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Tropical Temptation #1
Bonding Games
Former Navy SEAL Josh Steele gets tasked with a babysitting mission—watch over his boss's daughter—a job he can only describe as hell. But when his assignment takes him to a tropical island, and he begins to see another side of Holly Fairfax, attraction sizzles between them—but he knows better than to risk his job for it.
Holly can't believe that underneath those baggy clothes tech-guru Josh Steele is all ripped abs and sexy hotness. Ignoring said hotness is tough, especially since she has to work with him on the team-building exercises her boss has assigned if she wants a coveted promotion. It's even harder when she discovers being around Josh brings out her naughty side – one she didn't know she had.
But if she cracks the code on his cover, everything they've built could come crashing down.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2017
16 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Fox
257 books1,377 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 20, 2017
This was a hot little read! There was just enough tension between Holly and Josh to make the pages fly and I loved that neither couple resisted the other. I've read too many lately that had nothing but resistance, so this one was refreshing to read.
Not everything was at it seemed, but I loved how the author handled pretty much everything. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it for anyone wanting a quicker read that had not only good chemistry between the main MC's, but also not a heavy story.
The only thing I can complain about is that I do wish there was an epilogue. I would have loved to see these two a year or more later. It's low angst, no cheating or abuse and mild ow/om drama. ARC provided by NetGalley.
Not everything was at it seemed, but I loved how the author handled pretty much everything. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it for anyone wanting a quicker read that had not only good chemistry between the main MC's, but also not a heavy story.
The only thing I can complain about is that I do wish there was an epilogue. I would have loved to see these two a year or more later. It's low angst, no cheating or abuse and mild ow/om drama. ARC provided by NetGalley.
July 16, 2017
Holly’s on the run from her over-protective father. She has moved across the country, changed her name and is embarking on a career that not only makes her happy, but is a real challenge, doing something she likes. When her boss takes everyone to a tropical island to “bond” as co-workers, there is no way Dad can find her, right?
Former Navy SEAL Josh Steele’s boss gives him a dreaded undercover babysitting job for a rich princess. (Just shoot him now) maybe it was the tropical island or maybe it was Holly, herself, but all of his past experiences with rich princesses never prepared him for the sensuous, yet fragile woman he found or the exciting moments of intense personal “bonding” they shared.
BONDING GAMES by Cathryn Fox is sexy, sassy, intriguing and just plain fun in the sun as two strangers discover that the heat of the tropics is nothing compared to the heat of their passion. Light reading with a plot that has been done before, but the delightful and fun Josh/Holly chemistry that Cathryn Fox brings to the table is anything but run-of-the-mill! Definitely one that will leave you smirking at their sexual antics, which is this short read's hottest moments.
I received an ARC edition from Cathryn Fox & Inkslinger in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Tropical Temptations - Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen (July 24, 2017)
Publication Date: July 24, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 185 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Former Navy SEAL Josh Steele’s boss gives him a dreaded undercover babysitting job for a rich princess. (Just shoot him now) maybe it was the tropical island or maybe it was Holly, herself, but all of his past experiences with rich princesses never prepared him for the sensuous, yet fragile woman he found or the exciting moments of intense personal “bonding” they shared.
BONDING GAMES by Cathryn Fox is sexy, sassy, intriguing and just plain fun in the sun as two strangers discover that the heat of the tropics is nothing compared to the heat of their passion. Light reading with a plot that has been done before, but the delightful and fun Josh/Holly chemistry that Cathryn Fox brings to the table is anything but run-of-the-mill! Definitely one that will leave you smirking at their sexual antics, which is this short read's hottest moments.
I received an ARC edition from Cathryn Fox & Inkslinger in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Tropical Temptations - Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen (July 24, 2017)
Publication Date: July 24, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 185 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 1, 2017
Holly, a computer geek, is adjusting to her new life, the one she's able to have since changing her last name to evade her very protective father. Drastic? Maybe, but desperate times and all that... Granted, his is quite successful and as such has gained a few enemies, so his concerns are warranted. Now, onto other concerns, such as her job. She's up for a promotion, but, as she's grown quite independent, isn't what management deems a team player, so to secure said promotion, she needs to change that, hence, her trip to "paradise" and involvement in the bonding games. Kumbayah.
Josh, a former SEAL, is being sent undercover to watch over Holly as a threat has been issued against her. Josh's boss? Yeah, you see where this is going...it's Holly's Dad. Josh is not happy at being tasked with babysitting the princess, however, that attitude soon changes.
The attraction between Josh and Holly is instantaneous, but Josh knows once Holly discovers why he's there, and we all know she will, her feelings for him will change and he'll lose her.
Holly, like many with a wealthy family, doesn't trust easily as you can never know who's interested in you personally, or what they hope to gain from knowing you. Josh, however, there's just something about him, aside from his sexiness, that has her trusting him.
As Josh and Holly begin falling for one another, Josh is anxious, not in regards to her safety, he refuses to allow any harm to come to her, but for her emotionally because he knows the truth will hurt her.
Can Josh protect Holly? Will Josh be able to convince Holly he truly cares for her? Can Holly trust Josh after this? Who's been threatening Holly and why? Is their a HEA for these two?
One-click now and follow along as a job becomes so much more, and the boss's daughter becomes everything.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Josh, a former SEAL, is being sent undercover to watch over Holly as a threat has been issued against her. Josh's boss? Yeah, you see where this is going...it's Holly's Dad. Josh is not happy at being tasked with babysitting the princess, however, that attitude soon changes.
The attraction between Josh and Holly is instantaneous, but Josh knows once Holly discovers why he's there, and we all know she will, her feelings for him will change and he'll lose her.
Holly, like many with a wealthy family, doesn't trust easily as you can never know who's interested in you personally, or what they hope to gain from knowing you. Josh, however, there's just something about him, aside from his sexiness, that has her trusting him.
As Josh and Holly begin falling for one another, Josh is anxious, not in regards to her safety, he refuses to allow any harm to come to her, but for her emotionally because he knows the truth will hurt her.
Can Josh protect Holly? Will Josh be able to convince Holly he truly cares for her? Can Holly trust Josh after this? Who's been threatening Holly and why? Is their a HEA for these two?
One-click now and follow along as a job becomes so much more, and the boss's daughter becomes everything.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
July 13, 2017
Cathryn never disappoints and we have another great book from her. This is a bit of a different twist from her books of late and I really liked this one. The two main characters were so likable and Josh just pushed all my buttons. Just like he did Holly's.
Holly works for a software company out west, leaving her seriously overprotective, controlling, very wealthy father behind, changing her last name to put some distance there and wants to make her own life, not her father's. The book opens when she and her co-workers end up on some tropical island to spend a week bonding, brain child of her not so cool boss. He's there observing. There's a senior analyst position open and Holly hopes to land that so she can make the leap from there into opening her own company. Holly has one problem, she's a solo worker. She prefers to work alone and be alone because her past has taught her that people either used her to get in good with her father or treated her differently when they found out who she was. Prior to leaving NY she wasn't allowed a life without one of her father's geek security guys tagging along and so boyfriends were run off and didn't last long.
She's approached at the first night opener by a relatively new guy who's been hired, long hair, weird t shirts and board shorts with holes in them. She calls him gamer boy. But she also she's a face under all that hair and ice blue eyes. Somehow they pair up and it works for them and it's fun. They win the first bonding challenge and the chemistry just percolates between them. Meanwhile they both have inner dialogue telling them all the reasons why they shouldn't be attracted to each other, and after they kiss the same thing and after every single move... during the inner dialogue from Josh we find out who he is and why he's there. And by then he's in pretty deep with Holly. Holly finally opens up to him also about her father and why she's adamant about not returning home to her father's house. These two really spark the sheets and they also get along well, and really seem to be made for each other.
There comes a point in the book that Josh felt inevitable and it is by accident she finds out that he's connected to her father and she blows a nutty. She swears never again. She actually trusted him.
The last day on the island when Holly point blank asks her boss who the new senior analyst will be and he's silent, she gets her answer makes the best commentary and promptly leaves. She also issues Josh a warning. She leaves the island. Josh feels like the dirt that he is, and wants to make amends.
I wished him luck with that one.
When he pays her father a visit he's surprised, assuming she's returned home to NY. But she's not there. I loved that.
Now you have to read the book to see what happens and get the nitty gritty details and enjoy the writing that Cathryn does so well. This book was great, great plot two likable adults and despite their issues gave into their chemistry and Holly especially allowed herself to be vulnerable.
This book is well worth the read, and hits 4.5 from me.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**
Holly works for a software company out west, leaving her seriously overprotective, controlling, very wealthy father behind, changing her last name to put some distance there and wants to make her own life, not her father's. The book opens when she and her co-workers end up on some tropical island to spend a week bonding, brain child of her not so cool boss. He's there observing. There's a senior analyst position open and Holly hopes to land that so she can make the leap from there into opening her own company. Holly has one problem, she's a solo worker. She prefers to work alone and be alone because her past has taught her that people either used her to get in good with her father or treated her differently when they found out who she was. Prior to leaving NY she wasn't allowed a life without one of her father's geek security guys tagging along and so boyfriends were run off and didn't last long.
She's approached at the first night opener by a relatively new guy who's been hired, long hair, weird t shirts and board shorts with holes in them. She calls him gamer boy. But she also she's a face under all that hair and ice blue eyes. Somehow they pair up and it works for them and it's fun. They win the first bonding challenge and the chemistry just percolates between them. Meanwhile they both have inner dialogue telling them all the reasons why they shouldn't be attracted to each other, and after they kiss the same thing and after every single move... during the inner dialogue from Josh we find out who he is and why he's there. And by then he's in pretty deep with Holly. Holly finally opens up to him also about her father and why she's adamant about not returning home to her father's house. These two really spark the sheets and they also get along well, and really seem to be made for each other.
There comes a point in the book that Josh felt inevitable and it is by accident she finds out that he's connected to her father and she blows a nutty. She swears never again. She actually trusted him.
The last day on the island when Holly point blank asks her boss who the new senior analyst will be and he's silent, she gets her answer makes the best commentary and promptly leaves. She also issues Josh a warning. She leaves the island. Josh feels like the dirt that he is, and wants to make amends.
I wished him luck with that one.
When he pays her father a visit he's surprised, assuming she's returned home to NY. But she's not there. I loved that.
Now you have to read the book to see what happens and get the nitty gritty details and enjoy the writing that Cathryn does so well. This book was great, great plot two likable adults and despite their issues gave into their chemistry and Holly especially allowed herself to be vulnerable.
This book is well worth the read, and hits 4.5 from me.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**
September 1, 2018
Cathryn Fox has always delivered her stories with a delicious sexual punch. She didn't disappoint with Bonding Games! The attraction between Holly and Josh sparked off the pages from the start. The chemistry between them is not the only tension in the story and that's what sets this book apart from the many others with the same trope.
Here's the gist .. So Holly has gone and changed her name to hide who she is because, reasons (read the book lol). Josh is not who Holly thinks he is because, reasons (read the book lol). But wait, there's more ... Josh knows who Holly really is but Holly doesn't know who Josh really is >>>>> because that's always a good way to start any relationship LOLOL Now, do you see how just this will keep you turning page after page because of course you can't wait for the truth bomb to go off!
I loved everything about this story because Cathryn managed to make it less about the drama and more about the couple. So it's very low on the angst and very high on the sexy :) #favorite
Copy provided for blog tour review
Here's the gist .. So Holly has gone and changed her name to hide who she is because, reasons (read the book lol). Josh is not who Holly thinks he is because, reasons (read the book lol). But wait, there's more ... Josh knows who Holly really is but Holly doesn't know who Josh really is >>>>> because that's always a good way to start any relationship LOLOL Now, do you see how just this will keep you turning page after page because of course you can't wait for the truth bomb to go off!
I loved everything about this story because Cathryn managed to make it less about the drama and more about the couple. So it's very low on the angst and very high on the sexy :) #favorite
Copy provided for blog tour review
July 28, 2017
Take a daughter rebelling against her over protective father by taking a job she loves working in a company on the other side of the country . . . . add in Josh Steele, the ex-Navy SEAL who is working in the same company but is actually an undercover body guard, working for her father, there to protect her. Then send them, with the rest of the office, on a “team building” vacation to a tropical island . . . . you’ve then got the basic scenario for this story which has many laugh out loud moments as well as plenty of sizzling encounters.
I admit to choosing not to read many ‘brazen’ romances but books by this talented author are one of the exceptions . . . this story is a delightful, lighthearted read with great characters, plenty of chemistry and sweet romance as well as steamy encounters. The banter, innuendos, flirting and fun make it an engaging and entertaining read in a luscious location - a summery read regardless of the season or your location.
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
I admit to choosing not to read many ‘brazen’ romances but books by this talented author are one of the exceptions . . . this story is a delightful, lighthearted read with great characters, plenty of chemistry and sweet romance as well as steamy encounters. The banter, innuendos, flirting and fun make it an engaging and entertaining read in a luscious location - a summery read regardless of the season or your location.
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
August 8, 2017
from net galley. Holly and Josh are attending bonding exercise for there tech company. But they are doing some bonding of there own in this fun and hot book. A great summer read - this book is a winner
September 13, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I enjoyed book, it was cute. Josh worked undercover to protect Holly, or he was under the assumption that he was there to protect Holly. He worked as a Tech Geek to get closer to her. Holly was very independent, and she had her reasons for it, her father was very over protective, and for years, people got close to her just to use her. Holly finally lets down her walls letting Josh in, and they up "bonding" and getting to know each other. One of the things that annoyed me about Josh, was that he kept telling her that he did not share and wanted to be exclusive for the week, yet he let this Anita girl, constantly feel him up, and he did not say anything to her, yet if Colin just got close to Holly he was glaring, not cool dude. Anyhoo, the truth comes out, on who he really was, and she felt so betrayed, with reason. Luckily, things get resolved and he did fight for her.
July 18, 2017
Bonding Games is another Cathryn Fox original. Smart, sexy and challenging. Josh and Holly create an allure that is naughty but plays out quite nicely. Ms. Fox spins a web that starts out deceptively innocent, but quickly spirals into wickedly tempting territory. The twist is the lesson that she highlights along the way. Don't judge by what's on the outside, what really matters is what's hidden on the inside. Powerful message wrapped in a knock your socks off read. My favorite read by this author.
July 2, 2017
Josh sometimes likes to make sure he's heard his girl right, “so, by ‘fun,’ you’re saying you want to have *** again, right?” he asked, just to clarify." Holly had so much confidence in her man, “hours, with us relying only on each other. I get it. But I’m not worried, Josh. I’ve got you.” I really liked this book, I loved Josh.
July 25, 2017
When Holly's boss decides to to have a bonding trip to the islands she teams up with Josh,not knowing that he was hired by her Father to watch her. While her and Josh are doing a lot of bonding on his own. He is feeling guilty and she has no clue. What happens when he realizes how he really feels and she finds out what he is really doing?
This is a fast read and the story is much more than you would expect.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
This is a fast read and the story is much more than you would expect.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
August 3, 2017
Another lovely read from Entangled Brazen. This story was about Josh, a former Navy SEAL and now security guy and Holly an IT developer. Holly’s trying to prove to her dad she can make it on her own and is chasing a promotion and goes on a team building exercise to a tropical island where Josh has been sent to keep an eye on her. Little does Holly know but Josh is undercover as her new colleague! What follows is some serious chemistry between the two and some very naughty times. Josh starts to feel guilty as he and Holly become closer as it’s inevitable that the truth will come out. I’ll not spoil it and tell you how it unfolds but I’ll just say that this is really nice read from Cathryn and although this trope has been done a dozens of times, she’s written it very well as I got caught up in the story, liked the 2 MC’s and wanted to know how it all turned out in the end. A nice, pleasant read for a rainy afternoon.
ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing (Brazen) and Netgalley for an honest and unbiased review.
ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing (Brazen) and Netgalley for an honest and unbiased review.
January 1, 2018
Bonding Games was a quick read with an equal amount of steam, tension, and character built. John is tasked to go undercover and babysit is boss’ daughter Holly, much to his dismay. That is until he finds out she is nothing like his preconsieved notions of her are quickly reevaluated. The chemistry is off the charts and with Josh’s guidance Holly’s sex vixen side comes out to play. Josh’s biggest obstacle is that as time passes and his feeling for Holly grows, his secret babysitting mission is weighing heavy and will tear them apart as soon as she knows the truth. This was a 4 star read.
(ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchanged for an honest review)
(ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchanged for an honest review)
September 19, 2022
DNF. The narrator was so bad I only made it 10 minutes. I just couldn’t take her voice one more minute. Better read in ebook!
November 5, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator made the hero sound like Jennifer Coolidge and I couldn’t make it past the first 43 minutes.
October 28, 2017
Bonding Games by Cathyrn Fox is book one in her new Tropical Temptation series and it is a very hot and fun romp between two characters who can't deny temptation once alone on the island resort.
Holly Fairfax is a software engineer trying to show her real-estate tycoon father that she can make it on her own on the opposite coast away from him and his influence or power. Dedicated and hard-working, Holly feels she has a lot to prove even when out in paradise. As a form of team-building, her boss has brought everyone of her co-workers to a tropical island for some bonding exercises and she soon finds herself partnered up with subtly sexy computer coder, Josh Steele.
Hidden beneath the gamer façade of ripped board shorts, t-shirt sayings, and longish hair is a former Navy SEAL tasked with babysitting a princess. Working undercover as her co-worker, Josh is hired by Holly's father to protect her and bring her home. However, as he begins bonding with Holly in and out of the bedroom, his mission begins to get more complicated especially when love and trust is added to the mix.
Ms. Fox's Bonding Games is an easy and fun read with not too much emotional drama relationship-wise. The main characters, Holly and Josh, are undeniably attracted to each and we see the attraction grow into more as they talk and bond through the different team-building activities like mixology and camping. In the theme of creating bonds and developing relationships Ms. Fox hits the mark with these two, as well as in the reminder that there is no "I" in "team", particularly from Holly's POV. My only note about this story, would be that I would have liked more direct resolution between Holly and her father especially since their relationship is a driving force that brought Holly and Josh to meet in the first place.
Overall, Bonding Games by Cathryn Fox is an entertaining and light-hearted romance with characters that you'll like. I happily recommend.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Holly Fairfax is a software engineer trying to show her real-estate tycoon father that she can make it on her own on the opposite coast away from him and his influence or power. Dedicated and hard-working, Holly feels she has a lot to prove even when out in paradise. As a form of team-building, her boss has brought everyone of her co-workers to a tropical island for some bonding exercises and she soon finds herself partnered up with subtly sexy computer coder, Josh Steele.
Hidden beneath the gamer façade of ripped board shorts, t-shirt sayings, and longish hair is a former Navy SEAL tasked with babysitting a princess. Working undercover as her co-worker, Josh is hired by Holly's father to protect her and bring her home. However, as he begins bonding with Holly in and out of the bedroom, his mission begins to get more complicated especially when love and trust is added to the mix.
Ms. Fox's Bonding Games is an easy and fun read with not too much emotional drama relationship-wise. The main characters, Holly and Josh, are undeniably attracted to each and we see the attraction grow into more as they talk and bond through the different team-building activities like mixology and camping. In the theme of creating bonds and developing relationships Ms. Fox hits the mark with these two, as well as in the reminder that there is no "I" in "team", particularly from Holly's POV. My only note about this story, would be that I would have liked more direct resolution between Holly and her father especially since their relationship is a driving force that brought Holly and Josh to meet in the first place.
Overall, Bonding Games by Cathryn Fox is an entertaining and light-hearted romance with characters that you'll like. I happily recommend.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
July 7, 2017
‘Bonding Games’ started out great as a former SEAL goes undercover as a geek in a company in order to suss out an apparent threat to a woman who is trying her hardest to live a life away from her controlling father. But to Holly Fairfax, Josh Steele is merely a co-worker, or rather, a laid-back gamer-type until an elaborate company bonding session puts them in close proximity as partners.
The journey from there onwards however, is fairly predictable, which somehow didn’t quite live up to the potential of the promising blurb. Holly and Josh go from zero to a hundred in a matter of pages, and the overwhelming lust comes with every innocent touch and every fanciful imagining of what lies beneath each other’s clothes, despite the individual reminders to themselves that they want nothing more than a fling. They hit the bed early on as they go on every team-bonding activity and as expected, Holly hits the roof when Josh’s actual purpose for being in the company is inadvertently revealed.
Frankly, I’m still trying to figure out why it fell flat for me after the fun setup of their relationship. I’ve always loved the undercover business part, particularly when it involves some kind of double-crossing, though that always risks some TSTL behaviour when the deception is taken too far or when someone tends to overreact and forget their actual age. Maybe it’s because Holly/Josh’s story treads the same ground as so many others have gone before—not that I don’t enjoy authors’ different takes on them—, or maybe it’s all wrapped up too neatly after the hysterical blow up and the customary grovel, or that Holly/Josh didn’t feel too multifaceted in their portrayals despite their own prejudices. But overall this wasn't too memorable and that ironically, defined this read for me.
ARC by Netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
The journey from there onwards however, is fairly predictable, which somehow didn’t quite live up to the potential of the promising blurb. Holly and Josh go from zero to a hundred in a matter of pages, and the overwhelming lust comes with every innocent touch and every fanciful imagining of what lies beneath each other’s clothes, despite the individual reminders to themselves that they want nothing more than a fling. They hit the bed early on as they go on every team-bonding activity and as expected, Holly hits the roof when Josh’s actual purpose for being in the company is inadvertently revealed.
Frankly, I’m still trying to figure out why it fell flat for me after the fun setup of their relationship. I’ve always loved the undercover business part, particularly when it involves some kind of double-crossing, though that always risks some TSTL behaviour when the deception is taken too far or when someone tends to overreact and forget their actual age. Maybe it’s because Holly/Josh’s story treads the same ground as so many others have gone before—not that I don’t enjoy authors’ different takes on them—, or maybe it’s all wrapped up too neatly after the hysterical blow up and the customary grovel, or that Holly/Josh didn’t feel too multifaceted in their portrayals despite their own prejudices. But overall this wasn't too memorable and that ironically, defined this read for me.
ARC by Netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
July 5, 2017
'Former Navy SEAL Josh Steele gets tasked with a babysitting mission—watch over his boss’s daughter—a job he can only describe as hell. But when his assignment takes him to a tropical island, and he begins to see another side of Holly Fairfax, attraction sizzles between them—but he knows better than to risk his job for it.'
'Holly can’t believe that underneath those baggy clothes tech-guru Josh Steele is all ripped abs and sexy hotness. Ignoring said hotness is tough, especially since she has to work with him on the team-building exercises her boss has assigned if she wants a coveted promotion. It’s even harder when she discovers being around Josh brings out her naughty side – one she didn’t know she had.'
'But if she cracks the code on his cover, everything they’ve built could come crashing down.'
This book could've been amazing. The storyline definitely had the right ingredients for a steamy romance. Sadly, it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. I don't know where exactly it went wrong. I just didn't believe the characters. While it was definitely a steamy romance, it wasn't as realistic as I would've liked. The characters seemed flat. I missed depth.
Overall not a bad book, but also not one I'd recommend.
*I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
'Holly can’t believe that underneath those baggy clothes tech-guru Josh Steele is all ripped abs and sexy hotness. Ignoring said hotness is tough, especially since she has to work with him on the team-building exercises her boss has assigned if she wants a coveted promotion. It’s even harder when she discovers being around Josh brings out her naughty side – one she didn’t know she had.'
'But if she cracks the code on his cover, everything they’ve built could come crashing down.'
This book could've been amazing. The storyline definitely had the right ingredients for a steamy romance. Sadly, it wasn't as great as I'd hoped. I don't know where exactly it went wrong. I just didn't believe the characters. While it was definitely a steamy romance, it wasn't as realistic as I would've liked. The characters seemed flat. I missed depth.
Overall not a bad book, but also not one I'd recommend.
*I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
July 24, 2017
Bonding Games by Cathryn Fox is a new Bodyguard/Protector romance. This is the first book in the Tropical Temptation series and it can be read as a standalone.
Holly Fairfax believes she is no longer living under the watchful eye of her extremely powerful and overprotective father. She now resides in California, where she is vying for a promotion to senior software analyst. Holly has to work twice as hard as her male counterparts, since the glass ceiling is alive and well in the company she works for. Her boss has arranged a team-building excursion on a tropical island, which brings her much closer to one of her techie colleagues.
Josh Steele, a former Navy SEAL, has been hired to bring Holly home. So he infiltrates her life as a geeky software engineer and purposely becomes her team-building partner. They have an instant chemistry, which develops from lust into love.
I liked this book, however, I would have preferred a little more story along with the hot sexy times. Holly and Josh are interesting characters, and I enjoyed how they discovered different things about each other. Although there is a lot going on in the book, the plot fell a little flat for me.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Holly Fairfax believes she is no longer living under the watchful eye of her extremely powerful and overprotective father. She now resides in California, where she is vying for a promotion to senior software analyst. Holly has to work twice as hard as her male counterparts, since the glass ceiling is alive and well in the company she works for. Her boss has arranged a team-building excursion on a tropical island, which brings her much closer to one of her techie colleagues.
Josh Steele, a former Navy SEAL, has been hired to bring Holly home. So he infiltrates her life as a geeky software engineer and purposely becomes her team-building partner. They have an instant chemistry, which develops from lust into love.
I liked this book, however, I would have preferred a little more story along with the hot sexy times. Holly and Josh are interesting characters, and I enjoyed how they discovered different things about each other. Although there is a lot going on in the book, the plot fell a little flat for me.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 4, 2017
Absolutely fantastic read!! Ms. Fox is a new author to me but I will definitely be reading more by her. It's a sexy, intriguing story and I can't wait for more.
Holly moves cross country to get away from her over bearing and over protective father. He is smothering her and has bodyguards on her 24/7. So as soon as she is able she escapes to California, she even go so far as to change her name. She's up for a promotion at her computer software job and she keeps getting passed up for the promotion because her boss says she's not a team player.
In comes Josh, a former Navy seal undercover on a "babysitting" assignment for his boss. He gets the job at her software company just to keep an eye on her. Their boss has an idea to go to a tropical island for team bonding adventures. Just shoot them now, can Josh protect Holly from the threat on a tropical island?
The attraction between Josh and Holly begins immediately once they get to the island. They engage in their own personal "bonding" sessions. They have to trust each other on the assignments and it filters over into their personal relationship. But Josh is keeping a big secret from Holly, a secret that could jeopardize their budding relationship. Will their relationship survive the secret once Josh's secret is exposed?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
Holly moves cross country to get away from her over bearing and over protective father. He is smothering her and has bodyguards on her 24/7. So as soon as she is able she escapes to California, she even go so far as to change her name. She's up for a promotion at her computer software job and she keeps getting passed up for the promotion because her boss says she's not a team player.
In comes Josh, a former Navy seal undercover on a "babysitting" assignment for his boss. He gets the job at her software company just to keep an eye on her. Their boss has an idea to go to a tropical island for team bonding adventures. Just shoot them now, can Josh protect Holly from the threat on a tropical island?
The attraction between Josh and Holly begins immediately once they get to the island. They engage in their own personal "bonding" sessions. They have to trust each other on the assignments and it filters over into their personal relationship. But Josh is keeping a big secret from Holly, a secret that could jeopardize their budding relationship. Will their relationship survive the secret once Josh's secret is exposed?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
August 7, 2017
This is a HOT romance by Cathryn Fox!
Holly Sinclair found herself at a team building weekend with her boss and coworkers that she hoped led to her getting a much deserved promotion and pay increase otherwise she saw no reason to be at this mandated and agonizing work weekend. The weekend did however have perks that she could enjoy such as the food, activities and her new coworker Josh Steele.
Josh was doing is job, but he was doing it undercover which he didn't like at all. Working for Holly's father in order to keep her safe was a job that he could do, but he much rather do it with Holly's knowledge especially since this weekend has put them closer together so much so that their attraction for one another is getting harder to ignore.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Holly Sinclair found herself at a team building weekend with her boss and coworkers that she hoped led to her getting a much deserved promotion and pay increase otherwise she saw no reason to be at this mandated and agonizing work weekend. The weekend did however have perks that she could enjoy such as the food, activities and her new coworker Josh Steele.
Josh was doing is job, but he was doing it undercover which he didn't like at all. Working for Holly's father in order to keep her safe was a job that he could do, but he much rather do it with Holly's knowledge especially since this weekend has put them closer together so much so that their attraction for one another is getting harder to ignore.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
July 23, 2017
Insane, Sexual Chemistry! If you want to read something entertaining, sweet and sexy hot, with a sizzling amount of heat and some mild drama this is it. Cathryn Fox's talent for combining blazing hot scenes with genuinely moving romance ensures that the story is as intense and sensual as it is emotional. I couldn't put this down, with the insane sexual chemistry arcing between the main characters and their flirty and hot banter. Bonding Games is an incredibly enticing, reading experience because this couple is so sexy and engaging, capturing and holding my attention through this entire romance. Grab your copy today and be prepared for a Fantastic read!
Received an ARC through the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Received an ARC through the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
July 29, 2017
4.5****
I loved the story between Josh and Holly. He brought out her adventurous side. I felt such compassion for Holly. She wanted to make her life successful on her own. She had an understandably hard time trusting others for the way people used her in the past. But for some reason, trust came naturally with Josh. He proved himself by taking care of her, making her accept his help. They were so good together. And the ending, hello major swooning. He was exactly the kind of man you would think a determined Seal would be. If you didn't like him before that moment, you loved him then.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I loved the story between Josh and Holly. He brought out her adventurous side. I felt such compassion for Holly. She wanted to make her life successful on her own. She had an understandably hard time trusting others for the way people used her in the past. But for some reason, trust came naturally with Josh. He proved himself by taking care of her, making her accept his help. They were so good together. And the ending, hello major swooning. He was exactly the kind of man you would think a determined Seal would be. If you didn't like him before that moment, you loved him then.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
July 10, 2018
Bonding Games is the first book in the Tropical Temptation series by Cathryn Fox. It is a reasonably short but enjoyable read which I ended liking more than I expected. Cathryn Fox sets up a good pace early on, and the book had a satisfying balance of storytelling, character and romance. The chemistry between the two main characters was excellent, and despite the deception that was thrown into the mix (something I usually hate) I liked this romance. The book as a whole was, unfortunately, let down by the ending which was way too rushed and didn't fit in with the pace of the book as a whole.
July 24, 2017
OMG This book is awesome! Gush worthy awesome!
Ms. Fox builds us up into a frenzy with some foreplay that will just not stop. The first 20 ish percent of the book is one big flirt fest with a building heat that will leave you panting. You won’t be disappointed when you get to one of the HOTTEST sex scenes I have ever read.
Josh is to die for. He has it all going on for him. Manliness, with the ability to take care of his woman. He is very Alpha. Very yummy.
Holly is a hard working woman trying to get out from under her dad’s thumb. She’s not afraid of hard work, not afraid to get dirty, but can she learn to be a team player?
Both amazing characters in a book that will make you laugh, pant and swoon
Ms. Fox builds us up into a frenzy with some foreplay that will just not stop. The first 20 ish percent of the book is one big flirt fest with a building heat that will leave you panting. You won’t be disappointed when you get to one of the HOTTEST sex scenes I have ever read.
Josh is to die for. He has it all going on for him. Manliness, with the ability to take care of his woman. He is very Alpha. Very yummy.
Holly is a hard working woman trying to get out from under her dad’s thumb. She’s not afraid of hard work, not afraid to get dirty, but can she learn to be a team player?
Both amazing characters in a book that will make you laugh, pant and swoon
July 17, 2017
Oh wow!! That was a super hot hot book!!! A must read by the pool. Too cool off. Holly and josh have this sizzling chemistry that everyone sees. And he is a former Seal!! Hello, major sexy. But they have too survive one thing. A little white lie. Who josh really works for. Can be a devastating blow to their "only one week" relationship.
July 24, 2017
I really liked this entertaining read. Josh and Holly are such great characters and so much fun. Josh is a former Navy Seal hired to protect Holly is boss’s daughter. Holly is up for a promotion at work and must finish some team building exercises. As her and Josh grow closer will she find out why he is really there? Tons of drama, suspense and steamy chemistry. A good read.
October 17, 2017
A week with your co-workers bonding and pushing yourself in challenges sounds exciting. Holly is ready to escape her controlling father and Josh is a co-worker that isn't exactly honest with her. When these two connect it's steamy, fun and really hawt!
I love reading Cathryn's books and look forward to her stories which never disappoint! They are intense, steamy and full of surprises!
I love reading Cathryn's books and look forward to her stories which never disappoint! They are intense, steamy and full of surprises!
July 25, 2017
I received this ARC copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for a honest review. I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Josh and Holly was well written and I recommend this book to all my friends.
July 26, 2017
This book is a whole lot of sex-y! Holly and Josh have great chemistry and they know how to keep it hot.
The settings and situations weren't what I was expecting but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
I received an ARC for a honest review
The settings and situations weren't what I was expecting but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
I received an ARC for a honest review
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