my professional future is in his hands, I can’t stop thinking about how his hands felt on my body.
Whatever had started between us can’t possibly happen now, but that’s easier said than done. Because the more I try not to think of his sexy smirk or delicious accent, the harder it is to stay away. And if our forbidden office kiss is any indication, his resolve is slipping too.
I’ve sworn I’d never fall for a man who puts his job first.
Too bad my heart isn’t listening.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,410 followers
December 13, 2018
4.5 stars

Great book. Decent main characters, no unnecessary drama, good work ethic.

I’m not a fan of colleagues-to-lovers trope, but mostly because it’s almost never done right; this book was an exception – despite sexual chemistry and lust they still were thinking with their heads (and not genitals *lol*) and behaved like adults (and not horny teenagers).


Very likable and strong heroine. Loved her.

Good hero, not a caricature alpha-hole, but a man, who respected his woman.

All I could think about was that I could spend the rest of my life taking care of this woman. Not that she’d let me entirely, but perhaps that was the key. I wanted to take care of her, but I certainly didn’t need to.




Some may say it wasn’t very steamy/smutty, maybe… but I enjoyed this story a lot!

Safe! He wasn’t a manwhore and she wasn’t a virgin. No OP. Sex with protection.



…but it’s an archaic, misogynistic view that women can’t hold positions once dominated by men. In fact, I’d argue their view makes the assumption that no man in the same job should put his family first. That because he’s a man, he wouldn’t want to have an active involvement and be an equal partner in the parenting of the children.”
Profile Image for Isabella. R.
1,007 reviews2,185 followers
July 21, 2023
4 British and Sexy. Brexy Stars ⭐

My rating isn't exactly an indication of the quality of the story, it's how I felt afterwards. Without Apology was well written and the storyline good. In fact both characters were lovely and a perfect fit.

Peyton and Simon were great in their own right but the overall reading experience was nice and safe. Frankly I'm a gal who just likes her romances sweet and filthy. But kudos to the quality banter and a heroine with brain cells!

“Did sex make me stupid?

“Of course not.”

“Then why do you think it’s okay for you to treat me as if I am?”

“It wasn’t my intention. In my defense, I was trying to avoid giving mixed signals after what happened.”

“You mean signals such as getting a limo so we could have the privacy for you to fuck me across the country? Those types of mixed signals?”


Peyton and Simon met under the cutest of circumstances, and if the situation had been different, it would've been on. However Peyton is up for a promotion for a company facing a merger / sale and Simon is in Texas overseeing it. Quickly both realise it is not the time for a dalliance even though they're desperate for one.

Professionalism is key except their feelings are real. A woman who juggles work and lifestyle methodically and a man who is essentially a workaholic in town for a short while. Yet it doesn't always have to be impossible.

A solid romance with enough steam, amusing moments and grand gestures, I did like it. It's the ideal story when you need no OTT drama, and an easy read. So yeah it's worth reading but not what I was in the mood for!
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews259 followers
June 30, 2019
4.75 Stars

Peyton Waters, 29, heads an accounting department for a Texas based company. When she meets a sexy British guy who she hits it off with, she has no idea how complicated things are about to get. Simon Granger, 30, is known as the Iceman due to his emotionless approach to his job of acquiring companies for his boss.



But upon meeting Peyton, he gets a crash course in feelings.



What I found most refreshing about this story is how Petyon and Simon are both ‘quite single.’ Even though that sounds like a no-brainer for a romance book, it’s surprisingly hard to find. There’s no past romantic relationship baggage, no jealous scheming exes, no OW/OM drama, and it made the romance so much more enjoyable. This is simply a story about two mature adults negotiating an ethically borderline work romance with a time stamp.

“It was amazing how much more quickly a twenty-five hour ride went when you spent most of it having sex….I was sure Simon had been inside me in every single state we’d driven through.”

In between what I found to be the cute scenes that make up their initial meeting in the beginning and Peyton’s “arrival” at the end are plenty of sultry encounters to keep the romance heated.


But mostly, I really liked Peyton and Simon. And Emma! It’s always a plus to see strong, intelligent women portrayed in romance. And then Simon rolled off with this:
“‘…it’s an archaic, misogynist view that women can’t hold positions once dominated by men. In fact, I’d argue their view makes the assumption that no man in the same position should put his family first. That because he’s a man, he wouldn’t want to have an active involvement and be an equal partner in the parenting of the children.’”


Yep, that’s the kind of man who should take the lead in a romance every day!

Now I won’t say there aren't some “antagonists” in this tale, although thankfully it stayed low-angst and didn't fall prey to predictable drama. In fact, I was just as invested in the business subplot as I was the romance, to the point I really wanted to see some heads roll.

Told via Peyton and Simon’s alternating first person POV, this is an opposites-attract office romance. Emma’s story is the next book in this standalone series.

Safety Recap:

PS I think I found Simon and Peyton’s theme song. ;-)


*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,127 followers
April 29, 2018
***IT'S ALIVE!!!***

Forgetting to find happiness…

I kind of think that Aubrey Bondurant wrote this story for me. First of all, Simon looks like DAVID GANDY!! Thanks for that image, Aubrey, it made it very easy to picture Simon, fall in love with Simon, want to be with Simon. But, alas, I’m not in the market for a Simon, so it’s up to me to approve and Aubrey to create, someone worthy of Simon. Well, Peyton isn’t me, but she’ll do.

Without Apology was bloody good. I felt comfortable in this story from start to finish. The characters were refreshingly normal, well, kind of normal in a workaholic kind of way. Both Simon and Peyton are hard working, high achievers who gain a lot of satisfaction from the work they do.

Brexy (British, Sexy) Simon is HOT on the outside, smoking in the bedroom but when it comes to work, he’s the Iceman. Work and his personal life are very separate, and until Peyton, he never planned to change his ways. Peyton, while an extremely hard worker, is dedicated to her sister, brother-in-law, nieces and her dog. She tries to give them all the time they deserve but sometimes there’s just not enough hours in the day. I don’t think Peyton had any plans to change things until Simon came along. Sure, Peyton planned to get married and have her own family one day, work wouldn’t be everything. I guess she was just lucky Simon wanted champagne that day or she may have still been plodding along waiting for one day to happen.

What I loved about Without Apology was that Simon and Peyton proved me right. Love is way more important than work. Sure, work should give you satisfaction but if heading to the gym is your idea of the perfect “down time”, then something is definitely missing in your life. IN MY OPINION!! I know there are some crazy people out there who LOVE being fit and healthy but I would hope that they had more than work and exercise in their life. Well, Simon proved that work wasn’t everything after he met Peyton. Then, Peyton proved that pigeonholing someone because of their career focus doesn’t mean they’re not worth taking a risk on.

Without Apology was funny, sweet and very sexy. Their first meeting and after their first date, neither had any idea that their lives were about to be changed. I loved seeing the relationship bloom between Simon and Peyton. Work and their relationship had to be kept completely on different planes. Both thought they would be in for a short time but a good time. No emotions, just good company and great chemistry. Unfortunately, Simon and Peyton never planned on good company becoming *the bestest in the whole world* company, and great chemistry turning into *you’re out of my sight and I miss you* chemistry.

Doesn’t that sound AWESOME!!

Without Apology is exactly what I want my romance reads to be all about. A storyline that captured my attention, characters that grew and accepted change, sexy times that made me blush and squirm, and a relationship that wasn’t just in the bedroom/boardroom/bar. Love is never easy…well, company and chemistry can be easy, but compromising, communicating and sacrificing only really happens when the love is real and worth fighting for. I appreciated that Aubrey Bondurant showed that love is easier when you choose the person that becomes more important than work.

If you have never read Aubrey Bondurant, I think that Without Apology is the perfect place to start. I loved Simon and Peyton and I can’t wait for more in this series. I'm excited to see if Emma, Simon’s beautiful “like a sister”, assistant, finds her perfect tattooed, pierced biker.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.


Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
999 reviews481 followers
January 30, 2023
3.5 stars

I liked this office romance between the two main characters. There was a slight touch of angst, but they communicated really well for the most part and I liked how easy their chemistry was. I loved that the h had a strong family connection and an adorable Great Dane. The H lacked those connections sadly, but his PA was like a sister to him (she's apparently the h of book 2) and I really liked their interactions. I also really liked that both h and H were successful at their careers. Even with liking the main characters and enjoying the romance and steaminess of the story, something just didn't quite click for me. I felt like the middle dragged a bit and maybe the pacing was off just a tad to hold my attention the whole time. But still an enjoyable read. The epilogue was really good with a jump ahead a year into the future and them happily married and providing an update on how they were balancing work and life. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it seemed to have been a while for both).
Profile Image for Lana Reads.
477 reviews231 followers
February 11, 2022
Oh, I loved it.

This author really writes the best heroines! Women who know what they want and who absolutely know their worth. It's so refreshing to read about a heroine who is not only good at her job but doesn't become a simpleton after having sex wih the hero. Because I can't deal with that type of shit that's why I usually avoid office romances. ​
Not here though!!

It was cute, fun, no unnececcary drama or games. ​And it ​was steamy​​. So yeah, gimme more!​

PS. Izzy, my darling, thank you for reading it with me!
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,520 reviews1,597 followers
April 28, 2018
6f72debc-445e-494b-a3f4-8e5cabe0b20b.jpg

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-29/4/18

I have never read anything by this author before and got to say I really enjoyed "Without Apology".
This was a such a feel-good novel, like an old trusted friend or a comfy pair of slippers.

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And if you're confused about the above analogy I mean this as a total major compliment.
From the moment I picked this up, I was entertained.
It was Filled throughout with such humour and passion.
Its actually been a while since I could just kick back and read something without overthinking things and that was the main draw here for me.
The ease here with which I was able to get lost in the narrative.
And as an added bonus Simon and Peyton were just two extremely likeable and human characters.
I had no issue at all warming and relating to there various quirks, which in my opinion only added to there overall appeal.
"Without Apology" for me also had a great supporting cast, my favourite just happening to be Payton's dog who was adorable.
I loved the special relationship Peyton shared with her pet, that then was extended towards Simon as an added plus-point to his time spent with the lovely Peyton.
The back and forth dialogue between man and dog was so adorable and appealing in nature.
Gotta love a pet man.

man-great-dane-pond-28296384

There wasn't really a whole lot of this novel I disliked.
It ticked a lot of my boxes and more.
it wasn't angsty, wasn't filled with OW/OM drama and was told in alternating POV which is my favourite.
Then you have Peyton who is completely comfortable in her own skin and the SEXY-BREXY SIMON, whats not to love about all this ay.
If you're looking for a light sexy read to make you smile give this one a go it was an absolute charmer.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "Without Apology (Without #1) " of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

39680398

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,907 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2018
1.75 stars. Let's start with the good. I liked that the H didn't seem like a manho and that the MCs seemed pretty balanced with their past others. I liked that the h was a competent professional and didn't turn into a big pile of goo around the H. She didn't stutter or find herself at a loss for words. I also appreciated the lack of OP drama. The MCs never even thought about other people, let alone look at others, so that makes this story safe in my book.

However, the list of what didn't work for me is, unfortunately, a lot longer. I probably should have just stopped reading after I found out that this was told in the first person. It helped that we got the H's pov, too, but this is really a personal preference kind of a thing. I just find the first person narrative really boring. Lots of telling, not enough showing, and all that. Adding to the boring factor is the main conflict of this story. Trying to balance your work life and family life is something that many struggle to accomplish. Unfortunately, the realness of the main conflict of this story also made the story even more boring. It wasn't OTT drama-filled, but it was so mundane. The instalove was also unconvincing. The MCs fell in lust immediately and in love after just a few short weeks. There was so much sex in this book that it really detracted from any feelings that the MCs were developing for one another. Skipping the sex scenes also made this a fast read, so maybe that detail should go in the paragraph above, but probably not. The fact that both the MCs had to have some sort of terrible tragedy in their lives was also a little bit too much.

Overall, this story didn't make me mad, but it was also pretty boring. I think that the main problem that the MCs had might have made an interesting story, but the execution fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Brown.
Author 11 books506 followers
April 14, 2018
Oh, Brexy...I mean, Simon,... you are so fricking cute. And ladies, he looks like a young David Gandy... I mean, come on.

If you are a fan of office romance with hot sexy times, you've got to pick this up!

Favorite quote:
“Then why do I miss you? Why do I sit in my office quiet as a church mouse in order to hear your voice through the walls? Why do I think about you all of the time?”

Can't wait for book two. I loved Emma almost even more than Peyton!
Profile Image for Katerina.
799 reviews323 followers
July 21, 2018
I read it! I liked it! I would have liked it more if Simon had a bit more va va voom, and a livelier personality. He’s British, not dying. He’s very on the straight and narrow, all the i’s dotted and all the t’s crossed kind of workaholic man.

Technically he’s as close to an ideal man you could get from looks, responsibilities. A proper man who folds his washing and pays his millionaire bills. But I wanted some omph from him. I wanted more alpha from him because he was a very tamed guy. His job/travel were the main issues of conflict alongside his commitment to something longer term. Well I would have liked a scene where she went on a date Russ, and where he just spots her, searing with jealousy and the fear that if he doesn’t move his ass he could lose her and tells her there and then that she’s his. You’re thirty mate, get a move on into building a life outside of work. Being more direct without so much contemplation, letting her know the deal that she can’t end it because she’s scared, just taking charge, a little more banter which is less dry, some spontaneity, some more jealousy. It was emerging but very reigned back is all.

I loved the business element of it though, and how she has such a high profile position in the company. Good call. The sex scenes could have been so much better. They were frequent and tepid. Could’ve added more anticipation there, and delayed it a little so when it did happen it could’ve been animalistic, and really connected with readers emotionally but it is what it is.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
304 reviews37 followers
May 1, 2018
3 stars

I really liked this couple: Peyton and Simon. They had fun banter and good chemistry. Peyton was NOT a pushover and a boss lady in her own right, which really made me appreciate this story more. Simon is your typical workaholic with no interest in relationships until his meet cute with Peyton.

Ok, so good couple, but that's really all I have to say. The story was fairly predictable and nothing new. Also, when I got to experience their separate POVs on their own, I was just bored most of the time. I only really enjoyed myself when experiencing them on the page together.

Also, in no way does this bring it down in ratings, but I had a much different expectation going into this. IDK, based on the cover and steamy blurb, I thought this was going to be edgier and sexier. It's definitely sugar and spice and everything nice. Again, not a complaint, I just had my mind set on a different tone.

Overall it was safe and totally good for easy, light-hearted reading. I did like the couple. But it had one of those storylines where it just won't stick with me after a day or two.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,279 reviews373 followers
May 3, 2018
5 SMOOCHES!

I’ve read and loved every book that Aubrey Bondurant has written, and the more I read her work, the more in love with her brand of storytelling I fall. She describes her writing style as adult contemporary erotic romantic comedy—smutty chick-lit—but whatever she calls it, make no mistake, she is talented. Her writing is engaging, smart and witty, and she writes romances that draw the reader in with a sexy love story, endearing characters and charming details. Aubrey Bondurant’s name should be on every contemporary romance fan’s TBR list.

Without Apology kicks off Bondurant’s new series, Without, and I can unequivocally say that I am hooked. This workplace romance features sharp-dressed British hero, Simon. Perfectly put together in his suits and ties, Simon is a man who likes control. He’s neat, organized and focused—at least until the beautiful hot mess, Peyton, crosses his path. Unfortunately, their paths are intertwined in more than one way, complicating what promised to be the start of something with a lot of potential. White hot chemistry and a pull neither had ever experienced has them to crossing lines despite them to cross lines despite the ticking clock on their relationship.

Without Apology was exactly what I look for in a contemporary romance—it was full of humor, genuine heart-tugging emotion, and it was squirming-in-my-seat sexy. This well written, richly developed story grabbed my attention from the first page, and I was rooting for Simon and Peyton to pull it together from the moment they met in that grocery store. An absolutely addicting story, I devoured this book with a smile on my face and a hopeful heart. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Five smooches from me for Without Apology by Aubrey Bondurant!
~ Danielle Palumbo
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2018
Without Apology by Aubrey Bondurant is the First book in the Without Series. This is the story of Simon and Peyton.
I fell in love with Simon and Peyton from the first few pages. Yes, they are opposites but they fit so good together. Peyton works hard but she doesn't put work first. She is always helping her sister and others and does have the goal to be married with her own family one day. Simon is British and along with that is somewhat stiff and has always put work before anything else. Starting this new position he needs to be focused but that is hard with someone like Peyton around...she everything and more.
Loved reading their story and seeing them come together.
I hope to read more by this author soon!

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
January 25, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/25/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
He’s neat, always on time, and a professed workaholic. I’m chaotic, always running late, and looking for more from life than just my job. Yet our mutual attraction is undeniable.

The last thing I expected after our first date was to have Simon show up at my office. The warm and funny guy I’d met was now gone, replaced by the cold and calculating man in an impeccable suit. While my professional future is in his hands, I can’t stop thinking about how his hands felt on my body.

Whatever had started between us can’t possibly happen now, but that’s easier said than done. Because the more I try not to think of his sexy smirk or delicious accent, the harder it is to stay away. And if our forbidden office kiss is any indication, his resolve is slipping too.

I’ve sworn I’d never fall for a man who puts his job first.
Too bad my heart isn’t listening.
Profile Image for Luiza.
223 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2019
4.5
Que livro bom de ler!
Quanta coisa boa!
Profile Image for Angela.
8,549 reviews122 followers
May 19, 2018
PLEASE NOTE: MY “VERIFIED PURCHASE” REVIEW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON AUSTRALIA.

5 Stars

Without Apology is the first book in the Without series by Aubrey Bondurant. This is the first book in a new series, and because I have loved Ms. Bondurant’s “Something” series, I was excited to get my hands on this book and see what she had in store for us. This turned out to be a wonderful contemporary/forbidden/office romance, with some really funny banter, quips and antics- as well as some emotion, drama, witty dialogue, and endearing characters.
Peyton Waters and Simon Granger meet in the checkout line at the supermarket. Peyton saves him from and awkward situation, and they have an instant attraction and chemistry. They agree on a date and end up having a fantastic time. He’s in town for business, so they make plans to meet up the following weekend. Only, come Monday morning they discover that she works for the company that his firm is looking at acquiring. He’s there to make the takeover happen and hasn’t earned the nickname ‘Iceman’ for nothing. Peyton and Simon will need to work closely as the weeks progress and there can be no chance of a relationship with them working together- will they be able to keep things purely professional, or will their chemistry cause them to give in to their attraction?
I really love this start to the new series. Peyton and Simon are fantastic character, and I was very quickly invested in them and their story. Theirs is a relationship fraught with complication, with an expiration date from the get go, as Simon is only in town till the deal goes through. With both characters having their own ‘demons’ to battle, as well as a little added drama- this story was a great way to launch the new series. I was flipping the pages as quickly as I could to discover what would happen.
The characters are really well developed- including the secondary characters- I loved Emma, Megan, Jen, Kevin and of course Cooper. The story is sexy, steaming HOT! I can’t wait to read book two, Emma’s story- “Without Regret”.

Thank you, Ms. Bondurant!
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews77 followers
May 8, 2018
This is my first Aubrey Bondurant story and I have to say I loved it. This story is like watching a real-life couple meeting, having a relationship and coming to terms with their problems, falling in love, and living.

Simon and Peyton love their jobs, are like many adults in this day and age where your job has become your life. If you find someone that you find attractive you become friends or have one nightstand and move on. These two meet and decide to have a date and when they find out that they have to work together sometimes personal relationships get in the way.
Will their jobs be more important than their growing love or will they lose everything?

I really did enjoy this story and was happy to read this story for my honest review.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,632 reviews419 followers
May 23, 2018
Review by Lisa Kane

Very good read- Peyton is a whiz at numbers, but she is constantly having to deal with her slacker co-worker. Reluctantly, she's applying for a top management position-in order to protect her staff from the slacker who is competing for the same job.

While shopping for a sleep over with her nieces, Peyton is in line with a sexy Brit who seems to have no ID on him and can't buy the $100 bottle of champagne he needs for a work dinner. Peyton comes to the rescue, they talk a little and go out a couple of days later. Instant chemistry!

After making plans to meet the following weekend they both begin their work week. Who knew Simon is the corporate raider that is negotiating the purchase of Peyton's company. Can you say awkward?

Simon turns cold as ice for various good reasons-although I wanted to trip him down a flight of stairs a few times. There are hurt feelings and inappropriate behaviors (waggle eyebrows!) and lots of secrets. But Simon lives in New York and Peyton's only family is her sister and her nieces. She can't move, he can't stay. What's gonna happen?
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
April 20, 2018
I have been reading Without Apology into the early hours of the morning, I couldn't put it down. Great sexual tension, humor hits and sex scenes keep this novel a fast paced and enjoyable read.

Peyton is a strong lead heroine. She is career minded, yet still values time with her family and dog. A meeting with a handsome British stranger at the local grocery store checkout leads to a change of life and perspective for both Peyton and Simon. Both Simon and Peyton are very well developed characters. I love the cute and silly quirks they have, but also the deeper scars this pair are dealing with from their pasts. Strong, yet vulnerable the title of this book is very poignant. A perfect choice for this story.

I am excited that Simon's assistant, Emma's, novel is next. I hope she meets a man capable of handing her!

Full of drama, romance, humor and emotion this was my first Aubrey Bondurant book, but it certainly won't be my last!
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
May 18, 2018
Without Apology (Without Series Book 1)
By: Aubrey Bondurant
5 out of 5 stars

The story Without Apology (Without Series Book 1) by Aubrey Bondurant is a wonderful romance book that I loved reading. It hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the final page. It is a story that frequently brought a smile to my face and also that warm feeling that you get when two people discover that they are falling for each other. The main characters unexpectedly meet and from that meeting find that they have an attraction to each other. Events then happen that threaten to put an end to any chance they have to move forward in a relationship. The only problem is that the pull between these two is unlike anything either has ever experienced and has them wanting what is forbidden. Will they throw caution to the wind and act on their feelings for each other? Will this couple find an HEA? This story has amazing characters that I loved reading about. Simon is a man that does his job and doesn’t show many emotions. He has a reputation of being cold and distant. That is changing on his current assignment. He is showing that he does have a different side that is warm and caring. He finds himself pulled towards a woman with just one kiss. He knows that she is off-limits however he is not able to make his heart understand. He can’t stay away. The past plays a large part in how this couple perceives things that happen and how they react to situations that arise. Will the past hinder this couple from being able to find true happiness? My emotions were going up and down the entire time I read this book. It is a story that is wonderful to read and has characters that I could relate to. It is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,517 reviews53 followers
April 30, 2018
This was a pretty good read.

I fell in love with Simon & Peyton and was cheering them on almost immediately, and eager to see how their sticky situation would work out. I liked how all my suppositions about the way the story might go or was supposed to go got thrown out and that Aubrey Bondurant kept surprising me. I loved the couple's meet-cute and how they managed to leave an impression on each other almost immediately.

All the secondary characters were more than just filler types; they were great and added extra spice to the story. Though I'm not a pet person, I absolutely loved Peyton's relationship with her dog. I also liked how easily and quickly Simon adapted and was adopted by the two of them.

This is my first time reading this author's work, but "Without Apology" has whetted my appetite for more. I definitely look forward to "Without Regret".

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,343 reviews23 followers
May 4, 2018
Peyton and Simon meet in a supermarket and go out on a date. They decide on another date but then the next day Peyton finds the company she works for is being sold and no other than Simon is there to lead the sale. Both conclude it would be better to keep it professional, but soon they are not able to fight the attraction.

Simon is called the Ice Man at work. He is British, lives in New York, but is actually always on the road and working. Peyton is Head of Accounting and has applied for CFO, but she also wants to have a family somewhere down the road and tries to keep a work-life balance. They know Simon will leave in a couple of weeks for the next assigment.

I really loved this story. There was no OTT drama, just two sane people trying to navigate their relationship. Simon realizing he has deep feelings for the first time. I also liked his assistant Emma, who will be the heroine of the next book, which I will most certainly buy!

2,017 reviews15 followers
April 17, 2018
I love a good old office romance story, and I absolutely loved this one. Aubrey Bondurant is a new to me author, and I will definitely be reading the subsequent books in this new series.
I loved Simon (Brexy). He is very set in his ways, and once you read his backstory you can understand why he is the way he is. I think it had to take someone like Peyton to realise he can let go of some of his self control issues at times.
Peyton is just fabulous. I liked that she was comfortable in the person that she is. She loves the people around her fiercely, whether they are family, friends or co-workers.
This is a fabulously funny book at times, with great characters, especially Emma whose story is up next. Can't wait to read her story!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,436 reviews41 followers
May 2, 2018
I became a fan of Aubrey Bondurant last year when I devoured her Something series (Brian/Sasha...still my favorite!). When I heard she was releasing the first book in a new series, well, I had my kindle charged and ready to go!

This was a great office romance story with a hot, sexy British (or Brexy) main male character who was a bit too much of a tidy/control freak. The main female character, Peyton, was his exact opposite...laid back, a bit messy and usually late for everything. The buildup between the two was great and their chemistry together was hot.

I really enjoyed this first book and am looking forward Emma's story. Something tells me she is going to be a tough cookie, but when she falls....she is going to fall hard!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
May 22, 2018
First off I want to start off by saying that I love this author! Her Something series is awesome so when offered this book to read I jumped at the chance. I'm so glad I did because this one has now moved to my number 1 spot of favorite books by Ms. Bondurant. I instantly fell in love with both main characters, Simon and Peyton. Their chemistry was off the charts and you feel it from the very first meeting. I loved following these two to their journey of figuring out how to balance work and love/family. And Emma, oh how I adore her! I can't wait to read her book so hurry and finish it pretty please.

Review by Tabitha
16 reviews
May 3, 2018
Lived ! Loved! Loved! #BREXY

This author is an automatic read for me!!! Without Apology was just what I hoped, witty banter, great sexy times, and deep characters to unravel slowly. I will anxiously await Emma's book and re read the Me Series...AGAIN
1,074 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2018
Awesome!

I really love this author and was excited to read her new series. Simon and Peyton were a great couple to start the series. I love this author’s ability to really draw you into her characters. Not to mention her ability to mix heart and humor. Nothing felt rushed and all the emotions felt genuine. I’m really hoping we get more glimpses of this couple in future books!
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