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Distinguished Gentlemen
The Rival Bid
She’ll fight for what she wants...even if she has to make a deal with the devil.
Camilla Anthony painstakingly restores older Chicagoland homes to their former glory. So when the opportunity arises to acquire an abandoned block of homes and a school in her neighborhood of Southlake Park, she’s ready to take on the challenge. But she'll need the help of her former crush and frequent real estate rival.
Mekkai Arrington builds luxury homes in urban communities. Increasingly, he and preservationist Camilla Anthony clash over gentrification. But when Kai reluctantly agrees to participate in a charity bachelor auction, Camilla vies for him and wins. She proposes an alliance that will benefit both of their companies while salvaging a historic neighborhood in their childhood community. But will the fiery passion that erupts between them during their beach getaway blow up their deal?
Camilla Anthony painstakingly restores older Chicagoland homes to their former glory. So when the opportunity arises to acquire an abandoned block of homes and a school in her neighborhood of Southlake Park, she’s ready to take on the challenge. But she'll need the help of her former crush and frequent real estate rival.
Mekkai Arrington builds luxury homes in urban communities. Increasingly, he and preservationist Camilla Anthony clash over gentrification. But when Kai reluctantly agrees to participate in a charity bachelor auction, Camilla vies for him and wins. She proposes an alliance that will benefit both of their companies while salvaging a historic neighborhood in their childhood community. But will the fiery passion that erupts between them during their beach getaway blow up their deal?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2019
391 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Reese Ryan
174 books604 followersVivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 9, 2019
The Rival Bid
I enjoyed this quick read. It's a sweet, sexy, cute friends to lovers story about a thirty-six year old heroine and a forty year old hero who had lost touch but found their way back to each other. I definitely recommend it.
I enjoyed this quick read. It's a sweet, sexy, cute friends to lovers story about a thirty-six year old heroine and a forty year old hero who had lost touch but found their way back to each other. I definitely recommend it.
February 28, 2024
This was so fun I absolutely loved these two as a couple. The enemies/rivalry made so much sense too.
March 31, 2024
The banter between the two main characters was perfection. The two of them coming back together was so well written.
January 19, 2024
This is a bit of hard one for me to rate, as objectively there wasn't really anything wrong with it.
This is a short and to the point rivals to lovers romance that was quick and sweet.
As a pretty fast read, I found myself wanting a bit more and I wish the book was longer so could spend more time with the characters. I felt that there was a lot of telling vs showing, and we didn't really see our MCs do much except go back and forth on whether they should work together.
I would have loved to see some banter between them, and for some hilarious chaos to ensue as they worked on the buildings together, however that never happened.
The last 10 percent of this book also had way too much going on and not enough time to actually flesh everything out. We got some reveals and twists that were glossed over and then boom! Happy ending.
I wasn't able to feel any chemistry between the characters which was unfortunate.
Overall, not a fave. I will be giving this author another shot though because I see the potential.
This is a short and to the point rivals to lovers romance that was quick and sweet.
As a pretty fast read, I found myself wanting a bit more and I wish the book was longer so could spend more time with the characters. I felt that there was a lot of telling vs showing, and we didn't really see our MCs do much except go back and forth on whether they should work together.
I would have loved to see some banter between them, and for some hilarious chaos to ensue as they worked on the buildings together, however that never happened.
The last 10 percent of this book also had way too much going on and not enough time to actually flesh everything out. We got some reveals and twists that were glossed over and then boom! Happy ending.
I wasn't able to feel any chemistry between the characters which was unfortunate.
Overall, not a fave. I will be giving this author another shot though because I see the potential.
March 2, 2025
This was a short and sweet book. The MMC and the FMC were once good friends as kids, but when tragedy struck their little community they fell apart. Years have past, and they've now been thrust back together in the community that once tore them apart.
I really liked how the heroine wasn't afraid to show her well-earned backbone, and I equally liked how the hero fought back just long enough to make it interesting, but eventually gave in. These two have to work together to transform a block in their community into both affordable housing, while also modernizing it enough to entice new business and homeowners. It's a battle between new versus old, something different versus something comfortable.
Along the way they eventually let their guards down and fall into such an easy romance. I truly loved how easy it was for these two to fall in love.
I really liked how the heroine wasn't afraid to show her well-earned backbone, and I equally liked how the hero fought back just long enough to make it interesting, but eventually gave in. These two have to work together to transform a block in their community into both affordable housing, while also modernizing it enough to entice new business and homeowners. It's a battle between new versus old, something different versus something comfortable.
Along the way they eventually let their guards down and fall into such an easy romance. I truly loved how easy it was for these two to fall in love.
Read
July 8, 2024So, the main two characters had a "bitter falling out" when they were......11 and 15 and haven't spoken in 25 years. The male main character thinks the woman is still holding onto the grudge because "women scorned' and all that. SHE WAS 11 and had a innocent pre-teen crush on him. Who in the world is still holding onto middle school crushes or grudges* like this enough that it keeps coming up as major plots in contemporary romance? And what kind of douche thinks an 11 year old is a "woman scorned?" DNF
*If the grudge was over a bullying situation, that's different, be petty and hold that grudge. But if the situation is something like your 11 year old boyfriend broke up with you on the playground in front of your friends and you still talk about him incessantly and refer to him as your bitter enemy when you haven't seen him in decades? Move the hell on already, friend and get some help.
*If the grudge was over a bullying situation, that's different, be petty and hold that grudge. But if the situation is something like your 11 year old boyfriend broke up with you on the playground in front of your friends and you still talk about him incessantly and refer to him as your bitter enemy when you haven't seen him in decades? Move the hell on already, friend and get some help.
January 20, 2024
Loved the tension between MCs Kai and Camilla - it made for some excellent banter. This novella also had a bit of a slow burn vibe which I really enjoyed; it made that moment they went for it even more satisfying. I had a fun time with this romance.
April 28, 2025
Such a great and quick easy read. This story was nicely paced and flushed out. I truly enjoyed about of our mcs and their story. I wish I was longer so we could get more details of everything.
June 12, 2019
Mekkai ‘Kai’ Arrington is the featured “Gent” for this engaging contribution to the Distinguished Gentlemen series, and his counterpart is Camilla ‘Cam’ Anthony. They both grew up in Southlake Park, the primary setting for the series. Although talented author, Reese Ryan utilizes a familiar trope, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, the storyline is fresh and captivating. Mama Peaches, the force behind the bachelor auction fund-raiser for renovating and revitalizing her beloved Southlake Park neighborhood, selects Kai to participate. She took him and his brother in when they were boys to keep them out of the foster-care system. Cam is Kai’s childhood friend and for Cam, her crush, but they parted ways under very bitter circumstances.
There’s a lot of tension, untruths, and hurtful feelings between Kai, Cam, and their families that need to be resolved, and Pleasure Cove is the ideal place to start that healing process. Also, it’s an ideal place for some sexual healing. Kai and Cam get it on.
The HEA was everything and then some. I love a heart-warming HEA, and this story brought it big time.
THE RIVAL BID is a delightful and entertaining story that complements the Distinguished Gentlemen series. I enjoyed it, and I recommend it.
There’s a lot of tension, untruths, and hurtful feelings between Kai, Cam, and their families that need to be resolved, and Pleasure Cove is the ideal place to start that healing process. Also, it’s an ideal place for some sexual healing. Kai and Cam get it on.
The HEA was everything and then some. I love a heart-warming HEA, and this story brought it big time.
THE RIVAL BID is a delightful and entertaining story that complements the Distinguished Gentlemen series. I enjoyed it, and I recommend it.
September 20, 2023
Entertaining. This was a quick read. After Kai’s father is arrested, his relationship with his father’s business partner’s best friend and his family, particularly their daughter Camilla goes up in flames. 25 years later he’s back in Chicago to rebuild and gentrify his old neighborhood with opposition from Camilla.
This was an enjoyable read. I like both MCs although I our H would’ve had to work a little harder to get the h. Now I couldn’t rate this higher because we spend most of the book with them in the “enemy” and trying to fight feelings stage. Then the romance happens and it’s like the development all happened behind closed doors. Also our H has some drama from his past that we didn’t really need. It didn’t really add to the story in my opinion.
Overall an entertaining read. 3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read. I like both MCs although I our H would’ve had to work a little harder to get the h. Now I couldn’t rate this higher because we spend most of the book with them in the “enemy” and trying to fight feelings stage. Then the romance happens and it’s like the development all happened behind closed doors. Also our H has some drama from his past that we didn’t really need. It didn’t really add to the story in my opinion.
Overall an entertaining read. 3.5 stars
November 22, 2022
Great friends to enemy to lovers
The Rival Bid is a friends to enemies to rivals to lovers and a second chance romance. This is the story of Cammie and Kai... Of how lies and deceit destroyed their family's relationship. Kai's dad got involved in some dirty business deals and lied about it. Because of this both families just about loss everything. Kai's dad stated that Cam's dad was in on it. Which was a lie. 2 decades pass before Kai and Cam reconnect. Check out The Rival Bid. I enjoyed it. Thank you Reese Ryan. #❤️yourbooks🥰
The Rival Bid is a friends to enemies to rivals to lovers and a second chance romance. This is the story of Cammie and Kai... Of how lies and deceit destroyed their family's relationship. Kai's dad got involved in some dirty business deals and lied about it. Because of this both families just about loss everything. Kai's dad stated that Cam's dad was in on it. Which was a lie. 2 decades pass before Kai and Cam reconnect. Check out The Rival Bid. I enjoyed it. Thank you Reese Ryan. #❤️yourbooks🥰
December 5, 2023
This was a quick, sweet and spicy 2nd chance romance.
Friends to lovers might be my favorite trope
Camilla and Mekkai - I just love LOVE. ❤️
Here’s to Mekkai being accountable, and making amends, Camilla you are black girl magic. I would love to see this as a holiday movie.
Friends to lovers might be my favorite trope
Camilla and Mekkai - I just love LOVE. ❤️
Here’s to Mekkai being accountable, and making amends, Camilla you are black girl magic. I would love to see this as a holiday movie.
October 8, 2023
absolutely wonderful
This was an absolutely wonderful story of a second chance romance. I could feel the emotions and chemistry between Camilla and Kai from the first words onwards and it didn’t dim at all.
They had a long road to travel and I’m glad I got to travel it. This book had me rooting not only for the housing project but for these two lovebirds all the way!
This was an absolutely wonderful story of a second chance romance. I could feel the emotions and chemistry between Camilla and Kai from the first words onwards and it didn’t dim at all.
They had a long road to travel and I’m glad I got to travel it. This book had me rooting not only for the housing project but for these two lovebirds all the way!
July 22, 2024
I really enjoyed The Rival Bid! This would be great as a sexy, beach read.
I enjoyed the pacing and how layered the story was for its short length. I was starting to get a liiiittle irritated about being titillated about Mekkai and his family's past lol, BUT once the bomb finally dropped and the drama unfolded it was really satisfying.
Camilla and Mekkai were equals and so compatible and captivating in every way and I loved watching their relationship develop. Couldn't STAND how involved the entire town seemed to be in their affairs though lmao.
Would recommend!
I enjoyed the pacing and how layered the story was for its short length. I was starting to get a liiiittle irritated about being titillated about Mekkai and his family's past lol, BUT once the bomb finally dropped and the drama unfolded it was really satisfying.
Camilla and Mekkai were equals and so compatible and captivating in every way and I loved watching their relationship develop. Couldn't STAND how involved the entire town seemed to be in their affairs though lmao.
Would recommend!
November 3, 2022
A good enemies to more story
The story was the perfect example of a good enemies to more story. As this pair and their history was ripe for this enticing trope. Mekkai in his particular part in the story felt like he was poetry in motion. A dreamy delight, you know? I understood the little boy who wanted to believe his hero could do no wrong. And I understood the little girl who even as an adult loved grown man Mekkai, still. The story had a wonderful message about persistence and never giving up ones conviction. I loved this story. The dramatic parts fit the narrative very well. Give this one a try; I think you will enjoy this one.
The story was the perfect example of a good enemies to more story. As this pair and their history was ripe for this enticing trope. Mekkai in his particular part in the story felt like he was poetry in motion. A dreamy delight, you know? I understood the little boy who wanted to believe his hero could do no wrong. And I understood the little girl who even as an adult loved grown man Mekkai, still. The story had a wonderful message about persistence and never giving up ones conviction. I loved this story. The dramatic parts fit the narrative very well. Give this one a try; I think you will enjoy this one.
October 26, 2023
It's a short and sweet enemies to lover's book with a strong gentrification them. Great for a quick read in the afternoon.
June 26, 2019
The Rival Bid is a stand-alone read in the Distinguished Gentlemen series, about guys participating in a bachelor auction in the Southlake Park neighborhood in Chicago.
Camilla Anthony and Mekkai Arrington grew up side by side in the Southlake Park neighborhood where their fathers were friends and business partners. That happy childhood went down the tubes pretty quickly when Mr Arrington was revealed to be a liar and cheat, and ultimately went to prison for his wrongdoings. Unfortunately the friendship of their families was part of the fallout, and more than a decade later, Camilla and Kai head up their own construction companies.
Camilla's focused on restoring existing homes to their former glory, while keeping them affordable for all residents. Kai's company is known for high end, high quality construction. Frequently that means pricing out the majority of the potential customers.
When a possible joint project is proposed by a mutual friend of both families, it forces both Camilla and Kai to confront their simmering attraction and their long-lived bitterness towards each other and their families.
Reese Ryan's story rings true. Her characters feel very real and well drawn. She provides a strong sense of place and setting, with a fantastic cast of secondary characters. The Rival Bid is a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to enjoying more by Ms Ryan.
Camilla Anthony and Mekkai Arrington grew up side by side in the Southlake Park neighborhood where their fathers were friends and business partners. That happy childhood went down the tubes pretty quickly when Mr Arrington was revealed to be a liar and cheat, and ultimately went to prison for his wrongdoings. Unfortunately the friendship of their families was part of the fallout, and more than a decade later, Camilla and Kai head up their own construction companies.
Camilla's focused on restoring existing homes to their former glory, while keeping them affordable for all residents. Kai's company is known for high end, high quality construction. Frequently that means pricing out the majority of the potential customers.
When a possible joint project is proposed by a mutual friend of both families, it forces both Camilla and Kai to confront their simmering attraction and their long-lived bitterness towards each other and their families.
Reese Ryan's story rings true. Her characters feel very real and well drawn. She provides a strong sense of place and setting, with a fantastic cast of secondary characters. The Rival Bid is a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to enjoying more by Ms Ryan.
February 6, 2025
Friends To Rivals To Lovers!
Kai and Cammie were childhood friends. Kai was very protective of her. Their fathers were in business together. Kai’s father ended up going to jail for criminal balance acts within the company. Kai had always blamed Cammie’s father for his father going to jail. He even turned against Cammie as well. Twenty five years later, they saw each other at a town council meeting. He made a proposal and Cammie shot it down. Kai was a gent in the bachelor auction. Cammie placed a bid on him and won. She wanted to convince him to work on the neighborhood revitalization project. He didn’t agree to it until he saw how good she was with remodeling and decorating. They really became close again when she went home with Kai to North Carolina. There was where his mother told him the truth about his father’s crimes. As it turns out, his father was truly guilty of the crimes. He was really angry and sad after the truth was revealed. He apologized to Cammie and her parents. He then began to heal with Cammies help. They also realized how much they loved each other. This was truly a great addition to the series! Thank you Reese Ryan!! ❤️🔥
Kai and Cammie were childhood friends. Kai was very protective of her. Their fathers were in business together. Kai’s father ended up going to jail for criminal balance acts within the company. Kai had always blamed Cammie’s father for his father going to jail. He even turned against Cammie as well. Twenty five years later, they saw each other at a town council meeting. He made a proposal and Cammie shot it down. Kai was a gent in the bachelor auction. Cammie placed a bid on him and won. She wanted to convince him to work on the neighborhood revitalization project. He didn’t agree to it until he saw how good she was with remodeling and decorating. They really became close again when she went home with Kai to North Carolina. There was where his mother told him the truth about his father’s crimes. As it turns out, his father was truly guilty of the crimes. He was really angry and sad after the truth was revealed. He apologized to Cammie and her parents. He then began to heal with Cammies help. They also realized how much they loved each other. This was truly a great addition to the series! Thank you Reese Ryan!! ❤️🔥
May 28, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to the novellas in this series for a few months now. Although the books are connected via the bachelor auction, each novella is independent of each other.
Kai and Cammie are complicated at best. They are on opposite sides of everything. But their attraction for each other is not one of them.
I like characters who don’t lie to themselves. Both Kai and Cammie acknowledge that even though they are in serious lust with each other, they can’t be together because of their pasts. What they don’t realize is that everyone else knows it too. They are not as good at hiding it as they think they are.
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. They were complicated and sexy. There’s quite a bit of humor thrown in as well, which I always love. Mama Peaches and Geraldine make an appearance which is always a treat. There’s also a curve ball thrown in I didn’t see coming that causes a little bit of drama.
A very nice addition to this series.
Kai and Cammie are complicated at best. They are on opposite sides of everything. But their attraction for each other is not one of them.
I like characters who don’t lie to themselves. Both Kai and Cammie acknowledge that even though they are in serious lust with each other, they can’t be together because of their pasts. What they don’t realize is that everyone else knows it too. They are not as good at hiding it as they think they are.
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. They were complicated and sexy. There’s quite a bit of humor thrown in as well, which I always love. Mama Peaches and Geraldine make an appearance which is always a treat. There’s also a curve ball thrown in I didn’t see coming that causes a little bit of drama.
A very nice addition to this series.
June 6, 2019
The truth will out!
Kai short for Mekkai and Cam short for Camilla grew up together even though four years separated them they still had love for each other. Their families were close friends and their dad's business partners. Kai's dad was involved in some dirty dealings that landed him in prison where he was killed. Fast forward twenty-five years later and the lie Kai's dad told him all those years ago finally came to the light and Kai learned the truth. I was really impressed by the fact that Kai did not hesitate to make amends once he learned the truth of his dad's guilt all those years prior. Kai's ex wife thought she was working towards a payday by claiming Kai was her unborn child's father. The opposite was the truth and it did not disrupt the marriage that happened between Kai and Cam where they ended up with a son of their own. I enjoyed this story and now I look forward to reading the other Distinguished Gentlemen stories.
Kai short for Mekkai and Cam short for Camilla grew up together even though four years separated them they still had love for each other. Their families were close friends and their dad's business partners. Kai's dad was involved in some dirty dealings that landed him in prison where he was killed. Fast forward twenty-five years later and the lie Kai's dad told him all those years ago finally came to the light and Kai learned the truth. I was really impressed by the fact that Kai did not hesitate to make amends once he learned the truth of his dad's guilt all those years prior. Kai's ex wife thought she was working towards a payday by claiming Kai was her unborn child's father. The opposite was the truth and it did not disrupt the marriage that happened between Kai and Cam where they ended up with a son of their own. I enjoyed this story and now I look forward to reading the other Distinguished Gentlemen stories.
February 28, 2020
4.5 stars!
Camilla and Mekkai are childhood friends who could have been more, but a rift between their fathers tears them apart. Years later, as rivals in the construction industry, they both have their eye on the same project, but neither wants to share. Although Camilla warms to the idea, Mekkai stands his ground. The only way to get his attention is to buy a date with him at the bachelor auction.
I loved how Camilla took the necessary step to advance her business. Forced to work together, their attraction, which has lain dormant all this time has a chance to bloom. They have to navigate some past secrets and family drama to get to their happy ending. All worth it. Camilla and Kai were perfect for each other. Their union brought healing and happiness.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, I recommend this enemies-to-lovers story.
Camilla and Mekkai are childhood friends who could have been more, but a rift between their fathers tears them apart. Years later, as rivals in the construction industry, they both have their eye on the same project, but neither wants to share. Although Camilla warms to the idea, Mekkai stands his ground. The only way to get his attention is to buy a date with him at the bachelor auction.
I loved how Camilla took the necessary step to advance her business. Forced to work together, their attraction, which has lain dormant all this time has a chance to bloom. They have to navigate some past secrets and family drama to get to their happy ending. All worth it. Camilla and Kai were perfect for each other. Their union brought healing and happiness.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, I recommend this enemies-to-lovers story.
May 22, 2023
Sassy, hot Black romance for the ages
This is Black romance at its finest. A hot guy. An equally hot gal. Both accomplished professionally with real lives and real problems from which real conflict stems. Every page brings heightened sensuality, a developing relationship, one rooted in the past, that has nowhere to go but steadily toward an HEA. Until the unexpected happens and maybe that happily ever after is not so certain. But then, they find their way to the happiness we, the readers, have been rooting for all along.
The humor is as quick as the pace, the grown folks' romance as central as the conflict keeping them apart. I love Camilla and Mekkai and was only sorry that their story wrapped up here. If there's more to read--a crossover into another romance or series, I'm here for it! Reese Ryan is one of the best!
This is Black romance at its finest. A hot guy. An equally hot gal. Both accomplished professionally with real lives and real problems from which real conflict stems. Every page brings heightened sensuality, a developing relationship, one rooted in the past, that has nowhere to go but steadily toward an HEA. Until the unexpected happens and maybe that happily ever after is not so certain. But then, they find their way to the happiness we, the readers, have been rooting for all along.
The humor is as quick as the pace, the grown folks' romance as central as the conflict keeping them apart. I love Camilla and Mekkai and was only sorry that their story wrapped up here. If there's more to read--a crossover into another romance or series, I'm here for it! Reese Ryan is one of the best!
April 4, 2025
This book is tailor-made for readers who are captivated by emotionally charged, fast-paced romances filled with complex relationships and moral dilemmas that intertwine to create a tapestry of tension and suspense. The story delves into the intricacies of human connection, exploring the push and pull of rivalry and the rekindling of past attractions, all while set against a backdrop of high-stakes community involvement. The narrative unfolds with a thrilling pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the characters' emotional turmoil and the consequences of their choices. With its blend of heartwarming moments and challenging situations, this book promises an unforgettable reading experience for those who crave stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
November 10, 2021
A great story to read.
I gave this book a five star rating because there were no mistakes throughout the book and it was well written. When the person who was once your childhood friend who then turned into your ex friend, after something that happened in the past that was out of both of their controls. Years later they reappear in each other's lives again and this time the truth finally comes to light about what really happened in the past. Their romantic feelings for each other finally has the chance to shine and once it does Kai and Camilla only grow closer together and nothing can stop true love that's meant to be. A really good story, I really enjoyed reading it. I wish that it could have been longer than it was.
I gave this book a five star rating because there were no mistakes throughout the book and it was well written. When the person who was once your childhood friend who then turned into your ex friend, after something that happened in the past that was out of both of their controls. Years later they reappear in each other's lives again and this time the truth finally comes to light about what really happened in the past. Their romantic feelings for each other finally has the chance to shine and once it does Kai and Camilla only grow closer together and nothing can stop true love that's meant to be. A really good story, I really enjoyed reading it. I wish that it could have been longer than it was.
April 16, 2023
When your best friend holds your heart!
Again, Ms. Ryan has done a great job with her characters. I love this story of Kai and Cam. Two friends torn apart by the hurt and lies of a parent is heartbreaking, but time and the truth finally heal the pain and let love be the ultimate gift with these two. Kai wasn't wrong because he believed in his dad, whom he saw as his hero, but Cam was ever the one he should have been angry with. Thanks to Uncle Lou for not wavering from his condition on selling those properties to either unless they work together. From best friends to life-long partners is a joy to behold. And now, these two families are back in each other's lives, and the friendship between Kai's mom and Cam's parents is well deserved for them as also. Great happy ever after!
Again, Ms. Ryan has done a great job with her characters. I love this story of Kai and Cam. Two friends torn apart by the hurt and lies of a parent is heartbreaking, but time and the truth finally heal the pain and let love be the ultimate gift with these two. Kai wasn't wrong because he believed in his dad, whom he saw as his hero, but Cam was ever the one he should have been angry with. Thanks to Uncle Lou for not wavering from his condition on selling those properties to either unless they work together. From best friends to life-long partners is a joy to behold. And now, these two families are back in each other's lives, and the friendship between Kai's mom and Cam's parents is well deserved for them as also. Great happy ever after!
April 10, 2024
Wait...what.
2.5 stars
I realize this was a novella but the pacing was just so unhinged. Example - while he's coming to realize what his dad actually did 20 years ago, she initiates a kiss out of n o w h e r e. Literally. Zero lead up, just lays one on him mid-sentence. And like hopes? he kisses her back? Then suddenly they're banging. What. Why.
There's also a bachelor auction that's a little...I'm not sure.
The ex-wife didn't do anything but add a random conflict.
What the heck was this secret project in NC? Was it the ex-wife?
Idk. Overall, it's a "what" from me HOWEVER, it did get me out of my week-long slump!
2.5 stars
I realize this was a novella but the pacing was just so unhinged. Example - while he's coming to realize what his dad actually did 20 years ago, she initiates a kiss out of n o w h e r e. Literally. Zero lead up, just lays one on him mid-sentence. And like hopes? he kisses her back? Then suddenly they're banging. What. Why.
There's also a bachelor auction that's a little...I'm not sure.
The ex-wife didn't do anything but add a random conflict.
What the heck was this secret project in NC? Was it the ex-wife?
Idk. Overall, it's a "what" from me HOWEVER, it did get me out of my week-long slump!
May 27, 2019
Oh Yeah, you'll enjoy Camilla and Kai's rival bid
What Happens when the past meets your present and alters the very thing you want most. Reese explores the story of Kai and Camilla as the restoration project of Southlake brings them together. The past history between the two is the foundation that sets the stage for what's to come. I will say that one of my predictions was incorrect when it came to Kai and I am glad it was. What you'll find is why forgiveness is so important and equally that of truth.
What Happens when the past meets your present and alters the very thing you want most. Reese explores the story of Kai and Camilla as the restoration project of Southlake brings them together. The past history between the two is the foundation that sets the stage for what's to come. I will say that one of my predictions was incorrect when it came to Kai and I am glad it was. What you'll find is why forgiveness is so important and equally that of truth.
June 10, 2019
Cammie and Kai once childhood friends that ended in hurt and disappointment for both of them and their families. Years later both are older and successful and they come up against each other for a bid on a job that they both want for their old community. They also have an undeniable attraction for each other that may also cause a problem.
Once again Reese Ryan did not disappoint, this a steamy read, the chemistry between the two is just at 🔥🔥 as the rival between them. I enjoyed how the author had us visit the town from her other book. This was a fast paced great read I recommend this book.
Once again Reese Ryan did not disappoint, this a steamy read, the chemistry between the two is just at 🔥🔥 as the rival between them. I enjoyed how the author had us visit the town from her other book. This was a fast paced great read I recommend this book.
June 17, 2019
Friends to enemies to lovers
This was a well written romance story in the Distinguished Gentlemen Series. Mekkai and Camilla were childhood friends, their fathers were business partners until one was accused of embezzlement. Mekkai and Camilla were forced to work together on a project in their old neighborhood. Camilla always had a crush on Mekkai and he couldn’t resist the woman she’d become. Could they forget the past and work together? Reese Ryan you did not disappoint....what a great enemies to lovers story.
This was a well written romance story in the Distinguished Gentlemen Series. Mekkai and Camilla were childhood friends, their fathers were business partners until one was accused of embezzlement. Mekkai and Camilla were forced to work together on a project in their old neighborhood. Camilla always had a crush on Mekkai and he couldn’t resist the woman she’d become. Could they forget the past and work together? Reese Ryan you did not disappoint....what a great enemies to lovers story.
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