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I met Case Abbott when I was stepping out of the shower.
I had a towel wrapped around me.
He had his phone in his hand ready to call the police.
I thought sneaking into my older brother’s Manhattan apartment to surprise him was a great idea.
Except, I was the one who was surprised. Not only was my brother out of town, but he didn’t own the apartment.
His best friend, Case, did and he had plans for the night that didn’t include me.
After I packed up my things so I could check into a hotel, Case had a change of heart.
He told me I could stay in his guest room until my brother came back.
A week turned into two and then three and then more.
I should have been hurrying back to my life in Seattle.
Case was needed in California, where he lived most of the time.
But our attraction was undeniable.
My gorgeous temporary roommate proposed that we cross the line with the mutual understanding that when my brother returned to New York, we’d go our separate ways.
We both knew that there was a risk that someone would get hurt.
Neither of us could have predicted who that would be.
I had a towel wrapped around me.
He had his phone in his hand ready to call the police.
I thought sneaking into my older brother’s Manhattan apartment to surprise him was a great idea.
Except, I was the one who was surprised. Not only was my brother out of town, but he didn’t own the apartment.
His best friend, Case, did and he had plans for the night that didn’t include me.
After I packed up my things so I could check into a hotel, Case had a change of heart.
He told me I could stay in his guest room until my brother came back.
A week turned into two and then three and then more.
I should have been hurrying back to my life in Seattle.
Case was needed in California, where he lived most of the time.
But our attraction was undeniable.
My gorgeous temporary roommate proposed that we cross the line with the mutual understanding that when my brother returned to New York, we’d go our separate ways.
We both knew that there was a risk that someone would get hurt.
Neither of us could have predicted who that would be.
356 pages, ebook
Published July 8, 2020
383 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Bladon
101 books2,338 followersDeborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 12, 2020
3.25 Love Is Complicated Stars
* * * 1/4 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Sometimes I will fall in love with an idea. If a blurb catches my eye, makes me think it would click with me, I am all in. Deborah Bladon set me up with the blurb for Rush. I love a surprise meeting, a best friend's sister or brother, and the need to be together no matter what.
Rush delivers on all of that plus gives a more complicated story than just those above-mentioned elements. She has our main guy still in pain over some kind of loss. We have the gal's older brother not where he was supposed to be due to him on a secret love mission of sorts.
All of these things do come together with the budding romance of our couple. We are given the necessary answers in the end.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/4 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Sometimes I will fall in love with an idea. If a blurb catches my eye, makes me think it would click with me, I am all in. Deborah Bladon set me up with the blurb for Rush. I love a surprise meeting, a best friend's sister or brother, and the need to be together no matter what.
Rush delivers on all of that plus gives a more complicated story than just those above-mentioned elements. She has our main guy still in pain over some kind of loss. We have the gal's older brother not where he was supposed to be due to him on a secret love mission of sorts.
All of these things do come together with the budding romance of our couple. We are given the necessary answers in the end.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 11, 2020
SO GOOD
Loved the chemistry between these two! This best friend's little sister romance played out very differently than I expected - and I am completely okay with that. It's essentially a strangers to lovers romance because these two have never met before. After crashing into each other's lives in a big way, Case and Emma find themselves falling hard and fast. It's sexy, light with touches of angst, and a much slower burn than I anticipated, which is definitely a good thing. I was hooked from the start; it's completely devourable, reading quickly with never a dull moment.
The story follows Case, a software developer who flew to New York City to tie up a few loose ends in his life. He's not in the city often, so he lets his best friend use his place. Expecting to walk into an empty apartment, Case is instead greeted by his best friend's little sister, Emma. Since they've never met before, it's quite the introduction. Broke and newly single, Emma came to the city to surprise her brother but now finds herself stuck with a near stranger. As the two share the apartment over the course of several days, they get to know each other a whole lot better. Though there's obvious chemistry there, it's complicated by the fact that neither one will be in the city for long.
I'm not sure how I expected this one to play out, but it constantly kept me on my toes. These two characters are both working through some issues in their lives, but the tone stays mostly light and sexy. You can definitely feel the attraction there and I was rooting for Case and Emma from the start. The author sets things up so that the story is a little mysterious and unpredictable, unraveling as we get to know these two better. It's a slow burn to sizzle, getting steamy in the back half but still very much focusing on the emotional connection. I was completely engrossed, wanting to know how these two would be able to make things work. If I have one complaint it would be that the ending became unnecessarily complicated, but I enjoyed this one from start to finish.
Loved the chemistry between these two! This best friend's little sister romance played out very differently than I expected - and I am completely okay with that. It's essentially a strangers to lovers romance because these two have never met before. After crashing into each other's lives in a big way, Case and Emma find themselves falling hard and fast. It's sexy, light with touches of angst, and a much slower burn than I anticipated, which is definitely a good thing. I was hooked from the start; it's completely devourable, reading quickly with never a dull moment.
The story follows Case, a software developer who flew to New York City to tie up a few loose ends in his life. He's not in the city often, so he lets his best friend use his place. Expecting to walk into an empty apartment, Case is instead greeted by his best friend's little sister, Emma. Since they've never met before, it's quite the introduction. Broke and newly single, Emma came to the city to surprise her brother but now finds herself stuck with a near stranger. As the two share the apartment over the course of several days, they get to know each other a whole lot better. Though there's obvious chemistry there, it's complicated by the fact that neither one will be in the city for long.
I'm not sure how I expected this one to play out, but it constantly kept me on my toes. These two characters are both working through some issues in their lives, but the tone stays mostly light and sexy. You can definitely feel the attraction there and I was rooting for Case and Emma from the start. The author sets things up so that the story is a little mysterious and unpredictable, unraveling as we get to know these two better. It's a slow burn to sizzle, getting steamy in the back half but still very much focusing on the emotional connection. I was completely engrossed, wanting to know how these two would be able to make things work. If I have one complaint it would be that the ending became unnecessarily complicated, but I enjoyed this one from start to finish.
July 13, 2020
Deborah always makes me want more of her books!!! Keep them coming!
Case "Rush" heads back to NYC to take care a few things with his company, and didn't expect anyone in his apartment. Especially, not his best friends sister, Emma, one he has never met. Rush is also secretive about alot of things, and holding onto alot of baggage. While these two are unsure of each other, they do develop a somewhat "friendship" for the few days Emma is in the city. Somewhat forbidden, best friends sister, temporary location.
I love the character developments and their buildup of their connection. I love how the author intertwines characters from her past books and it all connects somehow into the DB world. Rush and Emma's chemistry was HOT HOT HOT. I love these two together. The only issue I had was her brother, I don't want to give too much away, but there is just something about him and how he was, I can't shake.....seemed selfish.
Case "Rush" heads back to NYC to take care a few things with his company, and didn't expect anyone in his apartment. Especially, not his best friends sister, Emma, one he has never met. Rush is also secretive about alot of things, and holding onto alot of baggage. While these two are unsure of each other, they do develop a somewhat "friendship" for the few days Emma is in the city. Somewhat forbidden, best friends sister, temporary location.
I love the character developments and their buildup of their connection. I love how the author intertwines characters from her past books and it all connects somehow into the DB world. Rush and Emma's chemistry was HOT HOT HOT. I love these two together. The only issue I had was her brother, I don't want to give too much away, but there is just something about him and how he was, I can't shake.....seemed selfish.
March 2, 2021
This was a very enjoyable read that was completed in one sitting. The story is about Case the owner of a luxury apartment in New York and Emma, the sister of his best friend Drake. After an awkward introduction, the two begin an unlikely friendship. The story takes you through a twisty path of confessions and tragedy. At times I laughed and some I cried. So tissues are essential. Little Micky was adorable and will pull the heartstrings. In my opinion this was a must-read if you enjoy a romantic novel with a happy ending
July 12, 2020
I loved everything about this book! The romance isn’t forced and the build up has no angst. I loved that the characters are flawed. The writing was incredible, I felt Rush and Emma’s vulnerability and that made me literally feel like I was with them.
Deborah Bladon always knows how to reel me in. I’m hooked and I’m not surprised that this book had my heart. This can be read as a complete standalone.
Outstanding!
Deborah Bladon always knows how to reel me in. I’m hooked and I’m not surprised that this book had my heart. This can be read as a complete standalone.
Outstanding!
Want to read
July 17, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/17/2022)! 🎁
July 22, 2020
I like the start of the book and how they met...then it went downhill and kept going... then it went back and forth and it was just a mess for me.
The pacing was pretty poor, with parts feeling really slow and like nothing was happening, and then other parts felt rushed. It didn't seem like Emma & Case had spent much time together at all before they were then seeming to be infatuated and bemoaning the fact they couldn't be together because of Emma's brother.
Too many things kept changing and going back and forth too many times that I just couldn't connect to the characters or the story. In one chapter you have Case seeming to not have many good things to say about Drake, but then another it talks about how much Drake has helped him, then another Drake is a dick, then another he's the best.
Things that just didn't make sense or seemed to have no real purpose. Why did Drake tell everyone except his family he was getting married? What was the purpose of that? What was the purpose of no-one having met/seen Jane? And I just didn't understand the dynamic between Drake & Emma, and Drake & Case as Drake just seemed to only care about himself and take advantage of others.
Unfortunately this was just not an enjoyable book for me
The pacing was pretty poor, with parts feeling really slow and like nothing was happening, and then other parts felt rushed. It didn't seem like Emma & Case had spent much time together at all before they were then seeming to be infatuated and bemoaning the fact they couldn't be together because of Emma's brother.
Too many things kept changing and going back and forth too many times that I just couldn't connect to the characters or the story. In one chapter you have Case seeming to not have many good things to say about Drake, but then another it talks about how much Drake has helped him, then another Drake is a dick, then another he's the best.
Things that just didn't make sense or seemed to have no real purpose. Why did Drake tell everyone except his family he was getting married? What was the purpose of that? What was the purpose of no-one having met/seen Jane? And I just didn't understand the dynamic between Drake & Emma, and Drake & Case as Drake just seemed to only care about himself and take advantage of others.
Unfortunately this was just not an enjoyable book for me
February 4, 2021
3 stars because Case fell epically in love and I still enjoy this author’s storytelling even if this one got derailed for me by side characters.
I’m so used to reading romance where the secondary characters are being set up for a spin off, or
I’ve dropped into a series where I’m catching up on a couple that already found their HEA in a previous novel.
In Rush, the brother Drake is perfectly set up for a spin off (pre or post book), except he’s appalling. I’ve never hated a b-plot more. He commits intellectual property theft from his own sister, robbing her of millions of dollars. He treats his sister like a complete afterthought and hurts her over and over with the emotional alienation, and then it turns out he actually mined her for content to further his own career. He gets a “whoopsie” pass on that I guess? What a weird villain/fall guy Drake was throughout this story.
I’m so used to reading romance where the secondary characters are being set up for a spin off, or
I’ve dropped into a series where I’m catching up on a couple that already found their HEA in a previous novel.
In Rush, the brother Drake is perfectly set up for a spin off (pre or post book), except he’s appalling. I’ve never hated a b-plot more. He commits intellectual property theft from his own sister, robbing her of millions of dollars. He treats his sister like a complete afterthought and hurts her over and over with the emotional alienation, and then it turns out he actually mined her for content to further his own career. He gets a “whoopsie” pass on that I guess? What a weird villain/fall guy Drake was throughout this story.
July 21, 2020
Overcoming the past
Another amazing read from Deborah! It is a best friends sister is off limits story, sweet and sexy.
Case Abbott is all business! So when he gets to his New York City apartment to find a woman singing really off key in the shower he is cursing his best friend Drake, who has been living here since Case's move to California. Drake is in Ireland getting married so who in the world is in his apartment?
Emma Owens flew to New York to surprise her brother for his birthday, thank goodness he gave her a key to his apartment on her last visit. A week in New York city is just what Emma needs after breaking off her engagement. Staring at a pissed off stranger isn't what she expected when she got out of the shower.
Case and Emma fight their attraction rather valiantly but both finally give in and fall in love. But will the past tear them apart? Will Case get over his guilt in time to save his relationship
Another amazing read from Deborah! It is a best friends sister is off limits story, sweet and sexy.
Case Abbott is all business! So when he gets to his New York City apartment to find a woman singing really off key in the shower he is cursing his best friend Drake, who has been living here since Case's move to California. Drake is in Ireland getting married so who in the world is in his apartment?
Emma Owens flew to New York to surprise her brother for his birthday, thank goodness he gave her a key to his apartment on her last visit. A week in New York city is just what Emma needs after breaking off her engagement. Staring at a pissed off stranger isn't what she expected when she got out of the shower.
Case and Emma fight their attraction rather valiantly but both finally give in and fall in love. But will the past tear them apart? Will Case get over his guilt in time to save his relationship
July 10, 2020
This was a a slow burn romance with lots of sexual tension. Case is an app developer who lives in California, but has travelled to New York to settle an issue in his Manhattan apartment. The last thing he expects to find inside is his best friends younger sister Emma. He slowly starts to fall for her, but knows their attraction has an expiry date as she was only in town to visit her brother and lives in Seattle.
Their chemistry as they get to know each other is a beautiful sight. Case is hiding a sadness inside and Emma wants to heal him without knowing why. There are a lot of wonderful side characters that compliment their story and I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Case and Emma. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Their chemistry as they get to know each other is a beautiful sight. Case is hiding a sadness inside and Emma wants to heal him without knowing why. There are a lot of wonderful side characters that compliment their story and I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Case and Emma. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 1, 2020
I just adore the brother's best friend/sharing an apartment tropes. To have them both in one book... and by Deborah Bladon? Perfection.
I appreciated the complexity of the characters. Especially Drake (Emma's brother and Case's best friend). I really felt a connection between these three. Mind you, there wasn't a real focus on Drake here, but everything pivoted around him.
Case is completely in when it comes to friendship. Emma wants to lean on her brother. Both of them have to adjust their expectations. However, I loved how things got resolved, and I'd love to read more!
This book is a good example of knowing it's the best place to end a story, yet wanting to continue on reading.
I give Rush five mysterious liaison stars.
I appreciated the complexity of the characters. Especially Drake (Emma's brother and Case's best friend). I really felt a connection between these three. Mind you, there wasn't a real focus on Drake here, but everything pivoted around him.
Case is completely in when it comes to friendship. Emma wants to lean on her brother. Both of them have to adjust their expectations. However, I loved how things got resolved, and I'd love to read more!
This book is a good example of knowing it's the best place to end a story, yet wanting to continue on reading.
I give Rush five mysterious liaison stars.
August 2, 2020
Imagine going to visit your brother only to find out he isn’t in his apartment but his boss is! Emma finds out that her brother has run off to get married and he didn’t tell her. Case aka Rush is in town to clear up some business. He owns the apartment and the company that Emma’s brother works for. They are also best friends so that makes the attraction between them a big no no. But they decide that they are adults and if they want to have a fling and call it quits when her brother comes home then that is what they will do. But there is so much more going on. Emma is falling for him and he is also falling for her. This story had me laughing and also crying. It was a really good story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 9, 2020
TBH I really wanted to like this story, but I was having a hard time connecting to Case. I found him to be somewhat cold right from the beginning and didn't seem to show much depth or emotion until near the end. I thought Emma was a little bit of a doormat, especially with her inconsiderate brother and allowing Case to be constantly rude to her and not giving it right back to him. She just put on a smile and put up with it. Love scenes were very vanilla and bland, nothing special there.
This book was very "meh" to me. Not bad, but something to read to pass the time. Easily forgettable.
This book was very "meh" to me. Not bad, but something to read to pass the time. Easily forgettable.
December 1, 2020
I really hoped this was going to be at least a 3 star read. The last third of the book just took such a cheesy turn that really didn’t do it for me. Overall, the characters lacked depth and when they did have moments of being three dimensional a cheesy line had to be said by one of them. When we found of why Case/Rush was so sad I thought his brothers death would have been something like an overdose and that’s why he felt guilt for not saving him...not a seizure. The Delaney and Mickey twist didn’t add great value to the story either.
June 19, 2021
Loved this book by Mss Bladon
The storyline is well crafted and a wonderful addition to the series.
As in all of her books, something is always not as it seems and this one does not disappoint.
There are a lot of wonderful side characters that compliment their story and I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between the two main characters.
Ms Bladon does a great job of building the back story so you are totally engrossed and as always - smoking hot sex scenes!!
Don't miss this!
The storyline is well crafted and a wonderful addition to the series.
As in all of her books, something is always not as it seems and this one does not disappoint.
There are a lot of wonderful side characters that compliment their story and I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between the two main characters.
Ms Bladon does a great job of building the back story so you are totally engrossed and as always - smoking hot sex scenes!!
Don't miss this!
February 3, 2024
💥😭💕
Case and Emma are a match made in heaven. They are completely drawn to each other the more they are around each other. They compliment each other’s personalities and characters.
Emma’s older brother ends up being a jackass in my opinion. I’m glad they don’t have the same relationship as they did in the past bc that boy needs to suffer some serious consequences. Emma is so creative, intelligent, compassionate and loving. She forgives his stupidity immediately which is an impressive feat. I’m not sharing anything else bc you need to read it yourself
Case and Emma are a match made in heaven. They are completely drawn to each other the more they are around each other. They compliment each other’s personalities and characters.
Emma’s older brother ends up being a jackass in my opinion. I’m glad they don’t have the same relationship as they did in the past bc that boy needs to suffer some serious consequences. Emma is so creative, intelligent, compassionate and loving. She forgives his stupidity immediately which is an impressive feat. I’m not sharing anything else bc you need to read it yourself
July 12, 2020
Wasn't this author's best book but good nonetheless. I didn't care that Rush had two names...not sure what that was bringing to story. Emma always seemed either super important to Drake or not at all. Case hardly knew anything about Emma, even thinking she was Whitney...the sister he did know, although Drake tells everyone everything he doesn't tell his sister about Jane.
Just not my favorite Bladon story
Just not my favorite Bladon story
July 19, 2020
Oh my goodness this book truly deserves 5 plus stars! I have enjoyed all of Ms. Bladon's books but I must say that Rush is among my most favorite. Ms. Bladon took us on a sole searching journey with Case and Emma and at the end I had tears running down my face with such emotion for the realization of what this book kept showing me. This book truly stole my heart. I look forward to the next book by Ms. Bladon!
July 30, 2020
Not my usual 5 stars
As usual Deborah delivered an interesting story. I found the heroine, Emma, cute, quirky and strong. Marti who appears in just about every book lately was funny and adorable. There were glimpses of characters from other stories and it was nice to see the latest in their lives. However, the hero Case/Rush character was vague or missing something. I can't put my finger on it, but this will not be a book marked 'read again'
As usual Deborah delivered an interesting story. I found the heroine, Emma, cute, quirky and strong. Marti who appears in just about every book lately was funny and adorable. There were glimpses of characters from other stories and it was nice to see the latest in their lives. However, the hero Case/Rush character was vague or missing something. I can't put my finger on it, but this will not be a book marked 'read again'
January 12, 2021
Great reading
To fly out to see your brother only to find out he is out of the country. To come face to face with his business partner and find out from him that your brother ran off to get married. To find that you are attracted to him and that he feels the same and to have him tell you his deepest regret about his brother and to find out that he has a nephew he did not even know he had. To finally ask the woman he loves to marry him.
To fly out to see your brother only to find out he is out of the country. To come face to face with his business partner and find out from him that your brother ran off to get married. To find that you are attracted to him and that he feels the same and to have him tell you his deepest regret about his brother and to find out that he has a nephew he did not even know he had. To finally ask the woman he loves to marry him.
March 14, 2025
Case and Emma had Chemistry flying off the charts. Case found Emma attractive but that was his best friend little sister except she was all grown up. Emma wanting to surprise her brother decided to visit him in NY. Only her brother was not there, he went off to elope and marry his Fiance in Ireland. However he asked her to stay until he got back and asked his best friend Case to look after her. He didn’t expect them to hook up. But……
July 11, 2020
Ummmm....it started off good then it just felt rushed and flawed in ways. It was too much insta love for me and then it just kept getting sappier and sappier. 🤷🏻♀️ I donno. The direction was fine but I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at how perfectly lovey dovey everything went. Liked the authors writing style, just wasn’t how I felt the book would go.
July 11, 2020
Rush
When Case come to New York to handle some business, he doesn’t expect to find anyone in his BR, especially when no one should be there. Now, what to do with person when he has someone coming shortly? You will laugh, there are so many misunderstandings, then feelings that he feels, but shouldn’t. Great, great story, beautiful, emotional and so many emotions.❤️ A must read
When Case come to New York to handle some business, he doesn’t expect to find anyone in his BR, especially when no one should be there. Now, what to do with person when he has someone coming shortly? You will laugh, there are so many misunderstandings, then feelings that he feels, but shouldn’t. Great, great story, beautiful, emotional and so many emotions.❤️ A must read
July 14, 2020
She did it again......she wrote another book I will be thinking about for weeks. These characters make you FEEL.......I felt so many emotions. This book came out when finding time to read wasn't easy but I stole every moment I could. Now it's over and I'm sad. I will be impatiently waiting for her next book that I will savor every word of.
July 10, 2020
A simmering love affair in NYC. Meet Emma and Case who have a most interesting first encounter that turns a slow burning love affair. Emma and Case turn a tragic past into a happy future. There are new characters introduced and visits from past places. I highly recommend this book!
July 12, 2020
Happily ever after and then some!
Deborah did it again! love the build up and the realistic feelings of pain and happiness. no spoilers but there will be tears shed around page 261. I sobbed happy tears! Absolutely loved Rush and Freckles! Can not wait until the next book!
Deborah did it again! love the build up and the realistic feelings of pain and happiness. no spoilers but there will be tears shed around page 261. I sobbed happy tears! Absolutely loved Rush and Freckles! Can not wait until the next book!
July 12, 2020
This is a very good slow-burn romance. It is a stranger to lovers type storyline with sexy, flawed characters. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 13, 2020
Such a great love story! I loved Case and Emma. The chemistry was so good, and the story line drew me in immediately (with an opening like this... "I met Case Abbott when I was stepping out of the shower," what's not to like?!) I love a mature love story and this had all the magic.
July 14, 2020
Another great story!
Loved Case & Emma. From her relationship with her brother, the new friends she makes, the development of the feelings she & Case share, and the unexpected toward the end. Loved it!
Loved Case & Emma. From her relationship with her brother, the new friends she makes, the development of the feelings she & Case share, and the unexpected toward the end. Loved it!
July 18, 2020
Rush
This was a great story. Everyone has a past that interferes with their dreams. A lot of them you can’t control in your life. You have to just try to live your life best as you can.
Please read.
This was a great story. Everyone has a past that interferes with their dreams. A lot of them you can’t control in your life. You have to just try to live your life best as you can.
Please read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews