Captivated: A Hate to Love Romance

by Julia Imari

If you've ever met someone who thinks you're not worth their time, then you'll know how Georgette Cook feels.

Liam Brently is the photographer for her lingerie shoot.

Everything about him screams perfection.

Incredibly successful.

Incredibly gorgeous.Incredibly aloof.

He doesn't know, but he's the key to her success.

Too bad he wants nothing to do with her.

Doubly bad that they're forced to work together as a team.

And this is where things get interesting . . .

. . . because he wants her to fail.

Captivated is book one of three books in Dangerous to Love series. It features a brooding alpha hero with a secret, sassy heroine, and scorching love scenes that will melt your kindle.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2020

About the author

Julia writes sweet and heartfelt romance with a dash of steam along with a warm and fuzzy happy ending. She attended the National University of Malaysia where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology and Master’s in Psychological Research Methods from the University of Lancaster, UK.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, movies, traveling and taking pictures of nature and landscapes. Julia lives in the Boston Metro area with her husband.

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Reviews

[R Huiszoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Imari, ‘Captivated’.
Dangerous to Love Series, book 1.
A Hate to Love Romance.

As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I promised to review the books 2 (Captured) and 3 (Conquered) of this series. And got also for free the Prequel (Intrigued) and book 1 (Captivated).

Here my review of book 1 ‘Captivated’.

In general: From Hate to Love.

Rating: 4,5 (of 5 stars).

The main characters were introduced in the prequel ‘Intrigued’:
- Georgette ‘George’ Cook (24).
Her ambition is to become a fashion designer in Manhattan.
To pay the bills she works in a fashion boutique, where she uses successfully her decorative talents with the display window.

- William ‘Liam’ Brentley.
A successful former model and an accomplished fashion photographer. Survivor of a bad divorce. He starts a new career, for his family owns a big company of fashion stores and his old dad wants to retire.

‘Captivated’ starts where the prequel ends. From Morgan Finnigan ‘Finn’ (owner of a model agency and also Liam’s former boss) Georgette gets an important assignment at the big fashion company, Fittonia, as the fresh, young ‘face’ of their new lingerie line. She needs a top photographer for this job so Finn forces her to accept Liam (instead of her roommate Olivia). Liam isn’t happy for he is starting a new career and thinks that George is too inexperienced. But his ex boss Finn was a good friend during his divorce, so he accepts the assignment with a newbie as a last job for the model agency.
At their first photo session the reluctant Liam treats Georgette rude and tells her that she has not the right mentality to become a model and not enough experience. Both complain to Finn and get a pep talk in return. Gradually their relationship gets better. More mutual respect and a growing physical attraction result in a greater self-confidence with ‘Cookie’ and Liam feels more and more that he could be a good mentor for her.
The author, Julia Imari, elaborates with insight the interesting plot, creates nice, honest dialogues and sweet lovely scenes between the two main characters.
So this reader is looking forward to the last 2 books of this series to discover how the relationship and the careers of Liam and Georgette will develop.

R. Huiszoon.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved everything I’ve previously read from this author, and it absolutely kills me to come to the end of this book and be left feeling just… meh. Rather than ‘hate to love’, I’d call this story more ‘opposites attract’. I didn’t feel strong enough emotions to be called hate. I kind of didn’t feel much of an emotional connection with or between the characters, to be honest. I think Georgette is sweet, though blitheringly naïve. For the most part, Liam came across as a jaded jerk. However, there are glimmers of a better person underneath that intrigue me. What really had me concerned is that in an era of #metoo, parts of the plot felt kind of tone deaf. Liam’s actions in the face of Georgette’s obvious inexperience seemed more than a little predatory. There are also far too many secrets being kept that I can’t for the life of me figure out why they’re secret, but I am curious to learn more about what’s behind all the secrecy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Amii · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Georgette is by far my favourite heroine from all of the books I’ve ever read, you can’t help but love her and how genuine she is. She’s such a sweetheart and a lovable character that you can relate to. I couldn’t find a single fault with her, the book is written beautifully and the storyline had me addicted from the first chapter, I cannot wait to read the next one! If you love a great light hearted romance then this book is perfect for you... I can’t wait for the next part of her journey with Liam! The easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given. This author has me intrigued, I can’t wait to see what other books they have to offer. I couldn’t put this book down and read it from start to finish in one go! I read this book as an ARC.

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. The conversations, and book overall, felt incomplete and jumped all over the place. I could get where the author was going with the characters and their personalities, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. Liam just felt like a creeper at the beginning of the book. An older photographer taking advantage of a younger model. The chemistry between the main characters felt forced instead of the instant connection the author was going for. It ended on a cliffhanger, but I don't really feel the need to continue the series.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[M H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of telling

A story will lots of potential that unfortunately missed the mark. It was even contradictory, he doesn't date but he's considering making a woman he can't stand and doesn't like his girlfriend? The thing that prevented the story from being good is that there is a lot of telling and not showing. Some scenes even felt awkward like the intimate scene, it didn't feel romantic. Plus he acts too childish, I want you, no, I don't want you, then but I do want you.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Siyka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the two characters and especially the way the difference between their experience in life. Their interactions were a bit confusing at times but I guess that was part of the story.
I liked the style and am curious to see the next part of the story.

[Willow Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy to review and I love the way she writes. The book was good but I hate when I have to wait for the rest of the story. Other than that it was really well written