Conflicted Desire

by Ava Starke

After risking her career, falling in love, and having to pick up the pieces of her fractured heart, Audrey has accepted Life Is Hard. But with a handsome new beau and mega-promotion, things are finally looking up — her future has never seemed brighter. Or has it?

If only she could escape the memory of those sultry days in Athens and steamy nights in Istanbul…

Audrey’s simmering thoughts aren’t helped when Theo, looking positively edible and moved-on, resurfaces as a media sensation gracing the covers of countless magazines. Still, she’s determined to leave him in the past and embrace her future . . . until an accidental discovery leaves her wondering if her carefully constructed world might be an illusion.

When billion-dollar-deals are on the line, lives are cheap, and it’s impossible to know who to trust. Can Audrey and Theo find the courage to open their hearts when it’s time to risk everything, or have they become too damaged to love?

Conflicted Desire is the second steamy installment of the sensual, contemporary romance Conflicted Series, intended for ages 18+.

ebook

Published August 10, 2017

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Ava Stark’s Conflicted Desire the second book of her new Conflicted series, Theo and Audrey are both living their lives and trying very hard to act as though they are not affected by their previous relationship which left them both in tatters. Theo has changed. He is somewhat cold and hard and is showcased as being that way when he dismisses a current but new girlfriend from his bed and life. Shortly after he begins a new relationship and this time he’s working to be the man he knows he once was.

Audrey’s job is taking off and it has nothing to do with her relationship with her boss. However, there is a whisper that things are being shaken up with Theo’s company getting ready to go public. Once this couple manages to talk out their problems regarding the break up, Audrey is determined to help bring the villains into the light.

This book was very well written. It is evenly paced and held me in suspense until the very end. For a moment I thought for sure this couple were going to get their HEA. While they are definitely in a better place than they were at the end of book one, someone is still out to take over Theo’s company and their presence has cast a shadow upon this pair of lovers.

If you like smartly written books, especially dealing with banking and finance, this would be an excellent choice.
ARC provided by NetGalley

Dual POV
Safety issues – Both characters are in other relationships for a large portion of the story. While Audrey doesn’t sleep with Theo, she is physical with him while still in a relationship with someone else. That relationship is definitely on the outs at the time and following her interlude with Theo.
No apparent triggers

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star read! Very well written second installment in the Conflicted Series by this author. Theo and Audrey's story continues at a great pace, keeps you invested and interested along with lots of tension, steam and suspense. Definitely recommend if you love romantic suspense! Can't wait for Book 3 to see what this author has in store for us!
*I voluntarily requested and received an Advance Review Copy via Netgalley

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and elegant business romance, but not the typical boss-subordinate relationship. Something else entirely. The story clipped along with lots of twists which kept me from putting it down. Read it in two days. I enjoyed how even though the main characters started in other relationships, the author found clever ways to bring them together and reveal the tension that still exists between them. Highly recommend reading the first book prior to this sequel.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Conflicted Desire is book two in the series and I would highly recommend reading book one prior to entering this story.

This book pulls you back into the lives of Audrey, Theo and Alex, the story moves at a pace that will keep you gripped and engrossed until the end.

Life isn't always easy and for Audrey and Theo they really do face conflict head on, the unexpected plot twists and supporting characters make this a book you don't want to put down. Would I have enjoyed more Audrey and Theo together omg yes, but the attention to detail and dual POV really make this book a suspense filled, emotionally charged, heartwarmingly beautiful read.

Can't wait to see what comes next for Audrey and Theo.

[Christen Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so good. It started right where Conflicted Interest left off so it was easy the follow. it kept me on my toes the entire time there was always so much going on it never got boring and kept me hooked from the first page to the last. so much so that it was hard to put it down to sleep. I can't wait for the third one to come out. thank you so much for letting me read this.

[anonymous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another standout release from this author that will twist you in knots before finally giving you what you've been waiting so long for. Sexy, intense, and finally sweet, this story totally had me flipping pages and losing sleep. I wanted these two to magically come together faster, but in their separation, you can tell Theo and Audrey are just as hot for each other apart as together. When their conflict finally resolves... it's a beautiful heartwarming release. SO much intensity and passion. Now I can't get them out of my mind.

[Laurie Beemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Conflicted Series by Ava Starke and it is an exciting as the first one. This book makes you question all relationships; both the good and the bad. The triangle of Alex, Audrey, and Theo shows the readers that not all is as it seems; keep both eyes open and follow your heart and your gut. This book is full of romance, surprise, and some serious issues that are often hard to discuss. This book was a good read and I am excited to read the rest in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Ava Starke for allowing this book to be read and reviewed by me.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book! It was very well written and easy to read. Ava did a wonderful job. The book did a great job of advancing Audrey and Theo's story as well as the story of Theo's company. It was full of twist and turns. I can't wait for the final book!

I received an ARC for a honest review.

[Cate Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey and Theo have had the odds stacked against them from the start, and I found myself hungrily reading to find out if they would make it work in this book. Without giving away any spoilers, the scenarios were gripping, and the hot scenes were volcanic. Great series!

[Kim Vanravenswaay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part two of the Conflicted series. If you haven't read Conflicted Interest, you might want to read it first.
I would have liked to have seen more of Theo and Audrey together. But it did amp up the suspense of the book the way that it is written.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey💋💃 Gets Around! 🌎

This is the second book about Aubrey💋💃, a dedicated and workaholic investment banker. She started out working in London, then met playboy Volta CEO, Theo🐺🍆🌋 at a wedding of her ex in Italy. After an affair with Theo in Turkey, where he dropped her when his acquisition and financing deal went through, she's in NYC, and dating her boss, handsome CEO and President of Roland Capital, sexy silver fox, Alex Thorne🐺.
Theo🐺🍆🌋 says that Aubrey💋💃 dropped him after the Volta deal. He was broken and devastated. So which is it? Maybe it's a miscommunication or lack of communication, which is ridiculous, given both characters are supposed to be great negotiators!

Whew! This woman gets around! And with the most handsome and powerful men! She and Alex make appointments to see each other! Are you kidding me? But Alex🐺 is a good man because he keeps the appointments!

Alex🐺 has more work to do with Theo🐺🍆🌋, but Aubrey💋💃 recuses herself from the deal. She's still hurt by what happened between them. Theo🐺🍆🌋 is still hurt, too, and thoughts of revenge against Aubrey💃💋 run through his mind.
Something is going on at Roland Capital, which may or may not be legal!
Will Theo🐺🍆🌋 and Aubrey💋💃 get back together?
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

I enjoyed this book more than the first book. Audrey💋💃 and Theo🐺🍆🌋 keep seeing each other at various chic restaurants in NYC. It's inevitable they begin talking to each other again, but they continue to blame each other for their breakup.

ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
This book did not fail to excite me. It was thrilling and suspenseful. The continuing saga from book one Conflicted Interest. I was so invested in this story that I had to buy the books after I received the ARC's. Audrey and Theo. After a heart-wrenching breakup between Theo and Audrey due to a simple misunderstanding, they both tried to move on in their lives. Audrey thought she found love again with the ever powerful Alex, CEO of her investment firm. Theo tried to find solace in women but did not find any. Theo still had to find out what was going on with his company. Someone wanted him to fail in his bid for his IPO. There was espionage, spies and dangerous men involved in trying to bring down Theo's company. Audrey became suspicious of Alex and started working with Theo to uncover the plot. An excellent read. A MUST READ!!!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm a reader who enjoyed the financial/business mind bend that was a part of the first book of the series (conflicted interest), probably because I knew nothing about that world. There was less of that in this one, but the suspense was off the charts in an entirely new way. At first I was disappointed that Theo and Audrey began this story apart, but their coming back together felt real and relatable. Lot's of character insight in this one, Audrey is still strong as ever, and to top it off Starke tackles some delicate issues with a graceful pen. Anxious to see where she takes the finale.

[Tina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I didn't feel as bogged down with as many business lessons as the first book. There is a lot suspense and an element of danger. Theo and Audrey seam to have serious problems sticking together when their lives get the slightest bit complicated. This ongoing problem leaves a chunk of lead in my gut that I don't enjoy, but the book is hard to put down. I'll be waiting for the next book. I volunteered to leave a review after reading an Advanced Reader Copy.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Conflicted series and features Theo and Audrey. After their breakup they have moved on with their lives but are brought back together because of a conflict with Audrey's current boyfriend. He is the son of a bank president and he is not all that he appears. Theo has become a media sensation with a different girl on every paper. Lots of suspense and drama as the story unfolds. A good read that will keep your attention with strong characters and a page turning book. I read an advance copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read for me, I think it would have even been better if I have read the first book. It can be read as a stand-alone but I believe it would be enjoyed better if you read book one. Audrey and Theo are trying to move on with their lives, but can they? This is an entertaining read with plenty of drama and emotion. I liked the characters and the story held my interest throughout. A good read.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and has mystery and suspense. It was well written and I will eagerly await the next

I received a copy from Hidden Gems and voluntarily leave my own ...

[Sharon Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received through Shifted Sheets Book Promotions. Not since Fifty Shades and the Twilight Saga have I been so entranced by a series. This second book was even more intriguing than the first. Corporate espionage and murder add to the excitement of Theo and Audrey's misadventures in their separate relationships and careers. I was unable to stop reading until the last page had been finished but sleep is overrated. I am waiting with much anticipation for the next book. 

[Ranton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and relationships get “messy,” and the essence of that reality plays out in Conflicted Desire. Starke stokes the tension caused by this reader wanting Audrey and Theo to reunite against the reality of having “moved on” brilliantly. The added suspense of an international conspiracy bent on ruining Theo’s dreams helps explain why I finished this novel in one night.


Conflicted Desires, book two in the Conflicted Series, by Ava Starke is a romance novel worth waiting for. Authors, especially new authors, sometime have difficulty sustaining character and plot development in a trilogy; that is not an issue for Ms. Starke in this series so far. The fact that I cannot decide which book of the series I like the best says volumes…anxiously waiting for book three: Conflicted Proposal.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book! Ava does an amazing job with her characters and her knowledge of the financial/business world blows my mind. So many twists and turns to keep me guessing also!
Thank you again, Ava!

[Melanie Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the Conflicted series. Although I loved the first one better, it was still a great book. I was hooked from the very beginning and finished in one day. Great book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in "The Conflicted" series and the author continued with the great plot and character development! I found myself still rooting for Audrey and Theo and I found myself totally engaged in this story until the turn of the very last page!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[J.R. Tyger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey is in the banking industry. 3 months ago she thought she finally found a man that she could see in her life. After meeting with her boss from London and potential new boss in NYC she took leave to meet with that very man. When she got to his apartment she found him gone and a note left for her. From there she moved to NYC and took the position. Months later she started dating her boss in NYC. Too bad she didn't know he had his reason for being with her.

Theo or Aydin Demir as the business world knows him as took off for Istanbul to his home in Turkey to take care of a matter that was urgent. He had the unpleasant issue of seeing his girlfriend with another man and he thought that she had just used him to get his company to her bank. Another reason for him to leave before he could see her. Months later he runs into her again while trying to deal with his underwriters at her bank. She was no longer on the case for it. He kept thinking that the board of underwriters was trying to undervalue his company. How right he was. He would soon find out just how right he was.

But what about Theo and Audrey? What about their past relationship? Seeing each other again, will it draw out the old feelings? And how will they help each other?

I'm in love with this series. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the 1st book in the series and I hope I get the pleasure of reading and reviewing the next one as well. Again, I enjoyed this book. I loved that these two characters came back together. I loved the semi-cliffhanger at the end. Makes me excited to see where Theo and Audrey's story will go next. Ava takes you on a little bit of an adventure with what is going down in the bank Audrey works in and with Theo's production plants for his cars. It was so much fun to read. Kind of sexy too. I have issues putting down good books once I start them. It was a struggle to put this down so I could get some sleep for reality outside the fantasy worlds of books.

Definitely a series I would recommend to the right crowd. This is the dirty stuff like I usually like but I definitely would've read this again if I was only just picking it up.

Received a copy for an honest review.

[Tisha 'Gardner' Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an arc of this book from Hidden Gems.
This book did not fail to excite me. It was thrilling and suspenseful. The continuing saga from book one Conflicted Interest. I was so invested in this story that I had to buy the books after I received the ARC's. Audrey and Theo. After a heart-wrenching breakup between Theo and Audrey due to a simple misunderstanding, they both tried to move on in their lives. Audrey thought she found love again with the ever powerful Alex, CEO of her investment firm. Theo tried to find solace in women but did not find any. Theo still had to find out what was going on with his company. Someone wanted him to fail in his bid for his IPO. There was espionage, spies and dangerous men involved in trying to bring down Theo's company. Audrey became suspicious of Alex and started working with Theo to uncover the plot. An excellent read. A MUST READ!!!!

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 stars because I don't want other readers to see anything less and think oh this book stinks. In reality this is not a stand alone book. I read it first and spent a good bit of the first part of the book a little lost. I also found that it took me some time to feel like I had connected to the main characters, again I feel this is because I did not read the first book. I plan on reading the first book in this series and any others written, because I feel that Theo and Audrey are eventually going to find their HEA. Will it be together? At this point that is hard to say.

***I received a copy of this book for a voluntary, completely honest, and non-incentivized review.***

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster! Theo has a rough time ahead of him with his business and all the mess that's going on. These two are still obviously in love, but things are so complicated that it's difficult for them to go forward right now. With her current beau out to destroy the company Theo had spent his life building, it pulls these two back together to help find a way to stop them. Unfortunately, it may not have been enough. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Anna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflicted Desire Ava Starke

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book on ARC for a honest opinion.

It was a good book to read, at the beginning I really liked the book couldn’t put it down, liked Audrey and her relationship with Alex Thorne the perfect boyfriend, but then the falling of her relationship Aydin Demir (Theo) had some missing pieces.

As the book continues I kind of lost interesting in the suspense and all the secrets that Alex was having. I just didn’t connect with the characters.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. This is the 2nd book in this series. Having not read the 1st book and not realizing it until i was a couple chapters in, I was nervous about not being able to follow where the characters were at. The author did a great job of making it feel completely normal and not like you were missing much of Audrey and Theo's history. I enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, but it took a bit to get past the business and financial stuff that was going on. Definitely worth it though! I'll be going back to read book 1 and then book 3!

[BookNerdzrule · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might have rated this one higher if I had read book 1 first. Even though it was listed as a standalone, you must read book 1. I really couldn't relate to the characters at all. I loved the plot with all the twist and turns with it. The suspense was really great as well. The author's writing is good; however, it didn't flow very smoothly. This is a cliffhanger as well. I was really disappointed that I couldn't relate to the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in this series. Well written with nice storyline and plot. Characters well described. They have both a past that has not been the best towards them. They had to struggle and now they are closed up and just want to live. They are both broken. Can they save each other?
A story with heart and emotions.