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Built to Fall
“You’re perfect for this job, Claire. He won’t want to sleep with you. You’re not his...type.”
Dominic Cantrell has been famous almost as long as I’ve been alive, but he remains a dark, volatile mystery.
I know why I was hired to handle Dominic’s PR while he’s on tour. It’s not because of my experience—I have next to none. It’s because I’m safe. Plain, quiet, shy, with more-than-ample curves, I won’t distract him.
What I didn’t count on was Dominic distracting me instead. I shouldn’t be so drawn to him. He’s too old for me, too closed-off, and definitely too angry, but I’ve been a good girl for far too long.
Why can’t I be just a little bit bad, especially when my rock star fantasy is so willing to corrupt me?
Our fling has an expiration date at the end of the tour. No strings, no feelings, no heartbreak when it’s over.
I tell myself I won’t fall. But I don’t know if I’m built that way.
Dominic Cantrell has been famous almost as long as I’ve been alive, but he remains a dark, volatile mystery.
I know why I was hired to handle Dominic’s PR while he’s on tour. It’s not because of my experience—I have next to none. It’s because I’m safe. Plain, quiet, shy, with more-than-ample curves, I won’t distract him.
What I didn’t count on was Dominic distracting me instead. I shouldn’t be so drawn to him. He’s too old for me, too closed-off, and definitely too angry, but I’ve been a good girl for far too long.
Why can’t I be just a little bit bad, especially when my rock star fantasy is so willing to corrupt me?
Our fling has an expiration date at the end of the tour. No strings, no feelings, no heartbreak when it’s over.
I tell myself I won’t fall. But I don’t know if I’m built that way.
350 pages, ebook
First published January 28, 2021
939 people are currently reading
7034 people want to read
About the author
Julia Wolf
48 books3,373 followersJulia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 652 reviews
February 12, 2022
I hate rock star romance, it’s one of my least favorite tropes. So, why did I read this? Because occasionally I come across a blurb that asks me to give it another go. And I’ve been disappointed every, single time … until now.
Dominic Cantrell is everything I love about musicians. He’s so effortless and laid back. It’s the fact that he doesn’t try to be anything that he’s not. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a silver fox.
I love grumpy assholes, they’re like my people. Every time Dom nudges Claire’s foot I swoon a little. Even though at this point they mean less than nothing to each other. Idk, I just think it’s super cute.
He’s a bit of a narcissist which was expected. But while he has this grumpy facade you can tell he gives a shit. I’m pretty obsessed with how he’s low key building her up.
Will this be the first rockstar romance that I love? It’s really starting to look that way.
Oh lord, their banter is too cute!
It’s funny how we have to hurt others to save ourselves. Oh did I say funny? I meant fucked up.
Dude’s the king of mixed signals.
It’s so goddamed cliche but there’s something wondrous about making him a better man.
Seriously, I don’t have a foot fetish so why is it so deliciously adorable?!
I didn’t want this to end. I’d happily be a fly on the wall just to catch a glimpse into Claire and Dom’s amazing life together.
Dominic Cantrell is everything I love about musicians. He’s so effortless and laid back. It’s the fact that he doesn’t try to be anything that he’s not. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a silver fox.
I love grumpy assholes, they’re like my people. Every time Dom nudges Claire’s foot I swoon a little. Even though at this point they mean less than nothing to each other. Idk, I just think it’s super cute.
He’s a bit of a narcissist which was expected. But while he has this grumpy facade you can tell he gives a shit. I’m pretty obsessed with how he’s low key building her up.
Will this be the first rockstar romance that I love? It’s really starting to look that way.
Oh lord, their banter is too cute!
It’s funny how we have to hurt others to save ourselves. Oh did I say funny? I meant fucked up.
Dude’s the king of mixed signals.
It’s so goddamed cliche but there’s something wondrous about making him a better man.
Seriously, I don’t have a foot fetish so why is it so deliciously adorable?!
I didn’t want this to end. I’d happily be a fly on the wall just to catch a glimpse into Claire and Dom’s amazing life together.
August 12, 2022
this was the tropes of Lead with the execution of Lick.
while this was pretty easy to read, i found it to be kinda shallow and dumb. the whole premise of the book is Claire (h) being a PR assistant to Dominic (H), a famous rock star. he tends to sleep with all the ones the company sends and Claire is very Jane Eyre-esque, so plain and boring that there is no possible way Dominic will ever sleep with her...
Claire’s one job is to keep her knickers on. literally that’s it. and i know this is a romance book so eventually, she was gonna sleep with Dominic and fall for him... but the way she has zero qualms about it was weird considering the premise of the book. there’s no moral push and pull, she doesn’t debate with herself all the ways this could go blow up in her face and how she’s jeopardising her job. if anything, she’s the one to pursue the relationship since he keeps his distance from her.
i was just shocked with how quickly they admit their attraction and start sleeping together since the basis of their relationship was vapid and they barely knew each other. like Dom goes from noting how plain Claire is to wanting to relentlessly fuck her in the span of a few pages/a chapter. what changed? while Claire needs this job for reasons told in the beginning of the book, like she has nothing else in her life rn but this damn job. so you’d think she’d... idk, care whether she lost it by sleeping with Dom. but that dilemma is literally not even on her radar, she never even mentions how this will affect her job.
if it wasn’t the premise of the book, literally the opening line of the synopsis, i might have just been able to overlook it. but i couldn’t, especially bcos the lack of Claire’s internal struggle meant there was zero conflict so the book was far too smooth sailing and boring. Claire was pretty boring too, like idk what her personality was at all. she gave me the “waif girl” archetype. i had recently read an article that just details how insufferable this type of character is. the byline of said article just sums Claire up pretty nicely:
Dominic says ”She was sexy without trying, and when she did try, she blew me the fuck away.” another guy on the tour is literally obsessed with her when all Claire did was blink at him, but it’s constantly emphasised how plain she is. one character says she “blends into the furniture”. she makes a bunch of friends with zero effort... it just made no sense to me lmao.
the article, coincidentally, talked about how Jane Eyre is one of the OG waif girls... so the fact infelt like Claire was just a modern day Jane... i also now realise why i didn’t like Dom. bcos that creepy old guy is literally the Rochester in this story.
am i overanalysing this waaaaay too much? yes, yes i am and im not even sorry about it. putting my degree to good use, baby.
Dom was weird and pushy. take no for an answer and take a step back, bro. he shit on all of Claire’s boundaries and it was maddening to read, especially when you know about her history with her ex. Dom just needed a massive forehead and a woman locked in his attic, and he was Rochester. he just didn’t know when to back off and it was gross, imo. and the way his anger would jump out and he’d grab Claire? everything about his anger issues left a bitter taste in my mouth, especially because they’re never fully addressed beyond a pitiful “im sowwy, Claire🥺”. just the more i read of him, the more he grossed me out.
this quote for example made me roll my eyes so hard, fr. i think it was supposed to be romantic?
ohhhhh, so it’s Claire’s fault the men in her life are shitty to her? not bcos they’re real, sentient beings with free will and minds of their own that actively choose to behave in a shitty manner????? silly Claire. silly me.
and despite his occasional waxing of poetics about how special Claire was to him... i really don’t think she was :/ he tells Claire in his big declaration that: “I met you and wanted everything with you. It was instant and powerful, and it freaked me the fuck out.” and man did i have to laugh bcos the moment he meets her he’s like “wow Isabela [his ex-wife] was right... she’s pretty plain and uninteresting to look at.” Claire clearly shook you to your core, right then and there, huh?
then the way he took her to places he took other women to “sway” them. his actions at the gala. his aggressiveness towards her. i just hated all of it, ew. idc about his sob story either lmao. maybe im a bitch, but eurghhhhh, i just felt nothing. when the trauma is dumped on me in the last 20% of the book (instead of delicately laid out throughout the novel so it feels more authentic), i tend to be unimpressed and it has very little impact on me. feels like a “get out of jail” free card to justify acting like a dick. doing it last minute to drag things out for a dramatic effect just means you then don’t have enough time to explore the trauma and how it impacts the character in true depth. so it ultimately feels shallow and meek.
sooo, while i liked this in the beginning. by the 50% mark i realised just how much i wasn’t enjoying this. Julia Wolf’s books are usually hit or miss for me, so this one gets added to the miss pile.
Marta was the real MVP of the this book. and Claire had more chemistry with Raquel the stripper than with Dominic. i said what i said.
and im also glad the author’s team finally ditched that old cover where they tried to make Tan France heterosexual.
while this was pretty easy to read, i found it to be kinda shallow and dumb. the whole premise of the book is Claire (h) being a PR assistant to Dominic (H), a famous rock star. he tends to sleep with all the ones the company sends and Claire is very Jane Eyre-esque, so plain and boring that there is no possible way Dominic will ever sleep with her...
Claire’s one job is to keep her knickers on. literally that’s it. and i know this is a romance book so eventually, she was gonna sleep with Dominic and fall for him... but the way she has zero qualms about it was weird considering the premise of the book. there’s no moral push and pull, she doesn’t debate with herself all the ways this could go blow up in her face and how she’s jeopardising her job. if anything, she’s the one to pursue the relationship since he keeps his distance from her.
i was just shocked with how quickly they admit their attraction and start sleeping together since the basis of their relationship was vapid and they barely knew each other. like Dom goes from noting how plain Claire is to wanting to relentlessly fuck her in the span of a few pages/a chapter. what changed? while Claire needs this job for reasons told in the beginning of the book, like she has nothing else in her life rn but this damn job. so you’d think she’d... idk, care whether she lost it by sleeping with Dom. but that dilemma is literally not even on her radar, she never even mentions how this will affect her job.
if it wasn’t the premise of the book, literally the opening line of the synopsis, i might have just been able to overlook it. but i couldn’t, especially bcos the lack of Claire’s internal struggle meant there was zero conflict so the book was far too smooth sailing and boring. Claire was pretty boring too, like idk what her personality was at all. she gave me the “waif girl” archetype. i had recently read an article that just details how insufferable this type of character is. the byline of said article just sums Claire up pretty nicely:
the ‘Waif Girl’ is a barrel of contradictions: normal but extraordinary, socially awkward but the centre of attention, drab but hot, sexless but sexy, virginal but seductive.
Dominic says ”She was sexy without trying, and when she did try, she blew me the fuck away.” another guy on the tour is literally obsessed with her when all Claire did was blink at him, but it’s constantly emphasised how plain she is. one character says she “blends into the furniture”. she makes a bunch of friends with zero effort... it just made no sense to me lmao.
the article, coincidentally, talked about how Jane Eyre is one of the OG waif girls... so the fact infelt like Claire was just a modern day Jane... i also now realise why i didn’t like Dom. bcos that creepy old guy is literally the Rochester in this story.
am i overanalysing this waaaaay too much? yes, yes i am and im not even sorry about it. putting my degree to good use, baby.
Dom was weird and pushy. take no for an answer and take a step back, bro. he shit on all of Claire’s boundaries and it was maddening to read, especially when you know about her history with her ex. Dom just needed a massive forehead and a woman locked in his attic, and he was Rochester. he just didn’t know when to back off and it was gross, imo. and the way his anger would jump out and he’d grab Claire? everything about his anger issues left a bitter taste in my mouth, especially because they’re never fully addressed beyond a pitiful “im sowwy, Claire🥺”. just the more i read of him, the more he grossed me out.
this quote for example made me roll my eyes so hard, fr. i think it was supposed to be romantic?
”Promise me you’ll never be with another fucked-up man like me. You are too good for this, Claire.” His warm palm pressed against my chest, right above my heart. “You have to be a lot pickier with who you allow to be close to you.”
ohhhhh, so it’s Claire’s fault the men in her life are shitty to her? not bcos they’re real, sentient beings with free will and minds of their own that actively choose to behave in a shitty manner????? silly Claire. silly me.
and despite his occasional waxing of poetics about how special Claire was to him... i really don’t think she was :/ he tells Claire in his big declaration that: “I met you and wanted everything with you. It was instant and powerful, and it freaked me the fuck out.” and man did i have to laugh bcos the moment he meets her he’s like “wow Isabela [his ex-wife] was right... she’s pretty plain and uninteresting to look at.” Claire clearly shook you to your core, right then and there, huh?
then the way he took her to places he took other women to “sway” them. his actions at the gala. his aggressiveness towards her. i just hated all of it, ew. idc about his sob story either lmao. maybe im a bitch, but eurghhhhh, i just felt nothing. when the trauma is dumped on me in the last 20% of the book (instead of delicately laid out throughout the novel so it feels more authentic), i tend to be unimpressed and it has very little impact on me. feels like a “get out of jail” free card to justify acting like a dick. doing it last minute to drag things out for a dramatic effect just means you then don’t have enough time to explore the trauma and how it impacts the character in true depth. so it ultimately feels shallow and meek.
sooo, while i liked this in the beginning. by the 50% mark i realised just how much i wasn’t enjoying this. Julia Wolf’s books are usually hit or miss for me, so this one gets added to the miss pile.
Marta was the real MVP of the this book. and Claire had more chemistry with Raquel the stripper than with Dominic. i said what i said.
and im also glad the author’s team finally ditched that old cover where they tried to make Tan France heterosexual.
July 26, 2023
4.5 stars
Built to Fall age gap, rockstar romance from a new to me author and I loved it! Anytime I read a book I don’t know much about from an author I’ve never read I never know how it’s going to turn out. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s just okay, sometimes it’s bad, and other times it’s an amazing surprise! This book was fantastic. I loved Dom, Claire, and so many of the supporting characters! I am jumping right into another book of this authors because I need more from this world. Bravo!
Built to Fall age gap, rockstar romance from a new to me author and I loved it! Anytime I read a book I don’t know much about from an author I’ve never read I never know how it’s going to turn out. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s just okay, sometimes it’s bad, and other times it’s an amazing surprise! This book was fantastic. I loved Dom, Claire, and so many of the supporting characters! I am jumping right into another book of this authors because I need more from this world. Bravo!
Want to read
March 31, 2022The Spinoff of Built to Fall is coming September 24! Falling in Reverse is the first book in The Seasons Change series! Dominic and Claire show up too!
preorder now: mybook.to/FallinginReverse
preorder now: mybook.to/FallinginReverse
January 30, 2022
✩ some quickish thoughts
✧ marta is the real mvp of this entire book.
marta is not the heroine of built to fall, but i loved her almost as much - if not more than -claire (h). she was the most perfect best friend anyone could ever ask for.
i loved how her and claire instantly clicked. i loved the way she was there for both dominic (H) and claire. i also loved how she had claire's back through thick and thin. i appreciate that julia wolf actually took the time to develop her and claire's friendship, cause you don't see that often.
also, snaps for julia wolf for low-key taking us on marta's romance journey. i was invested and curious to see how things would go down between her and iris.
✧ dominic really grew on me.
i'm gonna be honest, dom was not my favorite - AT FIRST. his actions and words just did not match up. but, over the course of the book i began to understand him better. i realized he's the kind of hero i affectionately call, an onion hero. he's got layers, y'all.
basically, this man took me on an emotional journey and i sincerely thank him for that.
✧ claire as a heroine was refreshing as hell.
claire is the kind of heroine i freaking aspire to be. she's confident, happy, hopeful, just a little bit bruised, but never afraid to keep moving forward.
while built to fall may have been a story about claire falling for dom, it was also a story about claire building herself back up. like dom, claire also went on an emotional journey. and it was honestly so beautiful to watch.
✧ of course there was a ninth hour breakup.
i think what stopped me from fully enjoying built to fall was the knowledge that dominic and claire were eventually going to breakup. it was inevitable and it's just how this trope operates. and while that breakup was upsetting, it didn't completely gut me. and there's a reason for that.
in my opinion it should have happened a couple chapters earlier. it was evident from the get-go that claire and dom's relationship had an expiration date, both outwardly and inwardly. their inner pain was evident and they both needed time to heal alone.
so, when it came time for the inevitable breakup i was excited to see them working on themselves and then coming back together. unfortunately, instead of seeing that journey of healing we're told that dom is doing better. we're also told that things with claire's divorce had been wrapped up. and honestly i low-key felt cheated. i wanted to cheer them on, you know?
also … that epilogue. but you know maybe this is my whiny way of saying i wanted more time with domclaire.
✩ in summary …
✧ this book was quite the mini-rollercoaster, for me that is.
built to fall is one of those books that i actually considered putting down. i think at first i had a really hard time feeling the chemistry between clairedominic. but then, idk … i began to fall for dom and cheer super loud for claire.
personally, i think that built to fall really picks up in the second-ish half. once claire and dom actually begin to hookup the book really finds its groove. watching them try and convince themselves they'll be able to walk away from their fuck buddy situation was LAUGHABLE.
so yeah. this book took me on an emotional journey that i was not expecting. who knew a book categorized as an ❛erotic romance❜ could low-key move me this much?
𝟰 𝘁��� 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
❝my point is you’re incapable of closing your heart, even when you want to. you aren’t made that way. you, baby girl, were built to fall. it’s just who you are.❞
✧ marta is the real mvp of this entire book.
marta is not the heroine of built to fall, but i loved her almost as much - if not more than -claire (h). she was the most perfect best friend anyone could ever ask for.
i loved how her and claire instantly clicked. i loved the way she was there for both dominic (H) and claire. i also loved how she had claire's back through thick and thin. i appreciate that julia wolf actually took the time to develop her and claire's friendship, cause you don't see that often.
also, snaps for julia wolf for low-key taking us on marta's romance journey. i was invested and curious to see how things would go down between her and iris.
✧ dominic really grew on me.
i'm gonna be honest, dom was not my favorite - AT FIRST. his actions and words just did not match up. but, over the course of the book i began to understand him better. i realized he's the kind of hero i affectionately call, an onion hero. he's got layers, y'all.
basically, this man took me on an emotional journey and i sincerely thank him for that.
✧ claire as a heroine was refreshing as hell.
claire is the kind of heroine i freaking aspire to be. she's confident, happy, hopeful, just a little bit bruised, but never afraid to keep moving forward.
while built to fall may have been a story about claire falling for dom, it was also a story about claire building herself back up. like dom, claire also went on an emotional journey. and it was honestly so beautiful to watch.
✧ of course there was a ninth hour breakup.
i think what stopped me from fully enjoying built to fall was the knowledge that dominic and claire were eventually going to breakup. it was inevitable and it's just how this trope operates. and while that breakup was upsetting, it didn't completely gut me. and there's a reason for that.
in my opinion it should have happened a couple chapters earlier. it was evident from the get-go that claire and dom's relationship had an expiration date, both outwardly and inwardly. their inner pain was evident and they both needed time to heal alone.
so, when it came time for the inevitable breakup i was excited to see them working on themselves and then coming back together. unfortunately, instead of seeing that journey of healing we're told that dom is doing better. we're also told that things with claire's divorce had been wrapped up. and honestly i low-key felt cheated. i wanted to cheer them on, you know?
also … that epilogue. but you know maybe this is my whiny way of saying i wanted more time with domclaire.
✩ in summary …
❝stay with me, claire,❞ he crooned. ❝your lips are like honey, your smile is my air.❞ my eyelids fluttered, and a corset tightened around my chest. ❝i'd stay, you know. if you asked me tomorrow, i'd stay.❞
✧ this book was quite the mini-rollercoaster, for me that is.
built to fall is one of those books that i actually considered putting down. i think at first i had a really hard time feeling the chemistry between clairedominic. but then, idk … i began to fall for dom and cheer super loud for claire.
personally, i think that built to fall really picks up in the second-ish half. once claire and dom actually begin to hookup the book really finds its groove. watching them try and convince themselves they'll be able to walk away from their fuck buddy situation was LAUGHABLE.
so yeah. this book took me on an emotional journey that i was not expecting. who knew a book categorized as an ❛erotic romance❜ could low-key move me this much?
𝟰 𝘁��� 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
January 7, 2021
I think in all of my reviews of Julia's books start with 'this is my favorite book so far', but until today Unrequited was still out in the lead. As a curvy girl with self-image hang-ups, I have a special place in my heart for Maeve and Santi. I connected with the book, and Julia, through that story.
But there's something different about this book. There's something raw and real and relatable between these pages that grabs you buy your soul and makes you pay attention. You feel the vulnerability and pain dripping from both characters as they work their way through their own, different issues. Their love is fast and filthy, pure and deep and I was moved to tears more than once.
If you haven't yet read any of Julia's books, they just get better and better, but this one, it's special. The fact that she wrote it during the Coronapocalypse makes it even moreso, so many creatives have been stifled during this last year and watching her dig deep and pull something so beautiful and broken from the depths within, is pretty amazing.
If you don't follow her on TikTok, you should go do that, right after you go buy the rest of her books - you can thank me later.
But there's something different about this book. There's something raw and real and relatable between these pages that grabs you buy your soul and makes you pay attention. You feel the vulnerability and pain dripping from both characters as they work their way through their own, different issues. Their love is fast and filthy, pure and deep and I was moved to tears more than once.
If you haven't yet read any of Julia's books, they just get better and better, but this one, it's special. The fact that she wrote it during the Coronapocalypse makes it even moreso, so many creatives have been stifled during this last year and watching her dig deep and pull something so beautiful and broken from the depths within, is pretty amazing.
If you don't follow her on TikTok, you should go do that, right after you go buy the rest of her books - you can thank me later.
Read
February 28, 2022out by 35%
the writing bugs tf outta me
and that cover 💩
the writing bugs tf outta me
and that cover 💩
January 11, 2021
"Being hurt by the man who's supposed to love you doesn't mean you're not a strong woman. It means the man is weak."
Y'all. I am so freaking in love with this book! Everything was PURE perfection!! From the sassy and tough as nails heroine, our grumpy silver fox hero and a blend of seriously amazing side characters and a message all about loving who you are while recognising that you have to be whole in order to truly love anyone else, I am just SPEECHLESS. And yes, apparently that happens sometimes.😂😂
If you follow my reviews, you know that I am very vocal of my love for plus sized women in romances, and how much I love it when the woman's weight isn't the sole focus. As a plus sized women myself who bagged a hottie husband who has always seen & loved me and not the number on the scale, I absolutely LOVED how Dom connected with Claire's soul, and her looks were just an added bonus. And Dominic always made it clear how much of a goddess she was! Their sexual chemistry was off the charts hot -- seriously, this book has some of the hottest scenes this author has ever created -- but it was their emotional connection that I loved beyond everything else. Dominic may have been a rockstar that seemed to have the world at his feet, while Claire is a struggling almost-divorcee who is used to the world not giving her a second chance, and while they are complete opposites in every way, they connect in such a passionate and raw way. They see each other for who they truly are and who they want to be, instead of everyone else's preconceived notions. I just loved that so much!
The back and forth between these two was just pure gold! Their snark and witty banter was absolutely everything, and I know I've said this already, but I just loved how these two got one another on every single level.
Claire is easily one of my favorite heroines of all time! Thanks to her shitty ex, she has PTSD when it comes to violent men, and yelling and outbursts of any kind sets her off. But Dom is so fucking gentle with her. Even though he can be an asshat, he always apologized to her when he unintentionally scared her, and made sure she knew it wasn't her fault for how she reacted. And then watching her grow and take back her power, and also knowing what she truly deserves?! All the tears for my girl here. I love her so fucking much.
Dom is a great hero too! Yes he's an ass at times, but he had his heart irrevocably broken in such a horrible way that it changed who he was. He hardened himself against the world, but it seems Claire always knows what he needs when he needs it. She also sees the things inside his heart and soul that he doesn't show anyone -- she just *gets* him. I love how much they support one another, and every time Dom kissed her shoulder, I melted into a pile of goo!!
Not going to lie, Julia had me scared during the last 15%. I was legit screaming at my kindle that they could not end like this, and then it all came together so beautifully!! I truly loved how much work these two did on themselves individually in order to really move on from their past traumas so they could love one another the way they both deserved. And that epilogue?! Oh gosh. Tears upon tears!
I'm just so convinced there's nothing this author can write! This book is easily one of my favorite books of hers to date, and I can't wait for you all to fall in love with Dominic and Claire!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Y'all. I am so freaking in love with this book! Everything was PURE perfection!! From the sassy and tough as nails heroine, our grumpy silver fox hero and a blend of seriously amazing side characters and a message all about loving who you are while recognising that you have to be whole in order to truly love anyone else, I am just SPEECHLESS. And yes, apparently that happens sometimes.😂😂
If you follow my reviews, you know that I am very vocal of my love for plus sized women in romances, and how much I love it when the woman's weight isn't the sole focus. As a plus sized women myself who bagged a hottie husband who has always seen & loved me and not the number on the scale, I absolutely LOVED how Dom connected with Claire's soul, and her looks were just an added bonus. And Dominic always made it clear how much of a goddess she was! Their sexual chemistry was off the charts hot -- seriously, this book has some of the hottest scenes this author has ever created -- but it was their emotional connection that I loved beyond everything else. Dominic may have been a rockstar that seemed to have the world at his feet, while Claire is a struggling almost-divorcee who is used to the world not giving her a second chance, and while they are complete opposites in every way, they connect in such a passionate and raw way. They see each other for who they truly are and who they want to be, instead of everyone else's preconceived notions. I just loved that so much!
The back and forth between these two was just pure gold! Their snark and witty banter was absolutely everything, and I know I've said this already, but I just loved how these two got one another on every single level.
Claire is easily one of my favorite heroines of all time! Thanks to her shitty ex, she has PTSD when it comes to violent men, and yelling and outbursts of any kind sets her off. But Dom is so fucking gentle with her. Even though he can be an asshat, he always apologized to her when he unintentionally scared her, and made sure she knew it wasn't her fault for how she reacted. And then watching her grow and take back her power, and also knowing what she truly deserves?! All the tears for my girl here. I love her so fucking much.
Dom is a great hero too! Yes he's an ass at times, but he had his heart irrevocably broken in such a horrible way that it changed who he was. He hardened himself against the world, but it seems Claire always knows what he needs when he needs it. She also sees the things inside his heart and soul that he doesn't show anyone -- she just *gets* him. I love how much they support one another, and every time Dom kissed her shoulder, I melted into a pile of goo!!
Not going to lie, Julia had me scared during the last 15%. I was legit screaming at my kindle that they could not end like this, and then it all came together so beautifully!! I truly loved how much work these two did on themselves individually in order to really move on from their past traumas so they could love one another the way they both deserved. And that epilogue?! Oh gosh. Tears upon tears!
I'm just so convinced there's nothing this author can write! This book is easily one of my favorite books of hers to date, and I can't wait for you all to fall in love with Dominic and Claire!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
January 3, 2021
This author never ceases to amaze me. We’re back on tour with a completely new bunch of people, and the sparks between the two who absolutely should never get together are starting fires from their first day around each other. Dominic is a crusty old-soul of a man, who’s lucky that his talent so completely overshadows his broken, rusted heart. Claire is a woman in need of a jumpstart to living because she’s been handed some of the worst life and love can deal out. They both know they’re no good for each other, yet they can’t stay away either.
Dominic made me so sad because he reminded me of the boy who wants to play, but isn’t sure he remembers how to begin. And as his heart starts up again and shakes off the dust and rust, he has no clue how to deal with the weight of living. Claire brings him life, but he knows he can’t keep her.
Claire broke my heart because she so willingly ripped hers out to save others time and again. She’s trying to convince herself that she’s built for a fling, but that’s so utterly untrue that it’s funny. Her easy friendships with Marta and Rodrigo (both of whom I absolutely adored) show Dominic just how much love she has to give, if he could only admit he wants it.
I found myself stunned a few times along the way reading this book. Sure, it’s an age gap story. But it’s definitely not a stereotypical one. The only hiding people are doing is from themselves. And the growing that takes place as the pages fly by is something spectacular. Claire breaks her own heart to save another. Dominic does the same. Both of them are so blind to their beauty that it takes others to help them realize just what they have to offer. And THAT is what hit me so hard. The ride or die friendships with Marta and Rodrigo (as unconventional as his feels, it’s so necessary), the growing pains felt by both Claire and Dominic. The sense of belonging and rightness they both feel when they finally break through their doubts and fears. Oh, this was such an adventure. I didn’t want it to end, even if I ran the gamut of emotions. I laughed, cried, raged, and felt my own heart cracking a few times. And yet, I’d gladly read it all over again, even knowing that I’d be a messy ball of emotions before the end.
Dominic made me so sad because he reminded me of the boy who wants to play, but isn’t sure he remembers how to begin. And as his heart starts up again and shakes off the dust and rust, he has no clue how to deal with the weight of living. Claire brings him life, but he knows he can’t keep her.
Claire broke my heart because she so willingly ripped hers out to save others time and again. She’s trying to convince herself that she’s built for a fling, but that’s so utterly untrue that it’s funny. Her easy friendships with Marta and Rodrigo (both of whom I absolutely adored) show Dominic just how much love she has to give, if he could only admit he wants it.
I found myself stunned a few times along the way reading this book. Sure, it’s an age gap story. But it’s definitely not a stereotypical one. The only hiding people are doing is from themselves. And the growing that takes place as the pages fly by is something spectacular. Claire breaks her own heart to save another. Dominic does the same. Both of them are so blind to their beauty that it takes others to help them realize just what they have to offer. And THAT is what hit me so hard. The ride or die friendships with Marta and Rodrigo (as unconventional as his feels, it’s so necessary), the growing pains felt by both Claire and Dominic. The sense of belonging and rightness they both feel when they finally break through their doubts and fears. Oh, this was such an adventure. I didn’t want it to end, even if I ran the gamut of emotions. I laughed, cried, raged, and felt my own heart cracking a few times. And yet, I’d gladly read it all over again, even knowing that I’d be a messy ball of emotions before the end.
February 6, 2022
Seeing her like this, wanting, needing, desperate, made me want to take care of her—to give her what she craved. That was why she was the apple, the snake, the garden. My perfect Eden.
I loved this book. It's been sitting on my TBR for a while and when a friend on IG said how good it was, I knew I had to move it up my list.
This story mad me happy and sad. It had me laughing and crying. Damn Julia Wolf, why did you have to do this to me?
The story was a bit of a slow burn with an interesting plot and I really enjoyed the steamy scenes, especially the first one. I thought it was slightly outside the standard and I was here for it.
With all the footsie these two play together, it's given me a fetish.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, you have to read it for yourself.
I loved this book. It's been sitting on my TBR for a while and when a friend on IG said how good it was, I knew I had to move it up my list.
This story mad me happy and sad. It had me laughing and crying. Damn Julia Wolf, why did you have to do this to me?
The story was a bit of a slow burn with an interesting plot and I really enjoyed the steamy scenes, especially the first one. I thought it was slightly outside the standard and I was here for it.
With all the footsie these two play together, it's given me a fetish.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, you have to read it for yourself.
September 28, 2021
I absolutely love the Savage Crew series by this author, so I decided to check out some of her other works. This book was so good! I absolutely LOVE when the hero isn’t immediately attracted to the heroine, and while this isn’t quite a slow burn romance, it was great to see the hero gradually warm up to the heroine. I almost gave this book five stars, but I was a little disappointed by a couple of loose ends that weren’t wrapped up to my liking.
I go crazy when authors use the title of the book in a meaningful way, and this one gave me all the feels! So good! I can’t wait to check out more books by this author.
I go crazy when authors use the title of the book in a meaningful way, and this one gave me all the feels! So good! I can’t wait to check out more books by this author.
March 23, 2021
Age-gap/ rockstar romance
The premise of this story was great but I had a few little niggles - the main one being the ex-wife. I feel like the story really could’ve done without that drama.
I loved that Claire was really independent and knew her own mind; she wasn’t scared to go for what she wanted. Once Dominic got over his grumpy arsehole act I really started to like him too. The chemistry between them was crazy but I also loved seeing the times where they were just developing their friendship and then banter between them was great.
Overall, I enjoyed it and although this was my first time reading anything by Julia Wolf, I would certainly read more from her in the future.
The premise of this story was great but I had a few little niggles - the main one being the ex-wife. I feel like the story really could’ve done without that drama.
I loved that Claire was really independent and knew her own mind; she wasn’t scared to go for what she wanted. Once Dominic got over his grumpy arsehole act I really started to like him too. The chemistry between them was crazy but I also loved seeing the times where they were just developing their friendship and then banter between them was great.
Overall, I enjoyed it and although this was my first time reading anything by Julia Wolf, I would certainly read more from her in the future.
September 20, 2022
Curvy girl Claire finds out her husband who she’s been with for 7 years has been cheating for the last year. She has a backbone of steel and leaves him. She has a college degreee but her husband didn’t t want her to work. She gets a job in PR and is assigned to go on tour with rock legend Dominic. Claire is 26 and Dominic is 42. At first he doesn’t find Claire attractive and that is exactly why is Ex wife Isabella hired her. Isabella owns the PR firm and knows Dominic likes model perfect bodies and faces. Claire is supposedly just average with a curvy figure. Isabella body shames her a make rude remarks about Claire’s looks on speakerphone while talking to Dominic. Claire is a great fmc she has balls and a wonderful nature: she speaks her mind and doesn’t put up with shiz. She has a personality that people are drawn to. She is still in the midst of her divorce but is on the road with Dominic and his band for two months. They become attracted and eventually hookup. Dominic wants her but is closedOff emotionally. Angsty stuff happens and Claire quits her job. They have a short separation before they get their hea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
I didn't get the romance, I didn't get the grief, the drama was definitely anticlimactic....I just didn't get the hype from all the 5 star ratings.
April 29, 2022
3.75* for all the good and fun bits.
March 25, 2021
4.5 stars
Built to Fall was an awesome Age/Gap, Rocker romance from new to me author Julia Wolf. I loved it from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. Claire is a fantastic soon to be divorced 26 year old and Dominic is the typical moody and grumpy 42 year old Rocker. Now was it original No, was it predictable Yes, did I care absolutely NO. It was fun, sexy and I loved watching Claire grow. I will definitely check out more from this author.
Built to Fall was an awesome Age/Gap, Rocker romance from new to me author Julia Wolf. I loved it from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. Claire is a fantastic soon to be divorced 26 year old and Dominic is the typical moody and grumpy 42 year old Rocker. Now was it original No, was it predictable Yes, did I care absolutely NO. It was fun, sexy and I loved watching Claire grow. I will definitely check out more from this author.
January 12, 2021
When Claire Fontana makes an unfortunate, life altering discovery, it triggers a major change in her small, boring world. After licking her wounds, she arms herself with a new outlook while trying to lay her fears firmly in the past, agreeing to a job which will send her on tour around the country with her hot sexy, teen idol, Dominic Cantrell. This silver fox is a moody, broody older rocker with heavy baggage buried in a bottomless suitcase, but the challenge is on for this self conscious plain and curvy young woman whose determined to enjoy freedom for the first time on her own.
Little did Claire know that this new journey as Dominic's PR assistant would change her life, foisting her smack dab into a group of wildly entertaining musicians that would become dear friends, including a woman who tucks her under her funny, inclusive wing, giving crazy peeks into a world she never could have imagined- life on the road with a fabulous rockstar and his opening act. Attraction to the gorgeous superstar himself was NOT supposed to be part of the plan.
Longing looks, stolen moments, raw emotions to be uncovered and rediscovered. A young woman who needs to find her own worth on the way out of a bad marriage. An irresistible rocker with his own broken past to overcome, with his smoldering intentions focused directly on her..really??? ME, she wonders? Yes, YOU Claire! All this and more will tempt you into reading well into the night, missing a good deal of sleep and foregoing any other obligations in the process.
Claire and Dominic might just steal your heart when you least expect it, mark my words, but it will all be worth it. Built to Fall was a hot, steamy, yummy treat from the mind of Julia Wolf, a new standalone with a sweet HEA- no catching up to do here. Sounds like some of these fun, secondary characters might have more to say in the future. Let's hope that's true because I'm all over that idea if it happens! Woot!!! More is always better in my opinion! Built to Fall is another must read book in a long line of reasons to love this talented author and her unforgettable tales from the road.
ARC received- voluntarily read, honestly reviewed.
Little did Claire know that this new journey as Dominic's PR assistant would change her life, foisting her smack dab into a group of wildly entertaining musicians that would become dear friends, including a woman who tucks her under her funny, inclusive wing, giving crazy peeks into a world she never could have imagined- life on the road with a fabulous rockstar and his opening act. Attraction to the gorgeous superstar himself was NOT supposed to be part of the plan.
Longing looks, stolen moments, raw emotions to be uncovered and rediscovered. A young woman who needs to find her own worth on the way out of a bad marriage. An irresistible rocker with his own broken past to overcome, with his smoldering intentions focused directly on her..really??? ME, she wonders? Yes, YOU Claire! All this and more will tempt you into reading well into the night, missing a good deal of sleep and foregoing any other obligations in the process.
Claire and Dominic might just steal your heart when you least expect it, mark my words, but it will all be worth it. Built to Fall was a hot, steamy, yummy treat from the mind of Julia Wolf, a new standalone with a sweet HEA- no catching up to do here. Sounds like some of these fun, secondary characters might have more to say in the future. Let's hope that's true because I'm all over that idea if it happens! Woot!!! More is always better in my opinion! Built to Fall is another must read book in a long line of reasons to love this talented author and her unforgettable tales from the road.
ARC received- voluntarily read, honestly reviewed.
May 22, 2024
This my friends is the consequence of loving this author's newest release and diving headfirst into this one without doing my due diligence......
Claire discovers that her husband had been having a affair for over a year, deciding to leave him he turns violent. Claire manages to leave and starts making changes in her life. Months later she's hired as a pr assistant and is sent to work with Rockstar Dominic on his tour.
Dominic is deeply damaged after suffering great loss, now at 42 he's living his life on his terms.... falling for his pr assistant who's 16 years his junior definitely wasnt planned
*****
First off this book gave me the ick! From the very first chapters we're introduced to Dominic who's still having sex with his ex wife. We later learn that he also usually sleeps with the women sent to work for him and any others his eyes fall on. Now I get the sex drugs and rock and roll life but cmon this dudes 42 acting like that and I'm expected to see him as a bbf??? Ummmmm no
Reading this author's works individually I really enjoy them but back to back a lot of her books have way to many similarities. Claire is yet another h recently out of a breakup who promptly falls for the next man she gets involved with. Something about the lovely and mostly innocent Claire annoyed me endlessly 🙄
There was also both OW and OM drama endlessly as the young and upcoming rocker Adam just wont disappear. 🙄 Dominic had women he'd look at that pissed me off, women flirted and then the situation with Chelsea who was the mother of his "son" who'd tragically died young. He was full of apologies to Claire though
All in all I didn't like anybody in here
No cheating
16 year age gap
Third act breakup which was actually needed because these ppl needed to get their shit together badly
Death of a child to cancer is referenced
DV
Claire discovers that her husband had been having a affair for over a year, deciding to leave him he turns violent. Claire manages to leave and starts making changes in her life. Months later she's hired as a pr assistant and is sent to work with Rockstar Dominic on his tour.
Dominic is deeply damaged after suffering great loss, now at 42 he's living his life on his terms.... falling for his pr assistant who's 16 years his junior definitely wasnt planned
*****
First off this book gave me the ick! From the very first chapters we're introduced to Dominic who's still having sex with his ex wife. We later learn that he also usually sleeps with the women sent to work for him and any others his eyes fall on. Now I get the sex drugs and rock and roll life but cmon this dudes 42 acting like that and I'm expected to see him as a bbf??? Ummmmm no
Reading this author's works individually I really enjoy them but back to back a lot of her books have way to many similarities. Claire is yet another h recently out of a breakup who promptly falls for the next man she gets involved with. Something about the lovely and mostly innocent Claire annoyed me endlessly 🙄
There was also both OW and OM drama endlessly as the young and upcoming rocker Adam just wont disappear. 🙄 Dominic had women he'd look at that pissed me off, women flirted and then the situation with Chelsea who was the mother of his "son" who'd tragically died young. He was full of apologies to Claire though
All in all I didn't like anybody in here
No cheating
16 year age gap
Third act breakup which was actually needed because these ppl needed to get their shit together badly
Death of a child to cancer is referenced
DV
January 11, 2021
In recent times I seem to start each review of a Julia Wolf book saying that her books and writing are getting better and better… and yes, I am saying it again.
Built to Fall is a heck of a way to kick off 2021. This book is incredible. The storyline is perfectly plotted, the characters are so vivid it feels like you are watching a movie, not reading a book, and the chemistry is FIRE! The sex scenes will Blow. Your. Mind. But mostly, the emotions this book provokes are intense and it all comes down to Julia’s brilliant writing and the amazing characters. I cried, I stressed, I sweated, and I swooned. I went through the full gamut of emotions reading this book and I loved every second of it. There is so much hope and positive attitude shining through and some serious girl power with Claire’s quiet strength and courage. The only thing that I could fault with this book, was that I wanted a longer HEA because I loved Claire and Dominic so much.
Built to Fall is Julia’s second standalone Rockstar novel (Rocked being the first). I knew I would like both books because, hello! Julia wrote them. But I didn’t expect to love them as much as I do, or get so emotionally involved, as I am used to most Rockstar novels being part of a series. Both of Julia’s standalone Rockstar books have changed my mind about this and I believe they will appeal to a lot of readers who like to be able to pick up a stand alone novel and not be committed to reading a full series.
I highly recommend Built to Fall as an entertaining rollercoaster Rockstar romance. It’s a five star read!
Built to Fall is a heck of a way to kick off 2021. This book is incredible. The storyline is perfectly plotted, the characters are so vivid it feels like you are watching a movie, not reading a book, and the chemistry is FIRE! The sex scenes will Blow. Your. Mind. But mostly, the emotions this book provokes are intense and it all comes down to Julia’s brilliant writing and the amazing characters. I cried, I stressed, I sweated, and I swooned. I went through the full gamut of emotions reading this book and I loved every second of it. There is so much hope and positive attitude shining through and some serious girl power with Claire’s quiet strength and courage. The only thing that I could fault with this book, was that I wanted a longer HEA because I loved Claire and Dominic so much.
Built to Fall is Julia’s second standalone Rockstar novel (Rocked being the first). I knew I would like both books because, hello! Julia wrote them. But I didn’t expect to love them as much as I do, or get so emotionally involved, as I am used to most Rockstar novels being part of a series. Both of Julia’s standalone Rockstar books have changed my mind about this and I believe they will appeal to a lot of readers who like to be able to pick up a stand alone novel and not be committed to reading a full series.
I highly recommend Built to Fall as an entertaining rollercoaster Rockstar romance. It’s a five star read!
December 30, 2021
3.75 stars.
I liked it, I think. It was touted as a book with a plus sized heroine but I didn't really see that.
The book opens with the hero in bed with his ex-wife who works for him. They have an off-again on-again thing but that didn't come to much throughout the book except al the passive aggressive fat shaming from ex towards the heroine.
At times I thought the hero's best female friend was the heroine because they had more chemistry, i felt she featured too much, as did the other secondary cast. I would have preferred it focused more on the hero and heroine.
It was also one of those books where the hero is wanted by every man. 🙄
I liked it, but sometimes I didn't. A decent read, well written.
I liked it, I think. It was touted as a book with a plus sized heroine but I didn't really see that.
The book opens with the hero in bed with his ex-wife who works for him. They have an off-again on-again thing but that didn't come to much throughout the book except al the passive aggressive fat shaming from ex towards the heroine.
At times I thought the hero's best female friend was the heroine because they had more chemistry, i felt she featured too much, as did the other secondary cast. I would have preferred it focused more on the hero and heroine.
It was also one of those books where the hero is wanted by every man. 🙄
I liked it, but sometimes I didn't. A decent read, well written.
June 2, 2022
3.5 stars
This came out of left field! And it was great. The story of an age-gap rocker romance with some commentary. My favorite part was the exquisite slow burn.
I wished for more drama... but that's my inner toxic reader, apparently, as this story was actually super wholesome and involved a lot of healthy and realistic discussions. Julia Wolf is a new author on my romance list!
Blog | Instagram
This came out of left field! And it was great. The story of an age-gap rocker romance with some commentary. My favorite part was the exquisite slow burn.
I wished for more drama... but that's my inner toxic reader, apparently, as this story was actually super wholesome and involved a lot of healthy and realistic discussions. Julia Wolf is a new author on my romance list!
Blog | Instagram
July 25, 2022
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I was definitely intrigued by this book but I honestly thought, and worried a little, that it would be the usual cliche heroine that has no self confidence and the overly confident manwhore hero. That was not the case at all with this book though. I loved Claire's character and she easily put a smile on my face. She was a little unsure of herself at times, sure, but mostly she was confident and wasn't afraid to have fun. She also wasn't shy and that had me falling for her from the beginning since she made every interaction with people really fun to read about.
Dominic was also a great character, though he did have his faults. But his grumpy behavior and gruffness paired so well with Claire's more open personality and made them such a cute couple. This was my first book from this author but I've already jumped into another book from her and I can tell I'll be reading much more.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I was definitely intrigued by this book but I honestly thought, and worried a little, that it would be the usual cliche heroine that has no self confidence and the overly confident manwhore hero. That was not the case at all with this book though. I loved Claire's character and she easily put a smile on my face. She was a little unsure of herself at times, sure, but mostly she was confident and wasn't afraid to have fun. She also wasn't shy and that had me falling for her from the beginning since she made every interaction with people really fun to read about.
Dominic was also a great character, though he did have his faults. But his grumpy behavior and gruffness paired so well with Claire's more open personality and made them such a cute couple. This was my first book from this author but I've already jumped into another book from her and I can tell I'll be reading much more.
December 8, 2022
Soooooo this was very unexpected and I loved it!
It felt like a CoHo book with extra spice and a grumpy old rockstar!
It felt like a CoHo book with extra spice and a grumpy old rockstar!
February 26, 2021
3.5 stars
January 28, 2021
In true Julia Wolf fashion she has brought us another amazing rockstar read. I always know I can count on her for books that are going to completely monopolize my time until I finish - and that is 100% a good thing.
Holy moly, the chemistry between Dominic & Claire was absolutely off the charts. Let me just say, I’m probably never going to look at a mirror the same way again. This book is by far the spiciest book Julia has given us so far & I was so here for every moment of it.
I truly loved watching Claire grow throughout this entire book. I really felt that I could relate to her in a lot of ways. I also loved watching her soften the heart of Dominic - so set in his ways. The pull between them was undeniable from the start.
Julia also gave us a brand new cast of side characters to fall in love with and perhaps a glimpse of what is to come in the future from her. ;)
She truly never disappoints me with her words:
“She was the apple, the snake, the entire damn garden, forbidden for a man like me. And here she was, temptation in the flesh, offering herself up.”
(This book is a complete standalone - but let’s be real, you should just go ahead and read all her other books too.)
Holy moly, the chemistry between Dominic & Claire was absolutely off the charts. Let me just say, I’m probably never going to look at a mirror the same way again. This book is by far the spiciest book Julia has given us so far & I was so here for every moment of it.
I truly loved watching Claire grow throughout this entire book. I really felt that I could relate to her in a lot of ways. I also loved watching her soften the heart of Dominic - so set in his ways. The pull between them was undeniable from the start.
Julia also gave us a brand new cast of side characters to fall in love with and perhaps a glimpse of what is to come in the future from her. ;)
She truly never disappoints me with her words:
“She was the apple, the snake, the entire damn garden, forbidden for a man like me. And here she was, temptation in the flesh, offering herself up.”
(This book is a complete standalone - but let’s be real, you should just go ahead and read all her other books too.)
January 8, 2021
Julia Wolf is my “go to” author for rockstar romances. I admit the cover on this book doesn’t really fit how I picture him in my mind, but I think I can guarantee the flawed character of Dominic will make your heart swoon. Road weary and broken inside, he doesn’t quite know how to deal with his young new PR person Claire, sent by his ex-wife to accompany him on his latest tour. Claire also has had her heart broken & confidence shaken (by a cheating husband), and she takes the tour job trying to find herself and a new future. How these two get together & fall in love makes for a great story I think you’ll enjoy.
January 20, 2021
☑️ Rockstar romance
☑️ Age gap with a sexy silver fox
☑️ Curvy heroine
Where do I begin?! There is so much to love about this book! Julia grabbed my attention in the first chapter and once I met Claire there was no looking back!
The opening chapter was heartbreaking and hit close to home. But as sad as it was, it sets the wheels in motion for a beautiful journey of self discovery and love.
Enter Dominic. The much older, sexier silver fox who Claire comes to work for. The man who's posters hung on her childhood bedroom wall.
Dominic wasn't looking for Claire to be anything other than his PR assistant while on tour. But he soon comes to realize that the curvy and shy Claire tempts him in ways he's never known.
This book is HAWT. But beyond that, this book is a story about moving on from your past and becoming a truer and better version of yourself. It's about learning to step outside your boundaries and trust again, which doesn't come easy for Claire or Dominic. Just because your past may shape who you are, it doesn't dictate who you were meant to be or be with ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
P.S The epilogue is absolutely perfect! ❤️
☑️ Age gap with a sexy silver fox
☑️ Curvy heroine
Where do I begin?! There is so much to love about this book! Julia grabbed my attention in the first chapter and once I met Claire there was no looking back!
The opening chapter was heartbreaking and hit close to home. But as sad as it was, it sets the wheels in motion for a beautiful journey of self discovery and love.
Enter Dominic. The much older, sexier silver fox who Claire comes to work for. The man who's posters hung on her childhood bedroom wall.
Dominic wasn't looking for Claire to be anything other than his PR assistant while on tour. But he soon comes to realize that the curvy and shy Claire tempts him in ways he's never known.
This book is HAWT. But beyond that, this book is a story about moving on from your past and becoming a truer and better version of yourself. It's about learning to step outside your boundaries and trust again, which doesn't come easy for Claire or Dominic. Just because your past may shape who you are, it doesn't dictate who you were meant to be or be with ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
P.S The epilogue is absolutely perfect! ❤️
July 9, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads
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I realized my husband was cheating on me while I unpacked his small suitcase from his latest trip to Chicago.
I didn’t have a job or any skills to land on. All I had was a useless college degree and a sister who would take me in without hesitation.
“This can’t happen again.” She hopped around, slipping on her heels.
“Come on, Iz. We don’t need to play that game. It’s no fun.”
Isabela Ruiz, my former wife and now the ruler of my kingdom, marched to the side of the bed, standing over me. She’d gone from the afterglow to sleek and pissed off in the span of five minutes.
“Then what’s the problem? Fucking is the one thing we always got right.”
“So, go. We don’t need to have some big breakup scene. We already did that when you walked out on me.”
We’d met eight years ago. I’d been in need of new PR, and Isabela’s company had come highly recommended. A year later, we were married. Four years after that, we were divorced and demolished. Even after everything we’d been through, the way we hurt each other, we’d stayed friends.
“You slept with the last woman I sent on tour with you. I can’t have that, Dom. That is unacceptable. I do not need a lawsuit on top of everything else.”
All I’d wanted out of this day was a really good fuck, some music, a nice meal, and a blunt to round it all off.
She rolled her eyes. “Old is right. At forty-two, you’d think you’d learn some self-control.”
We weren’t ever getting back together. There was no question about that for either of us. But she’d been a steady source of distraction for so long, my gut protested giving that up.
Isabela Ruiz, the owner of the firm, stood at the head of the long conference table in the center, sliding her fingers over her iPad.
“I need your word you won’t sleep with him. Dominic is my ex-husband, so I know him better than most. He’s very charming and could convince a nun to drop their habit if he tried. I don’t think he’d try with you, but I can’t make that promise.”
“Are you sure she isn’t there? She’s young, sort of round, and very plain. She might be blending in with the furniture, so double-check.” Isabela chuckled at her own description
I turned back to my phone without a response. “She’s here, Iz, and you were pretty unkind in your description.”
“Claire, I’m so sorry. You’re lovely, and I’m happy you made it,” Isabella soothed. Claire cleared her throat before she spoke. “My Uber was in an accident a mile away, so I walked, which is why I was running late. I’ll be careful when I sit on the furniture, possibly even wear a sign around my neck so no one accidentally sits on me.”
“I don’t need to know her personal details, just that she’ll be able to do her job.”
Fortunately, I survived, only to have my self-esteem pummeled by Isabela Ruiz, my mentor.
“I take it he isn’t thrilled I’m here.” Her smile slid into a smirk. “The only thing Dominic is pleased with is himself, and even that’s iffy half the time. I take it you read up on him?”
If they knew the last time I’d taken a chance on a man ended with me in the hospital with a concussion, maybe they wouldn’t be so worried.
Marta grinned back at our boss. “Groupies have written books about the kind of debauchery you’ve partaken in. You have ticked every box on the list the bouncers keep at the gates of hell. It’s impossible to corrupt the corrupted.”
While I hadn’t expected to become pals with Dominic Cantrell, his callous dismissal of me had stung.
This is by far the nicest house I’ve ever been in. A girl could get used to this.” “Well, don’t.”
I held back the growl in my chest. “You sound like a cunt when you talk about her like that, Isabela. It’s also pretty un-fucking professional. You’d think you would have learned a lesson from the last time you insulted her looks.”
“Hey.” She nudged my knee. “You’re being quiet and not eating. Did I overstep here?” “Yes.”
“You did. I probably misled you last night—and that’s on me. I’m not really interested in you outside of the work you do for me.”
On her way out, Ariana stopped by Dominic, raised on her toes to whisper to him, and unmistakably slipped a piece of paper in his tight pocket. She gave him a lingering look before leaving with a swing of her curvy hips. Dominic licked his lips as he watched her go, driving an unwarranted spike of jealousy straight through my chest.
“Four weeks is all I have in me. I like you, Claire. I want to be around you and inside you, but I’m not going to be in a relationship with you. Not beyond this tour. I don’t think you want that either.” “I don’t. You’re right.”
Dominic and Isabela still hook up?” Marta winced. “Yeah. I don’t know when the last time was, but she’s always slithering around.
I’d known Isabela and Dominic had been married several years ago, but I had no idea they were still something to each other.
“Being hurt by the man who’s supposed to love you doesn’t mean you’re not a strong woman. It means the man is weak.”
“I want you to know you’re nothing special,” Isabela said without venom. In fact, her tone was soft, almost comforting. “That restaurant Dominic took you to? He took me there before we slept together the first time. It’s where he takes women he has to work a little bit harder to get. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time.
“She didn’t lie. I have taken more than one woman there.”
One day, some woman’s going to crack you open and get to see that side of you all the time.” I huffed a humorless laugh against her soft stomach. “It hasn’t happened yet. I’m not that guy.”
“You’re right. Dominic is extremely private, but this gala will be teeming with press, and I want you to attend. It’s black tie, so you’ll need a gown, but I’m assuming you can sort yourself out. Although, it’s probably not as easy for you—
I shoved at his chest, but there was no heat to it. “Isabela called. She pretended she didn’t know it was only six here.” He laughed. “She can be a real cunt when she wants to be.”
His nostrils flared. “Did I tell you where I am going that night?” He gave nothing away in his flat, detached tone. I couldn’t tell if he was angry, worried, or something else. “No, you didn’t.” “Then she told you something I did not give her permission to reveal.”
And for Dylan. Tonight wasn’t about me. It was about raising money so other kids wouldn’t suffer like Dylan had.
My beer was ready first, so while we waited for Claire’s cocktail, I surveyed the room. I recognized many of these people from attending this gala the past several years, but none whose name I remembered. None except her. Chelsea Watson.
Otherwise, I would have to watch Dominic in an intimate huddle with a willowy blonde goddess. Seeing them embrace, the way he’d cupped the back of her head and held her against his chest, had been enough.
Not until her. Even from across the room, their expressions of shared pain and love were so clear, I could have been standing in front of them.
I imagined this was why Isabela had insisted I come tonight. Despite my denial, she probably guessed something was going on between Dominic and me and this had been her way of once again hammering home I was nothing special.
I felt betrayed, but I didn’t even know if I had been. Dominic and I weren’t together. We weren’t a couple. We had sex and spent time with each other. We had an expiration date—and it was fast approaching.
“Chelsea is Dylan’s mother.” I hadn’t told anyone this story, about my past, my kid, any of it, since I met Marta.
“I don’t think I’m needed here anymore. Isabela will take care of you.” I’d said the last part with more venom than necessary, but as hurt as I was, I was also pissed. Dominic Cantrell was a coward, and I was getting really tired of cowardly men.
May 22, 2021
Imagine thinking it’s okay to get it on with someone while they’re under the influence, not once, but twice. I kind of feel for the two TikTok creators that “inspired” this story - one has his likeness branded on the cover, and the other was used to poorly navigate domestic violence. Imagine cashing in on that and not listing DV resources.
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