Nate O'Halloran is a PR superstar, an expert in crisis management for his image-conscious celebrity clients. When his college roommate, now a hospital director in Buffalo, calls to beg for his help-- a cancer researcher on staff has disappeared with millions of dollars' worth of government research funds-- Nate agrees to help right away, though this situation is pretty small potatoes for him.
Val Chase, the hospital's PR director, is none too thrilled when Nate shows up; does it mean her boss doesn't trust her to handle this mess herself? Against her better judgment, Val decides she and Nate have to work together to save the hospital's reputation, though the explosive attraction they feel is making any actual "work" difficult...
Cassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.
She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.
Public Affairs by Cassandra Carr features PR superstar Nate O'Halloran who helps out an old college friend deal with a hospital scandal. Val Chase, the hospital's PR director, is very leery of Nate when she first meets him. Val is worried about losing her job and pretty much just doesn't like Nate because of him being a PR rep to the rich and famous.
Nate is relentless of his pursuit of Val and eventually wins her over even though she doesn't want a short term affair. I enjoyed the romance and Nate's pursuit of Val. The drama with the hospital was interesting. My only complaint is I would have liked to see a better conclusion for Nate's friend Doug. Overall I really enjoyed the story and definitely recommend.
I won't pretend to understand what was going on with Val. She kept throwing obstacles up left and right and had a million and one reasons why she and Nate should not be involved. Most of which were bogus if you ask me. Nate on the other hand knew exactly what he wanted and was not about to give up without a fight... my kind of man. They obviously get their happy ending, after all, this is a romance novel. But I enjoyed the will they or won't they atmosphere that was created by the author. Up until the very end I couldn't foresee how these two strong willed, hard-headed characters would come together again.
I would love to have seen a more defined resolution to Doug's part of in the story. I mean, I felt so bad for him. The circumstances were very real and the reaction of the Board understandable, but I still would have wanted to see Doug get a happier outcome. C'est la vie. I guess that was just not to be in this book.
If you're looking for a story that is all sex and no plot then this is not the book for you. However, if what you're looking for is a well developed, plot driven story with enough angst and sexy scenes to keep you turning the pages then this is definitely one you've got to read.
There is much more to this story than just a steamy romance. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Great plot and well-written characters.
Dr. Godlowski absconds with millions of grant research money leaving the Cancer Care Center (CCC) of Buffalo struggling to survive. Val, PR person for CCC, loves her job and feels confident she can pull CCC through. However, the hospital’s CEO brings in an old college buddy to help. Nate is a well-known and respected PR agent for the stars. Needless to say, Val is not at all happy being forced to work with Nate. I found myself hoping they would solve the hospital’s issues just as much as I wanted the two of them to have their happy ending. Nate knew what he wanted and went for it but I enjoyed how Val sometimes took charge. Nate loved it too! Normally in stories like this, the lead male character is absolutely perfect. However, I enjoyed the fact that Nate felt he wanted to make some changes and move in a different direction regarding his career.
Once I started reading this story, I just had to finish it, great storyline. Val is the public relations director at a hospital and a big scandal is about to hit the fan. Unbeknownst to her, the CEO, Doug had brought in reserves and that raised her hackles…was her job at stake? Nate is the friend Doug brings in and she resents him even more as he handles very high list celebrities.
As they work together she begins to see him in a different light, even begins to daydream about him. He also falls in lust with her, but it takes some work on his part before the clothes coming flying off. Once they both let their guard down, I felt they had a great connection between them. They don’t communicate their feelings when parting, however, once Nate realizes what he feels for her, I just loved the fact that he does what he is most afraid of to get to her as soon as possible.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had the honor of reading and reviewing for this awesome author. OMG. Very hard to put down. Left me completely speechless. If you get the chance this is a must read.
I really loved this story! It had just the right amount of mystery, suspense, romance, and heat. It was amazing! I loved it! The characters were amazing! The story was intense! I was left on edge. There are some things I'd like to add that I really can't because I'd be giving away the book too much. I wish there were parts that were enhanced a little bit. I also wish that certain things that happened could have been taken back. I also had a theory that I was not right about, but still. It was a great book and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it! I fully recommend. I fully advise nobody under the age of eighteen read this book.
This was my first book by Cassandra Carr and I really enjoyed it. Great contemporary romance, great storyline. Looking forward to reading more of her work.
Oh man, its been sooooo long since I read a plain ol’ male/female contemporary romance. It was very refreshing for a change!
Val Chase works as the PR director at a large hospital specializing in cancer research. When one of the researchers runs off with millions of dollars in donations and grant money to support his gambling habits, the hospital CEO calls in Nate O’Halloran, his old college buddy and PR to the stars, to help Val manage the hospitals reputation. Of course, Val doesn’t want to have anything to do with Nate: he’s come in and taken over her job and making her look inadequate in front of her boss…too bad he’s the sexiest thing she’s ever seen! Nate also feels the attraction between them and is determined to pursue whatever kind of physical relationship while they can. There’s no risk to either of them since he’s only in town temporarily, right?
I really enjoyed the sexual tension between Val and Nate. They hit it off pretty quickly but Val kept playing hard to get there for a while. There’s some banter back and forth and some inappropriate activity in the work place that is pretty sexy. I’m not a huge fan of romances with the let’s-fuck-around-while-we-can-its-just-sex trope because both characters never want to stand by what they are feeling; both act like it doesn’t mean anything beyond the sex. So its sometimes harder for me to connect on that deeper level with the characters since they are refusing to connect with each other. Does my rambling even make any sense anymore? Anyway, there’s a decent level of heat here, but it doesn’t fit into my definition of erotica by no means.
Honestly (of course I’m always as honest as I can be) I had trouble staying interested in the hospital drama with the thief and the board of director and the money donors. Hmm, it could be because I spend at least 50 hours a week working in a hospital? Maybe? Probably so. Reading about hospital administrators trying to make themselves and their hospitals look good after something BAD happens…is too close to real life when all I want to do is escape from it. Although Doug wasn’t a sleaze and I truly felt bad for the guy. I hope he finds something better.
I think the biggest thing this story was missing was an epilogue, unless there are plans for a sequel? The ending was just too sudden to give me closure on Val and Nate’s relationship and to make me believe in their HEA. How is it going to work? Is it going to work? I don’t know. Other than that, all the other barriers I had with the book were purely personal preference.
I loved the story line of this book. It was great, although I was disappointed with the CCC hospital board’s decision toward the end of the book. It was unfair, but as was pointed out, they needed a scapegoat.
Now, despite the story line, I felt there was too much of a push for the romance/erotica of the relationship between Val and Nate. Like, way too much. Too overdone, to over the top, given that there was little character development of either of them in this novel. Carr has used the story line as a smokescreen for the blatant erotica she dumped in this book. I was caught very off guard by the amount. Yes, the first few episodes were perfectly placed, but then it seemed as if that’s all the book was about, with Val trying to push Nate away with her own issues with casual sex. Every time I flipped a page, Val was throwing up an excuse as to why she and Nate could not be together…and then she’d end up in a steamy session with him right after the words left her lips! I can relate, I understand the battle between morals and desire, but this lady is the epitome of a hypocrite in this sense.
I understood Nate’s character – I know plenty of guys like him – but he came to a realization and went after what he wanted, even with his change of heart…but Val…I just couldn’t buy her character. It was too much, too hard to believe in her. Not authentic.
The other negative I saw with this book was the ending. The story line was long and drug out, given the circumstances, but then all of a sudden it was like BOOM – THE END! The story line just stopped, and then it was the wrap up about Val and Nate.
With a little tweaking here and there, and toning down the overt and out-of-place erotica in this novel, I feel that I would have loved it and raved about it…but I can’t. It did not feel like an authentic read. I would still stay give it a shot for the story line, and I would be interested in other’s opinions.
Seducing Chase Cassandra Carr This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. Public Relations Director Val Chase is working a Cancer Care Centre or CCC in Buffalo when one of the Doctors there takes out with millions of dollars.This is a public relations nightmare. Her boss CEO of the hospital calls in an old college buddy who specializes in PR work Nate O' Halloran. Val dislikes him right from the start, not sure if it is because he is so smoking hot, his sexy bedroom eyes , has a dominant attitude or if she is worried that he is out for her job. They need to be able to work together to get the public to forget about the crises, they need to generate good publicity. As such they find themselves going together to a hight class hospital charity gala. He is dressed in a tux, her a evening gown, the sparks between them are no longer going to be denied. "No more hiding, Val. I'm going to see all of you tonight, and you are going to see all of me." I thought the author did a great job with this story. It was full of mystery, tension, the fight to apprehend the bad guy and of course plenty of sex. When these two finally decided to listen to their hormones they had sex everywhere, in his hotel, her house, her office and even in the hospital. But, of course he does not live in Buffalo, he is only there to help out in crises time. What will happen now? Will he go home? Will she be able to forget him or will her heart be broken? Will they get their happy ever after? I would rate this story a 4/5. I appreciated the story line surrounding the hospital and the crises, it added so much extra to the whole book, the love story developed at the perfect pace, lots of sexual tension to be discovered before actually given in to their lusty feelings. I would definately read more by this author.
•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross ’s performance was one of the best I have ever heard by them. There was a lot of playfulness in this book and it made for a really fun listen. The palpable exasperation of the characters with each other was also quite amusing. I really enjoyed this book and hope they do more like it in the future! If I had just read this book instead of listening I would have missed alot of the nuance between the characters :)
Val's dream job has turned into a nightmare! One of their cancer research doctors has apparently developed a serious gambling addiction. He stole loads of money from the hospital and took off leaving only a note. Will the hospital survive the scandal? The loss of funds? Will they find the missing doctor before he spends all his ill gotten gains? How will she protect the hospital from the media? Is she about to lose her job?
Called in by his best friend to help clean up this PR nightmare, Nate knows he has his work cut out for him. This isn't one of his usual celebrity clients. The hospital does real good in the world. This just might be his most important job ever! Finding himself drawn to the hospital's head of PR is not something he bargained for though. Will he ever get past her prickly defenses? Why does he care so much? Why does she hate all his ideas? And better yet, why isn't he annoyed by that?
***This book is suitable for adult listeners (or readers) who enjoy fun and funny contemporary romances with steamy sex scenes and a hero and heroine determined to get their own ways leading to a HEA :)
I really enjoyed reading Public Affairs. Watching Val and Nate try to salvage the reputation of the cancer research hospital where Val works as the head of PR after a major amount of their donated funds is stolen by one of the doctors had me on the edge of my seat. Knowing how much good such an institution can do (and yes, there is an a similar hospital in Buffalo, the Roswell Cancer Institute--Val's CCC even borrows their tagline--"Cancer can't win", which was very cool) and how much it depends on various types of funding, I shared their frustrations as one supporter after another seemed to be lost. How could they possibly fix the situation?
On top of all of their work frustrations, the romance between Val and Nate was nicely developed and believable. The Nate of my head isn't quite the one that shows up on the cover, but I honestly can't blame Val for her workplace distractions no matter which version of Nate walks through her office door. Nate's grand gesture at the end was nicely done, and the ending was satisfying.
Whether set in my hometown or not, I'll definitely be reading books by Ms. Carr in the future.
Rating: B+/4 stars
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Being a public relations person for a hospital isn’t easy. It’s even more difficult in the face of adversity. Val Chase discovers working with the guru her boss brings in to assist is even more trying than she imagined. His being gorgeous doesn’t help matters either! Nate O’Halloran is a PR genius. He’s made so made situations disappear or hide under a rug. When his best college bud needs help, he’s right there. This time though he may have bit off more than he can handle.
Together Val and Nate try to keep the situation under control and put a positive spin on a monetary theft. The more they’re together, the more sparks fly. It’s definitely a challenge trying to start a relationship you really didn’t want to begin with during a job crisis that requires your full attention.
Definitely an interesting juggling of events. The chemistry is imaginable. The story could definitely ring true. It’s a definitely good, quick read. I wish it would’ve continued a little longer. All in all a good story.
It took a little bit for me to get into Public Affairs but once the tension between Val and Nate started it was hard to stop reading, the heat between them was electric. Through-out the read you get lots of story to follow which keeps you entertained and interested whenever Val and Nate aren’t steaming things up which is a tell-tale sign of a well written book.
It was a shame with what happened to Doug, he was working as hard as he could to fix everything but he took the fall for something that he had no hand in, though it did make way for more Val and Nate shenanigans so it wasn’t all bad. I liked how Nate and Val challenged each other in a way to find a solution and clean up the mess the hospital was in, it took the dialog to another level, it wasn’t just cheesy romance lines and innuendo in every conversation between them.
Even though I was reading a book, it felt like I was watching a movie with how well everything flowed and how descriptive the writing was that it allowed me to truly imagine every aspect of the read. If you like books that are original, well written and with characters you can’t help but love, then this would be one to add to your to-read list.
***** I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review*****
This book was a great easy read. Cassandra Carr did a wonderful job writing it. The story flows really well. However I could only give it a 4 star rating. For me it was missing something. I am not sure quite what it was, but for some reason I just could not connect the characters very well. It felt a little rushed to me and that could be why I didn't quite get the connection with the characters that I like to have. It was still a great book that I would recommend to those looking for an easy read. Val is a great female lead that does not like the fact that the CEO of the hospital brought in someone else to help her out because he did not have the confidence that she cold do it on her own. She is very proud of her job and doe not want anyone stepping on her toes or telling her how to do her job. Nate is a very strong confident male. He knows he is good at his job, but is only at the hospital to help a friend out. He is used to getting whatever he wants and when he wants it. Val and Nate start out with a very love/hate relationship and as you travel with them through their discovery of each other you will keep turning pages to see what they get up to next.
I have both the Kindle Version and the Audible Version. I actually listened to this all in 1 sitting and loved it.
Loved Val and Nate. Val & Nate are working together to help save the reputation of the hospital that Val works at. Val feels that Nate is trying to take over her job. She fights her feelings that keep sneaking up on her about Nate. She knows that he won't be around forever, and isn't comfortable with letting things progress beyond co-workers.
Nate is helping a friend when he finds himself working with Val. He knows that this is only temporary but can't help but fall for Val.
This story takes us on their journey of discovery that there is more to life than their jobs. The sexy bits are hot, the story line is entertaining, the dialogue portrayed by Kai and Wen was done so well and the descriptions to details were done were it was easy to visualize.
Kai and Wen brought the characters to life in the Audio version. Written as a multi pov and does have a HEA.
Cassandra Carr does it again with Public Affairs! There was the right amount of everything in this book and I swear you could cut the sexual tension between Val and Nate with a knife! You want to hate Nate, he's invading our girl's space. Can't let that happen, you know, girl power and all that. But, you can't. You want to scream at Val, "If you don't make a move I will!" The power struggle between them during working hours is a form of foreplay for the couple, all leading up to some hot steamy after hours, um, togetherness....you get my drift. The plot doesn't overpower the romance and it keeps you intrigued as to what's going to happen next. I really felt for Nate's college buddy, Doug. He was a very real example of accountability. I loved Val's emotional ties to her job, and Nate's willingness to help out an old friend. Nate is the kind of friend anyone would be lucky to have, and Val is a kind, caring woman that will go above and beyond for those she holds dear. Wonderful story of what could happen when you throw caution to the wind and let fate take it's course.
I enjoyed reading this story by Cassandra Carr. I liked the witty banter and the sexual tension between Nate and Val as they try to work together to divert attention from the scandal that occurred at the hospital. I liked that Val was a strong heroine and was not afraid to speak her mind. It was also nice to see that Nate was not perfect as he seemed on the outside and that there was something he could not control. I enjoyed the foreplay that Nate was able to initiate and that he was finally able to break down Val's barriers so that they could have sex. I wished Val wasn't so skittish about them having sex or showing public affection but I guess it was understandable due to their profession. They both had trouble expressing their feelings so I liked when Nate threw caution to the wind and flew to her, literally falling on his feet to declare his love. This moment had me smiling and chuckling. Another good story by this author.
Val Chase is the head of the PR department for a hospital focused on cancer research. When a top doctor absconds with millions in research money, Nate O'Halloran's called in to help minimize the impact on the hospital's reputation and funding. Nate owns his own PR firm, and is well known for his ability to put a positive spin on almost any situation.
Val's a bit resentful of the implication that she can't handle the job; Nate's intrigued by Val. Chemistry abounds but Val's also not ready to dive into a hot fling. She's careful about her heart and isn't about to throw it away on someone who's clearly just visiting, even if he makes her nerve endings zing.
Ms. Carr writes an enjoyable read with likeable characters who share sizzling sparks. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Carr's satisfying stories!
This was a great read about a hospital trying to do good by its patients only to be swindled by one of it’s doctors. In comes Val, in charge of PR for the hospital, tasked to work with the CEO’s friend, Nate, brought in to consult on the crisis. Sparks fly and in spite of their rough start, Val and Nate manage to work together while things go from bad to worse. HOT read with plenty of sexy scenes that kept me from putting this book down. I couldn’t help but love Nate as his actions spoke louder than words. They couldn’t have been better suited for each other.
This was about Val Chase PR for CCC Hospital and how she is put to the test in her job when a researcher disappears with millions and to make matters worse she is forced to work with PR man for the stars Nate, who rubs her in all the wrong ways but is devilishly handsome and for some reason she can't get enough of him. Doing a favor for a friend Nate comes to CCC Hospital to help with the PR mess only to find himself wanting Val in the worst way. I liked Nate he was handsome and just enough alpha man to not like, I'm on the fence about Val she kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I can't explain there was just something about her that had me liking and disliking her at the same time.
Wishy washy annoying heroine. Oh no, we can't - I don't do casual sex. And there goes her panties. Oh no, you aren't good for me - and she's naked again. Oh no, you're only here for a few days - and here we go again.
Too much time is spent in Val's head. I didn't like her much. Her character was a contradiction. She was supposed to be this strong, independent woman and yet she felt...flimsy.
There is little character development here. I don't buy the relationship between Val and Nate. This is one I could have skipped.
Thanks LibraryThing for a free book to read and review.
Thanks for allowing me this title, easy contemporary romance. Light fluffy read. As I read this book the characters Val and Nate emerged as two PR reps trying to smooth over a hospital scandal. One of the doctors stole close to five million dollars and although Val is the hospital PR.....the CEO brings in Nate as well. The only thing the book was missing .....sparks. No chemistry...no excitement...no angst. Just smooth and easy flow to the writing. Overall entertainment is three stars.
Seducing Chase by Cassandra Carr was another great book by the author. Val and Nate have a chemistry that they can't deny. While things go from bad to worse for the hospital that Val work for, they both get closer. I loved reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author. This is a must read.
I really enjoyed this. I hope to see it made into a series! I wasn't expecting Nate to continue to stand by Val, but was pleasantly surprised. I liked how he really got to know her and help her with the job. I was so happy with the HEA, but it was just too short...I need more (LOTS more!!).
This was a good story about a guy helping a friend and falling for the gal he works with. Both Nate and Val try to fight their attraction, but it is really hard and when they do give in sparks fly.