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Breathless #3
Effortless
The breathtaking conclusion to Lia and Alastair’s relationship… is love alone enough to keep them together? Perfect for fans of 50 Shades & Sylvia Day. Everything in Lia Meyers’ life seems perfect. She’s made the move ‘across the pond’ to start a new life with the man of her dreams and is impressing her new bosses as the executive producer of a popular news magazine program. Alastair Holden, the enigmatic Englishman who has Lia’s heart, puts her above all else, even at the expense of his billion-dollar worldwide media empire. Lia couldn’t be luckier, right? But her lavish world of hearts and flowers soon turns upside down. Living under the white hot spotlight of the Holden family empire proves to be more complicated than she anticipated. She doesn’t know who to trust and questions the motives of her closest friends. To make matters worse, Alastair begins to revert back to his closed off ways. When a life changing event thrusts him into chaos, Lia must decide if a diamond really is forever or if she should learn to cut her losses.
278 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2015
About the author
Lynn Montagano
6 books155 followersLynn Montagano is a contemporary romance author, cat mom, and unapologetic football fan.
Her books feature delicious British alpha heroes and the feisty American women who steal their hearts. They’re filled with darker themes, humor, a cast of relatable characters, and plenty of steam mixed in.
When Lynn isn't writing, you can find her cheering loudly for her beloved New England Patriots, traveling (probably to London), or binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé.
www.lynnmontagano.com/links
Instagram: @XOLynnMontagano
Facebook: @XOLynnMontagano
TikTok: @XOLynnMontagano
Her books feature delicious British alpha heroes and the feisty American women who steal their hearts. They’re filled with darker themes, humor, a cast of relatable characters, and plenty of steam mixed in.
When Lynn isn't writing, you can find her cheering loudly for her beloved New England Patriots, traveling (probably to London), or binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé.
www.lynnmontagano.com/links
Instagram: @XOLynnMontagano
Facebook: @XOLynnMontagano
TikTok: @XOLynnMontagano
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 3, 2017
The final book
Somehow when I finished this book, I just felt like there were so many unanswered questions. We definitely got to know both Alistair and Lia better, but there was just so much more that we still don't know. Maybe spin offs will give some insight if that's in store for us?
Somehow when I finished this book, I just felt like there were so many unanswered questions. We definitely got to know both Alistair and Lia better, but there was just so much more that we still don't know. Maybe spin offs will give some insight if that's in store for us?
May 31, 2023
Third part of the trilogy. Kept thinking something was going to happen, but it didn't. Don't think the reason for his behaviour was really explap.
February 14, 2015
Effortless, Lynn Montagano
Genre: Contemporary romance.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I loved the first two books in this trilogy, but as it’s some time since I read them I needed to refresh my brain on the story, ( and that’s why I always like to read books like this back to back, I get the full impact of events that way, instead of them being diluted by time...)
Its another great read but.....I felt all the way through that Alastair’s “closed off” behaviour was going to lead to some startling revelation. It seemed to happen so often, he was hot and cold and the slightest things set him off, a conversation, a question, his family phoning, even a photo could do it I felt, and as it was so frequent I just thought we’d discover some concrete reason behind it....
Once again I couldn’t help but love them both even though they were irritating at times. It just made them more real, more human. I got so cross at Alistair when he just shut Lia out – and then her overthinking, that was so real. I know as I do the same thing, spend ages mulling over conversations or incidents thinking what I could have said or done better, whether I’ve caused offence, what the other person really meant, ( because its far too simple to accept things at face value!!) There were times when I couldn’t believe she let Alistair get away with something without questioning the life out of him, such as when she walks in to his office unexpectedly and someone from his past is there...I’d have been saying “ why, what did she want, how long has she been here, did you invite her” etc. etc..
The exes, they were terrific. I love a romance to have some tenacious exes, or someone determined to split the couple, it adds such fun! This novel has a few and two of them are real nasties, who keep telling Lia he’ll return to them, she won’t last, she’s just a fling and so on. Poor Lia, she knows he does love her but with his past reputation its not easy to put their words and actions to one side.
Overall its a great read, with some really special moments from Alistair which were so beautiful and romantic, but I missed the drama from the earlier reads. Somehow, though there was drama here it seemed muted, and I was underwhelmed by it. Maybe I was just expecting too much after the first two, I just felt I was waiting for something that never materialised.
Stars: Four and a half. That missing drama just took it down a notch for me
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers.
February 18, 2015
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'Effortless' seems an unlikely title for the final story in the 'Breathless series'. Alastair's and Lia's relationship appears anything but effortless. Lia struggles with his increasingly devious ex lovers and Alastair refuses to accept loving Lia is strength rather than a weakness.
This third book, concentrates on the internal emotions between Alastair and Lia and less on the external setting of the TV news programme and Alastair's international multimedia corporation. As the final book in the series it's fine but it would be difficult to understand all the players, if you haven't read books 1 & 2.
The emotional upheaval and sexual dependence of Lia and Alastair is dominant and angst ridden throughout the story. This isn't an easy book to read but it does give the story a realistic edge that makes it worth reading.
Lia appears to be losing her independence as this story progresses and you can understand why. Thankfully her strong character returns, as she fights for her man and their love against hostile outside forces, which number the paparazzi, shameless ex girlfriends and Alastair's tendency to press the self destruct button, whenever he feels life is too good and he doesn't deserve it.
'Effortless' and the whole 'Breathless' series is a well written exploration of emotional and sexual dependence and the borderline between love and obsession. The ending is charmingly romantic and a lovely contrast to some of the story's darker themes.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lynn Montagano
May 18, 2015
There are very few books with a single point of view that handle ambiguous situations with a touch of clarity that satisfies a reader.This is not one of those books.
“Emma said—”
“Emma was wrong to say anything and I’ll deal with her soon enough. If I’d known she took it upon herself to fly here and—” His eyes flashed. “She knew me at a time in my life when I hated myself. She doesn’t understand what I feel for you.”
“But you ran to her. You left me and you ran to her
Why is this man always 'dealing' with these women yet they never seem to go away?This continues until almost the final chapters with no clear resolution just his utterance 'I will deal with them' & than he distracts his naive flower with sex.
23rd Chapter/25
Olivia came out, looking just as flushed as she had been when I was in
“Paxton is waiting downstairs, Olivia,” he said. “He’ll take you home.” “Thank you.” She turned to him, a demure smile curving her mouth. “For everything.”
“But what about Olivia? I’m…she’s still in love with you and I—” “We have an understanding, Lia,” he interrupted. “She knows the consequences if she pushes too hard.” “I don’t trust her.”
“I know.”
What does he know?
What understanding do they have?
I would have loved Alistair's viewpoint behind these 'closed door affairs'.Unfortunately for the reader the author shares no such insight & we have to read braille 95% of the book as to his interactions with these various women.
Why was Olivia looking so flushed & satisfied?This is a woman who has been constantly harassing his lady love & yet she lives!!!!
These constant influx of discard ex lovers even in the final ends of the novel was incompetently executed & Alistair's off the page interaction with these women was highly distracting.If it were not for the epilogue I would have scored this book a ZERO.The entire theme of this book was Lia's insecurities regarding Alistair's ex fuck buddies.
Emma's issues: unresolved.
Olivia's issues: unresolved
These issues were never corrected in the readers sight making this my worst read of the year thus far
“Emma said—”
“Emma was wrong to say anything and I’ll deal with her soon enough. If I’d known she took it upon herself to fly here and—” His eyes flashed. “She knew me at a time in my life when I hated myself. She doesn’t understand what I feel for you.”
“But you ran to her. You left me and you ran to her
Why is this man always 'dealing' with these women yet they never seem to go away?This continues until almost the final chapters with no clear resolution just his utterance 'I will deal with them' & than he distracts his naive flower with sex.
23rd Chapter/25
Olivia came out, looking just as flushed as she had been when I was in
“Paxton is waiting downstairs, Olivia,” he said. “He’ll take you home.” “Thank you.” She turned to him, a demure smile curving her mouth. “For everything.”
“But what about Olivia? I’m…she’s still in love with you and I—” “We have an understanding, Lia,” he interrupted. “She knows the consequences if she pushes too hard.” “I don’t trust her.”
“I know.”
What does he know?
What understanding do they have?
I would have loved Alistair's viewpoint behind these 'closed door affairs'.Unfortunately for the reader the author shares no such insight & we have to read braille 95% of the book as to his interactions with these various women.
Why was Olivia looking so flushed & satisfied?This is a woman who has been constantly harassing his lady love & yet she lives!!!!
These constant influx of discard ex lovers even in the final ends of the novel was incompetently executed & Alistair's off the page interaction with these women was highly distracting.If it were not for the epilogue I would have scored this book a ZERO.The entire theme of this book was Lia's insecurities regarding Alistair's ex fuck buddies.
Emma's issues: unresolved.
Olivia's issues: unresolved
These issues were never corrected in the readers sight making this my worst read of the year thus far
March 21, 2015
Although I have read all of the books in this series I will admit that it has never been one of my favourites. The narrative was what kept me reading but I've always felt there was something missing and disengaging whereby my attention drifted throughout the middle of the books. For that reason when I saw Effortless on NetGalley I was reading it more to find out was happened in the end. I wasn't that excited but I was curious.
Anyway, what I didn't expect was for it to engage me the way I did. For me this book is definitely the best in the series and I was surprised by how quickly I got through it.
It took me a while to get back into things and remember everything, but Effortless kept me hooked. There were a lot for emotions I could connect with in this book and somehow the author turned the characters into people I finally cared about. I didn't want to put this book down in the end and the narrative won me over.
I'm not sure why the other two books didn't work for me, but this book did. There wasn't one moment my attention wavered and I enjoyed the mix of playful flirting with the angst brought on by Alastair's past. I believed in his emotions and I thought Lia dealt with it well ... most of the time.
The only downside was that I would have liked a bit more resolve with these issues. Maybe an epilogue that took place a few years later to see his progress? I'm not saying the ending was bad, it resolved things and was satisfying I'd have just liked a tiny bit more detail.
Anyhow, overall this book was a pleasant surprise. I didn't go in expecting much but it kept me hooked and I'm glad things ended well.
Anyway, what I didn't expect was for it to engage me the way I did. For me this book is definitely the best in the series and I was surprised by how quickly I got through it.
It took me a while to get back into things and remember everything, but Effortless kept me hooked. There were a lot for emotions I could connect with in this book and somehow the author turned the characters into people I finally cared about. I didn't want to put this book down in the end and the narrative won me over.
I'm not sure why the other two books didn't work for me, but this book did. There wasn't one moment my attention wavered and I enjoyed the mix of playful flirting with the angst brought on by Alastair's past. I believed in his emotions and I thought Lia dealt with it well ... most of the time.
The only downside was that I would have liked a bit more resolve with these issues. Maybe an epilogue that took place a few years later to see his progress? I'm not saying the ending was bad, it resolved things and was satisfying I'd have just liked a tiny bit more detail.
Anyhow, overall this book was a pleasant surprise. I didn't go in expecting much but it kept me hooked and I'm glad things ended well.
September 28, 2015
*I received an ARC of this novel from Tasty Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review*
In the final installment of the Breathless series, we finally get to wrap up all the loose ends with Lia and Alastair.
With the two now living together at Alastairs home
and Lia working with Julian Archer at the newsroom, all seems to be falling into place in their life together.
Alastair's grandfather is trying to break up the music side of his business and Alastair isn't approving. The family drama continues into this final installment of the series. And it's some good family drama!
Brent Garrison and his sister are back in this part as well to stir up some trouble. When Lia gets invited to her bridal shower she just doesn't know what to think of it. Is she being set up? Invited by accident? Only time will tell on that one.
The two really connect in this book and although there are some twists and ups and downs, I was overall very happy with the anticipation I felt throughout the conclusion as well as how their story comes to an end! Great writing, great character development in this last part and overall what a great series this was!!!!
In the final installment of the Breathless series, we finally get to wrap up all the loose ends with Lia and Alastair.
With the two now living together at Alastairs home
and Lia working with Julian Archer at the newsroom, all seems to be falling into place in their life together.
Alastair's grandfather is trying to break up the music side of his business and Alastair isn't approving. The family drama continues into this final installment of the series. And it's some good family drama!
Brent Garrison and his sister are back in this part as well to stir up some trouble. When Lia gets invited to her bridal shower she just doesn't know what to think of it. Is she being set up? Invited by accident? Only time will tell on that one.
The two really connect in this book and although there are some twists and ups and downs, I was overall very happy with the anticipation I felt throughout the conclusion as well as how their story comes to an end! Great writing, great character development in this last part and overall what a great series this was!!!!
February 12, 2015
Our girl has it bad for her man that at times things don't come right out of her mouth so she has to explain, "you just have me so turned on and I'm a little buzzed and then you drop that on me out of the blue and it...what you said is so sweet and romantic and I just...I'm so focused on wanting to...to eff your brains out that-" Alistair must be getting on in his age the boy is losing his stamina, "I'm half asleep right now because I just had the most amazing so x with the most gorgeous woman in the world." Then again I'm not sure why I doubted him when he redeemed himself, "there is nothing unsteady about your wearing my clothes." He closed his eyes briefly and wet his lips. "I don't know whether to throw you against the wall and eff you senseless or do it right here on my desk." I enjoyed this book I loved our bossy man Alistair.
October 13, 2015
In this final installment there's not much that happens. Or at least that is how I felt. I was hoping for something more epic to come out of Alastair always being so closed off. There is some drama but it's not edge of your seat crazy drama. Although I wasn't biting my nails or sitting on the edge of my seat I was happy with the way their story ended.
I had to give this one three stars, it's a hard decision to make but I feel like some things were left a little un-resolved. I also felt like the story drug a bit as well. But looking past that I really enjoyed reading this series and recommend it as well.
I had to give this one three stars, it's a hard decision to make but I feel like some things were left a little un-resolved. I also felt like the story drug a bit as well. But looking past that I really enjoyed reading this series and recommend it as well.
October 23, 2015
Definitely my favorite in the series!! This time we learn even more about our main couple, Alastair and Lia and the author really focuses on them more than the outside influences. The sex scenes are hot and have a FSOG kind of feel to them. I enjoyed this series because the Alastair and Lia are far from perfect and I enjoy reading books when no matter how broken the characters are, even they deserve love, but they need to work through issues in order to get there. I could not put this one down because I needed to know how their story would end.
February 8, 2015
3.5 stars
The beginning kind of dragged, and I felt that Lia accepted way too many things from Alastair. Lia was way too accepting of what happened with Olivia and Emma towards the the end of the book.
The beginning kind of dragged, and I felt that Lia accepted way too many things from Alastair. Lia was way too accepting of what happened with Olivia and Emma towards the the end of the book.
February 22, 2015
This series just didn't do it for me.
October 26, 2015
It was a great conclusion to this trilogy!! So glad I read these!!!
November 11, 2015
I wanted to love this book I really did, but OMG the H and h was just sooooo annoying.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews