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Simply Series #5
Simply Sexy
What do women want? Newspaperman Colin Lyons needs to figure it out--fast! Because advice columnist Rina Lowell is waging a sexual campaign against him that he can't withstand for long. Not that he wants to.... Rina is as irresistible to him as her column is to her readers. The problem? The newspaper's in the red, and all fluff pieces have to be cut. Still, faced with Rina's seductive powers of persuasion, Colin can't resist taking her to bed. Little does she guess he's about to put her out of a job, too....
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2002
82 people are currently reading
1247 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
418 books9,793 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 20, 2014
A science experiment for Rina Lowell as the newly appointed advice columnist and a committed challenge for Colin as he tries to get the paper out of the red. His adoptive father groomed him to be a newspaper man/anchor man and when the world bit him on the ass, Colin left... ran far far away. Now, Colin has to save the paper from ruins as his step-mother has other ideas how to run the paper while her husband is re-couping from a stroke in the hospital. She thinks advice columns and other fluff will change the direction, but long time ad accounts are not happy. Can Colin get the paper back in the black and enjoy seducing Rina? Will the plan backfire and lead him into permanent temptation? Rina may be to hot for Colin, as her two year hiatus from being a widow is all about change... for the better. Cute story, nice second chance for both characters, holiday cheer and plenty of hot romance make this an easy, quick read for the day. Always and forever a fan of Carly Phillips stories!
June 19, 2021
The fourth book in Carly Phillips' "Simply" series, "Simply Sexy" is the story of two people trying to start over and who accidentally discover more than just themselves along the way. Rina has moved to Ashford to start a new life after the death of her husband. She is enjoying learning who she is after being a lawyer's trophy wife for years. Her new job as a columnist for the local paper puts her in the orbit of Colin, a news man through and through who has spent his whole life running from facing emotions and attachments. His adopted father's stroke brings him home to save the local newspaper from bankruptcy, and getting away from columns like Rina's is how he sees that happening.
Poor Colin is emotionally stunted and suffers for it, even if he doesn't see things that way. It was tough to watch him struggle with feelings for his adopted father, the new wife in the picture, and an attraction to Rina that he doesn't know how to handle. He's a decent guy and feels badly about probably having to cut her column, but does an excellent job about separating 'work' and 'pleasure' after their chemistry explodes into something more than just heated looks. While feeling sorry for him, I also wanted to shake him for every time he backed away from an intense moment, a revealing conversation, or the opportunity to tell Rina his troubles with the paper and get another point of view. He's sure he has to go it alone because he always has, because he's afraid of what will happen if he lets people in. I loved how Rina gets this all about him and accepts it, and him, as is. Even when she realizes she's in love with him, she doesn't want to change who he is. While writing her column on what men want, she's discovering what she wants in her life- and I loved that it was more than a man as much as I loved her saying that relationships had to be based on more than physical attraction to last. She's a great character, strong and loving while not willing to be a doormat. The person I'd like to be, and exactly who Colin needs.
Heated chemistry and relatable characters wrap up the Simply series on a strong note.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poor Colin is emotionally stunted and suffers for it, even if he doesn't see things that way. It was tough to watch him struggle with feelings for his adopted father, the new wife in the picture, and an attraction to Rina that he doesn't know how to handle. He's a decent guy and feels badly about probably having to cut her column, but does an excellent job about separating 'work' and 'pleasure' after their chemistry explodes into something more than just heated looks. While feeling sorry for him, I also wanted to shake him for every time he backed away from an intense moment, a revealing conversation, or the opportunity to tell Rina his troubles with the paper and get another point of view. He's sure he has to go it alone because he always has, because he's afraid of what will happen if he lets people in. I loved how Rina gets this all about him and accepts it, and him, as is. Even when she realizes she's in love with him, she doesn't want to change who he is. While writing her column on what men want, she's discovering what she wants in her life- and I loved that it was more than a man as much as I loved her saying that relationships had to be based on more than physical attraction to last. She's a great character, strong and loving while not willing to be a doormat. The person I'd like to be, and exactly who Colin needs.
Heated chemistry and relatable characters wrap up the Simply series on a strong note.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2021
I can’t imagine how Colin felt as a young boy when his father died. I am so thankful he had someone like Joe and his wife to adopt him. But Colin didn’t always feel a part of Joe’s family, especially when Joe remarried after his first wife died. Colin even had a failed marriage and used running away to handle his emotional well being. I felt bad that Joe had a stroke and that was what brought Joe back and to help the paper that Joe started to stay in the black. Colin met his match with Rina who Joe’s second wife hired to write a new column about men and what they want. The more I learned about Rina and her first husband, the more I was glad to see Rina be able to be the person she wanted to be. Colin and Rina are attracted to each other, neither are looking for permanent. Getting to know each other better can change someone’s mind about what they really want. Then there is that crazy Emma who loved to match make and has her hand in a few instances. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
July 1, 2021
What do you do when your friends try and set you up? Rina is starting over in a new town and with a new job so making new friends always helps when you are alone. When her new friend Emma sets her up under some mistletoe Rina begins to wonder just what she has gotten herself into. She doesn't hesitate to kiss the mysterious man but was shocked by now wonderful the kiss itself was. Colin has come home to help with his sick father, when he learns the family newspaper has taken a turn when it comes to content. Being the serious reporter he is he wants to turn things around for the paper before it completely turns sideways. Colin likes Rina but learns when it comes.to the paper she is part of the problem. He needs to get her on his side so he can turn things around. The two are very attracted to each other but are on opposite sides when it comes to his father's paper. Can the two meet in the middle or will it all.blow up in their faces in the end?
June 3, 2021
Ms Phillips is back with another reissued story in the Simply Series. And this one is more of a stand alone than any of the others; and a sweet, fun holiday romance to boot, which I can see myself rereading come the holiday season.
But there are familiar faces, including matchmaker Emma Montgomery, who now her grandchildren are settled and blissfully happy sets her sights on friend and colleague Rina and Colin, whose returned to rescue the paper Emma and Rina work for and who also happens to be an old college friend of her grandson Logan.
And with a story that is sexy, sweet, cute, and as entertaining as the others. Simply Sexy was a lively and engaging read. That I would happily recommend to others.
**Copy provided via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review**
But there are familiar faces, including matchmaker Emma Montgomery, who now her grandchildren are settled and blissfully happy sets her sights on friend and colleague Rina and Colin, whose returned to rescue the paper Emma and Rina work for and who also happens to be an old college friend of her grandson Logan.
And with a story that is sexy, sweet, cute, and as entertaining as the others. Simply Sexy was a lively and engaging read. That I would happily recommend to others.
**Copy provided via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review**
June 15, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout
Simply Sexy is book 4 in the Simply series by Carly Phillips which has been updated and reissued.
What happens when meddling lady, Emma Montgomery decides to hang mistletoe in the office at the newspaper where she now works and somehow gets Rina and Colin underneath? Sparks fly, steamy, magazine articles, secrets and so much more…keeps you reading to find out how it all ends!?…
Simply Sexy is book 4 in the Simply series by Carly Phillips which has been updated and reissued.
What happens when meddling lady, Emma Montgomery decides to hang mistletoe in the office at the newspaper where she now works and somehow gets Rina and Colin underneath? Sparks fly, steamy, magazine articles, secrets and so much more…keeps you reading to find out how it all ends!?…
June 25, 2021
Was a great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Lighthearted and sweetly sexy adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, highly entertaining twists and emotionally thrilling passion.
November 7, 2014
Fun romance. If you are in the need for a holiday read Id say read this! This book can be read independently as well as part of a series:
January 13, 2017
Simplemente... una grandiosa historia
June 20, 2021
Simply Sexy, book four in the Simply series, by Carly Phillips, is a reissue of her early stories; an enjoyable romance and one of the many early books of hers that I read and re-read. This re-release has been modernized, updated and expanded. This is story is tamer than the current, hot and sizzling books she writes.
Matchmaker Emma Montgomery, now that her grandchildren are settled and blissfully happy, sets her sights on friend on one of her grandsons and colleague Rina Lowell and Colin Lyons. When his adoptive father becomes ill, globetrotting new reporter Colin returns to help out with the Ashford Times. He discovers that the paper no longer focuses on the hard news, but has moved to smexy, smutty fluff; something he won’t allow under his watch. It’s time to return the paper to its old glory. Emma and Rina work for the paper, which is how Colin meets Rina. Colin and Rina are perfect together. The research for her new series featuring what men want from women, or more specifically how to attract and hold onto a man, is far from what Colin envisioned.
From the beginning, Rina and Colin have off the charts chemistry and a strong magnetic attraction. Rina is rediscovering herself after having lost herself in her first marriage; now her goals and dreams are her own. Colin is trying to save the newspaper that his adopted father holds dear to his heart but just might come at the cost of Rina’s new job. Rina’s rebuilding her confidence is inspiring; she knows what she wants and isn’t letting anything get in her way. Colin is complicated; he protects his heart from everyone.
Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, humorous and sweet story that will pull at your heartstrings and is not to be missed. She provided a classic tale rich with chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters giving Rina and Colin a chance for their own happily ever after. I highly recommend Simply Sexy to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Matchmaker Emma Montgomery, now that her grandchildren are settled and blissfully happy, sets her sights on friend on one of her grandsons and colleague Rina Lowell and Colin Lyons. When his adoptive father becomes ill, globetrotting new reporter Colin returns to help out with the Ashford Times. He discovers that the paper no longer focuses on the hard news, but has moved to smexy, smutty fluff; something he won’t allow under his watch. It’s time to return the paper to its old glory. Emma and Rina work for the paper, which is how Colin meets Rina. Colin and Rina are perfect together. The research for her new series featuring what men want from women, or more specifically how to attract and hold onto a man, is far from what Colin envisioned.
From the beginning, Rina and Colin have off the charts chemistry and a strong magnetic attraction. Rina is rediscovering herself after having lost herself in her first marriage; now her goals and dreams are her own. Colin is trying to save the newspaper that his adopted father holds dear to his heart but just might come at the cost of Rina’s new job. Rina’s rebuilding her confidence is inspiring; she knows what she wants and isn’t letting anything get in her way. Colin is complicated; he protects his heart from everyone.
Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, humorous and sweet story that will pull at your heartstrings and is not to be missed. She provided a classic tale rich with chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters giving Rina and Colin a chance for their own happily ever after. I highly recommend Simply Sexy to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 13, 2021
Thanks to her grandson Emma Montgomery has a new job, writing a Meet and Greet column for the local Times newspaper. She's enjoying it immensely and it's keeping her son the stuffy judge from putting her in a senior home. She really likes the feisty new member of the staff. Rena Lowell is writing a series of columns titled Hot Stuff. Her columns are trying to decipher the workings of the male mind.
Colin Lyons has returned to his hometown, his father Joe had a stroke and is out of commission. The Times is Jim's lifelong work and now his wife Corinne is running it into the ground. The problem is Colin doesn't have power of attorney, she does. He has to convince Corinne to drop the fluff and return the paper to it's original news format. He thinks Rena might be the someone to help him, but his attraction to her has him rethinking that notion.
You know of course that anything involving Emma will also include matchmaking and it seems she has Rena and Colin in her sights. As Christmas approaches she is placing mistletoe strategically around the office. One notably over Colin's chair. A challenge by Rena and one kiss has both of them knowing it won't be enough.
As much as Colin wants to discuss the paper and it's issues with Joe, he can't go against the doctor's orders to keep stress away. Dealing with Corinne isn't easy she's convinced her changes are the right way to go.
As the paper is getting closer to failure, Colin's relationship with Rena grows. He finds himself opening up to her in ways he's never done before.
Oh the tangled mess that just keeps getting more so as this tale unfolds.
Plenty of drama, a touch of intrigue and a whole lot of sizzle in this book, I hope there will be more as we met someone who could use a happy ending and Emma deserves her own as well.
Colin Lyons has returned to his hometown, his father Joe had a stroke and is out of commission. The Times is Jim's lifelong work and now his wife Corinne is running it into the ground. The problem is Colin doesn't have power of attorney, she does. He has to convince Corinne to drop the fluff and return the paper to it's original news format. He thinks Rena might be the someone to help him, but his attraction to her has him rethinking that notion.
You know of course that anything involving Emma will also include matchmaking and it seems she has Rena and Colin in her sights. As Christmas approaches she is placing mistletoe strategically around the office. One notably over Colin's chair. A challenge by Rena and one kiss has both of them knowing it won't be enough.
As much as Colin wants to discuss the paper and it's issues with Joe, he can't go against the doctor's orders to keep stress away. Dealing with Corinne isn't easy she's convinced her changes are the right way to go.
As the paper is getting closer to failure, Colin's relationship with Rena grows. He finds himself opening up to her in ways he's never done before.
Oh the tangled mess that just keeps getting more so as this tale unfolds.
Plenty of drama, a touch of intrigue and a whole lot of sizzle in this book, I hope there will be more as we met someone who could use a happy ending and Emma deserves her own as well.
June 2, 2021
*An advance reading copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
Wandering Journalist Colin Lyons returns home to help turn his family’s newspaper around when Joe, his adopted father, is hospitalized with a stroke. Joe’s second wife, Corinne has been put in charge and has made sweeping changes across print and online. What Colin walks into can only be described as fluff and their long-term advertisers are backing away. If he can’t figure out how to get hard-hitting news back on the front page, then the paper is going to go under.
Widowed Rina Lowell moved to this small town in Massachusetts from New York City because she was sold on the vision of how Corinne wants the newspaper to move forward. Rina is to be their advice columnist. But first, she’s going to have to some ‘scientific’ research on what men and women want.
Colin is immediately attracted to Rina but knows that if he does what he needs to do to keep the family paper afloat, Rina’s not going to have a job. Rina’s also attracted to Colin and knows that he won’t be in town for long, but feels that he’s perfect as an ‘experiment’ for her column. Between their quick banter and their flirty conversations, sparks fly.
But then things get real. A partially overheard conversation breaks Rina’s heart. Can Colin make this right? Will Rina ever forgive him for not telling her everything? Will Colin realize that this is his home and he needs to plant roots? Will Emma Montgomery, Logan and Grace’s feisty grandmother from all the other books in the Simply Series, meddle just enough to help smooth everything over between Rina and Colin? You need to read this book to find out.
Wandering Journalist Colin Lyons returns home to help turn his family’s newspaper around when Joe, his adopted father, is hospitalized with a stroke. Joe’s second wife, Corinne has been put in charge and has made sweeping changes across print and online. What Colin walks into can only be described as fluff and their long-term advertisers are backing away. If he can’t figure out how to get hard-hitting news back on the front page, then the paper is going to go under.
Widowed Rina Lowell moved to this small town in Massachusetts from New York City because she was sold on the vision of how Corinne wants the newspaper to move forward. Rina is to be their advice columnist. But first, she’s going to have to some ‘scientific’ research on what men and women want.
Colin is immediately attracted to Rina but knows that if he does what he needs to do to keep the family paper afloat, Rina’s not going to have a job. Rina’s also attracted to Colin and knows that he won’t be in town for long, but feels that he’s perfect as an ‘experiment’ for her column. Between their quick banter and their flirty conversations, sparks fly.
But then things get real. A partially overheard conversation breaks Rina’s heart. Can Colin make this right? Will Rina ever forgive him for not telling her everything? Will Colin realize that this is his home and he needs to plant roots? Will Emma Montgomery, Logan and Grace’s feisty grandmother from all the other books in the Simply Series, meddle just enough to help smooth everything over between Rina and Colin? You need to read this book to find out.
June 22, 2021
Enjoyable read!
Colin is the adoptive son of Joe. Joe is the owner of the newspaper Ashford Times. Joe considers the newspaper his beloved baby. When Joe has a stroke, the “wanderer” Colin, dropped everything to come home and take care of the newspaper for his adopted father. Little did Colin know, his father left power of attorney of everything including his precious newspaper to his new wife Corinne. Colin learns that not only is the newspaper in financial trouble, but Corinne has changed the newspaper dramatically, adding a couple columns that he considers “fluff-fest” while taking away the “hard news”. When Colin borrows money from an old friend of Joe’s, part of the deal is to get rid of the new columns and return the paper back to the “hard news”.
Rina is one of the new columnists for the new “fluff-fest” articles. Rina received a call one afternoon from Corinne asking her if she would be interested in moving to Ashford and working for the newspaper writing a column called “Hot Stuff”. Since Rina recently lost her husband, she decided to take the job and moved to Ashford.
Colin decides that since Corinne trusts Rina he would start getting closer to Rina in order to get her on his side of thinking so they could convince Corinne to change the newspaper back to the way it was.
While spending time together, both Rina and Colin start having feelings for each other. Something neither of them plan for. But when two good hearted people come together, a change is inedible.
This is another great story from Carly Phillips. This read has hot steamy scenes, heartbreaking scenes, and most importantly, its got Love, love on every page.
Colin is the adoptive son of Joe. Joe is the owner of the newspaper Ashford Times. Joe considers the newspaper his beloved baby. When Joe has a stroke, the “wanderer” Colin, dropped everything to come home and take care of the newspaper for his adopted father. Little did Colin know, his father left power of attorney of everything including his precious newspaper to his new wife Corinne. Colin learns that not only is the newspaper in financial trouble, but Corinne has changed the newspaper dramatically, adding a couple columns that he considers “fluff-fest” while taking away the “hard news”. When Colin borrows money from an old friend of Joe’s, part of the deal is to get rid of the new columns and return the paper back to the “hard news”.
Rina is one of the new columnists for the new “fluff-fest” articles. Rina received a call one afternoon from Corinne asking her if she would be interested in moving to Ashford and working for the newspaper writing a column called “Hot Stuff”. Since Rina recently lost her husband, she decided to take the job and moved to Ashford.
Colin decides that since Corinne trusts Rina he would start getting closer to Rina in order to get her on his side of thinking so they could convince Corinne to change the newspaper back to the way it was.
While spending time together, both Rina and Colin start having feelings for each other. Something neither of them plan for. But when two good hearted people come together, a change is inedible.
This is another great story from Carly Phillips. This read has hot steamy scenes, heartbreaking scenes, and most importantly, its got Love, love on every page.
June 4, 2021
Simply Sexy is the next reissue in the Simply Series by Carly Phillips that is set around the holiday season.
Journalist Colin Lyons is brought back to his hometown when his adopted father, Joe, ends up in the hospital and the family newspaper needs to be turned around to keep it running. When Joe's wife, Corrine, is put in charge of the newspaper, she makes changes both to the print and online versions, which are wildly different than how the paper has always been causing advertisers to flee. If things keep going the direction they are, there won't be anything left.
Rina Lowell has come to Massachusetts from New York City when she needs a change and one of the things that sold her on the move was Corrine's vision of the newspaper. She loves the direction and she can't wait to get to work as the new advice columnist.
When Colin and Rina meet, there are sparks, but with Colin only in town for a short period of time and the fact he's trying to get the paper back to what it once was, he knows that Rina could lose her job if he's successful. Rina, needing to do "experiments" for her columns, feels like Colin is the right person for the job. Are they both going to be hurt in the end when Colin's mission is revealed? Will Colin also realize that this is home and he really should stay? Oh and let's not forget about Emma Montgomery; what role will she play?
Simply Sexy was a delightful read and one that you should definitely pick up.
Journalist Colin Lyons is brought back to his hometown when his adopted father, Joe, ends up in the hospital and the family newspaper needs to be turned around to keep it running. When Joe's wife, Corrine, is put in charge of the newspaper, she makes changes both to the print and online versions, which are wildly different than how the paper has always been causing advertisers to flee. If things keep going the direction they are, there won't be anything left.
Rina Lowell has come to Massachusetts from New York City when she needs a change and one of the things that sold her on the move was Corrine's vision of the newspaper. She loves the direction and she can't wait to get to work as the new advice columnist.
When Colin and Rina meet, there are sparks, but with Colin only in town for a short period of time and the fact he's trying to get the paper back to what it once was, he knows that Rina could lose her job if he's successful. Rina, needing to do "experiments" for her columns, feels like Colin is the right person for the job. Are they both going to be hurt in the end when Colin's mission is revealed? Will Colin also realize that this is home and he really should stay? Oh and let's not forget about Emma Montgomery; what role will she play?
Simply Sexy was a delightful read and one that you should definitely pick up.
June 14, 2021
Colin comes home to take care of the family newspaper after his father has a stroke and is recovering. Little does he know the new wife if his father has decided to change the format for the paper and make it into something new. Colin owes his ailing father everything, he took him in when he lost his real parents at a young age and taught Colin everything about the new business. He plans to take the paper back to it's roots and bail out the ailing paper to save his father.
What he's not prepared for is Rina Lowell and how she fits into all his plans.
Rina is new to the town and was hired by Corinne the new wife of Colin's ailing parent and is unaware of the trouble the paper is in financially. She's looking for a new start in life after the death of her husband and the life she had in NYC.
Enter Emma, matchmaker of Ashford, the town where Rina has moved and you get all the recipes for a fun new hot romance for Colin and Rina when they least expect it.
This is a fun wonderful book of healing hearts and learning new ways in life. You will enjoy Colin and Rina and of course you'll enjoy watching Emma in all her matchmaking ways, after all she has had success in the department with her grandchildren.
What he's not prepared for is Rina Lowell and how she fits into all his plans.
Rina is new to the town and was hired by Corinne the new wife of Colin's ailing parent and is unaware of the trouble the paper is in financially. She's looking for a new start in life after the death of her husband and the life she had in NYC.
Enter Emma, matchmaker of Ashford, the town where Rina has moved and you get all the recipes for a fun new hot romance for Colin and Rina when they least expect it.
This is a fun wonderful book of healing hearts and learning new ways in life. You will enjoy Colin and Rina and of course you'll enjoy watching Emma in all her matchmaking ways, after all she has had success in the department with her grandchildren.
Read
November 24, 2021Simply Sexy is the fourth book in Carly Philips's Simply series but can be read/listened to as a standalone.
Family drama, love, steam, secrets, unexpected twists, and of course, holiday cheer, are the most ingredients for this story.
While the story is only 5 hours, 59 minutes, the characters still feel like full people, probably because of the many relatable character treats and events in their lives.
The background story also was highly entertaining, and the characters added to the story.
Mia Madison narrated Simply Sexy. Her voice is soft and enjoyable.
When I started listening, I thought it sounded like she was "telling" the story rather than "being" the character, but the longer I listened, the more I liked her narration. The different voices she used for each character suited them, and she used them consistently.
I enjoyed listening to this story, it's a good storyline, lovable characters, and a good narration. Simply Sexy made me smile and brought me in the holiday mood.
If you need a break from your family during the holidays, I recommend listening to this entertaining and light holiday romance.
Family drama, love, steam, secrets, unexpected twists, and of course, holiday cheer, are the most ingredients for this story.
While the story is only 5 hours, 59 minutes, the characters still feel like full people, probably because of the many relatable character treats and events in their lives.
The background story also was highly entertaining, and the characters added to the story.
Mia Madison narrated Simply Sexy. Her voice is soft and enjoyable.
When I started listening, I thought it sounded like she was "telling" the story rather than "being" the character, but the longer I listened, the more I liked her narration. The different voices she used for each character suited them, and she used them consistently.
I enjoyed listening to this story, it's a good storyline, lovable characters, and a good narration. Simply Sexy made me smile and brought me in the holiday mood.
If you need a break from your family during the holidays, I recommend listening to this entertaining and light holiday romance.
June 15, 2021
Simply Sexy is The fifth book in the Simply series and it can be read as a standalone book. It is an updated version of the same story, with a new cover, originally published in 2002.
Colin is the adopted son of Joe, who runs a newspaper with his second wife. Joe is in the hospital and left the paper in his wife's hands. She is backing away from hard news and going to matchmaking and dating columns. Colin is back home to set things right before the paper fails.
Rina has hired on to do a series of stories on relationships for the newspaper. She is exploring what attracts the attention of a man and what holds that attention once you have it. Widowed and trying to find a direction forward, she is very proud of her job and determined to be successful at her new career.
Colin can't convince his Dad's new wife to move the paper back in the direction needs to go. He befriends Rina, hoping she can influence things. They become closer and, eventually, intimate. Rina still doesn't know that if Colin has his way, she will be without her new job.
Colin is the adopted son of Joe, who runs a newspaper with his second wife. Joe is in the hospital and left the paper in his wife's hands. She is backing away from hard news and going to matchmaking and dating columns. Colin is back home to set things right before the paper fails.
Rina has hired on to do a series of stories on relationships for the newspaper. She is exploring what attracts the attention of a man and what holds that attention once you have it. Widowed and trying to find a direction forward, she is very proud of her job and determined to be successful at her new career.
Colin can't convince his Dad's new wife to move the paper back in the direction needs to go. He befriends Rina, hoping she can influence things. They become closer and, eventually, intimate. Rina still doesn't know that if Colin has his way, she will be without her new job.
June 3, 2021
Colin and Rina are perfection together. Her research into what men want from women or more specifically how to attract and hold onto a man for her new article series can totally derail Colin. Colin is not one to usually stick around but his attraction to Rina is undeniable. I loved their chemistry from the first chapter. Rina is rediscovering herself after having lost herself in her first marriage. Her goals and dreams are now her own. Colin is trying to save the newspaper that his adopted father holds dear to his heart but that might come at the expense of Rina’s new found job. Rina’s new found confidence is inspiring. She knows what she wants and isn’t letting anything get the best of her. Colin is complicated. His history is one where he protects his heart from everyone. Rina has her work cut out for her but Colin is up for the challenge.
June 8, 2021
Rina Lowell is just starting and enjoying her new job at Ashford Times where she writes a series of columns that she calls "Hot Stuff". Her goal is to pin down exactly what men want.
Emma Montgomery is at her matchmaking schemes again when she maneuvers Rina and the prodigal son of Ashford's, Colin Lyons, under a sprig of mistletoe. Things take off from there.
When his adoptive father Joe falls ill Colin drops everything to fly home and take over Joe’s baby, the Ashford Times. When Colin discovers that the newspaper is veering away from hard news to sexy, smutty fluff he is determined to put a stop to it.
In order to save the newspaper from failing he needs Rina as an ally. Things take a different turn than he was expecting. Colin has unresolved issues that he needs to confront.
Emma Montgomery is at her matchmaking schemes again when she maneuvers Rina and the prodigal son of Ashford's, Colin Lyons, under a sprig of mistletoe. Things take off from there.
When his adoptive father Joe falls ill Colin drops everything to fly home and take over Joe’s baby, the Ashford Times. When Colin discovers that the newspaper is veering away from hard news to sexy, smutty fluff he is determined to put a stop to it.
In order to save the newspaper from failing he needs Rina as an ally. Things take a different turn than he was expecting. Colin has unresolved issues that he needs to confront.
June 8, 2021
Rina and Colin's story marks the end of an awesome series. And it's a very worthy ending, a fantastic conclusion, that's for sure.
Both protagonists have had to deal with losses in their lives and therefore suffer from trust issues. They both have to come to terms with their past and learn to let go of it in order to gain a future, each for themselves. Their way there is magnificently described and offers deep insights into the characters ...
The psychological aspects of the story are tied together with a sizzling hot attraction between both protagonists, and the reunion with characters from previous books in this series who have provided a giggle or two is just the cherry on top.
This is perhaps the best story in this series of great books. It touched me deeply on several levels and I had a hard time putting it down at all.
Both protagonists have had to deal with losses in their lives and therefore suffer from trust issues. They both have to come to terms with their past and learn to let go of it in order to gain a future, each for themselves. Their way there is magnificently described and offers deep insights into the characters ...
The psychological aspects of the story are tied together with a sizzling hot attraction between both protagonists, and the reunion with characters from previous books in this series who have provided a giggle or two is just the cherry on top.
This is perhaps the best story in this series of great books. It touched me deeply on several levels and I had a hard time putting it down at all.
June 20, 2021
Ever since the passing of her husband Rina has been trying to reclaim the woman she used to be and writing a column about men from a woman’s perspective seemed like the perfect start. Her attraction to Colin, the boss’s son, is both a blessing as it gives her fodder for her column but a curse as his agenda could destroy the new life she has been trying to create.
With his father being ill Colin doesn’t hesitate to return to his hometown to support the family business which is the town’s paper. His attraction to Rina is inconvenient as he is determined to ensure his father’s legacy remains viable even if that means that Rina’s job becomes collateral damage.
Mistletoe, a matchmaking co-worker and a chemistry that neither have experienced send Rina and Colin on a journey filled with love, romance and humor.
With his father being ill Colin doesn’t hesitate to return to his hometown to support the family business which is the town’s paper. His attraction to Rina is inconvenient as he is determined to ensure his father’s legacy remains viable even if that means that Rina’s job becomes collateral damage.
Mistletoe, a matchmaking co-worker and a chemistry that neither have experienced send Rina and Colin on a journey filled with love, romance and humor.
September 14, 2024
Colin & Rina: so I have to say that this book was the most boring out of the whole series. So Emma is up to her shenanigans again but this time she has a job at a newspaper writing a dating column for the elderly. Here we meet Colin, who's working to save the paper his adopted father owns and Rina, another journalist writing dating advice. Rina is recently widowed and trying to get back on the horse again with a hookup and Colin is just the man. Colin shies away from commitments especially since his wife left him. But he's definitely interested in hooking up with Rina. I didn't really feel a connection with these two characters and honestly I was more interested in Emma's love interest. I do have to say the small love scenes we got had some steam. It was nice to see characters from previous books and there's definitely some humor, I just didn't like this one. 🤷🏾♀️
February 22, 2018
Simply Sexy is number five and the last book in the Simply series by Carly Phillips. I was so happy to see funny, energetic, romantic, elderly Emma in all five books. This book brought the characters from ALL five books into this book. Colin Lyons returns home to run the newspaper, when his adopted father is in the hospital. His fathers second wife is not doing a good job. She hires two women to do romance series. Instead of local and national news. Emma is one doing a romance series for elderly people. Rina Lowell is hired to do a series on "What women want". How to get to a man. Rina does her seductive powers on Colin. It is sooo funny. A very good read. All five books are a good read.
June 22, 2021
Carly Phillips likes to mix up her characters . . . they range in age from young and falling in love for the first time to octogenarians who are either finding their second or third love or matchmaking to ensure that everyone has someone. And it’s fun 5o watch her characters tread through the machinations of her making!
In Simply Sexy, both main characters have had their first loves and neither believes they really need another. Emma Montgomery, the sweet octogenarian, however, puts her wiles to the test to see if she can’t mix things up a bit. When she gets finished with Rina Lowell and Colin Lyons, wait and see how the sparks fly!
This was a fun, light book that was a quick read and a bit predictable.
In Simply Sexy, both main characters have had their first loves and neither believes they really need another. Emma Montgomery, the sweet octogenarian, however, puts her wiles to the test to see if she can’t mix things up a bit. When she gets finished with Rina Lowell and Colin Lyons, wait and see how the sparks fly!
This was a fun, light book that was a quick read and a bit predictable.
May 31, 2021
Emma Montgomery is matchmaking again! Working as a columnist for a newspaper now, she decides to set up other columnist Rina with Colin - the owner’s son who is back to help run the paper while his dad recovers from a stroke. Colin is a drifter who runs from problems and is upset to find his dad left his second wife in charge instead of him and she has almost run the paper in the ground.
The romance is good, but Colin’s running away and secret keeping got old. Rina was almost too understanding at times, but all in all a good story. I like that Emma got a little romance too.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
The romance is good, but Colin’s running away and secret keeping got old. Rina was almost too understanding at times, but all in all a good story. I like that Emma got a little romance too.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
June 18, 2021
Journalist Colin Lyons returns home to help his family’s newspaper when Joe, his adopted father, is hospitalized with a stroke. He soon realizes that Joes wife has introduced some new columns which are taking the space of hard core news and might need to be removed if the paper is to be saved.
One of the columns is written by Rina, and there is some intense attraction between Colin and Rina. But how can he give into the attraction, knowing that he might have to axe her column soon.
Simply sexy is a cute with a wonderful storyline. It’s an easy read, a book you can relax with. Also enjoyed catching up with Logan and Cat from previous book.
One of the columns is written by Rina, and there is some intense attraction between Colin and Rina. But how can he give into the attraction, knowing that he might have to axe her column soon.
Simply sexy is a cute with a wonderful storyline. It’s an easy read, a book you can relax with. Also enjoyed catching up with Logan and Cat from previous book.
June 22, 2021
I enjoyed reading Simply Sexy . The story is well written and the characters are wonderful , especially Emma Montgomery the matchmaker . Colin Lyons drops everything and flys home when his adopted father becomes ill . He takes over the paper . He wants to make it what it use to be . He thinks he will have Rina Lowell help him .
He never thought he might fall in love and complicate it all . This story is great . Colin and Rina are fantastic . It is full of Romance and well meaning matchmaking . I highly recommend reading .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He never thought he might fall in love and complicate it all . This story is great . Colin and Rina are fantastic . It is full of Romance and well meaning matchmaking . I highly recommend reading .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2021
Simply Sexy (Simply #5) by Carly Phillips
I just love this series!!! This is Colin and Rina's story and of course Emma is a big part of this one too.
We have all the angst (Rina finding herself and Colin finding his place) there is lots of laughter, some tears, misunderstandings, secrets, catching up with family and plenty of steam to get us to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Page-turner Tear-jerker Happily Ever After Great world building Unpredictable Romantic Steamy Action-packed Funny Entertaining Easy-to-read
I just love this series!!! This is Colin and Rina's story and of course Emma is a big part of this one too.
We have all the angst (Rina finding herself and Colin finding his place) there is lots of laughter, some tears, misunderstandings, secrets, catching up with family and plenty of steam to get us to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Page-turner Tear-jerker Happily Ever After Great world building Unpredictable Romantic Steamy Action-packed Funny Entertaining Easy-to-read
June 19, 2021
Book four concludes this series. Emma Montgomery continues to be an exceptional matchmaker. For Rina and Colin, fear of loss seems to be a good reason to stay away from deep emotions and love. A short term fling over the holidays sounds enjoyable. Emma has other plans for them and makes sure they accidentally spend time together. Their strong chemistry and companionship help build a foundation, but the question is just how solid is that foundation. A steamy, fun, and sometimes emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
This is Book 4 in the Simply Series by this author. It is a heartfelt romance between reporters, Rina and Colin. These likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. It is a sweet love story with some drama, humor, steam, family dynamic, twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A quick read with a happy ending. It can be read as a standalone but you enhance your reading pleasure if you read the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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