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It Was Always You #5

Jace: Billionaire Hotshot

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Jace Halsey…

It seems I’m the only sane woman in LA who’s immune to that self-important man.

Even my big sister swoons all over him.

It makes me sick.

Truth be told, I want nothing more than to annihilate him because he’s always in the way. Never mind he has no clue of my existence, he’s still the thorn in my side.

Just when I’m certain I’ll have no other choice but to live in his shadow for the end of time, I get my big break.

Of course, I should’ve known he’d find a way of ruining it for me.

Not only do I have to share the freaking stage with the single dad playboy, we’re going to be rivals? On national TV?

I declare war!

648 pages, ebook

First published October 27, 2020

638 people are currently reading
322 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Avery

79 books1,375 followers
Bestselling Amazon Author Scarlett Avery’s Book Boyfriends aren’t like ANY others you’ve ever cuddled to before.

These dirty-talking, DOMINEERING, saucy seducers will make you forget all the other ones. Yeah, Scarlett’s Alpha Males are that DANGEROUSLY HOT!

Be warned: Her books have been dubbed, “Epic & Mind-Blowing”! This Canadian romance author’s books will melt your e-readers and they will leave you on the edge of your seat!

I dare you to discover how SIZZLING they REALLY ARE...

P.S.: Once you 1-click Scarlett’s books, there’s NO going back!

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5 stars
770 (65%)
4 stars
299 (25%)
3 stars
86 (7%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
November 5, 2020
Scarlett Avery has created a unique series about 4 guys who were in a band together but all of them have moved on to other things, and that's something I don't believe I've come across in my reading travels. Eliana feels like Jace is the bane of her existence, so while the female population all want a piece of him, she's not having it. Jace is confused about the fact that Eliana isn't in awe of him, and/or immune to his numerous charms, and man I was laughing at that. They end up on a national show leading to a debate that ends with them going on 10 dates. Eliana is a woman who has some baggage she's carrying from her bad marriage so she's not exactly easy but she's worth it. So this story has the heat (chemistry is off the charts) enemies to friends (Eliana can go toe to toe with him), but the sweetness factor comes in the guise of his son with a family dog who tries to truly steal the show. And let me not forget the dirty talking that he excels at which makes this story needing a heat warning before going in. Finally, there's a lot of hilarious moments that had me rolling so you really don't want to miss out on this one! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Anna Pickering.
24 reviews
November 13, 2020
Awesome read!

It was good I loved Jace and Eliana's story. However, there were too many side characters to keep track off. Overall it was a very compelling plot and I loved it.
Profile Image for Bookish.
1,474 reviews27 followers
March 18, 2021
A most excellent read, opposites attract, hate to lovers, single Dad, (former) rockstar romance. A little bit of everything and we'll written. I am totally enjoying this series of reads by Scarlett Avery.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,217 reviews22 followers
December 15, 2020
I'm not sure why I tarted and stopped this book several times, but I finally finished it and am happy to say it was pretty good after all. Eliana and Jace have great chemistry, are interesting characters, and the book finally picked up for me. Another solid addition to the Certified Playboy series by Scarlett Avery.
659 reviews
January 15, 2021
Jace and Eliana

The one and only book boyfriend, can you say hot, hot, hot. He has a way with words and his dirty talk is the best. There is a really sad part in the book that has me in tears and it made me love Jace even more on how he handled everything.
Profile Image for Angela.
274 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2020
Challenge accepted

Jace Halcey- Single dad, author, dating coach and former rock star
Eliana Pomeroy- local podcast star

Jace and Eliana meet under the most unsavory of situations.

Jace, saying he can get any any single dad to find a date, and Eliana, challenging that fact.

The station, KLUX, has accepted that challenge, to be completed by them. And put forth for the two of them to go on 10 dates, to see if they can "find love." Jace to prove it possible, Eliana to prove it impossible. The TV station to award the winning contestants charity at the end of the challenge.

Fast forward, challenges were tough, some were easy some were hard to handle.

What started out as an enemies challenge, ended up as friends, to eventually heating up the pages. Steam rising from each word I read.

This book has it all, angst, steam, superior romance, suspicious mysteries and actions to even more invigorating steam.

Scarlett Avery, has really captured my full attention with these "Certified Playboy" books. From book one, each has captured a part of my soul.

Books are my life, and reading is my passion.
Thank you, Scarlett for bring Jace's story to life
I award this book, 5 stars.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,129 reviews30 followers
November 18, 2020
Jace Halsey is a reformed bad boy rocker who reinvented himself. After his rocker days ended he embraced his new career as a dating coach. Eliana is a podcaster who also gives dating advice. She really doesn’t get why women throw themselves at Jace. When the end up working together on a challenge for charity it’s downright hilarious how much she loathes him. Great heartwarming story with a couple of plot twists to make you keep reading into the wee hours. I laughed at their sassy banter and cried along with the heartbreaking developments.
Profile Image for Lary Alvarez.
209 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2020
I love it!!!

Amazing read ,Jace and Eliana are amazing couple full of chemistry. This story have you on your toes,and I love it since the beginning to the end. I love how this series include the dogs well I love dogs and I'm the owner of one beautiful Stafford girl Luna, what a coincidence right? Thanks Avery for this series and I can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Melissa.
113 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2020
Good

It was good
I loved Jace and Elianas story
And omg the sex scenes were hot

I also enjoyed the couple not breaking up and getting back together like other romance books
10 reviews
November 6, 2020
Certified: Playboy Jace is awesome!

Another fantastic read from Scarlett Avery, Jace is everything you want! I know this will be reread along with the other books in this awesome series.
Profile Image for Terri Armstrong.
66 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2022
This book had me all in my feels from the very beginning. Eliana was so feisty and sure of what she wanted. I was completely in love with this story. Scarlett Avery you are amazing. Definitely left me wanting more of Jace and Eliana.
391 reviews
December 19, 2020
Challenge

Love the story between Jace and Eliana. Hate at first. They find they have so much more in common. They challenge each other. Tragedy solidifies their relationship. The rocker boy falls for the podcaster.
9 reviews
April 15, 2022
Another tear jerker

This story was so much fun to read. It was great to see this relationship flourish. I cried yet again. Though Holy’s story had tear jerking moments, this one really got me. My heart was in my throat not knowing how things would turn out.
24 reviews
January 19, 2021
Another Scarlett classic! A love story with a touch of kink.
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,076 reviews23 followers
October 27, 2020
Jace is the fourth in this series I have read, and I have enjoyed every one. All of these guys (some of whom you may have met in previous books) were in a band together. I have enjoyed the close bonds of friendship and brotherhood all these guys have. But more, I've enjoyed seeing how they decided it was time to move on from performing to creating businesses. Jace is no exception; he's become a dating guru helping men and women through the dating jungle. He's a friendly, affable guy who will be put to the test when he meets Eliana.

Eliana has had her struggles, but she's created a popular podcast, and the demand for her advice is on the rise. What she doesn't anticipate is ending up in a debate with Jace on a popular daytime talk show. And to add fuel to the instant attraction fire, she's fighting; they now have to go out on ten dates. Jace showing up for the first date in a kilt was, frankly, smoking! The chip on Eliana's shoulder is large, but she realizes her behavior needs improvement.

From there, Jace and Eliana begin building a friendship and a romance, and it is a fun tale. We still have all the fun interactions between the other members of Jace's crew. Jace's young son, Ryder, is a joy to read about, and Mason, the family dog, is just as endearing. The single-dad romance is fun, witty, with good steamy parts and lots of sweet, sweet romantic scenes that you really hate for the book to end. Read all the series you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2020
I totally smitten by Jace and I adore Eliana. About a third of the way through the book I realize I am sighing and smiling about how romantic it was.

There was seriously never a dull moment in the book. The steamy parts were delicious and, in true Scarlett Avery form, Jace was a the best kind of dirty talker. He had every reason to be arrogant about how charming, gorgeous and talented he was. He was so good to Liana by realizing what she needed to bring her back from the experience of her bad marriage and how he gave it to her without making her feel like she had ever been less than perfect to him. And what is hotter than a bad boy rocker turned doting single dad? Nothing, I tell you.

Eliana - first that name. So many writers pick over the top names I suppose to be original or memorable, but the femininity of the name on a successful, professional woman perfectly pinned down how beautiful yet vulnerable and tough yet fragile the character Liana was.

As far as the feeling evoked in the story - I felt them all, but, when writers put angst in their books, it is either believable as a human experience or a story element. The dramatic moments in this story were told with such refreshing reality that I felt what the characters were feeling as it unfolded not as an observer reading a story.

So, I loved this story, the characters, and am amazed how Scarlett Avery can keep weaving these original and heartfelt tales.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews259 followers
October 27, 2020
This is the 4th book in this phenomenal series and is Jace and Eliana’s journey. Playboy Jace is a single dad who is the bane of Eliana’s existence, and the sparks fly between them, as well as their competitive spirits. Jace is irked that Elaina is the only woman who seems to be immune to his charms, while she finds him arrogant and full-of-it. Jace and Eliana have a love / hate scenario going on and they challenge each other every step of the way, and she is more than a match for him. When they are both signed up for a national TV show for 10-days can these rivals survive the undeniable chemistry between them? No spoilers: this is a must read you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is entertaining and humorous, and I was totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more form this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,274 reviews62 followers
November 5, 2020
Ms Avery has done it again! Produced another must read book in this addictive series. What I love about Scarlett is that each book has produced such different story lines that draw you. With Jace's story we get a humour mixed in with the HOT that only a Scarlett Avery book can bring. Another for my sizzling Sizzle bookshelf.

"You want to do this, poo bear?".
"I do, rocker boy".


Rocker boy Jace Halsey, aka the naught bad boy, rock star, turned international love guru for single dads, aka the sexiest man alive; has the charm to go with it but underneath all the bad boy he shows the world Jace is a romantic at heart. When he and Podcast Queen Eliana team up and have to undertake 10 tasks each proofing their point on single living you know you are in for a treat.

I loved Eliana seriously hurt by her ex-husband who continues to be pain she has put her life back together what she doesn't need is to be pitted against all the hotness that is Jace.

As the competition hots up so does the chemistry between the 2 even after giving each other such sweet nick names as Poo Bear and Rocker Boy I dare you not to keep the smile on your face and a fan fluttering against your ever heating cheeks.

Brilliant!
1,339 reviews3 followers
Read
November 1, 2020
The best things are worth waiting for

Ms. Avery has once again given us an amazing read! Well rounded characters and storyline. Jace is HOT, alpha and despite a bad blip in his life, turned himself around and has become a good man and great father. Elaina is smart, sexy, and pulled herself up from a lying, cheating husband who's now the ex. Good riddance! I've enjoyed this series very much, and though the series is now the Certified Playboy, the quality hasn't changed. I was happy to see the swearing was way down. I'm not a fan of using Jesus or God as a form of swearing so this was a very pleasant surprise. Ms. Avery keeps it HOT, sexy, and leaves you with all the feels. No cheating or cliffhanger, there are some steamy intimacy scenes and a happy ending. Enjoy 🤓
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,319 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2020
Jace is the former rocker turned author with his advice for single dads. He's cocky, arrogant, and thinks his crap don't stink. However he has a beautiful heart and will make you laugh. Eliana is totally adorable and has worked really hard for what she wants. She runs a podcast that will make you laugh but she is a sweetheart. When these two meet the chemistry is off the charts, but so is that banter. They think they can do better than the other. However as they get to know things will change between them. Who will win in the end? Or will they both put everything aside for a chance at love?
Profile Image for Shafeequah.
238 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2020
Opposites attract

Jace and Ellie's story is your classic enemies to lovers romance. Both in the same profession but with different ideas. When they meet, sparks fly but not in a good way, and mostly from Ellie. After being forced to work together, she learns that her opinion of Jace was way off and she gets to know the man behind the status. Loved their story as they navigate challenges together and love wins in the end. Beautifully written Scarlett Avery.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,143 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2020
Eliana and Jace are competitive especially with each other , they both are in the same field and when they do a show together that show just how the sparks fly, can these two make things work or will the hot single dad stay that way
Profile Image for Lynne Fredo.
569 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2020
Certified Playboy

One of the best romances I've read in a long time. Jace and Elaina start off as enemies. Jace is a great father to his son,Ryder and really promotes the relationship with all of them. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
3,016 reviews30 followers
December 3, 2020
They often say a thin line. This book was that all the way around. But, it was such a joy to read. These two sure know how to be rivals. Amazing.
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,451 reviews38 followers
April 7, 2021
So I'm not sure what I like more about the book..the enemies to lovers aspect or the way they banter back and forth with each other. I mean Jace and Eliana could make a olympic sport out of it. Despite the rivalry between them, I loved how the dates worked and competitive nation of them came out. This book was so much more and I loved every minute of it. These two have some very steamy times and definitely have chemistry. Jace being a single dad added so much to this story as well. His son Ryder was a hoot with his matching super heroes costumes and the way that he was.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
2,091 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2021
After a few hiccups, Jace and Eliana have a swoon worthy relationship. Love their banter, the storyline and Ryder and Mason. I really enjoyed everything about this story and the amazing men in this series!!!

Profile Image for Andrzejewski Amy.
384 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2021
Jace
(Certified Playboy series, #4)
Scarlett Avery

I'm loving all of the books in the Certified Playboy series. This book was full of hot, steamy goodness. Jace and Eliana's story started out as a pair of sorta enemies who end up being lovers.
Both these relationship guru's would of never guessed that a simple competition w lots of publicity for a charity of their choice, could bring them together & stir up a world of drama for the pair.
After Eliana's divorce she's built up walls to protect her heart from being broken, again. While giving relationship advice through her podcasts she's been on many bad dates and happily believes she doesn't need a man. Until a cocky, infuriating dating guru whose a hot, sexy single dad takes her breath away and rocks her world.
Jace is a single dad and a former bad boy, rockstar. He's a dating guru for the single dad he's content with booty calls until a certain blonde vixen works her way under his skin and turns his world upside down.
This pair has insane chemistry in and outside of the bedroom. They are a perfect support system for one another and end up being inseparable. The best part is Jace's son Ryder & Ryder's partner in crime Mason also fall in love with Eliana.
This story has a heart clenching moment that is touch and go. Everyone involved comes out on top in the end in one piece.
This series by Scarlett Avery is a must read. I'm looking forward to reading both Levi's book next and Jagger's in the future. Hope other reads enjoy this series with all these sexy alphas as much as I have.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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