Challenge Corner discussion

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go.

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

Up to Chapter 13
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She seems quite independent and I get the whole not having anything saved. Its quite difficult nowadays to make savings.
I thought her parents were quite over bearing wonder how they'll take her falling for a non Italian.
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Up to Chapter 20
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I love little Franny, shes certainly a character I wonder if she'll get her own book in a spin off or something.
So the author is painting an only fans situation. I feel its more socially acceptable to do that now but I wouldn't be able to stomach the thought of people seeing me like that. Even if its anonymous its so easy for things to leave the Internet and into real life. Scary really. I'm curious how this is going to wrap up.
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Up to Chapter 25
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I still think this will end in tears. Its funny shes so commitment shy and Ryan is going to prove her right and freak out when she tells him what shes doing on the side. Can see it coming.
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Up to Chapter 30
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I don't like Elsa, shes going to blow this up for her when she doesn't get as big as Ashlynn or Salena. I hope her parent's don't find out.
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Finished
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I liked this. I do have a friend who does pole dancing and silks shes invited me to go but I'm not that body confident and I'm quite lazy in truth.
This romance was quite interesting. He breaks her walls down nicely and I was quite pleased with how he acted when he found out about the videos and pictures. I was a bit surprised Elsa wasn't the one to mess it up for her but was rather someone else at the restaurant. What a shame but good Elsa didn't hurt her.
I find this authors book are always easy to read for me. They're simple in a good way, not over loaded with tropes or too much smut.
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Up to Chap 17
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Wow! Her parents are something else! I’m laughing at how she’s telling her sister that if her marriage breaks up maybe she can talk the parents into moving there!

She is so afraid of a commitment that I think she just has really short relationships. Hopefully he can change her mind. And what will he think of her side job? (hide spoiler)]

Her parents
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Her parents are the most over bearing I have read in a while. They weren't that likable.
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Her parents
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I agree. They aren't likable at all! I can't wait to find out if she decides not to be part of their life.
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Up to Chap 20
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What she's doing to make extra money is really scary to me. Especially how things are in the world now. Everything seems to get leaked...

And things are now going so well with Ryan.
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Up to Chap 25
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I’m sure Ryan is going to have a really hard time with what she is doing. Obviously, he’ll forgive her for not telling him the truth in the end but I think it’s going to be tough for him (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chap 30
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I don’t like Elsa either. I’m afraid she’s going to out them both and mess this up for them. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
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Wow! I was so surprised that Ryan didn't get really upset with Salena when the employee announced her secret at the family dinner. I was so glad it wasn't Elsa that told everyone.

I really enjoyed this entire story. So great to read one like this in between my darker reads.
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Up to Chapter 5
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I was quite hoping it was a small cruise for older single people but it sounds like a all ages single cruise which doesn't scream Mari's style at all.
I hope James gets up the courage to speak to her! He seems like a workaholic.
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Up to Chap 5
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I think Mari & James will find one another just because it doesn't seem like there are a lot of older people on this cruise. Can't wait to find out what happens! (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chap 13
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Even though this is moving slowly, I am enjoying Mari and James. I wondered how they would be able to spend more time together without Rosa and what a perfect excuse. A stomach bug. Hopefully that’s all it is and not something more serious. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 13
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I quite like that its slow paced. Its like they're finding their footings with each other. Its I guess going to be a short timeline for them getting together but the pacing feels OK.
Yeah poor Rosa, hopefully she gets better I was hoping she'd get some happiness also.
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Megan wrote: "Up to Chapter 13

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It does seem more realistic especially that they are an older couple. I hope Rosa finds her happiness too. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 21
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That family moment between James his ex wife and the girls was so sweet. I'm glad thats a happy situation.
Its a shame Luca is being a little selfish. I don't know if he means to be but does see a bit like that.
I was also giggling at James's daughters knowing something was going on they're clever!
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Finished
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This was my favourite of the series. I didn't go into this expecting to enjoy it so much but I loved the pace of this and them being older helped actually. I wish we'd seen Rosa get her happy ending I wonder if shes in any other series somehow.
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Up to Chap 21
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I love that James and his ex wife share special moments together with their girls. It’s so great that they did that.
And Luca! Why don’t you want to mother to have some happiness. My mother was a widow in her 50’s and I would have loved if she had found someone again.
James’ daughters cracked me up and I was so glad that Mari didn’t deny anything. I could see how they came to the conclusion that Mari was married. They were acting like it sneaking around! lol (hide spoiler)]

Finished
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I liked this one but it wasn't my favorite. I think my favorite was Ryan & Salena's book. I think part of my not loving this one as much was because Mari always seemed so uptight to me. Maybe because neither my mother or myself were that way. I did enjoy and did love how Mari reacted when his girls confronted her though. And when Ellie finally realized that her dad was right about Trevor.

This was a 3 star read for me. (hide spoiler)]