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The Kincaids #2
Nothing Personal
When you wish upon a star . . .
Alec Kincaid has never met the obstacle he couldn’t overcome—or the woman who could resist him. And it’s not going to happen now, not with his star shining more brightly than ever in the high-stakes arena of San Francisco’s software industry.
Desiree Harlin doesn’t believe in fairy tales, and she doesn’t waste time wishing. She’s learned the hard way that dreams don’t come true. And with her reputation and hard-won security on the line, succumbing to temptation isn’t an option.
But not everyone is what they appear to be, and even stars sometimes fall.
Alec Kincaid has never met the obstacle he couldn’t overcome—or the woman who could resist him. And it’s not going to happen now, not with his star shining more brightly than ever in the high-stakes arena of San Francisco’s software industry.
Desiree Harlin doesn’t believe in fairy tales, and she doesn’t waste time wishing. She’s learned the hard way that dreams don’t come true. And with her reputation and hard-won security on the line, succumbing to temptation isn’t an option.
But not everyone is what they appear to be, and even stars sometimes fall.
ebook
First published October 16, 2013
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About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,219 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 22, 2013
I loved this book! In fact I loved, Loved, LOVED this book! I really didn’t think that Alec’s story could possibly be as good as Gabe and Mira’s but I was wrong (I’m sorry Ms. James I’ll never doubt you again!). This may be my new favorite by Ms. James (though they are all wonderful, I have not read one that I didn’t enjoy and re-read multiple times) and I’ve already read it twice.
Alec is a Silicon Valley genius with a new start-up and the backers have decided they want “adult supervision”, enter Desiree (Rae) Harlin. The chemistry between these two is pretty hot and I really enjoyed watching them try to fight their attraction. I loved how the relationship developed between these two, watching them get to know each other and explore their past (they knew each other when they were younger but were not close). Another thing I really enjoyed was watching them interact with their families. There is a scene between Alec and Gabe about stoves and knowing they’re hot without having to touch them that made me smile, there’s nothing quite like a little brother looking for payback (cause 10 minutes younger is still younger). The only thing that could have made this book better would have been more Stanley (because all books need more Stanley and if you want to know what I mean you’ll just have to read Welcome to Paradise) but since I have no idea where you could have put him I guess I’ll live without. The suspense element in this book was really good and not too predictable (it was a small group; there were only so many possible suspects). And as I have come to expect from Ms. James the sex was well written and very hot. Yes you have to wait to the second half of the book but that just allows the tension to build and the characters to get to know each other.
I loved this book, love this series and I can’t wait for more!!
Alec is a Silicon Valley genius with a new start-up and the backers have decided they want “adult supervision”, enter Desiree (Rae) Harlin. The chemistry between these two is pretty hot and I really enjoyed watching them try to fight their attraction. I loved how the relationship developed between these two, watching them get to know each other and explore their past (they knew each other when they were younger but were not close). Another thing I really enjoyed was watching them interact with their families. There is a scene between Alec and Gabe about stoves and knowing they’re hot without having to touch them that made me smile, there’s nothing quite like a little brother looking for payback (cause 10 minutes younger is still younger). The only thing that could have made this book better would have been more Stanley (because all books need more Stanley and if you want to know what I mean you’ll just have to read Welcome to Paradise) but since I have no idea where you could have put him I guess I’ll live without. The suspense element in this book was really good and not too predictable (it was a small group; there were only so many possible suspects). And as I have come to expect from Ms. James the sex was well written and very hot. Yes you have to wait to the second half of the book but that just allows the tension to build and the characters to get to know each other.
I loved this book, love this series and I can’t wait for more!!
November 27, 2013
This is an intricately written novel by an adult for adults. James melds the workforce with the world outside the workplace to create a masterpiece you won’t be able to put down. That said, at the beginning the story flitted around so much between the different aspects of everyday life for the two main characters that it was a bit hard to get into. This straightened out quickly and then I could barely put it down.
The chapter titles instead of numbers actually add to the story. They add a sense of foreboding without giving anything major away. James references things that many may not recognize but that definitely add to the storyline if you do. I mean, really, anyone who can reference Star Wars is a star in my books. Allusion and metaphor definitely make their play in this novel, drawing you further and further into the mural that James paints for her audience.
The characters in this novel are quite well developed. At the same time, they aren’t over developed. You get to know everyone as real people. You also get to know them as you would if you were in the same situation.
This charismatic novel will keep you captivated from cover to cover, you’ll enjoy it at the beginning and love it at the ending. It is a life changing story that really makes you think. I’d definitely read more by this intriguing author.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The chapter titles instead of numbers actually add to the story. They add a sense of foreboding without giving anything major away. James references things that many may not recognize but that definitely add to the storyline if you do. I mean, really, anyone who can reference Star Wars is a star in my books. Allusion and metaphor definitely make their play in this novel, drawing you further and further into the mural that James paints for her audience.
The characters in this novel are quite well developed. At the same time, they aren’t over developed. You get to know everyone as real people. You also get to know them as you would if you were in the same situation.
This charismatic novel will keep you captivated from cover to cover, you’ll enjoy it at the beginning and love it at the ending. It is a life changing story that really makes you think. I’d definitely read more by this intriguing author.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2014
The book was well written. There were some truths about the tech industry and what douche bags the men in that industry can be (probably goes for a lot of other industries, too). I liked the heroine, but didn't like how she so easily compromised one of her major principles. I didn't like the hero at all - a VERY recently reformed manwhore who admitted he took what he could get when a woman offered it and didn't have any problem flaunting it in his preacher father's face. He seemed overprivileged and just kind of jerky. I guess all of the expensive dinners and whatever were supposed to be romantic, but it seemed like he was trying too hard and probably something he did with all of his other women - too smarmy. The mystery/suspense part of this seemed odd and not so necessary. And the "set up" seemed way too convoluted, but was supposed to prove how intelligent Rae was. I don't know. Maybe I was just in the wrong frame of mind for this and I do have issues with a manwhore hero. I'd kind of like to read the first in the series about his brother Gabe, but I know it will have Alec in it and I don't want to read about him anymore. I might pick up the third one about their sister, though.
June 26, 2021
HMMMMM
The heroine was so "tough" till she kissed this slutty hero and BAM, panties wet, fuck me, i'm yours.
She was very serious about sexual harassment, didnt let any "bad" words or even little flirtation on her work space, but with hero there- yeah, she did allow everything and more, dinners together...
She tried to be strong but for me, she wasnt...
Hero was a very slutty man (heroine's words), but he has his last ONS the night before he met the heroine...
She knew about his adventures from a lot of women, one of her friends was his fuck-buddy....
We dont get any scene with hero and other women... BUT
We have several women (his fuckbuddies) there, on pages, meeting them (her and heroine) at restraunts, etc...
Not my cuppe
Yes, he was very good friend, lover, caring... BUT this is not my cuppa
The heroine was so "tough" till she kissed this slutty hero and BAM, panties wet, fuck me, i'm yours.
She was very serious about sexual harassment, didnt let any "bad" words or even little flirtation on her work space, but with hero there- yeah, she did allow everything and more, dinners together...
She tried to be strong but for me, she wasnt...
Hero was a very slutty man (heroine's words), but he has his last ONS the night before he met the heroine...
She knew about his adventures from a lot of women, one of her friends was his fuck-buddy....
We dont get any scene with hero and other women... BUT
We have several women (his fuckbuddies) there, on pages, meeting them (her and heroine) at restraunts, etc...
Not my cuppe
Yes, he was very good friend, lover, caring... BUT this is not my cuppa
June 3, 2019
Alec Kincaid is a millionaire genius with his own software business. He has a new idea which he is looking to finance, but the finance guys insist on appointing their own office manager/accountant to keep Alec and his partners in line. Apparently they have a reputation for partying and mild misogyny and over-running projects.
Desiree (Rae) Harlin was the ugly duckling at school, poorly dressed and working minimum wage jobs to pay for college. She remembers Alec Kincaid very clearly, his cool kid friends mocked her mercilessly and she has never really forgiven him. Is it good or bad that Alec doesn't recognise her when she is introduced as the new office manager. She is the best of the best and has to put up with name-calling and being hit on all the time by men who just can't believe a pretty woman can be good at her job. She is determined to keep Alec and his partners on the straight and narrow despite her attraction to the man who has just got more attractive with age.
Alec is trying to keep things between him and Rae professional but it isn't easy, and it looks like they have a spy in their midst trying to sell their new project to a competitor.
I liked this but I didn't love it in the same way I loved Alec's twin brother's book. I thought the identity of the spy was fairly obvious and Rae's constant belief that she wasn't good enough for Alec wore very thin.
Desiree (Rae) Harlin was the ugly duckling at school, poorly dressed and working minimum wage jobs to pay for college. She remembers Alec Kincaid very clearly, his cool kid friends mocked her mercilessly and she has never really forgiven him. Is it good or bad that Alec doesn't recognise her when she is introduced as the new office manager. She is the best of the best and has to put up with name-calling and being hit on all the time by men who just can't believe a pretty woman can be good at her job. She is determined to keep Alec and his partners on the straight and narrow despite her attraction to the man who has just got more attractive with age.
Alec is trying to keep things between him and Rae professional but it isn't easy, and it looks like they have a spy in their midst trying to sell their new project to a competitor.
I liked this but I didn't love it in the same way I loved Alec's twin brother's book. I thought the identity of the spy was fairly obvious and Rae's constant belief that she wasn't good enough for Alec wore very thin.
March 1, 2025
Love this author's writing style. This is first of this series I have tried and it is about Alec software idea guy and his partners looking for millions in financing for his latest project. However due to past partying and overspending the backer inserts Desiree into the team as accounting manager to keep them on track - babysit them. The 3 man team is not loving this woman forced on them.
I didn't feel this book was as good as the Sinful Montana series so a bit disappointed but still enjoyed it. It is well written and the characters were likeable but easily spotted the villain.
I didn't feel this book was as good as the Sinful Montana series so a bit disappointed but still enjoyed it. It is well written and the characters were likeable but easily spotted the villain.
October 12, 2014
Nothing Personal is the second in the Kincaid series by Rosalind James. It is Alec’s story. It is another great book and easy to read. It is best if read in one sitting as it is difficult to put down. The plot is an interesting one and the characters are dynamite.
Alec Kincaid is feeling a little out of sorts since he came home from the filming of the reality series, America Alive. He still remembers how pleasant it was being out on the Homestead with wonderful people, well, maybe with a couple of exceptions. However, he must get himself together to meet his financiers. Hopefully they will finance his next move in computer software. However, this time the Board wants a little more control of the finances and security. So, they place Rae Harlin to take her place in his business. She is to organize his business, find them premises, organize those premises to hold his company, set up the finances and employee manual, hire those who were to work with her, help the others with their employees, and keep an eye out on sabotage. This is her life’s work and she is very good at it. It does help Alec that she is beautiful but that doesn’t help his other partners, Brandon and Joe. They have no choice but to begrudgingly accept her, financing depends on it.
Rae Harlin starts off with a secret. She grew up in the same town as Alec and knows his family well. She can work with this; but what will Alec do if he ever recognizes her or when his family tells him who she is. She sets out to do her job and do it well. She makes things run smoothly for Alec and his partners so they can do their jobs better. Things are working out pretty well until Alec falls for Rae and she for him. How will this work out in the office? How can they avoid each other?
Then, they find out there is someone in the office who is selling their code. Alec and Joe have worked very hard for this and do not want to see it go to someone else. The trouble is they have no idea who it might be. It has to be someone who has either Alec’s or Joe’s passwords. The plot thickens. Can they figure out who it is before the beta form of their code is lost? Can they trust each other, Brandon, and Joe?
Alec Kincaid is feeling a little out of sorts since he came home from the filming of the reality series, America Alive. He still remembers how pleasant it was being out on the Homestead with wonderful people, well, maybe with a couple of exceptions. However, he must get himself together to meet his financiers. Hopefully they will finance his next move in computer software. However, this time the Board wants a little more control of the finances and security. So, they place Rae Harlin to take her place in his business. She is to organize his business, find them premises, organize those premises to hold his company, set up the finances and employee manual, hire those who were to work with her, help the others with their employees, and keep an eye out on sabotage. This is her life’s work and she is very good at it. It does help Alec that she is beautiful but that doesn’t help his other partners, Brandon and Joe. They have no choice but to begrudgingly accept her, financing depends on it.
Rae Harlin starts off with a secret. She grew up in the same town as Alec and knows his family well. She can work with this; but what will Alec do if he ever recognizes her or when his family tells him who she is. She sets out to do her job and do it well. She makes things run smoothly for Alec and his partners so they can do their jobs better. Things are working out pretty well until Alec falls for Rae and she for him. How will this work out in the office? How can they avoid each other?
Then, they find out there is someone in the office who is selling their code. Alec and Joe have worked very hard for this and do not want to see it go to someone else. The trouble is they have no idea who it might be. It has to be someone who has either Alec’s or Joe’s passwords. The plot thickens. Can they figure out who it is before the beta form of their code is lost? Can they trust each other, Brandon, and Joe?
May 20, 2017
I always have to give props to office romances where the characters actually work, and here, well, they work overtime. Seriously.
But the very nature of this story is its own downfall. The major point of conflict between Rae and Alex is that she's been assigned to his company as oversight--so for her to end up sleeping with him is bad news for everyone. He knows it, she knows it, and yet, attraction and emotion prove too much and she falls into bed with him anyway.
Honestly, they're both to blame--her for compromising her position, and him for encouraging a secret office affair--but in the actual moment, it seemed to me that Alex was taking advantage of Rae's weakened emotional state, because of the stress of her grandmother's health problems. One can argue that she initiated and he was only trying to comfort her, but really, he knew what was at stake too, and should have been the clear-headed one. (His twin brother Gabe, who I adored in the first book in this series? Never would have done that. He was a stand-up guy through and through.)
I get that Alex is supposed to be the casual ladies' man, and Rae is the one who changes him for the better because he actually gets emotionally involved, but his redemption isn't complete as James perhaps intends it to be. I still find him to be a jerk a lot of the time.
And don't even get me started on the corporate espionage subplot. It started too late in the book to seem like more than an afterthought, and the climax was so obviously a setup for Rae to prove her smarts. Not impressed.
All that being said, I do have the third and final book in the series, and I intend to read it. Hopefully this was just a hiccup in quality.
But the very nature of this story is its own downfall. The major point of conflict between Rae and Alex is that she's been assigned to his company as oversight--so for her to end up sleeping with him is bad news for everyone. He knows it, she knows it, and yet, attraction and emotion prove too much and she falls into bed with him anyway.
Honestly, they're both to blame--her for compromising her position, and him for encouraging a secret office affair--but in the actual moment, it seemed to me that Alex was taking advantage of Rae's weakened emotional state, because of the stress of her grandmother's health problems. One can argue that she initiated and he was only trying to comfort her, but really, he knew what was at stake too, and should have been the clear-headed one. (His twin brother Gabe, who I adored in the first book in this series? Never would have done that. He was a stand-up guy through and through.)
I get that Alex is supposed to be the casual ladies' man, and Rae is the one who changes him for the better because he actually gets emotionally involved, but his redemption isn't complete as James perhaps intends it to be. I still find him to be a jerk a lot of the time.
And don't even get me started on the corporate espionage subplot. It started too late in the book to seem like more than an afterthought, and the climax was so obviously a setup for Rae to prove her smarts. Not impressed.
All that being said, I do have the third and final book in the series, and I intend to read it. Hopefully this was just a hiccup in quality.
September 3, 2016
This was a fun book. Alec started out to me a little cocky and overbearing but you see that you can't judge a book by its cover when it comes to him. He is really a sweet, respectful kind guy who is really starting to want to find someone to be with. His partners in the business are fun to a point. Although we see that not all is as it seems there as well.
Desiree or Rae as she now likes is stubborn and determined. A go get um woman who has succeeded in a world that not many before her have. She is independent and a wee bit frustrating at times. needs to learn to go with the flow with things. Sometimes its easier to just be and let things ride themselves out than attack it full force.
the story of these two is a fun one. I love how Rae keeps Alec at bay and he keeps trying. He's like the energizer bunny he keeps going and going. When it finally explodes its wonderful to see.
There is a bit of intrigue as well. What I don't get is why though? Why risk everything for something so insignificant? But the Rae and Alec story overshadows this and lets you see that love is worth the risk.
A nice book to curl up when it is raining and get lost in.
February 15, 2014
3.5/5.0
Although “Nothing Personal” is the second book in The Kincaids Series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Although “Nothing Personal” is the second book in The Kincaids Series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 28, 2016
Good substitute writer for when you've gone through every Nora Roberts book out there.
February 1, 2017
Totally different feel than book 1, but still a winner. The audio was fantastic and added to the story. Can't wait to read more.
February 23, 2025
rae & alec were so cute 🥹💌
☆ 4/5 | ❤️🔥 2/5 | “𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡.”
🆁🅰︎🆃🅸🅽🅶🆂 :
plot : 3/5
writing : 3/5
dialogue : 3/5
chemistry : 4/5
characters : 4/5
ow/om: ☓
cliffhanger : ☓
🆃🆁🅾︎🅿︎🅴🆂 :
╰➤ office romance
╰➤ reformed player
╰➤ friends to lovers
╰➤ secret romance
╰➤ forbidden romance
𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮, 𝑺𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑨𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑫 .ᐟ.ᐟ.ᐟ
🅲🅷🅰︎🆁🅰︎🅲🆃🅴🆁🆂 :
rae had a sad backstory, she lost her mother when she was young and her dad was an asshole. she was raised by her grandparents and she adores them. we see flashbacks of rae from when she was young and a teenager in high school, she worked hard to get where she was and her position as newly appointed CFO of a tech startup is very important to her. she’s used to facing sexist remarks being in the industry she’s in and has accepted it as the norm.
“𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘵,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘐𝘧 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴’ 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.”
alec, the incredibly smart, rich, good looking ceo of the tech start up that he’s gaining investors for, is attracted to rae on their first meeting. unfortunately for him, rae is appointed his CFO to ensure the start-up runs smoothly, much to his and his teams dissatisfaction.
from the bat, it’s obvious that the two of them are attracted to one another but rae lays out strict rules that they must not cross boundaries as her job is important to her and she can’t risk it.
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘣. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘥𝘰, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣, 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦? 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘵. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
eventually, the two of them do give in and end up in a secret relationship that they both are hiding from everyone. rae wants casual, alec, our reformed player after meeting rae, is quick to realise he wants anything but that.
“𝘈 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵.”
rae on the other, who has also never had a serious relationship, is too terrified to end up in one.
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 . . . 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
the two of them were so sweet and i loved watching them both fall for each other, rae overlooked her fears and alec was ready to go all in with rae 🥺
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮.”
“𝘖𝘩.”
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘺?”
“𝘕𝘰, 𝘸𝘩𝘺?” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.
“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, “𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮.”
☆ 4/5 | ❤️🔥 2/5 | “𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡.”
🆁🅰︎🆃🅸🅽🅶🆂 :
plot : 3/5
writing : 3/5
dialogue : 3/5
chemistry : 4/5
characters : 4/5
ow/om: ☓
cliffhanger : ☓
🆃🆁🅾︎🅿︎🅴🆂 :
╰➤ office romance
╰➤ reformed player
╰➤ friends to lovers
╰➤ secret romance
╰➤ forbidden romance
𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮, 𝑺𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑨𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑫 .ᐟ.ᐟ.ᐟ
🅲🅷🅰︎🆁🅰︎🅲🆃🅴🆁🆂 :
rae had a sad backstory, she lost her mother when she was young and her dad was an asshole. she was raised by her grandparents and she adores them. we see flashbacks of rae from when she was young and a teenager in high school, she worked hard to get where she was and her position as newly appointed CFO of a tech startup is very important to her. she’s used to facing sexist remarks being in the industry she’s in and has accepted it as the norm.
“𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘵,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘐𝘧 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴’ 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.”
alec, the incredibly smart, rich, good looking ceo of the tech start up that he’s gaining investors for, is attracted to rae on their first meeting. unfortunately for him, rae is appointed his CFO to ensure the start-up runs smoothly, much to his and his teams dissatisfaction.
from the bat, it’s obvious that the two of them are attracted to one another but rae lays out strict rules that they must not cross boundaries as her job is important to her and she can’t risk it.
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘣. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘥𝘰, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣, 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦? 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘵. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
eventually, the two of them do give in and end up in a secret relationship that they both are hiding from everyone. rae wants casual, alec, our reformed player after meeting rae, is quick to realise he wants anything but that.
“𝘈 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵.”
rae on the other, who has also never had a serious relationship, is too terrified to end up in one.
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 . . . 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
the two of them were so sweet and i loved watching them both fall for each other, rae overlooked her fears and alec was ready to go all in with rae 🥺
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮.”
“𝘖𝘩.”
“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘺?”
“𝘕𝘰, 𝘸𝘩𝘺?” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.
“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, “𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮.”
June 29, 2023
Almost a DNF
I’ve read a fair number of Ms, James’s books and have enjoyed them all to some greater or lesser extent and I can honestly say, that none of them have aggravated me. That said, this one came perilously close the extent that this book almost became a DNF.
There is no meet-cute for the main characters. Though there is a backstory of being from the same hometown and having met there, in this story their meeting arises from the circumstances of their adult lives. Alec, the hometown golden boy, a preacher’s kid, is now a hot-shot computer programmer who, along with two buddies, has developed and sold a number of highly lucrative computer programs and applications.
Desiree/Rae, the orphaned trailer park kid, is all grown up to be the buttoned-up corporate fixer sent in to sooth the worries of corporate start-up investors. Despite being hugely successful, Alec has a reputation as a love’em-and-leave’em bad boy and that worries the older, more conservative investors. Enter Rae (her no nonsense professional name) to keep the boys in line and on track financially, monitor the progress of product development, and manage the details of running a business. He does not recognize her in their first meeting, but Desiree (the girl attracted to golden-boy Alec) is hyper aware of him. Therein lay the romantic conflict and the source of my aggravation.
In the beginning, Rae is the tough, professional fixer she was hired to be. She is focused on the task at hand, highly organized, extremely helpful and friendly, but businesslike. Alec is being the flirt—it seems he can’t help himself—but he works amicably and productively with Rae because he understands the stakes at hand. Throw in some family issues requiring their return to their hometown and on page 157, they quickly succumb to their heretofore, private thoughts about one another. Yes, I know that this is a romance novel. However, Rae’s reputation and actions seemed to cave too quickly to Alec’s overtures making all of her professional actions to this point all seem like false protest. It all seemed to reinforce the idea that men and women just can’t work professionally together.
I would have liked to see them come together under different circumstances and the author provided those circumstances in a cart-before-the-horse manner. There’s a not-too-hard-to-figure-out mystery involving corporate espionage and I would rather their inevitable romance evolve from their working together on that. But, since I’m not the author, I don’t get to choose. The good news is that this little side story saved the book for me and made it, all-in-all, a pretty good read.
I’ve read a fair number of Ms, James’s books and have enjoyed them all to some greater or lesser extent and I can honestly say, that none of them have aggravated me. That said, this one came perilously close the extent that this book almost became a DNF.
There is no meet-cute for the main characters. Though there is a backstory of being from the same hometown and having met there, in this story their meeting arises from the circumstances of their adult lives. Alec, the hometown golden boy, a preacher’s kid, is now a hot-shot computer programmer who, along with two buddies, has developed and sold a number of highly lucrative computer programs and applications.
Desiree/Rae, the orphaned trailer park kid, is all grown up to be the buttoned-up corporate fixer sent in to sooth the worries of corporate start-up investors. Despite being hugely successful, Alec has a reputation as a love’em-and-leave’em bad boy and that worries the older, more conservative investors. Enter Rae (her no nonsense professional name) to keep the boys in line and on track financially, monitor the progress of product development, and manage the details of running a business. He does not recognize her in their first meeting, but Desiree (the girl attracted to golden-boy Alec) is hyper aware of him. Therein lay the romantic conflict and the source of my aggravation.
In the beginning, Rae is the tough, professional fixer she was hired to be. She is focused on the task at hand, highly organized, extremely helpful and friendly, but businesslike. Alec is being the flirt—it seems he can’t help himself—but he works amicably and productively with Rae because he understands the stakes at hand. Throw in some family issues requiring their return to their hometown and on page 157, they quickly succumb to their heretofore, private thoughts about one another. Yes, I know that this is a romance novel. However, Rae’s reputation and actions seemed to cave too quickly to Alec’s overtures making all of her professional actions to this point all seem like false protest. It all seemed to reinforce the idea that men and women just can’t work professionally together.
I would have liked to see them come together under different circumstances and the author provided those circumstances in a cart-before-the-horse manner. There’s a not-too-hard-to-figure-out mystery involving corporate espionage and I would rather their inevitable romance evolve from their working together on that. But, since I’m not the author, I don’t get to choose. The good news is that this little side story saved the book for me and made it, all-in-all, a pretty good read.
October 2, 2021
An excellent story with an exciting climax. Alec Kincaid runs a computer software company, and when he seeks financial investment for his brilliant new idea he and his two partners are very disappointed to find that the investment comes with strings attached - they must accept Rae Harlin as their new CFO. The reality is that she makes life a lot easier for all of them, but Joe and Brandon do not like her being foisted on them. Alec finds himself deeply attracted to her, but her ‘no fraternising with fellow-workers’ prevents any emotional attachment between them for a long time.
But behind the scenes there is mischief afoot behind the scenes, which puts Alec and Rae in serious danger. Will they, and the company, survive? A delightful story, a real page-turner.
But behind the scenes there is mischief afoot behind the scenes, which puts Alec and Rae in serious danger. Will they, and the company, survive? A delightful story, a real page-turner.
October 3, 2019
Alec and his twin, Gabe, were on a reality TV show set in pioneer days. They didn't win but Gabe got the girl. Alec returns to work where he is a star in the tech industry. In the process of trying to get more new software into the market he is teamed up with Desiree who takes the job as CFO of his start up company. He doesn't remember at first, that he met her when they were both teens. He is determined to win her over but Desiree knows he's a player and doesn't want to end up a notch on his bed post. Also someone in the company is trying to steal their code. They need to be vigilant but love doesn't always cooperate. A good story. Definite read again.
August 11, 2020
Another Love Story
When a man is determined to have something or in this case someone the fun doesn’t end. Alec tried and tried with Rae and it took her grandmother having medical issues for him to win. But he still had to have some determination and will to make her see that he was in love with her.
When a man is determined to have something or in this case someone the fun doesn’t end. Alec tried and tried with Rae and it took her grandmother having medical issues for him to win. But he still had to have some determination and will to make her see that he was in love with her.
June 5, 2018
Kindle Unlimited.
I really like Rosalind James. This is another solid contemporary romance. I'd recommend reading the Kincaid's book 1 before grabbing this one. Nothing is pivotal to the plot, but it adds some perspective and depth the the story line.
I really like Rosalind James. This is another solid contemporary romance. I'd recommend reading the Kincaid's book 1 before grabbing this one. Nothing is pivotal to the plot, but it adds some perspective and depth the the story line.
November 25, 2020
I enjoyed this sequel, though it was not the page-turner as the first book, but that's only because my interests don't really included hi-tech, big business scenarios. However, the writing and story telling are good. A bit too steamy for me, tho.
December 21, 2020
I'm a sucker for romance set in my favorite city -- but more than a couple moments of gender essentialism and an attempt to morph into a thriller with some weird "any Chinese person involved is suspect" sentiment thrown in derailed what would have otherwise been a relatively pleasant read.
December 12, 2022
so boring
Ok I had to skip to the end. I understand slow burn but this is so slow and boring. There is almost no spark that I could feel, no anticipation, just blah. I think it focused too much on the office procedures, it just took you out of the story. Just not for me.
Ok I had to skip to the end. I understand slow burn but this is so slow and boring. There is almost no spark that I could feel, no anticipation, just blah. I think it focused too much on the office procedures, it just took you out of the story. Just not for me.
March 8, 2023
my second read
After rereading this book, I discover many things I had forgotten; but not who the villain was. I enjoyed it even more second time around. As I do all of Rosalind’s books.
After rereading this book, I discover many things I had forgotten; but not who the villain was. I enjoyed it even more second time around. As I do all of Rosalind’s books.
November 10, 2013
3.5 stars
(not so much a review, more an impression)
I am just so happy Rosalind James writes. I've now read many books by her (the two [thus far] in her Kincaid series and the five in her Escape to New Zealand series) and I am always left with the same takeaway: she writes modern romance with smart, strong, independent, scared, imperfect, dependent women -- *real* women. As a smart, strong, independent, scared, imperfect, dependent woman myself, I like that. No, I *love* that. I love that the women in her stories aren't unable to tie their own shoelaces, that none of them play the "damsel in distress" card, that none of them make the reader roll their eyes and think "idiot." I love that none of the women in her stories need to be rescued or saved by a man. The men may help, the men may love, the men may caretake, but even without the men the women will ultimately be okay. I love that the women in her stories have hurts and fears which may color some of their behaviors. I love that the women in her stories work hard at being honest with themselves as well as with their male paramours -- they are neither manipulative nor deceptive.
I love that Rosalind James doesn't pander to her readers. I love that she writes (mostly) coherently (I do have a nit with how she incorrectly uses quotation marks [she uses an end quote even though the next paragraph starts with the same character still speaking -- every time it takes me a moment to realize "ah, same person *still* speaking" which would've been indicated to the reader by using quotation marks correctly] but that is *so* minor compared to what else is being self-published these days!), using appropriate language but never feeling the need to show off how smart she is (you know how some authors get a bit precious about their linguistic prowess ...). I enjoy how thoroughly we are enmeshed in the subject matter -- the author clearly does her research but it never reads as dry or like an educational tome.
So when she releases a new book I gladly purchase and read it.
Now about "Nothing Personal": while it wasn't my favorite of her books I still quite liked it. I happened to prefer the first in this series ("Welcome to Paradise") but that may have had more to do with the setting and how captivated I was by "Welcome to Paradise"'s historical mission and its quirky cast of characters.
Rae (nee Desiree) Harlin is a thirty-one year-old MBA, terrific with logistics, a real self-starter and self-made in every sense of the word. Alec Kincaid, thirty-three, is a tech wunderkind working on his next (hopefully successful) start-up; he and his long-time tech partner, Joe, appeal to a VC for funding. They'll receive the funding with the caveat that the VC will choose the CFO, and their choice is Rae. And so it goes.
We know nothing about Rae's previous love life, but we do learn she comes from very humble beginnings and put herself through undergrad and grad school by a lot of hard work, as in waitressing jobs. We know that Alec is a twin (his brother, Gabe, is the male lead in "Welcome to Paradise") and very successful with women, as in sex partners but no dating, no relationships. Even though Rae might not be traditionally gorgeous or sexy, she is uber-smart and capable, and for Alec, those add greatly to Rae's sex appeal.
This is a dialogue-heavy book (another thing I adore!), so through both professional and personal conversations we learn about the characters as well as watch their attraction develop and grow. We also were given interesting insight into Rae and Alec by the author's detailed descriptions of their respective homes' interiors and their reactions to the other's home -- I thought it was a subtle and unique way for us to learn more about Rae and Alec. I liked that.
It feels to this reader that the Escape to New Zealand series is steamier, sexier than this series; this series (the Kincaids) seems more romance-driven than sex. There's some fun sex but it didn't feel like as much as in the New Zealand books. Or maybe I'm getting sex-jaded ... ha ha.
And, because there always has to be majuscule-t Tension, there was a subplot involving corporate espionage (which made me think of Elisabeth Naughton's wonderful "Wait For Me"] -- if you enjoyed "Nothing Personal" definitely check "Wait For Me" out!). But I was so happy that the Tension was not about a miscommunication between Rae and Alec -- you know the kind that has you pulling out your hair in other stories, thinking "this is so immature and unrealistic!" Again, I loved that Rae and Alec were a team, felt confident in one another's affections, and worked together both at work and at home.
So even though this wasn't my favorite story (in all fairness, earlier this century I was a VC and my husband had a start-up in Silicon Valley, so maybe it was too close to home for me?), I did still really enjoy it. I loved the characters, how adult and real they are, I loved all the dialogue, and I just love the author's imagination, research, writing. I've written it before and I'll write it again: Rosalind James writes romances for smart, interested, interesting, strong, real readers. Yea!
(not so much a review, more an impression)
I am just so happy Rosalind James writes. I've now read many books by her (the two [thus far] in her Kincaid series and the five in her Escape to New Zealand series) and I am always left with the same takeaway: she writes modern romance with smart, strong, independent, scared, imperfect, dependent women -- *real* women. As a smart, strong, independent, scared, imperfect, dependent woman myself, I like that. No, I *love* that. I love that the women in her stories aren't unable to tie their own shoelaces, that none of them play the "damsel in distress" card, that none of them make the reader roll their eyes and think "idiot." I love that none of the women in her stories need to be rescued or saved by a man. The men may help, the men may love, the men may caretake, but even without the men the women will ultimately be okay. I love that the women in her stories have hurts and fears which may color some of their behaviors. I love that the women in her stories work hard at being honest with themselves as well as with their male paramours -- they are neither manipulative nor deceptive.
I love that Rosalind James doesn't pander to her readers. I love that she writes (mostly) coherently (I do have a nit with how she incorrectly uses quotation marks [she uses an end quote even though the next paragraph starts with the same character still speaking -- every time it takes me a moment to realize "ah, same person *still* speaking" which would've been indicated to the reader by using quotation marks correctly] but that is *so* minor compared to what else is being self-published these days!), using appropriate language but never feeling the need to show off how smart she is (you know how some authors get a bit precious about their linguistic prowess ...). I enjoy how thoroughly we are enmeshed in the subject matter -- the author clearly does her research but it never reads as dry or like an educational tome.
So when she releases a new book I gladly purchase and read it.
Now about "Nothing Personal": while it wasn't my favorite of her books I still quite liked it. I happened to prefer the first in this series ("Welcome to Paradise") but that may have had more to do with the setting and how captivated I was by "Welcome to Paradise"'s historical mission and its quirky cast of characters.
Rae (nee Desiree) Harlin is a thirty-one year-old MBA, terrific with logistics, a real self-starter and self-made in every sense of the word. Alec Kincaid, thirty-three, is a tech wunderkind working on his next (hopefully successful) start-up; he and his long-time tech partner, Joe, appeal to a VC for funding. They'll receive the funding with the caveat that the VC will choose the CFO, and their choice is Rae. And so it goes.
We know nothing about Rae's previous love life, but we do learn she comes from very humble beginnings and put herself through undergrad and grad school by a lot of hard work, as in waitressing jobs. We know that Alec is a twin (his brother, Gabe, is the male lead in "Welcome to Paradise") and very successful with women, as in sex partners but no dating, no relationships. Even though Rae might not be traditionally gorgeous or sexy, she is uber-smart and capable, and for Alec, those add greatly to Rae's sex appeal.
This is a dialogue-heavy book (another thing I adore!), so through both professional and personal conversations we learn about the characters as well as watch their attraction develop and grow. We also were given interesting insight into Rae and Alec by the author's detailed descriptions of their respective homes' interiors and their reactions to the other's home -- I thought it was a subtle and unique way for us to learn more about Rae and Alec. I liked that.
It feels to this reader that the Escape to New Zealand series is steamier, sexier than this series; this series (the Kincaids) seems more romance-driven than sex. There's some fun sex but it didn't feel like as much as in the New Zealand books. Or maybe I'm getting sex-jaded ... ha ha.
And, because there always has to be majuscule-t Tension, there was a subplot involving corporate espionage (which made me think of Elisabeth Naughton's wonderful "Wait For Me"] -- if you enjoyed "Nothing Personal" definitely check "Wait For Me" out!). But I was so happy that the Tension was not about a miscommunication between Rae and Alec -- you know the kind that has you pulling out your hair in other stories, thinking "this is so immature and unrealistic!" Again, I loved that Rae and Alec were a team, felt confident in one another's affections, and worked together both at work and at home.
So even though this wasn't my favorite story (in all fairness, earlier this century I was a VC and my husband had a start-up in Silicon Valley, so maybe it was too close to home for me?), I did still really enjoy it. I loved the characters, how adult and real they are, I loved all the dialogue, and I just love the author's imagination, research, writing. I've written it before and I'll write it again: Rosalind James writes romances for smart, interested, interesting, strong, real readers. Yea!
July 10, 2017
Just as good as book one
This book was good. I really liked the first book so I decided to read this one, now I am going to read book three!
This book was good. I really liked the first book so I decided to read this one, now I am going to read book three!
December 31, 2019
A goodie
Good story, good follow on. A little more explicit sex than I like, but a great plot, peopled with good characters
Good story, good follow on. A little more explicit sex than I like, but a great plot, peopled with good characters
December 18, 2020
Another great read
I am enjoying this series almost as much as the Paradise series. I like the twists James puts in her stories instead of making it just another romance story.
I am enjoying this series almost as much as the Paradise series. I like the twists James puts in her stories instead of making it just another romance story.
May 3, 2021
Nothing Personal
I thought it was a wonderful story. Alex and Desiraya were a wonderful couple. But right when she came they were enforcing no romance on the job. Kit Ryan
I thought it was a wonderful story. Alex and Desiraya were a wonderful couple. But right when she came they were enforcing no romance on the job. Kit Ryan
November 16, 2021
I like her New Zealand series better. This book dragged in the middle.
December 25, 2021
Great story of love, life
Great story if love, life ability of unknown what will happened to you and lives up to expectations and Things around you.
Great story if love, life ability of unknown what will happened to you and lives up to expectations and Things around you.
December 4, 2013
In Welcome To Paradise, the first book in The Kincaids series, the reader was briefly introduced to Alec Kincaid, Gabe's playboy twin brother. Now author Rosalind James gives her readers a treat in Nothing Personal, which continues the Kincaid boys story with the focus on Alec. Alec is a software developer from San Francisco, who is working on his latest start-up venture. When he seeks funding from a venture capital company, the deal is contingent upon their insistence of naming Desiree Harlin as CFO of the new company. Can these two independent business people keep their professional relationship strictly nothing personal?
Just when I thought author Rosalind James couldn't top her awesome Escape To New Zealand series, she goes and proves me wrong with The Kincaids series. I was a goner for Gabe and Mira's very sigh worthy steamy romance in Welcome To Paradise, so I anticipated more of the same for Alec and Desiree ("Rae") in Nothing Personal, and I can most definitely say that I wasn't disappointed!
You can't help but get drawn into Alec and Rae's story: they're both independent, intelligent, strong career-minded people; he's got a reputation for being a player, while she is a no-nonsense type of woman and a non-believer in fairy tale romances; so when they are thrown together there are sparks of attraction but can it go anywhere?
Author Rosalind James has a way of weaving a steamy tale of romance that is slow-burning and sensuous. I really enjoyed that she allowed Alec and Rae's relationship to naturally develop even though there was instant attraction, they took the time to get to know one another. While the main focus of the storyline is on the development of their relationship, I really enjoyed the individual changes that takes place: Alex's player status changes when he becomes interested in Rae, while Rae learns to open up and show her intimate and vulnerable side. What I liked most of all besides the steamy romance scenes that I've come to love from all of the author's novels, was the witty banter between Alex and Rae, they kept me thoroughly entertained and smirking. And if that isn't enough to keep the reader turning the pages, the author throws in some mystery and intrigue involving corporate espionage and high-tech security into the mix.
With a quirky cast of characters who are realistic and have unique personalities, issues and personal baggage; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; a touch of mystery and intrigue; and a sigh worthy steamy romance that only author Rosalind James can weave, Nothing Personal is a wonderful romance novel that will leave the reader with a warm and fuzzy feeling and yearning for more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Just when I thought author Rosalind James couldn't top her awesome Escape To New Zealand series, she goes and proves me wrong with The Kincaids series. I was a goner for Gabe and Mira's very sigh worthy steamy romance in Welcome To Paradise, so I anticipated more of the same for Alec and Desiree ("Rae") in Nothing Personal, and I can most definitely say that I wasn't disappointed!
You can't help but get drawn into Alec and Rae's story: they're both independent, intelligent, strong career-minded people; he's got a reputation for being a player, while she is a no-nonsense type of woman and a non-believer in fairy tale romances; so when they are thrown together there are sparks of attraction but can it go anywhere?
Author Rosalind James has a way of weaving a steamy tale of romance that is slow-burning and sensuous. I really enjoyed that she allowed Alec and Rae's relationship to naturally develop even though there was instant attraction, they took the time to get to know one another. While the main focus of the storyline is on the development of their relationship, I really enjoyed the individual changes that takes place: Alex's player status changes when he becomes interested in Rae, while Rae learns to open up and show her intimate and vulnerable side. What I liked most of all besides the steamy romance scenes that I've come to love from all of the author's novels, was the witty banter between Alex and Rae, they kept me thoroughly entertained and smirking. And if that isn't enough to keep the reader turning the pages, the author throws in some mystery and intrigue involving corporate espionage and high-tech security into the mix.
With a quirky cast of characters who are realistic and have unique personalities, issues and personal baggage; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; a touch of mystery and intrigue; and a sigh worthy steamy romance that only author Rosalind James can weave, Nothing Personal is a wonderful romance novel that will leave the reader with a warm and fuzzy feeling and yearning for more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
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