From New York Times Bestseller, Kendall Ryan, comes a sexy new standalone novel.
My tempting, and very alpha friend Sterling Quinn is someone I consider off-limits.
It's not just that we're friends, he's also cocky, confident, and British, which means he's a walking aphrodisiac.
But lately he's been giving me the look. You know the one. When he thinks I'm not paying attention, and his gaze lingers for too long.
And then we start working together, and that's when the sexual tension between us gets so thick, I want to hack through it with a machete. I want to make all these deep feelings I've harbored for him disappear, because there's no way this can end well.
The lines between business and pleasure become irrevocably blurred, and I'm stuck between a rock, and Sterling's very, very hard place.
Rather than keep a level head about our growing attraction, Sterling wants to go all in, showing me just how explosive we can be together.
But I've been around long enough to know that this British bad boy is more than my heart can handle. I'm not about to be cast aside like yesterday's underwear when he's done having fun.
Sterling’s never been told no, and he's not about to put his ego aside and play by my rules. But I never thought he'd fight so dirty.
I twist the doorknob, and finding it unlocked, let myself inside.
Sterling’s place is compact, but modern and classy. It suits him. After a quick glance around the living space, I spot him on the balcony outside, just beyond the glass doors at the far end of the living room. He’s facing away from me, his hands gripping the railing, his head bowed.My smile from moments ago is gone. Seeing him like this—looking distraught—brings the reality of our situation crashing back.
I swallow a lump in my throat, wondering what’s going on.
“Sterling?” I ask, slowly approaching the balcony.
It’s beautiful—plush pillows and twinkling lights, and a chilled bottle of white wine all nestled together in a romantic picnic for two.
He lets out a heavy sigh and runs one hand through his hair.
“This is beautiful,” I say since he hasn’t spoken, hasn’t even moved from the spot where he’s rooted, and his stony silence is killing me. “Are you okay?”
“Just fine,” he says curtly, his gaze looking past me.
He doesn’t seem fine. He seems off. Why go through all the effort if he’s just going to act sullen and withdrawn?
And what could have possibly changed in the twenty-four hours since we last spoke on the phone? He seemed so excited—like he hadn’t a care in the world. Now it seems he doesn’t want me here.
“If this is a bad time, if tonight doesn’t work . . .” I trail off, my voice suddenly shaky.“The meal’s already prepared.” He brushes past me, headed toward the kitchen.
Unsure what to do, I follow behind him.
He’s acting like an asshole, and I suddenly feel so stupid for getting all done up tonight. I’m not going to stand around and embarrass myself by begging for his attention.
“You know what? Never mind. This was a bad idea, anyway. I’ll see myself out.” I turn and head for the front door, anger and rejection dueling inside me.
It takes all of three seconds before Sterling’s long strides catch him up to me by the door. His grip around my wrist stops me. “Wait.”
I turn and face him. I’m halfway between wanting to flee and staying to hear his explanation.
He releases a heavy exhale. “I received a phone call just before you arrived.”With him so near, the combination of his clean soap and his spicy cologne intoxicates me. Memories of our intimate dinner rush back. But apparently tonight is not meant to be a repeat. Waiting to see what he’ll say next, I inhale and hold my breath.
When he doesn’t continue, I ask, “Is everything okay?”
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5 British Swoony Stars
The Fix Up is a standalone and is a spin-off from the Hitched series. I mega loved Hitched, so I was tickled with delight when I realized there would be Sterling’s book. I love a British Hero and Sterling lived up to all of my European expectations.
The Fix Up is a standalone and is a spin-off from the Hitched series. I mega loved Hitched, so I was tickled with delight when I realized there would be Sterling’s book. I love a British Hero and Sterling lived up to all of my European expectations.
“He is my everything. My unrequited crush. The source of my desire. He’s the thing my fantasies are made of.”
“Sterling makes me wish that happily-ever-afters weren’t just for fairy tales. Because to me, he is perfection.”
“All that cocky British swagger wrapped up in one delicious package is hot enough to make panties melt.”
Camryn isn’t opposed to Sterling’s charm. Who wouldn’t? Sterling is successful, charismatic and a complete sweetheart! He’s a mama’s boy and that is a turn-on my friend. However Camryn doesn’t want her heart crushed so she is keeping her heart as far away from the British heartthrob as possible.
I would consider this romance a work-colleague to lovers read. Camryn and Sterling work together and the chemistry between the two is adorable and the banter fun. I really liked the relationship they have and the mild tension.
Camryn is strong, a hard worker and somewhat guarded and I loved that. I loved that she has a saucy mouth on her and kind of keeps Sterling on his toes.
I really liked all the cute British slang Sterling used, it kept the writing authentic. I also loved how sweet Sterling is and you kind of just want to snuggle up with him and spend a lazy day in bed with the hunk.
Overall, I love Kendall Ryan books because she always delivers. Her books are light, happy and super steamy. She always creates intriguing storylines and likeable characters. Each books and each series she writes are always different.
An ARC was provided
EXCERPT:
“Hey, Camryn. Did I forget something at your office?” he asks.
“No, I just . . . I had some questions for you about tomorrow.”
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, when you said hang out, what did you mean?”
Anna’s hand flies over her mouth and her eyes widen.
No sense in beating around the bush.
I can almost hear the smile in Sterling’s voice when he replies. “What do you want it to mean?”
Straightening my shoulders, I sit up taller in my chair. “Oh no, you don’t, mister. Before I agree to spend time with you, there are a few things I need to know.”
“Go for it.”
“How many women have you slept with?”
“Pardon?” Sterling coughs.
Anna is on her feet, making slashing motions across her throat with her hand.
“Your number. What is it?” My tone is calm, controlled. I’m actually enjoying this.
“Is that information you need as my publicist, or as the woman I’ve asked to hang out?”
“Just answer the question, Sterling. Or can you not count that high?”
He lets out a sigh, so brief I barely heard it. For a second, I’m sure he’s going to dodge the question. “Enough to know what I’m doing. Not enough to make me a total fucking wanker.”
I laugh, despite myself. It’s actually a good response.
“Let me make this clear for you. I like you, Camryn. We’re both adults, and there’s no reason why we can’t hang out and enjoy each other’s company without it turning weird.”
What the hell does that mean? I’m more confused now than before. Maybe this is his last hurrah before becoming a married man.
“I’m not quite sure what to say.”
“We have fun together. Let’s keep it casual and fun; we both deserve that.”
The man has a point.
“But you’re about to be married,” I say.
“Not tomorrow. Not the next day.”
“But soon.”
He exhales. “Yes, and that’s kind of stressing me the fuck out, so I could use a little downtime with someone who gets me.”
I swallow.
“Say yes,” he murmurs.
“Sterling . . .”
“I would never hurt you,” he adds softly.
“Fine, but I’m not having sex with you.”
Anna is now lying on the floor of my office, her face scrunched up in agony, her head in her hands.
“We’ll see,” he says.
A girly bubble of laughter escapes my lips, and I clamp a hand over my mouth. I want to bitch-slap myself for that outburst. But Sterling only seems amused.
Imperfect Love SERIES
Hitched: Volume #1 AMAZON
Hitched: Volume #2 AMAZON
Alphas Undone Series
Bait and Switch #1
Screwed Series
Monster Prick AMAZON
Sinfully Mine #2 - REVIEW
Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.
She's a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
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