Signed, Sealed, Delivered

The Ladies Who Lunch #2

by Sandy James

"For the fans of Jennifer Probst, Ruth Cardello and Jill Shalvis, comes a series about love, friendship, and lunch!"

Juliana Kelley has spent thirteen years as a special education teacher and can’t face another school year. While having lunch with her three best friends--a group they dubbed the "Ladies Who Lunch"--Jules decides to take control of her life. First step, change her career.

Connor Low has hit rock bottom. After earning a reputation as a highly successful realtor, he lets his love for gambling spiral out of control. When he loses his job, he finally pulls himself together. Armed with inside information, he heads to a small town on the cusp of a real estate boom.

When Connor and Jules meet, their chemistry is immediate. But the two put aside their feelings to become business partners. Still, the more they're together the harder it becomes to deny their attraction. Now, Connor and Juliana must choose--give in to their desires and risk the prosperous business they've built, or forget about their growing relationship and a second chance at love, success, and happiness.




Word count: 75,000-85,000

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Sandy lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis and is a high school psychology teacher. She is published through Grand Central Forever Yours and Carina Press as well as indie-published. An Amazon #1 Bestseller many times, she has won numerous awards, including two HOLT Medallions.

Please visit her website at http://sandyjames.com for more information or find her on Twitter (https://twitter.com/sandyjamesbooks) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandyjamesbooks) Represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliana is a special needs teacher who, after 15 years, needs to reevaluate her life plan.

Connor Low is a recovering gambling addict, making a clean break to a new location sounds like the perfect plan.

Two people that are taking the plunge to drastically change their lives have a lot in common, but add on top of that...they are both pursuing real estate careers...sparks are about to fly. When Juliana Kelley meet Connor Low the romantic tension is quite frankly smoldering and ready to burst into flames.

Sandy James writes awesome romance, her ability to create chemistry between her characters is almost magical and this isn't a paranormal story.

The Ladies Who Lunch host a brilliant collection of friends who stick together through thick and thin. We get a front row seat to the home town life's ups and downs and smoking hot romances in between. James' characters have depth, heart and a friendship you can envy. Stop by and become a part of The Ladies Who Lunch.

Don't forget to keep you fire extinguisher close by, this story might cause spontaneous combustion...

I received this ARC copy of Signed, Sealed, Delivered from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) - Forever Yours in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication July 1, 2014.

Series: Ladies Who Lunch
Sequence in Series: 2
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Rating: 5 Stars
ISBN-10: 1455585351
ISBN-13: 978-1455585359
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for:

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a confident and educated woman decides to leap off the treadmill she has been on for years and re-invent her life, The Ladies Who Lunch rally behind one of their own to give support. When Juliana finally admits to be burned out in her high stress teaching position, there aren’t many options for quality employment in her small town. When the opportunity arises to learn about the real estate business, she finds herself completely drawn in, but was it the seminar that caught her interest or the drop dead gorgeous realtor she got to know “very well” that night? Connor is new in town, keeps his past close to the vest, but does say he was a successful realtor looking for a life change. Have these two each found a kindred soul looking to put their pasts behind them and create a new future?

Juliana is strong, out-going , well-liked around town. Connor is an outsider, so why not join forces; after all, these two have proven they are compatible in a more "intimate" way. Already burned by a bad marriage, Juliana is unsure of blurring the lines between work and play, but Connor plays so well, Juliana feels herself losing her heart to a man she barely knows. Connor needs to make a full disclosure about his past, but fears it will shatter what he has found with Juliana. Will she be able to make a leap of faith and stand by Connor, or will it be too much for her to handle?

Can you say “chemistry?” Can you say overheating Kindle? Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a walk on the steamier side for author Sandy James and I have to say, she has the “gift”! Small town politics, small town gossip, best friends and two people who may finally find what has been missing in their lives, is the perfect setting for romance. Putting the personalities of Juliana and Connor together was sheer brilliance on Sandy James’s part! Sheer smokin’ hot brilliance! Ms. James adds just enough conflict and interference to bring her tale to life. Each scene, each emotion and internal conflict is written by an author who loves her work and it shows. Two hearts, two pasts, one future filled with the promise of sultry nights and sunny days.

Going to the beach this summer? Take Signed, Sealed, Delivered along for the perfect beach read. Hey, you can always blame the sweat and panting on the heat from the sun!!

I received an ARC edition from Forever (Grand Central Publishing)in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Ladies Who Lunch - Book 2
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Forever Yours
ISBN-10: 1455585351
ISBN-13: 978-1455585359
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 256 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2014

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Juliana Kelley tells the Ladies Who Lunch that her life needs an overhaul . . . and gets a whole lot more than she wished for.

Juliana has spent thirteen years in the same teaching job. She’s ready to dive into a new career with both feet . . . when a run-in with the hottest man she’s ever seen knocks her head over heels. But with her failed marriage to a fellow teacher fresh on her mind, Jules can’t afford to lose herself in a relationship—no matter how perfect it may seem.

Connor Wilson has hit rock bottom when he loses his career as a top-notch Realtor because of a large gambling debt. Now, in a small town he finds a fresh start—and a gorgeous redhead who sparks new life into him. Together they start a successful real estate company, but when pleasure sneaks into the business, they’ll have to decide what they can let go . . . and what they can’t live without.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED is the second instalment in Sandy James’s adult, contemporary The Ladies Who Lunch romance series focusing on a group of females teachers who meet for lunch every day to discuss life, love and growing old. This is Juliana Kelley and Connor Wilson’s story. Thirty five year old Juliana has been teaching special needs students since graduating from college and it is her turn to step out of her comfort zone and set her sights on something new.

The focus of the storyline is Juliana’s venture into selling real estate. A born sales person, Juliana attends a real estate seminar where she will meet real estate agent Connor Wilson. Following a night of passionate sex, Juliana will walk away without so much as a goodbye. Several weeks later Juliana will come face to face with Connor at a mutual house sale. What ensues is a partnership known as Kelley-Wilson Real Estate and a promise of much more.

The relationship between Connor and Juliana is sensual, sexual and hot. Connor fell in love with Juliana the first night they made love but Connor has a secret that could very well destroy everything he was hoping to build. When Juliana discovers the truth, she isn’t willing to give Connor the benefit of the doubt but things change and Connor will be part of her life whether she wants him to or not.

Sandy James pulls the reader into a romantic storyline where two people forge ahead into a new relationship, a new partnership and a future together. All of the previous storyline characters play a secondary role including Mallory and Ben whom we met in the first instalment The Bottom Line. The Ladies Who Lunch series is the perfect read for a lazy summer afternoon. Each storyline has a happily ever after but getting there will not always be simple or easy. The stories are realistic, passionate and could come from everyday life. Sandy James is an amazing story teller.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was asked if I was interested in reading Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I had two immediate reactions. One, oh hell yes, because I read The Bottom Line – the first book in the Ladies Who Lunch series – and really enjoyed it and two, I start singing that old song. I haven’t stopped singing it either, even though I only know the one line...Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours... I also haven’t stopped smiling, basking in the afterglow of reading a sweet, sexy book that has me salivating for book three. Yeah, I said salivating. What of it?

Juliana Kelley is burnt-out. After teaching Special Needs kids for thirteen years, she knows it’s time to make a major life change and she thinks she has the perfect plan. Telling The Ladies Who Lunch that she’s leaving the school they work at together to pursue a career in real estate isn’t easy – and it’s only the first hurdle she’s going to face. When she meets Connor Wilson at a seminar, she’s immediately drawn to him but she needs to concentrate on finding her feet first.

Connor Wilson is also looking to start afresh. After losing his career, moving to a small town and beginning again is his best chance of getting back in the game. Juliana is a distraction that he doesn’t need but can’t seem to ignore. When a chance encounter throws Connor and Juliana into a partnership, they have to decide whether they can or should keep their relationship strictly professional...or take a chance on love.

I was really taken by the Ladies in the first book, although I’ll admit I was particularly annoyed with Jules at certain points. I wasn’t sure if I’d like her in this book, despite being eager to read her story, and honestly, I didn’t. I loved her. Sandy James really excels at writing her female characters – both Jules and Mallory, from The Bottom Line, are women that I want to read more about (you heard me say I was salivating for book three, right?) Jules was strong, brave (I can’t even imagine starting a new career in my mid-thirties) and fiery. And her chemistry with Connor was exceptional. They sizzled right from their first meeting and I was chomping at the bit for their scenes together – especially those scenes that *wiggles eyebrows* well, you know... I imagine it would be hard not to sizzle with Connor though – he was sexy and smart, and that’s just a little bit appealing. I was, at times, frustrated with his lack of communication but it worked for the story, so I can’t stay too mad at him. And he proved himself in the end, which is really all that matters.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered is one of those books that’s perfect for when you want to relax and have fun reading, and it’s also one that’ll stay with you for days afterward...kind of like that damn song.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered is the second book in the Ladies Who Lunch series and can be read as a standalone. No cliffhanger.

~ Beth, 4.5 stars

[Kate Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com

I liked this book, mainly because I liked the woman, Juliana. Juliana comes from a special needs teaching position, and I think she just needed to find something else to do, I've seen this happen to teachers before, they burn out. So for Juliana, starting up a career in real estate is just what she is looking for, plus her ex works at the school she works at, so hey this is just added incentive for her to strike out on her own.

I really liked that Juliana saw that she was missing something in her life and then actively went out to change it. I absolutely hate when people complain about their lives but have no desire to get up and do something about it, and I absolutely loved that Juliana went at this goal full force. She made herself an office at her house, learned all about real estate, and started finding clients on her own, I was very impressed by her attitude and abilities on the work front.

Now relationship wise, there was definitely some things to work through. Juliana meets Conner at a seminar and their chemistry is electric. One night in a hotel room turns into a real estate partnership, which I think works well for them. Conner definitely has some skeletons in his closet, but all in all he's a good guy. I think he makes some mistakes in their relationship, maybe not being as forthcoming as he should have been. But Juliana makes some mistakes as well. Juliana seems to have some issues with trust and its because of those issues that she doesn't talk to Conner as much as she should about some things that are really important. There was more than one occasion where I wanted to shake her and just tell her to open up her mouth and talk to Conner. I mean seriously sometimes two people need to just sit down and have a conversation.

I liked the friendships that both Juliana and Conner had. I liked that Juliana's friends were so quick to call her out on things, but were equally protective of her and her happiness. And I really liked that Conner had a friend who was so there for him and willing to put herself out on the line for him when his reputation is at stake (there's a big jerk in this story who really tries to bring Conner down).

Overall, I liked the story, I liked the chemistry that was between Juliana and Conner. I thought that the ending was perfect for them. And more than that I liked that these characters were people I could easily see existing in the real world. Flawed people, looking for second chances. I think it's definitely a book people looking for a romance would enjoy.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really come to enjoy Sandy James’ The Ladies Who Lunch series. Signed, Sealed, Delivered is the second book in the series, featuring Juliana, a Special Needs teacher who has lost her mojo for teaching. She's been at the same school for thirteen years and no longer wants to teach. She might have job option by going into real estate, but it's a big gamble for her because she's starting from scratch and doesn't have the resources. She decides to attend a real estate seminar run by the most successful real estate agent in the area to see if she has what it takes.

The seminar is a bust, but she does meet Connor, who’s easy on the eyes. Juliana is sick of playing it safe and she goes with Conner to his hotel room for a one night stand. She has the best sex of her life (the same for Connor) but she sneaks out the next morning. Connor won't let Juliana get away from him. He sees something special in her, and thinks she can help him start new and forget his past that came close to destroying him.

Juliana and Connor meet again and decide to become partners in their new real estate venture. There are a lot of sparks between these two, and soon they're dating and involved in a way Juliana thinks is bad for business. But Connor doesn't see it like that. Juliana is "home" to him. He just has to keep some things about his past a secret because he doesn't want to lose Juliana, who after a bad first marriage, guards her heart.

But when their biggest competitor figures out who Connor is, and wants to ruin him, Connor is forced to reveal to Juliana why he had to start an entirely new life. Things go from bad to worse when Juliana finds herself in a bad situation and has to make some hard decisions that no woman should have to make.

Signed, Sealed Deliver has some heavy issues, specifically with what Connor is hiding. It's an interesting twist you won't expect and was handled in a satisfactory way. You do believe he wants to get better and make things work for him and Juliana. The chemistry between these two is very believable but things happen way too fast between them. Some readers may have an issue with the “insta-love” trope used here. It didn’t end up bothering me like I thought it would because Conner and Juliana click well together. I especially enjoyed the wonderful friendships portrayed and the importance of family, which is a running theme in this series.

The HEA wraps up everything in a nice bow where you end up rooting for Conner and Juliana, not only as lovers, but as a success with their real estate company.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week I gave a 5 star review to the first book in the Ladies Who Lunch Series, The Bottom Line. Signed, Sealed, Delivered is the second book in the story and focuses on Juliana, a special ed teacher and one of the women in the group. Juliana was a very active character in The Bottom Line, being especially close to Mallory as they were closer in age.

The book begins with Juliana contemplating a career change. Juliana has been a special education teacher at the high school the group work at for over 10 years and has become burnt out. For years her Uncle has told her that she is natural salesman and that she should come work for him selling houses. So when a fellow teacher and house renovator mentions to Jules that he is thinking about attending a seminar on becoming a Realtor to maximize his profits on the houses he flip, she decides to check it out as well. The seminar is a bust, but while she is there she meets Connor Wilson.

Connor is struggling to turn his life around and come back from the losing everything - his friends, his job, and his self-respect. His best friend has given him some critical information to assist him in making a comeback, in real estate anyway. Once meeting Jules, he quickly realizes that she is the missing element in completely rebuilding his life. But Connor is going to have to be completely honest with Jules or wind up losing everything, again.

Jules was a fiery, smart, protective woman. We saw it in The Bottom Line, and we continue to see it in this book. It was beautiful to see her friends giving love and affirmation when she needed it most. Connor was a bit of a shocker, I'm going to be honest and state that I didn't actually read the blurb, so when his problem came out I was just as surprised as Jules. They both had some former baggage to resolve, and both fell into the trap of not being honest in their communication. As this was a romance, we knew the HEA would happen, but the twists and turns getting there were top notch.

After reading this, I see many similarities in structure to the Alliance of the Amazon series. (And I like it!) Two pairs of women, who complement and complete each other, who work together and make each other better for their friendship. If the next two books go in a similar manner as the other, I am anticipating a powerful and emotional ending. Another 5 star read for Ms. James.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed, Delivered is book two in the series The Ladies Who Lunch. This time around the main character is Juliana Kelley. She is a special education teacher that is feeling the many years she has worked at her job. Wanting to give her life meaning again and the happiness she deserves, she decides to quit and start a real estate business. She has the people skills and is savvy enough to make it work.

Juliana heads to an uneventful realtor seminar and meets a hunky guy. They have a fling, and the next morning she runs out the door without a word. Little did she know that Connor isn't the type of guy to give up. The two run across one another later in the book and decide to make a joint effort in the real estate field. My ultimate question while reading was how are two people that hooked up going to manage to work together 24/7?

Sandy James excels in weaving stories with strong character relationships, whether it be a romantic or friendship. I've noticed this in a previous series of hers that I read, as well as this one. It leads to a phenomenal read that will have you feeling like you're part of the story. She also mixes in real life situations such as fighting/surviving breast cancer or even living with a form of addiction and makes the story relatable. All while having an awesome set of characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I cannot wait for the remaining two stories in The Ladies Who Lunch series. This series is a must read!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" By Sandy James

The second book in the "Ladies Who Lunch" series.

Release date is July 1st

I was unsure how I was going to feel about this book, that is until I was introduced to Juliana Kelley, a special ed teacher looking to overhaul her life, she has an attitude as fiery as her hair and three friends that have her back no matter what.

After a chance encounter with Conner Wilson she gets a lot more than she bargained for.

Conner has recently moved to Juliana's small town in search of a fresh start and instantly falls head over heels for Juliana, or as he likes to refer to her as, Red.

Jumping head first into a new relationship is the last thing that Juliana wants right now, but with Conner she gains more than a relationship. She gains a partner, a friend and a companion.

Together they start a real estate agency and take their small town and it's former real estate king by storm.

However Conner is keeping secrets from his past buried and Juliana has a few skeletons of her own in her closet.

Will they be able to forgive themselves and one another in order to save their relationship and their new business?

Or does business simply not mix with pleasure?

I thoroughly enjoyed Sandy James' writing style and I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Until next time,
Ginger

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.

[Krazybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana is ready for a change. She is tired of being a teacher and certainly tired of working at the same school as her ex-husband. When she goes to a real estate seminar with a fellow teacher, a chance encounter leads to what she thinks is a very hot one-night stand but ends up turning into a real estate partnership. Juliana is insistent that the partnership with Connor remain business only, but both find it hard to work so closely together while keeping their hands off each other.

I was intrigued by Juliana's supporting character in the first book, The Bottom Line, and I really liked reading this one to get to know her more. Juliana still guards her heart even though her divorce was years ago. She isn't still interested in having a relationship with her ex but working with him has kept her from being able to be fully open to love again. She is sensitive and vulnerable even though all that is covered by her feisty and sassy personality. Connor still feels like a failure after losing everything due to gambling. He doesn't feel he has anything to offer any woman and thinks he isn't ready for a relationship until he can't keep his mind off Juliana.

A great romance with two broken individuals trying to piece themselves back together enough to love again and, ultimately, needing each other to piece themselves back together. I would recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

A copy was provided for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book a B+ for sure its hot, steamy and all with a really good storyline going on around all the chemistry between Conner and "Red" Juliana. I have never read any of Sandy James' books and I can say this book hooked you sucked you in and you just were along for the ride a very fun ride. I would love to go back and read the first book in this series now that I know this is a series. I liked that even with the chemistry and sex in the book that it was not the book or the whole story it self, the characters a dealing with struggling to trust, addictions and all together small town gossip mill, nosey friends, and as well as making life changing decisions that could change and break everything or that can make life worth living and work out in the long run. But in the end it shows that even will all the ups and downs the the story was put together well to keep you guessing a little bit on what maybe happening next. Sandy has a way in this book getting the characters to come alive and off the pages and making you feel like you are sitting right there with them. Well done!!! I hope you like this book as much as I did.


I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review by netgalley

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliana is a redhead with the requisite temper. She's quick to anger and slow to cool down. As a result, there were quite a few misunderstandings that came up. Since she often would get angry instead of listening, she jumped to conclusions. Connor did the same. Add into it his refusal to share his past with Juliana and her need to keep things close to her chest, and this made for some frustrating reading.

What saved the story for me was how quick her friends were to point out her behavior, and then how quick she was to fix it. Her unabashed desire and acceptance of her behavior helped, too.

Connor was a pretty solid character, despite his unwillingness to open up about his past. Even that was understandable, considering the nature of his secret.

The shortness of their courtship would have been unbelievable if not for their solid connection. That and spending pretty much 24/7 together for months on end.

The friendship between The Ladies Who Lunch is something that really stands out. The women are close and turn to one another for comfort and support, but also to laugh and have fun.

[Cara Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ladies who Lunch series is just getting better. I love Juliana and Connor, they spice up the book. Juliana is a tired of her teaching job, and on a whim decides to see if being a real estate agent is more up her alley. She encounters Connor, and the sparks fly, and even though she doesn't expect to see him again, life has a way of throwing them back together. Even with all the baggage they claim, will they still find a way to work together and be together? These characters are fun, lovable, lively, and this entire town is capturing my heart. It's a great and entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. The writing is well done, and it flows very well. A true pleasure read! Thank you to the author and publisher via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Zorko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (The Ladies Who Lunch #2) by Sandy James was a laugh out loud, feel good book that kept me hooked from the first page to the very last. It is full of good old fashion girlfriend fun, but throw in a HOT hero and you have a hit!

When a confident and educated woman like Juliana finally decides to leap off the path she has been on for years and try something new with her life, The Ladies Who Lunch rally behind one of their own to give support.

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[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana is ready for a change. Connor needs a change of scenery to help him with his gambling addiction. When these two meet, the spark fly! I really felt the chemistry from these two. I loved the buildup of tension in this story.
I loved the secondary of the characters of the friends who are always stick together no matter what. I wanted to be a member of the Ladies Who Lunch myself from the way that the author describes this fantastic group of friends.
Ice water is needed for this story and I highly recommend it!

[Janeiowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy James does it again. Ms James knows the problems, turmoil, and frustrations of high school teachers and she writes it "like it is."

Her female characters are well-developed, authentic women, not insecure, shallow, spoiled "divas" who seem to be found in so many novels these days.

The problems the hero and heroine face are very realistic.

[Michelle Follis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book about 2nd chances and what happens when you let someone in. Conner and Juliana meet when she decides to give real estate a go as a job after the big burn out from teaching. They end up having a one night stand that turns into so much more. This is a great book and I highly recommend reading this series.

[Barbara Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I loved this one also. Issues dealing with real life and overcoming those issues always make for the best reading. Now that I have read the first 2 I can not wait for the third one to come out. Thank you Sandy for another beautifully written book.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun beach read. Enjoyed this book and would like to thank the author and publisher for this book that I won in the Goodreads First Reads contest. It was definitely a good read.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a fun read. Once you finish you will want to read it again. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldnt put this book down! I havent read the first Ladies Who Lunch book but i cant wait to read it! Really interesting and totally keeps you guessing right until the end ;) Huge fan!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Now to the next one. It's a nice. Refreshing story. It has ups, downs and tons of surprises.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read : November 22nd 2018
Rating : 3 Stars

It was nice, just like the first one.
And just like the first one too, I just can't really connect with the characters.
I skimmed some, but missed nothing.

[Trewen]

Read only part of the sample.
The hero came across as icky to me.
And WTF is this.
"She wore a perfect black dress. Not a slutty 'little black dress' but one...."
Seriously?

[Paperback Book Club · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t finish this book. I just like my life too much to do it. I thought to myself as I put it down, I can’t be the only person who feels this way. So I went on the Amazon message boards, certain that I would find some kindred souls. 4 ½ stars! 4 ½! For a romance novel I couldn’t finish! I was making so many “ugh” notes on my Kindle, my finger started cramping up.

Anyway, I’ll tell you what I know, which is Connor and Juliana meet at a real estate seminar, and sleep with each other. I guess the real estate atmosphere really put them in the mood. At any rate, they have some sex, it’s fine, he calls her the requisite “Red” nickname since she has red hair. It’s all very original and imaginative, I assure you. Then in the morning, Juliana leaves, and decides that after having no real formal training as a real estate agent, not only will she quit teaching special ed, she’s going to just go ahead and open up her own real estate agency in the middle of the tail end of the biggest recession in recent memory. Good job, Juliana!

All this is just so that she meets up with Connor on a job, and they end up forming a real estate agency together. At least this makes some sense as Connor is a real estate agent. And then this exchange happens after they decide working together is a good idea: “Good God, was he going along with the ruse? Or was it a ruse? Maybe this could really work. Only in a romance novel… But was she willing to give it a try.”

And this, friends, is where I stopped reading because it was just too stupid. I feel terrible about calling it stupid because someone put work into this, and I definitely appreciate that, but reading this book was like playing telephone. It’s like many years ago an author wrote a romance novel, and it was great, and then over the years people read it and retold it over and over forgetting the details and the magic and the color, and that’s what this book felt like to me. Hats off to the graphic designer though, the cover for this book is great!

[Bunga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hero dan Heroinenya langsung click pada pandangan pertama--ketemuannya pas lagi sama-sama ikut seminar di sebuah hotel--dan berujung di satu kamar dalam satu ranjang. Sayangnya si Juliana alias Jules malah kabur esok paginya, meninggalkan Connor yang udah kesengsem abis. Sayangnya, stoking Jules ketinggalan tuh. Agak kaya cinderella versi abad 21. Hehehe... So, gak dinyana, mereka ketemuan lagi saat Jules berusaha menjual sebuah rumah ke sepasang costumer. Ternyata si Connor dan Jules sama-sama agen real estate, dan biar gak kehilangan pelanggan Jules nyeplos kalo dia dan Connor itu partner. Akhirnya Connor pun manut aja dan mau jadi partner Jules. Pada awalnya cuma partner yang berkantor di rumah Jules, dan akhirnya Connor malah pindah tinggal di rumah Jules. Hohoho... Si Connor ini ternyata punya rahasia kelam di masa lalu yang nantinya dimanfaatin sama saingan bisnis mereka yang berengsek. Jules sendiri dulu punya mantan suami yang abusive, suka nyakiti hati dan menjatuhkan mental Jules.

Overall, it's a fun reading! ^0^

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shut the door and lock it! Connor Wilson is in the house and I do not want to be disturbed!

Yes, he is my new book boyfriend. I don't care that Juliana wants him... this man is hot and knows a thing or two in bed!

From the moment he is introduced, with his cocky assertiveness and all over "hunkiness", Connor steals the heart. He is rebuilding his life and it determined to succeed. Oh, my... that one night stand with Juliana will forever be on my mind. Why can't I find a real man just like him?

This well written story is full of passion and human frailty. This is a novel about second chances and trust that you will not want to miss. We all are human and we all make mistakes. What we learn from our mistakes and how we steer our lives after the mistakes are made is what is important. Everyday we get to try one more time and succeed.

Thank you Sandy James for an illuminating, emotional, and amusing story!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance with angst

Juliana has an ex husband who makes her question her ability to have a happy life. Connor has a hidden past that he hasn't shared with her. They have an instant attraction but her constant doubts get a little old. They both make mistakes but eventually they're honest with each other and get their HEA.

[Danielle]

DNF

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Not a ton of conflict in this one, I wanted a little more time of the characters falling in love instead of just BAM, they love each other. But overall it was a quick, light read.