XOXO I Love You

I Love You #1

by Julie Capulet

A young graduate. A ruthless CEO. And an attraction neither of them was prepared for.

After graduating from college, Lexi Blondeau moves to L.A. By some miracle, she gets an interview for a dream job, at Downtown, the “It” company of the decade. If rumors are anything to go by, CEO Rafe Black is not only one of the most ruthless men in the city, but also one of the hottest men on the planet.

At the interview, the last thing Lexi is expecting is for the mysterious—and unbelievably sexy—Rafe Black to literally sweep her off her feet. To say their chemistry is off the charts would be an understatement. Within days, Lexi’s life seems to have transformed itself in every possible way, and all because of her new boss, who also happens to be her passionate new lover.

Rafe takes Lexi to his private estate in Kauai so he can keep her all to himself. But will Rafe’s obsession become too much?

XOXO I Love You is the first book in the I Love You series. If you like fun, sexy romance starring obsessed alphas, you’ll love Julie Capulet’s page-turning book.

*Please note: this is the first book of a two-book series and ends in a cliffhanger. The second book in the series, XOXX I Love You More, is now available.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, New Adult, Erotica

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

About the author

Julie Capulet is an Amazon top 20 bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes steamy he-falls-first romance with heart, heat and fairy tale HEAs. Her stories are inspired by true love and she’s married to her own real life hero. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, traveling, walking on the beach and watching rom-coms. ♥

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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

XOXO I Love You is book one in the I Love You series by Julie Capulet. This is the first book in a duet and does end in a cliff hanger but the second book is already available so you can immediately continue. I would call this an Insta-Love, Insta-Lust romance that should come with a warning, that it could cause spontaneous combustion! Because these two are just that hot, their chemistry that off the charts.

Rafe Black is CEO of Downtown, the “it” magazine in Los Angeles. Not only is he owner of the magazine and the entire building it is housed in, he also owns an empire of other businesses. Rafe has built his empire one brick at a time so to speak. He came from nothing, a past he tries not to revisit. His younger brother, Max, is the only constant, the only person he cares about. Any women that are in his life are temporary, no attachments. That’s the way he wants it. But then Lexi walked into his office to apply for the assistant position, and everything else faded away. She was the only thing he could see.



Lexi Blondeau just moved to LA. She just graduated from Stanford and is staying with her best friend, Tess, while she looks for work. Tess treated her to a full makeover to help her get ready for her interview. She’s been buffed, polished, and has a new outfit. She feels confident as she walks into Rafe’s office. Until she sees him. He’s the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. She had read online about how good looking he was but nothing could describe the man that stood in front of her.

“I’ve found my weakness. And I am utterly, hopelessly addicted.”



Rafe was an alpha in every way. He ruled with an iron hand. But as soon as Lexi walked in, none of it mattered. She was all he cared about. The pull between them was unexplainable. He couldn’t stand the thought of being separated from her in any way.

“Can I trust him with my heart? Or should I walk away before it becomes impossible?”

Lexi had a dark past, a past that has left her emotionally scarred. She now finds herself thrust into an opulence she didn’t really know existed. It would be so easy to let Rafe take over. Let him give her everything. But if she gave in, gave him her heart, then he left, she would never recover.



This is a story of lust, love and obsession. Rafe doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings for Lexi. Only that he’s obsessed. His need to touch her, protect her, have her, consumes him. He can’t seem to get himself under control.

“I love him too much. I want to break free and at the same time, crawl into his body and soul and live there forever.”



I am in love with this book. Lexi could never have imagined a life like this. But can she give everything to Rafe? She’s been on her own her entire life. She needs to keep some sort of independence, to somehow not lose herself. And did I say yet how hot this is? These two burned up the pages. I am immediately going on to the next book, XOXX I Love You More, for the conclusion to Lexi and Rafe’s story.

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: ➳ XOXO I Love You
Series: ➳ I Love You 1#
Author: ➳Julie Capulet


Published May 2019

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥





➳Lexi Blondeau, fresh from college, in new town (LA) with a new look that her bff helper with. Lexi is granted by pure miracle, interview for a dream job with the one & only CEO Rafe Black to be his assistant. Let just say this one in life opportunities… it’s a company every graduate on the planet would sell their soul to work for.

Make things more interesting is that CEO Rafe Black is giving Lexi the interview himself

Rafe Black is famous for so many things for his reclusiveness & also his ruthlessness when it comes to business. He also not known to be very good with relationships. Some say he can also be a total asshat

Funny thing is both Lexi & Raf have this instant connection. I’m talking world wind whiplash connection

Lexi is addicted to Rafe
Rafe is so obsessed with Lexi

As Rafe intense lust & a white-hot obsession for Lexi turn to down right over powering desperation & unbearable jealousy reaches fever-pitch, it only drives Lexi away … literally into the arms of another man…

👄It will be interesting find how Lexi & Rafe story turn out since he is so very domineering & she so independent

🔪I most forewarn you this very steamy read & you need to read between the lines to get to know these two

💕 First book I have had the opportunity to read from Julie Capulet, & trust me this will not be my last… I need to see what happens with these two

📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion 💕 💕 Also I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it.


➦*I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **


----------------------Happy Reading ---------

💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars-ever wonder what a full length insta-love looks like?

Today’s your lucky day. This bad boy is the type of Insta love I want to read and wish other authors would do (JK do you hear me?). More development, more details, more more more 🔥🔥🔥. Loved it!!!

Lexi (20) just graduated from Stanford and applied for a job with Downtown. She’s always been sort of an introvert and is nervous. Good thing her roommate made her over and she’s transformed into a beautiful, potential assistant. She interviews with Rafe Black, CEO of Downtown, and the connection is instant 👀.

Rafe (27) has never felt such a pull from any woman before. As soon as Lexi enters his office to interview, he wants her and he’s gonna have her 😉.

What I liked/loved:
—THE FAST BURN🔥🔥🔥. Good LAWD. Jeeeezus 🥵 talk about fast burn. I actually read a book recently that had a similar first time scene, but the way that Julie Capulet writes it works 1000% more for me. Yes, Lexi’s a v and it doesn’t make sense that it would happen so fast, but the way it’s written is 🤌🏻

—the connection/tension🥵. The chemistry between this two is combustible; I’m surprised my Kindle survived LOL. The glances. Their breaths. The accelerated heart rates. The… um… 💦 factor. Lord, have mercy on my kindle cause it couldn’t handle all the STEAM 🔥😅. It’s insta done at its finest 😉

—the smexxy times. Well, yeah, if the chemistry’s good, then so’s the Smexy times 🔥🔥🔥. These two are insatiable. And Rafe. The turnaround time of this man 👏🏻🤌🏻. Men should be jealous of him 💁🏻‍♀️

—the swooniness/sweet side of Rafe. Sigh. This man is ALLLLLL about Lexi. He’ll do anything for her 🥹. He goes above and beyond to make her happy (and please her too 😉)

—how OTT and jp he is. He’s so obsessed, so over the top, so jealous of her time, that he can’t stop thinking about her. I mean 👀. With a man like this, who wouldn’t want this 😅. He’s suffocatedly obsessed 😬

—how caveman he is👀😅. Man. No men better even look at Lexi, or else 👊🏻. MINEMINEMINE😈😈😈

—no OW in sight. Rafe only has eyes for Lexi. Everyone else pales in comparison ❤️💁🏻‍♀️

—the almost dubcon we get 😅. I wouldn’t have minded if we actually got some lol

What I wanted more of:
—length 🤣🤣🤣. I know. It’s a conundrum considering I said it’s a long insta love and it’s what I would want lol. But I wouldn’t have minded if it was longer. Good thing there’s a book 2!

—she’s hired as his assistant but we never see her assist 😅🤣. I’m sure this will be addressed in book 2, but.. yeah… we didn’t get that.

Overall, I loved it 🥰

⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-death of parents recounted/suicide
-virgin h
-no condoms/he’s always used them before and she gets on the pill
-somnophilia/praise kink/biting
-OM grabs h’s arm when she’s coming back from the restroom at a restaurant. H sees red, hulks out, and throttles the man that should’ve known better 💅.
-there’s a scene where the h has an O in public while other men are around (the H barely touched her). The H loses his shit and can’t believe anyone else but him saw her O 😬

[PeaceOfGod · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 1 & 2 REVIWED TOGETHER, because yeah, i am lazy!!!


CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK


🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Kindly throw your panties out this window before reading the book-



💚Lexi Blondeau-19-Stanford graduate-




SOFT.
BEAUTIFUL.
KIND-HEARTED.
VULNERABLEY STRONG.
VIRGIN.
OBSESSED.

Her sunny blond hair spills over the pillow in a silky cascade. Her pink lips are puffy from my greedy kisses, absurdly soft and tempting. The smooth skin of her jaw is reddened slightly from the stubble of my beard. I was rough with her. Too rough. I took her not only in my office—twice—but several times during the night, damning all consequences. And she’s a fucking virgin.
Or at least she was. Yesterday.
She must be twenty-one at least. Maybe twenty-two. What kind of girl waits that long? And why?
Her dark-blond eyelashes lay in graceful curves against her pale cheeks, dark at the roots and lightening to an almost white-blond at the tips. Her make-up is all but gone, aside from some light smudges on the pillowcase. I think of waking her, just so I can see that sea-green burn in her eyes.
The sheet lays low on her hips, drawing a line across the concave plane of her stomach, framed by the jut of her angular hipbones. Her breasts are a work of art—there’s no other way to describe them. Full and rounded, high and plush with youth. Her nipples are soft now, in sleep. And I can’t resist. I’m already harder than I’d ever been. Maybe equal to yesterday, or last night. I hardly care about the comparison. What I care about is the soft bud of her rosy skin, tightening even as she sleeps, under the glide of my tongue. She tastes like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Sweet, somehow. Floral. Like she stepped out of a garden at midnight, while eating sugary cake and blossoming into full-blown womanhood. I suck on her like I’m trying to draw that taste from her body. It’s perverse, almost, the greed and need I feel.
Little mews of pleasure come from her mouth. She writhes under the sheet, displacing it.
Fuck.





🖤Rafe Black-27-Billionaire Mogul-








OH.MY.FUC**ING.GOD😨
There is NOTHING flawed about this man.

He.......he exuded-

POWER.
SEX-APPEAL.
RUTHLESSNESS.
SOFT BENEATH THAT TOUGH EXTERIOR



But then he takes off his suit jacket and tosses it onto his chair. Jesus H. Christ. The man is ridiculously built. Tall and muscular, but gracefully so, like a sculpture of a perfect male form. A perfectly ripped male form, with toned, hard muscles, as though he’s spent the last six months sweatily lifting hay bales in the Outback of Australia or something. As my eyes kind of rove and drink in the sight—don’t judge, this guy is seriously freaking hot—I can’t help but notice, as much as I try not to, that Rafe Black is impressively built in … well … in every conceivable category. There’s a sort of … very large … gigantic, in fact … swell …
Help me.


THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH PASSION🥵🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Lexi’s body is a drug I can’t get enough of. I want everything of her. I don’t just want to possess her, I want to devour her. I want to explore her and to own her and spend myself onto her and inside her in every possible way.
I want to make her pay for making herself so unbelievably fucking desirable. I’m going to use that desirability for my own pleasure.
I feel big and mean and resolute.

“Where did you come from?” I ask her, kissing her eyelids, the smooth surface of her rounded cheek, the corner of her sumptuous lips.
She seems to understand that I’m not really asking for specific details, that my question is more about wonder and gratitude over the fact that I’m with her in this moment and can’t quite believe my luck. She doesn’t answer me.
Once upon a time I might’ve been concerned about the extent of my addiction. But now, I simply don’t care about what I’m losing. If there’s anything to lose, I’m willing.
I don’t care if I’ve gone past some kind of self-imposed limit that says I can only feel so much. This is too intense. This pleasure is too captivating, just from that soft tongue teasing mine. I draw her tongue into my mouth, sucking it, and the sensation drills a white-lit channel of electric need straight to my cock, which rears up in a sudden, jolted swell. I’m instantly and miraculously rock-hard. Again. Already.
How does she do that?

Rafe is like a giant sun, casting his tall, magnificent light onto the dingy and the mundane, recasting the world and my life with his brilliance. As much as I might have questioned my decision to invite him, I find that I like having him here with me. Of course I do. He’s gorgeous and out of place and smiling at me like he’s fully in the moment, as strange as this moment might be. And I love him for that.
Love.

Rafe explains to me about the timing and the placement I’m looking for and then he paddles out and, just at the right moment, jumps onto his board and surfs the wave.
Wow.
He’s beyond glorious.
Then, after he’s showed me the technique, he dives off his board and swims over to me, flicking his hair out of his eyes when he resurfaces in that way hot guys do. He looks younger like this, and, even though my subconscious is shouting her mantra again, tread carefully, girl, this guy is waaay too good to be true, I can’t help myself: I kiss him, this beautiful bastard who has somehow become the most important thing in my life in only five short days


I let my hands slide slowly down my stomach and across my hips as he watches me. I want to drive him crazy. I lick one of my fingers, touching it to my softness. “Or this?” I gasp a little as the warmth rises under the touch of my own fingers. “You should feel how hot and wet I am.”
He exhales in a barely-spoken breath.
His eyes are darker than I’ve ever seen them. He looks mean and dangerously aroused.
But still, I want to push him. To ignite him. To play with my own power. To somehow push him further than he’s ever been pushed. “Because you know this is all yours, don’t you, Rafe?” I say softly. “Yours.” I touch my sensitive nipples. “Yours.” I touch my fingers there, “And this. All soft and ready for you. Yours.”


The pleasure compounds, riding a silky wave, coasting then breaking with a force that sends a flurry of stars through my brain and my body that I can feel in zapping surges all the way to my fingertips and toes. I’m riding some ultimate high. My inner muscles draw lusciously around his massive, pulsing cock until he groans and lays his body heavily over mine, gripping me as his climax racks through him.

“What’s your favorite color?” I ask him, changing the subject.
“Black.”
“Black’s not a color.”
“I still like it.”
“What’s your second favorite color?”
“Blue. What’s yours?”
“Red. And pink.”
“Actually,” he says. “Pink is my favorite color, too.” He touches a wet finger to my lips. “This pink.” His other hand slides lower, over my breast, where he swirls a finger around my soapy nipple. “And this pink.” His touch wanders lower, down my stomach, and lower, not with possessive intention but with more of a tender adoration. “And this pink.”


I look up at him and he softly, softly kisses my lips.
“I’ll tell you what,” he says. “I’m going to tell you about myself. I’m going to tell you things I’ve never told anyone. I want you to know who I am.”
“Only if you want to, Rafe,” I whisper.
“I do. And you’re going to tell me things, too. About you. I want to know you. I want to know what makes you laugh and what haunts you. I get that things haven’t always been easy for you, Lexi. I want to share your heartbreak and ease every hardship you’ve ever had. I want you to let me do that.”

THIS REVIEW OR ANY REVIEW DOES NOT DO JUSTICE TO RAFE BLACK.

He was this...........this............passionately possessive alpha male who..........who worshipped Lexi.

This is a different side of Rafe. His sincerity is bringing out his softer, more romantic tendencies. After the force of his lovemaking, the words sound doubly sweet. First he broke me open with his lust and now he’s planting little love seeds in the fresh dirt.

🔥💯CHEMISTRY-



PASSION💯🔥



💯🔥THE SEX-



✅I'll stop now because Julie Capulet is................




✅You just need to know that -

Travis🎸 +Vaugh🥁 +Kade 🎤+Max🧥 +Bo 🏈+Caleb🧨 +Gage💲=Rafe Black.🖤

😍JC lovers will understand what i am talking about🤫😛


🟥🔴🔺🔻SPOILER ALERT🔻🔺🔴🟥

🚩h-Virgin.

🚩H-not virgin but not manwhore. ALWAYS used condoms.
NO CONDOMS USAGE WITH LEXI.
Celibacy of 7 months approx.

🚩Neither loved before.

🚩Triggers-h was ALMOST sexually assaulted by mother's bf but WAS NOT RAPED. There was ATTEMPT OF ASSAULT ONLY. SHE ESCAPED BEFORE IT COULD GO FURTHUR.

H's uncle was abusive to him and Max when they were little. The uncle died(killed) when Max was 5 or 6 years old and Rafe was......15 or something.

NO DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TRIGGERS.

🚩OM drama- YES there is-

In BOOK #1 it'll feel like Max Black is lusting after Lexi, yes he is lusting.
But he NEVER tries to cross his limits. NEVER EVER tries to touch her the wrong way.
And besides..........Max is EQUALLY obsessed with a girl in the book "Max". So.......we're good there.

And Eric Scully ...........yeah, the asshole employee who gets his pretty face smashed by Rafe for hitting on Lexi several times.

🚩OW drama-Ooooh!!! This is my favourite!!!!-

Yes there is OW drama, MAJOR OW drama which should NOT bother you because-

Rafe was in relationship with Vanessa, the Victoria's secret model for a few months.

He NEVER loved that bitch.

He NEVER shared ANYTHING with her.

NEVER stayed the night with her.

She was #CLINGYaf. She had the whole wedding planned in her mind , and constantly told him that she loved him(more like ......loved his money)🤣

He broke up 7 months earlier before meeting Beautiful Lexi.

🟥BOOK 2 SPOILERS- The ex .........Vanessa turns up pregnant in Book 2 WHEN RAFE AND LEXI ARE EXCHANGING WOWS AT THE ALTER..

BUT

It turns out later that-



🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


NO-CHEATING.

NO intimacy with others.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER GUARENTEED.

They have kids in the Epilogue in Book2.

See tags for more spoilers.
✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅

Read the Bonus Book also. Its REALLY good.

💖💖💖Bonus Book Link-

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

💖HAPPY READINg!!!!💖

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy jeez! This book is all about obsession! As in serious, you can’t leave my sight, obsession.





When Lexi applies for a job she sure she’s not qualified for and gets an interview, she is nervous, excited but wary of getting her hopes up. But when she meets the CEO instead of a review panel, she’s feeling things one doesn’t normally feel during an interview. Within minutes she’s definitely gained a position and while it might have the title of Personal Assistant, this position is much more personal.

This is like an Alex Riley book on steroids. Due to the length, it actually is much more satisfying as it gives us some real time with Rafe and Lexi as a couple. Yes, it starts out insta-everything and it continues for most of the book as two people who can’t stop touching each other. But both of these characters have dark pasts that haunt them and it takes them a bit of time to get to the place where their physical relationship makes room for emotional trust.





I adore a strong alpha hero who immediately recognizes and claims his woman, has a “mine” mentality, and shows jealousy just at the thought of other men looking at her. Rafe is all that and more.


’I feel like I could kill for her. I know I could kill for her. I’m supposed to be a civilized, educated pillar of society, possibly. What I feel like is an obsessed Viking who, if another man so much as looks at my girl, wouldn’t hesitated to kiss the [guy] with my bare hands.’


He’s completely over the top, bonkers obsessed with Lexi and interestingly enough, she feels the same about him. He’s never felt this way and it’s both driving him crazy as well as tormenting him, especially when Lexi reaches a point where she needs more from him than just his presence in her life.





Lexi is a sweet, smart, girl and her past leaves her aching for the protective, possessive cocoon that Rafe places her in. Even as he’s claiming her, she’s claiming him. It was a bit different than how most heroines react to a Neanderthal hero.


’I want him to want me like this. Obsessively. Possessively. I love him too much. I want to break free and at the same time crawl into his body and soul and live there forever.’


‘His bullyish, overbearing alpha male requests are totally over the top, half the time. The other half, they’re exactly what I want and need.’


However, when he crosses a line that throws her back into her nightmares, she reacts and everything is blown apart.





I loved that the author wrote Rafe’s voice in a very gritty and darkish manner so it never mirrored that of Lexi. I enjoyed this book, a lot, but I have to admit I skimmed some of the smexy times because there were just so many of them. This ends on a cliffhanger and I have to admit, while I’ll definitely be reading the next book, I did think if the author cut some of the smexy she could have put this story into one book.

P.S. This author has a link at the front of this book for a prologue “The Obsession Begins” that gives a nice little look into Lexi’s first few days in L.A. and her transformation. While not necessary to read it, I’m glad that I did.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h is virgin; H isn’t a complete manwhore but he doesn’t do relationships or commitment
Triggers childhood neglect; threat of childhood molestation – nothing actually happens or is described on page

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 💞🧨💞🧨💞🧨💞👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️

This was an intense and steamy romantic journey and it did thrill me❣️❣️❣️

Lexi went through a job interview with Rafe (CEO) and before it even finished, they were all over each other!!!
And that was the moment where everything started and then evolved into an explosive obsession!!!
Their chemistry was all fired, something that neither of them expected or had experienced before.

Julie Capulet’s writing was amazing and consuming, supporting the storyline efficiently. When I reached the last page, I was finally convinced for the power of their insta love. The plot was very intriguing and fast paced, dual pov. The characters with their strengths and vulnerabilities were vivid and distinguishing, each one carrying their own baggage.
Regardless, I would have preferred if their connection at the beginning was not developed so instantly.
Also I would like to add that the author brought up the issue of obsessive relationship well-mannered.

The story ended with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to start the next book in this duet!!!

[Alla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don´t know what to say about this book. It was probably 85% sex scenes and very little of anything else until the end when Lexi walked out from this crazy, obsessive, mad man!!
Seriously, no person in their right mind behaves like this and no person in their right mind takes it!
It gets close to 2 stars and only because for the end. It got a little more interesting in the end when there was finally something going on other than sex!! I was planning on giving it 1 star for the biggest part of the book, but I decided on 2 stars since the sex finally stopped and something interesting was going on for a change.
I don´t plan on reading the sequel, I can´t go through another "sex crazy" book like this one, this was just too much. I would have DNF´d it, but I was reading this one in a challenge I´m in as a part of a group and I was determined to finish it because of that and "take one for the team" in this case.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
If you don’t like insta everything, this book isn’t for you. ( me, I am a hopeless romantic, so I love a good love at first sight, soulmate stories)

I loved the OTT possessive jealous hero and heroine. They basically meet during an interview, their attraction is raw, intense, and completely overwhelming at first sight. They end up having sex within 30 mins and then continues to have sex and more sex.

What is the book about? Them having sex…😂 and that’s all!

The h is a stunningly gorgeous blonde 20 yr old virgin, the H is 27yr old self made billionaire. He hired her to be his assistant, but she ends up becoming more.

I liked how super emotional and intense their relationship was, loved his psycho jealous caveman behavior, their totally unhealthy co- dependency with each other, loved that she didn’t act like a bitch like other heroines….I liked how crazy they were for each other,
but the book needed more meat!! A plot other than sex! This author has so much potential, even though there’s so much sex, the book is emotional.

However, I can’t love a story, give it more stars, where the entire book is only about sex.😂.
This is a duet though, maybe the sex was used as filler to drag out the story for the 2nd book?


Safe
They’re 110% only into each other.

[Leigh]

DNF@29% So to say I'm in a major slump this year would be an understatement. I don't know if it's the Quarantine or just plain bad book choosing on my part but for every book I enjoy there's at least 10 I pick up and put down. Anyway this book just wasn't for me. I don't mind insta everything if done right but this one I couldn't read a moment longer than I did. Basically Lexi is fresh out of College and goes on an interview with an elite company owned by the sexy Rafe. Within a few pages of the story they are already having sex on his desk and get this she's a virgin. You wait so long you spread your legs within minutes of a job interview insert eye roll. So anyway I was still going along thinking ok no problem she got the job but at this point there is nothing but SEX. They have long conversations in their own heads but are so blinded by lust they can barely speak to each other. So for me it's a NO, time to search a new read.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what the book is, it does it well so it gets four stars.

Pacey and a smut read for when you need one. Obsessive insta lust/love (spanning days) with a billionaire but because it’s a duet, it has enough bulk to have a feel for both characters/intricacies and the edge in the storyline. I really liked how self aware the h was of a. her control over him (she gets off on this power); b. knowing that she enjoys the perks of his “fiscal” attention; c. a small dose of fear regarding how far he would go to keep her. Saying that she did annoy me. Give me a break love. Washing your clothes in the river before going to school. Plsssss. Next it will be drinking public toilet water when thirsty.💀

“My heart is pounding, with some crazy cocktail of rage, lust and fear. I know he’s controlling, I’d known it all along. Maybe I underestimated the extent of it.
How far will he go to stop me?”

4*
100%, virgin h (low OM drama), non virgin hero (fleeting relationships; last relationship ended days before he met the h)

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Brief Summary:
ALL my 5 stars ⭐️ are for Rafe❤️‍🔥 and only Rafe💯

-Lexi is new to LA and fresh out of college. With a traumatic past she has worked hard to graduate and make something of herself.
She get late a interview with a BiG media company as executive assistant to the CEO and owner. In reaching her goals she has stayed clear of men entirely.

-Rafe is a billionaire for a reason he’s a workaholic and determined to have the means to always protect his brother. He to had a somewhat traumatic past and it’s made his VERY protective of his little brother. He has relationships but is aloof and not committed to any of his past GF.

-On Lexi interview for the job it’s lust and first sight. Things heat up real quick and obsessions begin to burn out of control.

-This story about an all consuming love that spins out of control as both people try to navigate this new situation and feelings.

🌟 Overall Opinion:

-Rafe❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ made this duet for me. This man is OTT JP extreme he’s has never felt like this w anyone and he literally cannot let her out of his sight or out of touching distance. Forget about if another man looks at her, he can’t handle it❤️‍🔥. YES please! He’s amazing! He goes from 0-1000 overnight. All his normal reasoning and level headed personality is out the window. Gotta love this!

-Rafe is INTENSE in all the right ways. He frantic, manic, obsessed, crazed, frenzied, possessive, protective and also super sweet. ❤️‍🔥

-I love that although Rafe has had many relationships, not just hookups, that EVERYTHING was totally different with Lexi.
🌶️He’s never not used a condom before.
❤️‍🔥He’s never had any OW at his private apartment or house in Hawaii.
💯He’s never spent quality time w them.
🫶🏻Never taken off work for even a day for them or cared to get to know them.
🔥Never was intimate or even in their vicinity while on their period.
❤️He has never been in love or anything remotely close.
😈Hes never been jealous or possessive with OW.
🙌🏻All of which he HAS done for Lexi. I love this is books. It shows us how she’s special and how he has changed for her.

-Lexi is sweet and a little cautious about how fast everything is happening. She is also head over heels- literally- and is just going with it. I could get a strong sense of her character and didn’t really connect with her. She felt like a blah character to me. Even with her background stuff and I thought she was always contradictory.

My only real complaint
Lexi provokes him and then gets mad when he reacts exactly how she wanted or if she was testing him she would get all upset when he reacted and then she would question their relationship.
And her BIG overreaction at the end was straight up annoying to read. And completely irrational 🙄.
If I don’t like one or both characters I can’t get into the the story as much and here I just kept finding myself annoyed with Lexi.
She wasn’t the FMC for me.

📖 Pages:
Duet / 431 pg for book 1
Which was to long for what this was

🦹🏻‍♂️ Hero:
💕Rafe💕 27yr old

🦸‍♀️ Heroine:
Lexi 20yrs old

💭 POV:
First person Multiple

🔥 Burn Rate:
Super sonic 🔥it starts in the first chapter

😡/😍 Emotion Level:
Moderate

❤️‍🔥 Sexy Times:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hot hot hot… maybe to much? Yes a bit to much. And trust me I’m all about the sexy times so for me to say that it was a lot.

💥 Descriptive sex:
Yes very

🌓 Push/Pull:
None

☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None
Rafe is super jelly of any man looking, touching or talking her so some OM just based off that but nothing substantia.

🤮 OW/OM Sex/Fluids exchange/DNA:
None

🤬 Cheating:
None

👰🏼‍♀️ Virgin:
Lexi-Virgin
Rafe- not a manwhore but has had his share of ex GF

😑 Separation:
None - he refuses to let her out of his sight. There is a blow up in the end but it’s last 4-5 hrs max.

Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Anal play
Toy play
Cock warming
Loads of sex

💕 Epilogue:
Not yet

❤️ HEA:
Cliffy

🤔 Closing Summery:
Enjoying this so far it’s light & sexy with an OTT crazy hero! Can’t ask for much more except …..maybe to like the FMC more .

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF: 56%

This book was the embodiment of pretty privilege 💀.

It really brought me back to the good old Wattpad days: It was yet another story about a girl so beautiful every man she meets can't help but fall in love- but don't forget about the fact that she doesn't know she's pretty, making her not like other girls.

It read like a much tamer and insta version of 50 Shades of Grey, especially at the beginning. It was wayyy too insta for me, especially considering it was a novel, and not a novella. I usually wouldn't mind, but there wasn't really much going on for the story aside from the smut, and it just got really repetitive.

I also wasn't a huge fan of the descriptions/ writing style either:

''I feel like I’ve just climbed out of some underwater seashell and been reborn as a lusty nymph who has no inhibitions, who’s made purely of hot, wet physical sensation.''

🤡🗿☝️ This wasn't for me.

[Shatarupa Dhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Lexi Blondeau has just landed in LA, after living for the past four years in California. She's going to be occupying the couch in her best friend Tess' one-bedroom apartment, not too far from downtown LA. Lexi is as shy as Tess is outgoing. While Tess runs a makeup blog, Lexi is your average nerdy plain Jane. Lexi wants to work at either a literary agency or a small independent press, but actually dreams of Downtown - 'which is a trendy, cutting edge magazine/lifestyle blog/fashion house/indie film production company whose offices and all their amenities have been called "Google for the glitterati".'

Rafe Black – no one has seen him – likes to keep a low profile. He has just got out of a relationship with a girl who has been pissing him off with her stalkerish tendencies and is having second thoughts about the interview when she shows up.

Review:
Let me start from the prequel 'The Obsession Begins', which I downloaded for free from a Booksweeps Giveaway. It is also available for free from the author's website:
Julie Capulet

I like how the author phrases it! Sounds too good to be true, but a book has to start somewhere for our Stanford girl. Downtown has an opening for the CEO's assistant, Rafe Black, about whom Lexi doesn't have a clue, though every girl knows that he's super hot. She second-guesses herself and doesn't think she will ever get the job. But why fear when Tess' here. She gives Lexi a complete makeover, and some much-needed confidence in her skills. Though I seriously doubt whether a Standford grad will ever be underconfident. Lexi has no parents, her mother drunk herself to death, and with no father to speak of, she had led a life of poverty. She's twenty, with a painful past. And not as much ready to own the world.

Told in the first person from both Lexi and Rafe's viewpoint, the prequel got me really excited for the book! It's Rafe's 27th birthday, as per the bottle of champagne and the wishes from his younger brother, Max. And another thing that sounds too good to be true is Rafe's sudden decision to interview the final candidate himself, instead of the panel that always does it.

Now coming to the book, XOXO I Love You is the first book of a two-part series, the second one will release this month only. The author has described places very well and written beautiful characterisations.

Divided into seven parts, each part has a few pages each by Rafe and Lexi both. The story starts with Lexi on her way for the interview. She's dazzled and mesmerized by the sight of Rafe. While he shares the bottle of champagne with her, she's busy drinking him in. He founded the company when he was twenty. Rafe and Lexi fall into bed, fall under a spell of lust, that's as surprising as it is urgent. Everything is happening too fast, too soon, falling headlong into a lusty working relationship. Alpha and his pet. And such hot, hot scenes. It seems a little unrealistic, and the protagonists say the same.

This book is too much sex. Rafe feels so much out of control that he takes Lexi to Kauai, Hawaii so that she's in his exclusive company. He doesn't want to share her.

Both graduated from Stanford, and apart from that know little of each other. I think I was expecting more of their lives, be it working or something else. But this book is mostly about sex until the last chapter, which will be followed by another book. They are addicted to each other. Never leaving their bedroom. Rafe is obsessed with Lexi, and it borders on an unhealthy obsession. He realises it but he keeps on hurting Lexi with his possessiveness. He crosses his limits when his actions result in Lexi being haunted by her horrible past.

It's so heartbreaking, seeing Lexi like that, towards the end. And the same goes for Rafe when he loses her. It will be continued in the second book, XOXX I Love You More.

Thank you to the author for an e-ARC copy of the book.

My review of books in the I Love You Series is as follows:
XOXO I Love You | XOXO I Love You More | MAX

[V. (¿book hangover or book slump?) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ew, RTC 🚩

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two favorite things about this were: how crazy obsessed both the MCs immediately got with each other right from the moment they met, and at the same time how the heroine stood her ground and left him in the end when she got triggered by his controlling behavior. I love a heroine that instantly gives in to the hero but I love it even more when they play hard to get and fight them off. Most of the time having a hero work hard to earn the heroine's love adds so much to the story and I just enjoy it too much when they go absolutely insane and obsessed to get their heroines back. Swoon 😩
This book ends in a cliffy and I'm soo ready to dive right back in the second one and see what happens.

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars

I was graciously given an Arc of this duet and I am happy to report that this author still can write.

I really enjoyed Rafe and Lexi but had wished that their relationship had not been an "insta" start. For me, there was a great premise here to set up for a great, sexy connection and I didn't feel the need to "rush" it. Me, personally, well, I like an intense slow burn, not too slow, but enough to keep me on the edge of my seat for sure!

The story was quick and I am looking forward o the conclusion!

[⚘.jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for some insta everything type romance so I decided to re-read this book and now I'm adding another star to my previous 3 star rating from my first read because this book was just what I needed and wanted, and it made me so happy!

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I previously DNF it at 23%.
Then in this days i read almost all this author books and i decided to give it one more try.

If they wouldn't have sex after 35 minutes they first meet i would've liked it more.
She is a V, had an interview with him and in the next second they had sex, multiple times...
and since then it's just a repeat, and of course a OTT possessive guy, which i usually love
BUT i freaking needed a few chapters at least, with them getting to know each others...to make a connection lol.

Most of the times i was annoyed with Lexi to be honest, hopefully she will do better in the next book. I hated when she called him REFEY...lol.

I like how OTT he is, also clingy , i loved that hahaha, that's why i'm happy i came back to this book,also after those first chapters, they slowed down and let's say kind of tried to figure thing out, which i liked.
I was bothered that Max lusted after her.

[My Little Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is was clearly a Fifty Shades inspired story.

What I liked:
1. Hero's obsession with the heroine
2. H & h background stories
3. Final development in the story
4. Sex was hot

What I didn't like:
1. Writer's writing style
2. Lack of other elements in their story beside they being in a bed 24/7
3. No story for 90% of the book

Did I enjoy it?
In some moments yes in others it bored me.

Did it have potential?
Yes, I love psycho heros, with OCDs and if written well they always make a great read.

Would I read the next book?
Not sure. I think also book 2 will pretty much take place in the bed.

[Lori R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Rafe...such a beautiful, overprotective, possessive & obsessive man. The way he and Lexi fall head over heels in lust is...kinda sexy, not gonna lie. That first chapter...wowza. The passion between them is powerful and delicious.

If you love a well-written, love/lust at first sight, whirlwind romance, you’ll love this one.

This is my first read by this author and I really love her writing! This ends in a cliffy, so thankfully book 2 is available so I could dive right in.

I already know I’ll be reading Max’s book.
I love him already.

[Candy Ottarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was...WOW...beyond words! Beyond 5 stars! The characters had so much chemistry. It was scotching hot! Lexi Blondeau is in LA to live with her best friend and to find a job worthy of her Stanford degree. She gets an interview for a personal assistant position. The job is for none other than Rafe Black, CEO and founder of Downtown. She is interviewed by Mr Black and she seems to be the perfect fit...in more ways than one.

[MarvelUsReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tantalizing read, Julie Capulet's XOXO I Love You, captured our attention, and quenched our need for raw desire. Lexi, a young, smart graduate happens upon a promising job opportunity with the very successful C.E.O. Mr. Rafe Black.
To read more click: www.marvelusreads.com

[Julie Capulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was a great story. Very intense. Lexi has just moved to CA after college. When she goes to an interview at her dream job for Downtown, she gets the shock of her life. She interviews with the CEO himself- Rafe Black. Her world is turned outside down. The level of jealously and possessiveness that Rafe feels toward Lexi borders on the insane. Their is no denying the chemistry between them is off the charts hot. The attraction is instant and all consuming. But after Lexi's traumatic childhood, will Rafe's intense controlling ways scare her away for good? This book does end in a cliffhanger that leave you begging for book 2!

[Nina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fifty Shades of Black anyone?!

[Ana Annie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for Lexi and Rafe ❤️. This is an inst-love story, which I don't mind and do enjoy at times. I just didn't quite connect with the characters. Their chemistry is based on lust solely. They're both closed off in every other aspect but say I love you to each other. Once they start to open up, they realize that they share similar traumas. This ends with a cliffhanger. There is a book 2, which I've decided not to continue.

[Sarah♡books · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5/5 🌟

✔️ Virgin heroine
✔️OTT obsessed hero
✔️Age gap (20 I 27 )
✔️Cliffhanger

Was not for me 😶
I had the feeling that there was no plot + it was often very cringe 👀💀
Won't read the second book in this series 🤗

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was intense! I need more! Lexi and Rafe have such a strong chemistry from the moment they first met. It's like a fairy tale for Lexi. She likes being cared for and she is addicted to Rafe as he is to her. As the addiction becomes obsession, Lexi wonders if it might be more than she can handle. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for the next one!

[Okie Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is on fire! It's gets hot and doesn't cool down. You may need a extinguisher, as it will leave a lot of things steaming. Absolutely a page turner you won't want to put down until the end. I'm absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Tianna✸loves books✸]

Lol

The h goes for interview in the H’s company. Instead of asking her job related questions the H gives her champagne and then they start f*cking. He takes her virginity. And conveniently his house is in the same building so he takes her there and they keep on f*cking.

What was strange was that the h was a virgin but she was not at all shy or apprehensive. Infact she talks dirty to him.

“Come for me, Rafey.”

“I love how your big cock feels when you come inside me.”

This is a virgin talking.
Sorry, but this was hard to believe. She seemed experienced.


If you think the h realises her mistake that sleeping with her boss (a complete stranger) right away after meeting him is wrong then you are mistaken. She is fully enjoying. The very next day they wake up and eat together, bath together and then he takes her for shopping.

At the shop, the H orders h’s clothes.

“She needs an entire new wardrobe. Work outfits, eveningwear, everything. Bathing suits, too. Resort wear. We have a trip coming up. And a nice coat for fall. Leather, maybe. Or suede. Something special. And shoes. And boots. Accessories, too. Whatever she wants.”

Yeah, lucky girl.

Then he takes her to dinner with his brother. And then they are back at f*cking.
What the hell is this ?

I’m done reading this nonsense.