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Seattle Sullivans #2
The Way You Look Tonight
As a very successful private investigator who has caught many a cheater, Rafe Sullivan believes true, lasting love only happens once in a blue moon. But when he returns to the family lake house, the sweet girl next door is all grown up…and she may be just the one to change his mind.
While Brooke Jansen is happy with her quiet, small-town life, she secretly longs to experience something wild. So when her favorite "Wild Sullivan" moves back after more than a decade away, she can't stop wondering if being bad is really as good as it always seemed…and just how long it will be before she can find out.
It's not long before a summer fling spirals into something much deeper. Can Rafe put his faith in love for once, or will he end up losing the best thing that's ever happened to him?
While Brooke Jansen is happy with her quiet, small-town life, she secretly longs to experience something wild. So when her favorite "Wild Sullivan" moves back after more than a decade away, she can't stop wondering if being bad is really as good as it always seemed…and just how long it will be before she can find out.
It's not long before a summer fling spirals into something much deeper. Can Rafe put his faith in love for once, or will he end up losing the best thing that's ever happened to him?
194 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2013
About the author
Bella Andre
199 books56.3k followersBella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
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June 19, 2013Rafe Sullivan's book, THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT (the 9th book in the Sullivan series), is out now! Rafe is the first Seattle Sullivan to get his own happily-ever after when the super-sexy P.I. realizes the girl-next-door from his childhood is all grown up now...and utterly irresistible, too. :) Bella
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kcoc4xo
Apple: http://tinyurl.com/n3coqtb
BN Nook: http://bit.ly/10uvPEt
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/mrluf85
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Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/lflf4e6
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Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kcoc4xo
Apple: http://tinyurl.com/n3coqtb
BN Nook: http://bit.ly/10uvPEt
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/mrluf85
Amazon Canada: http://tinyurl.com/kl2zqct
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/lflf4e6
ARe: http://tinyurl.com/lnb78tt
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
September 11, 2015
This is Book 9 of the Sullivan series, and it focuses on the Sullivan's cousins love lives. This story is about Rafe who is a PI that has become jaded about love given the fact he is always catching spouses who cheat on each other through his profession. His sister Mia decides to give Rafe a push in the right direction to relaxation and gets Rafe to purchase their old family cabin that they had many wonderful summers in as children.
When Rafe escapes to his old summer cabin, not only does he find rest and relaxtion; but he finds his childhood friend still living next door; and she has grown up to be a beautiful woman. These two catch up in more ways than one and Rafe is hesitant to get involved with his "innocent and pure" neighbor. After all, Rafe has a kinky side and he doesn't wish to corrupt his childhood friend. The thing is, their attraction is fierce and in the end there is no way that either one of them can walk away from it. They decide on a summer fling only; but as we all know...these things never work out the way that the couples want them too! Will they be able to walk away at the end of the summer; or will the " I don't believe in love" Rafe learn that true love really does exist.
This installment was similar to the others in that it was low on angst and just a feel good romance. I found it fell short of the magic of the Sullivan siblings in the other books. For one the sex was not as detailed, and I personally didn't feel that it was kinky, even when Rafe was portrayed as being kinky. This could me my definition of kinky though...to some it may be more than vanilla sex!! To me though, it was on the softer side of life. I just didn't feel the magic of the other books in the series as much. Will I still continue on in this series? Yes, I will give the next Sullivan cousin a chance and see where it goes from there!
When Rafe escapes to his old summer cabin, not only does he find rest and relaxtion; but he finds his childhood friend still living next door; and she has grown up to be a beautiful woman. These two catch up in more ways than one and Rafe is hesitant to get involved with his "innocent and pure" neighbor. After all, Rafe has a kinky side and he doesn't wish to corrupt his childhood friend. The thing is, their attraction is fierce and in the end there is no way that either one of them can walk away from it. They decide on a summer fling only; but as we all know...these things never work out the way that the couples want them too! Will they be able to walk away at the end of the summer; or will the " I don't believe in love" Rafe learn that true love really does exist.
This installment was similar to the others in that it was low on angst and just a feel good romance. I found it fell short of the magic of the Sullivan siblings in the other books. For one the sex was not as detailed, and I personally didn't feel that it was kinky, even when Rafe was portrayed as being kinky. This could me my definition of kinky though...to some it may be more than vanilla sex!! To me though, it was on the softer side of life. I just didn't feel the magic of the other books in the series as much. Will I still continue on in this series? Yes, I will give the next Sullivan cousin a chance and see where it goes from there!
June 21, 2013
3.5 stars
I am glad that Sullivan series is going to last beyond the original eight brothers and sisters. I've really enjoyed everyone of their stories.
For whatever reason, I didn't love Rafe and Brooke's story as much as the previous Sullivan books. I liked both of the main characters. Rafe has used his natural talents to start one of the best PI firms in Washington, and has fallen into being known for getting to dirt on cheating spouses. This has made him cynical about love (understandably).
Enter Brooke - the sweet neighbor girl he hasn't seen in 18 years. Brooke was sweet, as most of Bella Andre's female leads tend to be. She's also determined to live life to the fullest, and grab some "wild" in the form of Rafe Sullivan.
Rafe and Brooke had great chemistry - which I really enjoyed, though their supposed "no strings attached" arrangement only stayed "no strings" for about a second which, at least on Rafe's part, with his trust issues seemed to be rushed.
My two real issues were that first, the conflict - well, it didn't seem all that "conflicting". I understand why what he does upsets Brooke, but really, was there anyway this was going to be a relationship ender? Obviously not since it took her only a couple of hours to get over it.
Maybe I've just been reading too many books with OTT drama, but it just felt flat for me.
My other issue was the Rafe kept telling Brooke how he liked things kinky and rough in the bedroom, but kept not wanting to "spoil her innocence". When they finally get down to doing it "kinky style" I was left going "huh" ? Again, maybe I've been indulging in you may books where kinky means KINKY, but for me, it seemed pretty darn "vanilla". Honestly, the sexy scenes previous to that seemed much sexier to me than the "kinky" scene did.
Overall good, but not great. The other Sullivan books are on my "re read when you need to feel good" shelf, but I don't think this one will be.
I am excited for Mia's book - I can never resist a rockstar :)
I am glad that Sullivan series is going to last beyond the original eight brothers and sisters. I've really enjoyed everyone of their stories.
For whatever reason, I didn't love Rafe and Brooke's story as much as the previous Sullivan books. I liked both of the main characters. Rafe has used his natural talents to start one of the best PI firms in Washington, and has fallen into being known for getting to dirt on cheating spouses. This has made him cynical about love (understandably).
Enter Brooke - the sweet neighbor girl he hasn't seen in 18 years. Brooke was sweet, as most of Bella Andre's female leads tend to be. She's also determined to live life to the fullest, and grab some "wild" in the form of Rafe Sullivan.
Rafe and Brooke had great chemistry - which I really enjoyed, though their supposed "no strings attached" arrangement only stayed "no strings" for about a second which, at least on Rafe's part, with his trust issues seemed to be rushed.
My two real issues were that first, the conflict - well, it didn't seem all that "conflicting". I understand why what he does upsets Brooke, but really, was there anyway this was going to be a relationship ender? Obviously not since it took her only a couple of hours to get over it.
Maybe I've just been reading too many books with OTT drama, but it just felt flat for me.
My other issue was the Rafe kept telling Brooke how he liked things kinky and rough in the bedroom, but kept not wanting to "spoil her innocence". When they finally get down to doing it "kinky style" I was left going "huh" ? Again, maybe I've been indulging in you may books where kinky means KINKY, but for me, it seemed pretty darn "vanilla". Honestly, the sexy scenes previous to that seemed much sexier to me than the "kinky" scene did.
Overall good, but not great. The other Sullivan books are on my "re read when you need to feel good" shelf, but I don't think this one will be.
I am excited for Mia's book - I can never resist a rockstar :)
January 31, 2014
Okay I am not actually finished with this book yet but I just have to write my thoughts down now. First off the author wants you to think this couple has this big love connection and history...um not so much The last time they saw each other they were just kids. They meet again 18 years later and it is as if they were never separated. The day after they reunite Brooke is ready to jump into bed with him because she had such a crush on him when she was EIGHT!!! Seriously? Oh and apparently they look exactly the same as they did as children because they recognize each other instantly after 18 years there was no 'You look familiar oh yeah I remember you great to see you" I know some people don't change much but come on, even his siblings and Brooke know each other like they only saw each other a few months ago. There is no connection between Brooke and Rafe other than lust. All they do is have sex, which is fine if that is want you want to read I am just not feeling it. Brooke makes and sells truffles.....well they have sex on the same counter that all her truffles are currently on. Sex sweaty bodies and truffles that OTHER people are supposed to buy talk about nasty!!
I can't do it anymore. They lost me after the background check. She is mad and that is understandable but to say.. Don't you know me at all after this week and we practically grew up together....again they haven't seen each other for EIGHTEEN YEARS!! Yeah I am sure I know someone that well when I last saw them they were EIGHT and we only had a week to catch up...or in their case have sex nonstop. TSTF(to stupid to finish)
I can't do it anymore. They lost me after the background check. She is mad and that is understandable but to say.. Don't you know me at all after this week and we practically grew up together....again they haven't seen each other for EIGHTEEN YEARS!! Yeah I am sure I know someone that well when I last saw them they were EIGHT and we only had a week to catch up...or in their case have sex nonstop. TSTF(to stupid to finish)
January 28, 2019
.
Bella Andre seems to have a significant fan base according to the reviews which appreciate the type of writing she provides with this series. However, I do not qualify for that category. There are fans that will be delighted with the hot and steamy insinuations, daydreams, and sexual exploitation fully and clearly expressed.
Since the single review, I read through a Goodreads feed was favorable, I did not realize the extremity of intimating sexual innuendos and the DETAILS of the acts they performed ..... that were included in this book. The storyline is much too geared toward lust and sexual encounters to incorporate much character building. I, myself, prefer a cleaner drama encompassing taking the time to get to know each other on every level, progression of the relationship, and finding compatibility outside of the bedroom, not just in it. There seem to be two series by this author including cameo characters with similar content. So if this is a type of material you enjoy, go for it! I truly had to push myself to complete this tale.
At first, I rated this with only 1 star, but the more I thought about the premise, presentation, and grammar, the more I realized it is not the author's fault I didn't research the book prior to cracking it open. I liked the characters for the most part. So, based on my thoughts on these categories, I have upgraded my review to 3 stars.
Those that prefer cleaner literary adventures, you will want to avoid these!
Bella Andre seems to have a significant fan base according to the reviews which appreciate the type of writing she provides with this series. However, I do not qualify for that category. There are fans that will be delighted with the hot and steamy insinuations, daydreams, and sexual exploitation fully and clearly expressed.
Since the single review, I read through a Goodreads feed was favorable, I did not realize the extremity of intimating sexual innuendos and the DETAILS of the acts they performed ..... that were included in this book. The storyline is much too geared toward lust and sexual encounters to incorporate much character building. I, myself, prefer a cleaner drama encompassing taking the time to get to know each other on every level, progression of the relationship, and finding compatibility outside of the bedroom, not just in it. There seem to be two series by this author including cameo characters with similar content. So if this is a type of material you enjoy, go for it! I truly had to push myself to complete this tale.
At first, I rated this with only 1 star, but the more I thought about the premise, presentation, and grammar, the more I realized it is not the author's fault I didn't research the book prior to cracking it open. I liked the characters for the most part. So, based on my thoughts on these categories, I have upgraded my review to 3 stars.
Those that prefer cleaner literary adventures, you will want to avoid these!
July 19, 2013
4 "True Love & Kinky" Stars
"True love would be passion that burned so hot you were almost afraid of the power the other person had over you, the way they could turn you inside out with a look , a touch, a kiss. And, most of all, it would mean being able to talk to each other about absolutely anything, knowing that no matter how hard it was to say the difficult things, you'd both still love each other...and that you'd find a way to work it out together. No matter what." Such beautiful words Bella Andre, such a beautiful definition.
Brooke was 8-She was cute, sweet, a good girl through and through...Rafe was 14, the most carefree- the most wonderfully wild person she had ever known. Next door neighbors during the summer at the Lake. She had a crush on Rafe, it was sweet and innocent but now 18 years later, sweet was not what she was feeling now.
Wild. The thought-no, it was more desire and pure need than it was a cognizant thought-came at her in an instant. I want to be wild with Rafe Sullivan.
Brooke-
Rafe-
Brooke returns to live at the lake house of her grandparents after their death. She decided to leave her job and do the one thing that made her happy, to make chocolate truffles for a living, using her grandmothers recipes.
"I think about the daily ritual we had of eating one perfect piece of homemade chocolate. That initial taste of it on my tongue. That slow melt the felt like it was awakening my entire body. The decadent, sumptuous taste that lingered."
Rafe's family had owned the lakehouse next door. When times got hard for his family, they lost the house. The house had come up on the market and Rafe's sister, Mia, had seen it and jumped on getting it for Rafe. Rafe had become hardened over the years. He was a PI and had grown weary after so many years of seeing cheating and marriages go bad. Rafe had always loved the lake house and Mia knew that he needed a place to get away and to try to be the man he use to be. Did I mention that Rafe has a likes things a little "kinky"?
Their attraction is instantaneous. But, Rafe gave Brooke 24hrs to consider her offer of being friends with benefits, no strings attached, just a summer fling with a man who was Wild and she wanted to be wild. No more sweet innocent Brooke, she wanted passion and intensity and Rafe was the man for her.
This story has lots of sexual chemistry and lots of tension. But leading up to the moment, Brooke finds her own and unleashes a sassy side to her, it's just so easy to do with Rafe. Once they wait that 24 hrs, bow-chica-bow-wow!! They have it and have it good. But what if a mistake could change things? Both Brooke and Rafe know that each other is the one, but can they make it work? Can they trust each other and have the HEA?
I love Bella Andre and all her books involving the Sullivan's. I feel as if they are part of my family. I have read all the books so far about the Sullivan's and each one is loving, angsty, sexual, and a wonderful HEA. If you want a wonderful read and a fabulous HEA with some steamy sex, pick up a Bella book-you can't go wrong!!
"True love would be passion that burned so hot you were almost afraid of the power the other person had over you, the way they could turn you inside out with a look , a touch, a kiss. And, most of all, it would mean being able to talk to each other about absolutely anything, knowing that no matter how hard it was to say the difficult things, you'd both still love each other...and that you'd find a way to work it out together. No matter what." Such beautiful words Bella Andre, such a beautiful definition.
Brooke was 8-She was cute, sweet, a good girl through and through...Rafe was 14, the most carefree- the most wonderfully wild person she had ever known. Next door neighbors during the summer at the Lake. She had a crush on Rafe, it was sweet and innocent but now 18 years later, sweet was not what she was feeling now.
Wild. The thought-no, it was more desire and pure need than it was a cognizant thought-came at her in an instant. I want to be wild with Rafe Sullivan.
Brooke-
Rafe-
Brooke returns to live at the lake house of her grandparents after their death. She decided to leave her job and do the one thing that made her happy, to make chocolate truffles for a living, using her grandmothers recipes.
"I think about the daily ritual we had of eating one perfect piece of homemade chocolate. That initial taste of it on my tongue. That slow melt the felt like it was awakening my entire body. The decadent, sumptuous taste that lingered."
Rafe's family had owned the lakehouse next door. When times got hard for his family, they lost the house. The house had come up on the market and Rafe's sister, Mia, had seen it and jumped on getting it for Rafe. Rafe had become hardened over the years. He was a PI and had grown weary after so many years of seeing cheating and marriages go bad. Rafe had always loved the lake house and Mia knew that he needed a place to get away and to try to be the man he use to be. Did I mention that Rafe has a likes things a little "kinky"?
Their attraction is instantaneous. But, Rafe gave Brooke 24hrs to consider her offer of being friends with benefits, no strings attached, just a summer fling with a man who was Wild and she wanted to be wild. No more sweet innocent Brooke, she wanted passion and intensity and Rafe was the man for her.
This story has lots of sexual chemistry and lots of tension. But leading up to the moment, Brooke finds her own and unleashes a sassy side to her, it's just so easy to do with Rafe. Once they wait that 24 hrs, bow-chica-bow-wow!! They have it and have it good. But what if a mistake could change things? Both Brooke and Rafe know that each other is the one, but can they make it work? Can they trust each other and have the HEA?
I love Bella Andre and all her books involving the Sullivan's. I feel as if they are part of my family. I have read all the books so far about the Sullivan's and each one is loving, angsty, sexual, and a wonderful HEA. If you want a wonderful read and a fabulous HEA with some steamy sex, pick up a Bella book-you can't go wrong!!
May 3, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads
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2020==>
O jeito que me olha (Bella Andre Livro 10) - portuguese edition, kindle unlimited
2013==>
paperback
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2020==>
O jeito que me olha (Bella Andre Livro 10) - portuguese edition, kindle unlimited
2013==>
paperback
March 21, 2021
3,5 stars
March 18, 2014
I am in love with Bella Andre!!!!
May 21, 2017
This one was pretty lame. I nearly dnf'ed it, but ended up finishing it by skimming, so I almost feel guilty about claiming to have 'read' it.
I'd read a few Bella Andres a while ago and thought this might be a sweet, light read. Well, it was light and fluffy, but a little boring as well, sadly. Seemed a fairly 'routine' and 'by-the-numbers' romance. Very little angst, but of course that's not what you look for in this kind of book. Not one of Ms Andre's best ones, IMO.
I'd read a few Bella Andres a while ago and thought this might be a sweet, light read. Well, it was light and fluffy, but a little boring as well, sadly. Seemed a fairly 'routine' and 'by-the-numbers' romance. Very little angst, but of course that's not what you look for in this kind of book. Not one of Ms Andre's best ones, IMO.
June 25, 2013
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
We finally get to meet the Sullivan’s of Seattle, WA. The long awaited and highly anticipated cousins of Chase, Marcus, Gabe, Zach, Ryan, Smith, Naughty and Nice. And, believe me, even though I am a die-hard Gabe fan, Rafe has taken my breath away and has me thoroughly convinced that Seattle is going to be as hot and sexy as San Francisco. (Whew, fans herself and wishes for one of the cool breezes coming of the lake.)
Rafe, OMG, Rafe. Hot, sexy, cynical, Rafe. His PI business is one of the most sought-after in San Francisco by the SF elite. See, he seems to have a knack of finding husbands with their pants down, and not with their wives. He does not trust anyone, he doesn’t believe in “true love” and his love life leads to the “kinky” side of things. A man who has never loved and lost. A man who is tired of passing the tissue box across his desk to the crying, jilted wives. In steps Mia Sullivan and his life changes, dramatically. Their old summer home in the Cascade Mountains was for sale and Mia put on offer on it under Rafe’s name. It’s time for him to take a break and relax. Memories of all the summers they spent up there as a family with the Jensen’s right next door came flooding back to him. Off on his Ducati to reclaim what his family lost when he was a young boy.
Brooke Jansen was the “girl-next-door”, 6 years younger than Rafe with an insane crush on him. Boy, how she misses having the wild Sullivan clan next door. Thank God she saw the “For Sale” sign go on it. She didn’t think she could take another summer of rental’s over there. Was she surprised that the “Sold” sign went on it within a matter of hours. Oh well, guess she’ll find out soon enough who her new neighbor’s were going to be. After living in her grandparent’s house for 3 years, building her Truffle company and being the nice, innocent girl, it would be nice to have some company at the lake. But, what she wasn’t expecting was a lone man on a motorcycle with broad shoulders and big, capable hands just riding into her life. Talk about wild and dangerous! And, what a surprise, it’s Rafe and she is as thrilled as he is stunned to see “Little Brooke” all grown up with a Marilyn Monroe figure.
So, my question is this – can any Sullivan just have a “summer fling”? Are they capable of just having a good time? Hell, no! But, it’s fun watching them fall, head over heels, with the woman/man of their dreams and screw it up to the best of their abilities. There is no way Rafe is going to corrupt innocent, little Brooke – he has to keep himself in check and love her with the care and tenderness that she deserves. So, why not just bring her to a climax in the linen closet, why not take her on the island in the kitchen covered in chocolate? Should we be so lucky, ladies? He really wants to give in to his baser urges and she is really begging for it but he refuses to use any props. Well, that is until he has to apologize for losing her trust. OK, now it’s time for no holds barred groveling and loving – any way that she wants it – blind folds, ties …. anything!
I absolutely adore Bella Andre and the way that she combines eroticism with love; laughter with love; and, kink with love. Yes, it all stems around love – the love of a good man, the love of a wonderful family and the love of your life. She writes with such depth and detail that you can picture the lake, picture the cabins and feel the love that is pouring off of both Rafe and Brooke. You laugh, you cry and you smile all at the same time. But, most of all, you wait breathlessly for the next Sullivan story. So, now we wait for Mia, Adam and Ian’s stories with a hint that there is an East Coast Sullivan clan that we have yet to hear about. Congratulations, Bella! What a wonderful beginning to the Seattle Sullivan’s.
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
We finally get to meet the Sullivan’s of Seattle, WA. The long awaited and highly anticipated cousins of Chase, Marcus, Gabe, Zach, Ryan, Smith, Naughty and Nice. And, believe me, even though I am a die-hard Gabe fan, Rafe has taken my breath away and has me thoroughly convinced that Seattle is going to be as hot and sexy as San Francisco. (Whew, fans herself and wishes for one of the cool breezes coming of the lake.)
Rafe, OMG, Rafe. Hot, sexy, cynical, Rafe. His PI business is one of the most sought-after in San Francisco by the SF elite. See, he seems to have a knack of finding husbands with their pants down, and not with their wives. He does not trust anyone, he doesn’t believe in “true love” and his love life leads to the “kinky” side of things. A man who has never loved and lost. A man who is tired of passing the tissue box across his desk to the crying, jilted wives. In steps Mia Sullivan and his life changes, dramatically. Their old summer home in the Cascade Mountains was for sale and Mia put on offer on it under Rafe’s name. It’s time for him to take a break and relax. Memories of all the summers they spent up there as a family with the Jensen’s right next door came flooding back to him. Off on his Ducati to reclaim what his family lost when he was a young boy.
Brooke Jansen was the “girl-next-door”, 6 years younger than Rafe with an insane crush on him. Boy, how she misses having the wild Sullivan clan next door. Thank God she saw the “For Sale” sign go on it. She didn’t think she could take another summer of rental’s over there. Was she surprised that the “Sold” sign went on it within a matter of hours. Oh well, guess she’ll find out soon enough who her new neighbor’s were going to be. After living in her grandparent’s house for 3 years, building her Truffle company and being the nice, innocent girl, it would be nice to have some company at the lake. But, what she wasn’t expecting was a lone man on a motorcycle with broad shoulders and big, capable hands just riding into her life. Talk about wild and dangerous! And, what a surprise, it’s Rafe and she is as thrilled as he is stunned to see “Little Brooke” all grown up with a Marilyn Monroe figure.
So, my question is this – can any Sullivan just have a “summer fling”? Are they capable of just having a good time? Hell, no! But, it’s fun watching them fall, head over heels, with the woman/man of their dreams and screw it up to the best of their abilities. There is no way Rafe is going to corrupt innocent, little Brooke – he has to keep himself in check and love her with the care and tenderness that she deserves. So, why not just bring her to a climax in the linen closet, why not take her on the island in the kitchen covered in chocolate? Should we be so lucky, ladies? He really wants to give in to his baser urges and she is really begging for it but he refuses to use any props. Well, that is until he has to apologize for losing her trust. OK, now it’s time for no holds barred groveling and loving – any way that she wants it – blind folds, ties …. anything!
I absolutely adore Bella Andre and the way that she combines eroticism with love; laughter with love; and, kink with love. Yes, it all stems around love – the love of a good man, the love of a wonderful family and the love of your life. She writes with such depth and detail that you can picture the lake, picture the cabins and feel the love that is pouring off of both Rafe and Brooke. You laugh, you cry and you smile all at the same time. But, most of all, you wait breathlessly for the next Sullivan story. So, now we wait for Mia, Adam and Ian’s stories with a hint that there is an East Coast Sullivan clan that we have yet to hear about. Congratulations, Bella! What a wonderful beginning to the Seattle Sullivan’s.
August 14, 2018
The Way You Look Tonight was a lazy listen. Entertaining but had some issues.
The Gist: Rafe's been strong armed into taking a break from work and buying a lake property his family used to own. The house needs a good bit of work and just so happens the next door neighbor-- a girl from his childhood-- offers to put him up while he does repairs. And, well, maybe offers some orgasms, too.
Rafe and Brooke were nice characters. Easy to like and easy to fall in love. They have some major lust happening and nearly 2 decades since they'd seen each other...didn't seem to matter. They had an easy rapport and fit nicely with her dreamer personality and his jaded and logical personality.
Things heat up with Rafe having a naughty kinky side that, alas, wasn't so naughty or kinky but still hot. lol
It wasn't a favorite, though. Things move super fast an Brooke had a big overreaction to something in the end. But it was a fun listen and way to spend an afternoon. The narration itself was fantastic!
The Gist: Rafe's been strong armed into taking a break from work and buying a lake property his family used to own. The house needs a good bit of work and just so happens the next door neighbor-- a girl from his childhood-- offers to put him up while he does repairs. And, well, maybe offers some orgasms, too.
Rafe and Brooke were nice characters. Easy to like and easy to fall in love. They have some major lust happening and nearly 2 decades since they'd seen each other...didn't seem to matter. They had an easy rapport and fit nicely with her dreamer personality and his jaded and logical personality.
Things heat up with Rafe having a naughty kinky side that, alas, wasn't so naughty or kinky but still hot. lol
It wasn't a favorite, though. Things move super fast an Brooke had a big overreaction to something in the end. But it was a fun listen and way to spend an afternoon. The narration itself was fantastic!
Want to read
May 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (5/19/2020)! 🎁
December 3, 2021
‘Instant love’ just isn’t for me. Marriage proposals after 4 days? Nope, give a girl a couple of weeks at least!
August 4, 2013
Another delectable treat from accomplished and talented author Bella Andre with
The Way You Look Tonight.
Rafe Sullivan had lost his innocence. He'd lost faith in live, blinded and tarnished by the infidelity of his beautiful rich clients. He'd lost joy. He'd lost fun. He'd gained serious, intensity and cynicism as his friends, who shackled him.
It seemed that the good girl next door, Brooke Jansen, had a well-hidden naughty streak, but also a innocent loveliness and light about her, that made resisting her, impossible. She was safe, wholesome, sweet.
Whether it be their shared history, or just her sweet nature, she had a way of making what would ordinarily be complicated, easy. Could her gentle strength liberate him from his distrust?
Despite his intelligent and intuitive investigative skills, he missed Brooke's honest cues.
As a child, Brooke had looked at Rafe Sullivan and seen carefree and adventurous. As a woman, she saw that and more. She saw deep convictions, a deep love for his family, but sadly, a deep distrust of the possibility of fidelity, truth, love. She had thought that her joy and lust for life could help heal him. She knew, deep down though, that only he keep really heal himself. She also feared, deep down, that he was the only man that could irrevocably hurt her, just as she knew, there would never be another man she would love more either.
When I first started Bella Andre's book, I was ready for a fairly predictable plot, but one that I also knew would be worded with her beautifully, talented prose and heated with her romantic sensual touches of sizzle. I was not disappointed. With a touch of tension, the book, told in third person, shifted minds throughout, giving the reader terrific insight into the characters' thoughts, and provided a deliciously light, sweet romance.
If you're new to Bella Andre, why not start your journey with Chase Sullivan in The Look of Love.
Rafe Sullivan had lost his innocence. He'd lost faith in live, blinded and tarnished by the infidelity of his beautiful rich clients. He'd lost joy. He'd lost fun. He'd gained serious, intensity and cynicism as his friends, who shackled him.
It seemed that the good girl next door, Brooke Jansen, had a well-hidden naughty streak, but also a innocent loveliness and light about her, that made resisting her, impossible. She was safe, wholesome, sweet.
Whether it be their shared history, or just her sweet nature, she had a way of making what would ordinarily be complicated, easy. Could her gentle strength liberate him from his distrust?
Despite his intelligent and intuitive investigative skills, he missed Brooke's honest cues.
As a child, Brooke had looked at Rafe Sullivan and seen carefree and adventurous. As a woman, she saw that and more. She saw deep convictions, a deep love for his family, but sadly, a deep distrust of the possibility of fidelity, truth, love. She had thought that her joy and lust for life could help heal him. She knew, deep down though, that only he keep really heal himself. She also feared, deep down, that he was the only man that could irrevocably hurt her, just as she knew, there would never be another man she would love more either.
When I first started Bella Andre's book, I was ready for a fairly predictable plot, but one that I also knew would be worded with her beautifully, talented prose and heated with her romantic sensual touches of sizzle. I was not disappointed. With a touch of tension, the book, told in third person, shifted minds throughout, giving the reader terrific insight into the characters' thoughts, and provided a deliciously light, sweet romance.
"She was thrilled by his rough, desperate possession, soon there were no more questions from either of them, no room for anything but sighs of pleasure and gasps of ecstasy as they wrapped themselves around each other."I was so excited when I realized that Rafe had four siblings - more Sullivan stories!! Woo hoo! Subtle hints were provided as to future Sullivan delicious tales. Thank goodness for Andre's Epilogues! Sigh. As usual, I'll now await eagerly the next installment.
If you're new to Bella Andre, why not start your journey with Chase Sullivan in The Look of Love.
March 24, 2016
After seeing the author interviewed briefly in the documentary Love Between the Covers, I decided to read this (once upon a time) freebie that had been sitting on my e-reader for more than a year. I didn't expect much more than a light contemporary romance, but this was still so disappointing. While the writing was better than many romance novels I've read, the character and relationship development was nearly non-existent, despite the author's pained attempts to convince readers otherwise. Even from the opening chapters, the entire story was about little more than the "burning" sexual pull between the two characters. The entire story arc went from "we haven't seen each other in 18 years when I was but a mere 8 year-old-girl, but I remember everything about everyone like I was an adult, and we should
Read
February 3, 2021It was sent to me by the lovely authors from the Dirty Boys Book Club and I really wanted to like it.
A good, heartfelt romance story was what I was looking for but the way a lot of the moments and dialogue were built upon the boring “she’s all grown up” trope and you can guess there were a lot of internal wrestling about the main character being just way too pure for the guy. She was just too good for him to corrupt and that’s just one of the most annoying things in romance novels and one of my most hated ones.
I would give all the millions I don’t have for people to understand that virginity and/or lack or sexual experience does not equal innocence nor naïveté.
The fact that this book felt very dated, brought pretty much nothing new to the romance table and, mind you, it was so utterly boring lead me to DNF it at about 67%. I kind of feel like I’m disappointing the people in the book club but I just could not do it.
A good, heartfelt romance story was what I was looking for but the way a lot of the moments and dialogue were built upon the boring “she’s all grown up” trope and you can guess there were a lot of internal wrestling about the main character being just way too pure for the guy. She was just too good for him to corrupt and that’s just one of the most annoying things in romance novels and one of my most hated ones.
I would give all the millions I don’t have for people to understand that virginity and/or lack or sexual experience does not equal innocence nor naïveté.
The fact that this book felt very dated, brought pretty much nothing new to the romance table and, mind you, it was so utterly boring lead me to DNF it at about 67%. I kind of feel like I’m disappointing the people in the book club but I just could not do it.
February 5, 2014
Listened to on audio, narrated by Eva Kaminsky.
Eva Kaminsky is fabulous as always.
This is one of my favourite series and I really love most of the books, unfortunately I feel indifferent to this one. I just didn't seem to connect with Rafe and Brooke or their love story. I was bored by it and have to admit I only finished it for completion sake.
Never mind. Can't love them all.
The conflict near the end rankled me a bit. Brooke totally over reacted. Rafe is a PI and therefore I think she should have been more understanding about his compulsion to check people out.
It was great to hear more about the siblings though and I can't wait to read Mia's book.
Eva Kaminsky is fabulous as always.
This is one of my favourite series and I really love most of the books, unfortunately I feel indifferent to this one. I just didn't seem to connect with Rafe and Brooke or their love story. I was bored by it and have to admit I only finished it for completion sake.
Never mind. Can't love them all.
The conflict near the end rankled me a bit. Brooke totally over reacted. Rafe is a PI and therefore I think she should have been more understanding about his compulsion to check people out.
It was great to hear more about the siblings though and I can't wait to read Mia's book.
May 29, 2014
I had to force myself to finish this... and honestly, I skimmed the last half of the book. I do not know what was happening with this normally pretty decent author and this story. I hate to say it but I can't believe Bella Andre wrote this. it was ridiculous. it was predictable and it was stupid. that sounds terrible, but it is honestly the best word to describe this book. I enjoyed the other books in the Sullivan series, some more than others, but this book was so bad, that I think I am done with the Sullivan's and possibly even done with Bella Andre... for good. I don't know what happened, but this plot did not work for me... at all.
December 1, 2013
This as another solid book from Bella Andre for me. I just love her writing style. She has a way with words and makes me just want to read more from her. I never want the Sullivan clan stories to end. They are amazing! I can't wait for Mia's story!!
Shelved as 'own-need-to-read'
November 22, 2015Woot! Woot! WOOOOOT!!!
Kindle Freebie, 1-14-14
www.amazon.com/The-Way-You-Look-Tonig...
July 23, 2019
Meh for me. The siblings were all over the place, and that's not something I particularly like when reading romance, especially when said siblings are there to lust after the main character or to meddle with their brother/sister's life. A pass from me. Slightly disappointed because Brooke was a very refreshing character, and her relationship with Rafe was starting to be interesting.
August 13, 2014
If you’re looking for a sweet, fun, romance this is just the book for you. It’s well written, not too long, and entertaining. But for me, it was just too clichéd, too cheesy, too sweet, and too perfect.
The last time Brooke has seen Rafe, she was 8 and he was 14. They spent their vacations in their families’ beach houses which just happened to be right next to each other. Now, 18 years later, Brooke makes chocolate truffles for a living and moved back into her Grandparent’s cabin, while Rafe’s sister insists he needs a break from his successful PI firm and talks him into buying their parents’ cabin.
What could’ve been a sweet story about two childhood friends reuniting became, in my opinion, a mass of too-perfect-to-be-true clichés. Rafe has turned into a cynical, hardened PI who doesn’t believe in love because he sees people cheating and lying on a daily basis and therefore expects everyone to cheat and lie. Brooke, on the other hand, is a sweet, nice, and trusting person who believes in happily ever after. But at the sight of the beautiful, “wild” man (he showed up on a motorcycle, which apparently makes him wild) she decides she is done being the good girl and wants to have a crazy, “wild” summer fling. Which he of course refuses very adamantly in the beginning because she is just too sweet to be ruined by him. I think we all know how that ends.
What bothered me most were the exaggerations: he makes the best scrambled eggs she ever had, “even his bare feet were tanned and beautiful”, “Every single moment felt so right. So perfect. So meant to be”. Brooke is so sweet and understanding that she tells his sister that she “loved” how she just came over unannounced (which kept them from having sex), because that is behaving “as family should”. Sadly, she was not being ironic, she really meant that. At one point she actually apologizes for saying what she wanted (i.e. him) because she was just “so busy thinking about herself” without considering what he wanted. He actually has to tell her they are on the same page. This was after he had already pulled her into a closet to have his way with her while his family was just outside. And so it went on and on. It just annoyed me that absolutely everyone and everything was so picture perfect. But that is probably just me. I’m just saying there was a little too much perfection there for me, no real issues that actually had an impact on the character’s behavior .
As for what bothered me about the story: They met when she was 8 and we are told that even back then she could “appreciate his male beauty” and had “always had a strong reaction to him”. Did I mention he was fourteen at the time? In my experience that means bad skin and braces, not being a perfect specimen of male beauty. (And yes, I know, it's sweet and all, but I want just a little more realism and less perfection.) So when they meet a gain she instantly recognizes him because he is “just the same as when they were kids”. Sure. Because people don’t change in eighteen years. Anyway. He on the other hand has always thought she was “a cute kid” and “a pretty little girl”. Which I find hard to believe seeing as she was eight and following around a fourteen-year-old boy. The insta-lust that hits both equally hard on first sight is also something I don’t buy, but to her “it made sense that the crush she’d had as a little girl (did I mention she was eight?) would only mature over the years, even though they’d spent those years apart”. I guess that also explains why she doesn’t freak out when what is essentially a stranger just installs new locks and a deadbolt in her cabin at the beach because he thinks she isn’t safe. The rest of the time they spend lusting after each other and/or in bed, and nothing much happens. Even the exchange of “I love you”s were kind of anticlimactic. I really enjoyed the first part, but after a while, I got bored because nothing really happened. But hey, as I said, if all you want from this is a sweet, light romance, that’s exactly what you’ll get. It was just too sweet for my taste.
The last time Brooke has seen Rafe, she was 8 and he was 14. They spent their vacations in their families’ beach houses which just happened to be right next to each other. Now, 18 years later, Brooke makes chocolate truffles for a living and moved back into her Grandparent’s cabin, while Rafe’s sister insists he needs a break from his successful PI firm and talks him into buying their parents’ cabin.
What could’ve been a sweet story about two childhood friends reuniting became, in my opinion, a mass of too-perfect-to-be-true clichés. Rafe has turned into a cynical, hardened PI who doesn’t believe in love because he sees people cheating and lying on a daily basis and therefore expects everyone to cheat and lie. Brooke, on the other hand, is a sweet, nice, and trusting person who believes in happily ever after. But at the sight of the beautiful, “wild” man (he showed up on a motorcycle, which apparently makes him wild) she decides she is done being the good girl and wants to have a crazy, “wild” summer fling. Which he of course refuses very adamantly in the beginning because she is just too sweet to be ruined by him. I think we all know how that ends.
What bothered me most were the exaggerations: he makes the best scrambled eggs she ever had, “even his bare feet were tanned and beautiful”, “Every single moment felt so right. So perfect. So meant to be”. Brooke is so sweet and understanding that she tells his sister that she “loved” how she just came over unannounced (which kept them from having sex), because that is behaving “as family should”. Sadly, she was not being ironic, she really meant that. At one point she actually apologizes for saying what she wanted (i.e. him) because she was just “so busy thinking about herself” without considering what he wanted. He actually has to tell her they are on the same page. This was after he had already pulled her into a closet to have his way with her while his family was just outside. And so it went on and on. It just annoyed me that absolutely everyone and everything was so picture perfect. But that is probably just me. I’m just saying there was a little too much perfection there for me, no real issues that actually had an impact on the character’s behavior .
As for what bothered me about the story: They met when she was 8 and we are told that even back then she could “appreciate his male beauty” and had “always had a strong reaction to him”. Did I mention he was fourteen at the time? In my experience that means bad skin and braces, not being a perfect specimen of male beauty. (And yes, I know, it's sweet and all, but I want just a little more realism and less perfection.) So when they meet a gain she instantly recognizes him because he is “just the same as when they were kids”. Sure. Because people don’t change in eighteen years. Anyway. He on the other hand has always thought she was “a cute kid” and “a pretty little girl”. Which I find hard to believe seeing as she was eight and following around a fourteen-year-old boy. The insta-lust that hits both equally hard on first sight is also something I don’t buy, but to her “it made sense that the crush she’d had as a little girl (did I mention she was eight?) would only mature over the years, even though they’d spent those years apart”. I guess that also explains why she doesn’t freak out when what is essentially a stranger just installs new locks and a deadbolt in her cabin at the beach because he thinks she isn’t safe. The rest of the time they spend lusting after each other and/or in bed, and nothing much happens. Even the exchange of “I love you”s were kind of anticlimactic. I really enjoyed the first part, but after a while, I got bored because nothing really happened. But hey, as I said, if all you want from this is a sweet, light romance, that’s exactly what you’ll get. It was just too sweet for my taste.
May 8, 2017
Love this series! I can't seem to put these books down and this one was no different.
January 6, 2021
This was my first read of the Sullivan series and I couldn’t read it fast enough. There was the perfect amount of sweet and sizzle. Will definitely be reading the entire series now! Thank you Bella for a great read.
February 22, 2018
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2013
Bella Andre has done it again! Even though this is a whole new branch of Sullivan's it's very apparent that family traits run strong and this branch of the family is every bit as close as their California cousins. It also appears that no matter where, California or Washington men can and will do stupid things even when they mean well while doing it!
Rafe Sullivan is a successful private investigator but lately his job is bringing him no satisfaction. When his sister Mia railroads him into buying the lake house their parents owned when they were kids, he decides to take some time off and access his life. He certainly doesn't expect to run into an old family friend who is all grown up and sending his hormones into overdrive.
Brooke Jansen has been making her own way since her grandparent's death and she inherited their lake front home. With a thriving chocolate business and a quiet lifestyle she's quite happy and her business is about to really take off thanks to her new business partner. When Rafe pulls up on his motorcycle she fondly remembers his wild ways and hopes to convince him to take her for a walk on the wild side.
Both these characters were easy to like although Rafe was somewhat brooding for a good part of the time. The thing is his mood and reasons were valid and I did love watching how his spirit seemed to lift once he was back at Lake Wenatchee and when he was around Brooke. I'll admit Brooke took me a little by surprise once she made up her mind she was going to seduce Rafe. She was tenacious and bold and I honestly think that's what convinced Rafe to move forward; it was easy for him to not see her as the little girl who always had a crush on him.
While renovating Rafe's home they spend a lot of time together and really begin to understand and get to know each other as adults. The attraction between them was immense so it's surprise that they get intimate fairly quickly. They have some bumps in the road mainly due to Rafe's inability to trust easily and Brooke needing her independence. I enjoyed watching them work through these issues and the advice they receive from Rafe's nosey siblings.
The first book in a new series is always a little tough because we are getting to know the characters, their places, and what makes them all tick. However, I felt quite at home with this group of Sullivan's and I can't wait for the next book. I'm pretty sure someone from Mia's past is going to turn her world on its axis!
Rafe Sullivan is a successful private investigator but lately his job is bringing him no satisfaction. When his sister Mia railroads him into buying the lake house their parents owned when they were kids, he decides to take some time off and access his life. He certainly doesn't expect to run into an old family friend who is all grown up and sending his hormones into overdrive.
Brooke Jansen has been making her own way since her grandparent's death and she inherited their lake front home. With a thriving chocolate business and a quiet lifestyle she's quite happy and her business is about to really take off thanks to her new business partner. When Rafe pulls up on his motorcycle she fondly remembers his wild ways and hopes to convince him to take her for a walk on the wild side.
Both these characters were easy to like although Rafe was somewhat brooding for a good part of the time. The thing is his mood and reasons were valid and I did love watching how his spirit seemed to lift once he was back at Lake Wenatchee and when he was around Brooke. I'll admit Brooke took me a little by surprise once she made up her mind she was going to seduce Rafe. She was tenacious and bold and I honestly think that's what convinced Rafe to move forward; it was easy for him to not see her as the little girl who always had a crush on him.
While renovating Rafe's home they spend a lot of time together and really begin to understand and get to know each other as adults. The attraction between them was immense so it's surprise that they get intimate fairly quickly. They have some bumps in the road mainly due to Rafe's inability to trust easily and Brooke needing her independence. I enjoyed watching them work through these issues and the advice they receive from Rafe's nosey siblings.
The first book in a new series is always a little tough because we are getting to know the characters, their places, and what makes them all tick. However, I felt quite at home with this group of Sullivan's and I can't wait for the next book. I'm pretty sure someone from Mia's past is going to turn her world on its axis!
July 24, 2013
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS FROM READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
MORGAN'S REVIEW:
I'm going to keep my review for The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans #9) by Bella Andre pretty brief.
1) I love Bella Andre.
2) The Sullivans is one of my favorite adult companions series.
3) I'm very excited that Bella Andre decided to continue the Sullivan's companion series.
4) The Way You Look Tonight was my least favorite novel in this companion series. Since it has some extremely tough competition that doesn't mean it was bad...it was just wasn't my favorite.
One of my favorite things in a romance novel is to watch the characters fall in love. The characters in this novel fell in love way too fast, in my opinion. Overnight, the characters went from friends to lovers. I believe the reason their relationship transitioned so fast was because of their history together. Unfortunately, readers weren't exposed to the character's past together so it was hard for me to make the jump from friends to lovers. Plus, the characters hadn't seen each other in years which made it even more difficult to imagine them falling in love so quickly. I wish Ms. Andre would have have included snippets of the characters in their childhood. I believe this would have allowed readers to build a stronger connection with the characters and make their relationship more believable.
I also found the plot to be pretty anti-climatic. There was some conflict but it was expected and resolved very quickly.
Having said all of that, I'm super excited about reading the next novel in the series. I know that might now make a ton of sense but I adore Bella Andre and I have no doubt that Mia's story is going to be AMAZING! Ms. Andre set things up for Mia to have the best story yet!!
I gave The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans #9) by Bella Andre 3 STARS. Even though The Way You Look Tonight wasn't my absolute favorite novel in this series, I still strongly recommend The Sullivans companion series. It's the pretty mix of sweet and sexy and I have a feeling that readers will enjoy it.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
MORGAN'S REVIEW:
I'm going to keep my review for The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans #9) by Bella Andre pretty brief.
1) I love Bella Andre.
2) The Sullivans is one of my favorite adult companions series.
3) I'm very excited that Bella Andre decided to continue the Sullivan's companion series.
4) The Way You Look Tonight was my least favorite novel in this companion series. Since it has some extremely tough competition that doesn't mean it was bad...it was just wasn't my favorite.
One of my favorite things in a romance novel is to watch the characters fall in love. The characters in this novel fell in love way too fast, in my opinion. Overnight, the characters went from friends to lovers. I believe the reason their relationship transitioned so fast was because of their history together. Unfortunately, readers weren't exposed to the character's past together so it was hard for me to make the jump from friends to lovers. Plus, the characters hadn't seen each other in years which made it even more difficult to imagine them falling in love so quickly. I wish Ms. Andre would have have included snippets of the characters in their childhood. I believe this would have allowed readers to build a stronger connection with the characters and make their relationship more believable.
I also found the plot to be pretty anti-climatic. There was some conflict but it was expected and resolved very quickly.
Having said all of that, I'm super excited about reading the next novel in the series. I know that might now make a ton of sense but I adore Bella Andre and I have no doubt that Mia's story is going to be AMAZING! Ms. Andre set things up for Mia to have the best story yet!!
I gave The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans #9) by Bella Andre 3 STARS. Even though The Way You Look Tonight wasn't my absolute favorite novel in this series, I still strongly recommend The Sullivans companion series. It's the pretty mix of sweet and sexy and I have a feeling that readers will enjoy it.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
January 1, 2016
Book 1 for 2016, and amazing it was. I've always been a huge Sullivan's fan, and as we meet the Seattle Sullivan's it is their turn for happy ever afters with the same heat and passion that Bella Andre is known for.
Rafe Sullivan has his own successful P.I. company, he is all bulk and gorgeous, but with the way of his work and missing that perfect piece for his life puzzle it is his sister Mia who gives Rafe the perfect push towards a new life. He never imagined the woman that would turn his world upside down and teach him about real life.
Brooke Jansen has quit her boring climb the ladder job to move out to the beach house that belonged to her grandparents and now runs her own business making truffles to sell through local stores. Seeing the house next to her litterally falling apart due to owners and renters who have destroyed it, she is shocked when a gorgeous man arrives on a Ducati as the new owner. But when she realises it is none other than Rafe Sullivan - her previous summer neighbor and massive childhood crush.
Now living next to each other, the chemistry and heat between the pair is off the charts. It is only a matter of time before they give into their attraction and take that step that will change everything. An always romantic Brooke, wants that wildside of Rafe but Rafe doesn't want that with gorgeous Brooke, he wants slow, sensual love with her.
While playing house while fixing up the Sullivan house, they share a bed every night along with plenty of other things, but when Rafe's P.I. instincts click in he checks into Brooke and her new business partner and come clean to Brooke he never expected the backlash from her.
Now she has left him, and given him 24 hours to think about himself and them as a couple. he must now prove to Brooke he really loves her and must get her back. I'll just say the reunion is stunning hot and true love. But can Brooke forgive his controlling tendencies and have a happy ever after with the man she has always crushed over.
Rafe Sullivan has his own successful P.I. company, he is all bulk and gorgeous, but with the way of his work and missing that perfect piece for his life puzzle it is his sister Mia who gives Rafe the perfect push towards a new life. He never imagined the woman that would turn his world upside down and teach him about real life.
Brooke Jansen has quit her boring climb the ladder job to move out to the beach house that belonged to her grandparents and now runs her own business making truffles to sell through local stores. Seeing the house next to her litterally falling apart due to owners and renters who have destroyed it, she is shocked when a gorgeous man arrives on a Ducati as the new owner. But when she realises it is none other than Rafe Sullivan - her previous summer neighbor and massive childhood crush.
Now living next to each other, the chemistry and heat between the pair is off the charts. It is only a matter of time before they give into their attraction and take that step that will change everything. An always romantic Brooke, wants that wildside of Rafe but Rafe doesn't want that with gorgeous Brooke, he wants slow, sensual love with her.
While playing house while fixing up the Sullivan house, they share a bed every night along with plenty of other things, but when Rafe's P.I. instincts click in he checks into Brooke and her new business partner and come clean to Brooke he never expected the backlash from her.
Now she has left him, and given him 24 hours to think about himself and them as a couple. he must now prove to Brooke he really loves her and must get her back. I'll just say the reunion is stunning hot and true love. But can Brooke forgive his controlling tendencies and have a happy ever after with the man she has always crushed over.
January 29, 2014
My contemporary romance kick continues (still without any 'splosions, dangit!) and I had a good time meeting this crazy Sullivan family for the first time. While this is the 9th book in the overall series, being book 1 in the spinoff series made it easy to follow along with who's who. Mention is made of the San Francisco Sullivans but it's vague enough you don't have to wade through a genealogy chart to figure out how everybody fits together. So, yay for that!
This book gives us the good girl who's looking to finally cut loose and the wild man who's become jaded by what he's seen on his job. Brooke's family isn't terribly supportive of her (well, they kind of are. But mostly not.) and she's determined to make it without having to rely on others. Rafe has a thriving business and a great family and he's completely burnt out by the constant stream of cheating spouses he comes across. Needless to say, he needs a break. BUT... he's wary of Brooke's affections simply because he's seen so much infidelity with his job.
A lot of the issues that arose between them came from Rafe, to be honest. He was afraid of hurting Brooke. He was afraid she wasn't being as smart as she should be with her business partner. He was afraid she was going to break his heart the way he'd seen all the men and women he'd been hired to investigate had broken their spouses' hearts. Brooke was willing (YEAH, SHE WAS!) and able to start something with him and he kept balking at it because he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Admirable, Rafe, but doesn't the lady have a say in it, too?
In the end, it was a fun, light-hearted romance that left me feeling good. Nothing terribly terrible happened and the two of them worked out their differences to get their HEA. Some days, that's all I need.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This book gives us the good girl who's looking to finally cut loose and the wild man who's become jaded by what he's seen on his job. Brooke's family isn't terribly supportive of her (well, they kind of are. But mostly not.) and she's determined to make it without having to rely on others. Rafe has a thriving business and a great family and he's completely burnt out by the constant stream of cheating spouses he comes across. Needless to say, he needs a break. BUT... he's wary of Brooke's affections simply because he's seen so much infidelity with his job.
A lot of the issues that arose between them came from Rafe, to be honest. He was afraid of hurting Brooke. He was afraid she wasn't being as smart as she should be with her business partner. He was afraid she was going to break his heart the way he'd seen all the men and women he'd been hired to investigate had broken their spouses' hearts. Brooke was willing (YEAH, SHE WAS!) and able to start something with him and he kept balking at it because he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Admirable, Rafe, but doesn't the lady have a say in it, too?
In the end, it was a fun, light-hearted romance that left me feeling good. Nothing terribly terrible happened and the two of them worked out their differences to get their HEA. Some days, that's all I need.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
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