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Playboys of New York #4
Taking Control
Stella Price has always had a crush on her boss, even with his reputation of being the ‘Playboy Chef of New York.’ But she gets to see another side to him outside of his celebrity persona. Stella’s also a realist and knows nothing can ever happen between the two of them.
Except everything changes that fateful day in Vegas when she nearly lost her life.
Elliot ‘EJ’ Jones has the New York culinary scene at his feet and the city’s most beautiful women on their knees. He enjoys the trappings his successes bring him. Why wouldn’t he? He’s young, handsome, and rich.
Except everything changed that fateful day in Vegas when he nearly lost the woman that’s been by his side for years. Now he can’t stop thinking about her.
The only problem—she’s no longer interested in him.
** Series Complete **
Reading order
Book 1 - Off Limits
Book 2 - Strictly Forbidden
Book 3 - The Merger
Book 4 - Taking Control
Book 5 - Without Warning
Except everything changes that fateful day in Vegas when she nearly lost her life.
Elliot ‘EJ’ Jones has the New York culinary scene at his feet and the city’s most beautiful women on their knees. He enjoys the trappings his successes bring him. Why wouldn’t he? He’s young, handsome, and rich.
Except everything changed that fateful day in Vegas when he nearly lost the woman that’s been by his side for years. Now he can’t stop thinking about her.
The only problem—she’s no longer interested in him.
** Series Complete **
Reading order
Book 1 - Off Limits
Book 2 - Strictly Forbidden
Book 3 - The Merger
Book 4 - Taking Control
Book 5 - Without Warning
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2021
1459 people are currently reading
2458 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Low
49 books1,701 followers"JA Low lives on a faraway beach in Australia. When she's not writing steamy scenes and admiring hot surfers, she's tending to her husband and two sons, and dreaming up the next epic romance."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
January 11, 2022
Okay, stupid me thought i gave this series one more chance because the 4th book was really the reason i started this in the first place.
But god, it gets so annoying with every book, its the same old story. Nothing changes except the names. The story is being retold every time.
We know lenna, we know chloe, we know Emma, because we fucking read it in the first books.
But god, it gets so annoying with every book, its the same old story. Nothing changes except the names. The story is being retold every time.
We know lenna, we know chloe, we know Emma, because we fucking read it in the first books.
Read
May 4, 2021stopped at page 51
i’m sorry but what kind of shit hospital discharges a patient with no crutches when they have a broken leg? is this an american thing?
what kind of shit hospital cuts the cast off of her broken leg so she can fly? as if there’s an airline policy that doesn’t allow people with casts to fly? the bitch was in a private jet!! so even if you’re not allowed to fly with a cast, which you are, it wouldn’t matter anyway cause it’s not a regular flight.
okay so her cast is cut off and then she doesn’t get a new one when she’s back in new york. this chick has a broken leg and she’s gonna let it heal by chance?? no i’m sorry i can’t do it.
i was really looking forward to stella and elliots book (ej is just a weird nickname, is it ee-jay or edge??) but the way they spoke to each other pissed me off and i’m sad. i really wanted to fucking like it but like i said, i could not get passed page 51 after the dumb bitch took herself and her broken leg to the toilet with no crutches. telling me this man is a billionaire and couldn’t buy them for her? nah goodbye
i’m sorry but what kind of shit hospital discharges a patient with no crutches when they have a broken leg? is this an american thing?
what kind of shit hospital cuts the cast off of her broken leg so she can fly? as if there’s an airline policy that doesn’t allow people with casts to fly? the bitch was in a private jet!! so even if you’re not allowed to fly with a cast, which you are, it wouldn’t matter anyway cause it’s not a regular flight.
okay so her cast is cut off and then she doesn’t get a new one when she’s back in new york. this chick has a broken leg and she’s gonna let it heal by chance?? no i’m sorry i can’t do it.
i was really looking forward to stella and elliots book (ej is just a weird nickname, is it ee-jay or edge??) but the way they spoke to each other pissed me off and i’m sad. i really wanted to fucking like it but like i said, i could not get passed page 51 after the dumb bitch took herself and her broken leg to the toilet with no crutches. telling me this man is a billionaire and couldn’t buy them for her? nah goodbye
February 15, 2021
This book is so worth the wait. I've wanted Elliott and Stella's story from the very first book in this series. It seems, the accident that occurred in The Merger took its toll on more than just Emma and Anderson. This book is about EJ finally seeing Stella for exactly who she is. He was petrified that he had lost her and in that he realises what been in front of him for ever. But he's too late. Or so it seems.
This books had many ups and downs. I cried many tears along with both characters and I laughed hard, especially the fun, games and interference from the girls. This is a beautiful love story. One that I found really enjoyable.
This book is a total recommend from me. This however can not and should not be read as a standalone. The books in this series is important to read in order. Its fantastic, enjoy.
This books had many ups and downs. I cried many tears along with both characters and I laughed hard, especially the fun, games and interference from the girls. This is a beautiful love story. One that I found really enjoyable.
This book is a total recommend from me. This however can not and should not be read as a standalone. The books in this series is important to read in order. Its fantastic, enjoy.
May 30, 2022
How are these people, adults?
The following phrase is literally in every other chapter, and it became frustrating -
What was to unpack? Insecurity? Guilt? Trauma? guess I'll never know...
The following phrase is literally in every other chapter, and it became frustrating -
“There’s a lot to unpack"
What was to unpack? Insecurity? Guilt? Trauma? guess I'll never know...
I do not understand the 2.5 kids obsession which is in all the books of the series, like seriously, different people would want different things!
Why do they all carry the same theme?
August 14, 2023
finally finished this after being on vacation for so long 😭
July 19, 2025
Loving this trash TV-esc series, spice is spicing. The characters are okay, EJ and Stella were kinda boring but the chemistry was undeniable. Onto the next, Arianna here I come!
August 11, 2023
If product liability has taught me anything it’s injury recovery time. You don’t start PT 2 weeks post injury?!? Other than that this was a heavy improvement from the others.
August 5, 2022
OMG!! I absolutely love this one. I didn’t want to put it down, I couldn’t wait to read what happened next.
EJ is a world famous chef, who has restaurants all over, Stella is his assistant, has been for six years. When they were in Vegas celebrating a one year launch of his restaurant and Anderson and Emma’s one year anniversary there was an accident. Stella, Emma and Elise, Anderson’s sister were involved in. Now at the hospital, Stella has a broken leg, she needs to have someone with her at home or the doctor will not release her. Stella’s boyfriend Dan can’t, he has two roommates. So EJ wants hers to stay with him, he’s feels Stella is his responsibility. Dan finally comes to see Stella after she has to pay for his airfare, he arrives late the next day. EJ talks to Noah and Logan, he thinks he has feeling for Stella, but they tell him he can’t act on them she has a boyfriend. Stella doesn’t feel the things she did before the accident for EJ. Stella finally leaves the hospital, when she arrives at the airport she see Elise and gives her a wave, she see Emma but she just gives her a small smile. Stella know something is wrong with Emma, but she can’t do anything at the moment. Dan assist Stella onto the airplane but bangs her leg in the process, so EJ gives her some pain meds. When her eyes begin to droop EJ takes her to the bed, she wakes in EJ home. Stella can’t believe she slept through all of it. She calls Dan but he’s partying so she asks him if she’ll see him tomorrow. EJ bring her lunch then gets a bath ready for her. Stella doesn’t want EJ helping her in the bath but she has no other choice, so she wears a robe and he closes his eyes. While picking her up out of the bath, they both slip and fall, EJ cuts himself in the process. EJ tries to pick out a pair of comfortable panties, but all Stella has is sexy, lace ones, he wants to know why that is all she has. Stella throws a pair at him and he won’t give them back, then leaves. Stella has a nightmare about the accident but EJ is with her and she can’t wake him. When she is screaming he comes to wake her, they are drawn to each other, and share a passionate kiss. Stella can’t go back to sleep after that, she feels she just cheated on Dan, when it starts to get light out she tries to make her way to the toilet. Until EJ walks in, Stella didn’t want to call upon him to help her after what happened. EJ and Stella disagree over whether Dan is right for her, she gets go mad she throws her phone at his back. EJ makes Stella her favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes with maple bacon and her favorite coffee and has a large bouquet of flowers waiting for her. Over breakfast EJ tells Stella he’s book PT to start next week. After breakfast they settle in to watch television, EJ lands on a lifestyle show called Under the Spanish Sun, it one of Stella’s favorites. Stella falls asleep but is woken by her phone, Chloe calls to see how she is doing and then plans a girls night at EJ’s home. Later that night EJ heads to Logan’s home to give the girls time. Noah and Logan question EJ on how things are going with him taking care of Stella. Before the girls arrive Stella tries Dan, he’s angry when he answers, he tells her he’ll call her later. As the girls arrive they talk about Emma, Dan, and who Ariana is dating. The night goes by quickly, Chloe and Lenna leave, and Ariana stays with Stella. Ariana question Stella about her and EJ, she gives in and tells everything that happened between them. Stella confesses that her heart has been broken over EJ for years, while she watched him hook up sometimes catching them in the act. Now he’s just in shock afraid he’d lose her. What Stella didn’t realize is EJ walked into his home and overheard their conversation. He gets a call from Anderson asking to meet for drinks and quickly leaves. Anderson tells EJ how Emma is doing, not good, but wants to know how things are with Stella. Anderson tells EJ he needs to show her all things Dan isn’t doing for her. EJ then tells Anderson what he overheard when he walked into his home, he tells him he need to give her time and get rid of Dan. When EJ arrives home he check on Stella, she’s curled up crying into her pillow. After a little prying she tells him Dan broke up with her. Dan told her her broken leg is an inconvenience and he didn’t have time for her neediness. The next morning Stella sends a text to her girls and tells them about Dan. EJ makes Chocolate Chip pancakes and tells her she told him chocolate makes her feel better. EJ helps her sit up to have breakfast in bed, placing the tray over her. When he goes to leave she tells him he can stay, so he grabs his breakfast. Afterwards EJ ask Stella if she would like a shower, so he grabs some plastic bags for her leg. EJ leaves Stella in the bathroom and tells her if she needs anything to call for him. As Stella finishes she turns quickly and looses her footing and screams and she falls. EJ can’t get into the bathroom as Stella locked the door, next thing he is breaking the door to get to her. EJ grabs Stella and picks her up and carries her to his bed. EJ is frantic pacing the bedroom, she tells him she is fine she just needs her pain meds and water. EJ comes back with the pill, clothes and underwear, he holds up the underwear and tells Stella he like this pair. Stella wakes to find EJ bringing her lunch, she ask him to sit as they talk, it’s become awkward between them. EJ tells Stella he can’t get the taste of her out of his head or the images of her naked body. EJ apologies for all he’s put her through over the years. They both agree to be friends, since they’ll be spending the next few months living together. Stella apologies for what she said to Ariana that EJ overheard. EJ gets a call from Chloe letting him know that Emma left Anderson and she went to France to be with her sister. Anderson took his jet and is chasing after her, EJ ask if they should join him but Chloe says they need to work this out. EJ asks Stella if she would like to let any of her family know what’s happened to her, she tells him no. Stella mom passed away and her dad started dating her mom’s best friends and moved her into their ranch. Stella took this hard, but her siblings seemed alright with it. Stella pack her things after graduating from college and moved out of her small town in Montana and moved to New York. EJ suggest to her maybe if she doesn’t want to talk to her dad maybe her brothers or sister. Stella and EJ continue to talk about how they see themselves in five years. Things get back to normal soon after that or as a new normal for them. Stella’s new physiotherapy session begins, Gray arrives and there’s a little spark between him and Stella, EJ notices so he makes his excuse and leaves. EJ calls Logan for advise on Gray but he’s not help so he calls Noah, he assures him she won’t go jumping into bed with a guy like Gray especially after her breakup with Dan. EJ arrives back home and they talk about the delivery at his restaurant and Stella session which exhausted her. After a week with Gray is over, EJ suggest they get out of the house for a change, he carries her onto an open top bus for a tour of the city. EJ brings a picnic basket and champagne onto the bus, when Stella notices no one else on the bus. He hired the bus for them to tour around in. They talk about where they would love to live someday, then about the movies he’s never seen. Stella makes a comment about EJ’s reputation with woman and he takes it rather bad, she apologies for the comment. EJ tells her he can’t change what she’s seen or the way it’s influenced the way she sees him. He tells her he wants to show her the real person he is. He tells her he saw her over the years, but he wasn’t ready and she would never love the man he was. Stella tells him that’s not the man she seen over the years, she seen a man who cared about his sister, who took her in when she had no place to go and takes care of her. EJ grabs Stella by the face and pulls her in for a kiss, she pulls away telling him this blurs the lines a little. EJ tells her he doesn’t care anymore, he wants her and always has and to give them a chance. Stella tells him she thinks his feeling he has for her are from the shock of everything that has happened, once she is healed his feeling may not be real. After EJ takes Stella to his home he books a hotel for himself, and she call Ariana. A little while later Ariana arrives with a bottle of tequila, Stella explains everything that has happened. They both talk and try to work out the problems, but Stella soon finds her eyelids heavy and she’s passes out. Thinking about what happened EJ starts to realize Stella’s worried about him leaving her and breaking her heart, so he heads home. EJ finds her passed out on the couch and picks her up asking her what she was thinking, she mumbles she was trying to erase someone, he asks her why and she mumbles he’s going to break my heart, his heart breaks even more and he tells her not on purpose, and she mumbles but he will and she’ll lose everything. EJ places her into bed and pulls the covers over and kisses her promising to make it right in the morning. Stella wakes to find a bottle of water, painkillers and her favorite coffee on the bedside table. EJ knocks and brings in an egg McMuffin for her. EJ starts to apologies to Stella but she quickly cuts him off she tells him her and Ariana are going to the Hamptons they already booked a home to stay at. EJ tells her she can’t leave, he needs to take care of her. Stella tells him he can’t forbid her to go. EJ tells her he needs her with him, and his feelings for her are real, he’s always wanted her and to give them a chance. Stella tells him she’s not ready, the accident has changed her, she doesn’t feel the same anymore, she lost, something is different inside. EJ tells her he’s thought about the future and it has her in it happy with their friends, but he’ll wait for her. When Gray arrives for PT Stella tells him where she is headed and he tells her that works out better for him as that’s where he’ll be. EJ quickly calls Chloe and tells her what has happened and she tells him not to worry she’s coming up with a plan. After Ariana arrives they head to the Hamptons, after a few hours drive they arrive at a beautiful two story home on the beach. Ariana tells Stella to have a seat and takes her luggage to the first floor bedroom, while she take the master on the second floor. Ariana comes back and pop the cork on champagne bottle and they sit back and relax. Stella wakes the next morning and while Ariana is out decides it’s time to let her sibling know what happened so she send them a text. Her older brother Jesse calls her back and they talk about what happened. Stella invites Jessie, Austin and Lacy, her siblings to the Hamptons. EJ missing Stella heads to Anderson’s apartment to find out what’s going on with him and Emma. Anderson needs a distraction so he tells EJ to fill him in on what happened with Stella. A few days later Stella decides she needs to get back to work, so she calls Ana her assistant then gets busy answering emails. Stella gets lost in thought and stares at the ceiling when Ariana catches her. When she asks what she’s doing she tells her she’s trying to figure out what she wants out of life, Ari asks her what and Stella tells her all she sees is EJ. Ariana tells her there’s no shame in seeing a future with EJ and she loves it. Ari tells her she needs to go back to work for a few days, but she invited the girls this weekend. Chloe comes up with a plan for EJ to head to the Hamptons to be with Stella. When he arrives he knocks then lets himself in looking around for Stella. What he sees next is not what he was expecting, Stella pleasuring herself with a battery operated friend while watching YouTube videos of him. Stella yells at him to get out so he closes the door. EJ tells her he’s not going away and coming in, she buries her face in a pillow. EJ enter the room and tells her she can have him anytime, as he sits beside her he starts kissing his way up her legs. EJ tells her he’s pleasured himself listening to her recordings, especially the ones where she tells him off. EJ asks her if he can sink his fingers into her and she tells him to touch her. EJ and Stella get physical with each other, both never feeling anything like it before. Then he carries her into the bathroom for them both to get cleaned up. Stella tells EJ she wants to keep their relationship from their friends, and he agrees. EJ and Stella agree to meet after the girls have gone to bed, only problem Ariana hears them. EJ tells Noah and Logan he can’t tell them about what’s going on with him and Stella because they can’t keep it from their wife’s. The next morning Ariana wants all the details about her night with EJ. Stella ask Ariana where she plans to work when she quits her job, she’s not sure even where she wants to live. Chloe and Lenna come home to announce that Emma came home to Anderson because she missed him terribly. The girls give Stella encouragement to call her best friend, Hadley, from home who she hasn’t seen in six years. EJ goes to the holiday home to cook dinner for Stella, as a special date set up by Chloe. Over dinner Stella and EJ talk about their relationship, EJ tells her he wants her to move in and he’ll buy another apartment if she wants. He tells her she is his girlfriend, he’s done dating he only wants to share his life, bed, heart and world with is her. EJ tells her he’s all in, the happy ever after with her. Chloe calls the next morning to see if her plan to get EJ and Stella together worked, she calls Stella’s phone but EJ answers it confusing her. After the phone call EJ tells Stella he wants to buy a farm in Connecticut near Noah and Logan, to produce farm to table produce for his restaurants in Manhattan and Vegas. After EJ heads back to the city Stella family arrives, Jesse, Austin, Lacey and Hadley, her best friend come for a visit Chloe arranged to have them fly in by private jet. They talk to Stella about how much they missed each other, and she fills them in on her relationship with EJ. Stella finds out her dad been keeping up with her allotment of land. Stella agrees with them to go home to see her dad after her cast is off. EJ and Adrian catch a ride with each other back to the Hamptons, on the ways she grills him on whether or not he’ll be tempted once he’s back in the city. He question her on her job and what are her next plans. When they arrive EJ and Ariana step into the home and country music is blasting and he spots Stella giggling with a cowboy hands wrapped around her. When EJ turns down the music Stella calls out to him to come and meet someone. EJ gets a stabbing pain in his chest. She calls for Ari to come and then she introduces her family to her. They all tell EJ to thank his sister for bring them. EJ later tells her he nearly lost it when he saw her with her brothers arms wrapped around her. Later Jesse has a little brotherly conversation with EJ, he tells him he has nothing to worry about because he loves Stella. Finally the day comes Stella’s cast is cut off, they are on their way to Stella’s hometown and put the past behind. Stella finds out it was her mother’s blessing that her father move on with her best friend, Claire. Stella wasn’t there when her mother made it know she wanted her father to end up with Claire. Turns out her dad, Phil and Claire dated in high school and her mom, Hillary dated Reg, Hadley’s father. They dated each other in college, then swapped partners feeling like it was a better match for them all. That’s why they alway did everything together including family trips. EJ and Stella leave for the night exhausted from all the information. The next day Stella goes horseback riding and EJ tries to keep up, her dad takes her to the plot of land she owns, and EJ enjoys the view. Austin talks to EJ on the ride and ask him if he sees himself settling back in Stella’s hometown. Eighteen Months Later: Back in Stella’s hometown Ariana designed a new home for them. EJ’s horseback riding skills have improved. Anderson and Emma are pregnant, Logan and Jenna had twins. As they walk into their new home, Stella takes a moment to read the sign hanging from the ceiling. When she turns around EJ is on one knee with the ring box open. EJ tells her he was to stubborn to listen to his heart until she was almost taken from him. He never wants to go through life without her and live the rest of his life traveling on adventures called life with her. EJ asks Stella if she’ll marry him and she says Yes. They go off to christen each of the ten bedrooms in their new home.
EJ is a world famous chef, who has restaurants all over, Stella is his assistant, has been for six years. When they were in Vegas celebrating a one year launch of his restaurant and Anderson and Emma’s one year anniversary there was an accident. Stella, Emma and Elise, Anderson’s sister were involved in. Now at the hospital, Stella has a broken leg, she needs to have someone with her at home or the doctor will not release her. Stella’s boyfriend Dan can’t, he has two roommates. So EJ wants hers to stay with him, he’s feels Stella is his responsibility. Dan finally comes to see Stella after she has to pay for his airfare, he arrives late the next day. EJ talks to Noah and Logan, he thinks he has feeling for Stella, but they tell him he can’t act on them she has a boyfriend. Stella doesn’t feel the things she did before the accident for EJ. Stella finally leaves the hospital, when she arrives at the airport she see Elise and gives her a wave, she see Emma but she just gives her a small smile. Stella know something is wrong with Emma, but she can’t do anything at the moment. Dan assist Stella onto the airplane but bangs her leg in the process, so EJ gives her some pain meds. When her eyes begin to droop EJ takes her to the bed, she wakes in EJ home. Stella can’t believe she slept through all of it. She calls Dan but he’s partying so she asks him if she’ll see him tomorrow. EJ bring her lunch then gets a bath ready for her. Stella doesn’t want EJ helping her in the bath but she has no other choice, so she wears a robe and he closes his eyes. While picking her up out of the bath, they both slip and fall, EJ cuts himself in the process. EJ tries to pick out a pair of comfortable panties, but all Stella has is sexy, lace ones, he wants to know why that is all she has. Stella throws a pair at him and he won’t give them back, then leaves. Stella has a nightmare about the accident but EJ is with her and she can’t wake him. When she is screaming he comes to wake her, they are drawn to each other, and share a passionate kiss. Stella can’t go back to sleep after that, she feels she just cheated on Dan, when it starts to get light out she tries to make her way to the toilet. Until EJ walks in, Stella didn’t want to call upon him to help her after what happened. EJ and Stella disagree over whether Dan is right for her, she gets go mad she throws her phone at his back. EJ makes Stella her favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes with maple bacon and her favorite coffee and has a large bouquet of flowers waiting for her. Over breakfast EJ tells Stella he’s book PT to start next week. After breakfast they settle in to watch television, EJ lands on a lifestyle show called Under the Spanish Sun, it one of Stella’s favorites. Stella falls asleep but is woken by her phone, Chloe calls to see how she is doing and then plans a girls night at EJ’s home. Later that night EJ heads to Logan’s home to give the girls time. Noah and Logan question EJ on how things are going with him taking care of Stella. Before the girls arrive Stella tries Dan, he’s angry when he answers, he tells her he’ll call her later. As the girls arrive they talk about Emma, Dan, and who Ariana is dating. The night goes by quickly, Chloe and Lenna leave, and Ariana stays with Stella. Ariana question Stella about her and EJ, she gives in and tells everything that happened between them. Stella confesses that her heart has been broken over EJ for years, while she watched him hook up sometimes catching them in the act. Now he’s just in shock afraid he’d lose her. What Stella didn’t realize is EJ walked into his home and overheard their conversation. He gets a call from Anderson asking to meet for drinks and quickly leaves. Anderson tells EJ how Emma is doing, not good, but wants to know how things are with Stella. Anderson tells EJ he needs to show her all things Dan isn’t doing for her. EJ then tells Anderson what he overheard when he walked into his home, he tells him he need to give her time and get rid of Dan. When EJ arrives home he check on Stella, she’s curled up crying into her pillow. After a little prying she tells him Dan broke up with her. Dan told her her broken leg is an inconvenience and he didn’t have time for her neediness. The next morning Stella sends a text to her girls and tells them about Dan. EJ makes Chocolate Chip pancakes and tells her she told him chocolate makes her feel better. EJ helps her sit up to have breakfast in bed, placing the tray over her. When he goes to leave she tells him he can stay, so he grabs his breakfast. Afterwards EJ ask Stella if she would like a shower, so he grabs some plastic bags for her leg. EJ leaves Stella in the bathroom and tells her if she needs anything to call for him. As Stella finishes she turns quickly and looses her footing and screams and she falls. EJ can’t get into the bathroom as Stella locked the door, next thing he is breaking the door to get to her. EJ grabs Stella and picks her up and carries her to his bed. EJ is frantic pacing the bedroom, she tells him she is fine she just needs her pain meds and water. EJ comes back with the pill, clothes and underwear, he holds up the underwear and tells Stella he like this pair. Stella wakes to find EJ bringing her lunch, she ask him to sit as they talk, it’s become awkward between them. EJ tells Stella he can’t get the taste of her out of his head or the images of her naked body. EJ apologies for all he’s put her through over the years. They both agree to be friends, since they’ll be spending the next few months living together. Stella apologies for what she said to Ariana that EJ overheard. EJ gets a call from Chloe letting him know that Emma left Anderson and she went to France to be with her sister. Anderson took his jet and is chasing after her, EJ ask if they should join him but Chloe says they need to work this out. EJ asks Stella if she would like to let any of her family know what’s happened to her, she tells him no. Stella mom passed away and her dad started dating her mom’s best friends and moved her into their ranch. Stella took this hard, but her siblings seemed alright with it. Stella pack her things after graduating from college and moved out of her small town in Montana and moved to New York. EJ suggest to her maybe if she doesn’t want to talk to her dad maybe her brothers or sister. Stella and EJ continue to talk about how they see themselves in five years. Things get back to normal soon after that or as a new normal for them. Stella’s new physiotherapy session begins, Gray arrives and there’s a little spark between him and Stella, EJ notices so he makes his excuse and leaves. EJ calls Logan for advise on Gray but he’s not help so he calls Noah, he assures him she won’t go jumping into bed with a guy like Gray especially after her breakup with Dan. EJ arrives back home and they talk about the delivery at his restaurant and Stella session which exhausted her. After a week with Gray is over, EJ suggest they get out of the house for a change, he carries her onto an open top bus for a tour of the city. EJ brings a picnic basket and champagne onto the bus, when Stella notices no one else on the bus. He hired the bus for them to tour around in. They talk about where they would love to live someday, then about the movies he’s never seen. Stella makes a comment about EJ’s reputation with woman and he takes it rather bad, she apologies for the comment. EJ tells her he can’t change what she’s seen or the way it’s influenced the way she sees him. He tells her he wants to show her the real person he is. He tells her he saw her over the years, but he wasn’t ready and she would never love the man he was. Stella tells him that’s not the man she seen over the years, she seen a man who cared about his sister, who took her in when she had no place to go and takes care of her. EJ grabs Stella by the face and pulls her in for a kiss, she pulls away telling him this blurs the lines a little. EJ tells her he doesn’t care anymore, he wants her and always has and to give them a chance. Stella tells him she thinks his feeling he has for her are from the shock of everything that has happened, once she is healed his feeling may not be real. After EJ takes Stella to his home he books a hotel for himself, and she call Ariana. A little while later Ariana arrives with a bottle of tequila, Stella explains everything that has happened. They both talk and try to work out the problems, but Stella soon finds her eyelids heavy and she’s passes out. Thinking about what happened EJ starts to realize Stella’s worried about him leaving her and breaking her heart, so he heads home. EJ finds her passed out on the couch and picks her up asking her what she was thinking, she mumbles she was trying to erase someone, he asks her why and she mumbles he’s going to break my heart, his heart breaks even more and he tells her not on purpose, and she mumbles but he will and she’ll lose everything. EJ places her into bed and pulls the covers over and kisses her promising to make it right in the morning. Stella wakes to find a bottle of water, painkillers and her favorite coffee on the bedside table. EJ knocks and brings in an egg McMuffin for her. EJ starts to apologies to Stella but she quickly cuts him off she tells him her and Ariana are going to the Hamptons they already booked a home to stay at. EJ tells her she can’t leave, he needs to take care of her. Stella tells him he can’t forbid her to go. EJ tells her he needs her with him, and his feelings for her are real, he’s always wanted her and to give them a chance. Stella tells him she’s not ready, the accident has changed her, she doesn’t feel the same anymore, she lost, something is different inside. EJ tells her he’s thought about the future and it has her in it happy with their friends, but he’ll wait for her. When Gray arrives for PT Stella tells him where she is headed and he tells her that works out better for him as that’s where he’ll be. EJ quickly calls Chloe and tells her what has happened and she tells him not to worry she’s coming up with a plan. After Ariana arrives they head to the Hamptons, after a few hours drive they arrive at a beautiful two story home on the beach. Ariana tells Stella to have a seat and takes her luggage to the first floor bedroom, while she take the master on the second floor. Ariana comes back and pop the cork on champagne bottle and they sit back and relax. Stella wakes the next morning and while Ariana is out decides it’s time to let her sibling know what happened so she send them a text. Her older brother Jesse calls her back and they talk about what happened. Stella invites Jessie, Austin and Lacy, her siblings to the Hamptons. EJ missing Stella heads to Anderson’s apartment to find out what’s going on with him and Emma. Anderson needs a distraction so he tells EJ to fill him in on what happened with Stella. A few days later Stella decides she needs to get back to work, so she calls Ana her assistant then gets busy answering emails. Stella gets lost in thought and stares at the ceiling when Ariana catches her. When she asks what she’s doing she tells her she’s trying to figure out what she wants out of life, Ari asks her what and Stella tells her all she sees is EJ. Ariana tells her there’s no shame in seeing a future with EJ and she loves it. Ari tells her she needs to go back to work for a few days, but she invited the girls this weekend. Chloe comes up with a plan for EJ to head to the Hamptons to be with Stella. When he arrives he knocks then lets himself in looking around for Stella. What he sees next is not what he was expecting, Stella pleasuring herself with a battery operated friend while watching YouTube videos of him. Stella yells at him to get out so he closes the door. EJ tells her he’s not going away and coming in, she buries her face in a pillow. EJ enter the room and tells her she can have him anytime, as he sits beside her he starts kissing his way up her legs. EJ tells her he’s pleasured himself listening to her recordings, especially the ones where she tells him off. EJ asks her if he can sink his fingers into her and she tells him to touch her. EJ and Stella get physical with each other, both never feeling anything like it before. Then he carries her into the bathroom for them both to get cleaned up. Stella tells EJ she wants to keep their relationship from their friends, and he agrees. EJ and Stella agree to meet after the girls have gone to bed, only problem Ariana hears them. EJ tells Noah and Logan he can’t tell them about what’s going on with him and Stella because they can’t keep it from their wife’s. The next morning Ariana wants all the details about her night with EJ. Stella ask Ariana where she plans to work when she quits her job, she’s not sure even where she wants to live. Chloe and Lenna come home to announce that Emma came home to Anderson because she missed him terribly. The girls give Stella encouragement to call her best friend, Hadley, from home who she hasn’t seen in six years. EJ goes to the holiday home to cook dinner for Stella, as a special date set up by Chloe. Over dinner Stella and EJ talk about their relationship, EJ tells her he wants her to move in and he’ll buy another apartment if she wants. He tells her she is his girlfriend, he’s done dating he only wants to share his life, bed, heart and world with is her. EJ tells her he’s all in, the happy ever after with her. Chloe calls the next morning to see if her plan to get EJ and Stella together worked, she calls Stella’s phone but EJ answers it confusing her. After the phone call EJ tells Stella he wants to buy a farm in Connecticut near Noah and Logan, to produce farm to table produce for his restaurants in Manhattan and Vegas. After EJ heads back to the city Stella family arrives, Jesse, Austin, Lacey and Hadley, her best friend come for a visit Chloe arranged to have them fly in by private jet. They talk to Stella about how much they missed each other, and she fills them in on her relationship with EJ. Stella finds out her dad been keeping up with her allotment of land. Stella agrees with them to go home to see her dad after her cast is off. EJ and Adrian catch a ride with each other back to the Hamptons, on the ways she grills him on whether or not he’ll be tempted once he’s back in the city. He question her on her job and what are her next plans. When they arrive EJ and Ariana step into the home and country music is blasting and he spots Stella giggling with a cowboy hands wrapped around her. When EJ turns down the music Stella calls out to him to come and meet someone. EJ gets a stabbing pain in his chest. She calls for Ari to come and then she introduces her family to her. They all tell EJ to thank his sister for bring them. EJ later tells her he nearly lost it when he saw her with her brothers arms wrapped around her. Later Jesse has a little brotherly conversation with EJ, he tells him he has nothing to worry about because he loves Stella. Finally the day comes Stella’s cast is cut off, they are on their way to Stella’s hometown and put the past behind. Stella finds out it was her mother’s blessing that her father move on with her best friend, Claire. Stella wasn’t there when her mother made it know she wanted her father to end up with Claire. Turns out her dad, Phil and Claire dated in high school and her mom, Hillary dated Reg, Hadley’s father. They dated each other in college, then swapped partners feeling like it was a better match for them all. That’s why they alway did everything together including family trips. EJ and Stella leave for the night exhausted from all the information. The next day Stella goes horseback riding and EJ tries to keep up, her dad takes her to the plot of land she owns, and EJ enjoys the view. Austin talks to EJ on the ride and ask him if he sees himself settling back in Stella’s hometown. Eighteen Months Later: Back in Stella’s hometown Ariana designed a new home for them. EJ’s horseback riding skills have improved. Anderson and Emma are pregnant, Logan and Jenna had twins. As they walk into their new home, Stella takes a moment to read the sign hanging from the ceiling. When she turns around EJ is on one knee with the ring box open. EJ tells her he was to stubborn to listen to his heart until she was almost taken from him. He never wants to go through life without her and live the rest of his life traveling on adventures called life with her. EJ asks Stella if she’ll marry him and she says Yes. They go off to christen each of the ten bedrooms in their new home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2022
I'm processing...I mostly liked this story. Some of the things felt unnecessary or were kinda plot holey. The whole thing with Stella and her family felt out of place, odd, and unnecessarily ironic. Like, I just can't see that happening the way it played out. It made for a cute ending, but it just felt stretched and out there. Also, phone works both ways, b!#&hes. After she called after a year, ya'll could have stayed in touch. But ya didn't and then complained that she didn't and then never knew what really happened. Bummer. Also, I kinda forgot about it, but all the sexy times were happening with that cast on...not sure some of that stuff could have happened the way it did. Leg casts are terrible. I broke my femur, and the whole broken side was casted, my torso, down the thigh to the next leg, and a stabilizing bar connecting the two casts in the middle. There was a hole so I could pee and poo. It was a nightmare. So leg cast = not sexy times. I don't care who you are.
We've been watching Elliot "EJ" Jones and poor Stella Price for a while now in this series. EJ sticks his merrymaker in about anything that has a pulse...except Stella. Stella, meanwhile, has been pining for the man as she diligently works for him for years. After a terrible car accident and a broken leg, both Stella and EJ get a wake up call: EJ realizes he needs to stop dicking around and go after Stella, the woman he really wants for the lifestyle he really needs. Stella realizes she needs to reevaluate her entire life and that includes where EJ stands in that. Maybe it's time to ditch the crush? Things gets more complicated when Stella's boyfriend, who was most definitely cheating on her, ditches her because she was too much work with her injury. EJ graciously has Stella move into his place and plays the dutiful nursemaid, being an absolute gem. It doesn't take long for his feelings to be known, but will Stella reciprocate now that she has some clarity?
I enjoyed the drama between Stella and EJ. It was nice to see Mr. Manwhore have to work for something for once in his life. lol It was also nice to see Stella take a step back and really look at her priorities. I do think that both characters made some growth while we watched them bumble through. I was a bit sad for EJ, but then I realized how Stella felt for like...years, so then I was like, "Deal with it, bud." I'm not sure if this is my favorite of the series. It lacked the flair of excitement that the other ones did with some of their external conflicts. This one is actually all character-related conflict, so don't expect some romantic suspense elements to come swooping in. It was a nice change of pace for the series, but I'm ready for the next book.
Playboys of New York Series
-Review of Off Limits (Playboys of New York #1)
-Review of Strictly Forbidden (Playboys of New York #2)
-Review of The Merger (Playboys of New York #3)
-Review of Taking Control (Playboys of New York #4)
-Review of Without Warning (Playboys of New York #5)
We've been watching Elliot "EJ" Jones and poor Stella Price for a while now in this series. EJ sticks his merrymaker in about anything that has a pulse...except Stella. Stella, meanwhile, has been pining for the man as she diligently works for him for years. After a terrible car accident and a broken leg, both Stella and EJ get a wake up call: EJ realizes he needs to stop dicking around and go after Stella, the woman he really wants for the lifestyle he really needs. Stella realizes she needs to reevaluate her entire life and that includes where EJ stands in that. Maybe it's time to ditch the crush? Things gets more complicated when Stella's boyfriend, who was most definitely cheating on her, ditches her because she was too much work with her injury. EJ graciously has Stella move into his place and plays the dutiful nursemaid, being an absolute gem. It doesn't take long for his feelings to be known, but will Stella reciprocate now that she has some clarity?
I enjoyed the drama between Stella and EJ. It was nice to see Mr. Manwhore have to work for something for once in his life. lol It was also nice to see Stella take a step back and really look at her priorities. I do think that both characters made some growth while we watched them bumble through. I was a bit sad for EJ, but then I realized how Stella felt for like...years, so then I was like, "Deal with it, bud." I'm not sure if this is my favorite of the series. It lacked the flair of excitement that the other ones did with some of their external conflicts. This one is actually all character-related conflict, so don't expect some romantic suspense elements to come swooping in. It was a nice change of pace for the series, but I'm ready for the next book.
Playboys of New York Series
-Review of Off Limits (Playboys of New York #1)
-Review of Strictly Forbidden (Playboys of New York #2)
-Review of The Merger (Playboys of New York #3)
-Review of Taking Control (Playboys of New York #4)
-Review of Without Warning (Playboys of New York #5)
August 11, 2024
I skimmed to the end. Another book where she is pining over a manwhore boss who through the years she has caught screwing dozens of women and of course is clueless to her crush. Meanwhile, she of course has been with like three other guys this whole time.
Now that she has almost died in a car accident, she is ready to move on from him and her loser boyfriend who is apparently cheating on her. Eyeroll - yeah right/every freaking conversation revolves around the boss and how hot he is and the commitment phobic boss E.J now wants to commit to her after she says she is moving on. I was hoping for more angst being the drama loving queen I am.
I liked the MFC - most of the time - except for the fact that she like ghosted her family and best friend - but she can put up with antics of her boss. On the other hand you know what - I really don't care for her as much as I thought. The boss - I just found him so shallow I couldn't even care if he did grovel. Don't get me started on the comments on his sex stamina. These two deserve each other - and this is not high praise. Can you guess this is not my favourite couple?
The best part of the whole story was Stella reconnecting with her family. It's why I gave this two stars instead of one. I cackled when she was horrified at the thought of her parents being swingers. Isn't she supposed to be NY sophisticated now? Ok Ok I'll stop bitching.
Another book where we are told the woman is tough but good old body betraying syndrome rears its head and 'I am special unlike the other girls he fucks'. I do like a good supportive friend group but the convoluted side stories explaining other relationships also left me more confused than anything. Especially the old cliche of the patient woman waiting for her man to stop fucking around which seems like its probably a theme in this friend group.
Anyway - this book was not for me. But its probably a fun, easy read for others.
Now that she has almost died in a car accident, she is ready to move on from him and her loser boyfriend who is apparently cheating on her. Eyeroll - yeah right/every freaking conversation revolves around the boss and how hot he is and the commitment phobic boss E.J now wants to commit to her after she says she is moving on. I was hoping for more angst being the drama loving queen I am.
I liked the MFC - most of the time - except for the fact that she like ghosted her family and best friend - but she can put up with antics of her boss. On the other hand you know what - I really don't care for her as much as I thought. The boss - I just found him so shallow I couldn't even care if he did grovel. Don't get me started on the comments on his sex stamina. These two deserve each other - and this is not high praise. Can you guess this is not my favourite couple?
The best part of the whole story was Stella reconnecting with her family. It's why I gave this two stars instead of one. I cackled when she was horrified at the thought of her parents being swingers. Isn't she supposed to be NY sophisticated now? Ok Ok I'll stop bitching.
Another book where we are told the woman is tough but good old body betraying syndrome rears its head and 'I am special unlike the other girls he fucks'. I do like a good supportive friend group but the convoluted side stories explaining other relationships also left me more confused than anything. Especially the old cliche of the patient woman waiting for her man to stop fucking around which seems like its probably a theme in this friend group.
Anyway - this book was not for me. But its probably a fun, easy read for others.
March 23, 2023
2 stars is generous
The story reads more like two people that are in college…truly, it was awful and it makes me so sad because I couldn’t wait for this book and it turned out to be the worst!
Pretty sure Stella did nothing but cry throughout this book.
What kind of crazy crap does this author write - Stella broke her leg - she didn’t shatter it!!! Bedridden for 6-8 weeks??? Removing a cast because she can’t fly with it? No crutches?? Absolute lunacy.
Don’t get me started on Douchebag Dan. A stripper - was Stella born yesterday? That story line was cringeworthy and made Stella look brainless.
The needless drama of Stella’s family was so obnoxious and was just plain dumb.
And why does every woman in this series wish for a white picket fence with 2.5 kids? Zero originality JA Low🙄. And with each story, the engagement ring goes up a carat🤣 - no lie.
I’m scared to read the final book.
The story reads more like two people that are in college…truly, it was awful and it makes me so sad because I couldn’t wait for this book and it turned out to be the worst!
Pretty sure Stella did nothing but cry throughout this book.
What kind of crazy crap does this author write - Stella broke her leg - she didn’t shatter it!!! Bedridden for 6-8 weeks??? Removing a cast because she can’t fly with it? No crutches?? Absolute lunacy.
Don’t get me started on Douchebag Dan. A stripper - was Stella born yesterday? That story line was cringeworthy and made Stella look brainless.
The needless drama of Stella’s family was so obnoxious and was just plain dumb.
And why does every woman in this series wish for a white picket fence with 2.5 kids? Zero originality JA Low🙄. And with each story, the engagement ring goes up a carat🤣 - no lie.
I’m scared to read the final book.
February 17, 2021
Ja low brings the heat when she brings another playboy to his knees with her loyal fierce leading lady stella ! If you have read since the first book you have been not so patiently waiting to see how the player chef extraordinaire EJ finally gets some sense knocked into him! His right hand stella has been by his side the whole time kicking a** and taking names
But while she has longed for her boss , she has seen it all the flavor of the week the painful interrupted encounters..always wondering hoping praying he would see her . And as fate has a sense of humor the very thing that rocked ej to face what hes been denying all along may have cured her long lasting crush . So maybe these 2 have a few obstacles to overcome what's a broken leg a stripper mooching boyfriend and years rejection got on love . When a player grows up they go after what they want and they go hard . Buckle up and enjoy this take down ! It is a must read! we get introduced to new characters as well that you will ache for more of!!
But while she has longed for her boss , she has seen it all the flavor of the week the painful interrupted encounters..always wondering hoping praying he would see her . And as fate has a sense of humor the very thing that rocked ej to face what hes been denying all along may have cured her long lasting crush . So maybe these 2 have a few obstacles to overcome what's a broken leg a stripper mooching boyfriend and years rejection got on love . When a player grows up they go after what they want and they go hard . Buckle up and enjoy this take down ! It is a must read! we get introduced to new characters as well that you will ache for more of!!
February 19, 2021
Seeing What’s Right in Front of You
I have always loved this author and her work because she knows how to write with intensity. So when you read about the sadness or the steam you can actually feel it all. Now we have Chef EJ and Stella’s story and it is just as intense as her other work.
What’s it like working for your boss that you have eyes for? Stella has been watching her playboy boss run through women with the love them and leave them attitude. Stella has a heartbreaking past but when she is in a car accident it opens EJ’s eyes. He finally is getting to see what has been in front of him the whole time.
This is a steamy and sweet romance that gave me the HEA I was looking for.
I have always loved this author and her work because she knows how to write with intensity. So when you read about the sadness or the steam you can actually feel it all. Now we have Chef EJ and Stella’s story and it is just as intense as her other work.
What’s it like working for your boss that you have eyes for? Stella has been watching her playboy boss run through women with the love them and leave them attitude. Stella has a heartbreaking past but when she is in a car accident it opens EJ’s eyes. He finally is getting to see what has been in front of him the whole time.
This is a steamy and sweet romance that gave me the HEA I was looking for.
October 1, 2023
Do you know how around 80/85% of the book everyone is happy and you expect one of the main characters to screw everything up?
I must say that for the first time (second if I also count Off Limits - the first book in the series) I find myself reading books where that moment is replaced by something else. I won't say further, because it would be spoilers. But I'm just really happy that there isn't, for example, the miscommunication tropes, frequent in romance novels.
It's something you can't predict and therefore keeps your attention high throughout the book.
I must say that for the first time (second if I also count Off Limits - the first book in the series) I find myself reading books where that moment is replaced by something else. I won't say further, because it would be spoilers. But I'm just really happy that there isn't, for example, the miscommunication tropes, frequent in romance novels.
It's something you can't predict and therefore keeps your attention high throughout the book.
March 3, 2021
Absolutely loved it
I loved this book. Each one in the series just gets better. I love how not only do we get a new story but we get parts of past characters stories as they all blend into one. Can’t wait for book 5
I loved this book. Each one in the series just gets better. I love how not only do we get a new story but we get parts of past characters stories as they all blend into one. Can’t wait for book 5
March 5, 2021
Hero 4⭐Elliott/EJ
Heroine 4⭐Stella
Story 4⭐
Writing 4⭐
Steam 3⭐
Romance 4⭐
Secondary Characters 4⭐
Drama 3⭐
Recommend - Yes
Heroine 4⭐Stella
Story 4⭐
Writing 4⭐
Steam 3⭐
Romance 4⭐
Secondary Characters 4⭐
Drama 3⭐
Recommend - Yes
February 2, 2026
The whole convoluted mess with her dad was so completely unnecessary. Totally tanked the last half of the book IMO
February 15, 2021
Love this couple
September 16, 2022
As typical of Lows books I hate them or love them. This was a hate. Just couldn't get into the storyline or characters. I'm sure the next one will be one I love.
April 14, 2024
I didn't think Stella and Elliot were ever going to get it together. Then, there was the accident that brought everything into perspective.
Fantastic story. Love this series.
Fantastic story. Love this series.
February 16, 2024
Stella was annoying. I don’t understand how it was her fault her family betrayed her??? It didn’t make any sense. It was stupid that she forgave her dad and the way her “best friend” Hadley spoke to her was BS. Her family did something disgusting as well but she has to apologize? No. Her dad probably had an affair with the best friend. No one falls in love that fast after losing a spouse and if they do it’s gross. Her attitude towards EJ the entire book was annoying but understandable. This relationship with her family was frustrating and she seemed like a doormat. Waste of time reading this book. The first book was so good that I had high hopes for this series but it just got worse and worse each book I’ve read. Especially this one. Stella was the worst and let everyone walk all over her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
I keep reading JA Low's books because overall they are entertaining. Good plots, good characters, and various locations to make it interesting.
But, I can't handle the late plot twists that are thrown in at the very end (75% or greater part of the story). This book had some family drama thrown in at the end that was like "What??" that could have easily been left out. Instead, it was a bombshell for the heroine and then quickly resolved like it was no big deal. Each book of this series also has a late twist that was borderline ridiculous (kidnapping, car wreck with face injury, etc.)
Sometimes simple is better.
But, I can't handle the late plot twists that are thrown in at the very end (75% or greater part of the story). This book had some family drama thrown in at the end that was like "What??" that could have easily been left out. Instead, it was a bombshell for the heroine and then quickly resolved like it was no big deal. Each book of this series also has a late twist that was borderline ridiculous (kidnapping, car wreck with face injury, etc.)
Sometimes simple is better.
July 27, 2021
So boring
I read through the evidently best part-the beginning. Then came the ‘drama’. Drama for the sake of drama. Goofy, pointless drama.
Since when does one need round the clock nursing care for a broken leg?
She’s loved him forever. Even his seriously rude, bad behavior couldn’t change that. Then he starts to regret that behavior, and acknowledge his feelings for her. Suddenly, she’s running scared of…something.
For me, this is childish, pointless, and above all, boring. It just went on and on; him persuing, her running away from…whatever it is.
At the 50% point, I decided enough is enough and deleted it from my kindle.
I read through the evidently best part-the beginning. Then came the ‘drama’. Drama for the sake of drama. Goofy, pointless drama.
Since when does one need round the clock nursing care for a broken leg?
She’s loved him forever. Even his seriously rude, bad behavior couldn’t change that. Then he starts to regret that behavior, and acknowledge his feelings for her. Suddenly, she’s running scared of…something.
For me, this is childish, pointless, and above all, boring. It just went on and on; him persuing, her running away from…whatever it is.
At the 50% point, I decided enough is enough and deleted it from my kindle.
June 22, 2022
Honestly I don't understand why everyone loves this book. I much prefer the other books in the series. EJ is a jerk! He openly admitted to Stella that he knew his behavior hurt her and instead of apologizing to her, she apologized to him! In what world does someone who loves you continuously hurt you on purpose and does not even admit they are in the wrong?!
This book was so unrealistic. If someone treats you that poorly you don't stay with them, you leave. Poor Stella must have the worst self-esteem in the world if she thought she deserved everything that man put her through!
This book was so unrealistic. If someone treats you that poorly you don't stay with them, you leave. Poor Stella must have the worst self-esteem in the world if she thought she deserved everything that man put her through!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
Omg
Stella cried the entire time. No one owes you an explanation for their relationship. The same way you grieved so did they. Did the other characters constantly have apologies for how they grieved . I couldn't bare to read anymore . I was hoping after all that crying she developed into a strong character. But she didn't . She had some realization but it didn't last long. She cried and cried over everything . I'm sick
Stella cried the entire time. No one owes you an explanation for their relationship. The same way you grieved so did they. Did the other characters constantly have apologies for how they grieved . I couldn't bare to read anymore . I was hoping after all that crying she developed into a strong character. But she didn't . She had some realization but it didn't last long. She cried and cried over everything . I'm sick
March 7, 2021
[1.5 star] too much back and forth, both hero and heroine doesn't seem to know what they exactly wants. additionally, the "eighteen months later" at the end came a little sudden.
August 20, 2023
You don’t what you’ve got ‘til it’s ‘nearly’ gone
Before we start… if you have stumbled upon this book before hearing about or reading the previous three books in this series then you seriously need to back up and start at the beginning. Yeah, you could ruin it for yourself and start your JA Low journey here, but trust me, you’ll wish you’d started at the beginning and entered Low’s incredible world much, much sooner.
So… warning… there’re spoilers from the previous books in this review because it’s how we end up here.
At the end of the previous book, we learn of our female lead, Stella being involved in an horrific car accident and severely breaking her leg. Her life is about to change because she’s going to need round the clock care for a while. When her idiot boyfriend refuses to step up for her, the one person she never thought would want to care for her offers his home and his assistance… a complete role reversal… as this man is EJ. He’s her man whore celebrity chef boss, who she’s looked after for six years as his loyal personal assistant. The very same man she’s had a crush on that whole time. The very same man she’d given up all hope of being with.
What Stella doesn’t know is that EJ has felt the same way about her, but always worried that mixing business with pleasure would ruin what they had. So instead, he embraced his celebrity status and bedded supermodels, influencers, actresses and the New York socialite elite right under her nose.
What neither of them expect is for her accident to propel their true feelings into motion. Thinking he’d almost lost Stella makes EJ rethink his whole life. He knows now that he can’t ever lose her because the hole she would leave behind in his heart could never be filled. You’d think it would be simple right? He realises his true feelings so they can now live happily ever after, yes?
No… of course it’s never that simple. Stella’s accident has also changed her and now she questions EJ’s intentions as just a knee jerk reaction to her near death experience. With the tables being turned, EJ knows he needs to make her see that he’s changed. That he’s willing and wanting to put aside his playboy ways and make Stella his one-and-only. But it’s not going to be easy.
Then there’s the whole issue with Stella’s family who she’s been all but estranged from since she left for the bright lights of the big city. The accident makes her look at her life and ask herself if she’s okay with her decision to leave her family behind. Will they forgive her for walking away? Will she forgive her father for his betrayal? It’s complicated!
This book is a great read with lots of emotional ups and downs. You’ll feel the angst, the turmoil, the fear as they try to establish what they want to be to each other… but then you’ll also feel the intense desire, the need, the passion, the loyalty but mostly, the love that these two have between them.
I’ve really enjoyed this story because even though it was inevitable, even from book one, that these two were destined to be together, their love story is so compelling and sweet.
Hats off again to this author for creating yet more characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Cannot wait to read the final instalment to discover who is next to get hit with Cupid’s arrow.
Before we start… if you have stumbled upon this book before hearing about or reading the previous three books in this series then you seriously need to back up and start at the beginning. Yeah, you could ruin it for yourself and start your JA Low journey here, but trust me, you’ll wish you’d started at the beginning and entered Low’s incredible world much, much sooner.
So… warning… there’re spoilers from the previous books in this review because it’s how we end up here.
At the end of the previous book, we learn of our female lead, Stella being involved in an horrific car accident and severely breaking her leg. Her life is about to change because she’s going to need round the clock care for a while. When her idiot boyfriend refuses to step up for her, the one person she never thought would want to care for her offers his home and his assistance… a complete role reversal… as this man is EJ. He’s her man whore celebrity chef boss, who she’s looked after for six years as his loyal personal assistant. The very same man she’s had a crush on that whole time. The very same man she’d given up all hope of being with.
What Stella doesn’t know is that EJ has felt the same way about her, but always worried that mixing business with pleasure would ruin what they had. So instead, he embraced his celebrity status and bedded supermodels, influencers, actresses and the New York socialite elite right under her nose.
What neither of them expect is for her accident to propel their true feelings into motion. Thinking he’d almost lost Stella makes EJ rethink his whole life. He knows now that he can’t ever lose her because the hole she would leave behind in his heart could never be filled. You’d think it would be simple right? He realises his true feelings so they can now live happily ever after, yes?
No… of course it’s never that simple. Stella’s accident has also changed her and now she questions EJ’s intentions as just a knee jerk reaction to her near death experience. With the tables being turned, EJ knows he needs to make her see that he’s changed. That he’s willing and wanting to put aside his playboy ways and make Stella his one-and-only. But it’s not going to be easy.
Then there’s the whole issue with Stella’s family who she’s been all but estranged from since she left for the bright lights of the big city. The accident makes her look at her life and ask herself if she’s okay with her decision to leave her family behind. Will they forgive her for walking away? Will she forgive her father for his betrayal? It’s complicated!
This book is a great read with lots of emotional ups and downs. You’ll feel the angst, the turmoil, the fear as they try to establish what they want to be to each other… but then you’ll also feel the intense desire, the need, the passion, the loyalty but mostly, the love that these two have between them.
I’ve really enjoyed this story because even though it was inevitable, even from book one, that these two were destined to be together, their love story is so compelling and sweet.
Hats off again to this author for creating yet more characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Cannot wait to read the final instalment to discover who is next to get hit with Cupid’s arrow.
February 28, 2021
An awesome boss-to-lovers read.
If you’re like me and have read the first three books in this Playboys of New York series, you’ll know the characters and have looked forward to Sexy Chef EJ, and his long-term employee, Stella Price’s story. It picks up at the end of The Merger, where she and two of her friends were in a car accident. I went back and refreshed my memory, rediscovering my love for this group of friends, and I can honestly say that I highly recommend this series for those who like alpha-hole males who need taking down a peg or two, and the women strong enough to do it. Author JA Low writes books that cram everything from sweet to high-heat steamy and seriousness to witty laugh out-loud-moments. You won’t be skipping pages!
For EJ, everything changed when he saw the woman he’d taken for granted, lying almost lifeless on the ambulance gurney. He’d seen his best friends fall in love, ridiculed them even, until that moment when he thought he’d almost lost her. He just didn’t realise at that stage, that he already had.
Deciding that her now wants something serious with Stella, for the celebrated chef, to whom things, make that women, had always come easy, this was no walk in the park. Quite simply, she’d had enough, and that car accident, complete with the nasty concussion, seemed to knocked plenty of sense into her. Add to that, she was already in a happily enough relationship with Dan-the-stripper, so she wasn’t sure what EJ was up to when he started acting all weird around her.
EJ’s hands were tied, and I had to laugh at his frustration, but he knew his friends had the best advice; give D-bag Dan enough time and eventually he’ll mess things up for himself. The thing was, EJ had a quagmire of dirty history to wade through as well. Stella had unwittingly walked in on him so many times as he balls deep in a different woman each time, that it had scarred her soul deep, so she was never going to trust him at his word that he was going to change. Why her, and why now?
Also, I absolutely loved finding out about Stella’s backstory, and wow, what a kicker it was! To be honest, I’m hoping there’s more in the way of books coming from that direction. Highly recommended read that I hit almost in one sitting, cos I just had to call it quits when my head almost hit my tablet at 2.30am (and I’m like only 15% to go!) 4.5 Stars ༺💗༻
If you’re like me and have read the first three books in this Playboys of New York series, you’ll know the characters and have looked forward to Sexy Chef EJ, and his long-term employee, Stella Price’s story. It picks up at the end of The Merger, where she and two of her friends were in a car accident. I went back and refreshed my memory, rediscovering my love for this group of friends, and I can honestly say that I highly recommend this series for those who like alpha-hole males who need taking down a peg or two, and the women strong enough to do it. Author JA Low writes books that cram everything from sweet to high-heat steamy and seriousness to witty laugh out-loud-moments. You won’t be skipping pages!
For EJ, everything changed when he saw the woman he’d taken for granted, lying almost lifeless on the ambulance gurney. He’d seen his best friends fall in love, ridiculed them even, until that moment when he thought he’d almost lost her. He just didn’t realise at that stage, that he already had.
Deciding that her now wants something serious with Stella, for the celebrated chef, to whom things, make that women, had always come easy, this was no walk in the park. Quite simply, she’d had enough, and that car accident, complete with the nasty concussion, seemed to knocked plenty of sense into her. Add to that, she was already in a happily enough relationship with Dan-the-stripper, so she wasn’t sure what EJ was up to when he started acting all weird around her.
EJ’s hands were tied, and I had to laugh at his frustration, but he knew his friends had the best advice; give D-bag Dan enough time and eventually he’ll mess things up for himself. The thing was, EJ had a quagmire of dirty history to wade through as well. Stella had unwittingly walked in on him so many times as he balls deep in a different woman each time, that it had scarred her soul deep, so she was never going to trust him at his word that he was going to change. Why her, and why now?
Also, I absolutely loved finding out about Stella’s backstory, and wow, what a kicker it was! To be honest, I’m hoping there’s more in the way of books coming from that direction. Highly recommended read that I hit almost in one sitting, cos I just had to call it quits when my head almost hit my tablet at 2.30am (and I’m like only 15% to go!) 4.5 Stars ༺💗༻
May 6, 2024
Meh. Not a fan of the characters
The more books I read in the series, the less I like the characters. They really are weak and weepy, if that makes sense. I've felt that as I read all the books so far. But the ironic part is, they all have the potential to be amazing characters. But the "screams" and "yells" and immature disposition for all of them gets old.
There are parts of the book that are interesting and good by overall, I'd say the series so far is a flop for me.
The fact that EJ is saying he's in his element (in the kitchen) on page and then saying he lost his passion for cooking a few pages later doesn't jive.
And Ariana throughout the series? My least favorite character. So I can only imagine how her book will turn out and what mind crippling obstacle she will need to overcome and what timeline it will be in too.
I will say this book was relief from the first three seeing as the author did pick up their story from the accident and didn't redo the entire timeline as was found in the first three books. Some authors have done well with the same timeline and multiple perspectives across books by glossing over things but this one was just verbatim on conversations in the other books and then this book came in and had a few minor inconsistencies across the books - mostly books 3-4.
All the women so far have been pretty weak characters. Yet in this case, she left home and struck out on her own and made something of herself - pretty badass - only to cry over every little thing it felt like. Sigh.
I'll read the last book too just out of morbid curiosity but I didn't recommend wasting your time with this series. And I personally won't read by other books/series by this author either. One series and done. Which is a shame because the stories themselves aren't terrible. But the characters are immature and the writing seems a bit childish as well. With the use of "screams" and "yells" so often. I mean, better words are raised voice, demands, inquires, passion, etc. All the screaming and yelling I picture them doing ruins the overall image of the story.
The more books I read in the series, the less I like the characters. They really are weak and weepy, if that makes sense. I've felt that as I read all the books so far. But the ironic part is, they all have the potential to be amazing characters. But the "screams" and "yells" and immature disposition for all of them gets old.
There are parts of the book that are interesting and good by overall, I'd say the series so far is a flop for me.
The fact that EJ is saying he's in his element (in the kitchen) on page and then saying he lost his passion for cooking a few pages later doesn't jive.
And Ariana throughout the series? My least favorite character. So I can only imagine how her book will turn out and what mind crippling obstacle she will need to overcome and what timeline it will be in too.
I will say this book was relief from the first three seeing as the author did pick up their story from the accident and didn't redo the entire timeline as was found in the first three books. Some authors have done well with the same timeline and multiple perspectives across books by glossing over things but this one was just verbatim on conversations in the other books and then this book came in and had a few minor inconsistencies across the books - mostly books 3-4.
All the women so far have been pretty weak characters. Yet in this case, she left home and struck out on her own and made something of herself - pretty badass - only to cry over every little thing it felt like. Sigh.
I'll read the last book too just out of morbid curiosity but I didn't recommend wasting your time with this series. And I personally won't read by other books/series by this author either. One series and done. Which is a shame because the stories themselves aren't terrible. But the characters are immature and the writing seems a bit childish as well. With the use of "screams" and "yells" so often. I mean, better words are raised voice, demands, inquires, passion, etc. All the screaming and yelling I picture them doing ruins the overall image of the story.
July 13, 2021
3.5 stars - read on KU
If you liked her other books, you'll like this one. You'll get a little frustrated with the missteps between EJ and Stella but it could be worse. We meet Stella's family, who she has been estranged from for 6 years since her mom died. She has 3 siblings and a best friend who is now a step sibling. I'm guessing we're going to see a spin off series about their ranch in the future.
So many frustrations with thus author in general. She has great potential but fades to black when it is time for any details or for showing how the MCs fall in love. This is the second couple in the series that falls jn love before we meet them. Even with the new couples, time jumps over the getting to know you parts. She doesn't face to black for all the sex scenes are some of them are pretty good. I have finished off the series and have forgotten which books have the best scenes. I will say I am disappointed in Anderson and Emma's book since they went to the Paradise club because the one scene from there is pretty boring and too similar to the first scene any of the couples have had when they get to the cube at the club. If you read Dirty Texas, you know what I mean. If not, you'll enjoy it more.
This book had fewer grammatical errors but I think it was on accident. They come right back with the next two books.
The Dirty Texas series is a lot better - especially if you read the box set with the very, very long epilogues, which I guess we're originally written as separate novellas. Although, those needed to be shortened. There were scenes there that didn't add to the story.
This author is sacrificing quality for quantity and it is a real shame!
If you liked her other books, you'll like this one. You'll get a little frustrated with the missteps between EJ and Stella but it could be worse. We meet Stella's family, who she has been estranged from for 6 years since her mom died. She has 3 siblings and a best friend who is now a step sibling. I'm guessing we're going to see a spin off series about their ranch in the future.
So many frustrations with thus author in general. She has great potential but fades to black when it is time for any details or for showing how the MCs fall in love. This is the second couple in the series that falls jn love before we meet them. Even with the new couples, time jumps over the getting to know you parts. She doesn't face to black for all the sex scenes are some of them are pretty good. I have finished off the series and have forgotten which books have the best scenes. I will say I am disappointed in Anderson and Emma's book since they went to the Paradise club because the one scene from there is pretty boring and too similar to the first scene any of the couples have had when they get to the cube at the club. If you read Dirty Texas, you know what I mean. If not, you'll enjoy it more.
This book had fewer grammatical errors but I think it was on accident. They come right back with the next two books.
The Dirty Texas series is a lot better - especially if you read the box set with the very, very long epilogues, which I guess we're originally written as separate novellas. Although, those needed to be shortened. There were scenes there that didn't add to the story.
This author is sacrificing quality for quantity and it is a real shame!
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