Sweet Indulgence

The Silicon Beach Trilogy #2

by Jill Blake

Becca Markham spent the last six years trying to please everyone but herself. So when she ditches her cheating boyfriend and quits her high-stress job as a software engineer, she decides it’s time to pursue her own dreams. At the top of her list? Transforming her life-long love of baking from a part-time hobby into a full-time business.

Leo Kogan spent years scrambling to escape a life of poverty—first in Russia, then in the U.S. Now a successful surgeon, he needs just one thing to complete his American dream: the perfect woman. But making the leap from casual friends to lovers proves harder than he expects.

Despite a sizzling attraction, Becca and Leo disagree on important things—like love and money. She’s looking for sex without strings; he wants a partner for life. She stakes her future on a risky new business; he’s obsessed with financial security.

Can love bring two headstrong people together…or will their differences end up tearing them apart?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2016

About the author

Jill Blake loves chocolate, leisurely walks where she doesn’t break a sweat, and books with a guaranteed happy ending. A native of Philadelphia, Jill now lives in southern California with her husband and three children. During the day, she works as a physician in a busy medical practice. At night, she pens steamy romances.

The Doctors of Rittenhouse Square :
Pursued by the Playboy (Kate & Marc) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1S1EJQ
Taking a Chance (Samantha & Alex) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG936YC
This Time for Keeps (Isabelle & Luca) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I6SYS60

The Santa Monica Trilogy :
Without a Net - (Eva & Max) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00LDVF1VS
Coming Home - (Grace & Logan) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00OZR19C2
Balancing Act - (Angie & Zach) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00VUKNZ60

The Silicon Beach Trilogy :
Beyond the Ivory Tower - (Anna & Ethan) - http://amzn.to/1FQQceo
Sweet Indulgence - (Becca & Leo) - http://amzn.to/1ndlclu
A Matter of Trust (Klara & Vlad) - http://amzn.to/2cvDqvv

Reviews

[J. Saman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series is Leo and Becca's story, but we still have access to Anna and Ethan from the first book, which I enjoyed. Leo is the hot orthopedic surgeon who has been pining after Becca for 4 years. Becca, finally realized she was dating a jerk and ended their 6 year relationship, while simultaneously making a career change and starting a bakery. There are a few twists and turns in this one, mainly based around some misunderstandings and the like. All good fun.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it was a very quick read. In fact, I wished it was a bit longer. There was some decent heat between the two main characters, but on occasion I felt the dialogue to be a bit flat. It's told in the third person, which gives us introspection into both characters and I liked that immensely. I will absolutely continue on with this series and recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, quick romance.

[Maddie Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Jill Blake book and I really enjoyed it. It is a nice easy read but lots of plot to keep the reader interested. Becca is a woman who is making massive life changes to make herself happy. Leo is the sexy doctor who has loved her from a afar. These two are polar opposites in character and I think this works well. The chemistry is great between them and I really like them together. I loved the other characters in this book and will go back and read their stories. This can be read as a standalone book. I would recommend this book as a nice easy read for a relaxing afternoon.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.

I really liked Becca and Leo's story, I just wish there would have been more. It was too short for me. I guess a good love story is always too short.
Becca Markham is finally seeing what her boyfriend of six years is all about. All the late hours working and the excuses of being at work. Well now she knows it was mostly lies. Now she has to wonder just how many women there were. So now is the time to do for herself, drop the cheating SOB, lose the high stress job and do what she loves, bake. Can she make a go of it as a business? Why not?
Leo Kogan has loved Becca since he met her four years ago but he has waited because she has been with someone. Now she is free and he wants to love and protect her. Leo works at the hospital with Becca's cheating ex and he has even seen him with several women. When Becca and Leo finally give in to their feelings and he finds out that she quit her high paying job, will he push her away because he seems to not believe in her dream?
Can Becca give her heart to Leo without the fear he will cheat too? Will Leo rush into the relationship to quick for Becca? This story is fun, quick read with sexy characters that will have you glued to your kindle wanting more. I suggest reading Beyond the Ivory Tower (book 1) because it will help with some of the extra characters. I can't wait for book three, it is Klara's story.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca finally gets the courage to leave her no good cheating boyfriend of six years. As she struggles to learn to make it on her own, she's learning to find a real love in Leo. Can she let him in despite the pain she's been through? Leo has been in love with Becca since the day he laid eyes on her four years before. The only reason he didn't act on it was that she was already with somebody else. That's changed. Can he convince her that he's not like or ex or is he doomed to stay in the friend zone?

I really adored this book. I was a bit surprised to find that it was different characters than the first book, but it was okay. It's more of a stand alone type trilogy. They do work better read together though since they connect. It's basically in the same time frame as the first book, but instead of focusing on Anna's life, it focuses on Becca's. There is a scene (won't say which due to potential spoilers) that is played out in both books. It was kind of nice to see Becca's viewpoint of the situation. I really liked this book. I definitely recomend it. I can't wait until the third book is out so I can read it! It'll be nice reading more about Anna's sister. She didn't play enough of a roll in the first two to be honest.

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book that I've read by Jill Blake and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. Jill Blake has given us a story that will suck you in and keep you there from start to finish ,and then leave you waiting more from this author. This is Becca Markham and Leo Kogan touching story. Becca is just getting over a bad relationship with John her boyfriend who had cheated on her. But Leo has always loved her for the pass 4 years ,but didn't make a move because she was with someone else, but now that she's free all he wants to do is love her and protect her. But what she wants is to follow her heart. Becca isn't ready for another relationship and she feels that deep down. But her and Leo have different ideas about job and money ,so can they give a little for each other or are they better off just being friends .Can Becca give her heart to Leo or will she think that he will cheat on her also.This is a fun fast read with some hot and sexy characters,that will have you on the edge of your chair waiting to see what's going to happen next.I could tell you more about this touching story ,but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read this great story ,you won't be disappointed.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Leo waited patiently for 4 years for Becca. He didn't stop living or dating, but he knew he wanted to be with Becca. Becca lived with her boyfriend, John, for six years; seemingly unaware that Leo had any feelings for her.

A chance hospital visit and the discovery of John's infidelity ended that relationship. Becca was completely unaware that Leo had any interest in her until she left John. Leo and Becca began seeing each other.

Leo and Becca had ups and downs in their relationship. There wasn't a great deal of angst, which was fine by me. It all seemed to move too quickly. I would have enjoyed reading more about their relationship. I had questions about Becca's parents. At first it sounded like, Becca's dad was arrogant and slightly controlling. Then later, it sounded like her mother was a victim of domestic violence. I would have enjoyed reading about the outcome of John's situation, what happened with Becca's Kisses, and her father's response to her mother's new found inner strength.

This was a very quick, pleasant read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series, and follows on from the first book, but this time, it is Becca's turn in the limelight. We get to catch up with Anna and Ethan too - possibly more dramatically than expected.

This is not a long book - and I liked these two so much, that I would have happily read more. However, it is a full story, with plenty of ideas that the reader can imagine moving forward. I can also hope that the third book in the trilogy will also give us more insight into the couple. The different cultures and priorities are used effectively in telling us how the romance develops, and underpins the characters of the leads. The chemistry between them is a slow burn which fuses rather than explodes - and is all the more delicious for the muted, but sensual scenes.

Looking forward to more from this interesting group of friends and colleagues.

[Carol Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Her Dream

I enjoyed this book immensely as I have the previous Jill Blake books I have read. Becca is a strong woman that makes big changes in her life for the better. Orthopedic surgeon Leo has been attracted to her for a long time but couldn't pursue her while she was in a relationship with his colleague. But once Becca leaves John, their relationship begins as she pursues her dream to turn her hobby of baking into a business.

Becca's friends and family encourage her to make the changes she wants. The romance and Becca's lifestyle changes are sometimes in conflict making for an engrossing story. I loved Becca and Leo and enjoyed their fun sexy romance and seeing characters from other books in this series. I can't wait for the next tale in this series.

I was provided with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun sexy read with a great storyline and fabulous characters. Leo has worked hard to get himself to the level of professional success as an orthopedic surgeon he has now. The one thing missing that would make his life perfect is a loving woman. The one woman who really gets to him is Becca Markham. A successful software engineer who has recently decided to step away from that career to start her own business. Leo has a hard time understanding this decision which leads to a bit of animosity between them. And that's just one of the differences between them. Can they get past all this to make it work?

A great read that I highly recommend.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet heart warming romance with a few bumps in the road. Loved it from beginning to end. I recommend it. One of those stories you just can't put down. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Wanessa Rocha euwanrocha · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗼 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗲 é um lançamento exclusivo em e-book da minha parceira linda Editora Bookmarks.

Trata-se de uma história curta e muito gostosinha de ler. Numa tarde eu devorei toda a história de Becca e Leo. E a personalidade desses dois personagens me cativou demais.

Rebecca é uma mulher que aos 30 anos descobre que está sendo traída pelo namorado, com quem está junta há seis anos, e que não está feliz com a profissão que tanto suga seu tempo. A partir dessas descobertas ela resolve dá um giro de 360º em sua vida sem saber ao certo o que fará no futuro próximo.

Leo é um cirurgião ortopédico que tem dado tudo de si pela profissão que tanto ama. Ele é o louco da estabilidade financeira, devido a infância difícil que teve ao lado da mãe.
E sim, ele quer um grande amor pra completar a vida perfeita que tanto batalhou para ter.

A história, como um todo, é muito fofinha e me deixou com um quentinho no coração.
Maaaaaas, tiveram algumas coisas que me incomodaram nela *
Pera que já vou contar o que foi…

O primeiro ponto a me incomodar foi o tempo que a Becca teve para se reencontrar, para ficar sozinha com ela mesma e aproveitar a nova fase de sua vida. Tipo, alguns dias depois de acabar o namoro ela estava ficando com o Leo.

O segundo ponto foram algumas falas do Leo. Ele não é abusivo ou nada do tipo, mas devido às dificuldades do passado ele se tornou muito cricri com esse lance do emprego estável, renda fixa e lálálá. E quando ele fica sabendo dos planos da Becca dá meio que uma surtada e diz coisas não tão legais, sabe?!

E eu já falei demais, por isso vou parar por aqui senão daqui a pouco conto todos os detalhes do livro hahaha
Mas acho a leitura muita válida e super indico, de verdade. Leo é apenas um personagem que não é perfeito, ele erra como todos nós e se arrepende quando percebe suas falhas.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. I thought the characters were well developed and the story showed some of the struggles of a rebound romance. Also, the real-life struggles of career choices. I thought Becca and Leo were a good match. I was provided a free copy of this book for an honest review.

[Lia Christo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story, but one that gave me a few hours of relaxation. The couple has good chemistry and although the author doesn't delve too deeply into some more serious subjects, the couple managed to please me.

[Deeann Zessin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've finished the trilogy and these are very good stories. The books are short but very good. I like that the lead characters, both male and female, are very strong. They are very likable with strong beliefs, but able to get along despite their differences. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My one complaint was that it was too short. It would have benefited from more time given to the plot development as so much seemed rushed.

The hero, Leo Kogan is an orthopedic surgeon who has had a crush on Becca Markham. As happens too often in romances, Becca’s discovery that her boyfriend has been cheating on her coincides with a professional crisis. She moves out from her boyfriend and quits her job as a programmer to start her own business selling low-calorie baking treats. Leo arranges to get together with Becca. She’s very wary, but he’s sweet and sexy and so she decides to indulge herself in some fun sex. But he wants more and she’s torn, not wanting to get involved in a serious relationship so soon after getting out of a long-term failed relationship.

Leo is a dream. He’s a Russian immigrant who has worked hard to get his dream job in orthopedics while also being sexy and muscular. Of course. The book is sprinkled with Russian expressions which often are not translated in the text, but there is a glossary in the back. THere was an interesting, unresolved subplot about Leo’s half-brother who has come to the U.S. to flee the danger from his oligarch father’s clash with Vladimir Putin. That seemed surprisingly heavy and ripped-from-the-headlines for a frothy romance. I gather that the brother will be the subject of the sequel. As a Russian major, I really enjoyed these aspects of the book and wished for more, but I don’t know if they will appeal to everyone.

I really enjoyed the set-up, but it all got wrapped up way too quickly. I would have liked more time devoted to Becca and Leo’s developing relationship. They had a car ride and a couple of visits and suddenly, they’re in love. Becca is worried about getting into a serious relationship and boom, she changes her mind. There was a better book in there if the author hadn’t just skimped on developing her characters and their interactions.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Markham is just getting out a bad relationship with her cheating boyfriend, John, and deciding what she wants from her job when she decides to follow her heart.

Leo Kogan has always had a secret crush on Becca but as a co-worker of John he has always kept his distance but when he discovers that Becca has caught onto John's indiscretions he decides to make his move.

But Becca is not ready for another relationship and when it is clear that Leo and Becca's views on jobs and money are completely different will they each be able to give a little for each other or are they better off just as friends?

This is the second book I have read by the author and both I really enjoyed. I love the debate that Becca had between giving up her real job for the job of her dreams. I love how that was partially inspired by everything her mom was going through. I did love that Becca's mom finally got up the courage to leave her abusive relationship showing the reader that it is never to late to leave and live for yourself.

I also enjoyed the exploration of how Leo grew up and how he had a different value placed on the job from living in Russia and how uncertain life can be. He wants to make sure his family is secure and the best way he knows how is through a good job.

I love how Becca and Leo start with a friendship but Leo already knows he wants more so he is somewhat pushing her but at the same time afraid to push too hard and scare her!

Such a great story about discovering what you want and how sometimes you need to compromise!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca and Leo’s story is incredibly sweet and heartfelt. They grow as individuals and as a couple, which I love in a romance. Becca starts out as someone who lives in denial and has a hard time standing up for herself. I loved watching her grow a backbone and find her voice. It was awesome to see her come into her own! Leo was kind and patient, having loved Becca from afar for years. When they finally get together, things don’t go perfectly. They have their ups and downs, which is completely realistic. Leo’s intentions were always from a good place, even if he sometimes came across as unsupportive. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say Leo wasn’t always on my good side. However, by the end of the novel, he totally redeemed himself! I enjoyed experiencing Becca and Leo’s journey to their happily-ever-after. This is the first novel that I’ve read by Jill Blake, and I will definitely be reading more from this author!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Becca's initial heartbreak is conveyed with realistic emotion, drawing in the reader to her side.

Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Literary Chanteuse]

For a star rating and full review please visit InD'tale magazine online, June 2016 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora...