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No Strings Attached
New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton breaks the rule of mixing business with pleasure when two professional rivals cross paths at a tropical resort...
Since Ella Hick’s husband died five years ago, she’s thrown herself into her work, resisting every thought of getting involved with someone new. Now she’s finally ready for a man’s touch. And where better to indulge her desire for an anonymous hook-up than at a Hawaiian resort? So she’s stunned when the first man she runs into is her number one business rival, Clay Mansfield.
Clay’s determined to be the man to introduce sex back into Ella’s life. He’s been by her side ever since her husband died, but only in friendship. Now he can finally release the desire he’s held in check all these years.
Ella’s had plenty of fantasies about Clay over the past couple years and now she can indulge. As long as Clay plays by her no-strings rule: when the vacation is over, they’ll go back to being friendly rivals—business only.
But they’re both about to learn that when it comes to business—and pleasure—rules are made to be broken.
NOTE: No Strings Attached previously appeared January 2010 in the trade paperback anthology, Laced with Desire. Includes a preview of Jaci Burton’s Thrown by a Curve.
Since Ella Hick’s husband died five years ago, she’s thrown herself into her work, resisting every thought of getting involved with someone new. Now she’s finally ready for a man’s touch. And where better to indulge her desire for an anonymous hook-up than at a Hawaiian resort? So she’s stunned when the first man she runs into is her number one business rival, Clay Mansfield.
Clay’s determined to be the man to introduce sex back into Ella’s life. He’s been by her side ever since her husband died, but only in friendship. Now he can finally release the desire he’s held in check all these years.
Ella’s had plenty of fantasies about Clay over the past couple years and now she can indulge. As long as Clay plays by her no-strings rule: when the vacation is over, they’ll go back to being friendly rivals—business only.
But they’re both about to learn that when it comes to business—and pleasure—rules are made to be broken.
NOTE: No Strings Attached previously appeared January 2010 in the trade paperback anthology, Laced with Desire. Includes a preview of Jaci Burton’s Thrown by a Curve.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2013
25 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
162 books8,292 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 18, 2013
NO STRINGS ATTACHED was first published in the LACED WITH DESIRE anthology. It automatically went on my TBR because I love Jaci Burton. As usual, the anthology was one of those on my TBR since forever and not getting any closer to the top. I’m glad that I’m getting to read these short stories now that they’re being re-released individually and I promise I’ll eventually go back and read the actual anthologies and the rest of the authors in them.
“Stop. Do not look.. She never looked. Okay, she did. What breathing woman wouldn’t? At six-five or so, Clay was imposing. And he was model gorgeous, with sea blue eyes, coal black hair and a body that spoke of a man who really worked for a living.”
Officially, Ms Burton pulled Clay from my fantasy closet! I’m not even kidding. So of course, when that description pops up on the first couple of pages, this book had my full attention. And the great thing is that it didn’t loose it.
Ella’s husband died five years ago. He was the perfect man in every way and they had a perfect marriage. Since then, she’s taken over his construction business and involved herself in work so she wouldn’t have to deal with life. But lately, she’s been noticing her husband’s friend and business adversary Clay. He was an important support when her husband died and has been there for her all along. But now she’s actually seeing him as a sexy, droolworthy, single man. So what does she do? She goes on an exotic trip to Hawaii by herself to get laid.
Weird, you might say. But in her line of business, she can’t afford to be considered weaker, and getting sexually involved with any man she knows would spell disaster. So she wants a one night (or one week) stand, in a tropical environment. Get rid of the stress and the hormones.
Except her plans are somewhat changed when Clay follows her to Hawaii. For protection and to watch over her, of course. I’m not sure why these two didn’t jump each other’s bones sooner. They have some serious chemistry! I get the part of her not being ready because of her husband’s death, but I think she should’ve given in to her desires back home way earlier than their tropical encounter.
Once I got past the panty melting description of Clay, he’s definitely straight out of my fantasies in every other way. He’s very alpha but not overpowering, successful, and wickedly good at…stuff. I though their week together was cute and brought out the feelings that had already been there but they were both suppressing.
Overall, this was sweet and very sexy. Not an emotional story but a perfect little pick me up between heavier reads and full of Jaci Burton’s style!
July 11, 2014
*3 1/2 Stars*
I really liked this, but there were a couple of things that bugged me a little. I liked the story, it was sweet. But it was short and abrupt at the end.
I really liked this, but there were a couple of things that bugged me a little. I liked the story, it was sweet. But it was short and abrupt at the end.
February 6, 2013
The sex was overall pretty epic. However the rest was really mellow and I didn't find it too emotional. I know the heroine lost her husband five years before and she was in a funk, then here comes the hero with his epic sex appeal and best of all, he knows her then all of a sudden she's in love with him. A little to fake, a little to rushed.
July 26, 2013
Wow, this was very hot. Ella, who is a widower who is ready to get on with her life in a big way. She plans a vacation where she wants to get her freak on with a complete stranger. Clay, a friend of hers decides he wants to be the one to help accomplish her goal. Their relationship abruptly changes and the Heat is on. these two burn up the sheets constantly and it is a wild week in Hawaii. But they made that silly deal that there wasn't to be anything different between them after this week is over. Now they both are frustrated and lonely, fighting there desires for each other. I loved how they got along and were able to expand there relationship and fall in love too.
February 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book . Definitely opened me up to the genre as a whole. Very easy, and enjoyable to pick up after long workdays. I was excited to pick it up every time!
March 16, 2018
Widow finally decides to start living again and her friend soon becomes more. Was glad when she finally stopped thinking about her dead husband during sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2019
Pretty standard friends-to-lovers, with tropical setting.
September 1, 2023
In no way a book written to show off its literary prowess. It knows what it is and delivers : a delicious trash romance novel. Short, sweet, to the point.
November 5, 2013
If you think this book is full of sense of humor (jokes), sex, friends, work, and an exotic vacation — you are right! This book is for you.
Ella is a afraid of losing people she loves, especially after her husband’s death, ergo her workaholic demeanor (when you don’t have time to feel, you won’t feel at all), and keeping men away from her. Yes, Fear is a powerful weapon (that will make her end up alone…)
Clay is somewhat a carbon copy of Ella, but obviously a man, except for Ella is more on the “attachment” kind of gal, and he’s more fun and games, different women, blah blah blah… he’s a player not looking to settle down in any way.
They both work together in the same field, they are competitors, long dated friends, and man and woman…
After half a decade since the death of Ella’s husband, and diving fully into work, non-stop she is finally ready to have physical contact with another human being that doesn’t involve hugging female friends… The best option she sees is head to Hawaii, hookup with a random dude, and leave the island behind after seven days. Her plan will work amazingly… but not with some random guy. When Clay finds out that Ella’s about to go to Hawaii, he sees fit to follow her and keep an eye on her. Little does he know the reason behind her trip, also how things turned up less professional than personal and friendly on his side. Of course, it would’ve been difficult to deny the incredible opportunity laying on the table in front of them both. (Yeah, I know… jumping parts)
There will be paradise, sex, feelings, decisions and a happy ending… (You know… The Carrie Diaries Series intro? No? Okay… my bad)
Obviously Clay will have some thinking to do — reach where his heart desires to go and be, forever and ever… and Ella will have to face her fears or end up alone.
For the full review please click right here
Ella is a afraid of losing people she loves, especially after her husband’s death, ergo her workaholic demeanor (when you don’t have time to feel, you won’t feel at all), and keeping men away from her. Yes, Fear is a powerful weapon (that will make her end up alone…)
Clay is somewhat a carbon copy of Ella, but obviously a man, except for Ella is more on the “attachment” kind of gal, and he’s more fun and games, different women, blah blah blah… he’s a player not looking to settle down in any way.
They both work together in the same field, they are competitors, long dated friends, and man and woman…
After half a decade since the death of Ella’s husband, and diving fully into work, non-stop she is finally ready to have physical contact with another human being that doesn’t involve hugging female friends… The best option she sees is head to Hawaii, hookup with a random dude, and leave the island behind after seven days. Her plan will work amazingly… but not with some random guy. When Clay finds out that Ella’s about to go to Hawaii, he sees fit to follow her and keep an eye on her. Little does he know the reason behind her trip, also how things turned up less professional than personal and friendly on his side. Of course, it would’ve been difficult to deny the incredible opportunity laying on the table in front of them both. (Yeah, I know… jumping parts)
There will be paradise, sex, feelings, decisions and a happy ending… (You know… The Carrie Diaries Series intro? No? Okay… my bad)
Obviously Clay will have some thinking to do — reach where his heart desires to go and be, forever and ever… and Ella will have to face her fears or end up alone.
For the full review please click right here
February 10, 2013
This is short, hot (very hot), and made me long for a sexy trip to Hawaii. The story jumps ahead twice, and of course I wanted more about the in between points, but that choice allowed for longer pivotal scenes. I was surprised where the story ended up, but it was a very enjoyable read. 3.5/5, so I round up for GR.
March 9, 2013
I only read this because I like most of the Play by Play books. The sex was hot, but I found the main characters kind of shallow. I would've preferred a longer deeper emotional connection. But then again this is a pretty short book, so the writer had little to work with.
I would repeat this book if I'm in the mood for something short and mellow. But I doubt if I'll remember what it was about in a month.
I would repeat this book if I'm in the mood for something short and mellow. But I doubt if I'll remember what it was about in a month.
April 17, 2024
Ella’s husband died suddenly five years ago. Being in the Tulsa construction business she has worked hard these last years. It is time for a vacation and to get back on the preverbal horse. Clay is a competitor in the construction business but they are friends. When Clay learns Ella is headed to Hawaii it seems like the right time to go stay at his condo.
It is a week of a lot of sex, friends turn into lovers. A fast novella w a happy ending.
It is a week of a lot of sex, friends turn into lovers. A fast novella w a happy ending.
August 4, 2013
When you want something short and steamy, I highly recommend this one. This was right up my alley. I rated it 5 stars because it has just the right amount of hot sex and story and a little bit of love, that's quite possible. This isn't a whirlwind romance per se because Ella and Clay knew each other for years.
I love Ms Burton's stories because they could be light with a touch of drama.
I love Ms Burton's stories because they could be light with a touch of drama.
February 5, 2013
I've nothing much to say about the book. Well not much expectations really, just wanted to do some light reading. What I expected happened, of course :). Though parang hindi naman rival, 'rival' si Clay... wala lang! :)
October 10, 2013
True to Ms Burton form this book is a steamy quickie. Decent development between Ella a widow of 5 years and Clay a friend and business associate. The end was obvious and predictable but the journey was quite steamy and graphic.
Want to read
January 1, 2013Originally found in the Laced with Desire anthology.
July 16, 2014
Quick and easy read
February 10, 2013
No guarantees in life.. short story but have a lot to give..
February 10, 2013
Awesome read!!!
July 30, 2014
This was a good read, and a nice love story.
February 18, 2013
Awesomely steamy! Would've loved a whole full length book of these two!
March 2, 2013
Short, sexy and sweet!
March 10, 2013
LOVED this short story... Wish there were more to the book, but it was vey steamy. Hawaii was perfect.
March 15, 2014
A nice love story between friends.
April 30, 2013
What a great book!!!!!
April 16, 2013
It was a steamy story. Entertaining to the last word.
May 7, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. I just wish it had been longer.
May 27, 2013
Cute light read
July 8, 2013
Great Story by Jaci Burton. Loved the most their sensuality as well as the adventurous nature with which the scenes where described. The banter between Ella and Clay was also really good.
August 8, 2013
This book was just ok for me. I didn't connect with the characters. I questioned the dumb choices she mad at the beginning and once she made sense, I didn't care anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews