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Strategic Seduction
“You won’t put down a book by Cheris Hodges.”
—USAToday.com
Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see
eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling,
off-the-charts trouble . . .
Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .
—USAToday.com
Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see
eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling,
off-the-charts trouble . . .
Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .
300 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2018
54 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Cheris Hodges
63 books305 followersCheris Hodges was bitten by the writing bug at an early age and always knew she wanted to be a writer. She is a 1999 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and a freelance writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Cheris loves hearing from her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 1, 2023
So glad that Alicia and Richmond did not let their huge trust issues prevent them from giving love another chance. They both deserve joy and happiness in their lives.
However, Felix and Vivian did not get 1/2 the punishment that they deserved.
(e-Book edition)
April 25, 2018
Review to come.
August 12, 2018
I received an ARC of this book and here is my review. This story was ok. I found the writing repetitive for a bit, with bith the hero and the heroine spendibg half of the story lusting after each other, repeating to themselves the same thing over and over, like how they should'nt but wanted each other so much... and then they kind of got together just like that. Fortunately I kind of liked both character. Thompson was a good guy and I liked how straight forward he was, even thougg I found them falling for each other so quickly a bit much. Alicia was pleasant enough, I liked her business side, even though it was much talked abiut but nit enough showed. I would also hzve done without the whole ex from hell subplot, and Alicia buying so quickly into that old trick but the resolution wasn't too bad. There was also a bit too much exposé about tje precious stories in the series for my liking, since I wasn't really interested in them. But, all in all, it's an ok read.
May 8, 2018
CONCEPT
Marketing Executive and Hotel Tycoon are making a new start in Atlanta and mix business with pleasure.
STORY
Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling, off-the-charts trouble . . .
Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .
CHARACTERS
Alicia Michaels is a portrayed as a strong independent woman determined to make a go of it back in Atlanta after the success of her business venture with her friends in Charlotte. She is use to taking care of herself and keeping past secrets from getting out. She never expects the attraction she feels toward Richmond Crawford, recently divorced and a newcomer to the Atlanta area. Richmond is looking to prove himself after learning of his true parentage and his ex-wife’s numerous indiscretions, is ready to show his talents and building another extension of the Crawford Hotel chains in the Atlanta area. His initial stance was to keep everything strictly professional with Alicia, but the more he is in her presence, the attraction builds and he now has his focus on building the next Crawford hotel and building a relationship with Alicia. Ms. Hodges did a good job with character development here and readers will glimpse what events shaped Alicia’s view and how her past events still affected her present and future actions. Richmond is his own man and he works diligently to prove he is over his past marriage and ready to move forward.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was appropriate for the setting and time period of the story.
STRUCTURE
The story was well-crafted and flowed.
OVERALL
I enjoyed reading Alicia’s story of her overcoming past hurts and finding love with Richmond. Richmond and Alicia both faced obstacles in their pasts and when their paths crossed, they were able to overcome the past and work to build a relationship on business and pleasure. Overall this was a good read. Loved catching up with Serena, Jade and Kandace.
DAFortner
UrbanDivaz Reviews
Marketing Executive and Hotel Tycoon are making a new start in Atlanta and mix business with pleasure.
STORY
Alicia Michaels needs a major career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. But starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford on a make-or-break project. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling, off-the-charts trouble . . .
Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .
CHARACTERS
Alicia Michaels is a portrayed as a strong independent woman determined to make a go of it back in Atlanta after the success of her business venture with her friends in Charlotte. She is use to taking care of herself and keeping past secrets from getting out. She never expects the attraction she feels toward Richmond Crawford, recently divorced and a newcomer to the Atlanta area. Richmond is looking to prove himself after learning of his true parentage and his ex-wife’s numerous indiscretions, is ready to show his talents and building another extension of the Crawford Hotel chains in the Atlanta area. His initial stance was to keep everything strictly professional with Alicia, but the more he is in her presence, the attraction builds and he now has his focus on building the next Crawford hotel and building a relationship with Alicia. Ms. Hodges did a good job with character development here and readers will glimpse what events shaped Alicia’s view and how her past events still affected her present and future actions. Richmond is his own man and he works diligently to prove he is over his past marriage and ready to move forward.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was appropriate for the setting and time period of the story.
STRUCTURE
The story was well-crafted and flowed.
OVERALL
I enjoyed reading Alicia’s story of her overcoming past hurts and finding love with Richmond. Richmond and Alicia both faced obstacles in their pasts and when their paths crossed, they were able to overcome the past and work to build a relationship on business and pleasure. Overall this was a good read. Loved catching up with Serena, Jade and Kandace.
DAFortner
UrbanDivaz Reviews
July 4, 2018
Alicia Michaels is determined to prove she has what it takes to be a great PR rep. However, teaming up with Richmond Crawford is more than she bargained for, especially when he's on her mind more than doing a good job. Yet, when their pasts come back to haunt them, will they continue to fight for their chance at happy ever after or will the pair walk away from each other?
When I started reading this book, I could not get into it. Yet, in saying that, I did liked the way this story progressed and found that it really took off once the hero's ex-wife and someone from the heroine's past began to cause trouble for the pair's growing relationship. Will the hero and heroine be able to find a way to fight back against someone wanting to hurt their chance of happy ever after?
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as both the hero and heroine have been through tough times that still have a huge impact on them. Since the heroine has kept some details of her life from the people that have always been there for her while the hero is still dealing with the fallout of information he's learnt when it comes to his family. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to resist the hero because her job is important to her and she wants to do the best job she can. I also liked the close friendships she shares with some of the secondary characters and the way they tease her about her relationship with Richmond. Will they be able to convince her that she deserves to be happy and that she should give the hero a chance?
While the hero, he's confident, had it rough because his ex-wife is an absolute witch that doesn't know how to let go because she isn't getting what she wants out of him, and I liked how determined the hero was to win the heroine over because he's had feelings for her ever since they met. Will Alicia give the hero a chance? I also liked the close relationship the hero had with his brother and that his brother was willing to do anything to support him through thick and thin, especially when it comes to dealing with Richmond's ex-wife. However, there were moments where I was frustrated by the hero because he was willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his newest venture took off, even if it meant dealing with people that could end up hurting his chances instead of helping him such as a certain politician that doesn't like Alicia all that much.
Overall, Ms. Hodges has delivered a read that I liked and where the connection between this couple was there from the beginning; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me loving that Alicia took a chance on Richmond; and the ending had me loving the heroine's courage to fight the people trying to cause trouble for her and Richmond's relationship. Then again, what's a better way than to fight fire with fire or in her case see that her ex can no longer hurt her the way she does. Certainly, there are great ways she can protect herself and what she does is definitely the way. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Alicia and Richmond have found the happiness they both deserve. I would recommend Strategic Seduction by Cheris Hodges, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, workplace romances, boss-employee romances or books by authors Elle Wright, AC Arthur, Deborah Fletcher Mello and Synithia Williams.
July 5, 2018
Alicia Michaels is going after a major (marketing) career reboot, so she’s got no time for romance. Starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle for the cautious PR rep—especially after she teams up with wealthy Richmond Crawford (hotelier) on a make-or-break project, boutique hotels. For one thing, the risk-taking entrepreneur is nothing like the staid businessman he used to be. For another, she and Richmond can’t see eye-to-eye on anything—except that the reckless attraction between them is sizzling, off-the-charts trouble . . .Playing by the rules got Richmond betrayal from his rich family—and shattering heartbreak, his wife never loved him and divorced him once he found out he wasn’t really a Crawford. He’s got to prove he can be his own man, so keeping things strictly-business with Alicia is the smart play. Still, even their conflicts only make Richmond want more of her honesty and courage. But a shocking revelation will endanger everything they’re fighting to build. His ex-wife has arrived from New York seeking one million dollars, falls in with the wrong man, gets drugged and taped having sex and now wants him to save her. This same man, Felix Thompson is an educator and predator that attacked Alicia when they were in college. She works with Rich’s ex to bring Felix down. And making things right could be the final deal breaker . . .
Same misunderstanding a couple of times, but quickly rectified. Liked finding out what was going on with other characters from the series, but hard to remember previous storylines because it's been 8 years since last book.
Same misunderstanding a couple of times, but quickly rectified. Liked finding out what was going on with other characters from the series, but hard to remember previous storylines because it's been 8 years since last book.
April 24, 2022
I loved a good 96% of this book. There were some minor things that rubbed me the wrong way in the beginning. I was a little bothered by some of the dialogue between Alicia and her friends; there's a couple of places where they just come off like mean girls indulging in the kind of pettiness they should be too old for, but their friendship was strong. I loved that. There was also a couple of places in the beginning where the whole Atlanta vs. New York undercurrent seemed unnecessary, and where the author was trying too hard to make Richmond seem like a clueless Yankee. But like I said, minor stuff.
Make no mistake Alicia and Richmond are hot and so, so, sexy. I loved their story, their chemistry, their passion. All of that was flawless. A trip to Paris? So much romance. I also loved the way the writer touched on Alicia's past issues and even her self-image struggles because she was darker skinned; I thought it gave her nuance. Her bravery at being able to push through her fears and the trauma of her SA. Also good work. Richmond is exactly what you need in a man--strong, confident, self-aware. I loved the way he was decisive and focused. Knew what he wanted from the start, and didn't hesitate to protect it. Great love story.
Make no mistake Alicia and Richmond are hot and so, so, sexy. I loved their story, their chemistry, their passion. All of that was flawless. A trip to Paris? So much romance. I also loved the way the writer touched on Alicia's past issues and even her self-image struggles because she was darker skinned; I thought it gave her nuance. Her bravery at being able to push through her fears and the trauma of her SA. Also good work. Richmond is exactly what you need in a man--strong, confident, self-aware. I loved the way he was decisive and focused. Knew what he wanted from the start, and didn't hesitate to protect it. Great love story.
April 26, 2018
Great 👍Experience, Excellent Read
It takes a very talented writer such as yourself
Cheris Hodges, to take a character that I disliked
👎 so much like Richmond in Solomon's book.
To feeling sorry for him in Love after War, to actually liking and cheering for his relationship with our well my favorite girls.
The relationship growing from oh no, to oh yes
business to pleasure. Traveling from Atlanta to Paris, hotels., restaurants, good food, bad food they had it . 💘 Love grew through it all of course there was some rough spots like always in life
but there were action and surprises all enjoyable. Some people needed to get their tail beat, but we have to be mature sometime right? My boy did finally get a back bone I was cheering him on. Of cause humour when you are dealing with the girls there always is. Really enjoyed Solomon' and Richmond finally having a brotherly relationship . Sad 😢this seems to be the end of the series
won't know what happened with Serena an Alicia but I did love this read felt it worth the wait an highly recommend it. Maybe we find a long lost
cousin!!
It takes a very talented writer such as yourself
Cheris Hodges, to take a character that I disliked
👎 so much like Richmond in Solomon's book.
To feeling sorry for him in Love after War, to actually liking and cheering for his relationship with our well my favorite girls.
The relationship growing from oh no, to oh yes
business to pleasure. Traveling from Atlanta to Paris, hotels., restaurants, good food, bad food they had it . 💘 Love grew through it all of course there was some rough spots like always in life
but there were action and surprises all enjoyable. Some people needed to get their tail beat, but we have to be mature sometime right? My boy did finally get a back bone I was cheering him on. Of cause humour when you are dealing with the girls there always is. Really enjoyed Solomon' and Richmond finally having a brotherly relationship . Sad 😢this seems to be the end of the series
won't know what happened with Serena an Alicia but I did love this read felt it worth the wait an highly recommend it. Maybe we find a long lost
cousin!!
September 15, 2018
Alicia Michaels has moved back to where she attended college to get her PR business off the ground, after not long Ending a bad relationship she has convinced herself she will never fall in love or have her ever happily ever after.
Richmond Crawford just moved to Atlanta determined to have a fresh start from family drama and ex wife drama, not really looking for love he notices Alicia Michaels is everything he wants in a women and he sets a plan in motion to make her his but not with a lil drama in the way.
I enjoyed reading this romance story between Alicia and Richmond, I did not realize this was part of a series when I started to read it, but some of the background seemed like there was more to this story, I loved the chemistry between these two and the friendship between her and her girls.
Richmond Crawford just moved to Atlanta determined to have a fresh start from family drama and ex wife drama, not really looking for love he notices Alicia Michaels is everything he wants in a women and he sets a plan in motion to make her his but not with a lil drama in the way.
I enjoyed reading this romance story between Alicia and Richmond, I did not realize this was part of a series when I started to read it, but some of the background seemed like there was more to this story, I loved the chemistry between these two and the friendship between her and her girls.
May 26, 2018
I know I read the previous books in this “series” but it had been so LONG since I read them...I felt a bit unprepared for Alicia and Richmond’s story...but I was still CAUGHT UP...Richmond knew what he wanted the moment he laid eyes on Alicia...and despite her INSTANT attraction to the new and improved Richmond...Alicia tried to fight it as long she could...but Richmond made it extremely difficult for her...good to catch up with their circle of family/friends/enemies...now I feel like I need to go back and re-read the other stories AGAIN...glad Richmond and Alicia found their HEA.
May 8, 2018
Alicia isn't making time for romance while rebooting her career. Richmond is trying to prove He's his own man after betrayal and a divorce. They don't agree on anything but the sparks between them keep sizzling. The past of both keeps interfering until one or both has yo deal with it.
I love the characters, the give and take between them and the fact that they are fighting for each other. Thanks Cheris for a funny and romantic read, with a lot of sass thrown in
I love the characters, the give and take between them and the fact that they are fighting for each other. Thanks Cheris for a funny and romantic read, with a lot of sass thrown in
March 14, 2019
Drama and passion from Atlanta to Paris
Alicia and Richmond's story is that of two people reluctant to trust again because of horrible relationships in the past. But they are inescapably drawn to one another nevertheless. When predators and vengeful exes are determined to ruin their newfound happiness bring the drama, Alicia and Richmond must decide if the relationship is worth it.
Alicia and Richmond's story is that of two people reluctant to trust again because of horrible relationships in the past. But they are inescapably drawn to one another nevertheless. When predators and vengeful exes are determined to ruin their newfound happiness bring the drama, Alicia and Richmond must decide if the relationship is worth it.
April 25, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) We have two individuals who can't seem to agree on anything and unfortunately they have to work together. Alicia Michaels is starting over in Atlanta and she needs this to work but they are attracted to each other but will try and fight it.. Richmond has been betrayed before and he is not going down that road again. Or is he?
December 24, 2025
Good starting book! From beginning to end, it kept me interested. Some parts felt a little cliché or played out, but there were moments that I really enjoyed. He was on her from the start and knew exactly what he wanted! The Paris trip 👀😂 had me flipping back through the pages. Overall, I really liked it, especially as a first-time read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
A great strategy
Cheris did it again with this love connect between Alicia and Richmond. The Crawford saga added another great story to the fold. It's nice seeing past hero's and heroines from other stories...
Cheris did it again with this love connect between Alicia and Richmond. The Crawford saga added another great story to the fold. It's nice seeing past hero's and heroines from other stories...
June 18, 2021
Creeps of a feather flock together
Richmond and Alicia had some creeps in their lives but they found together made up for all their heartaches. It was good to see Richmond come together as a family and the rest of the group too. Ninety days, really?
Richmond and Alicia had some creeps in their lives but they found together made up for all their heartaches. It was good to see Richmond come together as a family and the rest of the group too. Ninety days, really?
April 23, 2018
Fun and relatable book. 3 1/2 stars so round up to 4.
May 19, 2018
This was good
Nothing like reading a good romance story. Especially with one of the twist and surprises that I didn't see coming. A good end to such a wonderful series
Nothing like reading a good romance story. Especially with one of the twist and surprises that I didn't see coming. A good end to such a wonderful series
May 21, 2018
Strategic Seduction was an awesome read! I enjoyed the chemistry between Alicia and Richmond! This book had everything I expected and more! Cheris did it again with this book!
June 5, 2019
This was good. The only thing I'd changed is do more damage to Felix and Vivian. They deserved a swift ass whooping.
October 23, 2018
Alicia Michaels’ story was truly worth the wait. The chemistry between her and Richmond Crawford was
steammmy. So happy they both received their happily ever after. I highly recommend this book as well as the other connecting books.
steammmy. So happy they both received their happily ever after. I highly recommend this book as well as the other connecting books.
April 23, 2018
Alicia Michaels needs a major career boost and starting over in Atlanta is an uphill battle especially since she has to team up with wealthy Richmond Crawford. She and Richmond can’t seem to agree anything except the sizzling attraction between them.
Playing by the rules in the past got Richmond betrayal and heartbreak. He sets out to prove he can be his own man and to keep things strictly-business with Alicia.
Playing by the rules in the past got Richmond betrayal and heartbreak. He sets out to prove he can be his own man and to keep things strictly-business with Alicia.
Read
June 27, 2018I liked the book overall! The ending was romantic and a cliche but good nonetheless. I just don't understand how Vivian was easily persuaded to walk away with NO money. Everything else flowed and was cool :-).
July 11, 2018
Cheris is a new author to me and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future as this was a really enjoyable read. I really liked getting to know both Alicia and Solomon and their story pulled me right in. A super love story and I would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews