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Elevation

Validation

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The goal was to prove I could be a success. Goals change.

Carter – People call me privileged. They’re not wrong, but my life isn’t as easy as they make it out to be. Especially now, with the fate of a small ski resort and the surrounding town resting on my shoulders. No wonder my receptionist called in a masseuse to relieve my tension. Long story short, it worked, although not in the way anyone was expecting. Now, on top of all my other burdens, I’ve got a secret that could render all my hard work useless. Let’s hope I’m as privileged as people think I am.

Sloane – Chasing my dream career wasn’t supposed to take this long, so when the CEO of the ski resort had a job for me, I thought it might kickstart my career. Then I came face to face with the man, and realized my struggles were nothing compared to his. Through our time together I came to admire his determination, his heart, and other…things. It’s risky to fall for the man who writes your paycheck, but is it just as risky to deny how I feel?

ebook

Published November 1, 2022

11 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Michele Lenard

33 books147 followers
Michele writes contemporary romance that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Several of her books have been named as finalists in the MARA Fiction From the Homeland contest. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn't reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Aggie.
Author 23 books459 followers
July 2, 2022
HOLY COW THIS BOOK!!!!!

I loved every stinking SECOND! I'm pretty sure out of every book I've read of Michele's this is my favorite by a long shot!

You have Carter, who is the owner of a sky resort in the small town of Khata Vista (I really hope I spelled that right lol), and Sloane, who is a massage that works at the resort. From the moment these two meet, sparks f*cking FLY.

There's so much chemistry it's bonkers folks.

Sloane is reserved and has be molded by the small town. You know how it is with the gossip, the everyone knows everyone vibe, and as a young adult trying to find her place in the world, it can make it tough.

Carter on the other hand is cultured and has explored his entire life. He's a work-a-holic and is drowning in problems at the resort, but when these two get together, they complement each other so well!

RUN! I mean don't break an ankle, but RUN to this book that moment it drops folks. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Donna.
319 reviews208 followers
August 29, 2022
“The way I understand it, the right person strikes you down like a bolt of lightning. When I feel that I’ll know it’s the one.”

Carter, a former ski racer, lived a privileged life, recently moving to Katah Vista to run the resort where a large part of the town works. But the resort is struggling and Carter is on a deadline to save it while maintaining the character of the small town. Meanwhile, Sloane took a temporary job at the spa while striving for her dream of becoming a physical therapist for the ski team. When Carter's stress leads to his receptionist calling in a masseuse, things don't exactly go as planned.

Wow, the steam in this book starts right from the beginning! With a guy as smoking hot as Carter, Sloane's attraction to him is so intense. Carter is uncharacteristically intrigued by Sloane, typically avoiding relationships and isolating himself to focus on work. And any potential relationship is forbidden, potentially interfering with both of their careers. But when these two surrender to their desire, holy hotness! Yes, there's a lot of sex, but is it just sex or something more?

"Sleeping with the boss is dangerous, no matter how much you want to believe it isn’t."

Letting feelings get in the way comes with so much risk but is it worth the reward? The forbidden nature of their relationship simply added to the fire and I couldn't get enough of it. I loved Sloane's character, so independent and filled with integrity as Carter truly saw her as the person she was. Carter's struggles with trying prove himself pulled at my heart and there was so much more to him beyond the shiny surface. The story was actually endearing in spite of the steam and captured the essence of the small town perfectly. I would have liked to see a little more angst, but I absolutely love where this series is going!

** Special thanks to author Michele Lenard for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available August 30, 2022. **
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,124 reviews11 followers
November 22, 2022
Such a sweet read.

This was such a sweet read. It kept me hooked from page one, was relatable and full of all the emotions. This is book two of this series but it can be read as a standalone without being confusing or feeling like you are missing something.

I loved how Sloane was able to get Carter to open up to her. I love that she was able to help him with his problems without making it seem like she was pushing or overstepping. I love that Carter was so protective over Sloane, but still tried to not overstep and give her any favors.

I loved in the epilogue we got a sneak peak into the next book, and let me tell you, I cannot wait to go read it! This series hasn’t disappointed me yet.
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
537 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2022
In Validation, we get to see what is going to be happening to the ski resort that keeps Katah Vista on the map and many of the residents employed. What does the reclusive Carter have planned.

Sloan is working at the resort until she can get hired for her dream job. She doesn't expect that temporary job to put her face-to-face with Carter. Or that them being remotely close to each other would cause both of their bodies to hum.

So much could go wrong, but when it feels so right, it's hard to say no.

I enjoyed this book so much and cannot wait until we get to see more of this little mountain town.
1,162 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2022
This book was incredible! Sloane works temporarily as a masseuse. She would eventually like to be a physical therapist for the ski resort tow she lives in. Carter is the CEO of the ski resort and is under lists of pressure from the board and his father to make the resort thrive. That, in turn, would help the town.
I enjoyed the interaction between Sloane and Carter before they even got together! Then, when they finally did get together, it was explosive and steamy. I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it!
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maria.
41 reviews
August 1, 2022
Sloane is a physical therapist working her way up to her dream job in a small ski town. When she meets the owner of the resort she works for, the chemistry is hot (make sure you are comfortable with 🌶 🌶 🌶 spice and dirty talk). This book is full of small town quirkiness, a melt worthy MMC, and a strong AF FMC. This is definitely a standalone with no cliffhangers, but there is an intriguing epilogue giving you a sneak peak to the next book if you are so inclined. I can't wait!
Profile Image for Teresa A.
211 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2022
Small town office-type romance. Carter is the CEO of the mountain resort and Sloane works in the spa. Neither of them are looking for romance but when Sloane is summoned to the boss’ office for a massage sparks start to fly. Will they be able to work through the small town gossip, especially when the town thinks so little of Carter? Or will business responsibility get in the way?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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