Rhet Banner My rules in life are simple: Never have a woman in your bed for more than one night. Never mix business with pleasure. Never fall in love. Blood above all else.
When life throws a new personal assistant at me, everything changes. I shouldn't want her, but I can't help it. She is breaking my focus and all my "nevers" are turning into "maybes".
Zeeta Mitchell My brother gave me an assignment, and the rules are simple. Get close to Rhet Banner. Win his trust. Don't fall in love.
So what if he smells like sin, spice, and everything nice. Or that he is a walking temptation. I can stay focused. It's not like I'm about to fall in love with him. How hard can this task be?
Can Zeeta and Rhet play by their rules, or will they learn that some rules are meant to be broken?
This is the first full length novel by this author and she really hit it out the park.
Rhett is in need of a full time assistant while his right hand man is out on maternity leave. To Rhett’s surprise one of the candidates is Zeeta, a woman who he had an unfortunate meeting with earlier in the day. Zeeta is smart and knowledgeable about his business so she’s hired on the spot as his live in assistant. Rhett has a no fraternization policy with his employees but can’t stop fantasizing about his assistant.
There’s a lot to this story but the author does a great of establishing both characters backgrounds. Rhett has been betrayed by those closest to him and has lost the brother he loved deeply to violence so he doesn’t trust easily. Zeeta is a caretaker to her whole family, always putting their needs before her own. She’s on a mission to make a better life for her family. I only got frustrated with Zeeta not telling Rhett the truth about her family but you realize that Zeeta has spent her whole life solving everyone’s problems without help.
You also meet Rhett’s close friend group and get little tidbits about their past as well. I enjoyed the men’s friendship, it was more like a brotherhood of men who supported each other through the good and the bad.
This was an excellent start to the series the story had romance, action, mystery and betrayal. I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed this authors short story in the Wicked: Prince Charming series and this book did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend, definitely a 5 star read.
I do not understand the ratings and reviews of more than one star. The writing is rough. The grammatical, punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors disrupt the flow making the story difficult to read. I waited two years for this. I think not. Overall, this book doesn’t rise above a one-star rating; honestly, if I could rate it a negative five, I would. I found the author’s use of ‘Christ on a condom’ highly offensive. Rhet and Zeeta were not relatable; I didn’t like them together. Rhet was a man-child with frat boy tendencies. He didn’t act like a man in his forties. Zeeta is gullible and willing to be used by a brother who could care less about her to the point he would suggest she prostitute herself. Zeeta’s friend Penny is a hacker. How come she didn’t reach out to her for help?
I am mad at myself for reading this book. I found plagiarized scenes and characters. Nobody can tell me that you didn’t know Cole is Ryan Black, Jasper Remington is Tak, and Hell Bringer/sexy-looking librarian is Jazz?! The scene in the coffee shop between Rhet and Zeeta and the tattooed sleeve onesie given to Deacon by Noni were scenes in Deacon’s book of the A**hold Club series. This book is so full of copyright and trademark violations.
When you have a dominant alpha and a true disciple of F@ck Around and find out... Rhet Banner is born. Enters Zetta with a personality just as big as Rhet's and a journey begins of the Lakeshore series. A few tears wear shed, gasps of utter shock and so many laughs. All of the characters personalities of the series is so well developed and created I can't wait for the series to continue. Great job KT!
Rhet Banner is by a true definition an A$$ but he also has a soft side that he is only willing to show his woman. Zee is just what the Dr. ordered for Rhet . This book was a true joy to read.
Rhett is the definition of a**hole! Even with his ornery nature you can’t help but love him. Zee gives as good as she gets and truly makes Rhett work for it. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the lakeshore men story unfold.
Love this alpha. He said , he would be the Villian at the beginning but he turns out to be an anti hero. Zetta handles him well, his friends are alphas in their own right. Loved it.
This was Apollo worth the wait! It is a page turner! I loved every second, my emotions went haywire and I wouldn't have it any other way! You did the same thing KT! #Assholes4Life #RhetABanner! 😩😍👏🏾
Rhet has been quite the character so I knew his story would be quite the whirlwind. However, let’s say I still gasped several times. Let’s start at the beginning. Rhet has dealt with personal betrayal and tragedy in his early 20s. Don’t even get started on all his emotional damage courtesy of his toxic parents. Fast forward to the present Rhet is all out for revenge and takes no prisoners. Then there is our leading lady Zeeta Mitchell. Zetta has her own set of family issues to deal with and running into Rhet is where our story takes another turn. I will try not to spoil the story, but I will say Rhet and Zetta were explosive from the start. Zetta was the right woman to handle all that is Rhet Banner. I will say there were a few characters that were truly disgraceful. Also, there are plenty of moments of funny banter and steamy scene along with intrigue. I loved that Rhet and Zeeta were able to gradually major setbacks in their relationship, but they also learned more about themselves as well. Overall, I enjoyed this story and it was definitely worth the wait. I am looking forward to reading about Rhet’s friends in the Lakeshore series. I would like to see which of my theories are correct.
Zee and Rhett are chemistry!! Rhett is a man who is many things. Zee is a woman that does for those she loves. This two paths were always going to meet. This love story is big and dangerous! I enjoyed learning of these two. The moms in this book are great! I also love the friends in their lives. You do all kinds of things for the people you love. Great read!!
This book was EVERYTHING!! KT you knocked this one out of the park lady. The character development and the conversations made me feel like friends talking, it was just so realistic. I cried & laughed out loud at moments. Rhet was absolutely worth the wait. I cannot wait for the remaining stories in this series. I know they will be amazing.
I enjoyed the storyline and the main two characters plus the secondary characters. They were something else, I hope his friends get a book as well and I would recommend.
This book is way too long with too much going on. I love Rhet and Zeeta but I didnt like a lot of the situations going on in the storyline. Just different branches of mess that carried the story on way too long. On the other hand, some scenes were scorching hot and did this couple justice! Love KT Adler!
I reallllllyyyyy hate how much I enjoyed reading this 😭😭😭😭💀💀💀💀💀 like WHAT the HELL WAS GOING ON 😭 from Carson and Henry actually being in love when they were younger to the whole she actually bid the highest. This book was just ridiculous like? 😭😭😭😭 Rhet almost as weird as his daddy I don't really like him he corny and unserious. He made me laugh like once or twice and I side eyed so many things that went on more the author than him himself 💀💀 very strange especially that scene with the two women like hmm idk. I liked Zee. She pretty and smart and I love her that's my princess. 🫂🫂 Dante you a loser but I'm glad you getting help pookie Cole is funny. Jasper depressed as hell I can tell. Is Tarek black? I think he is 🤔 what white man called Tarek? He's the one who rhet was saying is Trinididian methinks. Also their daughter 🥺🫶🏾❤️ Anyways excited for Cole's book, my lil leprechaun, and Dmitri 😁🫂
I read this book in one sitting. I literally couldn’t put it down!!! So Zeeta and Rhet meet briefly when they are young but it was years later before they actually get to k on each other. She gets a job as his PA and inspires feelings in him that he is not used too. Unfortunately, she has a secret that could destroy both of their worlds. I love how this story was written. The back and forth between Zeeta and Rhet was amazing. He kept trying to deny his feelings and she kept trying to act like he didn’t affect her. Great read with PLENTY of characters available to continue the series *wink*
Book started good, funny than it get drawn out and boring as it progressed. The Bickering was over done. Even at the end didn’t really feel the connection between Rhett and Zeeta.
OMG!!! How & Where do I get A RHET???? This was soooo good!!!!
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! First time reading this author and I am convinced that MS. Adler will be “a drop whatever you are reading and grab this book now” type of author for me. She has definitely been added to my top of the top author to always read first. Now that said: where do I start? I am so happy, overwhelmed, satisfied, sated and tingling all over (just like a mind blowing orgasm) that I feel I will need to read this at least a couple times before I could give the proper praise that this story deserves. Rhet is, phew, everything and Zeeta compliments him in every aspect. The plot was so good and perfect and fated because they met a while back but briefly. Zeeta was very strong and gangster ti Rhet’s gangster and boss vibes. The only down in this was not enough description was given to Zeeta. I know how Rhet looks like, how Penny looks like, how Draven and even York looks like. Some glossing stuff about how they look like from the bun of Jasper to the Angel look of Dimitri to red head of Cole the tattoos of Draven the height of Tarek and the pretty boy look of Dax, but not one reference of how Zeeta looks like besides of the baggy clothes that she was wearing in the coffee shop. Now I am hoping I could maybe see something different when I reread it, but I don’t think so. Now Henry, Carson and Dante are despicable and selfish. Trent didn’t deserve this at all. But I am all for it and waiting patiently to read who was bold and pushy enough to have MS. Adler transcribe their story!!!! I hope and pray it won’t take too long…..
The themes around self hatred, misogyny and selfishness was overwhelming. This was reflected in the deception, tragedies and abusive patterns throughout the story.
It was hard to see how the women in the book always paid the price for the men in their lives from Rhet’s mom ( married to a man who so afraid of his sexuality constantly abused his wife’s trust) ; Zee who sacrificed herself for her family in which her brother who was so consumed with his own pain that he didn’t care if Zee had to prostitute herself to help him attain his goals.; Charlotte who was used as a pawn by her father and his friends only to be raped for their needs; and Natalie who violently died when she agreed to Rhet’s plan.
All the while, the men consciously allowed this to happen only ever thinking of their egotistical needs. As a reader it doesn’t make to cheer for the woman who allows herself to be subjected to mistreatment . It just angers me that these types of characters don’t tap into their power and dish out just desserts. And if they do then it’s done at the last moment once the damage has already been done.
And the fact that Barrett who now is a senator was allowed to live his life as if he didn’t destroy lives around him.
Yet, I did find Rhet and Trent relationship as tender and loving ; Rhet relationship with his buddies as sincere and Rhet relationship with Zee as transformative.
I liked how the writer challenged both Rhet and Zee to face their demons and past wounds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a decent story, but all the errors throughout detracted from it in a major way. Editing was extremely poor. There were so many errors that I can only mention a few- incorrect agreement of subject and verb, wrong word usage, wrong name usage, terrible punctuation, incorrect spelling. Attention to detail was also sorely lacking, for example, someone in a wheelchair cannot "walk" off an elevator, someone can't finish a drink and in the very next sentence, continue drinking from a supposedly empty glass.
This story could have easily received 4 stars. The angst and enemies-to-lovers vibe were riveting and passionate. Rhet's and Zeeta's chemistry and back story were an ideal framework for an excellent book, but alas, lack of proper editing destroyed that.
Not sure where to begin but I'll try. A well crafted storyline, developed characters and an unexpected twist makeup this highly anticipated story. Rhett...I don't think I've ever read a H like him. He certainly lives up to his name but Ms. Adler does a masterful job of keeping him redeemable and likeable. I was rooting for him even as I winced at some of his actions. Zeeta, our female lead, is relatable and also likeable. She's doing the best she can under some very difficult circumstances and no thanks to that brother. I really enjoyed the way this story was told, from the opening chapter and peaks into character history, the ancillary characters, to the climactic end. Well done! Definitely a one-click author!
There are some editing errors but I found them to be few and not a bother considering what an exciting story it is. The first few chapters really set the stage for the story about to unfold and presents the MC and LI in a snapshot. From there it unfolds in a quick pace that has the reader absorbed. There is humour and anger and you are putting pieces of a puzzle together while rooting for the couple. If you like your hero salty and unapologetic and your into a heroine who is sharp, caring and funny you'll like this. A bit of angst, a bit of steam, a bit of mystery and a HEA.
The premise of the story was great, however, the constant errors in the book lead to the story being a little bit downgraded in my opinion. Also, some parts of the story just fell flat and it didn't feel like it contributed much to the book overall.
This is my own little pet peeve but the way Rhet used "Atta girl" mostly during the sex scenes just ruined the feeling of that scene, to me it made him seem like a 60 year old.
I would say to give this book a read if the description interest you, however, just be aware that there are quite a few errors and in some parts the writing just falls flat.
This is the second book that I read by this author, and just like the first I was blown away, but I like the first this book is quite long, which I love a long book. The problem with a long, book is that it can run on for forever and not hold your interest. Thankfully, that was not the case with this book. It kept me interested up until the very last page this book had everything murder, betrayal, loyalty, family, forgiveness, and of course love there were secrets that took until close to the end to come out but they were perfectly timed, this really was an awesome but I enjoyed it so much and I love the HEA for Rhet and Zee.
To think I started this book a few months and didn’t finish it, makes me very upset. I started reading it again and I’m happy I made the decision to give it one more chance because I absolutely loved Zeeta and Rhet. The laugh out loud moments were unforgettable and the whole plot just thickened the more you red. It’s 500+ pages but when I tell you it didn’t feel like it, I would love to read more about the other characters because they definitely grew on me. Their little family is growing and that’s endearing to see. I definitely recommend this book and I’m excited to read more about the other friends probably Dimitri or Tareks.
I couldn't have picked a better book to read this weekend. Once I started I settled down and couldn't stop reading it. I'm an avid reader and this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I loved Rhet's bluntness and Zee gave as good as she got. This storyline was so good that for once I wasn't bothered by the typos. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. Ms. Adler was masterful in drawing the reader in. And I'm so glad that this book was long. Not enough authors create lengthy books. It's a must read.
I liked it, mostly. Zee was great she did not let Rhet push her around, and stands up to everyone except her brother, and even then in the end she finally told him off too. I am not a fan of Rhet, while he had some redeeming moments they were not enough IMO. He sure was quick to throw her out after saying only cheating would be unforgivable, and even when he realized she didn't betray him it still took months before he dained to take her back 🙄Zee let him off too easy after his bad behavior. He pulled a gun on her and fired it 2 inches away from her head!! Zee deserved better.
Rhet is everything an alpha bad boy should be and more. I love him from page one to the last page. I love how he made no excuses of who he was. Zeeta was great, she had to live Rhet for what and who he was. Their chemistry was absolute fire. This was an excellent book. 5 stars all away around. KT Alder you did your thing in this book. I can't wait to read more about the Lakeshore men.