The competition's heating up. You might even say it's about to get . . . red hot.
When my father died, I lost a hero and a role model—and inherited a floundering furniture company.
So I do what any dutiful (and slightly guilt-ridden) daughter would do—I leave behind my burgeoning fashion label and come home to Chicago to sit at the helm of Bailey Living, the company my father spent his life building.
But righting a sinking ship is hard work, so when I meet an unbelievably hot guy at an industry party, it seems like a perfect (and perfectly innocent) way to let off a little steam.
It's supposed to be a one-night stand. Simple, uncomplicated, completely forgettable.
Except nothing about Luke or the night we spend together is even remotely forgettable. It’s unbelievable, is what it is. The kind of night you want to stop strangers on the street to rave about. You know, if that didn’t make you seem completely crazy.
That’s why I’m convinced I must be hallucinating when I see him sitting across the boardroom table from me a few days later. Surely this is some kind of pleasure-induced delusion.
But it isn’t.
It turns out Luke isn’t just the guy with the magic fingers and the magic tongue and the magic . . . wand. He’s Luke Whittaker, and he happens to be the head of Bailey Living’s biggest competitor.
Which makes him my number one rival.
The one man I can’t have . . . is the one man I can’t forget.
And the look Luke's giving me from across the table right now is one I can't forget either. Something tells me that man isn't going to mind giving me some stiff competition . . .
Cat Carmine writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy. She also happens to like drinking wine, eating cake, buying too many books, and snuggling with her elderly cocker spaniel (oh, and her husband too.) She loves — and writes — books with sweet and sarcastic heroines and strong, sexy heroes who like a little bark with their bite. She thinks witty banter is the best kind of foreplay, and she tries to infuse all her stories with heart, humor and heat.
Red Hot Rival is my first read by Miss Carmine. It is a sexy book. With a lot of sexy times and lively banter between Luke and Bree. It is also a story of finding courage and breaks out from one shell, especially for Bree's character.
I do like the dynamic between Bree and Luke. Especially their sexy times. The plot is pretty common and I wish there is more drama.
Just once I'd like to read a contemporary romance where the heroine isn't lead around by her clitoris. Does no one have self-respect anymore? Yeah, I can understand having desire and wanting to do something crazy--just once--but how come none of these women take a step back, think about the consequences, and force their goddamn pussies to be behave?
That said...
This book was a lot like the first one in the series. Sexy businessman has hot encounter, gets all cock-drunk on the mystery lady, then, when he meets her again--despite being grown ups with responsibilities outside their damn pants--can't seem to keep their hands off each other. I wanted to see Bree make Luke work for it! All he had to do to get her to fold in half and present her ass was a few touches. If that is how easy American women are becoming, there's no way we would survive an invasion from Scotland or France (sexy men in kilts and sexy Frenchmen would have the whole female population of the US orgasming instead of organizing preemptive attacks).
I read this book, it entertained and angered me. I might read another Cat Carmine book.
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This was such a great book - my favorite in the series. It has just enough character development, conflict and sexy scenes - perfectly paced. I really liked Luke and Bree and their conflict and struggle was believable - CEO's from competing companies. This could be a standalone, but the characters from the previous two books are in this as a continuation. I will read this again - very, very good.
FYI - I bought this book in a different edition so I didn't even realize there was this cover. I get super embarrassed by these covers on my Kindle as I have family sharing, but they are nice to look at.
Received an ARC by author for a fair review.. Let me tell you that I enjoyed the story. It was really cute. I really wish that I could really have my own Luke, because he sounded Hot!! I also loved the fact that Bree, was not a size 2, but that it was mentioned that she was curvy and she was even a little insecure about her body but that to Luke it was perfect. They did have some stumbling blocks that they had to deal with, and I have to say that I wanted to knock out Luke, very briefly because he realized his error fairly quickly. Now I hate reviews that they literally write a book, so my friends I just implore you to grab it, it will entertain you. Enjoy!
While Trent is on leave from the family’s home furnishings company, Luke is filling in as CEO. As the designer and craftsman for the company’s furniture line, he’s much more comfortable in flannel and jeans in his workshop, rather than at the office or the dreadful requisite social gatherings. If not for the gorgeous redhead in the beautiful green dress, he’d already be headed out the door of the event he’s attending. Instead, he rescues her from the clutches of a lecherous old fellow and ends up taking her home. But after an unforgettable night, he finds out she’s the new head of Bailey Living, his company’s biggest competition. And now they’re forced to work together for a hospital fundraiser, but they can keep things strictly professional from here on out. Right?
Cat Carmine has fast become a favorite author of mine, with her light-hearted, witty style, her larger-than-life-life characters, her finely crafted plots and her attention to accurate details. The amount of time and research she puts into her stories is readily apparent, but she smoothly utilizes the information to beautifully support the story and move it forward. It seems like I waited forever to finally get my hands on the advance copy of this third Whittaker brother’s story and, I confess, I was already a little in love with him from Bigshot Boss and Filthy Fiancé. As I’ve read each of the brothers’ stories, each new brother has become my new favorite, which is an indication of quality writing and the author’s skills growing with each subsequent work. And let me tell you, Luke did not disappoint! Luke and Bree are perfect together (once they sorted things out) with a story full of heat, humor and heart that is was well worth reading!
Cat Carmine is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I've really enjoyed the books in this series, but this one was the best, in my opinion.
Luke is the lumberjack of a man we met in previous books - the brains behind the designs of his family's furniture business. He's acting CEO now that Trent is out on paternity leave, but it's not exactly the most comfortable position for him since he'd rather be working with his hands than sitting in a board room.
Bree has taken over her father's furniture company after his death. But before that, she was a fashion designer and co-owner of a successful clothing business in France. Running her father's company isn't exactly what she wants to do with her life, but she feels like she owes her dad to not let the company go under.
These two (unknowing) rivals hook up at an industry party and then discover that they own competing companies. Oops...but that doesn't stop them from continuing their relationship. Things really heat up between them and it's so sweet seeing how much they adore one another. But there's no doubt that the tension is still lurking there and about to explode when their relationship comes to light.
Of course, there wouldn't have been an issue had Bree just opened what she was supposed to. But then where would the angst come from? They do get their HEA and it's sweet.
Red hair and rivalry are right up there together. Who would have imagined that the one woman who would make me think twice about her was my rival. One night stands were my specialty, but she was one I couldn't forget. Instant chemistry and unknown last names make for interesting - the day afters. Such a fun book to read. I laughed a lot and I even shed a tear - but in all - a great book that you will want to read. It's got it all - alpha men, red hot sexy women and chemistry that's off the charts. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Bree 's a clothing designer but is not back in Chicago running her dad's furniture design company since he passed away a month before. Luke is taking over the CEO's duty for his brother who us on leave from the company. They wind up meeting each other at a gala but neither one knows that they are rivals.
Bree goes to Luke's house and they spend the night together. They get into a conversation that brings up the look of Luke's furniture and she tells him it looks like the toe of stuff that hid company makes because it is. She asks him why he doesn't have any Bailey furniture and he tells her that the designs look go for people in their 80's
Bree and Luke meet again under professional circumstances where they are both asked to decorate houses that will be going up for auction at this years Trinity fundraiser.
Bree and Luke keep running into each other and it always end with. them together. Bree and Luke know it's a bad thing to be caught together since they are rivals and also because Luke's company is going to go public and it doesn't do anything but make him look like a playboy who is irresponsible.
Bree and Luke are getting closer she goes to see a workshop he is doing with the bloggers she hears him telling them about how he made the prototype for their furniture.
Luke and Bree get caught kissing and one of the bloggers put it on the internet. Luke was suppose to be on the straight and narrow until they get their IPO. Bree and Luke had another home photograph with the bloggers. Luke is extremely cold to her through the party making a uncaring statement to the journalists. Bree has had it and the first chance to get away she left in a cab.
Bree and Luke keep running into each other but it seems Luke is getting more distant. Will the tension break, will Luke and Trents business go IPO, will Bree leave to go back to her company in Paris?
Guess you will have to read this very hot Sexy book to find out
I received an Advance Reader Copy for Red Hot Rival written by Cat Carmine and voluntarily reviewed this book. Bree Bailey was willed her father's furniture business, Bailey Living and has been running it for one month now in secret. She is still reeling with having to leave her own full-time business in Paris designing her own clothing line. She meets Luke at a big fundraiser, ditching it to have "one perfect night" together and then walked away from all further temptation because she has to hold firm in order to do right and honor her dad's legacy.
When Luke Whittaker stepped in to hold the fort at Loft & Barn while his brother Trent was on paternity leave, he thought it would be a breeze. It didn't take long before he realized that there was so much more involved, including social events and meetings galore. It was during one of these meetings that he comes face to face with the girl he just can’t seem to forget, just days after she left him. When they find out they are going to be working together to benefit a worthy charity, will they be able to keep to their promises to themselves and to their loved ones? But as they slowly get to know each other, they find that they have much more in common than they thought, and things are really good when they are together. Is it enough, though, when it is business taboo for them to be seen having a relationship?
Written very flirty, charming, sexy, real. Great HEA! Really enjoyed this story and look forward to more!
This was a fun book. A great conclusion to the trilogy. It was steamy and had those office elements everyone loves with all the sexual tension.
Luke Whittaker is taking over the CEO role for about 6 months while Trent and Hannah are taking care of their newborn baby. So Luke has to go to all these events and fundraisers. And this is where he meets Bree Bailey. Bree has recently moved back from Paris because her father has passed and she now has to take the reigns as CEO of Bailey Living. Except her father’s company is floundering and she has no idea about furniture only fashion. She meets Luke at a fundraiser and after one hot night and not really knowing who he is, she can’t seem to say no to him. After they do find out why they shouldn’t be together, they still can’t stay away. So when Trent tries to take the company public and finds out Luke is sleeping with the competition things get hairy for a bit.
We all know this ends well, I mean cmon. But it was a fun story to read and the Whittaker brothers have all gotten engaged naked it seems. Life goals I guess. Haha. Easy reading.
Ah, this was a good read. Not too heavy and packed with pining, fluff and some of the good stuff. Standard bad boy playuh and standard good(?) girl fall in lust to love.
Bree is back in the country where she has no family, no friends and a little out of her depth trying to run her late father's business. She's still grieving and all alone. I think we can cut her some slack if she does pine a little after Lucas, despite the risks for her business. Her heart is not in it and she is vulnerable and HUMAN. We can forgive her that.
Lucas was a little confusing. Good guy, yes, but I just didnt see the womaniser-playing the field side. We've only got his word for it. I think thats a good thing but I just found that side of him unconvincing.
Their relationship was hottttttt. There is however a time when they can't be together but their reunion is *sizzle* fire.
I felt that some of the characters were a little flat and meh... For example, Tomas and Kelsey. I haven't read the other books in this series. Might give them a go.
A very well written story about Bree and Luke that both are heads of their familys furniture companies. I like the writing style. It is a different. The story line and plot is amazing. The story is witty, emotional and heartbreaking. It has twists and turns that are unsuspected which only adds more to the story. This is another book about the Whitaker brothers and I like that it can be read as a standalone or as a sequel. You get updates on characters from the previous and that is amazing. The story flows well and the characters are well described and developed. They are made relatable and believable. The chemistry and hot scenes are nicely written and the authors use of words and writing style makes the story realistic. The story made me laugh, sigh and that it is written in dual POV also gives the reader the thoughts and feelings of both main characters, which gives the story the last push towards the 5-star review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Fashion designer Bree Bailey becomes the reluctant CEO of Bailey Living after her father dies and leaves the company to her. Bree is having a terrible time a party until the handsome Luke saves her from a perv. Furniture designer Luke Whittaker is the reluctant acting CEO of Loft & Barn when his brother Trent takes a 6 month paternity leave. Luke takes the beautiful Bree home for some fun but one night isn't enough. Too bad Bree thinks they should just leave it at one night. When Bree and Luke meet again, they can't keep their hands off each other, even when they find out their companies are rivals. Which shouldn't really be a big deal, except that Loft & Barn is in the process of filing for an IPO and any hint of a scandal has the potential of scuttling the IPO. Do Bree and Luke have a chance at something more?
Cat Carmine delivers a funny, sweet and steamy story that's a page turner
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
I received an ARC but I would gladly have paid for this book. I'm so thankful I got to read it before its release date. Cat Carmine has been a newly discovered writer for me. I have pretty high standards for a one-click, but she has passed that test easily. This book continues the story of the Whitaker brothers, whom I loved in Bigshot Boss. Both main characters were artsy people who had to step into worlds they didn't feel completely comfortable in because of love for their family. They were really well-matched. The book had a great flow and the characters were believable. It was also great to see characters from other books connected. This book has just enough conflict to be authentic and great love scenes too. I like that Bree wasn't a stick figure, too and designed clothes for plus sizes.
Luke and Bree's romance was the perfect combo of laugh out loud humor with hot as hell love scenes. Luke and Bree met at a business event, make a instant sexual connection which they take to his hotel room, all without exchanging last names. Later they meet again and find out not only each other's last name but they are rivals in competing furniture production companies. There were so many delightful layers to their adventure. I really enjoyed reading this steamy romantic comedy.
This is the third "Whitaker Brothers" book I have read by Cat Carmine. I have added her to my favorite author list. I loved all of the brothers' romances (all standalone books) but enjoyed how they were included in each others stories. I was gifted with an advance copy but the book was so good I also purchased a copy.
While his brother Trent is on parental leave, Luke, the creative one of the duo, needs to act as the CEO. While at an event, he meets Bree and is instantly attracted to her. After a night together, he's resolved to the fact that they're never going to meet again. That is until he realizes that Bree is the new CEO of their biggest rivals and they're forced to collaborate for a fundraiser.
Luke and Bree's creative sides were super cool to learn about and I loved the insight into Luke's workshop. I felt like Luke didn't have it easy at the end which I liked, because most men only need to apologize and everything is forgotten in those books. I really want a book with Allie, Sloan and Rori! I also really loved that the epilogue was centered around a career milestone instead of a personal one.
What a fantastic a fun read from Cat Carmine! Luke and Bree are two creative people stuck in business roles that they didn't choose for themselves but are making the most of. This has some twists and turns, a few shocks and a lot of steaming hot passion!! A truly great read that is not to be missed! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Hero, Luke = 5/5 Heroine, Bree = 5/5 Chemistry = 5/5 Sex = 5/5 Plot = 4/5 Mystery = 1/5 Action = 1/5 Darkness = 1/5 Humor = 2/5 POV = dual Would I recommend this book = yes Would I re-read this book = yes Would I read future books by this author = yes
This is my voluntary review of an ARC I received. OMG I loved this fantastic book from an author I have never read before, but hey I certainly will be doing from now on. I could not put this beautiful, sexy, sweet romance down. It was funny, sweet, sad, and oh so sexy and I certainly highly recommend this novel as a must read. Luke and Bree could not keep their hands off each other from the start even though they both New it would be bad for both their companies they owned. I must make sure I do not put my earrings on any where near a toilet. Thank you so much Cat for a fantastic perfect read.
Bree is in Chicago to run her father's company due to his passing. Luke is co-owner of her rival company. Luke and Bree met at a magazine party, one thing leads to another and they have an unforgettable night of hot sex. Neither expecting to ever see each other again but we all know destiny has plans of it's own. How will they react when they find out they are rival companies yet they still want to be together. Cat Carmine thank you for giving us Luke's story, I love that he got his HEA too. This sexy, well written, entertaining story if full of drama, angst, humor, passion and well developed characters. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I enjoyed this book immensely! It has everything......a very sexy romance between extremely likeable people. Great family connections that warm your heart. I have read all three books in this series and loved each one of them! One of the nicest things is that the main characters in each book appear in the following books of the series giving you a very nice and welcome update of their lives! I felt liking throughout the book for the whole story and all the characters and the ending was truly moving and beautiful.........I can't wait to read other books by Cat Carmine.
I can't go on with this book. Despite liking the previous two, this one feels very similar to the first. Plus, not even halfway in the book and they are already all over each other and start to say "omg he/she is so different from other people". I'm sorry, but it's unrealistic and boring. And I haven't even heard a mention of the second brother, Jace. Only Trent. I feel like the author thought about two books at first and then added the 3rd brother. Unless Luke mentions him later. I don't know. The only thing I know is that I am not feeling this at all and it's been 10 days since I've started it and I am not in the mood nor the desire to finish it. Maybe someday, but not today.
Like the previous books you are hooked from the start. Luke and Bree meet not knowing who each other are as they agree not to discuss work and only give their first names. Their attraction and chemistry is red hot but after discovering they are business rivals they unsuccessfully try to play it cool. If their relationship is discovered it would have devastating consequences. Trent is once again dealing with his brother's mistake and subsequent damage to the future of their company whilst trying to support his wife during his paternity leave as CEO. Could Luke be the second brother Trent fires?
A delightful read! Cat Carmine whipped up a heady little romance with a great storyline; awesome characters who make you feel like you’re right there in the thick of things with them; enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing...and a marvelous HEA. My only knock is that the story bogged down in the beginning—and it was a struggle to read through until the storyline kicked up a notch. It’s a really good read and I urge you to give it s chance. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and enjoyed it.) 👍👍
Cat Carmine has written a perfect contemporary romance! I loved these characters, they are good people who are trying to do the best they can. Luke and Bree are rivals, but they're never enemies and that keeps this love story from falling into the "enemies to lovers" rut that so many others are writing right now. It's a refreshing, romantic read with unbelievably steamy scenes mixed with witty banter. This a new author for me- one I will be following closely! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Loved reading this story. Sad to see the Whittaker brother's stories come to an end. Luke is the last brother and the one that creates the designs they sell. Bree is the new CEO of their competition, but that doesn't seem to bother either of them much. They just can't seem to keep their hands off of each other. Will Luke cause his company to go under by loving Bree? Will Bree be able to get back to fashion without letting her deseased father down? I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I absolutely LOVE the cover for this one! This is the first book I've had the opportunity to read by Ms. Carmine and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, that I want to go back and read the first book about Luke's brother, Trent and how he and Hannah got together. I really love that this is a big, full length book. Well worth the time and money.
Favorite quote: "Walk of shame? More like cab ride of satisfaction."
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
This is a wonderful contemporary romance that's well written and has a good plot. As soon as we're introduced to the characters of Bree & Luke it seems they might be a good match. And they really are great together. Bree & Luke have great chemistry and sparks fly when they're together. It has enough steamy scenes for those who like that and enough romance for the others. Family and friendships make this picture perfect. And the end was very good and very sweet. I really enjoyed reading this book and can definitely recommend it.
Loved reading this story. Sad to see the Whittaker brother's stories come to an end. Luke is the last brother and the one that creates the designs they sell. Bree is the new CEO of their competition, but that doesn't seem to bother either of them much. They just can't seem to keep their hands off of each other. Will Luke cause his company to go under by loving Bree? Will Bree be able to get back to fashion without letting her deceased father down? I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.