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Making The Grade #2
Honor Roll
A secret campus escort hiding his truth. A professor's assistant who doesn't know his secret. A forbidden college romance built on a lie he can't keep.
Luca Gregorio is twelve weeks from graduation and still selling himself to get there. He works for Concierge Services, a secret campus escort society that caters to wealthy alumni. His devout Italian Catholic family thinks he's living on scholarships. His body says otherwise.
Then he meets Mim Knight.
She's a professor's assistant with zero tolerance for entitlement and no idea what Luca does after hours. He's humble, kind, and disarmingly charming. She falls for the man at her desk, not the one selling fantasies to strangers. And Luca, who has spent years performing intimacy for money, discovers what it feels like when it's real.
But secrets don't stay buried on a campus this small.
When the truth surfaces, Luca has to prove that the man Mim fell for isn't the performance. He's the one underneath it. And Mim has to decide if love is strong enough to survive the fall from grace.
Hero with a SecretForbidden LoveCampus / College RomanceSecret SocietyRedemption ArcOpposites AttractHe Falls FirstStrong Female LeadEmotional Scars from the Past
Heat Spicy
Sensual, Emotional, Redemptive
New York / University Campus
HEA
Making the Grade (Interconnected Standalones), Book 2
Perfect for fans Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, and Sierra Simone
He sold fantasies to strangers. She made him want something real.
Luca Gregorio is twelve weeks from graduation and still selling himself to get there. He works for Concierge Services, a secret campus escort society that caters to wealthy alumni. His devout Italian Catholic family thinks he's living on scholarships. His body says otherwise.
Then he meets Mim Knight.
She's a professor's assistant with zero tolerance for entitlement and no idea what Luca does after hours. He's humble, kind, and disarmingly charming. She falls for the man at her desk, not the one selling fantasies to strangers. And Luca, who has spent years performing intimacy for money, discovers what it feels like when it's real.
But secrets don't stay buried on a campus this small.
When the truth surfaces, Luca has to prove that the man Mim fell for isn't the performance. He's the one underneath it. And Mim has to decide if love is strong enough to survive the fall from grace.
Hero with a SecretForbidden LoveCampus / College RomanceSecret SocietyRedemption ArcOpposites AttractHe Falls FirstStrong Female LeadEmotional Scars from the Past
Heat Spicy
Sensual, Emotional, Redemptive
New York / University Campus
HEA
Making the Grade (Interconnected Standalones), Book 2
Perfect for fans Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, and Sierra Simone
He sold fantasies to strangers. She made him want something real.
174 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2016
About the author
Kelly Collins
223 books1,103 followersKelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 27, 2017
Having liked Luca in 'The Dean's List' I was looking forward to his book my only reservation was I assumed, from what I knew of Luca (his clients were all older ladies) and the blurb:
(Cultured and beautiful, Mim Knight isn’t looking for anything but a quick end to a frustrating workday when Luca Gregorio shows up on the other side of her desk. Despite his too-good-to-be-true looks, he’s different from the trust fund boys she’s used to. He’s fearless, genuine, and sexy as hell)
That this would be older woman/younger man read and that's just not my thing at all so I nearly passed on this but I'm so glad I didn't because while it is technically an older woman/younger man there's only one year between them, he's twenty-six and she's twenty-seven so it wasn't an issue for me.
Luca has been doing this job for a while now and it's eating him up inside, he feels riddled with guilt and while in the beginning he enjoyed it what he did now it's just a job, a job he can't wait to get rid of.
Then he meets Mim and he knows she's the one for him but what chance does he have when his whole life is a lie. He's determined to make it work and while he compartmentalises his life it's difficult because he won't make love to Mim until he's done selling himself but how long can he hold out and how long before she either thinks he's gay not just not interested.
I enjoyed this book I loved Luca and there's some interesting characters here, my favourite was Judith Kent an eighty four year old woman who wants companionship, she's a rich widow with a big heart and a great sense of humour.
“Yes, I thought if you came over and organized one of my kitchen drawers, I could tell them you were in my drawers.” She laughed until the remainder of her skin matched her blush.
"You hired me to come over and clean out your drawers?” This was a first for me.
"Of course, did you think I wanted you to ravish me? Dear Lord, I could imagine it now. I’d be in traction until my death.” She walked over to a scotch decanter and poured us both a drink. “When you get my age, Luca, you have to find the things that tickle you. Telling my friends that you had your fingers in my drawers is fun.”
January 27, 2016
>Book Review – Honor Roll –
>I am an independent reviewer. This is a follow up book to "The Dean's List" and ends in an HEA.
>In this story we get to know a lot more about the male escort, Luca. Luca is obsessed with graduating debt-free, yet selling himself is becoming shameful to him. When Luca meets Mim, a cute grad student, he decides he wants a relationship. There is a fine line between cheating and work for Luca and the whole conflict is whether Luca can keep Mim after she finds out the truth.
>There are a lot more descriptions of individual appointments with Luca, each appointment is very unique, some being quite comical, though all sexual in nature. Luca’s parents and even Mim’s parents make an impact in the story despite not being in the story that much. The theme of forgiveness and love is brought out with the parents and with the appearance of the priest. Religion plays a much larger part in this story than in the previous one. I give Mim credit for getting over Luca’s job as quickly as she did. Luca has the sweetest personality. He is a wonderful listener and a perfect gentleman. I thought it was humorous that he wouldn’t sleep with Mim, in order to not taint her.
>This book touches on some sensitive topics, like sex as a commodity. My heart broke when Luca told Mim he never made love before. I am glad to have gotten an insight into Luca and his motivations. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving it 4 stars. The character of Mim was hard for me to like. I actually connected much more with Luca, even though the thought of being an escort is not something even near my comfort zone. Mim was abrasive. I didn’t see the attraction for Luca. The story as a whole worked well and will open one’s eyes to the power of money.
>I am an independent reviewer. This is a follow up book to "The Dean's List" and ends in an HEA.
>In this story we get to know a lot more about the male escort, Luca. Luca is obsessed with graduating debt-free, yet selling himself is becoming shameful to him. When Luca meets Mim, a cute grad student, he decides he wants a relationship. There is a fine line between cheating and work for Luca and the whole conflict is whether Luca can keep Mim after she finds out the truth.
>There are a lot more descriptions of individual appointments with Luca, each appointment is very unique, some being quite comical, though all sexual in nature. Luca’s parents and even Mim’s parents make an impact in the story despite not being in the story that much. The theme of forgiveness and love is brought out with the parents and with the appearance of the priest. Religion plays a much larger part in this story than in the previous one. I give Mim credit for getting over Luca’s job as quickly as she did. Luca has the sweetest personality. He is a wonderful listener and a perfect gentleman. I thought it was humorous that he wouldn’t sleep with Mim, in order to not taint her.
>This book touches on some sensitive topics, like sex as a commodity. My heart broke when Luca told Mim he never made love before. I am glad to have gotten an insight into Luca and his motivations. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving it 4 stars. The character of Mim was hard for me to like. I actually connected much more with Luca, even though the thought of being an escort is not something even near my comfort zone. Mim was abrasive. I didn’t see the attraction for Luca. The story as a whole worked well and will open one’s eyes to the power of money.
January 27, 2016
I just love Luca and Mim
5 wonderful stars!
This book contains Luca's story, who was featured in The Dean's List, which I truly loved.
Although I loved TDL, I'm beyond in love with Honor Roll. You're given a much more in-depth look into Luca's life. Luca is a very relatable character, as well as Mim. I feel as though they both fit together perfectly, and this book couldn't have had any more of a perfect ending.
While both books are considered a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Dean's List first.
I was given a copy of this book to conduct a beta read and I'm very happy to have received it
5 wonderful stars!
This book contains Luca's story, who was featured in The Dean's List, which I truly loved.
Although I loved TDL, I'm beyond in love with Honor Roll. You're given a much more in-depth look into Luca's life. Luca is a very relatable character, as well as Mim. I feel as though they both fit together perfectly, and this book couldn't have had any more of a perfect ending.
While both books are considered a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Dean's List first.
I was given a copy of this book to conduct a beta read and I'm very happy to have received it
February 15, 2016
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“She was all sweetness and sunshine to the tired-looking barista. She was vinegar and hot sauce to me, but I like flavor in my life.”
“For a woman in her forties, she had a rockin’ body, but I was pretty sure it was because she devoured lesser men for sport.”
“She was everything virtuous and pure, and I was Hester Prynne with a penis.”
“We chatted about funny things like why hot dogs come in packages of ten and buns come in packages of eight. Why airline travel is suppose to be safe, but they call the airport a terminal.”
“She was the yin to my yang. The light to my darkness. She smelled like lilacs and tasted like honey. I felt like a hungry bee around her.”
My Review:
Kelly Collins never fails to entertain. Her characters always seem to have dark secrets or are somehow tainted, yet they are also highly likable if not lovable, as well as intelligent and intriguing. Honor Roll provides an interesting twist on the campus hired escort service as this time it is the male perspective on being a hired escort. Something I had never contemplated. The story line is enjoyable and the writing is relevant, steamy, and insightful. I am curious to see who will be the next player in this addicting series.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“She was all sweetness and sunshine to the tired-looking barista. She was vinegar and hot sauce to me, but I like flavor in my life.”
“For a woman in her forties, she had a rockin’ body, but I was pretty sure it was because she devoured lesser men for sport.”
“She was everything virtuous and pure, and I was Hester Prynne with a penis.”
“We chatted about funny things like why hot dogs come in packages of ten and buns come in packages of eight. Why airline travel is suppose to be safe, but they call the airport a terminal.”
“She was the yin to my yang. The light to my darkness. She smelled like lilacs and tasted like honey. I felt like a hungry bee around her.”
My Review:
Kelly Collins never fails to entertain. Her characters always seem to have dark secrets or are somehow tainted, yet they are also highly likable if not lovable, as well as intelligent and intriguing. Honor Roll provides an interesting twist on the campus hired escort service as this time it is the male perspective on being a hired escort. Something I had never contemplated. The story line is enjoyable and the writing is relevant, steamy, and insightful. I am curious to see who will be the next player in this addicting series.
November 16, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
She was all sweetness and sunshine to the tired-looking barista. She was vinegar and hot sauce to me, but I like flavor in my life.
For a woman in her forties, she had a rockin’ body, but I was pretty sure it was because she devoured lesser men for sport.
She was everything virtuous and pure, and I was Hester Prynne with a penis.
We chatted about funny things like why hot dogs come in packages of ten and buns come in packages of eight. Why airline travel is supposed to be safe, but they call the airport a terminal.
She was the yin to my yang. The light to my darkness. She smelled like lilacs and tasted like honey. I felt like a hungry bee around her.
My Review:
Kelly Collins never fails to entertain. Her characters always seem to have dark secrets or are somehow tainted, yet they are also highly likable if not lovable, as well as intelligent and intriguing. Honor Roll provides an interesting twist on the campus hired escort service as this time it is the male perspective on being a hired escort. Something I had never contemplated. The storyline is enjoyable and the writing is relevant, steamy, and insightful. I am curious to see who will be the next player in this addicting series.
She was all sweetness and sunshine to the tired-looking barista. She was vinegar and hot sauce to me, but I like flavor in my life.
For a woman in her forties, she had a rockin’ body, but I was pretty sure it was because she devoured lesser men for sport.
She was everything virtuous and pure, and I was Hester Prynne with a penis.
We chatted about funny things like why hot dogs come in packages of ten and buns come in packages of eight. Why airline travel is supposed to be safe, but they call the airport a terminal.
She was the yin to my yang. The light to my darkness. She smelled like lilacs and tasted like honey. I felt like a hungry bee around her.
My Review:
Kelly Collins never fails to entertain. Her characters always seem to have dark secrets or are somehow tainted, yet they are also highly likable if not lovable, as well as intelligent and intriguing. Honor Roll provides an interesting twist on the campus hired escort service as this time it is the male perspective on being a hired escort. Something I had never contemplated. The storyline is enjoyable and the writing is relevant, steamy, and insightful. I am curious to see who will be the next player in this addicting series.
February 27, 2016
this is an awesome story the last time we read it was River's story now its Luca's now we need book 3 to be Jades hint hint . to the author lol
so what happens when you set up a plan for your life but two things happen one a client has to leave though the main client you had that was going to set you up for life .
and two to meet the love of your life .
but what happens when one client gets out of hand and says to the world what he does to get by and to pay off his debts .
will he lose everything .
will he lose the one woman he loves
but more importantly will he lose himself to what he does .
find out by buying , reading and reviewing
so what happens when you set up a plan for your life but two things happen one a client has to leave though the main client you had that was going to set you up for life .
and two to meet the love of your life .
but what happens when one client gets out of hand and says to the world what he does to get by and to pay off his debts .
will he lose everything .
will he lose the one woman he loves
but more importantly will he lose himself to what he does .
find out by buying , reading and reviewing
February 4, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself rooting for Luca through the whole thing. He really is a good person just trying to pay his way through college. I believe he connected with each of his clients on some level. The struggle within to separate his work and his relationship with Mim shows how much he cares and the complexity of the turmoil he is going through. I was amazed with his project and the use of The Scarlet Letter. A wonderful book by an amazing author. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 17, 2016
"She would only be a distraction."
Oh my gee!!
I absolutely loved Luca in The Dean's List, so I was thrilled to find out that he was getting his own story!
Working as an escort was not how Luca thought he would have to do to pay off his student loans. But the money was flowing and he was almost to his goal. That was until his best customer could no longer pay him the money he so desperately needed.
He also didn't plan on looking up from his desk in class one day to see the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. The girl that made him question his entire life. The girl that, for the first time in his life, made him want to do better-be better.
"Something tells me you're not the person you show the world, Luca Gregorio, but I'm up for the challenge of peeling back your layers and seeing who you hide beneath that cocky skin of yours."
Mim was a force to be reckoned with! I loved her! She was fiesty and she told it like it was. She was exactly what Luca needed at this point in his life.
These two had great chemisty. I loved their banter, their love of coffee and tea, and their discussions of The Scarlett Letter. Even though this book was told in Luca's point of view, I could completely feel Mim's emotions through the pages.
"Mim still had that light in her eyes that some called hope. Mine had dimmed temporarily, but I felt the spark ignite each time I was with her."
Luca was dealing was some serious personal issues. His world was flipped because of this one girl, but his mind was already looking for a way out before her. He wanted his life back-his freedom.
This wasn't just a romance book. This book had the underlying story of a man trying to find his way through life and scared of what lied ahead.
"She was the only thing that made sense in my crazy world, and yet nothing about her or us made sense."
I adored how Luca and Mim's story played out. Even though I had to hold my breath a few times!! This book was as perfect as it could be to tell Luca's side of it all.
I kinda wish there were more characters to continue these stories!!! Maybe one day.....;)
"I don't deserve you, Mim, but I want you."
"I know. I'll make you deserve me, Luca. You're a good man who was lost."
Oh my gee!!
I absolutely loved Luca in The Dean's List, so I was thrilled to find out that he was getting his own story!
Working as an escort was not how Luca thought he would have to do to pay off his student loans. But the money was flowing and he was almost to his goal. That was until his best customer could no longer pay him the money he so desperately needed.
He also didn't plan on looking up from his desk in class one day to see the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. The girl that made him question his entire life. The girl that, for the first time in his life, made him want to do better-be better.
"Something tells me you're not the person you show the world, Luca Gregorio, but I'm up for the challenge of peeling back your layers and seeing who you hide beneath that cocky skin of yours."
Mim was a force to be reckoned with! I loved her! She was fiesty and she told it like it was. She was exactly what Luca needed at this point in his life.
These two had great chemisty. I loved their banter, their love of coffee and tea, and their discussions of The Scarlett Letter. Even though this book was told in Luca's point of view, I could completely feel Mim's emotions through the pages.
"Mim still had that light in her eyes that some called hope. Mine had dimmed temporarily, but I felt the spark ignite each time I was with her."
Luca was dealing was some serious personal issues. His world was flipped because of this one girl, but his mind was already looking for a way out before her. He wanted his life back-his freedom.
This wasn't just a romance book. This book had the underlying story of a man trying to find his way through life and scared of what lied ahead.
"She was the only thing that made sense in my crazy world, and yet nothing about her or us made sense."
I adored how Luca and Mim's story played out. Even though I had to hold my breath a few times!! This book was as perfect as it could be to tell Luca's side of it all.
I kinda wish there were more characters to continue these stories!!! Maybe one day.....;)
"I don't deserve you, Mim, but I want you."
"I know. I'll make you deserve me, Luca. You're a good man who was lost."
February 6, 2016
With the opening line of this story being “When I stepped off the bus on 6th Avenue, I felt tired, I’d been whipping my dick out for dollars all week and my twenty-six year old body couldn’t keep up.” I completely expected this book to fall on just that side of raunchy. Surprisingly it doesn’t…not that it mattered to me.
We learned a bit about the hunky Luca in The Dean’s List. He’s the male counterpoint to River and Jade. Like the ladies, he’s taking part of the concierge service to pay off student debt, which frankly I can’t blame the man. For me, I found it more interesting that he was paying off the debt not just to be free of it but to prove his father wrong. I think this humanizes both the character and the plot line.
In Honor Roll, we get to see a bit more of the details regarding his regulars but moreover how it’s not necessarily just the sex involved. I think the story hits the nail on the head on the differences between what men want versus what women want. We get to see a vast array of woman and what issues they bring to relationships of all kinds—not that men don’t have their own baggage.
In the midst of his final weeks as a gigolo, Luca finds matters complicated by his sudden interest in Mim. While we don’t get too much of her, their connection further emphasizes the power of his job and how it has strained or even nullified any romance throughout his college years.
In the end, I expected this to be smutty but in reality it’s quite heart-warming with just enough heat to make it sexy.
Rating: 4 Stars
To see more reviews like this, go to Smut and Bonbons.
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~
We learned a bit about the hunky Luca in The Dean’s List. He’s the male counterpoint to River and Jade. Like the ladies, he’s taking part of the concierge service to pay off student debt, which frankly I can’t blame the man. For me, I found it more interesting that he was paying off the debt not just to be free of it but to prove his father wrong. I think this humanizes both the character and the plot line.
In Honor Roll, we get to see a bit more of the details regarding his regulars but moreover how it’s not necessarily just the sex involved. I think the story hits the nail on the head on the differences between what men want versus what women want. We get to see a vast array of woman and what issues they bring to relationships of all kinds—not that men don’t have their own baggage.
In the midst of his final weeks as a gigolo, Luca finds matters complicated by his sudden interest in Mim. While we don’t get too much of her, their connection further emphasizes the power of his job and how it has strained or even nullified any romance throughout his college years.
In the end, I expected this to be smutty but in reality it’s quite heart-warming with just enough heat to make it sexy.
Rating: 4 Stars
To see more reviews like this, go to Smut and Bonbons.
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~
Read
February 19, 2016This is a standalone, HEA Story. It is about a man selling himself for money for school, so if you don’t like that idea, then this isn’t for you. There are references to other characters from the last book, but you don’t have to read them first. I would recommend it so that you can get a bit of a backstory on Luca.
Luca is a graduate student who has been working for The Dean’s List for almost two years. He is hired by alumni to make their every desire come true. No matter what, he is there for them. With three months left and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Luca loses his biggest client. Strapped for cash and a way to survive, he has to take on clients he previously did not want to. During this time, he meets Mim.
Mim is a professor’s assistant in one of Luca’s classes. He is arrogant to her, but that is what attracts her. After some convincing from him, they decide to go out together. They start dating, but every time Mim pushes for more, Luca pulls away. She doesn’t understand why and Luca isn’t explaining it. She wants all of him, not some of him. As their relationship progresses, Luca finds it harder and harder to resist her. But soon his secret comes out in the most horrible way.
Can Mim forgive Luca for lying to her?
Can Luca convince Mim that she is it for him and that he would do anything for her? Or is it too late to save themselves?
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Luca is a graduate student who has been working for The Dean’s List for almost two years. He is hired by alumni to make their every desire come true. No matter what, he is there for them. With three months left and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Luca loses his biggest client. Strapped for cash and a way to survive, he has to take on clients he previously did not want to. During this time, he meets Mim.
Mim is a professor’s assistant in one of Luca’s classes. He is arrogant to her, but that is what attracts her. After some convincing from him, they decide to go out together. They start dating, but every time Mim pushes for more, Luca pulls away. She doesn’t understand why and Luca isn’t explaining it. She wants all of him, not some of him. As their relationship progresses, Luca finds it harder and harder to resist her. But soon his secret comes out in the most horrible way.
Can Mim forgive Luca for lying to her?
Can Luca convince Mim that she is it for him and that he would do anything for her? Or is it too late to save themselves?
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
Audiobook - narration, Anthony Lee, pretty good, his voice for Luca wasn't what I expected, but overall it was a good job of storytelling and characterizations.
This is the follow up of The Dean's List and it is the story of the hunky male escort Luca.
Luca sees Mim in one of his classes and is instantly attracted to her. Thoughts of Mim stay with him and as he continues to work his job as an escort for The Dean's List. His thoughts of her cause him to second guess his choices, priorities and this job of his. He wants Mim, he wants a relationship, but he doesn't want to taint what they have by fully consummating their relationship while he's still an escort - (much to Mim's chagrin)
Being a good little Italian Catholic boy, this book has more references to faith. We meet Luca's devout mother and his father who Luca has a somewhat strained relationship with. I have to say, that I cracked up when Luca's dad took him out of the apartment so they could have a beer and talk! Cracked. Up.
Luca's dates with his clients are pretty entertaining as well. He's definitely got some 'characters' in his lineup, and those scenes are pretty enjoyable as well.
This could certainly be read as a standalone, but I think you'll get more out of it if you read The Dean's List first! Both are sexy, entertaining, fun books!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
This is the follow up of The Dean's List and it is the story of the hunky male escort Luca.
Luca sees Mim in one of his classes and is instantly attracted to her. Thoughts of Mim stay with him and as he continues to work his job as an escort for The Dean's List. His thoughts of her cause him to second guess his choices, priorities and this job of his. He wants Mim, he wants a relationship, but he doesn't want to taint what they have by fully consummating their relationship while he's still an escort - (much to Mim's chagrin)
Being a good little Italian Catholic boy, this book has more references to faith. We meet Luca's devout mother and his father who Luca has a somewhat strained relationship with. I have to say, that I cracked up when Luca's dad took him out of the apartment so they could have a beer and talk! Cracked. Up.
Luca's dates with his clients are pretty entertaining as well. He's definitely got some 'characters' in his lineup, and those scenes are pretty enjoyable as well.
This could certainly be read as a standalone, but I think you'll get more out of it if you read The Dean's List first! Both are sexy, entertaining, fun books!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
February 24, 2016
So I love this book as much as I love the first one in the series. They are just awesome. We get to know the characters a bit more and if you havent rooted for a character in book number one, you will do it in this one. I like Luca and even more in this book. The character development is just magnificent in this book.
And just like the first book you are a reader get drawn in with the amazing story and writing of this book. It is impossible to put it down when you first starts reading it. I enjoyed the style of writing and how this story is written. I think the writing style suites this book and how the story is written and driven and the characters do so much for the book.
I am so inlove with this book and series and dont know what to say. I dont think I have enough superlatives to use to describe my thoughts and feelings and how awesome it is. Awesome isnt enough. I can see myself going back and read this series over and over again. That is how spellbound I became of the book and how much I love it. This series is just so perfect and both of the books is so well written suites well together. Sometimes it feels like a second book is too much but it is not the case in this book. The second book is needed and very very good. So read it, Read this series. You will NOT regret it.
And just like the first book you are a reader get drawn in with the amazing story and writing of this book. It is impossible to put it down when you first starts reading it. I enjoyed the style of writing and how this story is written. I think the writing style suites this book and how the story is written and driven and the characters do so much for the book.
I am so inlove with this book and series and dont know what to say. I dont think I have enough superlatives to use to describe my thoughts and feelings and how awesome it is. Awesome isnt enough. I can see myself going back and read this series over and over again. That is how spellbound I became of the book and how much I love it. This series is just so perfect and both of the books is so well written suites well together. Sometimes it feels like a second book is too much but it is not the case in this book. The second book is needed and very very good. So read it, Read this series. You will NOT regret it.
January 30, 2016
This book centers around Luca Gregorio, who we first met in The Dean's List. At 26 Luca is months away from graduation when he loses his biggest client and now wonders if he will be able to pay off all his debts in time.
When his favorite professor has taken a leave of absence, Professor Saunders, and his beautiful assistant Mim Knight take his place. Luca is instantly smitten with Mim but knows he must keep his profession a secret from her until he graduates, knowing that if she knows the truth he will lose her for good.
But can Luca manage to keep his new clients and girlfriend apart, when her father knows the truth about him?
I loved this book and Luca. He was such an amazing character and just knew what he had to do in order to get by and had it all planned out until everything went downhill. He truly cares about Mim and I thought it was so honorable how he truly tried to separate his two lives in order to value Mim more, although of course she had no clue what was going on.
I thought Mim was a great character and loved how she put the moves on Luca. I completely understood where the character was coming from in breaking it off and one of my favorite parts was the teas in the morning!
Loved this book and can't wait for more from the author!
When his favorite professor has taken a leave of absence, Professor Saunders, and his beautiful assistant Mim Knight take his place. Luca is instantly smitten with Mim but knows he must keep his profession a secret from her until he graduates, knowing that if she knows the truth he will lose her for good.
But can Luca manage to keep his new clients and girlfriend apart, when her father knows the truth about him?
I loved this book and Luca. He was such an amazing character and just knew what he had to do in order to get by and had it all planned out until everything went downhill. He truly cares about Mim and I thought it was so honorable how he truly tried to separate his two lives in order to value Mim more, although of course she had no clue what was going on.
I thought Mim was a great character and loved how she put the moves on Luca. I completely understood where the character was coming from in breaking it off and one of my favorite parts was the teas in the morning!
Loved this book and can't wait for more from the author!
February 3, 2016
When I heard that there was going to be a second installment in the Deans List series staring Luca, I was so excited!!! I loved Luca from the word go in the first book.
What is The Dean's List? It's a "concierge service" or, if you will, "escorts". It is a service that only staffs college students and only services wealthy, alumni. If you haven't read book one, you can still read this one, as it is a standalone in my opinion.
Luca is this tall, sexy, Italian alter boy. He's part of The Dean's List because he does not want to be in debt when he graduates. He's been doing this long enough to have dwindled his student debt from around 180k to 38k. But it's taken his toll on him. Being raised in a strongly Catholic household, he does deal with the internal struggles that entails.
Then he meets Mim, and she makes him want more. Makes him want to love someone, to be loved, to be worthy. He is ever the gentleman, and although she has no idea what he does for a living, they fall in love. But then the bottom falls out. It's then that Luca has to decide what it is he wants. And with the help of a wise old woman, he finds out his worth.
What is The Dean's List? It's a "concierge service" or, if you will, "escorts". It is a service that only staffs college students and only services wealthy, alumni. If you haven't read book one, you can still read this one, as it is a standalone in my opinion.
Luca is this tall, sexy, Italian alter boy. He's part of The Dean's List because he does not want to be in debt when he graduates. He's been doing this long enough to have dwindled his student debt from around 180k to 38k. But it's taken his toll on him. Being raised in a strongly Catholic household, he does deal with the internal struggles that entails.
Then he meets Mim, and she makes him want more. Makes him want to love someone, to be loved, to be worthy. He is ever the gentleman, and although she has no idea what he does for a living, they fall in love. But then the bottom falls out. It's then that Luca has to decide what it is he wants. And with the help of a wise old woman, he finds out his worth.
June 1, 2016
Kelly, you've done it again. Excellent book, loved all the characters and their development. This was a follow up to Dean's List, where main character, Luca, first showed up. Couldn't imagine you developing his character as you did; great looking young Italian, cocky but such a gentleman; dedicated, brilliant, and such a woman's man. Once I started reading, was very hard to put it down for a minute, waiting to see how the plot would turn out.
Interesting way to introduce Mim and their relationship. The book was packed with action from the first page until the last. Naturally grew much more complicated with Luca's challenges changing as the story continued. Trying to remain to himself and uphold standards that is not seen in many characters like Luca, was a challenge and had me cheering for him.
And what a powerful ending. The character descriptions and actions were so well described in details, without being excessive, let me visualize the scene, hear the sounds, and feel the emotions described.
Loved the whole book and would recommend this book, along with Deans List, to romance readers. This book was provided as an ARC with a promise to give an honest review.
Interesting way to introduce Mim and their relationship. The book was packed with action from the first page until the last. Naturally grew much more complicated with Luca's challenges changing as the story continued. Trying to remain to himself and uphold standards that is not seen in many characters like Luca, was a challenge and had me cheering for him.
And what a powerful ending. The character descriptions and actions were so well described in details, without being excessive, let me visualize the scene, hear the sounds, and feel the emotions described.
Loved the whole book and would recommend this book, along with Deans List, to romance readers. This book was provided as an ARC with a promise to give an honest review.
February 20, 2016
This is my first book, I've read by Kelly Collins. I can say that, I truly enjoyed it.
This story is about Luca Gregorio is getting ready to graduate and has lots of debt. He would do anything to pay it off, even getting paid for sex. Then you've got Mim like mom but with an I. I loved her and the chemistry these two had. Luca wasn't honest with her about what he does, but sometimes it's hard to open up to others without being judged by them. He truly cared and loved Mim.
"I've got a lot on my mind, but mostly I was thinking about you and how quickly I'm falling for you."
The storyline flowed from the first page till the end. I enjoyed Luca story and what he went through, some may not understand what he is going through, but after this book you will.
"Who would have thought of put it all on the line for a woman? Six years I'd chased a dream that included, debt free, employed, and respectable. How does a man become an escort and remain respectable?
Go grab this book and enjoy it like, I did.
This story is about Luca Gregorio is getting ready to graduate and has lots of debt. He would do anything to pay it off, even getting paid for sex. Then you've got Mim like mom but with an I. I loved her and the chemistry these two had. Luca wasn't honest with her about what he does, but sometimes it's hard to open up to others without being judged by them. He truly cared and loved Mim.
"I've got a lot on my mind, but mostly I was thinking about you and how quickly I'm falling for you."
The storyline flowed from the first page till the end. I enjoyed Luca story and what he went through, some may not understand what he is going through, but after this book you will.
"Who would have thought of put it all on the line for a woman? Six years I'd chased a dream that included, debt free, employed, and respectable. How does a man become an escort and remain respectable?
Go grab this book and enjoy it like, I did.
February 25, 2016
This is my first time reading anything by Kelly Collins and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing story. The characters in this great story was magnificent and make the story flow smoothly. This story is about Luca Gregorio who's getting ready for graduate and he has some much debt to paid ,he would do anything to paid it off even if it meant that he would have to be paid for sex. But when his favorite Professor decide to take a leave of absence and his assistant Mim takes over his classes . The hot and sexy Luca is instantly taken with the beautiful Mim,but he knows that he must keep his secret from her. That is until after graduation because if she finds out what he does he might lose her for good . But can Luca manage to his clients and his girlfriend apart , because it just happens her father knows his secrets. Will Luca and Mim be able to fine happiness together. I could go on and tell you so much more about this awesome story ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story, because you won't be disappointed.
February 5, 2016
ARC given by the author for an honest review.
When I started this, I realised it was book #2 in a series, but it didn't
make a difference to the story and I followed the book without any
problems.
Luca Gregono is the main character in Honor Roll and is gorgeous! oooo
and Italian! ;)
While he has been studying he has been "selling himself" as a male
escort to pay off his student loans as he doesn't want to graduate with
all that debt hanging over him. It isn't a job he particular enjoys but the
money is good. With weeks to go before he graduates, he meets Mim
and she turns his world upside down and he falls head over heels, but
when his secret job is revealed, will Mim be understanding enough and
accept what he did or will she walk away from him forever?
Kelly Collins is a new author to me and I will be reading more from her.
When I started this, I realised it was book #2 in a series, but it didn't
make a difference to the story and I followed the book without any
problems.
Luca Gregono is the main character in Honor Roll and is gorgeous! oooo
and Italian! ;)
While he has been studying he has been "selling himself" as a male
escort to pay off his student loans as he doesn't want to graduate with
all that debt hanging over him. It isn't a job he particular enjoys but the
money is good. With weeks to go before he graduates, he meets Mim
and she turns his world upside down and he falls head over heels, but
when his secret job is revealed, will Mim be understanding enough and
accept what he did or will she walk away from him forever?
Kelly Collins is a new author to me and I will be reading more from her.
August 20, 2016
If you do not honor and respect yourself how can you expect others to. This was the struggle with Lucas. Although when we first met him he was protrayed as arrogant and greedy we learned of his other layers in this book. He was a confused man that was lost because he tried to prove his father wrong as well as prove his worth.
What he was missing was the light in which Mim brought forth but his father and Judith support helped shine bright. It was an understanding and non judgement of a Priest that assisted in him shedding what was really not important. Sometimes it is not about the ending goal but the journey and what you learn from it.
I enjoyed Lucas and Mim story and just saw myself waiting for the shoes to drop each time.
What he was missing was the light in which Mim brought forth but his father and Judith support helped shine bright. It was an understanding and non judgement of a Priest that assisted in him shedding what was really not important. Sometimes it is not about the ending goal but the journey and what you learn from it.
I enjoyed Lucas and Mim story and just saw myself waiting for the shoes to drop each time.
March 10, 2017
Kelly Collins writes a great story, her characters are hot and heavy, they are funny and witty and you cant help but fall in love with them, you want to curl up with the men and become best friends with the women. This review is taken from the Making the Grade Trilogy.
Honor Roll – Luca Gregoria is drop dead gorgeous, amazing in bed and desperate to graduate debt free, he has his own set of challenges. Working for the dean’s list isn’t a dream come true but it’s helping him accomplish his dreams. Until he loses a client so close to the end, when he meets his new client he didn’t expect what happened. Dreams change, but can they come true? Hopefully his new client Mim Knight can help him find out. Will they both get what they want? Or will secrets and lies be too much to overcome.
Honor Roll – Luca Gregoria is drop dead gorgeous, amazing in bed and desperate to graduate debt free, he has his own set of challenges. Working for the dean’s list isn’t a dream come true but it’s helping him accomplish his dreams. Until he loses a client so close to the end, when he meets his new client he didn’t expect what happened. Dreams change, but can they come true? Hopefully his new client Mim Knight can help him find out. Will they both get what they want? Or will secrets and lies be too much to overcome.
March 27, 2017
Sometimes the prize you're after isn't what you really want.
This is the fourth book of Kelly Collins that I've read and I have enjoyed every one. This is Luca's story. He's a graduate student that has been determined to graduate debt free. He was introduced in The Dean's List as one of River's co workers through the escort service. It's now two years later and he's close to his goal but has become a little bitter then he meets Mim. She's his professor's TA and a breath of fresh air but how does a male escort have a real relationship? How does he keep her in his life without ruining hers? Read the story and follow his journey during his last semester of school and his rethinking of priorities. It's a sexy, thoughtful story.
This is the fourth book of Kelly Collins that I've read and I have enjoyed every one. This is Luca's story. He's a graduate student that has been determined to graduate debt free. He was introduced in The Dean's List as one of River's co workers through the escort service. It's now two years later and he's close to his goal but has become a little bitter then he meets Mim. She's his professor's TA and a breath of fresh air but how does a male escort have a real relationship? How does he keep her in his life without ruining hers? Read the story and follow his journey during his last semester of school and his rethinking of priorities. It's a sexy, thoughtful story.
January 27, 2016
Kelly has once again gave us a 5 star book!!!!
I absolute love Luca and Mim story. I had read The Dean's List and couldn't wait to see what happens to Luca. Wow! With the melt your kindle sex scenes and the twist, turns this is a book your not going to put down. I found the story line and the characters to have a realism and you will easy to relate to them. I was glad to see the characters from TDL in here and got to chance to catch up with them.
If you haven't read The Dean's List then its a must. Both of these books are a standalone but so worth the read.
**Received a ARC Copy for a Honest Review**
I absolute love Luca and Mim story. I had read The Dean's List and couldn't wait to see what happens to Luca. Wow! With the melt your kindle sex scenes and the twist, turns this is a book your not going to put down. I found the story line and the characters to have a realism and you will easy to relate to them. I was glad to see the characters from TDL in here and got to chance to catch up with them.
If you haven't read The Dean's List then its a must. Both of these books are a standalone but so worth the read.
**Received a ARC Copy for a Honest Review**
February 4, 2016
Hmmmmmm! Tricky review for me this.
I'm not even sure I know what I want to say. For me, it was all just a bit... blah.
I read it a couple of weeks ago now and to be honest, I don't remember that much about it...I know I quite liked Luca as a character, his desperation to be the person he wants to be but to please everyone else too. I know I didn't like Mim...she just rubbed me up the wrong way!
I really enjoyed The Dean's list, the first in this series and was excited when this one dropped in my kindle. I just don't know what it is about it that made me not enjoy it quite so much!
I'm not even sure I know what I want to say. For me, it was all just a bit... blah.
I read it a couple of weeks ago now and to be honest, I don't remember that much about it...I know I quite liked Luca as a character, his desperation to be the person he wants to be but to please everyone else too. I know I didn't like Mim...she just rubbed me up the wrong way!
I really enjoyed The Dean's list, the first in this series and was excited when this one dropped in my kindle. I just don't know what it is about it that made me not enjoy it quite so much!
February 19, 2017
I wouldn't have thought it was possible, but somehow this one has even more emotion packed into the pages than the first book. Luca is so much more than we'd been allowed to see in The Dean's List, and more than he even realizes himself. I loved watching his journey of self-discovery; learning what was worth the payoff and what risks didn't justify the rewards. I was firmly invested in seeing his happily-ever-after, especially after seeing how much work he had to put in for it. Mim is such a sassy little spitfire that I know she's going to keep him on his toes long after this book is over.
February 19, 2016
I received this book as an ARC exchange of an honest review.
As always, Kelly Collins wrote another great story!
Luca Gregorio, the sexiest Italian in New York! ;)
I loved to know some of Luca's history and everything he faced to reach this point in his life. And when he meets Mim, the attraction is instant and he wants to do everything to deserve her love.
This is a well written story and catch you from the start.
As always, Kelly Collins wrote another great story!
Luca Gregorio, the sexiest Italian in New York! ;)
I loved to know some of Luca's history and everything he faced to reach this point in his life. And when he meets Mim, the attraction is instant and he wants to do everything to deserve her love.
This is a well written story and catch you from the start.
February 24, 2016
I am loving how this characters are caring over from The Deans List. We get a little insight to Luca and why he is doing the job he is. ANd doing a very good job at it because he is about to graduate from college debt free....Until he meets Mim. Then his world is turned upside down. I really could relate to this story because I had a secret that almost ripped up a friendship so having read this it brought it back to mind how honesty is really they only way to go.
February 5, 2016
Following on from The Deans List comes Luca's story, this was a great read and once again a book written by Kelly Collins that I couldn't put down. I loved the new characters, and the way the story is told from Luca's perspective, it's gritty, heartbreaking, and you will be rooting for Luca and Mim to get their HEA
February 3, 2016
"I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review." Awesomeness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was a great book. Who would've thought about getting mixed up in that craziness. He had a good head on him (lol) and had a good heart. Really enjoyed this one!
May 16, 2017
A truly enjoyable read
I truly enjoyed myself reading this book. Luca's story was a must and really put a twist on the whole escort theme. His POV brought a new perspective.
I am thankful to have run across this quick series. I have found another go-to author!
I truly enjoyed myself reading this book. Luca's story was a must and really put a twist on the whole escort theme. His POV brought a new perspective.
I am thankful to have run across this quick series. I have found another go-to author!
February 5, 2016
Luca is a man of my dreams. He is an escort, but falls in love. great read
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