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Slade Brothers #1
Billionaire's Unexpected Bride
“The rules have been broken,” he says. “We can’t pretend like they haven’t.”
I don’t break rules. EVER.
1. NEVER mix business with pleasure.
2. DON’T put my job in jeopardy.
3. Absolutely do NOT fall in love with a client.
Guess I should say . . . I didn’t break them, until I met my new billionaire client, Drake Slade.
Arrogant, rude, hated by everyone in town, and 100% NOT my type.
The day my perfect LA life was uprooted to move to middle-of-frickin’-nowhere Colorado was the day I was convinced my life was over.
Raise and promotion be damned, what good is it if the only place in town is a Dollar Store?
But here I am, wearing a denim skirt and cowboy boots, rootin’ and scootin’ my way around town, and square dancing my way into Drake’s bed.
Don’t worry, I have a plan. Sort of.
He’s just a little distraction to make my time here pass. After I get the town to love him, I can move back to LA.
Now I just need to convince my heart . . .
I don’t break rules. EVER.
1. NEVER mix business with pleasure.
2. DON’T put my job in jeopardy.
3. Absolutely do NOT fall in love with a client.
Guess I should say . . . I didn’t break them, until I met my new billionaire client, Drake Slade.
Arrogant, rude, hated by everyone in town, and 100% NOT my type.
The day my perfect LA life was uprooted to move to middle-of-frickin’-nowhere Colorado was the day I was convinced my life was over.
Raise and promotion be damned, what good is it if the only place in town is a Dollar Store?
But here I am, wearing a denim skirt and cowboy boots, rootin’ and scootin’ my way around town, and square dancing my way into Drake’s bed.
Don’t worry, I have a plan. Sort of.
He’s just a little distraction to make my time here pass. After I get the town to love him, I can move back to LA.
Now I just need to convince my heart . . .
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
1848 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Winter
122 books2,158 followersAlexis Winter is a contemporary romance author who loves to share her steamy stories with the world. She specializes in sexy billionaires, cocky alphas, brooding bad boys and the women they love.
If you love to curl up with a good romance book you will certainly enjoy her work. Whether it's a story about an innocent young woman learning about the world or a sassy and fierce heroine who knows what she wants you're sure to enjoy the happily ever afters she provides.
When Alexis isn't writing away furiously, you can find her exploring the Rocky Mountains, traveling, enjoying a glass of wine or petting a cat.
You can find her books on Amazon.
If you love to curl up with a good romance book you will certainly enjoy her work. Whether it's a story about an innocent young woman learning about the world or a sassy and fierce heroine who knows what she wants you're sure to enjoy the happily ever afters she provides.
When Alexis isn't writing away furiously, you can find her exploring the Rocky Mountains, traveling, enjoying a glass of wine or petting a cat.
You can find her books on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
April 26, 2021
Stars: 4
Length: Full Length
POV: Dual
Series: Slade Brother's #1 (Stand Alone but Connected)
Ending: HEA
Re-read? No
"She’ll go back home in a year, find some rich guy who’s worth her time, and settle down with him, forgetting all about me. She’ll get my dream. The only problem is, I won’t be in it."
There was just this underlying sadness throughout this entire story. I'm sure it comes from both Drake's incredibly broken heart and the expiration date clearly stamped on his and Celeste's "relationship". It was a good story if a little long with a bit of drag. I just couldn't shake the sad feeling throughout and it wasn't uplifting like I look for in my romance novels.
I had planned on reading book two before I even started this one because I love the nanny trope but man, if Alexis Winter has the angst running through that one like this one I don't know if I'll be able to make it. And THAT brother has an actual dead wife. I'll definitely need to take a break before I read it for sure. For some reason this book just left me feeling morose even with the HEA.
Length: Full Length
POV: Dual
Series: Slade Brother's #1 (Stand Alone but Connected)
Ending: HEA
Re-read? No
"She’ll go back home in a year, find some rich guy who’s worth her time, and settle down with him, forgetting all about me. She’ll get my dream. The only problem is, I won’t be in it."
There was just this underlying sadness throughout this entire story. I'm sure it comes from both Drake's incredibly broken heart and the expiration date clearly stamped on his and Celeste's "relationship". It was a good story if a little long with a bit of drag. I just couldn't shake the sad feeling throughout and it wasn't uplifting like I look for in my romance novels.
I had planned on reading book two before I even started this one because I love the nanny trope but man, if Alexis Winter has the angst running through that one like this one I don't know if I'll be able to make it. And THAT brother has an actual dead wife. I'll definitely need to take a break before I read it for sure. For some reason this book just left me feeling morose even with the HEA.
June 22, 2021
I struggled with this from the get go but hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
Celeste has rules. She doesn’t mix business with pleasure yet within a couple of pages she’s agreeing to go on a date with a colleague.
There was no chemistry between the main two characters. And this may sound harsh but he’s a grown man and successful business man who hasn’t moved on from his fiancé leaving him 4 years ago.
And I know this may seem petty and silly but I didn’t like all the drink driving they did.
He drinks at the bar (beer and 3 bourbons) and drives home. She’s been drinking for hours and follows him.
“After five minutes of vomiting up the entire bar I drank last night…”
This just didn’t work for me so I’m out.
Celeste has rules. She doesn’t mix business with pleasure yet within a couple of pages she’s agreeing to go on a date with a colleague.
There was no chemistry between the main two characters. And this may sound harsh but he’s a grown man and successful business man who hasn’t moved on from his fiancé leaving him 4 years ago.
And I know this may seem petty and silly but I didn’t like all the drink driving they did.
He drinks at the bar (beer and 3 bourbons) and drives home. She’s been drinking for hours and follows him.
“After five minutes of vomiting up the entire bar I drank last night…”
This just didn’t work for me so I’m out.
December 27, 2020
No strong representations of diverse characters or minority identities.
Overall: 2/5 stars
The title of this book is incredibly misleading; they don't get married in this book.
There was no chemistry between the Hero and Heroine. I didn't particularly appreciate how the Heroine kept insisting from page one about how it's her number one rule never to date a co-worker or client and then proceeds to break that rule on page two. Like, what is the point of having a RULE if you're going to break it willy-nilly 😂! Obviously, the author was struggling for an impediment to the relationship between the main characters.
While I liked how the Heroine was a kickass attorney, her countenance in her meetings with the Hero wasn't very ballbusting. Also, the Hero's rebuttals were the classic misogynistic "just because you're a woman..." nonsense. Obviously, the Hero does care his lawyer is a woman because he keeps pointing it out! Example: "If you piss me off, I'll let you know even if it hurts your feelings." Would he say that to a guy? I think not!
The Hero was the definition of an entitled brat. He gets incensed when his employees don't treat him with respect and yells at his right-hand-man for treating him like a child.
1) He's acting like a child,
2) Respect is earned, and
3) Everyone he gets mad at is doing their freaking job!
I honestly thought that every single character should've just ditched the Hero's brewery. The fact that the Heroine's only friend in the town (she's a local) says that the Hero isn't a bad guy, just misunderstood was the quintessential "he doesn't treat me like crap; therefore he's nice"... nevermind the many other people he's an ass too! Finally, it was so freaking annoying and sexist that the Hero would consistently undermine the Heroine's career accomplishments. He calls her a know-it-all because that's what lawyers are, never thinking that lawyers must be law experts to be successful. He's probably an expert, *ahem* know-it-all, about brewing beer and whiskey because that's his billion-dollar business! The number of double-standards in this book was infuriating.
The plot was set up with the Heroine having to go to the middle of no-where to help the Hero expand his company's brewery, which means making friends with his neighbours... who hate him. Part of the Heroine's plan is to make the Hero a staple in the small-town, yet her success is never written about–it's completely skirted around. I thought the book would have cute and funny scenes of the grumpy town recluse becoming "one" with a quirky-AF town. But nope! The Heroine just fleets in and out of the Hero's house or office shrieking, she did it! HOW did she do it, though???
It made no sense why the Heroine was so freaking juvenile after hooking up with the Hero. Why can't adults ever act like adults? She went out of her way to avoid him. Also, the whole reason why they break-up is so freaking dumb! They both admit they love each other, and then the Hero doesn't even try to make long-distance work–he runs away scared and breaks up with her through a letter!
Overall of the story? The Hero needed a freaking therapist years ago. Also, the mystery of the Hero's maybe half-sibling is never solved (I guess it lasts for the whole series?). The story about this mysterious kid being entitled to a share of their wealth is only true if the father was dead 😂. If the father did have a love child (they still have to find him and do a DNA test), the father can still re-write his trust conditions to include (and exclude) specific children.
What I did like about Billionaire's Unexpected Bride was that the Heroine didn't give up her high powered career just because she fell in love. It was a pleasant discovery.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Overall: 2/5 stars
The title of this book is incredibly misleading; they don't get married in this book.
There was no chemistry between the Hero and Heroine. I didn't particularly appreciate how the Heroine kept insisting from page one about how it's her number one rule never to date a co-worker or client and then proceeds to break that rule on page two. Like, what is the point of having a RULE if you're going to break it willy-nilly 😂! Obviously, the author was struggling for an impediment to the relationship between the main characters.
While I liked how the Heroine was a kickass attorney, her countenance in her meetings with the Hero wasn't very ballbusting. Also, the Hero's rebuttals were the classic misogynistic "just because you're a woman..." nonsense. Obviously, the Hero does care his lawyer is a woman because he keeps pointing it out! Example: "If you piss me off, I'll let you know even if it hurts your feelings." Would he say that to a guy? I think not!
The Hero was the definition of an entitled brat. He gets incensed when his employees don't treat him with respect and yells at his right-hand-man for treating him like a child.
1) He's acting like a child,
2) Respect is earned, and
3) Everyone he gets mad at is doing their freaking job!
I honestly thought that every single character should've just ditched the Hero's brewery. The fact that the Heroine's only friend in the town (she's a local) says that the Hero isn't a bad guy, just misunderstood was the quintessential "he doesn't treat me like crap; therefore he's nice"... nevermind the many other people he's an ass too! Finally, it was so freaking annoying and sexist that the Hero would consistently undermine the Heroine's career accomplishments. He calls her a know-it-all because that's what lawyers are, never thinking that lawyers must be law experts to be successful. He's probably an expert, *ahem* know-it-all, about brewing beer and whiskey because that's his billion-dollar business! The number of double-standards in this book was infuriating.
The plot was set up with the Heroine having to go to the middle of no-where to help the Hero expand his company's brewery, which means making friends with his neighbours... who hate him. Part of the Heroine's plan is to make the Hero a staple in the small-town, yet her success is never written about–it's completely skirted around. I thought the book would have cute and funny scenes of the grumpy town recluse becoming "one" with a quirky-AF town. But nope! The Heroine just fleets in and out of the Hero's house or office shrieking, she did it! HOW did she do it, though???
It made no sense why the Heroine was so freaking juvenile after hooking up with the Hero. Why can't adults ever act like adults? She went out of her way to avoid him. Also, the whole reason why they break-up is so freaking dumb! They both admit they love each other, and then the Hero doesn't even try to make long-distance work–he runs away scared and breaks up with her through a letter!
Overall of the story? The Hero needed a freaking therapist years ago. Also, the mystery of the Hero's maybe half-sibling is never solved (I guess it lasts for the whole series?). The story about this mysterious kid being entitled to a share of their wealth is only true if the father was dead 😂. If the father did have a love child (they still have to find him and do a DNA test), the father can still re-write his trust conditions to include (and exclude) specific children.
What I did like about Billionaire's Unexpected Bride was that the Heroine didn't give up her high powered career just because she fell in love. It was a pleasant discovery.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
April 21, 2020
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review, and I feel terrible that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, but it just wasn't for me.
First off, I have a HUGE problem with continuity. He said he was 15 when his mother died, and she died in 1981 making him 54. Then he mentions later that he's in his 40s. Um, what? Then when Drake and Celeste are getting hot and heavy, one paragraph they're, well, hot and heavy, and literally the next paragraph they are standing up and he hands her a beer, and suddenly they're fully clothed, then in the same chapter, same day, the color of her bra changes. This is all in the course of two chapters. It really bugged me.
Also, I can't stand when the cover doesn't match. Drake is described as having a thick beard, and Celeste is blonde. These models are way off. The title also doesn't match AT ALL! Drake is not a billionaire. It is casually mentioned once that he's a millionaire, and they are not engaged until literally the last paragraph of the book. This book needs a title change. Drake has 3 brothers, only 2 of whom are mentioned by name.
There is also an element of mystery woven in, are they being threatened? Who is this mystery person.....and it's never mentioned again. Perhaps it will weave through the next several books, but in this one it's almost like the author forgot about it.
I didn't get all the chemistry between Drake and Celeste. They meet and it's instalove after Drake has been a recluse and refuses to show his face around town because his girlfriend left him 4 years ago. I don't know, there was quite a bit I didn't get about this book.
It keep my interest and after meeting one brother I would like to see where the next book goes, but it would have been nice to at least learn the 4th brother's name if there is going to be a book about him.
I had a hard time leaving this review, I really did want to like this book, and I am giving it three stars, but perhaps I'm too nick picky over my issues.
First off, I have a HUGE problem with continuity. He said he was 15 when his mother died, and she died in 1981 making him 54. Then he mentions later that he's in his 40s. Um, what? Then when Drake and Celeste are getting hot and heavy, one paragraph they're, well, hot and heavy, and literally the next paragraph they are standing up and he hands her a beer, and suddenly they're fully clothed, then in the same chapter, same day, the color of her bra changes. This is all in the course of two chapters. It really bugged me.
Also, I can't stand when the cover doesn't match. Drake is described as having a thick beard, and Celeste is blonde. These models are way off. The title also doesn't match AT ALL! Drake is not a billionaire. It is casually mentioned once that he's a millionaire, and they are not engaged until literally the last paragraph of the book. This book needs a title change. Drake has 3 brothers, only 2 of whom are mentioned by name.
There is also an element of mystery woven in, are they being threatened? Who is this mystery person.....and it's never mentioned again. Perhaps it will weave through the next several books, but in this one it's almost like the author forgot about it.
I didn't get all the chemistry between Drake and Celeste. They meet and it's instalove after Drake has been a recluse and refuses to show his face around town because his girlfriend left him 4 years ago. I don't know, there was quite a bit I didn't get about this book.
It keep my interest and after meeting one brother I would like to see where the next book goes, but it would have been nice to at least learn the 4th brother's name if there is going to be a book about him.
I had a hard time leaving this review, I really did want to like this book, and I am giving it three stars, but perhaps I'm too nick picky over my issues.
May 16, 2022
This is the first book like this I’ve read so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would though and was engrossed in the storyline almost immediately.
There was a lack of development between the characters so it was very Insta-love which sometimes I like and other times I don’t. I was iffy with it with this book. In some ways I didn’t mind because I enjoyed the story enough but also I didn’t really care about their relationship much.
As for things I didn’t like as much. I didn’t like the massive time jump and there was things in the storyline that were massively glossed over that I would’ve liked to actually read about. I also wasn’t a fan of the drinking and driving by both characters, that’s not something that should be promoted or normalised.
There was a lack of development between the characters so it was very Insta-love which sometimes I like and other times I don’t. I was iffy with it with this book. In some ways I didn’t mind because I enjoyed the story enough but also I didn’t really care about their relationship much.
As for things I didn’t like as much. I didn’t like the massive time jump and there was things in the storyline that were massively glossed over that I would’ve liked to actually read about. I also wasn’t a fan of the drinking and driving by both characters, that’s not something that should be promoted or normalised.
May 7, 2020
Celeste is an LA attorney who is headed to Colorado for a year to work with Drake’s family trying to expand their brewery. She doesn’t want to go but will receive a promotion one the job is over. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between her and Drake? Will she stay in Colorado or home to LA? Fast-paced read with hot chemistry. Loads of drama and twists and turns. I really liked it.
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July 17, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/17/2021)! 🎁
September 23, 2021
I have so many issues with this book and I was in too deep to stop at 70%. So I finished the book but it was full of eye rolls and annoyance.
I do want to say that the author has a way of writing that even though I did not enjoy this book liked her writing at times.
I’m just gonna list out the problems I have with this book.
- Drake and Celeste have one interaction which leads to them to becoming lovers. Celeste was warned of Drake being a distant and blunt person. This had the makings of an enemies-to-lovers, just saying.
- Fricking Casey. This woman, Drake’s ex, was brought up in every single chapter except the last two maybe? I was so sick of reading how Drake compared Celeste and Casey together. It felt like 3 people in this relationship and not 2.
- There isn’t much substance between Drake and Celeste except that they get together a lot and sleep with each other. The first 24 hours or so takes up 70% of the book and then there is a time jump where Drake and Celeste have been living in this state of bliss. There is also no struggle about getting signatures to expand his brewery. The whole premise of the book that she is there to help him get permission to break ground and there is NONE of that. Just that Celeste gets signatures and then BOOM they are done and can move forward.
- Casey shows up and forces herself on Drake. I didn’t really care for that but what pissed me off is that Drake went to Celeste afterwards. He had sex with Celeste AND THEN told her that Casey kissed him. Huh?!
- No backbone. Neither Drake nor Casey had the backbone to just tell each other how they feel. They DON’T communicate.
- Also the whole half-sibling thing? It wasn’t really resolved unless it happens in the next books. I don’t plan on continuing the series.
I do want to say that the author has a way of writing that even though I did not enjoy this book liked her writing at times.
I’m just gonna list out the problems I have with this book.
- Drake and Celeste have one interaction which leads to them to becoming lovers. Celeste was warned of Drake being a distant and blunt person. This had the makings of an enemies-to-lovers, just saying.
- Fricking Casey. This woman, Drake’s ex, was brought up in every single chapter except the last two maybe? I was so sick of reading how Drake compared Celeste and Casey together. It felt like 3 people in this relationship and not 2.
- There isn’t much substance between Drake and Celeste except that they get together a lot and sleep with each other. The first 24 hours or so takes up 70% of the book and then there is a time jump where Drake and Celeste have been living in this state of bliss. There is also no struggle about getting signatures to expand his brewery. The whole premise of the book that she is there to help him get permission to break ground and there is NONE of that. Just that Celeste gets signatures and then BOOM they are done and can move forward.
- Casey shows up and forces herself on Drake. I didn’t really care for that but what pissed me off is that Drake went to Celeste afterwards. He had sex with Celeste AND THEN told her that Casey kissed him. Huh?!
- No backbone. Neither Drake nor Casey had the backbone to just tell each other how they feel. They DON’T communicate.
- Also the whole half-sibling thing? It wasn’t really resolved unless it happens in the next books. I don’t plan on continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
Alexis Winter has written a 5-star book that will keep you reading from the first page to the last page. Celeste is a lawyer and she has just been told by her boss that the company wants her to take over the office in Colorado and the largest client they have there for the next year. She makes a deal with them for her taking over in Colorado so she goes. Drake is the owner of Slade Brewery and he wants to expand but he is having problems with some of the families in town. This is the reason why Celeste has been sent out to Colorado. When she and Drake meet for the first time things don't go well. He tells her how he wants things done and that he expects them done his way. She just lets him have it back and they come to an understanding. There is an attraction between them and they both know it is wrong. Drake has not had this type of feelings since his ex-girlfriend left him. As they spend more time together, the more their feelings grow. Harrison catches them and he tells Drake to stay away from Celeste and then Celeste to stay away from Drake since she is only going to be there for a year. As they spend more time together their feelings change and they end up getting together. Celeste has gotten the problem with the families and Drake's expedition approved with the signatures of the families. Celeste and Drake went to the bar for something to eat and after Celeste leaves Drake's ex-girlfriend shows up and asks to talk to him. She tries to get back with him but he tells her that he is not falling for her again. Celeste has just about 5 months left and Drake knows that she wants things to happen back in California so he has one last night with her and then breaks up with her through a note. In this note, he tells her that the way he felt for her, he has never felt for anyone else. He writes that he wants her to fall in love and to know that the longer they spend together the harder it will be to end it later. After she finds the note, she decides that she is not going to let him break up with her through a note so she goes by his house. He is not there so she goes by the Brewery but when she gets there she is not allowed to talk to Drake. Harrison sees her and tells her that if they are meant to be that things will work out. It would be better for her to leave. After she gets back to her hotel room she gets a call from her boss telling her that since she dealt with Drake's problem quicker than the year they wanted her to come back to the California office. She packs her car and goes by her office to her stuff from there then leaves Colorado. Drake has a talk with one of his brothers and he is told that he needs to go after Celeste. Drake goes by her office to talk to her but she is not there and then he goes by her hotel room and finds her room empty. She has left. He realizes that he needs her in his life so he has only one more place to check and that is the bar. When he gets to the bar Celeste is not there and he asks Stephine if she knows anything and she tells him that she is gone back home. He asks that if she knows anything to please tell him because he loves her. She hands him a piece of paper. Drake gets a ticket and he goes to California.
Can Celeste get past her feelings for Drake and move on with her life?
Will Drake get Celeste to give him another chance to do the right thing?
This was a wonderful book to read and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Celeste get past her feelings for Drake and move on with her life?
Will Drake get Celeste to give him another chance to do the right thing?
This was a wonderful book to read and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2020
The Facts and Details of Love
There is a world of difference between facts and details. Celeste Teller knows the difference as the rising star in the LA office of Mason, Lawrence and Howe Law. So, when she is offered the position of lead counsel of the firm’s Colorado office for one year, with the firm offering to cover the cost of her housing. transportation and increased salary, the fact is that she has scored a coveted promotion that will irritate several individuals in the office. But the details are the killers—the law office is located in a town on the backside of nowhere because that is the location of the primary client’s residence and business.
And, that red dirt town does not have rental properties but it does have one flea-bitten motel that looks like it could be the setting for a horror movie. And, the one diner in town has limited hours to allow the staff to attend the local church services. With the nearest community located 75 miles away, Celeste has no choice but to deal with the details. With her motel room booked for the next year, she personally refits it with new bedding, rugs, mini-fridge, hot plate, microwave and tv. Now, if there were any wi-fi, she might be able to make a phone call, check her email or have internet access to GPS directions as she plots her course to the client’s residence out in the boonies for their initial meeting.
The client, Drake Slade, member of the family everyone loves to hate, is also the owner and operator of the family distillery and brewery. And the genius of his grandfather, the founder of the family business and wealth that has resulted from his revisioning of how to use unproductive farm land, has set the family at odds with the town resulting from bad feelings of four neighboring families who saw the success of the Slades and sought a reason to challenge their success—a generational accusation of an unfair land grab.
So, when Celeste arrives at the home of her primary client to strategize a plan to gain the desired land and county permits, Celeste realizes the fact that meeting Drake Slade is like meeting a boulder in the middle of the road—solid and not easy to move. But, to gain the needed signatures from the neighbors who are preventing the distillery’s expansion will require attention to details which means moving the boulder. And as Celeste works her magic to uncover the details of the community’s animosity towards the Slades, she also begins to work magic on uncovering the details that led to Drake’s unbending nature.
Billionaire’s Unexpected Bride is the introductory novel for the Slade Brothers series. This first novel weaves a strong storyline with interesting characters and electrifying emotional connections. This first romance hints at family secrets and unresolved heartache that needs to be addressed to bring happiness and healing to the other members of the family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I enjoyed the reading experience so much that I bought a copy for my "read-again" titles.
There is a world of difference between facts and details. Celeste Teller knows the difference as the rising star in the LA office of Mason, Lawrence and Howe Law. So, when she is offered the position of lead counsel of the firm’s Colorado office for one year, with the firm offering to cover the cost of her housing. transportation and increased salary, the fact is that she has scored a coveted promotion that will irritate several individuals in the office. But the details are the killers—the law office is located in a town on the backside of nowhere because that is the location of the primary client’s residence and business.
And, that red dirt town does not have rental properties but it does have one flea-bitten motel that looks like it could be the setting for a horror movie. And, the one diner in town has limited hours to allow the staff to attend the local church services. With the nearest community located 75 miles away, Celeste has no choice but to deal with the details. With her motel room booked for the next year, she personally refits it with new bedding, rugs, mini-fridge, hot plate, microwave and tv. Now, if there were any wi-fi, she might be able to make a phone call, check her email or have internet access to GPS directions as she plots her course to the client’s residence out in the boonies for their initial meeting.
The client, Drake Slade, member of the family everyone loves to hate, is also the owner and operator of the family distillery and brewery. And the genius of his grandfather, the founder of the family business and wealth that has resulted from his revisioning of how to use unproductive farm land, has set the family at odds with the town resulting from bad feelings of four neighboring families who saw the success of the Slades and sought a reason to challenge their success—a generational accusation of an unfair land grab.
So, when Celeste arrives at the home of her primary client to strategize a plan to gain the desired land and county permits, Celeste realizes the fact that meeting Drake Slade is like meeting a boulder in the middle of the road—solid and not easy to move. But, to gain the needed signatures from the neighbors who are preventing the distillery’s expansion will require attention to details which means moving the boulder. And as Celeste works her magic to uncover the details of the community’s animosity towards the Slades, she also begins to work magic on uncovering the details that led to Drake’s unbending nature.
Billionaire’s Unexpected Bride is the introductory novel for the Slade Brothers series. This first novel weaves a strong storyline with interesting characters and electrifying emotional connections. This first romance hints at family secrets and unresolved heartache that needs to be addressed to bring happiness and healing to the other members of the family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I enjoyed the reading experience so much that I bought a copy for my "read-again" titles.
September 16, 2023
After having read The Guardian from the Four Forces Security series, I was eager to read another book by this author, but this one disappointed me. I found Drake annoying. Here's a guy in his 40s who does nothing to get out of his problems other than drink and feel sorry for himself. He pines for 4 years after Casey, who left him, without doing anything to get her back or get over her. The townspeople don't like his family, so does he try to win them over? No, he secludes himself and, again, feels sorry for himself.
Celeste was a bit better, but she seemed superficial, being more concerned with having a big office and making partner at her law firm than with anything else. She and Drake have chemistry, but it's more physical than anything, at least in the beginning. She tells him that they have to be discreet, but then she's willing to have sex with him just about anywhere, which makes her seem rather flaky. I thought there would be a complication for her from one of the attorneys back in LA, either the one that really likes her or the one that doesn't, but nothing comes of either of those possible plot complications. Her big mission while she's in Colorado is to get certain people who don't like Drake's family to agree to let him expand his brewing company. That part is glossed over, so we never get to see her in "smart attorney mode."
And the fact that Drake is willing to just give her up (and start drinking again in a big pity party) rather than consider moving to LA just reinforces my low opinion of him.
Alexis Winter isn't a bad author, which is why I gave this book 3 stars, but this story and its characters just didn't do it for me.
Celeste was a bit better, but she seemed superficial, being more concerned with having a big office and making partner at her law firm than with anything else. She and Drake have chemistry, but it's more physical than anything, at least in the beginning. She tells him that they have to be discreet, but then she's willing to have sex with him just about anywhere, which makes her seem rather flaky. I thought there would be a complication for her from one of the attorneys back in LA, either the one that really likes her or the one that doesn't, but nothing comes of either of those possible plot complications. Her big mission while she's in Colorado is to get certain people who don't like Drake's family to agree to let him expand his brewing company. That part is glossed over, so we never get to see her in "smart attorney mode."
And the fact that Drake is willing to just give her up (and start drinking again in a big pity party) rather than consider moving to LA just reinforces my low opinion of him.
Alexis Winter isn't a bad author, which is why I gave this book 3 stars, but this story and its characters just didn't do it for me.
May 11, 2020
This is a great story with wonderful characters. I know they were only supposed to be together for 12mths as Celeste was going back home but their relationship was more than just sex. Everything was going well until Drake's ex-girlfriend Casey turned up out of the blue expecting to jump straight back into bed with him but it didn't work as he realised just how much he'd fallen for Celeste. Since he didn't want her Casey went to tell Celeste that she'd spent the night with Drake to split them up but it did the opposite as he had gone straight to her & told her everything that had happened with Casey. It lookedike they would get their happy ever after as he told her he loved her but when he realised she'd be leaving soon leaving her a note telling her it was best they didn't see each other anymore, she tried yo call him but he refused to speak or see her, she told his assistant Harrison that she lived Drake but he wouldn't let her see him so when she got a call offering her the new job starting straight away as she had completed her job for Drake early she took it. His brother called him out on the way he was behaving & that he could see that he loved her & to go tell her. Realising now he couldn't live without her he went to tell her & was, devestated when he found she'd left but booked himself on the next plane hoping she would give him the chance to talk & hope she felt the same way luckily for him she did. I can't wait to read Colton's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2020
This needed an editor so bad
In concept this could have worked. I mean it's basically the exact premise of every Hallmark movie. I also want to add that I quit halfway through. I tried I really did but somethings you just can't get past. Celeste was so cliche and had no depth. Drake was an alcoholic and everyone apparently has no problem with drunk driving cause there was no way you can sober up that fast. What big LA law firm has a branch in middle of nowhere Colorado? She made her small town unrealistically small. There was no cell service yet cell phones still magically worked....?! One scene completely stopped right in the middle that really got to me like this author didn't even do a read through of her own book! How do you not notice a pretty important scene to your plot is missing?! I just couldn't after that. They were gonna be 'casual' literally a page later it's instalove and they don't care what anyone says. They'd known each other like 2 days! So I have no idea how the whole 'get the town to not hate you for no reason' thing turned out. I have no idea how the whole thing with his dad turned out(other than what I can only assume is a reason to write another book about that situation). I skipped ahead to the epilogue just for s&g's and Celeste and Drake aren't even married?! Then what the heck is the title for?! Also in what world does someone have that job situation?! Couldn't even make it through the entire epilogue! I just don't get how such a relatively short book could have so much, yet so little happen within it.
In concept this could have worked. I mean it's basically the exact premise of every Hallmark movie. I also want to add that I quit halfway through. I tried I really did but somethings you just can't get past. Celeste was so cliche and had no depth. Drake was an alcoholic and everyone apparently has no problem with drunk driving cause there was no way you can sober up that fast. What big LA law firm has a branch in middle of nowhere Colorado? She made her small town unrealistically small. There was no cell service yet cell phones still magically worked....?! One scene completely stopped right in the middle that really got to me like this author didn't even do a read through of her own book! How do you not notice a pretty important scene to your plot is missing?! I just couldn't after that. They were gonna be 'casual' literally a page later it's instalove and they don't care what anyone says. They'd known each other like 2 days! So I have no idea how the whole 'get the town to not hate you for no reason' thing turned out. I have no idea how the whole thing with his dad turned out(other than what I can only assume is a reason to write another book about that situation). I skipped ahead to the epilogue just for s&g's and Celeste and Drake aren't even married?! Then what the heck is the title for?! Also in what world does someone have that job situation?! Couldn't even make it through the entire epilogue! I just don't get how such a relatively short book could have so much, yet so little happen within it.
January 20, 2023
Okay Read
This was your typical "we're only sleeping together and no feelings" romance. The storyline was fine, the characters were fine; it was just fine.
There was a lot of drinking and driving, which I found off-putting and really weird considering this day and age.
A couple of other noticable problems with this book that could have been cleared up with a more thorough edit: There was a glaring issue with the age of the H. He says he was 15 when his mom died and it says she died in 1981. The book was written in 2021 with no indication it was based in an earlier time period, so they means the H was born in 1965 or 1966, depending on the month of birth, putting him at 55 years old. Yet, every time his age is mentioned, it says he's in his 40s. I don't care about his she except be accurate and it does make the age difference between the H and h about 25 years, which takes this from a "normal" romance to an age gap romance. There's also another(big) storyline that wasn't tied up and I assume it will continue in other books in the series, but it was just dropped with no mention of it after a certain point in the book.
With all that, I'm giving this book 3 stars. It had little to no spelling, grammar, repetitiveness, etc., which I appreciate. It also had potential, but it was missing that intangible something that takes a book from fine to great. I might check out the next book in the series to see if it improves, but don't go beyond that of it's just an okay read, as this one was.
This was your typical "we're only sleeping together and no feelings" romance. The storyline was fine, the characters were fine; it was just fine.
There was a lot of drinking and driving, which I found off-putting and really weird considering this day and age.
A couple of other noticable problems with this book that could have been cleared up with a more thorough edit: There was a glaring issue with the age of the H. He says he was 15 when his mom died and it says she died in 1981. The book was written in 2021 with no indication it was based in an earlier time period, so they means the H was born in 1965 or 1966, depending on the month of birth, putting him at 55 years old. Yet, every time his age is mentioned, it says he's in his 40s. I don't care about his she except be accurate and it does make the age difference between the H and h about 25 years, which takes this from a "normal" romance to an age gap romance. There's also another(big) storyline that wasn't tied up and I assume it will continue in other books in the series, but it was just dropped with no mention of it after a certain point in the book.
With all that, I'm giving this book 3 stars. It had little to no spelling, grammar, repetitiveness, etc., which I appreciate. It also had potential, but it was missing that intangible something that takes a book from fine to great. I might check out the next book in the series to see if it improves, but don't go beyond that of it's just an okay read, as this one was.
October 20, 2020
So sweet
Wow I freaking love this series by Alexis Winter. I've devoured three books in this series in the past two days. This book was about Drake and Celeste , Celeste a big city lawyer is given an opportunity to work in Colorado for a year and help a certain cantankerous billionaire cowboy turn the small town around who hate him so he can expand the family distillery business .
If she succeeds she will be given a promotion and new office with all the perks. Little does she know her whole world is about change and the cantankerous billionaire cowboy will be the cause.
I loved this couple so much Drake is mean and stand offish at first having had his heart broken previously he was basically just survivng . But the instant attraction between the two was to much to ignore and both agree to see where it goes. But when Drake's past comes back to reel havoc they both soon realise that their fling is more then just that but both are to scared to admit their feelings for each other until it's to late and Celeste is on a plane back to the big smoke. Why does it take a man, till the very last minute to realise that he's made the biggest mistake of his life .? Arrgghh the angst is real my friends lol. At one point I even wanted to jump through the pages of this book and shake him in his sexy cowboy boots. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cowboys , whiskey and happily ever afters.
Wow I freaking love this series by Alexis Winter. I've devoured three books in this series in the past two days. This book was about Drake and Celeste , Celeste a big city lawyer is given an opportunity to work in Colorado for a year and help a certain cantankerous billionaire cowboy turn the small town around who hate him so he can expand the family distillery business .
If she succeeds she will be given a promotion and new office with all the perks. Little does she know her whole world is about change and the cantankerous billionaire cowboy will be the cause.
I loved this couple so much Drake is mean and stand offish at first having had his heart broken previously he was basically just survivng . But the instant attraction between the two was to much to ignore and both agree to see where it goes. But when Drake's past comes back to reel havoc they both soon realise that their fling is more then just that but both are to scared to admit their feelings for each other until it's to late and Celeste is on a plane back to the big smoke. Why does it take a man, till the very last minute to realise that he's made the biggest mistake of his life .? Arrgghh the angst is real my friends lol. At one point I even wanted to jump through the pages of this book and shake him in his sexy cowboy boots. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cowboys , whiskey and happily ever afters.
December 4, 2023
Thoughts
— Gavin is a sweetheart. Love him.
— Drake is a man child. He’s in his 40s and acts like he’s in his late 20s or early 30s at most. I thought the idea was that in a small town they got married early and had a bunch of babies. According to the story, Drake’s ex, Casey, left him four years ago. Assuming this was in his late 30s, then wtf were they doing the many years they were together without being married or having kids? Doesn’t make sense. Plus, for a 40s man to pine that much over a break up that happened 4 years ago? Please. And then the shoddy breakup with Celeste. Ugh.
—Harrison did too much. Too, too much. I wanted someone to kick him.
—The whole idea of integrating Drake with the community was tossed to the side. With how it was emphasized in the beginning that the Slade family was so hated and how Celeste practically twisted Drake’s finger to get him to cooperate with her to make the town like him, nothing remarkable was done in that regard. Just some gifts & an auction and boom! everyone’s cool with the Slade family? Excuse me? Magic is real.
— I like Celeste. Wish her friendship with Steph was explored better.
— I also like how Celeste didn’t give up her dreams to become a small town girlfriend/wife. But the travelling back and forth thing sounds like such a headache. And the use of “three months” in the epilogue was excessive lol.
Overall, nice story. Saved me from a reading slump. Thank you very much.
— Gavin is a sweetheart. Love him.
— Drake is a man child. He’s in his 40s and acts like he’s in his late 20s or early 30s at most. I thought the idea was that in a small town they got married early and had a bunch of babies. According to the story, Drake’s ex, Casey, left him four years ago. Assuming this was in his late 30s, then wtf were they doing the many years they were together without being married or having kids? Doesn’t make sense. Plus, for a 40s man to pine that much over a break up that happened 4 years ago? Please. And then the shoddy breakup with Celeste. Ugh.
—Harrison did too much. Too, too much. I wanted someone to kick him.
—The whole idea of integrating Drake with the community was tossed to the side. With how it was emphasized in the beginning that the Slade family was so hated and how Celeste practically twisted Drake’s finger to get him to cooperate with her to make the town like him, nothing remarkable was done in that regard. Just some gifts & an auction and boom! everyone’s cool with the Slade family? Excuse me? Magic is real.
— I like Celeste. Wish her friendship with Steph was explored better.
— I also like how Celeste didn’t give up her dreams to become a small town girlfriend/wife. But the travelling back and forth thing sounds like such a headache. And the use of “three months” in the epilogue was excessive lol.
Overall, nice story. Saved me from a reading slump. Thank you very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
This is a low angst, feel-good book. The characters come alive. I was eager to see what happened next. The descriptive narrative brought the small town to life. The passion is unmistakable. The sexy scenes are frequent and will leave you fanning yourself. You will fall in love with this book just as I did.
Celeste wants the promotion in her law firm. She deserves it. If she has to live in a backwater small country town for a year, so be it. Her main job is to secure signatures for an expansion project for her billionaire client. Her very sexy, reclusive client. Drake has been hurt, badly, by his ex. Try as he might, he can't quite get over her. In walks his new lawyer, and knocks him for a loop. The attraction between them is as intense as it is inevitable. But Celeste is only there for a year. What chance do they have?
Come. Join Drake and Celeste as they fall in love in spite of their carefully made plans. Cheer as Celeste slowly brings Drake out of his shell. You will laugh with them and feel their joy. When an ex shows up, things heat up. Yes, there is HEA. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, steamy sex, and is intended for mature readers only.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Celeste wants the promotion in her law firm. She deserves it. If she has to live in a backwater small country town for a year, so be it. Her main job is to secure signatures for an expansion project for her billionaire client. Her very sexy, reclusive client. Drake has been hurt, badly, by his ex. Try as he might, he can't quite get over her. In walks his new lawyer, and knocks him for a loop. The attraction between them is as intense as it is inevitable. But Celeste is only there for a year. What chance do they have?
Come. Join Drake and Celeste as they fall in love in spite of their carefully made plans. Cheer as Celeste slowly brings Drake out of his shell. You will laugh with them and feel their joy. When an ex shows up, things heat up. Yes, there is HEA. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, steamy sex, and is intended for mature readers only.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2020
A broken man, Drake, can’t get over losing the love of his life, Casey. She hates living in small town, Colorado. She craves the life of a big city girl and just leaves Drake without warning. He is a very bitter man and the community doesn’t like him either, because they said his grandfather stole some of their land to build a brewery on. Enter Celeste, a driven young lawyer in Los Angeles, who is offered the opportunity to go to the firm’s Colorado office to run for a year, handling the brewery’s legal steps to for expansion so they can operate more efficiently. Drake knows he will have a difficult time getting the approval from the surrounding farmers. S they spend a lot of time together their physical attraction grows, even though Celeste will return to LA in 12 months. As adults, they mutually agree to keep emotions out of the equation.
Fast forward six months, and here comes a Casey, wanting Drake back. He has gotten over her with the help of a Celeste, but will old Eli gs resurface once she throws herself back into his arms? What happens when Celeste is called back to LA several months early, having sealed the new deal for the brewery to expand, where she will receive a huge promotion within the firm?
I truly enjoyed this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fast forward six months, and here comes a Casey, wanting Drake back. He has gotten over her with the help of a Celeste, but will old Eli gs resurface once she throws herself back into his arms? What happens when Celeste is called back to LA several months early, having sealed the new deal for the brewery to expand, where she will receive a huge promotion within the firm?
I truly enjoyed this story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2023
The first book in the Slade Brothers series.
California City girl and Lawyer, Celeste Teller, gets sent to run her law firms office in a small rural town in Colorado. There she meets her biggest client, Drake Slade. They hit it off instantly, but neither of them is looking for commitment so they agree to keep it casual and fun for the 12 months Celeste will be living in Colorado. Of course, as expected, their feelings for each other become anything but casual. Drake’s ex shows back up in town determined to get him back and Celeste’s time in Colorado is quickly coming to an end. Drake and Celeste have to make some big decisions about their future and if there even is a future for them as a couple.
The story is pretty predictable, and while there was a decent plot with a couple different storylines none of them were elaborated on too much. We could have heard more about how Celeste got the other families to agree to the distillery expansion, it was this whole big conflict at the beginning but then suddenly she was just like “yay! I did it! Build your distillery!” No explanation whatsoever. Also the plot line about the possible long lost half brother just kind of dropped off with no resolution, I’m thinking maybe that plot line will be carried on in the next book, we’ll see.
I would give this book 3.5 stars. It was decent and enjoyable but could have been better.
California City girl and Lawyer, Celeste Teller, gets sent to run her law firms office in a small rural town in Colorado. There she meets her biggest client, Drake Slade. They hit it off instantly, but neither of them is looking for commitment so they agree to keep it casual and fun for the 12 months Celeste will be living in Colorado. Of course, as expected, their feelings for each other become anything but casual. Drake’s ex shows back up in town determined to get him back and Celeste’s time in Colorado is quickly coming to an end. Drake and Celeste have to make some big decisions about their future and if there even is a future for them as a couple.
The story is pretty predictable, and while there was a decent plot with a couple different storylines none of them were elaborated on too much. We could have heard more about how Celeste got the other families to agree to the distillery expansion, it was this whole big conflict at the beginning but then suddenly she was just like “yay! I did it! Build your distillery!” No explanation whatsoever. Also the plot line about the possible long lost half brother just kind of dropped off with no resolution, I’m thinking maybe that plot line will be carried on in the next book, we’ll see.
I would give this book 3.5 stars. It was decent and enjoyable but could have been better.
April 30, 2020
I loved reading Billionaire's Unexpected Bride by Alexis Winter because it was such a great book. Celeste was a lawyer who had a job to do in Colorado for a year. Her top client was the Slade family who owned the local brewery and they were looking to expand. She wasn't sure about staying in Colorado for a year, but when she got back to Los Angeles, she was going to have a promotion due to this job. Drake Slade runs the brewery with his brothers, but he is the one in charge. He is looking to expand his business but needs a lawyer because there are some families that are not willing to give up their land for this expansion. Celeste comes into town hoping to make friends with the locals and to see if she can help the Slade Family with their expansion. A huge promotion will be riding on her being able to complete the tasks out here for the year. Celeste and Drake are both attracted to each other, but for Drake, he had a previous relationship that messed him up and for Celeste, this is her client. I highly recommend reading this book. It was steamy and there is some mystery in it and I wonder if that will be resolved in another book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2020
Drake and Celeste’s story starts out as a business relationship, but quickly escalates to a steamy, passionate affair with an agreed upon end date. Determined to keep their relationship free of commitment, Drake tells himself to keep his emotions in check, to not get attached. Everyone tells Celeste that Drake has been hurt before by a woman who didn’t want to live life in the middle of nowhere (where Drake’s business and residence are located), and left him without notice. Since she left, Drake has been closed off, surly and alone. Celeste accepted the job of Drake’s new lawyer for a year with the promise of a big promotion and perks in her law firm. She has never been in love. It takes a red hot affair with the older, sexy and charismatic Drake to teach her about falling in love. During one passionate night, Drake blurts his love out to Celeste, but in the throes of passion she was unable to respond in kind. Over the course of a few days, Drake convinces himself it is for the best, that he needs to let her go so she can pursue her dream job. He pushes her away. Will they find a way back to each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2020
I am never disappointed when I pick up one of Alexis books. Alexis brings the story to life as if you are partaking in the story yourself. The sexy love scenes will set the book on fire. This story is about Celeste getting a promotion and having to relocate for a year. She was able to set her own terms to the contract and keep her life as is until she return in a year with a bigger office and salary. I loved Celeste in this story but I would have being doing a jig when I return to my floor from the top floor. Her friend gave her the heads up and she played her part. Off to Colorado and the back woods. Drake wants to expand the family brewery but the town people will not let him have the land to do so. Celeste is there to keep Drake happy. Make sure things runs smoothly for their number one client. Their attraction is off the chart. Harrison warns them to stay away from each other. He do not want to see them hurt. Drake ex tries to get back with him again. He finally has enough of her and tells her no way in hell will he get back with her. If you want an entertaining read you found it here. Drama, yes! Getting the job done, yes! HEA, yes, yes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2020
ARC was given to me by Author through Booksprout. My review is given voluntarily!
I gave this book 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, this is the beginning of a new series " Billionaire's Unexpected Bride " is book 1 in the "Slade Brothers" series for Alexis Winter.
We start with Drake he is the middle brother and the one that stepped up to run the family brewery business. Drake is in a very dark place ever since his fiance left him with a shattered broken heart! Just drinking his emotions away.
Celeste is a city girl that's a fantastic lawyer in a LA firm, and she has been assigned to be Drake's new lawyer for the next year in the middle of farm land in a very small town ..... let's just say that sparks fly once they meet each other, their chemistry is intense. It's a learning curve for both of them. He wasn't ready for her green eyes and fireball personality 😉🔥
This is a fast past read romance, full of steamy sex, emotional moments, funny bantering, family relationship, clashing strong personalities, secrets come out..... it's a perfect blend of what we have come to expect from Alexis Winter's romance novels.
The ending was a little abrupt for me. I'm hopeful we will get a little more of Drake & Celeste future in book 2 " Off Limits Daddy " which is Colton Slade story.
I gave this book 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, this is the beginning of a new series " Billionaire's Unexpected Bride " is book 1 in the "Slade Brothers" series for Alexis Winter.
We start with Drake he is the middle brother and the one that stepped up to run the family brewery business. Drake is in a very dark place ever since his fiance left him with a shattered broken heart! Just drinking his emotions away.
Celeste is a city girl that's a fantastic lawyer in a LA firm, and she has been assigned to be Drake's new lawyer for the next year in the middle of farm land in a very small town ..... let's just say that sparks fly once they meet each other, their chemistry is intense. It's a learning curve for both of them. He wasn't ready for her green eyes and fireball personality 😉🔥
This is a fast past read romance, full of steamy sex, emotional moments, funny bantering, family relationship, clashing strong personalities, secrets come out..... it's a perfect blend of what we have come to expect from Alexis Winter's romance novels.
The ending was a little abrupt for me. I'm hopeful we will get a little more of Drake & Celeste future in book 2 " Off Limits Daddy " which is Colton Slade story.
April 21, 2020
Moving from her big city law firm to a literal middle of no where Colorado town to handle a very large client, Celeste feels life is playing a cruel joke. That is until she meets the owner of the brewery falls into insta-lust with him. Drake, owner/manager, of the brewery and hopefully a new distillery is broken. After being left 4 years ago, he is just going through the motions to get through the day. He is damaged, she is temporary, so they agree to a friends with benefits arrangement and enjoy the time they have together. Is 1 year long enough to heal 4 years of hurt for Drake? Is 1 year long enough to show Celeste this small country town really isn't that bad? This book had all kinds of feels. You feel bad for Celeste being stuck in a small town when she is so used to the big city. You really feel for Drake who is broken and hurting and not really living. You fall in love with all the characters, even the small supporting characters. You just want to know their stories!
Looking forward to Drake's brother's stories!
I voluntarily leave this review after receiving an ARC.
Looking forward to Drake's brother's stories!
I voluntarily leave this review after receiving an ARC.
May 10, 2020
Unexpected Bride - Full of Unexpected Surprises too!
Celeste is a force to be reckoned with. She's a successful lawyer in Los Angeles & has been sent to a small town in Colorado. She meets Drake who has retained the firm's services. His heart's broken from a past love. Even though Celeste is supposed to work with him to get his neighbors to agree to let him expand his brewery, she wastes no time to shake him up by changing his drunken days/nights & to move forward into the light of happiness once again. Their fringe benefits & with no strings attached, turns out to be so much more. With the ending date 5 months away, Drake is on his way to expanding his business. Celeste's job is completed & is sent back to LA. Absence & distance makes the heart grow fonder. Big decisions need to be made on if they can have the HEA & will the big city girl be able to live in a small town or will he leave the family business & move to LA to be with Celeste?
I loved the story! It is so moving, so emotional & their chemistry is at the combustion level.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Celeste is a force to be reckoned with. She's a successful lawyer in Los Angeles & has been sent to a small town in Colorado. She meets Drake who has retained the firm's services. His heart's broken from a past love. Even though Celeste is supposed to work with him to get his neighbors to agree to let him expand his brewery, she wastes no time to shake him up by changing his drunken days/nights & to move forward into the light of happiness once again. Their fringe benefits & with no strings attached, turns out to be so much more. With the ending date 5 months away, Drake is on his way to expanding his business. Celeste's job is completed & is sent back to LA. Absence & distance makes the heart grow fonder. Big decisions need to be made on if they can have the HEA & will the big city girl be able to live in a small town or will he leave the family business & move to LA to be with Celeste?
I loved the story! It is so moving, so emotional & their chemistry is at the combustion level.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Celeste is the highest billing lawyer in her law firm and loving her LA, however, there is a spanner thrown in the works when she is asked to take over the Colorado office for a year. Needing to oversee one of their biggest clients in their plans to extend the brewery. Agreeing to head over there she negotiated a package for when she returns back to LA in a year. She can do this, it's just 12 months - until she arrives and finds a small town and a crappy motel that she'll be living in.
Drake Slade has been left heartbroken by his ex Casey who walked out of his life four years ago. Brooding about it ever since he is splitting his time between managing the family brewery, renovating his barn and drinking. A royal pain in the butt to everyone who comes across him. Meeting Celeste for the first time they don't make too great of an impression on one another, however, there is a pull between them.
Warned to stay away from each other, they find that they would rather have 12 months of fun than none at all. Embarking on an epic fling, however, she has a job to do winning the heart of the locals to allow for Drake's brewery extension. What happens when Casey returns? Or when Celeste has to head back to LA?
Drake Slade has been left heartbroken by his ex Casey who walked out of his life four years ago. Brooding about it ever since he is splitting his time between managing the family brewery, renovating his barn and drinking. A royal pain in the butt to everyone who comes across him. Meeting Celeste for the first time they don't make too great of an impression on one another, however, there is a pull between them.
Warned to stay away from each other, they find that they would rather have 12 months of fun than none at all. Embarking on an epic fling, however, she has a job to do winning the heart of the locals to allow for Drake's brewery extension. What happens when Casey returns? Or when Celeste has to head back to LA?
April 23, 2020
I received this ebook ARC from the author on the condition that I write an honest review.
The story of Drake and Celeste is a story of rejected love, and loneliness, then when they meet, its immediate lust, sex, and eventually love. Drake is a hermit of sorts due to constant drinking and having to bear the hate of the town, and owner of a business on the outskirts of town. Celeste is a hard core LA lawyer that is moving up in the firm that she works at, she is assigned to help Drake obtain more property to extent his business. The town is described as very small and lonely. After meeting they cannot resist the total attraction to each other and they make a plan to have a relationship with a termination plan. This goes out the window when they realize that they both love each other and have to figure out a way to keep the relationship going. Eventually they figure out a solution and obtain their HEA. I loved the interaction between the couple. I plan to read more books by Ms Winter and highly recommend them.
The story of Drake and Celeste is a story of rejected love, and loneliness, then when they meet, its immediate lust, sex, and eventually love. Drake is a hermit of sorts due to constant drinking and having to bear the hate of the town, and owner of a business on the outskirts of town. Celeste is a hard core LA lawyer that is moving up in the firm that she works at, she is assigned to help Drake obtain more property to extent his business. The town is described as very small and lonely. After meeting they cannot resist the total attraction to each other and they make a plan to have a relationship with a termination plan. This goes out the window when they realize that they both love each other and have to figure out a way to keep the relationship going. Eventually they figure out a solution and obtain their HEA. I loved the interaction between the couple. I plan to read more books by Ms Winter and highly recommend them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
This book is fantastic and I loved it! The story of Celeste and Drake is a rollercoaster ride of emotions but well worth it! Drake wants to expand the family's business by adding a whiskey distillery. The land he wants to build it on is the problem as the town feels his family stole some of their land to build the factory in the first place. Enter Celeste, his new lawyer. She's from LA and is given the job in Colorado for a year and wants a bigger office and a raise when she returns. If she succeeds with Drake's case, she'll get it! They meet and though he's been hurting since his ex left him years ago, the chemistry between Drake and Celeste is off the charts and the two just can't help themselves from getting involved. It isn't supposed to mean anything but by the time Celeste heads back to LA, they are in love with each other but he doesn't want to hold her back from her dreams. In the end, they find a way to make things work and get their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2020
Lifestyle change
3.5
Very good tender romance whose heroes I really liked. They live alone and for good reason: Céleste's sole objective is to succeed in her lawyer career, as for Drake, a brewer who wants to expand his business, he has been depressed since his ex-fiancée left him 4 years ago because their lives wasn't enough for her. Having made her reflect a promotion, Céleste is sent by her cabinet for 1 year to a village in Colorado to help Drake for his project, knowing that the villagers hate Drake's family. These two people determined not to have a relationship, with diametrically opposed lifestyles, are immediately attracted despite the countdown of 1 year.
So I really liked the characters, and their relationship is hot, but the reason for Celeste's arrival is the relationship between Drake and the villagers, and is ultimately very little addressed. In addition, the title does not seem appropriate to me, except the unexpected side of the meeting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
3.5
Very good tender romance whose heroes I really liked. They live alone and for good reason: Céleste's sole objective is to succeed in her lawyer career, as for Drake, a brewer who wants to expand his business, he has been depressed since his ex-fiancée left him 4 years ago because their lives wasn't enough for her. Having made her reflect a promotion, Céleste is sent by her cabinet for 1 year to a village in Colorado to help Drake for his project, knowing that the villagers hate Drake's family. These two people determined not to have a relationship, with diametrically opposed lifestyles, are immediately attracted despite the countdown of 1 year.
So I really liked the characters, and their relationship is hot, but the reason for Celeste's arrival is the relationship between Drake and the villagers, and is ultimately very little addressed. In addition, the title does not seem appropriate to me, except the unexpected side of the meeting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
May 8, 2020
OMG I LOVED this book!!! Things started out a little slow. Our FL has high aspirations and career will always be first! She has her life plan and nothing is getting in the way of it. She also has her rival in Jeremy which I was delighted was not our love interest. I was a little thrown by her getting a love/hook-up interest right at the start. I didn't really see the benefit of adding that relationship other than that extra connection with back "home".
Our ML started off with some serious mental roadblocks. It's not often you run across a character who's practically given-up on life. He offered us such a tortured soul that readers just needed to see happy. He was managing to still run his company without giving it much of a public face. His expansion plans required a bit more than he wanted to give.
This story offers us a great lesson about self worth and finding purpose leads to a much fuller life.
I received an advanced copy of this story through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
Our ML started off with some serious mental roadblocks. It's not often you run across a character who's practically given-up on life. He offered us such a tortured soul that readers just needed to see happy. He was managing to still run his company without giving it much of a public face. His expansion plans required a bit more than he wanted to give.
This story offers us a great lesson about self worth and finding purpose leads to a much fuller life.
I received an advanced copy of this story through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
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