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Surrender #1
Surrender
Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo takes what he wants with no regrets. Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow has led a charmed life until tragedy strikes her family. He’s looking for a no-emotions attached mistress, she’s looking for redemption.
They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.
Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.
Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?
They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.
Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.
Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2013
About the author
Melody Anne
141 books5,022 followersNobody likes sexy men, sassy heroines, and emotionally charged books, right? WRONG! We all want to feel extraordinary when we read, and that's exactly what you'll get when you pick up a Melody Anne book. She has the feel-good stories of a damsel in distress with prince charming riding in to save the day . . . and she also has emotionally charged books that take you through a journey of emotion as you try to figure out if you love or hate the characters as they find themselves. What you get at the end of every Melody Anne book is a resolution that has you begging for more.
Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.
See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.
Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.
See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 857 reviews
August 11, 2016
Let me start off by saying that this book was not awful. Was it good enough to want to read (and pay for) the other three books in the series? Probably not.
Here's the hard truth of why I picked it up:
1. I've talked to people who said it was a decent series (and I give into book-related peer pressure)
2. It was FREE on iBooks
3. I keep seeing quotes from the series on Pintrest & Tumblr
4. The author's books are all over the best seller charts
The Good Stuff:
* It was free on iBooks.
* It was a short and fast read.
* The dual Point of View aspect. Rafe was more interesting than Ari; the book would have dissolved into nothing without his POV.
* Rafe's Dialogue = Sexy one liners. If we printed off a little pocket book full of the spicy things he says to Aria in this book alone, guys could use it as refrence material to seduce women.
* The
The Lame Stuff:
* The whole "billionaire looking for an innocent girl for sex because he doesn't do emotional relationships" formula. It seems to be the standard format for the modern romance. That's perfectly fine, I'm just not sure that there was anything unique about this version.
* Aria's personality in general. I spent most of the book rolling my eyes at her - she feels guilty about the situation with her mother, I get that. However, I can't enjoy a character who professes to be proud and independent while
* I know I've said it before, but can we please, please stop calling these books BDSM erotica? Go read Story of O or The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty then come back and tell how two scenes where wrists were bound possibly quallifes this as a BDSM sexual relationship.
Here's the hard truth of why I picked it up:
1. I've talked to people who said it was a decent series (and I give into book-related peer pressure)
2. It was FREE on iBooks
3. I keep seeing quotes from the series on Pintrest & Tumblr
4. The author's books are all over the best seller charts
The Good Stuff:
* It was free on iBooks.
* It was a short and fast read.
* The dual Point of View aspect. Rafe was more interesting than Ari; the book would have dissolved into nothing without his POV.
* Rafe's Dialogue = Sexy one liners. If we printed off a little pocket book full of the spicy things he says to Aria in this book alone, guys could use it as refrence material to seduce women.
* The
The Lame Stuff:
* The whole "billionaire looking for an innocent girl for sex because he doesn't do emotional relationships" formula. It seems to be the standard format for the modern romance. That's perfectly fine, I'm just not sure that there was anything unique about this version.
* Aria's personality in general. I spent most of the book rolling my eyes at her - she feels guilty about the situation with her mother, I get that. However, I can't enjoy a character who professes to be proud and independent while
* I know I've said it before, but can we please, please stop calling these books BDSM erotica? Go read Story of O or The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty then come back and tell how two scenes where wrists were bound possibly quallifes this as a BDSM sexual relationship.
March 20, 2015
Ummmm...OMG? This book was a spectacular failure. To be honest, I can't believe I actually finished it. The writing itself was underdeveloped; the dialogue became increasingly corny and soap-opera. It just wasn't well done.
There were major character issues, as well. Rafe wasn't the damaged hero; he was the villain. He started out okay, if a little cliche. However, with Ari's continued "resistance," Rafe rapidly devolves. I say devolves, because his "villain" identity is by no means complex.
Ari's character didn't cut it. She was supposedly raised as a strong and independent woman, but she's really not. She's too emotionally dependent on others, including her mother. Not to mention, I was incapable of developing any sort of respect for Ari. She goes on and on about dropping Rafe, but never actually does it. No, she let's him bully her. I didn't get it. Personally, the more someone essentially tries to control me or claims they have control, the more I push; the more I pull away; the stronger I fight. Ari wasn't like this. She had no self-respect. In fact, she's the victim. Victim, victim, victim.
The supporting characters were bombed, as well. They were all flat and lacked depth. Rafe's family, especially his sisters, were somehow over the top yet underdeveloped. The teaser relationship between Shane and what's-her-name was thrown in there; completely juvenile. Ari's mother only prolonged Ari's emotional dependence. It would have been better had she either never woken up or died. And Ari's coworkers? What is up with them? I wouldn't be friends with them, that's for sure. I mean, come on. They left Ari at the bar--alone and drunk. You don't do that to a friend.
Furthermore, some of the plot threads and story development were pretty unbelievable. For example, the date-rape drug and the hospital massacre. The date-rape scenario was extremely plausible, but the way in which it was set up lacked authenticity. But, the lone gunman? Wtf? There was no set up for this. No peripheral scene. Nothing. Just sudden death. This was not acceptable. If you're going to include this sort of thread, there has to be a basis for it. It has to tie into the story, somehow; there has to be some level of awareness.
Moreover, Ari repeatedly drinks too much. You'd think she'd learn her lesson. First, she gets drunk in college, and is the indirect cause for her mother's coma. Boo-hoo-hoo. She's riddle with guilt, yada, yada. Then, she goes out with the girls, gets drunk, and is almost raped. Okay, whatever. This is where--I feel--a normal person would swear off heavy drinking. Nope. She gets drunk again (with the girls, who go behind her back and call Rafe, which is ridiculous because they know nothing about the situation--I could go on and on about these girls). Not once does she really second-guess her drinking. It felt like she was training for the Alcoholic Olympics or something.
Overall, no. Just no.
There were major character issues, as well. Rafe wasn't the damaged hero; he was the villain. He started out okay, if a little cliche. However, with Ari's continued "resistance," Rafe rapidly devolves. I say devolves, because his "villain" identity is by no means complex.
Ari's character didn't cut it. She was supposedly raised as a strong and independent woman, but she's really not. She's too emotionally dependent on others, including her mother. Not to mention, I was incapable of developing any sort of respect for Ari. She goes on and on about dropping Rafe, but never actually does it. No, she let's him bully her. I didn't get it. Personally, the more someone essentially tries to control me or claims they have control, the more I push; the more I pull away; the stronger I fight. Ari wasn't like this. She had no self-respect. In fact, she's the victim. Victim, victim, victim.
The supporting characters were bombed, as well. They were all flat and lacked depth. Rafe's family, especially his sisters, were somehow over the top yet underdeveloped. The teaser relationship between Shane and what's-her-name was thrown in there; completely juvenile. Ari's mother only prolonged Ari's emotional dependence. It would have been better had she either never woken up or died. And Ari's coworkers? What is up with them? I wouldn't be friends with them, that's for sure. I mean, come on. They left Ari at the bar--alone and drunk. You don't do that to a friend.
Furthermore, some of the plot threads and story development were pretty unbelievable. For example, the date-rape drug and the hospital massacre. The date-rape scenario was extremely plausible, but the way in which it was set up lacked authenticity. But, the lone gunman? Wtf? There was no set up for this. No peripheral scene. Nothing. Just sudden death. This was not acceptable. If you're going to include this sort of thread, there has to be a basis for it. It has to tie into the story, somehow; there has to be some level of awareness.
Moreover, Ari repeatedly drinks too much. You'd think she'd learn her lesson. First, she gets drunk in college, and is the indirect cause for her mother's coma. Boo-hoo-hoo. She's riddle with guilt, yada, yada. Then, she goes out with the girls, gets drunk, and is almost raped. Okay, whatever. This is where--I feel--a normal person would swear off heavy drinking. Nope. She gets drunk again (with the girls, who go behind her back and call Rafe, which is ridiculous because they know nothing about the situation--I could go on and on about these girls). Not once does she really second-guess her drinking. It felt like she was training for the Alcoholic Olympics or something.
Overall, no. Just no.
Want to read
March 7, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (3/6/2015)
BLURB:
Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo takes what he wants with no regrets. Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow has led a charmed life until tragedy strikes her family. He’s looking for a no-emotions attached mistress, she’s looking for redemption.
They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.
Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.
Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?
http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Book-...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 370 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
September 14, 2013
Okay, so I have to say that I think this is one of those books that people either love or hate. I personally was drawn in by the end and can't wait to pick up book 2 since this one ends with a cliffhanger. I've begun to attempt to wait on all of the books in a series to come out before I start because I feel like the whole story is just told better if you can read it all at once. I find it easier to feel and remember all of the emotions and what's going on if you don't have to wait. Yet here I go starting a new series that I think I'm going to love.
Anyway.....this is about Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo who is a rich business man and Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow. Rafe is a rich businessman who had a great life until he came home one day to find his wife in bed with his best friend. Since then he's become jaded towards love and now only uses women for sex. Ari is a young college student who has lived a wonderful life. One night she's had too much to drink and calls her Mom to pick her up. Her mom gets into a car accident on the way to pick Ari up and is in a coma.
Ari now needs money to take care of her mother and Rafe is looking for his next mistress. When Ari answers a mysterious add in the paper for a job she has no idea it's for Rafe's new open position. As she struggles with her feelings of grief and responsibility for her mother ending up in a coma she is now faced with a new decision, either take this job and become a mistress or keep her pride and look for other means to support her Mom.
Ari says "No" but this is not something Rafe is used to and he doesn't take it very well. Not only do these two have great sexual chemistry, but Ari challenges Rafe in ways that others never have and she doesn't want anything from him. Rafe continues to pursue Ari and it's a good thing he does because he ends up being in the right place at the right time for her on a couple of occasions. Without telling too much I have to say that I also feel like Ari has been handed the shit end of the stick because terrible things keep happening to her. It left me questioning how much more can she take before her spirit breaks? I was like this around the middle of the book.
Without meaning two these two are slowly developing feelings for one another. Ari realizes it and tries to stay away from him. Rafe just thinks if he can get her to submit to him then all of these feelings he has towards her will go back to just being about sex. I'm off to book 2 now to see how Ari handles the ultimatum that Rafe has just handed her at the end of this book.
Anyway.....this is about Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo who is a rich business man and Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow. Rafe is a rich businessman who had a great life until he came home one day to find his wife in bed with his best friend. Since then he's become jaded towards love and now only uses women for sex. Ari is a young college student who has lived a wonderful life. One night she's had too much to drink and calls her Mom to pick her up. Her mom gets into a car accident on the way to pick Ari up and is in a coma.
Ari now needs money to take care of her mother and Rafe is looking for his next mistress. When Ari answers a mysterious add in the paper for a job she has no idea it's for Rafe's new open position. As she struggles with her feelings of grief and responsibility for her mother ending up in a coma she is now faced with a new decision, either take this job and become a mistress or keep her pride and look for other means to support her Mom.
Ari says "No" but this is not something Rafe is used to and he doesn't take it very well. Not only do these two have great sexual chemistry, but Ari challenges Rafe in ways that others never have and she doesn't want anything from him. Rafe continues to pursue Ari and it's a good thing he does because he ends up being in the right place at the right time for her on a couple of occasions. Without telling too much I have to say that I also feel like Ari has been handed the shit end of the stick because terrible things keep happening to her. It left me questioning how much more can she take before her spirit breaks? I was like this around the middle of the book.
Without meaning two these two are slowly developing feelings for one another. Ari realizes it and tries to stay away from him. Rafe just thinks if he can get her to submit to him then all of these feelings he has towards her will go back to just being about sex. I'm off to book 2 now to see how Ari handles the ultimatum that Rafe has just handed her at the end of this book.
September 13, 2019
I thought this book was good it had steamy moments
June 1, 2013
Holy cliffhanger. Honestly this is not one of my favorites. More of a 2.5 than 3 stars. The hero was a paint by colors alpha male stereotype. The heroines friends were horrible. They were pushy and not funny at all. Overall if I had known about the cliffhanger I would not have read this book. This one reminded me of a 70s bodice ripper with a massive cliffhanger.
June 4, 2013
SURPRISED THAT I LIKED IT!!!, June 2, 2013
By mila devlin ""writer geek"" (los angeles, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Surrender (Kindle Edition)
I was so sure I wouldn't like this book, I was actually prepared not to like it. For one thing, men who are so demanding and domineering are taboo for me. This is how I perceived Rafe Palazzo in the beginning, but was I wrong! He is actually a generous, kindhearted, indulgent with his siblings wants, a philanthropist, a protector...I can go on and on I think and never ran out of words to describe him. His adversity against falling in love and trusting has its merits. After all, his wife whom he loved and his best friend whom he trusted betrayed him. He may seem to bully and threaten Ari but deep inside ( reading from his POV ) he is willing to give her what he threatens to take away from her. Such as the house and flower shop Ari sold and is now Rafe's property. Rafe has his own fear about Ari walking away, clearly, his own resolve about not getting personally involved is melting away. When he catches himself softening up he gets fearful, afraid to fall in love again and suffer heartbreak all over again. So he toughens himself by pushing Ari away, he treats her in a callous and cold way, his perverse way of protecting himself from heartache.
Both being stubborn, Ari and Rafe are in battles of wills, war of the roses...both have the same ultimate goal, they just don't know it yet. The ending is not a cliffhanger but had me holding my breath, I can't wait to read it. I love stories like this, has enough angst which makes for a good story; gauntlet thrown to challenge each other you're so curious to know which way they are taking it; lots of spicy sex scenes hot enough to steam up your kindle. Whew! I need a fan here! :)
April 16, 2013
It was ok. Had a really hard time liking Rafe or
Ari. Mostly it felt really drawn out. The same scene just played out over and over. And geez. The cliffhanger - seriously?!!
Ari. Mostly it felt really drawn out. The same scene just played out over and over. And geez. The cliffhanger - seriously?!!
April 2, 2013
Surrender by Melody freakin' Anne!!!!
Rafe & Ari
FANEFFINGTASTIC!!!!
I know I've said this before about another one of Melody's books... but it bares saying again... maybe twice... HOLY EFF YOU SEE KAY!!! I am astonished! When I started reading this, it had one review (a 2 star) and it was essentially bitching about Rafe and his methods... Hello individual with the 2 star review, you need to get a grip and ride the Rafe tidalwave! First and foremost, it's a book, A FICTIONAL BOOK! Second, it was freakin' hot hot hot!!! My husband had to pry my Kindle out of my cold, sleeping hands last night and when I woke up, I said, "No, can't... put... down!" Oh the angst, the turmoil, and the clash between our main characters! This is definitely not for the faint of heart: Note: the 2 star review from a faint of heart!!! It's complicated and sexy right from the beginning and only gets hotter! This book will stick with me for years to come!
Rafe is a jadded divorcee that has sworn off woman except to keep them around for certain needs... <>! I cherished him from the first line of this book. I knew there were going to be ups and downs with him and his emotions, but I was seated in an upright position with my seatbelt on and ready for the ride! And Whoa, what a ride! He made my panties moist more than once and I think it's safe to say he'll keep doing it in the books to come!! Now Ari, oh Ari, she's one of my much loved type of heroines... Cute, petite, hard working, a good daughter, a great friend, and the strongest backbone I've ever seen! My jaw dropped just about every time she interacted with Rafe! I wanted to reach out and high five her all the time! Great supporting characters in her work/girlfriends and Rafe's family. Those sisters of his were sneaky and mischievous and I loved every moment they were in this story!
This was one of the most effortless books I've ever read and I have to say I was glued to my damn kindle for a little less than 24 hours! You know a book's good when you start missing meals, the laundry piles up, and it's 2PM and you're still in your freakin' PJs! I have loved Melody Anne since the Baby For The Billionaire series came out and I'm more in love with her after this one. I must say, for me, this was the most excellent book I've ever read from her! Seriously, if she was within earshot of me, I'd run up to her and hug her and tell her thank you so much for this book!
There were too many highs and lows to point out, but know this... you will be on an emotional roller coaster from page one to the end! I didn't know that this was going to end the way it end, but I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to the next installment sometime in July 2013. Bravo Ms. Anne... you did it again...
5 stars since 10 is not available!!
Rafe & Ari
FANEFFINGTASTIC!!!!
I know I've said this before about another one of Melody's books... but it bares saying again... maybe twice... HOLY EFF YOU SEE KAY!!! I am astonished! When I started reading this, it had one review (a 2 star) and it was essentially bitching about Rafe and his methods... Hello individual with the 2 star review, you need to get a grip and ride the Rafe tidalwave! First and foremost, it's a book, A FICTIONAL BOOK! Second, it was freakin' hot hot hot!!! My husband had to pry my Kindle out of my cold, sleeping hands last night and when I woke up, I said, "No, can't... put... down!" Oh the angst, the turmoil, and the clash between our main characters! This is definitely not for the faint of heart: Note: the 2 star review from a faint of heart!!! It's complicated and sexy right from the beginning and only gets hotter! This book will stick with me for years to come!
Rafe is a jadded divorcee that has sworn off woman except to keep them around for certain needs... <>! I cherished him from the first line of this book. I knew there were going to be ups and downs with him and his emotions, but I was seated in an upright position with my seatbelt on and ready for the ride! And Whoa, what a ride! He made my panties moist more than once and I think it's safe to say he'll keep doing it in the books to come!! Now Ari, oh Ari, she's one of my much loved type of heroines... Cute, petite, hard working, a good daughter, a great friend, and the strongest backbone I've ever seen! My jaw dropped just about every time she interacted with Rafe! I wanted to reach out and high five her all the time! Great supporting characters in her work/girlfriends and Rafe's family. Those sisters of his were sneaky and mischievous and I loved every moment they were in this story!
This was one of the most effortless books I've ever read and I have to say I was glued to my damn kindle for a little less than 24 hours! You know a book's good when you start missing meals, the laundry piles up, and it's 2PM and you're still in your freakin' PJs! I have loved Melody Anne since the Baby For The Billionaire series came out and I'm more in love with her after this one. I must say, for me, this was the most excellent book I've ever read from her! Seriously, if she was within earshot of me, I'd run up to her and hug her and tell her thank you so much for this book!
There were too many highs and lows to point out, but know this... you will be on an emotional roller coaster from page one to the end! I didn't know that this was going to end the way it end, but I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to the next installment sometime in July 2013. Bravo Ms. Anne... you did it again...
5 stars since 10 is not available!!
Shelved as 'freebie'
September 10, 2013I was told this was steamy and it's free, what's not to love?
Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo takes what he wants with no regrets. Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow has led a charmed life until tragedy strikes her family. He’s looking for a no-emotions attached mistress, she’s looking for redemption.
They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.
Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.
Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?
Raffaello (Rafe) Palazzo takes what he wants with no regrets. Arianna (Ari) Lynn Harlow has led a charmed life until tragedy strikes her family. He’s looking for a no-emotions attached mistress, she’s looking for redemption.
They are not a pair that should ever work, but undeniable attraction and devastating tragedies bring them together in the city by the bay where he fights to keep their relationship nothing more than an enjoyable way to meet his needs, and she battles to not lose herself in him. Spending time with Ari starts cracking the hard shell that Rafe has built around his heart, but he denies the affect she has on him until it’s too late to stop the inevitable conclusion that their relationship is headed for.
Rafe once believed in happily ever after, coming from a large Italian family. He’s got the Midas touch, since every endeavor he tries turns to gold. That all ends when his wife walks out the door and leaves him blindsided. His devastation quickly turns to steel when he decides no woman will fool him again. From that point on he treats relationships as nothing more than business transactions where both party’s come out mutually benefited.
Just when Ari has sunk to the lowest she’s ever been she finds an ad in the paper announcing a job that’s too good to be true. It turns out she’s right. She makes it through the intense rounds of interviews only to find out the job is for a mistress to the powerful Rafe Palazzo, owner of Palazzo Enterprises. Rafe gives her a day to think about whether she wants the position or not, and she’s sent on her way, only to find out her mother’s near-terminal position has taken a turn for the worse. Her mom’s only in the hospital because Ari messed up, and her mother’s the one who paid the price. Is Rafe her savior, or will he take her with him straight to the depths of hell?
April 13, 2016
He might have all the money in the world, and he might even have more power than the president of the United States, but he was still just a man. The bottom line was that he couldn’t force her into anything – no matter who he was.
If they’d been in certain foreign lands, he could probably have just shot her right there on the spot with no consequences, but she was here in the land of the free, where she was safe. Feeling as if she actually had a choice gave her hope.
Are you looking for yet another horrible ‘romance’ story about a cold, distant, emotionally damaged man, who should really be the villain of the story, and his unhealthy obsession with a naïve, stupid, young woman, who is constantly described as strong willed and independent? Well, then you have come to the right place! Here you have:
A story with a rich, handsome, cold, arrogant, dick-ish male character
He was twenty-eight years old and had conquered the universe – or thought he had.
No! He had.
Whenever he walked into his twenty-five-story office building in San Francisco, he felt a justified pride. He created jobs for hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, gave them an income, made sure they went to bed each night with a full stomach and the security of more work to be done in the morning.
He gave so much – and unlike his soon-to-be-ex-wife, his employees were grateful and regarded him almost as a king.
When he got bored, he found another willing applicant. The line of women willing to serve him was a mile long – after all, he was Rafe Palazzo, and the world was his oyster, his playground.
Everyone practically bowed at his feet.
A man, who got hurt by one woman and came to the conclusion that all women are evil
Never again would he be used – never again would he put his heart out there to be carelessly trampled on.
It seemed all women had a purpose, and it was fueled by their greed. The richer the man, the better for them. They wanted to be taken care of, and they all had their price.
A story about a man who minimally respects his lovers
He respected some of his lovers, but it was only minimal.
A story with an underdeveloped two-dimensional female character, who is guilt ridden, young, vulnerable, helpless...and skinny
“You’re too thin.”
Arianna Harlow trembled as the man prowled around her, continuously circling her chair.
A woman who knows that that man is dangerous, but is inexplicably drawn to him anyway
His expression was far too knowing and she immediately felt the urge to flee. Something wasn’t right; something was telling her to get out while she still could.
He was a difficult man to be around while trying to maintain a distance. She could see herself wanting to spend time with him – well, if he weren’t so dang kinky.
A story about a man who is intrigued by a woman because of REASONS
“you intrigue me, Ms. Harlow. I see you try and hide beneath your ridiculous baggy clothes, and large glasses, but there’s something about you that makes me want to find out what it is you don’t want the world to see.”
A story about a man introducing a young woman to a world of excitements and exotic new thrills
“Fugu is more commonly known in the States as puffer fish or blowfish. If the chef doesn’t prepare the dish just right…it’s fatal to consume, which is part of the thrill of eating it.”
“We all seek thrills, Ari. Very few skilled chefs can leave just a tiny trace of the lethal poison on the fish”
A story about how a woman’s eyes called to a man
It was obvious that Ari wasn’t one of his typical choices. The first time he’d seen her picture, he’d passed it by, but somehow it was still on his desk after that quick perusal, and something in her pair of fine green eyes called to him, even though she tried to hide them behind thick glasses.
Arianna held an almost broken, yet still spirited look in her eyes, as though he’d just shot her beloved puppy and she were thinking of ways of seeking revenge.
A story about how a man has to learn, that this woman is special and not like the previous women he’s known
This unhappy, disillusioned fellow thought he knew what the world was about, but he had a lot to learn. Not every woman was for sale, not by a long shot.[…] Let him think what he wanted, but she wasn’t to be bought – no matter what he threw at her.
A story about the magical attraction that draws a man to a woman because REASONS
Rafe had a strict no-kissing rule, but found himself wanting to devour her naturally plump pink lips. He felt himself bending down as his will began to break.
A story about how the magic of a woman’s vagina has the power to change a man
Rafe gazed in surprise at his hand gripping Ari’s delicate arm. He’d been jostled out of his normal cool and he wasn’t ready to let her walk from the room. What startled him most was his enjoyment of it all. To be refused by this complicated woman intrigued him.
A story about how a man denies his growing feelings
He wouldn’t chase her. He just wanted to finish his meal. At least, that’s what he told himself. It was all merely a game that he must win, not a serious desire to be with the woman.
He blamed his unusual desire for the woman on his recent stint of celibacy.
A story filled with haunting tales of the character's tragic past
If only she hadn’t called her mom in panic that night.
If only she hadn’t gone to the party in the first place
If only her mother had left a few minutes later.
Now that night would haunt her, be something she’d have to live with for the rest of her life.
Someday…
A story filled with all of those tropes we've loved so much before, that are so romantic. Such as:
- emotionally deep stares
Ari finally glanced up, her eyes colliding with Mr. Palazzo’s intense stare. As hard as she tried to break the connection, she couldn’t manage to turn her head away.- background checks
“I know everything I need to know about you, Arianna,” he replied with a slight lifting of the corner of his mouth.- ordering a woman’s meal for her
It suddenly occurred to her that she’d never listed her physical address on her application.[…] Still, she wasn’t really surprised that he already knew where she lived
“Please have a seat, Arianna. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering."- commanding women around
“Sit,” he commanded and watched her flinch from his cold tone.- chauvinistic, cavemanish behavior
“I’m beginning to tire of chasing you, Ari. I said you won’t be taking the bus, so that means that you won’t. I really have no qualms about causing a scene, but since you’ve been hissing at me only beneath your breath, I take it that you do. You can either some with me willingly, or I’m going to pick you up, toss you over my shoulder and drag you back to the restaurant. It’s your choice,” he said brutally.- creepy, rape-ish statements
“I assure you, Ms. Harlow, that if I kidnapped you, it wouldn’t be for an X-ray.”- rape threats
“If or when I truly want to possess you, it will happen. Leave no doubt about that.”- miscellaneous,
“You can have your small victory, but be very careful with what you say to me.”- ‘women need a man to take care of them’ messages
No wonder the woman was too skinny. It was more obvious than ever that Ari didn’t know how to take care of herself- saving helpless women from rapists at nightclubs
“She’s obviously, passed out on her feet, and the bastard is taking advantage of her!”- taking aforementioned helpless woman home without her consent even though she's there with friends
“I’m taking you home!”- victim blaming
He strode to his car and put her on the front seat, where she quickly passed out again.
Rafe was furious. What was she doing at a club on a Friday? And how had she allowed herself to get into this position? If he hadn’t been there, she could have been getting violated at that very moment. This was why she should just accept his generous offer, he told himself. She clearly wasn’t able to protect herself on her own.
...and so much more...
The writing was horrible. The characters, well, Rafe was such a condescending asshole all of the fucking time. He had absolutely no redeeming qualities, unless you count him being hot and rich which I don't, because they are neither character traits nor redeeming qualities. While the reader is constantly told how smart, strong-willed and independent Ari is, she never acts this way; she's stupid, spineless, insecure and constantly plagued by guilt. The plot devices used were equally absurd and just plain unbelievable.
Honestly, I can’t even seriously review this book. I mean it was fucking ridiculous. It should get points just for making me laugh so much. He frigging takes out an ad in the paper to find his next mistress!
Seeking full-time applicants for Palazzo Corporation. Must be willing to work seven days a week, long hours. Must have no other commitments – no family, second jobs, or school. Salary 100k a year plus expenses. Hand-delivered applications only.
No other commitments? I'm pretty sure that that’s the first thing a serial killer finds out about his intended victim; whether or not someone will be actively trying to find them after they go missing. I'm just saying. And 100k a year? What a cheapskate!
And who the fuck hires their mistress through their company? I mean, are you fucking kidding me? Maybe for tax reduction purposes, but still...Imagine actually working for that company:
Employee: 1 “So I saw an ad in the paper for a new position, I didn’t know we were hiring. Has a new position opened up?”
Employee 2: “Oh no, that’s just the boss looking for a new mistress.”
Employee 1: “ … Wait! What?”
Employee 2: “Oh, you haven’t heard about that yet? Yeah…He employs his mistresses though the company.”
Employee 1: “That’s disgusting! And everyone knows?”
Employee 2: “Well yeah, not like you can keep a thing like that a secret if you hire your mistress through your own company and don’t even try to be subtle about it. Plus he goes through mistresses like I go through beer. It's a common occurrence really.”
Employee 1: “I…can’t even…I mean. Is that legal?”
Employee 2: “Well… Suffice to say that there is an ongoing bet about that. Want to place a wager?”
Employee 1: *stares speechlessly*
Employee 3: “Hey, are you guys talking about the new personal assistant for the boss? *winks* I think applicant 23 has real potential… If you know what I mean.” *winks*
Employee 2: “Yeah, I would totally hire that!” *winks*
Employee 1: ”That is just disgusting! How do you know what that poor applicant looks like anyway?”
Employee 2: “What do you think? Since the boss only wants hand delivered applications, we can totally watch every applicant make their way to the boss’s offices.”
Employee 1: “I am beyond disgusted.”
Employee 2: “We call it ‘The Walk of Desperation’.”
Employee 1: *stares speechlessly*
Employee 3: “Well what do you expect from employees who are okay with their boss hiring his mistresses here and having them work for the company?” *winks*
Employee 1: “I no longer see my future with Palazzo Corporation.” *stands up and leaves*
Employee 3: “Told you she wouldn’t last long.”
Employee 2: “Oh, well. Hey, looks like some new applicants have arrived!”
Employee 3: “Sweet!”
Employee 2 & Employee 3: *stands up and walks to the front desk*
This play - titled 'Now Hiring: Mistress for Self-Proclaimed Conqueror of the Universe' - was brought to you by my overactive imagination. It can be performed in any office type environment.
And this review has become way too long, so: Just.No.Fucking.No.
May 22, 2018
After finding his wife in bed with another man Raffaello Palazzo swore off relationships, now he just takes what he wants with no emotional attachments to women, he hires them to be his mistress for a contracted time. Now he needs that position to be filled by Arianna Harlow who desperately needs money to pay for he sick mother's medical bills and care. But will she give in to becoming a paid whore for Rafe to help her mother? I really tried with this book but there were just so many things wrong with it. The story line was so predictable and boring and the characters were the same. Even when Rafe started to soften towards Arianna I wondered why someone that was so rich and powerful would want a woman that was just plain nasty towards him no matter what he did to help her. I wanted to shout out into the pages to him "Jeez, give it up she is horrible" This was just a terrible read.
June 9, 2014
There was far too much flip-flopping, will she/won't she going on for me to give this more than 3 stars. I felt like I got to the end still waiting for the story to start, then was left with a blackmail cliffhanger (grrrr). So, despite my misgivings, I'm now on book #2. I think this author is a evil marketing genius. Personally, when I read something like this, I'm looking for a OTT train wreck resulting in the heroine leaving the H, who then has to work hard (hopefully) to get her back. So, I'm hoping in the 2nd part she'll go ahead and give into the blackmail and let the crazy begin.
Pfft...No "self respecting" HP heroine would have held out against the "deal" for so long. I have a feeling this entire series could have been boiled down into one slightly kinky HP. The joke will be on me then, since I'll have paid for multiple books with a bunch of filler about dude's sisters, rather than one concise train wreck. I need to add a new bookshelf titled "what is wrong with me?"
ETA: Don't get the audible version of this. I had to switch to print. The male voices all sound nasally and super annoying. The 2nd part has a different narrator.
ETA (part 2): I was shocked at the shout out to the TV show Supernatural since it's not a show very many people watch. However those of us who do are like a cult. I loved the description given of the "last episode" in the book. It was something like "Dean got in another scrape". Lol, Melody sure made it general enough to apply to every single episode for the past 8 seasons.
Pfft...No "self respecting" HP heroine would have held out against the "deal" for so long. I have a feeling this entire series could have been boiled down into one slightly kinky HP. The joke will be on me then, since I'll have paid for multiple books with a bunch of filler about dude's sisters, rather than one concise train wreck. I need to add a new bookshelf titled "what is wrong with me?"
ETA: Don't get the audible version of this. I had to switch to print. The male voices all sound nasally and super annoying. The 2nd part has a different narrator.
ETA (part 2): I was shocked at the shout out to the TV show Supernatural since it's not a show very many people watch. However those of us who do are like a cult. I loved the description given of the "last episode" in the book. It was something like "Dean got in another scrape". Lol, Melody sure made it general enough to apply to every single episode for the past 8 seasons.
September 5, 2013
Freebie from Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Surrender-ebo...
Also at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-ebook...
and Kobo
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Surrender-ebo...
Also at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-ebook...
and Kobo
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...
June 30, 2013
Best Melody Anne book to date! and that ending! Are you trying to kill me woman! Lucky the next one is available. Review to come!
April 3, 2013
Oh my this book was so fantastic I could not put it down until I was done. Rafe my man I think you have met your match in Ari, Ari keep giving him fits girl. Rafe is divorced and no longer interested in love, he wants a woman for one thing and one thing only. Ari is trying to find a good job to pay the bill and take care of her mom, she see's an ad for a job to good to be true (and it is) she goes to the interview and so starts the game. I loved the friends from work they are trying to get Ari to loosen up, they take her out and things go bad but Rafe is there and takes care of her. Rafe's family is visiting and his sisters plot to get them together on the yacht. Don't want to give anymore away but man oh man this book was so hot in parts thought I would need oven mitts to hold my Kindle it was SMOKIN. This was another roller coaster ride of a book I was laughing, crying and at the end screaming NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Melody Anne thank you for the journey this book took me on and I can't wait for book 2
July 1, 2013
I know this is supposed to be a review of Surrender (#1), but I think readers should know what they have to look forward to in Submit (#2) before they even start this series.
I actually liked this book...until the end. I guess the author did her job, she got me to purchase the follow-up right away, though I did so in a fit of pique. This never should have been a to-be-continued story. The sexual tension was great in the first book, but it needed to come to a head. The second installment sees the regression of plot, character un-likeability, and devolves into an childish "no-mance" that I just couldn't finish, though I gave it more than a sporting chance at 70% completion. Avoid the extreme disappointment, folks.
I actually liked this book...until the end. I guess the author did her job, she got me to purchase the follow-up right away, though I did so in a fit of pique. This never should have been a to-be-continued story. The sexual tension was great in the first book, but it needed to come to a head. The second installment sees the regression of plot, character un-likeability, and devolves into an childish "no-mance" that I just couldn't finish, though I gave it more than a sporting chance at 70% completion. Avoid the extreme disappointment, folks.
November 7, 2013
2 stars
I'm giving this 2 stars only for the writing and effort put into this book. Because that's the only plus I could find out of this horrible imitation of 50 Shades.
The 'hero' was manipulative to a level that I found disgusting. It wasn't for Ari's own good but to bully her into being in a ridiculous controlling 'relationship'. There were times when the author tried to inject emotion in Rafe but it fell flat... he was a selfish guy who used women because he was jilted in the past.
I got this for free so all wasn't lost. I just wanted to throw my kindle every 10 pages or so.
I'm giving this 2 stars only for the writing and effort put into this book. Because that's the only plus I could find out of this horrible imitation of 50 Shades.
The 'hero' was manipulative to a level that I found disgusting. It wasn't for Ari's own good but to bully her into being in a ridiculous controlling 'relationship'. There were times when the author tried to inject emotion in Rafe but it fell flat... he was a selfish guy who used women because he was jilted in the past.
I got this for free so all wasn't lost. I just wanted to throw my kindle every 10 pages or so.
February 24, 2015
It ended at 85%??
I had this on my kindle and started reading not realizing that it was a cliffhanger serial. I am SO over that set up that I won't be reading any more in the series. If it had had an actual ending I would have rated it 3 stars.
I had this on my kindle and started reading not realizing that it was a cliffhanger serial. I am SO over that set up that I won't be reading any more in the series. If it had had an actual ending I would have rated it 3 stars.
Want to read
July 22, 2013FREE TODAY 7-22-13 on Amazon
LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-ebook...
LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Surrender-ebook...
July 20, 2016
There was no book without Rafe but even he isn't enough to make me read the others.
December 17, 2015
Melody Anne's "Surrender" was actually a semi-decent train-wreck read, with a dominant overbearing hero and a heroine who's so needy and stupid, she shouldn't be let out of the house without a bodyguard. It was kind of Kristen Ashley meets 50 Shades without the awful writing (please don't to hate me for saying that!).
Then at 85% mark, just when the heroine is about to show the hero what she thinks of asshole alpha ways...the book ends.
WTF?
Read part two (and three and four) for the conclusion!
Aagh! That is why kindle has freebies. To sucker in the sucks. I am bummed, because I liked it, but it's difficult to rate as it's not a complete story and I have no intention of buying any of the rest of the books.
There are cliffhanger endings in books like "Catching Fire" which are perfectly ok, but in romances, they have to be done in a certain manner. This wasn't just goodbye for now and we know part two will begin the romance anew in the next book, but more of a Thurber-esque "Lady or the Tiger" ending--which if I had known I would have either read something else or bought the whole series to begin with. Now I have to buy THREE more books at $4 each and none of them can be borrowed from Amazon?
And not that this book was GREAT or anything; just a decent way to pass the time. Ariana, the heroine was a walking disaster, needing saving at every turn from potential rapists, the sun (!), a random mass shooting in a hospital cafeteria where she gets shot, she has a mom who's in a coma for six months, then the mom has uterine cancer! Ari has gunshot wounds to the chest that heal and disappear within less than a couple of weeks...and then she's AOK for some sleazy sex with Rafe.
Rafe, what a piece of work. Because his wife cheated on him, he's disillusioned with women and this supposed hero tries to hire Ari as his sex worker. Hmm...they don't live in Nevada or the Netherlands, so I don't think that's kosher.
So what did I do? I downloaded samples from the rest of the books, and pretty much figured out that the couple ends happily ever after, but not until after years of separation. Lots of secondary romances I didn't care about, too.
I don't mind series romances, but there has to be a great hook for me to love them. With "Surrender" I was disappointed and won't be finishing the series.
2 1/2 stars/(C if the book had had a proper ending, but since it didn't...) D+
Then at 85% mark, just when the heroine is about to show the hero what she thinks of asshole alpha ways...the book ends.
WTF?
Read part two (and three and four) for the conclusion!
Aagh! That is why kindle has freebies. To sucker in the sucks. I am bummed, because I liked it, but it's difficult to rate as it's not a complete story and I have no intention of buying any of the rest of the books.
There are cliffhanger endings in books like "Catching Fire" which are perfectly ok, but in romances, they have to be done in a certain manner. This wasn't just goodbye for now and we know part two will begin the romance anew in the next book, but more of a Thurber-esque "Lady or the Tiger" ending--which if I had known I would have either read something else or bought the whole series to begin with. Now I have to buy THREE more books at $4 each and none of them can be borrowed from Amazon?
And not that this book was GREAT or anything; just a decent way to pass the time. Ariana, the heroine was a walking disaster, needing saving at every turn from potential rapists, the sun (!), a random mass shooting in a hospital cafeteria where she gets shot, she has a mom who's in a coma for six months, then the mom has uterine cancer! Ari has gunshot wounds to the chest that heal and disappear within less than a couple of weeks...and then she's AOK for some sleazy sex with Rafe.
Rafe, what a piece of work. Because his wife cheated on him, he's disillusioned with women and this supposed hero tries to hire Ari as his sex worker. Hmm...they don't live in Nevada or the Netherlands, so I don't think that's kosher.
So what did I do? I downloaded samples from the rest of the books, and pretty much figured out that the couple ends happily ever after, but not until after years of separation. Lots of secondary romances I didn't care about, too.
I don't mind series romances, but there has to be a great hook for me to love them. With "Surrender" I was disappointed and won't be finishing the series.
2 1/2 stars/(C if the book had had a proper ending, but since it didn't...) D+
April 2, 2013
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I have read everything that Melody Anne has written, and genuinely liked them all. This is the other hand...
I liked the story well enough, but it reminded me so much of FSOG, which don't get me wrong, I loved, but the characters were a lot less like able to me. Ari was just an idiot, and Rafe was a douche. Quite a few times I was like, "Really? He did not just say (or do) that." Maybe that was why I didn't care for it too much. Rafe was a horrible individual, and in all honesty has major issues. And not even understandable issues. He's just a dick...period. Ari, well Ari is just sheltered and stupid. Lets seriously get slipped a roofie, and go out with the same friends again. And they let her leave with another dude! Really, cuz that's friendship there. And the end??? OMG, I was freakin pissed. Talk about cliffhanger...
I'm really not trying to be too harsh, it was a good solid 3 stars for me. The book was well written and had a decent story line, I just hated the characters, and the fact it was basically a clean version of 50 Shades without the flogger.
I liked the story well enough, but it reminded me so much of FSOG, which don't get me wrong, I loved, but the characters were a lot less like able to me. Ari was just an idiot, and Rafe was a douche. Quite a few times I was like, "Really? He did not just say (or do) that." Maybe that was why I didn't care for it too much. Rafe was a horrible individual, and in all honesty has major issues. And not even understandable issues. He's just a dick...period. Ari, well Ari is just sheltered and stupid. Lets seriously get slipped a roofie, and go out with the same friends again. And they let her leave with another dude! Really, cuz that's friendship there. And the end??? OMG, I was freakin pissed. Talk about cliffhanger...
I'm really not trying to be too harsh, it was a good solid 3 stars for me. The book was well written and had a decent story line, I just hated the characters, and the fact it was basically a clean version of 50 Shades without the flogger.
September 21, 2015
This was good! I love Arianna's tough personality and self respect. So this is the story... Arianna's mother is in the hospital and being in her early twenties she found herself for the first time taking care of everything including her mother bills. Life doesn't leave you with your arms crossed so now Rafe comes into play. He is a billionaire. Handsome. Wants Arianna for only one reason. Emphasis on One reason only (wink).
November 20, 2016
Ugh so annoyed by the way this ended but so glad the way Ari stood her ground. I need to know what Rafe is going to do about the situation between him and Ari. Is he really such a jerk and cold hearted that he believes in the no attachment bull. He annoyed me so much. So I need to get the next one book to find out. Err so irritating.
December 22, 2023
Don’t start this series.
New friends that lie and treat the clueless heroine like a joke was one reason not to read this. The cold hearted hero has sisters who apparently lost any moral code as soon as they reached adulthood. The heroine acts like a teenager while the hero uses his wealth to debase anyone he wants.
Insert retching noises here.
New friends that lie and treat the clueless heroine like a joke was one reason not to read this. The cold hearted hero has sisters who apparently lost any moral code as soon as they reached adulthood. The heroine acts like a teenager while the hero uses his wealth to debase anyone he wants.
Insert retching noises here.
December 19, 2017
j'aime pas dire ca sur un livre mais vraiment nul
April 2, 2013
First let me say that you need to read Rafe’s emotions in this book and not just the arrogance! I’ve seen a few people say they don’t like him but to me that just seems like they’ve not read his emotions. It’s obvious to me what his feelings for Ari are even though he can’t or won’t admit them.
He’s scared of allowing any woman to see him for who he really is after a betrayal by his wife, the ultimate betrayal. I can see why he would shut himself off from women after getting his heart broken. Yeah he is arrogant but he’s also gentle.
Rafe is hot with a capital H. I would melt in a puddle at his feet haha. He won’t let any woman in heart again so makes relationships just like a business transaction, Contract and all. Rafe has a loving family whom he adores. A loving father, mother and two sisters. These are the only people he lets in his heart.
Ari is head strong and alone. Her mother is in a coma and has been for the last 6 months and Ari is struggling to get money together to pay for her mothers medical bills. She has dropped out of college and is applying for any job she can. One job comes up but doesn’t give her much information as to what the job is. She gets through so many stages to the last stage and is offered the job…. To become Raffaello Palazzo’s mistress!
Rafe is sort of a white knight in a lot of things he does for Ari without her realising exactly what he’s doing for her. There is a lot of sexual tension between them every time they’re together which leads to them exploring each other… well more Rafe exploring Ari.
Ari lands herself a job and all seems to turn in her favour. Only she can’t get Rafe out of her mind. He also can’t keep Arianna off his mind. The chemistry is strong between them.
Ari seems like she has the world’s worst luck. Everything that could go wrong in her life does. Rafe seems to be there to help her every time but that’s what I love about him!
It’s tame erotic writing but still just as sexy. I found myself unable to put the book down until I’d finished reading it. I do want to say it’s left at a cliff-hanger and there is a question that wasn’t answered in there that I kept wondering about… what happened to Ari the night her mother ended up in a coma? I’m hoping we find this out in book 2, Submit.
There are many laughs out loud moments in this book and some hilarious characters. I fell in love with Ari’s work friends, Rafe’s family and best friend Shane.
Naturally Rafe is a strong dominant male and Ari is a strong female who gives Raffaello just as good as she gets! Rafe is YUMTASTIC! :-)
Thank you Melody Anne for ANOTHER amazeballs book! You did it again!!
He’s scared of allowing any woman to see him for who he really is after a betrayal by his wife, the ultimate betrayal. I can see why he would shut himself off from women after getting his heart broken. Yeah he is arrogant but he’s also gentle.
Rafe is hot with a capital H. I would melt in a puddle at his feet haha. He won’t let any woman in heart again so makes relationships just like a business transaction, Contract and all. Rafe has a loving family whom he adores. A loving father, mother and two sisters. These are the only people he lets in his heart.
Ari is head strong and alone. Her mother is in a coma and has been for the last 6 months and Ari is struggling to get money together to pay for her mothers medical bills. She has dropped out of college and is applying for any job she can. One job comes up but doesn’t give her much information as to what the job is. She gets through so many stages to the last stage and is offered the job…. To become Raffaello Palazzo’s mistress!
Rafe is sort of a white knight in a lot of things he does for Ari without her realising exactly what he’s doing for her. There is a lot of sexual tension between them every time they’re together which leads to them exploring each other… well more Rafe exploring Ari.
Ari lands herself a job and all seems to turn in her favour. Only she can’t get Rafe out of her mind. He also can’t keep Arianna off his mind. The chemistry is strong between them.
Ari seems like she has the world’s worst luck. Everything that could go wrong in her life does. Rafe seems to be there to help her every time but that’s what I love about him!
It’s tame erotic writing but still just as sexy. I found myself unable to put the book down until I’d finished reading it. I do want to say it’s left at a cliff-hanger and there is a question that wasn’t answered in there that I kept wondering about… what happened to Ari the night her mother ended up in a coma? I’m hoping we find this out in book 2, Submit.
There are many laughs out loud moments in this book and some hilarious characters. I fell in love with Ari’s work friends, Rafe’s family and best friend Shane.
Naturally Rafe is a strong dominant male and Ari is a strong female who gives Raffaello just as good as she gets! Rafe is YUMTASTIC! :-)
Thank you Melody Anne for ANOTHER amazeballs book! You did it again!!
April 7, 2013
Rafe was burned by his now ex-wife & Best friend. After catching them in bed together he has decided the one thing he needs from a woman is the Sex he can buy from her. He doesn't want to kiss a woman, he doesn't want to sleep in the same bed and he really doesn't have them stay at his home. He is about to have three strikes against him soon. But truly from the minute these two meet you can feel the passion burning between them. Rafe is a little to arrogant for my liking, but I have a feeling the more arrogant they are, the harder they fall.
Ari is desperate in her search for a job that will help pay the medical bills needed to take care of her mother. She feels responsible for the accident that put her mother into a coma. She apply's for work at Rafe's company, not knowing it is a job as his Mistress. When she is offered the job and she thinks it through, she realizes she cannot be his or anyone's Mistress at any price. Rafe is not use to hearing the word NO ... But let me tell you Ari has no problem saying it. This relationship is very much a clash of wills. There is also very hot passion & major drama between these two. Seems like Rafe is always coming to Ari's rescue. The poor woman has Drama for a Best Friend!
I loved how the family aspect was written both between Ari & her Mother. You felt a real love connection there. Also with Rafe, his parents & siblings. Also loved how sneaky Rafe's sisters were. Besides the passion, there is humor compassion and misunderstandings to.
While I found myself not able to turn the pages fast enough, I did have one MAJOR complaint. The Ending, or the lack of an ending. When I say cliff hanger that is an understatement. My jaw dropped when I read the words ... The End. I seriously thought someone had high jacked my kindle and pulled an April Fools Joke on me. I have seen other readers were not really happy with the way this book ended and I am hoping that the Author takes this into consideration for future books. I would have been more than happy to give this book 5 stars had it ended differently. As it was it took me a week to calm down enough to write an honest review.
Ari is desperate in her search for a job that will help pay the medical bills needed to take care of her mother. She feels responsible for the accident that put her mother into a coma. She apply's for work at Rafe's company, not knowing it is a job as his Mistress. When she is offered the job and she thinks it through, she realizes she cannot be his or anyone's Mistress at any price. Rafe is not use to hearing the word NO ... But let me tell you Ari has no problem saying it. This relationship is very much a clash of wills. There is also very hot passion & major drama between these two. Seems like Rafe is always coming to Ari's rescue. The poor woman has Drama for a Best Friend!
I loved how the family aspect was written both between Ari & her Mother. You felt a real love connection there. Also with Rafe, his parents & siblings. Also loved how sneaky Rafe's sisters were. Besides the passion, there is humor compassion and misunderstandings to.
While I found myself not able to turn the pages fast enough, I did have one MAJOR complaint. The Ending, or the lack of an ending. When I say cliff hanger that is an understatement. My jaw dropped when I read the words ... The End. I seriously thought someone had high jacked my kindle and pulled an April Fools Joke on me. I have seen other readers were not really happy with the way this book ended and I am hoping that the Author takes this into consideration for future books. I would have been more than happy to give this book 5 stars had it ended differently. As it was it took me a week to calm down enough to write an honest review.
August 9, 2013
I'm who I always should've been. I quite like myself.
She was finding his raw power to be an aphrodisiac. His seduction was hard to resist.
Ari is stubborn and determined. Life hasn't been good to her lately. She feels like she has to do it all on her own. She's a very independent person. But certain situation requires her to get help she's not ready to accept.
Rafe is persistent. He's in search for a new companion. When Ari walks in not knowing what specific the job was... he was enraptured immediately from her unwillingness. A challenge finally, someone that declined him. He's never been declined before. But he is constantly pursuing her until she agrees to sign his contract.
Ari can't get in a relationship because she is focus on, work, school and taking care of her mom. But every time she finds herself in a situation he happens to be there, strictly out of luck. Ari being drugged, her being in front of the hospital board and her being shot. And at every opporitunity he gets, he comes on harder each time. Needing her to submit to the contract. But Ari is not that kind of girl.
Of course, there is a cliffhanger. He gives her an offer she wont be able to resist.
The other characters in this book is funny and enjoyable. Ari's friends from her work are married women and they want to live vicariously thru her. They peer her into everything. lol. Rafe's sisters are the sillest, while meddling in his relationship. Rafe's parents were pleasant to read. A love like that is everlasting, he thinks he will never get or want.
This book was great. I'm starting the second book now. Cant wait till they give in to each other.
She was finding his raw power to be an aphrodisiac. His seduction was hard to resist.
Ari is stubborn and determined. Life hasn't been good to her lately. She feels like she has to do it all on her own. She's a very independent person. But certain situation requires her to get help she's not ready to accept.
Rafe is persistent. He's in search for a new companion. When Ari walks in not knowing what specific the job was... he was enraptured immediately from her unwillingness. A challenge finally, someone that declined him. He's never been declined before. But he is constantly pursuing her until she agrees to sign his contract.
Ari can't get in a relationship because she is focus on, work, school and taking care of her mom. But every time she finds herself in a situation he happens to be there, strictly out of luck. Ari being drugged, her being in front of the hospital board and her being shot. And at every opporitunity he gets, he comes on harder each time. Needing her to submit to the contract. But Ari is not that kind of girl.
Of course, there is a cliffhanger. He gives her an offer she wont be able to resist.
The other characters in this book is funny and enjoyable. Ari's friends from her work are married women and they want to live vicariously thru her. They peer her into everything. lol. Rafe's sisters are the sillest, while meddling in his relationship. Rafe's parents were pleasant to read. A love like that is everlasting, he thinks he will never get or want.
This book was great. I'm starting the second book now. Cant wait till they give in to each other.
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