Let’s not forget who the big shot around here is. It’s me. I’m the hottest CEO around, and my fitness business gets bigger every year. The last thing I ever expected to throw me off course is a tiny local business. And the beautiful, smart and infuriating chick who runs it.
I’ve always been in total control of my life. Women are throwing themselves at my feet. So why am I letting this one woman get under my skin? Why am I thinking about getting into her yoga pants the entire day?
I can’t shake it, no matter how hard I try. She’s a business rival, and I need to keep thinking of her that way. Not as the hot, sassy and delicious thing that I want on my desk.
I could shut down her business today if I wanted to. But for the first time in my life, a woman leaves me speechless.
What am I going to do?
Shut her down, or ask her out?
This is a 30,000 words standalone story with a hotter-than-hot CEO and a HEA. 18+ readers only.
Blurb: Let’s not forget who the big shot around here is. It’s me. I’m the hottest CEO around, and my fitness business gets bigger every year. The last thing I ever expected to throw me off course is a tiny local business. And the beautiful, smart and infuriating chick who runs it.
I’ve always been in total control of my life. Women are throwing themselves at my feet. So why am I letting this one woman get under my skin? Why am I thinking about getting into her yoga pants the entire day?
I can’t shake it, no matter how hard I try. She’s a business rival, and I need to keep thinking of her that way. Not as the hot, sassy and delicious thing that I want on my desk.
I could shut down her business today if I wanted to. But for the first time in my life, a woman leaves me speechless.
It's a sweet well written story and simple romance from hate to love. The blurb is like « Au Bonheur Des Dames » from Emile Zola, in 2018 and not in 1883 : a new enterprise, more modern than the one in this place, with 2 persons who have 2 different views of the world and of what, and who, a gym is for. Only one will survive….or not….or none (no spoiler :) Lucas is a successful gyms owner, like Samantha who is a owner too of an older gym but has roots in this part of the town. Lucas has a different view of what a gym should be. They hate each other then discover each other. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is my honest and voluntary review of this ARC.
Being at his gym earlier than most people wake up, feeling the burn from the run on the treadmill, there are other die-hard's there as well. This is different for Lucas, you see he is not only working out there, as he does everyday, he owns this place. He is proud of the hard work and sweat that went into this place. He has not always had this, and he is not taking this for granted. He is about to open his third gym, and today he is going to go visit, check the place out, check out the apartments above that gym too....yes, today is feeling like it will be a great day....at least for now.
Teaching one of the younger classes today so her employee, the one who usually teaches this class, can keep an appointment..just reminds Samantha how at times she misses this. But running this little dance studio is not always fun and games. Especially when it comes to that budget. It is about to get worse since right across the street is developing a new building with a gym and apartments above. Trying not to think about that, she enjoys teaching the class. After class, that is when she will do what she feels is right.
Somethings go together well like sunshine and blue skies....while others will never go together like oil and water. Imagine that oil and water as people, meet Samantha and Lucas....yep oil and water. Both have great ideas and thoughts about this little town. Both of them are doing this from their hearts too. The passion they feel towards what they do is being commendable. There is a line though, and apparently this line is being crossed. An angry run in finds Samantha meeting Lucas and fighting with him. She has very valid points, but so does he. There is no resolve from this confrontation, unless the fact that neither one of them can seem to get the other one out of their thoughts, all day, everyday since that meeting. Which is just what is happening.
Lucas decides enough is enough, he already feels horrible about what he said. He decides to make a peace offering, in the form of joining in on one of the yoga classes taught at her little studio. As in shape as he is, he is struggling. But Lucas sticks it out, and is really glad now that Samantha wasn't actually teaching this class. One of her employees mention he is in that class, so Samantha stands and watches. She observes how he is not really good at this, but that doesn't stop him from trying. It is very endearing to see him struggle but keep going instead of giving up. After class she decides to apologize, and he does too. Then there is a truce called. They start talking about what they like. and they share a love for running. They start running together, and find out they have a great rhythm between them. Things move forward, in the right direction.
Samantha gets asked on an actual date by Lucas. Things are awesome, he takes her to a really nice place, they fall into easy conversations, and a health secret of Lucas' comes out, which tells her how and why he started what he is doing, and why he is so passionate about this. After the date, things move forward, in the form of going back to her place, and heating things up at last. After the date, Lucas has thought this through, quite thoroughly and really knows he wants to work together, not one place against the other. This is also because he wants to be with Samantha long term, he doesn't want to be without her, he also doesn't want the new gym and her studio to come between them. When the subject comes up, there is some misunderstanding and this causes a fight. One that Samantha walks out on, and Lucas is trying hard to make it right, but not really understanding how she thought in this regard versus what he had in mind.
After days of not hearing from one another, things start changing. Lucas is having his club employees ask if the patrons would try a class or two across the street to add to their workout routines. Things are moving. Samantha starts to really look into what Lucas was offering and what he was saying. She has to apologize and make this right, she misses him so much. She decides turn about fair play, she had said she never would work out in his gym, but she is offering an olive branch, running on a treadmill in his gym. He spots her, and they start talking, and making up, really making up. Things progress, in both the ownership of their businesses and between them. There is another surprise that happens, but this time there is no misunderstanding, no this time there is only the beginning of their happy ending.
Charlize has a way of writing that captivates you in such a way you can't put the book down. “Hot CEO” is one of these delightful books. Handsome, wealthy, arrogant Lucas owns a group of modern fitness centers. Dedicated hardworking Samantha owns a small local gym. Lucas is opening a new fitness center across the street from the Samantha's gym. This will definitely be detrimental to Samantha's business. Needless to say Samantha is angry and distrustful of Lucas. When Lucas and Samantha meet the chemistry is electrifying but how can a relationship develop when they are bitter rivals? “Hot CEO” is short sweet and steamy and a pleasure to read. One-click for an entertaining reading experience. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is a interesting, entertaining book and I really enjoyed reading it. This book is about: a wealthy arrogant man (Lucas) the owner of modern fitness centers. He is going to open a new center across the street from a hard-working woman (Samantha) who owns a small local gym. When they meet each other, there is instant attractions and the games begin. What you will find in this book is: drama, attractions, emotional feelings, anger, disbelief, anxiety, misunderstandings, verbal conflict, apologies, compromises, lust, passion, love and erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well-thought out and written, the pace is steady and not rushed. The characters have needs and desires according to their personality. I would recommend this book.
He's "big business". She's "small business". They're in competition with each other. They should hate each other. Right? Well tell that to their libidos because Lucas and Samantha are in serious lust. Can these two work out their issues and have a HEA? Will misunderstandings and lack of communication come between them? One-click to find out.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
I thought I knew how the story would go, but it was much, much more. At one point I was really annoyed about the reaction that Samantha had when Lucas came with a suggestion - she didn’t listen. But then Lucas explained it and I could understand why she fled. The interaction between Lucas and Samantha, as well as their co-workers were special. I’m looking forward to the next book by Charlize Starr.
This is a different type of CEO book. We have Lucas who owns big fitness centers and Samantha who owns a small fitness center. The both what to make people healthy but in different ways. They are attracted to each other, but can they get past their competition in fitness business? Lucas has a hard time explaining himself and Samantha jumps to conclusions, can they work this out? I received an arc copy for my honest review.
Samantha and Lucas truly seem to be in different parts of their business lives. I really found it funny how both want the same thing but can't see it in the other. Between misunderstandings, being jogging partners, the threat of a closing business, and a new location being built, there was definitely enough happening to keep it very interesting.
Samantha is struggling to keep her fitness centre going with the rent about to increase and to add to her woes the handsome Lucas has come to town and is building a huge gym complex opposite. How can she compete? This was a quick enjoyable read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I ABSOLUTELY love the cover for this book. Just goes to show that when you least expect it, life will knock you up side your head and turn your whole world upside down. Loved the characters and the twists are enough to keep your attention. Short and sweet.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
So adorable!! Don't get me wrong there are some smexy scenes in here... whew! But Samantha and Lucas are a little on the shy side and it's so cute. I was totally hooked on this story from start to finish! I highly recommend you add Hot CEO to your tbr pile! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A short and sweet story with enough twists and turns to keep you entertained. Lucas and Samantha are wonderful characters who go from enemies to lovers with lots of chemistry and good hot and steamy scenes. They are in competition with one another and will knock heads but that only adds to their chemistry! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest The characters + storytelling were very captivating Samantha wants her gym to succeed Lucas want hsi gym to succeed Is there a way for these two gym owners to find a compromise ? The storytelling + the character's build were awesome! It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
If you are looking for ANY steam, this ain't it. Boring, drawn out and basic. Very juvenile in the behavior by both the H and h. I skimmed through a great deal as so much was just fluff. And after doing so I found I wasn't missing a beat. The premise was there but the delivery was worthless.
Oh holy hotness, he sure is one yummy ceo, full of swagger and steam. She just wants to get on with running his own business. But the man is sneaky and she is not going to stand for it. Lots of drama, steam and anxiety.
A good steamy fast paced read. The storyline and characters were great and I thought the author did a great job writing this book. Lucas and Samantha have hot chemistry and are wonderful together. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This author promises hot and sexy and doesn't disappoint. She writes an interesting storyline interspersed with hot tingly sex. Her characters grow with the story as it unfolds. And the title does let you know what you're getting!
It was just okay for me. It's a very quick read but I found myself distracted through almost the entire book. It felt Insta love, but I'm not sure if it was meant to be that way. Anyways, it wasn't terrible, it just wasn't my "thing".
Well written story I was hooked on this story a quick read love an alpha male great characters and storyline. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Great story, great characters. I really lik the way the relationship between Lucas and Samantha develops. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am leaving my honest review.
What an incredible story! Loved the passion both Lucas and Samantha have for their individual take on fitness. That passion spills over into their relationship.
Lucas is a gym franchise owner like Planet Fitness. He's looking forward to opening his newest gym by the harbor and his new condo in the same building. While he's out in his newest gym's neighborhood, he discovers that there is a local gym. He decides to check out the competition to see what they have to offer. Enter Samantha, a struggling gym owner, trying to find a way to keep the gym open. She doesn't expect a handsome stranger looking to take a class offered by the gym. Lucas expects the class to be boring and non-helpful but soon learns he's very wrong. Can Lucas accept Samantha's style of the gym? Will Samantha allow herself to fall for someone like Lucas? Your answers await you in Hot CEO.
The characters and story are rich, bold, compelling, complicated, down to earth, honest, flawed, mysterious, and unique too. I appreciate the two-sides to every story presented here. I look forward to more adventures with this author.