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Companions for Hire #1
The Girlfriend
My three priorities for this year are to finish my PhD, avoid emotional drama, and earn some extra money, so when Steve hires me to act like his girlfriend for an extended business trip, I don't hesitate to sign the contract. After all, the job will be easy. I can join him for the occasional dinner, pretend to adore him, and still have plenty of time to focus on my academic work.
I'm used to working with rich, entitled men, so I'm not worried about handling him. Except Steve is nothing I expect. He's brilliant and funny and has emotional depths that keep surprising me. And he's hot. Definitely hot. I'm starting to want more from him than this job allows, so avoiding emotional drama might not be in the cards for me this year.
I work for Companions for Hire, which means sex is against the rules and falling in love is out of the question.
The Girlfriend is the first book in the Companions for Hire series about a company that provides a variety of social partners for a price.
I'm used to working with rich, entitled men, so I'm not worried about handling him. Except Steve is nothing I expect. He's brilliant and funny and has emotional depths that keep surprising me. And he's hot. Definitely hot. I'm starting to want more from him than this job allows, so avoiding emotional drama might not be in the cards for me this year.
I work for Companions for Hire, which means sex is against the rules and falling in love is out of the question.
The Girlfriend is the first book in the Companions for Hire series about a company that provides a variety of social partners for a price.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2022
104 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,671 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 7, 2022
The minute I read this blurb I knew this was the book for me. Anything with a companion for hire type of trope pulls me in and I couldn’t wait to jump into this story.
Steve and Giselle’s first meeting was so freaking cute and fun. I could easily visualize it and I was grinning through the whole thing. Soon after, as the story began to fully develop, I was intrigued by what was going on in Steve’s mind. We never have his point of view but usually it’s not a problem for me in this author’s work. However, Steve was a bit of a mystery a good portion of the time.
While there wasn’t a lot of drama between this couple until the end, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments and lots of giggles as they grew closer together. They had such a fun filled relationship and I loved watching them become friends and then lovers.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Steve and Giselle’s first meeting was so freaking cute and fun. I could easily visualize it and I was grinning through the whole thing. Soon after, as the story began to fully develop, I was intrigued by what was going on in Steve’s mind. We never have his point of view but usually it’s not a problem for me in this author’s work. However, Steve was a bit of a mystery a good portion of the time.
While there wasn’t a lot of drama between this couple until the end, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments and lots of giggles as they grew closer together. They had such a fun filled relationship and I loved watching them become friends and then lovers.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
November 19, 2022
Let me please begin my review with a Turkish paragraph for my Turkish friends because I want to use a word that totally describes the hero in the best way possible.
Evet arkadaşlar bu hero tam bir şapşik. Yani yakışıklı, zengin, zeki vs olduğu söylense de kadınlarla olan ilişkilerinde deneyimsiz bir şapşik. Kadınların ne istediğine, ne hissettiğine ve onlarla nasıl iletişim kurması gerektiğine dair pek bir fikri yok. Şapşik şapşik sorular soruyor bizim kızımıza kendi eski sevgilisi ile ilgili. Niye böyle yapıyor bana diyor. Kız da sabırla açıklıyor kaç defa. Ya seni tekrar istiyor, ya da sırf beni görünce garip bir sahiplenme duygusu ve kıskançlık yüzünden öyle davranıyor diyor. Bu şapşik hala, ama niye öyle yapsın ki, o beni terk etti filan diyor. Böyle bir adam yani. Ama sekse gelince pek bir başarılı - aniden o deneyimsizlik gidiyor, pek bir becerikli oluveriyor bizim şapşik. Yani aniden değişiyor yatakta. Biraz inanılmaz bir durum. Hem deneyimi az, hem utangaç, hem de duygusal anlamda iletişim bozukluğu var ama yatakta iyi. Garip yani. Kısacası ben pek alışamadım adama. Yani ben onunla çıkıyor olsam bu salak sulak hallerine deli olurdum, salakcım, daha kaç kere anlatayım filan tavrına girerdim kesin. :)))
*********************************************
OK, well, let me begin with my first problem: I couldn't get used to the hero in this book.
He is a hot and rich man who is clueless about what to do in a relationship. He's never had a real relationship before but it is not because he is a man-whore or something like that; on the contrary, it is because he is shy, goofy and eccentric. In the bed, he is very skillful but when it comes to communication and expression of feelings, he just doesn't know what to do and makes a mess of everything.
*
For example, he doesn't understand why his ex behaves the way she does and he asks our heroine. She explains that she either wants him back or she is just being mean because she is jealous. He still doesn't understand how and why of it and says it is weird because she is the one who ended their relationship.
*
While our heroine is doubtful about how he feels about her, he is sure that she knows how he feels and doesn't ever think of letting her know. Then, of course, when something happens about his ex, she assumes the worst and he doesn't understand why she is upset, therefore not needing to make an explanation.
*
And because he didn't have a real relationship before and the one that barely resembled a relationship ended badly, he thinks that he is not someone women will choose. He also has this fear of abandonment.
*
Apart from that, he is a really nice lover. And when they finally manage to communicate about their feelings and when he becomes more self-assured, he turns into a much much better lover.
*********************************************
The plot of the book is simple. Our heroine works as a hired companion to pay for her needs as a teaching assistant. She is writing her dissertation. Our hero hires her as his fake girlfriend and things start to get real soon. Simple plot, simple book, as you can imagine.
*********************************************
I don't like it when the heroine is a hired companion. If she really needs that job because of her sick mother or some urgent matter like that, I can ignore it more easily but here, I just didn't understand why she didn't try to find another job but preferred this one.
*********************************************
Safety
This is a safe book in my opinion.
Writing
It is told by first person point of view - only Giselle's. That's why, it was sometimes hard to understand why Steve was acting so silly.
*
The quality of writing is mediocre and it is a very short book with 183 pages.
*********************************************
“It’s just… weird.” He shakes his head and then gets up and goes to get the bottle of wine out of the refrigerator I opened earlier, pouring himself a glass of it.
“Why is it weird?”
“It doesn’t happen to me.”
“What doesn’t happen?”
“Women don’t… fight over me.”
***
“Do you think… do you think it’s possible that Kaylie wants to get me back?”
...
“Do you think I’m crazy?” he asks, utterly earnest.
I shake my head. “No. I don’t think you’re crazy. I think there’s at least a chance she wants you back.”
“But… but why?”
“Why?”
“Yes. It’s been years. And she never really wanted me when she had me. I was just… convenient. Why would she decide she wants me now?”
“Well, I don’t know. I can think of a couple of reasons. It’s possible that it’s just a possessive thing. She’s annoyed that you’ve moved on, and she wants you to be into her again, just to prove that she could have you if she wanted. Maybe she doesn’t actually want to date you. Just prove that she could. It’s not a nice thing to do, but some women will do that.”
“That’s a terrible thing to do to someone.”
***
"What exactly have I done to you that justifies what you’ve done to me?”
Evidently this last question slams into the momentum of his anger. He jerks, like he collided with something hard. Blinks a couple of times. Then rasps, “What have I done to you?”
I really can’t believe he’s asking me that. That he appears so completely baffled.
He broke my heart.
That’s what he did.
He doesn’t know. He has no idea. That much is crystal clear. And that means if I tell him, he’ll be shocked and mortified. He’ll blame himself. He’ll feel guilty. He’ll feel sorry for me.
***
He reaches over and cups the back of my head with one hand, tangling his fingers in my hair. “What the hell is going on here?”
I’m still shaking a little, but I’m also bursting with so much more when I lower my hands and turn back to him. “You actually assumed I knew how you felt about me?”
He’s frowning, but his eyes are almost tender. “Well, yeah. How could you not?"
***
“Why didn’t you just ask me out on a date?”
“I… uh, don’t do that either.”
“Don’t do what?”
“Ask women out. I’m not any good at it. At any of this. Didn’t Melody and Damian tell you how hopeless I am?”
“Hopeless?”
“With women. With relationships. I had that weird thing with Kaylie and a few half-hearted false starts with dating that were almost entirely arranged by other people. I’ve never had a real relationship, sweetheart. I’ve never had a girlfriend. Not even once. Why do you think I’ve made such a mess of this?”
All in all, it was an OK read. Not too bad but not good enough, either. Ergo, 2 stars from me.
Evet arkadaşlar bu hero tam bir şapşik. Yani yakışıklı, zengin, zeki vs olduğu söylense de kadınlarla olan ilişkilerinde deneyimsiz bir şapşik. Kadınların ne istediğine, ne hissettiğine ve onlarla nasıl iletişim kurması gerektiğine dair pek bir fikri yok. Şapşik şapşik sorular soruyor bizim kızımıza kendi eski sevgilisi ile ilgili. Niye böyle yapıyor bana diyor. Kız da sabırla açıklıyor kaç defa. Ya seni tekrar istiyor, ya da sırf beni görünce garip bir sahiplenme duygusu ve kıskançlık yüzünden öyle davranıyor diyor. Bu şapşik hala, ama niye öyle yapsın ki, o beni terk etti filan diyor. Böyle bir adam yani. Ama sekse gelince pek bir başarılı - aniden o deneyimsizlik gidiyor, pek bir becerikli oluveriyor bizim şapşik. Yani aniden değişiyor yatakta. Biraz inanılmaz bir durum. Hem deneyimi az, hem utangaç, hem de duygusal anlamda iletişim bozukluğu var ama yatakta iyi. Garip yani. Kısacası ben pek alışamadım adama. Yani ben onunla çıkıyor olsam bu salak sulak hallerine deli olurdum, salakcım, daha kaç kere anlatayım filan tavrına girerdim kesin. :)))
*********************************************
OK, well, let me begin with my first problem: I couldn't get used to the hero in this book.
He is a hot and rich man who is clueless about what to do in a relationship. He's never had a real relationship before but it is not because he is a man-whore or something like that; on the contrary, it is because he is shy, goofy and eccentric. In the bed, he is very skillful but when it comes to communication and expression of feelings, he just doesn't know what to do and makes a mess of everything.
*
For example, he doesn't understand why his ex behaves the way she does and he asks our heroine. She explains that she either wants him back or she is just being mean because she is jealous. He still doesn't understand how and why of it and says it is weird because she is the one who ended their relationship.
*
While our heroine is doubtful about how he feels about her, he is sure that she knows how he feels and doesn't ever think of letting her know. Then, of course, when something happens about his ex, she assumes the worst and he doesn't understand why she is upset, therefore not needing to make an explanation.
*
And because he didn't have a real relationship before and the one that barely resembled a relationship ended badly, he thinks that he is not someone women will choose. He also has this fear of abandonment.
*
Apart from that, he is a really nice lover. And when they finally manage to communicate about their feelings and when he becomes more self-assured, he turns into a much much better lover.
*********************************************
The plot of the book is simple. Our heroine works as a hired companion to pay for her needs as a teaching assistant. She is writing her dissertation. Our hero hires her as his fake girlfriend and things start to get real soon. Simple plot, simple book, as you can imagine.
*********************************************
I don't like it when the heroine is a hired companion. If she really needs that job because of her sick mother or some urgent matter like that, I can ignore it more easily but here, I just didn't understand why she didn't try to find another job but preferred this one.
*********************************************
Safety
This is a safe book in my opinion.
Writing
It is told by first person point of view - only Giselle's. That's why, it was sometimes hard to understand why Steve was acting so silly.
*
The quality of writing is mediocre and it is a very short book with 183 pages.
*********************************************
“It’s just… weird.” He shakes his head and then gets up and goes to get the bottle of wine out of the refrigerator I opened earlier, pouring himself a glass of it.
“Why is it weird?”
“It doesn’t happen to me.”
“What doesn’t happen?”
“Women don’t… fight over me.”
***
“Do you think… do you think it’s possible that Kaylie wants to get me back?”
...
“Do you think I’m crazy?” he asks, utterly earnest.
I shake my head. “No. I don’t think you’re crazy. I think there’s at least a chance she wants you back.”
“But… but why?”
“Why?”
“Yes. It’s been years. And she never really wanted me when she had me. I was just… convenient. Why would she decide she wants me now?”
“Well, I don’t know. I can think of a couple of reasons. It’s possible that it’s just a possessive thing. She’s annoyed that you’ve moved on, and she wants you to be into her again, just to prove that she could have you if she wanted. Maybe she doesn’t actually want to date you. Just prove that she could. It’s not a nice thing to do, but some women will do that.”
“That’s a terrible thing to do to someone.”
***
"What exactly have I done to you that justifies what you’ve done to me?”
Evidently this last question slams into the momentum of his anger. He jerks, like he collided with something hard. Blinks a couple of times. Then rasps, “What have I done to you?”
I really can’t believe he’s asking me that. That he appears so completely baffled.
He broke my heart.
That’s what he did.
He doesn’t know. He has no idea. That much is crystal clear. And that means if I tell him, he’ll be shocked and mortified. He’ll blame himself. He’ll feel guilty. He’ll feel sorry for me.
***
He reaches over and cups the back of my head with one hand, tangling his fingers in my hair. “What the hell is going on here?”
I’m still shaking a little, but I’m also bursting with so much more when I lower my hands and turn back to him. “You actually assumed I knew how you felt about me?”
He’s frowning, but his eyes are almost tender. “Well, yeah. How could you not?"
***
“Why didn’t you just ask me out on a date?”
“I… uh, don’t do that either.”
“Don’t do what?”
“Ask women out. I’m not any good at it. At any of this. Didn’t Melody and Damian tell you how hopeless I am?”
“Hopeless?”
“With women. With relationships. I had that weird thing with Kaylie and a few half-hearted false starts with dating that were almost entirely arranged by other people. I’ve never had a real relationship, sweetheart. I’ve never had a girlfriend. Not even once. Why do you think I’ve made such a mess of this?”
All in all, it was an OK read. Not too bad but not good enough, either. Ergo, 2 stars from me.
September 12, 2022
*Thanks to the author for an ARC of this title.*
This is my first title by Noelle Adams though I have read many of her books under the Claire Kent pen name. So I didn't quite know how this would differ or be the same to those books.
This was a contemporary romance and it was so cute! Relatively low angst and I loved that. These characters find themselves in a Fake Relationship, where Steve has solicited Giselle to be his Girlfriend for a certain amount of time while he is doing a work project. There isn't supposed to be anything physical on the table, but she will live with him and go to work events for a significant amount of time.
They have mutual friends that brought Steve to thinking hiring a girlfriend will be a useful service but as the feelings start to build, breaking the rules seems mighty appealing.
As I said, this was relatively low angst and it is single POV so a lot of the angst the book DOES have, comes from Giselle trying to read Steve's subtle personality. But we have to have some conflict. Haha!
Overall, I enjoyed this quite a bit and I can't wait to read more in the Companions for Hire series and I want to check out more titles by this author.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
This is my first title by Noelle Adams though I have read many of her books under the Claire Kent pen name. So I didn't quite know how this would differ or be the same to those books.
This was a contemporary romance and it was so cute! Relatively low angst and I loved that. These characters find themselves in a Fake Relationship, where Steve has solicited Giselle to be his Girlfriend for a certain amount of time while he is doing a work project. There isn't supposed to be anything physical on the table, but she will live with him and go to work events for a significant amount of time.
They have mutual friends that brought Steve to thinking hiring a girlfriend will be a useful service but as the feelings start to build, breaking the rules seems mighty appealing.
As I said, this was relatively low angst and it is single POV so a lot of the angst the book DOES have, comes from Giselle trying to read Steve's subtle personality. But we have to have some conflict. Haha!
Overall, I enjoyed this quite a bit and I can't wait to read more in the Companions for Hire series and I want to check out more titles by this author.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
September 22, 2022
The Girlfriend is a charming story of two people sliding into love. When Steve discovers that he’s going to be working with a former girlfriend in a new job, he decides showing he’s in a current relationship will help avoid awkward situations with his ex. And when Steve hires Giselle to be that fake girlfriend, both are quite conscientious about not crossing the lines of their work contract. But when two people are pulled towards one another like they are, lines are made to be crossed…
The plot tension in The Girlfriend comes from the respect both Giselle and Steve show to one another and to that contractual commitment; they struggle with feelings that counter it. Both are truly likable characters. Steve is a comfortable millionaire from selling an app, but he’s not resting on his laurels and facilitates new projects. Giselle is writing her dissertation, so the money she earns from being a companion helps her avoid massive student debt.
That said, there aren’t huge high stakes in The Girlfriend. You’ve got two people who need to work through their internal issues about having a relationship, not a lot of external difficulties. I liked that Steve and Giselle had moments of great communication and moments where they failed at that. And Steve’s ex received a nuanced portrayal as well.
So if you want a comfort read that wraps around you like a nice, soft blanket, The Girlfriend is a great choice. Adams creates a reassuring romance in a lovely way in this book.
The plot tension in The Girlfriend comes from the respect both Giselle and Steve show to one another and to that contractual commitment; they struggle with feelings that counter it. Both are truly likable characters. Steve is a comfortable millionaire from selling an app, but he’s not resting on his laurels and facilitates new projects. Giselle is writing her dissertation, so the money she earns from being a companion helps her avoid massive student debt.
That said, there aren’t huge high stakes in The Girlfriend. You’ve got two people who need to work through their internal issues about having a relationship, not a lot of external difficulties. I liked that Steve and Giselle had moments of great communication and moments where they failed at that. And Steve’s ex received a nuanced portrayal as well.
So if you want a comfort read that wraps around you like a nice, soft blanket, The Girlfriend is a great choice. Adams creates a reassuring romance in a lovely way in this book.
August 10, 2023
This makes me sad… I usually love Noelle’s books! And this storyline should have been perfect for me.
But right from the start, it felt very elementary and corny. The whole scene at the four-way stop with the hero and heroine trying to shoo away geese standing in the road? Just how they reacted to each other (him a complete dork, she refused to give him her name…)
Then at the party a few minutes later, the hero is all stand-off’ish. By page 40, I couldn’t take it anymore. The hero was a dorky, over-polite wimp and the heroine was annoying. I think because this is told only in her POV.
It was constantly paragraphs like, “I was hungry so I went to the fridge. I see some Greek yogurt, so I take it out and eat it.”
“I do this, I see this….”
I felt like I was reading her diary, not reading and witnessing two ppl interact. I had absolutely no idea why the heroine would get butterflies in her stomach at times, nothing really happened to cause it.
Besides that, they went on some dinner dates a few times during the first week that they were in Boston, as pretend boyfriend/girlfriend, and nothing was described about those dates. Nothing. How am I supposed to believe they are falling in love if everything is rushed and glossed over? It would have been a perfect chance to show us readers them exchanging light touches, glances across the table, anything to build up this relationship.
Disappointed.
But right from the start, it felt very elementary and corny. The whole scene at the four-way stop with the hero and heroine trying to shoo away geese standing in the road? Just how they reacted to each other (him a complete dork, she refused to give him her name…)
Then at the party a few minutes later, the hero is all stand-off’ish. By page 40, I couldn’t take it anymore. The hero was a dorky, over-polite wimp and the heroine was annoying. I think because this is told only in her POV.
It was constantly paragraphs like, “I was hungry so I went to the fridge. I see some Greek yogurt, so I take it out and eat it.”
“I do this, I see this….”
I felt like I was reading her diary, not reading and witnessing two ppl interact. I had absolutely no idea why the heroine would get butterflies in her stomach at times, nothing really happened to cause it.
Besides that, they went on some dinner dates a few times during the first week that they were in Boston, as pretend boyfriend/girlfriend, and nothing was described about those dates. Nothing. How am I supposed to believe they are falling in love if everything is rushed and glossed over? It would have been a perfect chance to show us readers them exchanging light touches, glances across the table, anything to build up this relationship.
Disappointed.
October 9, 2022
Noelle Adams is such a prolific author, publishing multiple novella length books every year. This is the start of a new series, Companions for Hire, the idea being that you can hire a date/companion for an event or multiple dates - no sex included (though naturally, if the partners decide mutually that they are interested, than can be separately decided, it's just not part of any contract). Steve hires Giselle to be a fake girlfriend for a work project that involves travel, a few weeks of time, and his ex-girlfriend still works for the company so it's a way to show her that he's moved on. It's a fairly predictable, low angst story as Giselle and Steve quite like each other and get more involved emotionally then expected, but have to figure out how to broach the idea of a real relationship and not a fake one. Some sweet and sexy love scenes, and a happy ending round out this romance.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
September 19, 2023
3.5 stars
July 23, 2024
Not my favorite book from Noelle Adams. The story was sweet. I liked that Steve was more of a nerdy hero and a little inexperienced. Giselle was very smart, and straight forward.
At times, the story dragged for me. I don't think this series is for me. But I do enjoy some of her other books.
At times, the story dragged for me. I don't think this series is for me. But I do enjoy some of her other books.
September 13, 2022
Adore Noelle Adam books, they’re always consistently good with interesting characters and this one does not disappoint. The Companions for Hire series is so good, each is a standalone with characters who are distinct individuals. Loved the slow burn nature of this one, from the first initial attraction between them, hiding their growing feelings. Was great that Steve wasn’t a traditional, stereotypical romance novel hero, he was a believable character, with his own personality which meshed beautifully with Giselle. Their interactions were realistic and I loved watching their burgeoning friendship turn into love. Received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2022
This was a fun story. Loved the instant attraction Giselle and Steve seemed to have when they first saw each other. But he seems more distant afterwards. There’s a situation as he hires her as his “girlfriend”. They were cute and a bit awkward. Does his ex want him back? The story is told in just her point of view and I personally prefer getting both pov’s but I still enjoyed the book and really loved their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I recommend this book.
September 17, 2022
I’m sad that this is only 2 stars for me. I really like this author. She is an auto-buy for me. But her recent books are unoriginal. This is a rehash of many of her previous books and I may have to rethink my auto-buy/preorder tendency for her books.
March 22, 2025
The heroine grew up relating to Disney Princesses and waiting for her Prince Charming. Unfortunately for her, her dad dumped her mom and moved away, never to speak to her again, which understandably traumatized her. Nevertheless, she persevered in trying to find her fairy tale, becoming quite the serial monogamist from high school to college and beyond. After kissing a lot of frogs who unfortunately did not magically transform into the knight of her dreams, she finally resigned herself to focus on her PhD studies and her career. To make some money on the side, she gets a job with an escort service however it is not THAT kind of escort service. Strictly business, strictly platonic, look but don't touch. She is a dinner companion or wedding date or a plus two for various businessmen who simply don't have time to date and want someone beautiful, elegant, and smart to be on their arm.
The hero of this tale is her latest client. He hires her for two months while he is working on a temporary assignment with a tech company in Boston. They will live in a 2 bedroom corporate apartment and she will act as his girlfriend when his team socializes outside work hours. The reason the hero needs a girlfriend for the duration of his assignment is that his ex, from EIGHT years ago, works at the company. Apparently, this was the first love of his life and she treated him like a doormat during the relationship, while he was totally in love and thought the sun shone out of her behind. She then dumped him abruptly when someone better came along, completing the humiliation process. Hero has obviously never really recovered from that slap in the face and has not had any serious relationships since. It is not that he is a manho, he just doesn't really get past a couple of dates because he simply does not believe he is lovable. Now, he is understandably concerned to face this harpie after all these years and he needs the heroine to back him up. Which she does very well, in the face of the ex's constant cattiness and manipulations.
Inevitably, hero and heroine cross the line from business associates to friends to lovers. The problem is that they don't communicate at all out of bed, leading the heroine to suspect he still carries a flame for his ex, and the hero to think that like all the other women in his life, the heroine is simply not interested long term in the hero.
I thought the story was boring, and the personalities of the hero and heroine immature and aggravating. This was more of a wimp than a beta hero, and the heroine was just as wishy-washy, which just didn't make them interesting or relatable to me. I have liked other books by Noelle Adams but this was not one of them. Quel dommage.
The hero of this tale is her latest client. He hires her for two months while he is working on a temporary assignment with a tech company in Boston. They will live in a 2 bedroom corporate apartment and she will act as his girlfriend when his team socializes outside work hours. The reason the hero needs a girlfriend for the duration of his assignment is that his ex, from EIGHT years ago, works at the company. Apparently, this was the first love of his life and she treated him like a doormat during the relationship, while he was totally in love and thought the sun shone out of her behind. She then dumped him abruptly when someone better came along, completing the humiliation process. Hero has obviously never really recovered from that slap in the face and has not had any serious relationships since. It is not that he is a manho, he just doesn't really get past a couple of dates because he simply does not believe he is lovable. Now, he is understandably concerned to face this harpie after all these years and he needs the heroine to back him up. Which she does very well, in the face of the ex's constant cattiness and manipulations.
Inevitably, hero and heroine cross the line from business associates to friends to lovers. The problem is that they don't communicate at all out of bed, leading the heroine to suspect he still carries a flame for his ex, and the hero to think that like all the other women in his life, the heroine is simply not interested long term in the hero.
I thought the story was boring, and the personalities of the hero and heroine immature and aggravating. This was more of a wimp than a beta hero, and the heroine was just as wishy-washy, which just didn't make them interesting or relatable to me. I have liked other books by Noelle Adams but this was not one of them. Quel dommage.
January 26, 2024
I fully admit there can be a sameness to Adams’s romances. This follows a similar blueprint to her other escort books and yet this still made me cry. On the one hand, Giselle read as much, much younger than 27. On the other hand, I completely bought how both she and Steve were trying to protect themselves from getting hurt, even while taking steps toward each other. Not my favorite of hers but I still really enjoyed it, outside of the unnecessary catty ex-girlfriend.
This is a white world with limited characters but unlike her other work, one of Steve’s male coworkers has a husband, though we don’t see him on page. (It’s entirely possible he was present but never identified. Most of Steve’s coworkers are mentioned as a bulk unit without identifying individuals beyond his ex.) I think this might be the first time there’s been even a hint of a queer person in Adams’s books, at least so far as I’ve read. I hope this is a step in the right direction.
Characters: Giselle is a 27 year old white escort and history PhD student. Steve is a 31 year old white software developer. This is set in Boston and Atlanta.
Content notes: Evil Ex trope, FMC’s father left when she was 11 (he cheated on her mom), past death of MMC’s parents (not really addressed), unsafe sex practices (no condom used for penetrative sex without discussion of preventing STIs or pregnancy; FMC is not on birth control but she gets her period in the middle of this incident), on page sex, car sex, half-asleep sex, masturbation, alcohol, diet culture, anti-fat bias, ableist language
This is a white world with limited characters but unlike her other work, one of Steve’s male coworkers has a husband, though we don’t see him on page. (It’s entirely possible he was present but never identified. Most of Steve’s coworkers are mentioned as a bulk unit without identifying individuals beyond his ex.) I think this might be the first time there’s been even a hint of a queer person in Adams’s books, at least so far as I’ve read. I hope this is a step in the right direction.
Characters: Giselle is a 27 year old white escort and history PhD student. Steve is a 31 year old white software developer. This is set in Boston and Atlanta.
Content notes: Evil Ex trope, FMC’s father left when she was 11 (he cheated on her mom), past death of MMC’s parents (not really addressed), unsafe sex practices (no condom used for penetrative sex without discussion of preventing STIs or pregnancy; FMC is not on birth control but she gets her period in the middle of this incident), on page sex, car sex, half-asleep sex, masturbation, alcohol, diet culture, anti-fat bias, ableist language
September 14, 2022
This is book two in The Companions For Hire series and it is Steve and Giselle's story and what a great start to a new series. Giselle works for Companions For Hire to earn extra money and her latest assignment is to be a fake girlfriend and it will help as it means that she can still do the work and research that she needs to do to complete her dissertation and that is how she became a companion for Steve who she had met before and was friendly only for them to meet again and he is cold towards her and she doesn't know why as he is so quiet and withdrawn. When Steve was younger he had a friend's with benefits relationship with Kaylie that ended really badly and that has made him wary of having a relationship again so when he realised that she was part of the new deal he had signed he realised that he needed a fake girlfriend to put a barrier between them while he was there for a few months and even though he felt nothing for Kaylie anymore he just wanted someone else with him as he didn't trust very easily and that is where Giselle came in to the picture. Wow this was such an emotional story and I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down and even with all the ups and downs, lack of communication and insecurities they were absolutely perfect for each other and they eventually managed to get the happy ending that they both deserved and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I definitely recommend you read this book and other's by Noelle Adams who is an amazing author and writer and her book's are worth reading and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
March 4, 2023
I really liked the hero and the heroine. Hero is basically a hot nerd. He is obsessed with her the moment they meet. They met while trying to shoo some geese out of the street so they don't get run over.
It turns out the hero knows the heroine's friends and they see each other at the same party that night. She thinks he doesn't like her. What she doesn't know is he is so smitten with her and likes her so much that he can barely get any words out.
He decides to hire her as his fake girlfriend for 2 months since he's working on a project in Boston with a former girlfriend. She works as a companion for hire so this way he can get to know her better.
I was disappointed that we didn't get any scenes the hero's point of view. The steamy scenes were steamy.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
But I liked how much he wanted her to be pleased in bed. He keeps looking at her and she finally asks him what he is doing, since they are having sex. He says she is very quiet in bed and if he isn't looking at her face he doesn't know what she likes best. He wants to be the best lover for her. It was such a great moment.
It turns out the hero knows the heroine's friends and they see each other at the same party that night. She thinks he doesn't like her. What she doesn't know is he is so smitten with her and likes her so much that he can barely get any words out.
He decides to hire her as his fake girlfriend for 2 months since he's working on a project in Boston with a former girlfriend. She works as a companion for hire so this way he can get to know her better.
I was disappointed that we didn't get any scenes the hero's point of view. The steamy scenes were steamy.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
But I liked how much he wanted her to be pleased in bed. He keeps looking at her and she finally asks him what he is doing, since they are having sex. He says she is very quiet in bed and if he isn't looking at her face he doesn't know what she likes best. He wants to be the best lover for her. It was such a great moment.
January 11, 2024
2.5⭐
1🌶️
Best friends of married couple, meet & hit it off. Fake dating -> hired via agency.
3rd act conflict, yes. Minor, typical thinking not talking crossed threads.
Overall, it was plain and boring.
Meh. FMC is a history PhD student & has a side job working at an agency that hires out companions, tour guides, and platonic dates.
MMCs friend & business partner (female) recently married to former co worker and recent doctorate BF (male) of FMC.
The MMC hires FMC, through the business as a travel companion and faux girlfriend. He's working a contract at a site where his former FWB (never GF) currently works.
1🌶️
Best friends of married couple, meet & hit it off. Fake dating -> hired via agency.
3rd act conflict, yes. Minor, typical thinking not talking crossed threads.
Overall, it was plain and boring.
Meh. FMC is a history PhD student & has a side job working at an agency that hires out companions, tour guides, and platonic dates.
MMCs friend & business partner (female) recently married to former co worker and recent doctorate BF (male) of FMC.
The MMC hires FMC, through the business as a travel companion and faux girlfriend. He's working a contract at a site where his former FWB (never GF) currently works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
I liked this one! Bless Steve’s fragile heart, he was so unable to believe anyone would be into him and so insecure about relationships. Everything he was feeling rang true to me because my mind works much the same way about my own self. I loved his stilted, hesitant conversations with Giselle—I endure that special kind of awkwardness in most of my interactions with others. The intimate scenes were great, especially the part where Steve took the time to learn what Giselle liked. This was a perfect one-day read, sexy and satisfying!
September 19, 2022
Noelle Adams has a way of creating characters who are so sensitive and romantic. Steve, without even knowing is the ultra romance hero, he is good looking, a great guy and without any clue whatsoever of his hotness. Giselle has had some troubles in the romance department and is really trying to finish her PhD and working in the Companions for Hire.
The book is so wonderful because it starts as a fake relationship but they are clearly in love, but their insecurities prevents them from being real.
The book is romantic and so good!
I just loved it!
The book is so wonderful because it starts as a fake relationship but they are clearly in love, but their insecurities prevents them from being real.
The book is romantic and so good!
I just loved it!
March 13, 2024
I always enjoy this author's books. This was another sweet, fun read.
Steve is kind of quirky and just perfect for Giselle. From the meet cute to the friends they have in common, to the time they spend together with her as his companion, they fit perfectly together despite their own insecurities. He is adorable and Giselle is a great, strong female character who needs to let go of some of her self-doubt. Once they get past their hangups they find their future together.
Steve is kind of quirky and just perfect for Giselle. From the meet cute to the friends they have in common, to the time they spend together with her as his companion, they fit perfectly together despite their own insecurities. He is adorable and Giselle is a great, strong female character who needs to let go of some of her self-doubt. Once they get past their hangups they find their future together.
April 8, 2024
As usual, another slightly unusual scenario for romance, and yet it creates the perfect atmosphere for the thrill and insecurity of falling in love— but on steroids. Neither Steve nor Giselle understand that they are infinitely appealing and wonderful to the other, and neither of them are comfortable enough being vulnerable to just fully admit that they don’t care how things began, just that they are in love with each other. Loved this!
September 9, 2022
This was an interesting book! Giselle decides to be Steve's fake girlfriend for a couple of months so his ex-girlfriend leaves him alone. Steve and Giselle become really good friends and things naturally progress with these two. They both have had previous bad relationships so they are unsure how to continue a healthy relationship. They have good friends that give them some advice.
September 13, 2022
It was such an easy read and a nice story. He was a great character, how he was a bit unsure of himself and respected her. She was burned a couple of times, so she had a wall around herself and tried to not fall for him. I liked, how he had a hard time lying to her and didn’t want to, communicating really works. Great read like always.
March 10, 2023
A great story with our heroine being hired as a fake girlfriend for two months for a rich, charming, awkward, computer geek. Told from her POV only. I like that this author's books are so true to life in flavor and the characters are always so well drawn. There are many well written, steamy romance scenes and their story is very engaging. Loved it!
May 12, 2025
2.5 stars. I don’t think this series is for me, which sucks because transactional-relationships is one of my favorite tropes. It just doesn’t feel like Noelle Adams’s writing, and the FMC’s ex/diet/weight stuff made me come back to reality, which I did not want. I want to escape into this author’s books.
September 13, 2022
Loved it. One of the cutest meets ever. The geese meet. Giselle a very smart woman, student/teacher with an interesting side job. Escort that's only that, nothing else involved. When she meets Steve, they connect. Great chemistry perfect for each other. Definitely a re-read.
September 14, 2022
Giselle is unlucky in love. Her main thing is to get her PhD, she enjoy working at Companion for Hire. Thru her friends, then work she will spend two months with Steve, hopefully she will not fall in love with him.
Enjoyed the storyline very much.
Enjoyed the storyline very much.
September 20, 2022
swoon worthy
Love this book. I am hopelessly romantic person, and when the main character , Steve, said he was thunder struck, the first time he saw Giselle, I was swooning!! Love the story!!
Love this book. I am hopelessly romantic person, and when the main character , Steve, said he was thunder struck, the first time he saw Giselle, I was swooning!! Love the story!!
June 28, 2023
"All surface. An attractive facade with nothing real underneath.
Just like my dad."
All down on their luck women should find a sweet beta hero like this one for them.
Just like my dad."
All down on their luck women should find a sweet beta hero like this one for them.
January 21, 2025
Lovely story, I was interested in this story from the last few by this author. Surprisingly each successive book I read by her is better than the last. I love series and love this series also. An Outstanding story.
September 20, 2022
Great read.
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