What do you think?
Rate this book
The Scottish Billionaires #9
At First Sight
Sixteen years ago, I lost Belle, the love of my life, in a tragic car accident.
Devastated, I left Scotland to work in Uncle Ben's brokerage firm in Manhattan. Dedicating my life to the job, I rose to the top of the ladder, next in line to head the billion-dollar company.
Belle, however, never left my heart.
Every year––on our anniversary––I dine at the restaurant where we first met.
And that's when I saw her again…today!
She was three tables away—the spitting image of Belle from sixteen years ago. It couldn’t be a coincidence. It had to be fate or at least a sign.
Now, there’s only one thing on my mind; I must find out who she is.
When Drake Mac Gilleain lays eyes on Maggie McCrae, he believes he’s seeing the ghost of his late wife and decides to follow her.
Maggie has found her dream as a violinist in the New York Philharmonic, but her personal life is scared by a controlling and abusive boyfriend.
During a violent argument on the sidewalk, Drake intervenes and saves Maggie.
Shaken but determined to rid herself of her boyfriend, Maggie stays with Drake while sorting out her situation, and an instant attraction ensues.
Drake is falling hard for Maggie, but as the truth comes out, how can Drake explain he stalked her for weeks because she reminds him of his late wife?
Find out what happens next in M.S. Parker’s new novel, At First Sight, a fantastic standalone romance in the Scottish Billionaires series.
Devastated, I left Scotland to work in Uncle Ben's brokerage firm in Manhattan. Dedicating my life to the job, I rose to the top of the ladder, next in line to head the billion-dollar company.
Belle, however, never left my heart.
Every year––on our anniversary––I dine at the restaurant where we first met.
And that's when I saw her again…today!
She was three tables away—the spitting image of Belle from sixteen years ago. It couldn’t be a coincidence. It had to be fate or at least a sign.
Now, there’s only one thing on my mind; I must find out who she is.
When Drake Mac Gilleain lays eyes on Maggie McCrae, he believes he’s seeing the ghost of his late wife and decides to follow her.
Maggie has found her dream as a violinist in the New York Philharmonic, but her personal life is scared by a controlling and abusive boyfriend.
During a violent argument on the sidewalk, Drake intervenes and saves Maggie.
Shaken but determined to rid herself of her boyfriend, Maggie stays with Drake while sorting out her situation, and an instant attraction ensues.
Drake is falling hard for Maggie, but as the truth comes out, how can Drake explain he stalked her for weeks because she reminds him of his late wife?
Find out what happens next in M.S. Parker’s new novel, At First Sight, a fantastic standalone romance in the Scottish Billionaires series.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2022
1655 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Parker
256 books2,097 followersStep into the seductive and suspenseful world of M. S. Parker, a USA Today Bestselling author where dark romance meets thrilling suspense. If you crave stories that are both steamy and intricate, with characters that are as dangerous as they are desirable, you've found your next obsession.
M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.
Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor
M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.
Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 10, 2022
3.5 stars - 3 stars doesn’t seem like enough, but 4 stars seems too high for me. I really liked parts of this book, but there were several things that I didn’t care for.
✅ Drake - 44 years old, Scottish, wealthy, handsome, protective. He says “Aye” and calls Maggie “lass.” *sigh* I don’t care for the cover model very much. He’s not how I picture Drake in my head.
✅ I love a good age-gap romance. Maggie is 27. While she starts off as an abused woman, she shows her strength after a short while. I liked how she wanted to take care of things herself, or with Drake, and not just have him do it for her.
✅ Drake’s uncle (Ben)and his partner (Stellan), and Maggie’s brother Carson. I also liked Maggie’s sister London, but she wasn’t in it as much as Carson.
❌ The whole thing with Maggie’s abusive boyfriend, Dale, was drawn out for too long and all of a sudden wrapped up very quickly at 95%. It was annoying.
❌ Way too many sex scenes. I skimmed after the first 3 or 4 of them. Whenever Drake and Maggie were together they had sex. I never felt like they took time to get to know each other. (I really dislike the word “folds” now.)
❌ Maggie’s masturbation. I skimmed it because that detail was completely unnecessary.
❌ There were 83 chapters in this book. Most of them were 3-5 minutes long, flipping POVs between Maggie and Drake. Fewer chapters with more detail would have been nice.
Those first two negatives were huge drawbacks for me. I would have rather read some nice cozy scenes where Drake and Maggie learned things about each other. It was always a drama fest with everything Dale kept pulling. Then, to counteract the abuse or Maggie getting scared, there was a big sex scene.
Note that this is book #9 in a series. I have not read anything else by this author and I didn’t feel like I was thrown into the middle of anything. Yes, Maggie has a large family, and the previous books are about some of them, but those siblings were only talked about in passing. The two siblings in this book have not had their own books yet. I will keep my eye out for Carson’s book though. That might be interesting depending on who his love interest is. (I think Drake’s personal assistant, Mel, would make for a great pairing. 😉😉)
✅ Drake - 44 years old, Scottish, wealthy, handsome, protective. He says “Aye” and calls Maggie “lass.” *sigh* I don’t care for the cover model very much. He’s not how I picture Drake in my head.
✅ I love a good age-gap romance. Maggie is 27. While she starts off as an abused woman, she shows her strength after a short while. I liked how she wanted to take care of things herself, or with Drake, and not just have him do it for her.
✅ Drake’s uncle (Ben)and his partner (Stellan), and Maggie’s brother Carson. I also liked Maggie’s sister London, but she wasn’t in it as much as Carson.
❌ The whole thing with Maggie’s abusive boyfriend, Dale, was drawn out for too long and all of a sudden wrapped up very quickly at 95%. It was annoying.
❌ Way too many sex scenes. I skimmed after the first 3 or 4 of them. Whenever Drake and Maggie were together they had sex. I never felt like they took time to get to know each other. (I really dislike the word “folds” now.)
❌ Maggie’s masturbation. I skimmed it because that detail was completely unnecessary.
❌ There were 83 chapters in this book. Most of them were 3-5 minutes long, flipping POVs between Maggie and Drake. Fewer chapters with more detail would have been nice.
Those first two negatives were huge drawbacks for me. I would have rather read some nice cozy scenes where Drake and Maggie learned things about each other. It was always a drama fest with everything Dale kept pulling. Then, to counteract the abuse or Maggie getting scared, there was a big sex scene.
Note that this is book #9 in a series. I have not read anything else by this author and I didn’t feel like I was thrown into the middle of anything. Yes, Maggie has a large family, and the previous books are about some of them, but those siblings were only talked about in passing. The two siblings in this book have not had their own books yet. I will keep my eye out for Carson’s book though. That might be interesting depending on who his love interest is. (I think Drake’s personal assistant, Mel, would make for a great pairing. 😉😉)
January 22, 2024
If you are looking for a spicy age gap, then… this book might be for you.
I’ll start off this review with the fact that I love M.S Parker’s books this one just didn’t resonate with me. Maybe it was my expectations, maybe it was the blurb, but for whatever reason this one just didn’t hit the mark for me. The spice is on point so that was not my issue, I just failed to connect with the characters and the story.
So. Drake a widower who lost his wife in a tragic accident and hasn’t been able to move on sees Maggie who resembles his late wire so much he is taken aback. The story that progresses is fine if not great and that was my major issue with this book.
A good solid book from one of my favorite authors. All in all, 3.5 stars
I’ll start off this review with the fact that I love M.S Parker’s books this one just didn’t resonate with me. Maybe it was my expectations, maybe it was the blurb, but for whatever reason this one just didn’t hit the mark for me. The spice is on point so that was not my issue, I just failed to connect with the characters and the story.
So. Drake a widower who lost his wife in a tragic accident and hasn’t been able to move on sees Maggie who resembles his late wire so much he is taken aback. The story that progresses is fine if not great and that was my major issue with this book.
A good solid book from one of my favorite authors. All in all, 3.5 stars
October 17, 2022
Loved this M. S. Parker Book
What a wonderful romance by M. S. Parker. Great storyline, well written and swoon worthy! Drake has been living a a lonely life since losing his wife and unborn child in an auto accident 15 years ago. He’s 44 and working to take over his uncle’s investment firm. He encounters Maggie, a 27 year old woman, and an amazing violinist in the Philharmonic Symphony. She’s in an abusive relationship with her 33 year old boy friend, who is also a member of the Philharmonic. Maggie bears a remarkable likeness to Drake’s late wife, and he is drawn to finding out who she is because she suspects the abuse she is receiving. Drake hires a private investigator who locates Maggie and thus begins a near stalking experience by Drake. Drakes uncle fears things have gone too far when he sees Maggie but as Drake explains, her likeness to his wife’s beauty is what drew him in, but there personalities differentiate them. Thankfully, Drake is there to save Maggie from harm when her boy friend is enraged by Drake’s attention to her, which opens Maggie’s relatives and Drake to vandalism and injuries to Maggie, which lead to her severing ties with her boy friend. Maggie and Drake develop a sexual relationship and he has her move in with him until her brother’s apartment is ready for her to move in. She feels safe and secure with Drake until she encounters a portrait of Drake with is late wife and realizes his obsession with her stems from the likeness between the two women. It’s an intriguing, emotional love story that had me falling in love with the hero and heroine and had me wiping tears as these two work toward their HEA.
What a wonderful romance by M. S. Parker. Great storyline, well written and swoon worthy! Drake has been living a a lonely life since losing his wife and unborn child in an auto accident 15 years ago. He’s 44 and working to take over his uncle’s investment firm. He encounters Maggie, a 27 year old woman, and an amazing violinist in the Philharmonic Symphony. She’s in an abusive relationship with her 33 year old boy friend, who is also a member of the Philharmonic. Maggie bears a remarkable likeness to Drake’s late wife, and he is drawn to finding out who she is because she suspects the abuse she is receiving. Drake hires a private investigator who locates Maggie and thus begins a near stalking experience by Drake. Drakes uncle fears things have gone too far when he sees Maggie but as Drake explains, her likeness to his wife’s beauty is what drew him in, but there personalities differentiate them. Thankfully, Drake is there to save Maggie from harm when her boy friend is enraged by Drake’s attention to her, which opens Maggie’s relatives and Drake to vandalism and injuries to Maggie, which lead to her severing ties with her boy friend. Maggie and Drake develop a sexual relationship and he has her move in with him until her brother’s apartment is ready for her to move in. She feels safe and secure with Drake until she encounters a portrait of Drake with is late wife and realizes his obsession with her stems from the likeness between the two women. It’s an intriguing, emotional love story that had me falling in love with the hero and heroine and had me wiping tears as these two work toward their HEA.
January 25, 2022
After losing the love of his life many years before, Drake is stunned when he sees a woman that looks just like her.
Unable to stop himself from finding out about her, he becomes obsessed with her music and her relationship.
When he is there to stop her abusive boyfriend, she becomes much more to him than a distant need.
This woman may have a resemblance but she is her own person and he must protect her from her narcissistic ex.
As with everything, Maggie finds out about his wife, his stalking and his lies.
Will she be able to forgive this man who is fueled by feeling?
Will Dale succeed in abusing her further?
This has some triggers in it but I felt this to be realistic and deep with events that could happen to anyone.
I loved Drake's protective nature towards this woman that may have started because of her appearance but soon becomes about his love for her.
Maggie grows in strength and I loved the character development in this book that gave it real depth.
Danger seems to follow Maggie as her ex isn't willing to lose his prey so easily and the drama had me binge reading with speed.
An addictive story with parts that hit close to home.
Written with knowledge, respect, intelligence and a set of characters you instantly feel for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unable to stop himself from finding out about her, he becomes obsessed with her music and her relationship.
When he is there to stop her abusive boyfriend, she becomes much more to him than a distant need.
This woman may have a resemblance but she is her own person and he must protect her from her narcissistic ex.
As with everything, Maggie finds out about his wife, his stalking and his lies.
Will she be able to forgive this man who is fueled by feeling?
Will Dale succeed in abusing her further?
This has some triggers in it but I felt this to be realistic and deep with events that could happen to anyone.
I loved Drake's protective nature towards this woman that may have started because of her appearance but soon becomes about his love for her.
Maggie grows in strength and I loved the character development in this book that gave it real depth.
Danger seems to follow Maggie as her ex isn't willing to lose his prey so easily and the drama had me binge reading with speed.
An addictive story with parts that hit close to home.
Written with knowledge, respect, intelligence and a set of characters you instantly feel for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2022
Maggie is a musician in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Drake lives in New York and one night he sees Maggie when she's out with her boyfriend and he is drawn to her. She reminds him of his deceased wife. Maggie and her boyfriend both work in the same orchestra so when things start getting worse between them it gets hard to work together. When Drake sees Maggie being hit by her boyfriend, he steps in to help her. Maggie is attracted to Drake but doesn't know if she should start something so soon after leaving her ex. What will Maggie do when she learns that Drake has been following her? Can they take care of her ex?
This is a great story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2022
At First Sight😍
At First Sight is the next book in the Scottish Billionaire series and is my absolute favourite of the series so far❣️
Maggie is the musician in the family and plays for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as second chair. Unfortunately, she comes with some baggage😢 Drake lives in New York and works for his Uncles fund management company and is due to take over. He lost his wife Belle, sixteen years earlier but on the anniversary of them meeting, he spots a woman who is the spitting image of his late wife. He starts to learn more about Maggie and soon comes to her aid😁
An emotionally charged story but done so well that it kept me enthralled and I didn’t want to put it down. Loved Drake and Maggie and I can’t wait to see who is up next🤩 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
At First Sight is the next book in the Scottish Billionaire series and is my absolute favourite of the series so far❣️
Maggie is the musician in the family and plays for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as second chair. Unfortunately, she comes with some baggage😢 Drake lives in New York and works for his Uncles fund management company and is due to take over. He lost his wife Belle, sixteen years earlier but on the anniversary of them meeting, he spots a woman who is the spitting image of his late wife. He starts to learn more about Maggie and soon comes to her aid😁
An emotionally charged story but done so well that it kept me enthralled and I didn’t want to put it down. Loved Drake and Maggie and I can’t wait to see who is up next🤩 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
January 22, 2022
Drake lost his wife and daughter years ago in a car accident. From that point on his only focus was work. Until the night of his anniversary. Since her death on the anniversary of the day and place they met he would go to the same restaurant and have dinner. While he’s eating he catches a glimpse of Maggie, who he knows isn’t but looks just like his late wife. Curiosity gets to him and he needs to know more about Maggie. Then he sees she’s in trouble and he can’t stand by and do nothing. I was drawn in from the start. There is plenty of steam, a little angst, and some suspense. There is also sensitive subjects.
January 19, 2022
Another great read by M. S. Parker. A sad and tragic backstory, but don’t we love a happy ending. Enjoyed getting to know the characters and the twists along the way. If you enjoy M. S. Parker’s books then this doesn’t disappoint.
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.
January 17, 2022
Oh boy! M. S. Parker has outdone herself. Emotions run high, romance takes hold and a whirlwind of stalking ensues.
The storyline held my attention and the details written kept me turning the pages until I was done. One sitting! That’s it! I need more. A great epilogue and a beautiful book.
An outstanding read!
The storyline held my attention and the details written kept me turning the pages until I was done. One sitting! That’s it! I need more. A great epilogue and a beautiful book.
An outstanding read!
January 18, 2022
Loved Drake and Maggie. Their story will suck you in and leave you breathless. Maggie survived a horribly abusive relationship and Drake has lost someone he loved and moving away and putting distance to his past he works in rebuilding that is until he sees Maggie,who reminds him of his loss. He’s enamoured with her, he seeks her out, watches her and when she needs help he’s there. How can he explain himself and not lose her in the process? I found this book on BookSprout.
January 26, 2022
Almost a good story but cliches and stupid moves drive the plot. Why are we always lying that we’re all ok with bruises and bleeding knife wounds and we don’t want to tell the people that love us we have problems or that you have a psycho crazy abusive boyfriend or Why we aren’t on the phone with lawyers since we are a billionaire? If you’re a rich independent woman with a loving local supportive family wouldn’t you leave an abusive situation with your legal team in full and complete attack mode? What more support do you need?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
Drake lost the woman he loves in a tragic car accident and now 16 years later, he thinks he finds her again in New York. Maggie is living her dream as a violinist in the New York Philharmonic, but her boyfriend is a nightmare. When Drake sees her and her boyfriend fighting, he comes to the rescue. Sparks fly between the two but what will happen when Maggie discovers that Drake became interested in her because she looks like his dead wife? Fast-paced read with loads of drama and emotion. Sizzling chemistry and the characters have plenty of depth. I loved it!
May 24, 2025
I wanted to like this. The premise was cool, and the hero was Scottish, so I was intrigued with that but the characters were flat as pancakes, with the exception of the villain, who was just a stereotypical abuser but at least he sounded like a different person. Honestly, sometimes I got confused who was telling the story, Drake or Maggie, because there was no difference in their voices at all. Oh, and the gratuitous sex was not hot at all.
February 9, 2022
An interesting book with a lackluster finish
A widower, celebrating what would have been his wedding anniversary, looks across the room and sees the doppelgänger of his deceased wife. A woman, in a physically and emotionally abusive restaurant, finally decides that she has had enough and wants to leave. What happens when these two lives intersect?
At Fist Sight has a very compelling premise, that initially unfolds so skillfully that the reader is drawn in and engaged. The characters are interesting and feel somewhat complex, the emotional entanglements that each character faces is deeply human and relatable, even if the reader has never experienced these problems themselves. The problems with the book begins the minute the two characters officially meet, and Drake comes to Maggie's aid. It is at this point, unfortunately, that i feel the author begins to take the reader for granted. The characters, especially Maggie begin to act in a way that doesn't make a lot of sense for some of the situations. And the sex scenes are numerous. Too numerous. If all you are there for is the sex scene, then you will be quite happy. However, if you are there for the story, the sex scene nearly every chapter keeps the story from the depth that it begs for.
Would I read this author again? Absolutely. She writes well and her stories are compelling. Was this her best work? It held a promise that it didn't' deliver but it is still better than a lot of books on the market these days.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A widower, celebrating what would have been his wedding anniversary, looks across the room and sees the doppelgänger of his deceased wife. A woman, in a physically and emotionally abusive restaurant, finally decides that she has had enough and wants to leave. What happens when these two lives intersect?
At Fist Sight has a very compelling premise, that initially unfolds so skillfully that the reader is drawn in and engaged. The characters are interesting and feel somewhat complex, the emotional entanglements that each character faces is deeply human and relatable, even if the reader has never experienced these problems themselves. The problems with the book begins the minute the two characters officially meet, and Drake comes to Maggie's aid. It is at this point, unfortunately, that i feel the author begins to take the reader for granted. The characters, especially Maggie begin to act in a way that doesn't make a lot of sense for some of the situations. And the sex scenes are numerous. Too numerous. If all you are there for is the sex scene, then you will be quite happy. However, if you are there for the story, the sex scene nearly every chapter keeps the story from the depth that it begs for.
Would I read this author again? Absolutely. She writes well and her stories are compelling. Was this her best work? It held a promise that it didn't' deliver but it is still better than a lot of books on the market these days.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2022
Awesome Book Must Read
The is an Awesome MUST READ Book. The ending was PERFECT, also. Can't wait to read another of her books. Awesome Book.
The is an Awesome MUST READ Book. The ending was PERFECT, also. Can't wait to read another of her books. Awesome Book.
January 19, 2022
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Sometimes less is more and in this case unfortunately it was sex. Constant Sex, almost every chapter, sex. I read erotica, RH, Rockstar MM and MMF books so I am not prudish but when sex gets in the way of a interesting storyline, I was skipping the five or so pages to get to the crux of the book. Which again, I liked and was disappointed to feel the sex at times was used as filler. Maggie is in a horribly abusive relationship and Drake is an older heartsick successful business man. I felt their relationship happened a little too fast based on what Maggie had gone through, although I think the author wanted to show Maggie finally having control. I liked Drake and Maggie together and Maggie’s ex was pure evil, but some of Maggie’s decisions were head scratchers in dealing with her ex. The book ends with a sweet HEA.
Sometimes less is more and in this case unfortunately it was sex. Constant Sex, almost every chapter, sex. I read erotica, RH, Rockstar MM and MMF books so I am not prudish but when sex gets in the way of a interesting storyline, I was skipping the five or so pages to get to the crux of the book. Which again, I liked and was disappointed to feel the sex at times was used as filler. Maggie is in a horribly abusive relationship and Drake is an older heartsick successful business man. I felt their relationship happened a little too fast based on what Maggie had gone through, although I think the author wanted to show Maggie finally having control. I liked Drake and Maggie together and Maggie’s ex was pure evil, but some of Maggie’s decisions were head scratchers in dealing with her ex. The book ends with a sweet HEA.
February 23, 2022
A Good story in the beginning.
The book captured my attention in the beginning. The subject matter was interesting and I wanted to see where it would go. The only problem I have with this book is there was too many sex scenes. I'm not a prude and I enjoy romance books with sex scenes in them but when there are so many that it overshadows the story it becomes too much like porn without a plot.
I don't know if I will read anymore in the series. I know many publishers dictate how many love scenes they want in a book, but that should be rethought.
The book captured my attention in the beginning. The subject matter was interesting and I wanted to see where it would go. The only problem I have with this book is there was too many sex scenes. I'm not a prude and I enjoy romance books with sex scenes in them but when there are so many that it overshadows the story it becomes too much like porn without a plot.
I don't know if I will read anymore in the series. I know many publishers dictate how many love scenes they want in a book, but that should be rethought.
August 8, 2023
Needed a better storyline.
The storyline had the potential to be very good, but it only ended up being ok. There were a lot of sex scenes in the book, which I normally don't mind; however, it felt like the sex was the main focus with the actual story being put in to support the sex. I would rather have the sex support the storyline. There was no real depth to the characters. There should have been more feeling involved with handling the fact that she resembled the dead wife, again, just too simple.
The storyline had the potential to be very good, but it only ended up being ok. There were a lot of sex scenes in the book, which I normally don't mind; however, it felt like the sex was the main focus with the actual story being put in to support the sex. I would rather have the sex support the storyline. There was no real depth to the characters. There should have been more feeling involved with handling the fact that she resembled the dead wife, again, just too simple.
March 5, 2022
Dumb Characters
I’m not gonna say any spoilers but the characters in this book was just freaking idiots. The things female lead character kept doing were just stupid. I kept thinking she would redeem herself but then she’d do something stupid again. I just felt like it was way too much going on and stuff could’ve been handled differently while still keeping the angst but taking out the Unnecessary drama.
I’m not gonna say any spoilers but the characters in this book was just freaking idiots. The things female lead character kept doing were just stupid. I kept thinking she would redeem herself but then she’d do something stupid again. I just felt like it was way too much going on and stuff could’ve been handled differently while still keeping the angst but taking out the Unnecessary drama.
July 22, 2023
I had to skip probably about 1/3 of the book because it was just pointless sex, and it draaaaggggged on. It should have probably been half its length because it was so repetitive. The storyline would have been great if it wasn’t so pointlessly smutty and repetitive. It was also super unbelievable when it came to her ex.
February 5, 2022
Amazing instalment to this great series… all the feels and more
Maybe it’s being part Scottish or maybe it the accent.. I’m not sure, but The Scottish Billionaire series just keeps getting better and better. Now, although this part of a bigger series, which I urge you to read from the beginning… it isn’t essential.
Sure, you’ll have a better idea of Maggie’s family dynamics and an inkling into her past, but with Maggie being one of the New York based McCrae siblings, we didn’t get to know much about her in all the previous books. What we did know, was that her boyfriend was not the nicest of people and that her family were worried about her welfare.
It becomes clearer in this book that Maggie McCrae is indeed in trouble. Her boyfriend, from here on in known as do**hebag Dale, is a nasty piece of work. But she’s trapped. They live together and work together and he insists on them doing everything together, unless of course it suits him. Now, anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship, whether emotional or physical will completely empathise with Maggie. It doesn’t matter how strong you were, that strength is gradually drained away from you. For Maggie at least, It takes the kindness of a ‘stranger’ to finally give her that opportunity to put that life behind her and try to move on. But, will Dale let her go so easily?
The stranger… well, he’s not exactly a stranger since he’s been following the beautiful Maggie for a few weeks. Local businessman, Drake is mesmerised by her to the point of obsession, but despite what you might think, it’s not in a creepy, stalker type way. You see… Maggie is a doppelgänger of sorts. He is staggered beyond words the first time he lays eyes on her as she looks almost identical to his late wife who has died 15 years ago. She’s a lot younger than him, but instantly he’s attracted to her and wants to find out how someone could look so similar. What he doesn’t expect to discover is that this stunning, talented and smart young woman is being abused by a man that should love her. A fierce wave of protection now fuels Drake to keep an eye on Maggie. He tries to keep his distance but when an incident in the street requires his assistance he can’t stop himself from flying in to save the object of his fascination.
Thankful for Drake’s intervention, Maggie finds herself acutely aware of an instant attraction between the two of them and when circumstances throw the two of them together, their friendship develops into something more. The further the relationship develops the less Drake sees his late wife in the woman before him, and the more he sees the most incredible person he’s ever known.
Now, it here that as the reader you start to cringe, because… let’s face it… We know this ‘secret’ isn’t going to stay buried for long and when, and it’s definitely going to be when and not if, Maggie finds out about Drake having prior knowledge of her and the glaring similarities between her and his ex-wife… we know the poop is going to hit the fan. It’s inevitable. You’re just waiting for it to happen.
When it does, I can’t say I blame her reaction but I think it’s the way Drake handles her response to the truth coming to light that really gets my heart breaking. He’s so self deprecating that he instantly understands the distance she insists upon. Even though he’s devastated, the guilt he feels in deceiving her is so palpable. I wanted rush over there and hug him.
There is a light that shines on them though and it wouldn’t be an awesome romance novel if our heroic couple just called it quits. So, there’s a lot trust and forgiveness to be worked on, but these two are so amazing together that it was obvious that they wouldn’t let this come between them. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing standing in the way of their happiness. Will Do*chebag Dale ruin their chances? Will he let Maggie go? Or will Maggie sacrifice her happy future with Drake to keep him safe?
I love it when you finish a book with a smile on your face and a fire in your heart, and that’s definitely how this story left me. What I really liked was the age gap between these guys and how it’s addressed so tactfully. His age is referenced a few times, usually by others and also in the banter and conversations- but it’s so apparent that age is not a concern for either of them. For Drake, it’s almost like life stopped for him fifteen years ago. Finding Maggie restarted it.
Loved this book… loved everything about it. The characters, the humour, the story… it kept me turning those pages that I read this book in just a matter of hours. Definitely one of M.S.Parker’s better series. Can’t wait for more of those Scottish Billionaires to keep the stories going.
Maybe it’s being part Scottish or maybe it the accent.. I’m not sure, but The Scottish Billionaire series just keeps getting better and better. Now, although this part of a bigger series, which I urge you to read from the beginning… it isn’t essential.
Sure, you’ll have a better idea of Maggie’s family dynamics and an inkling into her past, but with Maggie being one of the New York based McCrae siblings, we didn’t get to know much about her in all the previous books. What we did know, was that her boyfriend was not the nicest of people and that her family were worried about her welfare.
It becomes clearer in this book that Maggie McCrae is indeed in trouble. Her boyfriend, from here on in known as do**hebag Dale, is a nasty piece of work. But she’s trapped. They live together and work together and he insists on them doing everything together, unless of course it suits him. Now, anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship, whether emotional or physical will completely empathise with Maggie. It doesn’t matter how strong you were, that strength is gradually drained away from you. For Maggie at least, It takes the kindness of a ‘stranger’ to finally give her that opportunity to put that life behind her and try to move on. But, will Dale let her go so easily?
The stranger… well, he’s not exactly a stranger since he’s been following the beautiful Maggie for a few weeks. Local businessman, Drake is mesmerised by her to the point of obsession, but despite what you might think, it’s not in a creepy, stalker type way. You see… Maggie is a doppelgänger of sorts. He is staggered beyond words the first time he lays eyes on her as she looks almost identical to his late wife who has died 15 years ago. She’s a lot younger than him, but instantly he’s attracted to her and wants to find out how someone could look so similar. What he doesn’t expect to discover is that this stunning, talented and smart young woman is being abused by a man that should love her. A fierce wave of protection now fuels Drake to keep an eye on Maggie. He tries to keep his distance but when an incident in the street requires his assistance he can’t stop himself from flying in to save the object of his fascination.
Thankful for Drake’s intervention, Maggie finds herself acutely aware of an instant attraction between the two of them and when circumstances throw the two of them together, their friendship develops into something more. The further the relationship develops the less Drake sees his late wife in the woman before him, and the more he sees the most incredible person he’s ever known.
Now, it here that as the reader you start to cringe, because… let’s face it… We know this ‘secret’ isn’t going to stay buried for long and when, and it’s definitely going to be when and not if, Maggie finds out about Drake having prior knowledge of her and the glaring similarities between her and his ex-wife… we know the poop is going to hit the fan. It’s inevitable. You’re just waiting for it to happen.
When it does, I can’t say I blame her reaction but I think it’s the way Drake handles her response to the truth coming to light that really gets my heart breaking. He’s so self deprecating that he instantly understands the distance she insists upon. Even though he’s devastated, the guilt he feels in deceiving her is so palpable. I wanted rush over there and hug him.
There is a light that shines on them though and it wouldn’t be an awesome romance novel if our heroic couple just called it quits. So, there’s a lot trust and forgiveness to be worked on, but these two are so amazing together that it was obvious that they wouldn’t let this come between them. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing standing in the way of their happiness. Will Do*chebag Dale ruin their chances? Will he let Maggie go? Or will Maggie sacrifice her happy future with Drake to keep him safe?
I love it when you finish a book with a smile on your face and a fire in your heart, and that’s definitely how this story left me. What I really liked was the age gap between these guys and how it’s addressed so tactfully. His age is referenced a few times, usually by others and also in the banter and conversations- but it’s so apparent that age is not a concern for either of them. For Drake, it’s almost like life stopped for him fifteen years ago. Finding Maggie restarted it.
Loved this book… loved everything about it. The characters, the humour, the story… it kept me turning those pages that I read this book in just a matter of hours. Definitely one of M.S.Parker’s better series. Can’t wait for more of those Scottish Billionaires to keep the stories going.
January 24, 2022
M. S. Parker At First Sight is heart breaking, emotional and one helluva rollercoaster ride. It's part of The Scottish Billionaire series. It's an amazing standalone romance. The story is captivating with intriguing characters. A story that grabs the reader from the first chapter until the end. It was well written with world building characters and flows seamlessly from page to page. This is the story of Drake Mac Gilleain a widower and Maggie McCrae a New York Philharmonic violinist. Drake lost his wife and the love of his life Belle tragically sixteen years ago to car accident and has been grieving ever since then. So much so that he visits the same restaurant that they met every year on their anniversary. On this particular anniversary he saw his wife lookalike sitting at a table caused him to if it was fate he must find out her identity.
Maggie has her dream job but she's living in hell because of an abusive boyfriend physically, mentally and emotionally. Maggie wants to get away from her situation but she's scared because he's controlling. Drake stalked her weeks because she reminds him Belle. It was on one of these times that he witnessed a violent argument between Maggie and her boyfriend on sidewalk where he was accosting her and decided to step in and save her. Maggie was shook but saw a way to rid herself from her boyfriend. Drake offered her a place to stay while sorting out situation and the more time that they spend together the two grew an attraction for each other. At First Sight is filled with violence, steam, danger, secrets, abuse, pain, anger, passion, drama, losses, stalking, emotions love and so much more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maggie has her dream job but she's living in hell because of an abusive boyfriend physically, mentally and emotionally. Maggie wants to get away from her situation but she's scared because he's controlling. Drake stalked her weeks because she reminds him Belle. It was on one of these times that he witnessed a violent argument between Maggie and her boyfriend on sidewalk where he was accosting her and decided to step in and save her. Maggie was shook but saw a way to rid herself from her boyfriend. Drake offered her a place to stay while sorting out situation and the more time that they spend together the two grew an attraction for each other. At First Sight is filled with violence, steam, danger, secrets, abuse, pain, anger, passion, drama, losses, stalking, emotions love and so much more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2022
Good start, disappointing finish
This book started well, maintained a good pace, had an interesting story line and interesting characters through about the first third of the book. Unfortunately, at that point, logic and believability went sideways and devolved into a sex-a-thon interrupted periodically by a menacing ex-boyfriend.
It’s true that lovely, lively sex scenes can spice up a novel, but in this novel as with so many, the sex scenes felt formulaic especially given that the heroine, Maggie, had just come out of a physically and sexually abusive relationship. Literally, from one day to the next day or two she’s going from substantial abuse at the hands of one man to vigorous sex that she initiates with a man she barely knows. Because there’s so little initial relationship development between the two main characters, there was very little chemistry or “hotness” in the anatomically described, tab-A-goes-into-slot-B, scenes.
There were some other elements of the story that I had issues with, but the biggest is the author’s lack of trust in her/his readers. This book could have been much deeper and much more engaging had the author trusted the readers to keep reading even if the sex was a bit delayed. There were many themes the author could have expanded on, but chose to ignore which is a pity.
I also detest labeled chapters with alternating points of view in a novel. For this reader, it’s a signal that the author is unwilling or unable to develop distinctive voices for the characters and that again, he/she doesn’t trust the reader to be able to discern the differences among them.
Bottom line: What started off as a solid 4 star read dropped to a very disappointing two star read. Good original start; cliched, trope-filled ending.
This book started well, maintained a good pace, had an interesting story line and interesting characters through about the first third of the book. Unfortunately, at that point, logic and believability went sideways and devolved into a sex-a-thon interrupted periodically by a menacing ex-boyfriend.
It’s true that lovely, lively sex scenes can spice up a novel, but in this novel as with so many, the sex scenes felt formulaic especially given that the heroine, Maggie, had just come out of a physically and sexually abusive relationship. Literally, from one day to the next day or two she’s going from substantial abuse at the hands of one man to vigorous sex that she initiates with a man she barely knows. Because there’s so little initial relationship development between the two main characters, there was very little chemistry or “hotness” in the anatomically described, tab-A-goes-into-slot-B, scenes.
There were some other elements of the story that I had issues with, but the biggest is the author’s lack of trust in her/his readers. This book could have been much deeper and much more engaging had the author trusted the readers to keep reading even if the sex was a bit delayed. There were many themes the author could have expanded on, but chose to ignore which is a pity.
I also detest labeled chapters with alternating points of view in a novel. For this reader, it’s a signal that the author is unwilling or unable to develop distinctive voices for the characters and that again, he/she doesn’t trust the reader to be able to discern the differences among them.
Bottom line: What started off as a solid 4 star read dropped to a very disappointing two star read. Good original start; cliched, trope-filled ending.
February 3, 2024
good read but devil in the details…
So Scottish bachelor who was lost his wife and child 16 years prior sees a doppelgänger for her in the restaurant he took his dead wife to on their first date. He returns to this eatery every year to mourn the loss. He follows her and the man she’s with to a bar and bribes the bartender for credit card info and hires a PI to find her through her boyfriend. She’s abused by him and bachelor steps in… and it goes on from there.
It’s not a bad premise and storyline however…
After he finds out the boyfriend hurts her he follows her around. The scene with the violin really bothers me. It’s a Stradivarius. There are only 650 Stradivarius instruments in the world, around 400 or so violins. They are worth MILLIONS. One recently sold for 20 million a few years ago. So for her to be carrying a case and NOT realize that her boyfriend destroyed it doesn’t hold water. For him to destroy millions of dollars worth of rare instrument is difficult to comprehend.. police, insurance companies etc. would be involved and jail time result. Massive investigation and with her being out of town he was the only one around when it was damaged. And I would assume it would have been kept in a locked safe.
Anyway, that’s the only reason I didn’t rate it higher as the plot point wasn’t realistic. This is right up there with writers calling magazines that hold ammunition in a gun… a clip. Yes I’m picky but if you are going to write, and have a major plot detail get it right. Damaging the strings or bow, scratching bad words on the back of the violin like b!tch, but utter destruction doesn’t work here. Yes the writer wants to portray the boyfriend as a controlling abusive sadistic jerk but this doesn’t come off well.
So Scottish bachelor who was lost his wife and child 16 years prior sees a doppelgänger for her in the restaurant he took his dead wife to on their first date. He returns to this eatery every year to mourn the loss. He follows her and the man she’s with to a bar and bribes the bartender for credit card info and hires a PI to find her through her boyfriend. She’s abused by him and bachelor steps in… and it goes on from there.
It’s not a bad premise and storyline however…
After he finds out the boyfriend hurts her he follows her around. The scene with the violin really bothers me. It’s a Stradivarius. There are only 650 Stradivarius instruments in the world, around 400 or so violins. They are worth MILLIONS. One recently sold for 20 million a few years ago. So for her to be carrying a case and NOT realize that her boyfriend destroyed it doesn’t hold water. For him to destroy millions of dollars worth of rare instrument is difficult to comprehend.. police, insurance companies etc. would be involved and jail time result. Massive investigation and with her being out of town he was the only one around when it was damaged. And I would assume it would have been kept in a locked safe.
Anyway, that’s the only reason I didn’t rate it higher as the plot point wasn’t realistic. This is right up there with writers calling magazines that hold ammunition in a gun… a clip. Yes I’m picky but if you are going to write, and have a major plot detail get it right. Damaging the strings or bow, scratching bad words on the back of the violin like b!tch, but utter destruction doesn’t work here. Yes the writer wants to portray the boyfriend as a controlling abusive sadistic jerk but this doesn’t come off well.
January 26, 2022
So good!
Drake was having a special dinner at the restaurant when he saw a beautiful woman who looked just like his deceased wife. Shocked by this he knew he needed to find out who she was.
Maggie was having dinner with her boyfriend and fellow member of the New York Philharmonic. Maggie was the 2nd Chair in the flute section. She played beautifully with the Stratavarius that her mom gave her.
Drake came to the Philharmonic to see a customer of theirs when he heard the beautiful music being played by Maggie but he could not see her. He made arrangements to come to see her play but had no plans to approach her. He ran into her once at a deli and actually bought her lunch when she couldn't find her money. Then a short time later he saved her from being attacked by her boyfriend Dale.
When Maggie's brother Carson couldn't give her a place to stay, Drake automatically offered her a guest room at his place. After checking out Drake's credentials Carson approved and Maggie moved in with Drake.
Maggie felt so safe and cared for by Drake that she started to get feelings for him. Soon she would relax into his embrace. Things would soon get crazy.
I loved this story. Some heartfelt moments for both of them. The horrible things that happened with her ex-boyfriend. The great moments with the family members on both sides.
What's not to love? Must read book by M.S. Parker. Enjoy
Drake was having a special dinner at the restaurant when he saw a beautiful woman who looked just like his deceased wife. Shocked by this he knew he needed to find out who she was.
Maggie was having dinner with her boyfriend and fellow member of the New York Philharmonic. Maggie was the 2nd Chair in the flute section. She played beautifully with the Stratavarius that her mom gave her.
Drake came to the Philharmonic to see a customer of theirs when he heard the beautiful music being played by Maggie but he could not see her. He made arrangements to come to see her play but had no plans to approach her. He ran into her once at a deli and actually bought her lunch when she couldn't find her money. Then a short time later he saved her from being attacked by her boyfriend Dale.
When Maggie's brother Carson couldn't give her a place to stay, Drake automatically offered her a guest room at his place. After checking out Drake's credentials Carson approved and Maggie moved in with Drake.
Maggie felt so safe and cared for by Drake that she started to get feelings for him. Soon she would relax into his embrace. Things would soon get crazy.
I loved this story. Some heartfelt moments for both of them. The horrible things that happened with her ex-boyfriend. The great moments with the family members on both sides.
What's not to love? Must read book by M.S. Parker. Enjoy
January 23, 2022
Ooooo, if I could just punch someone through the pages of a book! I'm glad Maggie finally saw the light, with some help from Drake.
Drake lost his wife years ago and saw Maggie in the same restaurant he's been going to on his anniversary. She looks just like Belle, his deceased wife, so that's how his interest begins, but he eventually sees Maggie for herself. Maggie is living with that idiot Dale, who treats her like his possession. They've been together for years and they work together, playing in the orchestra. Drake is going to see her play, sending her flowers, showing up at her lunch place. I guess sort of stalking her, but in a good way (if there is such a thing?). Luckily, he was nearby when Dale decided to get physical with her outside the music hall one afternoon and helped her out. She wasn't aware he had been watching her, which caused a big issue later on in their relationship.
The did work things out, but it would have been good to see Maggie go through some kind of therapy for everything Dale put her through. There was quite a bit of physical and emotional abuse for years, so there had to be plenty of emotional scars for her to deal with.
I loved the epilogue! I will have to go back and read about some of Maggie's siblings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Drake lost his wife years ago and saw Maggie in the same restaurant he's been going to on his anniversary. She looks just like Belle, his deceased wife, so that's how his interest begins, but he eventually sees Maggie for herself. Maggie is living with that idiot Dale, who treats her like his possession. They've been together for years and they work together, playing in the orchestra. Drake is going to see her play, sending her flowers, showing up at her lunch place. I guess sort of stalking her, but in a good way (if there is such a thing?). Luckily, he was nearby when Dale decided to get physical with her outside the music hall one afternoon and helped her out. She wasn't aware he had been watching her, which caused a big issue later on in their relationship.
The did work things out, but it would have been good to see Maggie go through some kind of therapy for everything Dale put her through. There was quite a bit of physical and emotional abuse for years, so there had to be plenty of emotional scars for her to deal with.
I loved the epilogue! I will have to go back and read about some of Maggie's siblings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2022
Drake Max Gilleain is at the restaurant where he met his wife on the anniversary of her death when he sees a woman who looks exactly like her. The woman is not a ghost but Maggie McCrae a young violinist. Drake is intrigued and sets out to discover everything he can about her. One thing he learns is that she’s in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Dale, and when he takes steps to intervene, the course of their lives is changed forever. Will Maggie be able to understand that he doesn’t see her as a replacement for his wife. When their lives are in danger because of Dale, will they be able to survive long enough to find out if their love is real?
At First Sight is book nine in Parker’s Scottish Billionaires series, and I love it. This is the first one I’ve read, so I’m going to have to go back and start reading the series from book one.
At First Sight has a great narrative, strong, fleshed-out characters, and tremendous world building. Seeing what Maggie has had to endure with Dale is heartbreaking, but then watching her grow and become her own person and take her life back is amazing. I love the emotional depth of Maggie’s and Drake’s background stories, and the two are a perfect pair!
I highly recommend this book - even though it’s book nine in the series, I didn’t have any problem reading it as a standalone. Let me know if you read - I’d love to discuss!
At First Sight is book nine in Parker’s Scottish Billionaires series, and I love it. This is the first one I’ve read, so I’m going to have to go back and start reading the series from book one.
At First Sight has a great narrative, strong, fleshed-out characters, and tremendous world building. Seeing what Maggie has had to endure with Dale is heartbreaking, but then watching her grow and become her own person and take her life back is amazing. I love the emotional depth of Maggie’s and Drake’s background stories, and the two are a perfect pair!
I highly recommend this book - even though it’s book nine in the series, I didn’t have any problem reading it as a standalone. Let me know if you read - I’d love to discuss!
January 22, 2022
Drake saw her first on his anniversary the woman that looked exactly like his deceased wife, but she was the age his wife had been when she passed. He had to discover who she was, and then he had to learn more about her. He found out that her name was Maggie McCrea, and she played second seat violinist for the New York Philharmonic with a Stradivarius her father gave her mother on their first anniversary. Her mother passed when she was only a toddler. Drake was ready to give up his search into her background, when he discovered that her boyfriend was abusing her. Someway he to get her to safety, but just when he thought he got her to safety the boyfriend turned into a one man crime wave. No one was safe. Not Drake, nor any of her family in the city, the boyfriend was after them all. The more time Maggie spent with Drake the closer they became. She felt the safest and most protected when she was with him. Even when they tried to stay away from each other, they failed terribly. An action packed book full of mystery and intrigue that you will find hard to put down until you have finished.
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.
February 17, 2022
After losing the love of his life many years before, Drake is stunned when he sees a woman that looks just like her.
Unable to stop himself from finding out about her, he becomes obsessed with her music and her relationship.
When he is there to stop her abusive boyfriend, she becomes much more to him than a distant need.
This woman may have a resemblance but she is her own person and he must protect her from her narcissistic ex.
As with everything, Maggie finds out about his wife, his stalking and his lies.
Will she be able to forgive this man who is fueled by feeling?
Will Dale succeed in abusing her further?
This has some triggers in it but I felt this to be realistic and deep with events that could happen to anyone.
I loved Drake's protective nature towards this woman that may have started because of her appearance but soon becomes about his love for her.
Maggie grows in strength and I loved the character development in this book that gave it real depth.
Danger seems to follow Maggie as her ex isn't willing to lose his prey so easily and the drama had me binge reading with speed.
An addictive story with parts that hit close to home.
Written with knowledge, respect, intelligence and a set of characters you instantly feel for.
Unable to stop himself from finding out about her, he becomes obsessed with her music and her relationship.
When he is there to stop her abusive boyfriend, she becomes much more to him than a distant need.
This woman may have a resemblance but she is her own person and he must protect her from her narcissistic ex.
As with everything, Maggie finds out about his wife, his stalking and his lies.
Will she be able to forgive this man who is fueled by feeling?
Will Dale succeed in abusing her further?
This has some triggers in it but I felt this to be realistic and deep with events that could happen to anyone.
I loved Drake's protective nature towards this woman that may have started because of her appearance but soon becomes about his love for her.
Maggie grows in strength and I loved the character development in this book that gave it real depth.
Danger seems to follow Maggie as her ex isn't willing to lose his prey so easily and the drama had me binge reading with speed.
An addictive story with parts that hit close to home.
Written with knowledge, respect, intelligence and a set of characters you instantly feel for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews