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Business of Love #1
Talk Dirty to Me
A woman in the business of love that’s never been in a real relationship.
Check. That’s me. Nessa Night.
Now I know what you’re thinking. That sounds like a stripper name.
Hold up. Let me explain.
It’s my radio talk-show name. My incognito way of helping the world love deeper and more often.
Though my love life is like a ten-year-old fall leaf trapped between the pages of an old journal. #dramatic
I’m short. Curvy. Average at best.
And I’m a fraud.
For all the advice I give on the air, I have zero experience to back it up. I’m eternally single. Forever alone.
And the only man I’ve ever caught feelings for is one of my callers: Mr No Name.
Much to my surprise, he’s not unknown at all.
The grandson of the great Jack Daniels is my caller, and worse? He’s my brother’s best friend from high school.
Only one way to right these increasingly awkward wrongs.
High school reunion time. He wants in, and I want a date who looks like him.
The only thing off is his advice about love. It’s from Nessa night. Me!
And if he swoons over her (me!) one more time, I’ll have to give in and tell him.
Besides, I’m in the business of love.
If I don’t got this, who does? *Gulp*
Check. That’s me. Nessa Night.
Now I know what you’re thinking. That sounds like a stripper name.
Hold up. Let me explain.
It’s my radio talk-show name. My incognito way of helping the world love deeper and more often.
Though my love life is like a ten-year-old fall leaf trapped between the pages of an old journal. #dramatic
I’m short. Curvy. Average at best.
And I’m a fraud.
For all the advice I give on the air, I have zero experience to back it up. I’m eternally single. Forever alone.
And the only man I’ve ever caught feelings for is one of my callers: Mr No Name.
Much to my surprise, he’s not unknown at all.
The grandson of the great Jack Daniels is my caller, and worse? He’s my brother’s best friend from high school.
Only one way to right these increasingly awkward wrongs.
High school reunion time. He wants in, and I want a date who looks like him.
The only thing off is his advice about love. It’s from Nessa night. Me!
And if he swoons over her (me!) one more time, I’ll have to give in and tell him.
Besides, I’m in the business of love.
If I don’t got this, who does? *Gulp*
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2020
1727 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
About the author
Ali Parker
367 books2,054 followersAli Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
May 17, 2020
First of all, this title has nothing to do with the book. Just getting that out of the way.
This book seemed so promising. Shy Vanny, an overweight woman who works at a clothing store and hasn't ever had a real relationship, has an alternate identity--radio show host and love expert Nessa Night. She's crushing on a guy who she's talked to on the show... and he's crushing on her too... and then it turns out he's her older brother's best friend, Rhys, who she hasn't seen in years. She figures it out right away, but he doesn't know about her dual identity and she doesn't tell him. (It's not like Vanny and Nessa aren't both totally obviously nicknames that are pretty obviously both short for Vanessa, so you can totally understand how he might not pick up on it, right? smh.) She's insecure about having any interaction with him, because he's a super-rich, super-hot entrepreneur who's dated tons of women, and she's the chick who gets random guys suggesting she take diet pills and has her grandmother criticizing her eating habits all the time.
It's a bit hokey, but setting aside the hoke factor, I thought this premise had a lot of potential and I initially really liked Vanessa's character. I think this could have been a really interesting book. But I didn't like the way it ended up going from here.
This book seemed so promising. Shy Vanny, an overweight woman who works at a clothing store and hasn't ever had a real relationship, has an alternate identity--radio show host and love expert Nessa Night. She's crushing on a guy who she's talked to on the show... and he's crushing on her too... and then it turns out he's her older brother's best friend, Rhys, who she hasn't seen in years. She figures it out right away, but he doesn't know about her dual identity and she doesn't tell him. (It's not like Vanny and Nessa aren't both totally obviously nicknames that are pretty obviously both short for Vanessa, so you can totally understand how he might not pick up on it, right? smh.) She's insecure about having any interaction with him, because he's a super-rich, super-hot entrepreneur who's dated tons of women, and she's the chick who gets random guys suggesting she take diet pills and has her grandmother criticizing her eating habits all the time.
It's a bit hokey, but setting aside the hoke factor, I thought this premise had a lot of potential and I initially really liked Vanessa's character. I think this could have been a really interesting book. But I didn't like the way it ended up going from here.
March 25, 2020
**no spoilers per say but I do talk about some of the characters personalities and progression???**
So this book didn’t really do it for me. Based on the description it caught my attention but as the story went on I found myself not wanting to continue. The main girl, Vanny, is incredibly insecure (which I don’t have a problem with in stories) but with this one it just seemed hammered to death. I didn’t mind Rhys (male lead) he was sweet, protective, and loyal and honestly got put through some shit with Vanny towards the end of the book that Vanny handled in a very immature way. Honestly, that part took me out of the story if nothing else and I just kept going to finish it. Then Vanny continued being a frustrating character and make weird decisions (even though she gives people relationship advice and wants to be a marriage counselor). Now, I know people can give advice and not take it themselves...but Vanny was like the queen of self-sabotage, not communicating, and hiding things. Throughout the entire book it feels like Rhys is the only one who put in any effort into the “relationship” and I think he deserved better than that.
So this book didn’t really do it for me. Based on the description it caught my attention but as the story went on I found myself not wanting to continue. The main girl, Vanny, is incredibly insecure (which I don’t have a problem with in stories) but with this one it just seemed hammered to death. I didn’t mind Rhys (male lead) he was sweet, protective, and loyal and honestly got put through some shit with Vanny towards the end of the book that Vanny handled in a very immature way. Honestly, that part took me out of the story if nothing else and I just kept going to finish it. Then Vanny continued being a frustrating character and make weird decisions (even though she gives people relationship advice and wants to be a marriage counselor). Now, I know people can give advice and not take it themselves...but Vanny was like the queen of self-sabotage, not communicating, and hiding things. Throughout the entire book it feels like Rhys is the only one who put in any effort into the “relationship” and I think he deserved better than that.
July 31, 2020
DO NOT READ! Absolute unbelievable tripe. The main character was a horrible, selfish, vain person. And I dare someone to tell me I'm victim blaming this judgemental, egotistical witch. Whoooo. I haven't felt so much anger at the way a character is written in a long time.
*Spoilers*
We're all on our own journey in different places. But Vanessa was ugly inside and out. I understand how overpowering negativity and low self esteem could be, but I almost wanted to walk out a parade for her best friend when she told her to "Work harder" at therapy. And then how she reacted when Rhys was late. You self involved twit! This man literally fought his way to your side and all that preaching on your radio show about communication to then turn around and be a complete hypocrite! He was late to your HS reunion. Not your wedding. Not someone's funeral. And YOU KNEW where he was. His mom was about to go to rehab and all you could think about was sticking a hot guy in some petty girl's face. Girl bye. Ain't nobody got time for you and your ego. The world doesn't revolve around you and your issues. And then not talking to the man for 6 months even when his father died. Nothing in your little black heart said maybe I should offer some comfort. I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy. She needs to be single so she doesn't ruin some poor man's life like she did Rhys. If I was her family forget shaming her for being fat I'd shame her for her self-righteous, hypocritical, manipulative, self-absorbed...oooo I wanna curse. Just no. No on all counts for writing a character that reinforces this selfish victimhood behavior. You are still responsible for your actions and choices no matter what hand you are dealt. Just because you are hurt does not give you a pass to hurt others. And the lack of actual responsibility taken for her actions and not even apologizing fully...ugh do not reinforce this bull. Whether you're skinny or fat, pretty or ugly, does not excuse your being a poor excuse for a human being.
That's all folks.
*Spoilers*
We're all on our own journey in different places. But Vanessa was ugly inside and out. I understand how overpowering negativity and low self esteem could be, but I almost wanted to walk out a parade for her best friend when she told her to "Work harder" at therapy. And then how she reacted when Rhys was late. You self involved twit! This man literally fought his way to your side and all that preaching on your radio show about communication to then turn around and be a complete hypocrite! He was late to your HS reunion. Not your wedding. Not someone's funeral. And YOU KNEW where he was. His mom was about to go to rehab and all you could think about was sticking a hot guy in some petty girl's face. Girl bye. Ain't nobody got time for you and your ego. The world doesn't revolve around you and your issues. And then not talking to the man for 6 months even when his father died. Nothing in your little black heart said maybe I should offer some comfort. I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy. She needs to be single so she doesn't ruin some poor man's life like she did Rhys. If I was her family forget shaming her for being fat I'd shame her for her self-righteous, hypocritical, manipulative, self-absorbed...oooo I wanna curse. Just no. No on all counts for writing a character that reinforces this selfish victimhood behavior. You are still responsible for your actions and choices no matter what hand you are dealt. Just because you are hurt does not give you a pass to hurt others. And the lack of actual responsibility taken for her actions and not even apologizing fully...ugh do not reinforce this bull. Whether you're skinny or fat, pretty or ugly, does not excuse your being a poor excuse for a human being.
That's all folks.
August 27, 2025
Book one of Ali Parker’s Business of Love series features fmc Vanessa, a skinny girls dress shop worker by day and a radio station relationship expert by night. Embarrassed by her lack of love experience she keeps it from everyone, except her parents. Enter Rhys, millionaire, brother’s best friend, and definitely interested in her, he plots a scheme to get to know her more intimately. I liked Vanessa, her representation for plus size gals was nice to read, but I felt like it was too much of the focus. I wanted a bit more romance or wooing than we were given. Yes Vanny’s insecurities were deeply ingrained, I can go into all the cultural differences we women go through with our outlook on weight, but I won’t because we as women, all sizes, think about our weight too much. Me included. Which leaves me with wanting more hunky Rhys and Vanny in his hot tub. Still on fence about continuing series, but not against it. I enjoyed the book.
February 28, 2020
This was a great book that was a joy to read. Once I started it was hard to put down. The story line was well developed and had enough twists to keep me guessing. I loved how the W. Parker romance novels were worked into the story line. And I loved the line ... "Of course, I do. without me, you'd still be in diapers." The Chemistry between Vanessa/Nessa and Mr. No Name was explosive. Nessa's a virgin who's never been in love except for high school crushes on her brother's best friend. That makes her feel like a fraud since her alter-ego is host of a night time call in romance advice show. Of course Mr No Name is one of her regular callers. Lots of drama, a fake fiance for a reunion date creates quite a bit of action. No spoiler here, but this is one book you need to read. I read an arc copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
January 26, 2022
That title has nothing to do with anything from this story. I liked the hero but the heroine is just… annoying, self destructive in the worst way imo, and I am as big woman so I get it but still ..
KU read
KU read
May 11, 2020
This book was truly awful with little redemption except for the hero. Why is it that in romance books I more often than not am cheering for the hero who actually acts like a rational adult, and can’t stand the completely immature and irrational heroine? This book was no exception. I get the low self esteem but the lengths she went to creating excuses and flat out telling him he didn’t actually know his own feelings was maddening. Believe it or not I was on board for the most part until the reunion. The fact that she was pissed at HIM for having the audacity to get beaten up... this bitch’s insecurity goes beyond self-sabotage straight into selfish asshole territory. Asshat didn’t even stop to ask if he was ok. Then you don’t even reach out to tell him you’re PREGNANT?! Or express your condolences like a scent person? Your mama didn’t teach you right. 😡 🤯🤬😤
The supporting characters don’t do this book any favors. Gigi is the only one with a backbone, moral compass, decency and rationality. Kim truly takes the cake though in the competition to see who could be the actual worst human being in the universe. In the first few chapters she not only guilts her into going out when she’s clearly not comfortable and up for it, all so she can have a wingman, then you sit back and ditch her for the assholes who are blatantly being jerks to your supposed bestie RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!! Apparently Kim thinks that by flirting and fucking the dudes who are vile to her bff, is really showing them not to mess with her best friend 😒. The icing on the cake was when she dropped the bombshell of having fucked the forty year old guy who was a dickwad to Vanny (WHICH SHE TOLD YOU ABOUT.. seriously I’m not a huge proponent of girl or guy codes, but even I know that if your friend says that some guy disrespected, humiliated and belittled her, you don’t go sleeping with him, then come back to brag about it to her and somehow being proud of the fact he was married). Seriously Kim’s predilection for assholes and taken men warrants a serious intervention.
Like I said, I was on board with the book until the reunion. I cannot stand when authors (most offenders are in romance sadly) spend half the book delving into the issues in detail, spending almost too many pages one could argue, describing the same repetitive conversations, but then suddenly wraps all the other juicy bits that happened afterward into two or three short chapters. Where was the talk between father and son? Why are we suddenly now just thrown with the “guess what I’m pregnant” trope and just expects to be on board as readers? Seriously if you want your readers to connect, showing just a little of the journey the heroine had could’ve possibly helped them sympathize with her just a little more. Instead I just hated her, except for the two sporadic outbreaks she had where she actually stood up for herself.
If you like to feel exasperated throughout a book, then this is for you.
The supporting characters don’t do this book any favors. Gigi is the only one with a backbone, moral compass, decency and rationality. Kim truly takes the cake though in the competition to see who could be the actual worst human being in the universe. In the first few chapters she not only guilts her into going out when she’s clearly not comfortable and up for it, all so she can have a wingman, then you sit back and ditch her for the assholes who are blatantly being jerks to your supposed bestie RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!! Apparently Kim thinks that by flirting and fucking the dudes who are vile to her bff, is really showing them not to mess with her best friend 😒. The icing on the cake was when she dropped the bombshell of having fucked the forty year old guy who was a dickwad to Vanny (WHICH SHE TOLD YOU ABOUT.. seriously I’m not a huge proponent of girl or guy codes, but even I know that if your friend says that some guy disrespected, humiliated and belittled her, you don’t go sleeping with him, then come back to brag about it to her and somehow being proud of the fact he was married). Seriously Kim’s predilection for assholes and taken men warrants a serious intervention.
Like I said, I was on board with the book until the reunion. I cannot stand when authors (most offenders are in romance sadly) spend half the book delving into the issues in detail, spending almost too many pages one could argue, describing the same repetitive conversations, but then suddenly wraps all the other juicy bits that happened afterward into two or three short chapters. Where was the talk between father and son? Why are we suddenly now just thrown with the “guess what I’m pregnant” trope and just expects to be on board as readers? Seriously if you want your readers to connect, showing just a little of the journey the heroine had could’ve possibly helped them sympathize with her just a little more. Instead I just hated her, except for the two sporadic outbreaks she had where she actually stood up for herself.
If you like to feel exasperated throughout a book, then this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2020
Holy self image issues Batman!!! That was the ENTIRE BOOK!!!!!! Someone call this chick a wah-mbulence because she has gorgeous curves and a hot as fuh man wants in her pants. The entire book people. Awful. I straight up had to skim the inner dialogue because of her negative thoughts. Also, no actual epiphany to better herself. No actual help from the therapist the heroine sees in the book. No actual help from her wonderful parents. She just gets over it by some miracle at 95% ugh. Total suck balls people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2020
Such a great premise for a story... but I couldn’t deal with Vanny/Nessa... she was sooooo negative toward herself. You’re a grown woman - lose the weight or stop fucking complaining about being fat and nothing fitting. I get people have insecurities, but she did NOTHING to help herself.
Rhys was... ok... nothing overly great about him...
I only made it to 30% because I couldn’t stand the grandmother and Vanny’s harsh words about her body.
I read a few spoilers so I know what happens and all I can say is that’s ridiculous and SO lame.
Rhys was... ok... nothing overly great about him...
I only made it to 30% because I couldn’t stand the grandmother and Vanny’s harsh words about her body.
I read a few spoilers so I know what happens and all I can say is that’s ridiculous and SO lame.
March 3, 2020
I love this author and enjoy all her books so I don’t write this review lightly. But unfortunately, this was my least favorite book from Ali.
I really liked the blurb but in the end storyline didn’t deliver in my opinion.
I couldn’t connect with characters, especially with Vanny. I found her pretty immature and her repetitive inner monologues about her looks drove me crazy! I understand body shaming, but based on her description I would never say she’s overweight! She had practically nonexistent self-confidence and her grandma also didn’t help the matter. Rhys was okay but not overly developed as a character. I also didn’t like the drama around Vanny’s radio personality Nessa, it seemed unnecessary in my opinion.
It was all tied pretty good in the end, and ending was sweet. But I’m used to much better from Ali.
I received an advanced copy of this book from author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I really liked the blurb but in the end storyline didn’t deliver in my opinion.
I couldn’t connect with characters, especially with Vanny. I found her pretty immature and her repetitive inner monologues about her looks drove me crazy! I understand body shaming, but based on her description I would never say she’s overweight! She had practically nonexistent self-confidence and her grandma also didn’t help the matter. Rhys was okay but not overly developed as a character. I also didn’t like the drama around Vanny’s radio personality Nessa, it seemed unnecessary in my opinion.
It was all tied pretty good in the end, and ending was sweet. But I’m used to much better from Ali.
I received an advanced copy of this book from author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 29, 2020
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting story line, The author does a great job building the story and dealing with Vanessa's lack of confidence as well as Rhys's issues. She gives them a strong connection and hot chemistry and moves the story fluidly,delivering a realistic read filled with drama , anxiety and love.Her detailed and descriptive scenes are painted vividly and brings the story to life. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 19, 2021
I thought for sure I was going to enjoy this book. It obviously didn't work out so well for me.
The heroine of the book is overly insecure. It's one thing to create an insecure character, but the author beat the insecurities to death. I found myself eye rolling and groaning all the way through the book. I just wanted to shout at her to get over herself. The author definitely needed better development of this character.
The hero in this book was swoon worthy. He was everything he should be in this book. It's just a shame the author paired him with this heroine. He definitely deserved a better match for him than what he got.
I struggled with this one. I wanted to walk away from it so many times. I had to force myself to see it through. I had hoped it would get better. Unfortunately, it didn't get better for me. I was so relieved to get to the end.
The heroine of the book is overly insecure. It's one thing to create an insecure character, but the author beat the insecurities to death. I found myself eye rolling and groaning all the way through the book. I just wanted to shout at her to get over herself. The author definitely needed better development of this character.
The hero in this book was swoon worthy. He was everything he should be in this book. It's just a shame the author paired him with this heroine. He definitely deserved a better match for him than what he got.
I struggled with this one. I wanted to walk away from it so many times. I had to force myself to see it through. I had hoped it would get better. Unfortunately, it didn't get better for me. I was so relieved to get to the end.
February 12, 2021
The love guru who is loveless....
I like the way Nessa carried this secret for the longest, i feel her weight issue and the experience of people who are so insensitive to what you feel. Her therapies are relatable, but shes working on it one step at a time until her fantasy man came to life. I'm swooning on the sweet and gentle way Rhys dealt with his attraction to her. If a man really feels for you he is capable of doing a 360 just to be with someone worth more than all his riches. Makes you feel the feels !
I like the way Nessa carried this secret for the longest, i feel her weight issue and the experience of people who are so insensitive to what you feel. Her therapies are relatable, but shes working on it one step at a time until her fantasy man came to life. I'm swooning on the sweet and gentle way Rhys dealt with his attraction to her. If a man really feels for you he is capable of doing a 360 just to be with someone worth more than all his riches. Makes you feel the feels !
February 23, 2021
This was a cute read, about Vanny, she’s a 20 something woman who has serious confidence issues, her only freedom is being a radio DJ for a show where her alter ego takes over, she also has a crush on a caller called Mr no name, that is until she realised that her mysterious caller is her brothers best friend Rhys. What happens when they both feel the attraction to each other?
I enjoyed the story, plot and characters, I didn’t like how negative Vanny was about herself but this is how many women feel. Rhys was sweet, and his feelings were cute. Some angst, some steamy moments, some venomous moments, but overall a nice read.
I enjoyed the story, plot and characters, I didn’t like how negative Vanny was about herself but this is how many women feel. Rhys was sweet, and his feelings were cute. Some angst, some steamy moments, some venomous moments, but overall a nice read.
October 22, 2021
This was a fun romance. Nessa Night is a radio DJ giving advice on love when she has never been in a relationship. She starts to fall for a regular caller and then realises it’s her brothers best friend Rhys. As she has kept her DJ identity a secret he has no idea that he has called and divulged his secrets to her. Nessa is a curvy girl and a bit self conscious and doesn’t feel worthy of the attention.
I liked the banter between the two MCs. I hated Nessa’s Grannie for most of the book and it got a wee bit annoying how much Nessa’s weight was mentioned. Other than that it was a good read.
I liked the banter between the two MCs. I hated Nessa’s Grannie for most of the book and it got a wee bit annoying how much Nessa’s weight was mentioned. Other than that it was a good read.
April 4, 2020
I cannot get over how much I loved this book. It was so good. Yes there is romance but more than that it gives an amazing look at body images issues as well as body shaming from outside forces. I loved the romance but I also loved the awesome messages in this book.
December 13, 2020
Wow, this was bad!
I almost never write reviews but somehow I felt compelled. This crammed it all in. A girl who is self-conscious about her weight. The forbidden brother's best friend. A case of hidden identity. A billionaire. A fake engagement. A surprise pregnancy. Gosh, pick one thing already! Unfortunately I have a hard time not finishing books so I suffered all the way through this one.
I almost never write reviews but somehow I felt compelled. This crammed it all in. A girl who is self-conscious about her weight. The forbidden brother's best friend. A case of hidden identity. A billionaire. A fake engagement. A surprise pregnancy. Gosh, pick one thing already! Unfortunately I have a hard time not finishing books so I suffered all the way through this one.
September 24, 2021
The writing is fine, I just got sick of the heroine fat shaming herself almost on every page. DNF, sorry.
February 14, 2021
Fantastic
Fantastic is how I would start this off. I was so happy when they figured out who they were to each other. Their love was magical to me. Reading a story where the heroine is a big curvy girl made my day. I love Ryhs.
Fantastic is how I would start this off. I was so happy when they figured out who they were to each other. Their love was magical to me. Reading a story where the heroine is a big curvy girl made my day. I love Ryhs.
March 9, 2020
Maybe it's just me but I was a little disappointed in this! I really enjoyed big women stories, but this was not what I hoped for. Way to many misunderstandings hurt feelings and a few mean thoughtless people.
Want to read
August 19, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/9/2020)! 🎁
January 31, 2022
Great book!
Great book. Loved the main characters and the supporting characters. It was refreshing and genuine. I really enjoyed this book.
Great book. Loved the main characters and the supporting characters. It was refreshing and genuine. I really enjoyed this book.
February 29, 2020
Kudos to Ali Parker on this remarkable story!! Vannessa "Vanny" Hampton is a remarkable woman even if she can't see it in herself. Bullied and picked on through school because of her weight Vanny suffers daily from body shame and thinks herself unlovable. She works in a dress shop where the sizes tend to smaller women but at night she can pretend to be someone else behind the mic of a popular talk show healing hearts as Nessa Night, a love guru. There is one caller "Mr. No Name" that just hits all her dream levels. Rhys Daniels is a billionaire of his own making but doesn't have a good track record with women. He doesn't have the best relationship with his parents but his grandmother, Gigi is his saving grace, along with his best friend Chris. Rhys has just ended a two year relationship from his cheating girlfriend and tries to find solace on a talk show from Nessa Night. There's just a feeling he gets just taking to her. When Vanny's brother Chris brings his best friend home for dinner between his pro football games Vanny is shocked to hear Mr. No Names laugh, this can't be happening. Rhys is attracted to Vanny from the get go. She's beautiful inside and out but Chris warns him away from his baby sister. Vanny has a ten year school reunion coming up but is terrified to go because of the people that made her life hell. Rhys proposes to go as her fake fiance just to spend time with her. Another lie Vanny has to add to her already long list but what the hell it's fake because someone like Rhys couldn't possibly be interested in someone like her... right. What happens when fake doesn't feel like fake anymore and you are terrified of getting hurt??? Vanny pushes Rhys away and doesn't give him a chance to hurt her. Rhys has suffered a lot but most of his pain is from losing Vanny, he needs her back. After suffering for six long months Rhys calls Nessa Night to confess his love for Vanny. Will she give him a second chance?? Vanny has a secret she's been hiding, but not for long and not sure how Rhys will take the news. Is there a happy ever after for Nessa Night the love guru??? Ali Parker really rocks this story!!! Watching Vanny struggle daily with her body shame and comments from others strikes a chord with me and I'm so happy she was able to finally see herself add others do and find that one true person to prove it to her. This is an absolutely MUST READ!!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my favorites collection. Hoping to see a story for Kim and Chris as one or two different stori
February 28, 2020
Hiding behind the mic
Vanessa Hampton known to her family and friends as Vanny. Others know her as Nessa yes Nessa from the radio talk show Nessa Nights, where she gives advice on love and relationships, something she has no experience in but yet she is dang good at it. There is this one caller “Mr. No Name” that when he calls, she is excited to talk to him. There’s just something about him. So, when he calls into to get advice on his last relationship and how it ended that gave her a moment of hope only to realize it would never happen or so she thought. Vanny’s brother Chris who is a pro football player is home for a break and his best friend Rhys Daniels comes for dinner. When Rhys gets there, he walks in on Vanny’s grandmother giving her a hard time on her weight. Which really bothers him because when he sees her, he is immediately taken by her beauty. When Vanny turns to leave the kitchen, she runs right into Rhys. They share conversation and the more they talk she realizes he is Mr. No Name. Vanny says that there is no way because after all Rhys is handsome and he’s a millionaire and well know why we he wants to be with a curvy woman like her. Vanny is down herself because of her weight. Rhys doesn’t see Vanny as fat he loves her size and is finding himself falling for her so when she mentions her 10-year class reunion he jumps on the chance to pose as her fake fiancé. Rhys has his on set of personal problems he is dealing with and they tend to bring him down. Will they cause him to lose Vanny?
I loved this book!!! I couldn’t put it down. It has all the emotions, I found myself laughing out loud and there were times my heart was heavy for the things the characters went through. Ali bring us a story of bullying, friendship, family struggles and addictions, but she also shows us what its like to have someone love you for you! I loved the way Rhys was constantly building Vanny up. He showed her that size doesn’t matter. He was sweet and kind and loving. Ali also brings us amazing secondary characters. I loved Vanny’s best friend Kim and also her brother Chris, heck they were all great even Nannie! Oh, I really enjoyed the reference to W Parker and trying to figure out the sex of the author.
Thanks, Ali, for this awesome story it was definitely worth 5 stars. II am honored to have received and ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I will be purchasing a copy to have in my favorites as well.
Vanessa Hampton known to her family and friends as Vanny. Others know her as Nessa yes Nessa from the radio talk show Nessa Nights, where she gives advice on love and relationships, something she has no experience in but yet she is dang good at it. There is this one caller “Mr. No Name” that when he calls, she is excited to talk to him. There’s just something about him. So, when he calls into to get advice on his last relationship and how it ended that gave her a moment of hope only to realize it would never happen or so she thought. Vanny’s brother Chris who is a pro football player is home for a break and his best friend Rhys Daniels comes for dinner. When Rhys gets there, he walks in on Vanny’s grandmother giving her a hard time on her weight. Which really bothers him because when he sees her, he is immediately taken by her beauty. When Vanny turns to leave the kitchen, she runs right into Rhys. They share conversation and the more they talk she realizes he is Mr. No Name. Vanny says that there is no way because after all Rhys is handsome and he’s a millionaire and well know why we he wants to be with a curvy woman like her. Vanny is down herself because of her weight. Rhys doesn’t see Vanny as fat he loves her size and is finding himself falling for her so when she mentions her 10-year class reunion he jumps on the chance to pose as her fake fiancé. Rhys has his on set of personal problems he is dealing with and they tend to bring him down. Will they cause him to lose Vanny?
I loved this book!!! I couldn’t put it down. It has all the emotions, I found myself laughing out loud and there were times my heart was heavy for the things the characters went through. Ali bring us a story of bullying, friendship, family struggles and addictions, but she also shows us what its like to have someone love you for you! I loved the way Rhys was constantly building Vanny up. He showed her that size doesn’t matter. He was sweet and kind and loving. Ali also brings us amazing secondary characters. I loved Vanny’s best friend Kim and also her brother Chris, heck they were all great even Nannie! Oh, I really enjoyed the reference to W Parker and trying to figure out the sex of the author.
Thanks, Ali, for this awesome story it was definitely worth 5 stars. II am honored to have received and ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I will be purchasing a copy to have in my favorites as well.
October 18, 2021
Overall this was a good book. There were a few things that did bother me throughout most of the book but by the end those things were somewhat sorted out so it played out in the best way. The first thing that really bothered me was how hard Vanessa was on herself. She constantly said how much she disliked her figure and her weight but she truly didn't do much to change that situation. She was always eating donuts and drinking Mt. Dew. Cut back on those things and she would have seen a change I'm sure. I also didn't like the way her grandmother talked to and about her, as well as the fact that her own parents and brother NEVER stood up to the grandmother about the things she said to and about Vanessa. (The grandmother finally explained herself towards the end of the book, which made me not hate the elderly lady at that point). I thought her friend Kim was a bit overbearing at times. You would have thought she wouldn't have been so hard on her "best friend" but she was always pushing Vanessa to do things and go places wearing things she wasn't comfortable in.
I really liked Rhys. He never saw Vanny as she did. He just saw her as a beautiful woman and I wished he was able to help her with how she saw herself throughout the book but he was never able to really get through to her. Rhys may have been extremely wealthy but his home life regarding his parents was very hard for him. I am glad he had his grandmother to lean on when he needed someone. There were times I didn't think that he and Vanessa should even bother being together. She wasn't understanding at all to why he was late to her high school reunion...she only focused on the fact that he was late. He got jumped and almost mugged but she didn't even flinch when she saw his banged up face and the blood on his clothes. Then she leaves him hanging for 6 months. And during those 6 months, his father passed away and his mother was suffering through another stint in rehab. Not once did Vanessa contact him to see how he was holding up. And she was also keeping a secret from him and that was absolutely uncalled for. He deserved to know.
I was glad that these two were finally able to work things out towards their HEA.
I really liked Rhys. He never saw Vanny as she did. He just saw her as a beautiful woman and I wished he was able to help her with how she saw herself throughout the book but he was never able to really get through to her. Rhys may have been extremely wealthy but his home life regarding his parents was very hard for him. I am glad he had his grandmother to lean on when he needed someone. There were times I didn't think that he and Vanessa should even bother being together. She wasn't understanding at all to why he was late to her high school reunion...she only focused on the fact that he was late. He got jumped and almost mugged but she didn't even flinch when she saw his banged up face and the blood on his clothes. Then she leaves him hanging for 6 months. And during those 6 months, his father passed away and his mother was suffering through another stint in rehab. Not once did Vanessa contact him to see how he was holding up. And she was also keeping a secret from him and that was absolutely uncalled for. He deserved to know.
I was glad that these two were finally able to work things out towards their HEA.
January 17, 2023
I loved the idea of this book and was intrigued however found this to be lacking in various aspects. It started well and I enjoyed some of the other characters but Vanessa was so irritating. I understand she’s got body image issues and in other books this hasn’t been an issue with me, however this book overdid it by a long shot. She was constantly calling herself fat and playing the victim which just made her completely unlikable. The way it was written about her eating and self deprecation was way to overdone. Her interactions with others belittling her, coupled with Rhys seemingly being the only person to find her attractive, made it feel so immature and like a young adult story.
The reunion part annoyed me to no end as well, the man shows up with blood on him, saying he’s been jumped and shes actually pissed off and then doesn’t speak to him for 6 months? What?
Her nan was just as bad character wise and that whole storyline annoyed the hell out of me. I appreciate that the nan wasn’t supposed to be liked however I hated the complete change in character and sudden self reflection she had in the end, didn’t feel true to her character at all. She went from being down right nasty to self aware and apologising for no real reason. The storyline of her sending the doughnuts and mountain dew also made absolutely no sense.
I enjoyed Rhys’s character and storyline however felt the difference between him and Vanessa made them seem quite incompatible. He seemed very level headed and well rounded, whilst Vanessa’s character screamed emotional immaturity. It all felt chaotic and cliché, she’s able to give this great advice to people on the radio and then acts like a child in every other aspect of life.
In all honesty I’m not sure I’ve disliked a main character more than I did with Vanessa. Rhys deserved better and I really liked his character. This book had such great potential but really flopped for me. I’m intrigued by some of the other characters mentioned so will give the next one in the series a go, hopefully it’s better…
The reunion part annoyed me to no end as well, the man shows up with blood on him, saying he’s been jumped and shes actually pissed off and then doesn’t speak to him for 6 months? What?
Her nan was just as bad character wise and that whole storyline annoyed the hell out of me. I appreciate that the nan wasn’t supposed to be liked however I hated the complete change in character and sudden self reflection she had in the end, didn’t feel true to her character at all. She went from being down right nasty to self aware and apologising for no real reason. The storyline of her sending the doughnuts and mountain dew also made absolutely no sense.
I enjoyed Rhys’s character and storyline however felt the difference between him and Vanessa made them seem quite incompatible. He seemed very level headed and well rounded, whilst Vanessa’s character screamed emotional immaturity. It all felt chaotic and cliché, she’s able to give this great advice to people on the radio and then acts like a child in every other aspect of life.
In all honesty I’m not sure I’ve disliked a main character more than I did with Vanessa. Rhys deserved better and I really liked his character. This book had such great potential but really flopped for me. I’m intrigued by some of the other characters mentioned so will give the next one in the series a go, hopefully it’s better…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
A Hero to make a Plus Sized Girl Swoon!!
In my search for a heroine that is more like me, I have been looking to find romances with plus sized heroines and I came upon this story about Vanessa or Vanny aka Nessa Night! I really loved Vanny . There was so much about her that I could really relate to. She has never had a boyfriend or really any romance at all. She is self conscious and very uncomfortable with the way she looks. She is her worst critic and never sees herself the way others do. Then comes Rhys... sigh!!🥰 He sees all the wonderful parts of her and that includes her body. To him she is sexy and he would love nothing more than to be able to show her how much. But he is her big brother’s best friend and he has been told that she is off limits. But he just can’t help it and must see her. They come up with this plan of a fake engagement to help boost her image at an upcoming High School Reunion. They spend more and more time together to get to know each better and maybe fall in love in the process?? Problem is she has a really big secret she is hiding from him - she already knows a lot about his romantic past because she’s been giving him advice as a radio Love Guru ~ Nessa Night. Will these two opposites attract??
This book was an almost 5 ⭐️ review for me. I loved that despite the secret keeping Rhys was really able to see where Vanny was coming from. I loved his understanding and gentle approach to helping her find herself. But Vanny did what all of us self conscious ladies do and shoot it down time and again. It was annoying but I understood because she is like me. I probably would have done the same thing. What caught me off guard was the ending. It was just not needed. I won’t spoil it for you folks but I just felt like the HEA could have been much simpler and sweet. Really it made me like Vanny even less because she ran away again rather show up when Rhys really needed her. You’ll see what I mean if you read it!
In my search for a heroine that is more like me, I have been looking to find romances with plus sized heroines and I came upon this story about Vanessa or Vanny aka Nessa Night! I really loved Vanny . There was so much about her that I could really relate to. She has never had a boyfriend or really any romance at all. She is self conscious and very uncomfortable with the way she looks. She is her worst critic and never sees herself the way others do. Then comes Rhys... sigh!!🥰 He sees all the wonderful parts of her and that includes her body. To him she is sexy and he would love nothing more than to be able to show her how much. But he is her big brother’s best friend and he has been told that she is off limits. But he just can’t help it and must see her. They come up with this plan of a fake engagement to help boost her image at an upcoming High School Reunion. They spend more and more time together to get to know each better and maybe fall in love in the process?? Problem is she has a really big secret she is hiding from him - she already knows a lot about his romantic past because she’s been giving him advice as a radio Love Guru ~ Nessa Night. Will these two opposites attract??
This book was an almost 5 ⭐️ review for me. I loved that despite the secret keeping Rhys was really able to see where Vanny was coming from. I loved his understanding and gentle approach to helping her find herself. But Vanny did what all of us self conscious ladies do and shoot it down time and again. It was annoying but I understood because she is like me. I probably would have done the same thing. What caught me off guard was the ending. It was just not needed. I won’t spoil it for you folks but I just felt like the HEA could have been much simpler and sweet. Really it made me like Vanny even less because she ran away again rather show up when Rhys really needed her. You’ll see what I mean if you read it!
December 1, 2022
Quantity: 🔥🔥
Quality: 🔥🔥
Characters: ⭐️⭐️ (only because of Rhys)
Rhys: he was perfect. Idk what the fuck he was doing with Vanny because she was absolutely horrendous.
Vanny:
Vanessa got on my last nerve. The only time she thinks or speaks is to acknowledge how fat she is and wallow in self pity. She brought 2 donuts and a Mountain Dew for lunch, and then sits there and thinks about how upset she is that people judge her for her weight. If she was as concerned as her both inner and outer monologues make her sound, then she wouldn’t eat a lunch that consists of solely donuts!! 🤯
Her only personality traits are insecurity and self deprecating remarks. Wtf does Rhys see in her?? And I’m not saying that because she’s overweight, Im saying that because she’s annoying as all hell.
Breaking up with him because he was jumped, and literally beat to shit, but still managed to make it to her reunion?! Are you shitting me?? And the SIX FUCKING MONTHS that she spent broken up with him and ignored him whilst pregnant with his child?!? And kept it a secret from him?! And refused to speak to him?!? She says she didn’t know how to tell him, but he called her multiple times and went to her apartment to see her in person. She could have told him literally any of those times. She was the fucking worst, and didn’t deserve him at all.
Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The only characters well developed were Rhys and Kim. Vanny sucked, and I wish we had less of her development, because I hated every second of it.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hate then there’s a long breakup period. Like make it 6 weeks. 6 months is just stupid.
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing itself was good, but I can’t get over how much I hated Vanny.
Quality: 🔥🔥
Characters: ⭐️⭐️ (only because of Rhys)
Rhys: he was perfect. Idk what the fuck he was doing with Vanny because she was absolutely horrendous.
Vanny:
Vanessa got on my last nerve. The only time she thinks or speaks is to acknowledge how fat she is and wallow in self pity. She brought 2 donuts and a Mountain Dew for lunch, and then sits there and thinks about how upset she is that people judge her for her weight. If she was as concerned as her both inner and outer monologues make her sound, then she wouldn’t eat a lunch that consists of solely donuts!! 🤯
Her only personality traits are insecurity and self deprecating remarks. Wtf does Rhys see in her?? And I’m not saying that because she’s overweight, Im saying that because she’s annoying as all hell.
Breaking up with him because he was jumped, and literally beat to shit, but still managed to make it to her reunion?! Are you shitting me?? And the SIX FUCKING MONTHS that she spent broken up with him and ignored him whilst pregnant with his child?!? And kept it a secret from him?! And refused to speak to him?!? She says she didn’t know how to tell him, but he called her multiple times and went to her apartment to see her in person. She could have told him literally any of those times. She was the fucking worst, and didn’t deserve him at all.
Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The only characters well developed were Rhys and Kim. Vanny sucked, and I wish we had less of her development, because I hated every second of it.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hate then there’s a long breakup period. Like make it 6 weeks. 6 months is just stupid.
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing itself was good, but I can’t get over how much I hated Vanny.
March 4, 2020
Oh I do love this latest story by Ali Parker! The main characters, Vanny/Nessa/Vanessa and her older brother's best friend, Jack. Now Vanny goes by the name Nessa Night on a radio show where her identity is a guarded secret. She is a beautiful young woman with little confidence in herself [not helped by her maternal grandmother who constantly degrades her about her weight supposedly being 'helpful']. So her chat show is about love and people seeking love and finding love with it's many challenges. There is one caller who doesn't give his first name and she thinks of him as someone special and she loves his voice. But then circumstances bring them together even though he doesn't realise it at the time. As he sort of 'knew' her at high school, he is four years older and a self-made man from a wealthy family, but he thought she didn't like him. He comes home with her brother and he is instantly attracted to her and she recognises that he's her night caller. Should she confess? of course she doesn't! What happens next kept me totally absorbed in the book and laughing and being fully entertained by the storyline and well written prose. As for the ending? No spoilers from me but I will say that is definitely well worth the time to enjoy and read this wonderful page turner. Ali has assuredly written for us another fabulous book to relish and, in my case, want to re-read as it was just so good. I received a reader's copy of the book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. MOST DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
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