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Better as a Memory

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Looking at her potential client, Atlanta image consultant Victoria Sharpe is convinced the job will be a cross between What Not to Wear and Man vs. Wild. She’d love to turn down the offer, but refusing it—not to mention the referrals it could generate—just might break the bank. Yet, agreeing to make over this man’s image might also break her heart. Again.


Max Brown will tolerate anything to gain access to his trust fund. Returning to work in the family business, even submitting to his mother’s demands to trade his comfortable flannel for Armani is worthwhile if he can get the money necessary to start a camp for at-risk boys. But then he sees he’ll be working with Victoria Sharpe, his college girlfriend, the one who got away. Or, really, the one he left. The impression he makes here will be the most important of his life, and the person most as risk is himself.

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2014

27 people want to read

About the author

Marilyn Baxter

10 books32 followers
After discovering romance novels quite by accident, Marilyn revived her interest in writing. Since 2001, she's had over 40 short stories published in both confession and romance magazines, and in 2013 she sold her first book. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local chapter, Heart of Dixie Romance Writers. Her involvement in RWA's local and national levels has combined to give her a great love of the romance genre as well as friendships that span the globe.

In addition to reading and writing, Marilyn loves watching TV crime dramas, cooking for one and gardening in a few pots on her patio. Her motto is "Have passport, will travel" and she is always ready to add another location to the list of 32 states and 21 foreign countries she has visited so far.

A native of North Carolina, Marilyn arrived in Huntsville, Alabama by way of Frankfurt, Germany. She has lived in Alabama longer than anywhere else and calls it her home. She raised two great sons and now loves to dote on her two terrific granddaughters. And, amidst all of the above, she fits in a day job as an administrative assistant for a boutique law firm.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews78 followers
May 18, 2014
Once upon a time life could not have been more perfect for Victoria. She had a gorgeous boyfriend that happened to also be amazing in bed. They were in love and talking about a future together. Then she gets a Dear Tori email from him and he's gone from her life.

But that was a long time ago and now she's a successful business owner, well more or less, she needs the exclusive Max Brown contract to get back on her feet.

But she also knows that she's either going to lose her cool and kill the man on the spot for walking away from her all those years ago or grab him and kiss him senseless because she pretty much never could resist him.

Channeling every inch of control possible she takes on their first meeting with as much dignity and balance as she can muster, only to be knocked for a six when Max wants to strip her naked and remind her why they were so good together. Does she have the strength to resit Mr Baby Blues or will she once again crumble?

This was a really nice short and sweet read about second chances. I liked how the author only slightly dipped into the past of both characters instead of coming right out and spilling it all at once, it happens so many times in short reads and it's then and there that the past-mystery element is totally killed off and the books pretty much lose the intrigue, so nicely done Marilyn!

The characters were well written and the story line very enjoyable. Max yes was a real jerk for walking away from Victoria and as much as I wanted to be on her side I started leaning more towards Max's line of thinking as the read took shape. Through this character the author showed how our "only created in our minds" demons can send us on paths we think we should be taking and leave behind a bigger mess than what we thought it was in the first place.

I very much enjoyed the character of Victoria , feisty one minute and very lost and confused the next, pretty much just the way we woman are! Through the character of Victoria the author reminded me of a saying I have heard from my mother many, many times before. You might think you're not strong enough to handle what life throws your way, but you are, you just need to find your inner strength and push forward, in the end it will all be worth it.

I highly recommend this read for all readers that love a sweet, hot and sexy little second chances read.
4.5 star review
" Falling in love on memory lane"
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,293 reviews1,777 followers
June 26, 2014
FAVORITE QUOTES:

“…he looked like a cool drink of water on a hot day – especially to a woman who’d been in a sexual desert for too many years.”

“She was certain her hair stood on end from the sparks shooting through her body.”

“Tori, you might not believe this now, but one day you’ll understand I’m better as a memory than as a poor excuse for a man in your life.”

MY REVIEW:

A sweet, second chance romance tale, that at times, held bittersweet memories. A young couple fighting their chemistry due to past grievances and old secrets. We have all read many books with this theme, but even so, I enjoyed this one. The novella was short, well crafted, not overly sappy, and relatively mild. There was only one actual sex scene, but thankfully - it had some sizzle. An enjoyable and light read for a relaxing afternoon.
20 reviews
December 21, 2024
Easy and Fast Read

This was such a sweet little story- reminded me of a Hallmark-esk story that is played. Well written, good flow! Great balance of romance and real life.
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

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What a refreshing and sweet romance. A second chance at love and family for a sweet couple. Max made a very immature and selfish choice years ago when he and Victoria were in college. 7 years have gone by and he's never left her heart. With a little bit of sly matchmaking by his mother, these 2 never stood a chance at fate fixing what was broken but never completely forgotten. 

 







Some sizzling sexual chemistry and some sexy desk loving,  made this one a fast and romantic read with an amazing HEA. 

 




 

Loved it and recommend it all the way for those romantic saps like myself. I love a story where a man can own up to his mistakes and claim what he wants. 

















Profile Image for Casey.
2,650 reviews47 followers
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Better as a Memory is a short contemporary romance from Marilyn Baxter. This one is around 96 pages and was a quick and easy read. When image consultant Victoria Sharpe is offered the job of helping to transform the image of a top employee from one of the most successful companies in Atlanta, she knows she needs the job. Not only is she broke, but the referrals alone would make this job worth it. But unfortunately taking the job means transforming the image of her ex-boyfriend that left her broken hearted years before. Now Victoria must work with Max to turn him from mountain man to top executive. But as she begins to transform him, all the feelings that were once between them resurface. Can Victoria make it through the job without losing her heart again? Will Max see what he has with Victoria and realize that his dreams for the future can include her as well?

I liked both Max and Victoria. They were both easy to root for, and I felt like despite their bickering and history that they had a good connection. Max was into all things outdoors, and was a lot different than the guy that Victoria had known in college. I felt like he was still a bit immature through most of this story, but that with Victoria's help he started to grow up a bit. He was dedicated to providing for those that were less fortunate though, and I thought that he had a big heart. I did feel a bit confused that that didn't translate to his feelings for his family and Victoria though, and seemed to only be for kids that were strangers to him. It was great to see him actually open up to his dad and Victoria towards the end of the book. Victoria had been really hurt by Max years before, and it was no question why she didn't trust him easily. She needed the job and money, and was determined to remain professional. But I liked that she was able to loosen up a bit with Max and that they were able to rekindle their romance. I thought that they had good chemistry and made a cute couple.

Overall, this story was a good one. Nothing new or unique here, and the story was pretty predictable but I still thought that it was enjoyable. If you are looking for a quick contemporary with a happy ending, I would recommend this cute story. I think that despite the length, this story was believable and easy to get into. It really helped that Max and Victoria already knew each other and had a history together. The reason for my rating was that although this story was good, it wasn't great or memorable. I did enjoy it while reading, but it is not one that I will continue to think about or go back and read over and over. I think that a lot of contemporary fans will really enjoy this one though and it offers a nice little romance for those short on time.

**ARC Provided by Book Plug Promotions**
Profile Image for Charity Foster.
222 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2014
**3.5 Stars**

Victoria Sharpe is an image consultant whose business needs help. When she is offered the chance to work for a big company, she knows this is the breakthrough her company needs. However, she is not sure she can handle working with her ex Max after he left her high and dry. He not only left her, he wrote her a Dear Jane letter instead of telling her in person. But Victoria knows that she has to take the job and just put her feelings for Max aside.
When Max realizes that his mother hired his ex Victoria to be his image consultant, he couldn’t believe his luck. He has tried to forget about her for years, but she was always in the back of his mind. When he sees her for the first time after all those years, he is not prepared for all the feelings that come to the surface. Apparently he is not as over her as he thought.
As the two start their business relationship, personal feelings start to come to the surface. Victoria knows that she never got over him and the heartbreak she suffered after he left. She just isn’t sure she can put herself out there again and risk getting heart. Max can’t believe Victoria still has a pull on him after all these years. He is determined to have her while he is still in town if for nothing else than to quench is thirst for her.
When it comes to light that Max is only planning on staying a short time and then leaving again, Victoria is devastated. She knows that she has to be strong as she didn’t expect them to really have a relationship anyway. Max is not sure how to come to terms with his feelings for Victoria. He is not sure he can handle them and once again leaves. Will they be able to overcome their past? Will Max finally wake up and realize that Victoria loves him for who he is and not who he could be? Will Victoria finally reveal the secret she has kept hidden so long? In order to find out, you will need to read the book.
I enjoyed this short book, but really I wished there would have been more to it. I guess that is the price you want to keep reading a story. I book had moments that were both funny and heartbreaking. I enjoyed watching the push and pull between the characters and watching them grow into better people. I enjoyed the ending and was happy with how it ended. It is a quick, sweet read that shows true love never dies.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
June 22, 2014
I love these stories about second chances at love. Max has left “TorI” or Victoria as she likes to be called now. After being in a serious relationship in college, he broke up with her one day through a simple email. When Victoria tried to call Max to find out why he ended the relationship, he disconnected his phone. Seven years later with Victoria’s image company on the verge of closing, she accepts the job to work for Max’s family. Victoria needs Brown Industries to further her business.
The book is written in dual POVs and I have to tell you reading Max’s POV was not easy. I love LOVE stories where the couples meet again after being separated for several years, but this one I think the relationship should have just been left alone. Max was not likable at all. Usually when I read the male POVs after a drastic break-up, I feel for the hero. I am sorry, but I felt nothing for Max and that is what ruined the story for me. Talk about an insensitive, spoiled brat. He was not spoiled in the sense where he spent money, but how he treated those that loved him. Even though I think the author tried justifying his behavior and making him look good with his plans for trying to get his trust fund, it did not change my opinion of him. He was not like other heroes where “okay he made a mistake and was willing to fight for all the wrong he has done.” There was not a fighting bone in Max’s body.
Victoria was kind. She was never rude. She was upset more than anything, but she did not deserve what she went through. I really liked her. I wanted to take her out with my friends and introduce her to some great men who would treat her right and forget Max.
I am not sure what else to say. I think this is one that I may be in the minority. I like my heroes to be strong and fight for the love of their life. I want my heroes to make mistakes in love, but I want them to fight and grovel when they realize their errors when and if they do.

A copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Krystle ~A Booknatic~.
129 reviews12 followers
May 29, 2014
For under 100 pages, this was a very nice “bite-sized” romance! It's about a man and a woman – Max and Tori – who were a couple while they were in college, but since Max decided he wasn't good enough for his family, let alone the woman who loved him, he just up and leaves...everything.

Fast-forward 7 years, and you now have a matured Max and Tori, who now goes by Victoria. Well, Max comes back to town for the sole purpose of gaining his inheritance to start a dream of his own, but to gain that capital, he has to work a year minimum in the family business.

Once we find out his reasoning as to why he left everyone in his life all those years ago, you do feel bad for the guy, but that still doesn't let him off the hook for not giving Victoria a reason. And, since Victoria is still living in the same area, she's hired on as Max's image consultant by his mother...who still has fond feelings for Victoria, and obviously wishes that they could rekindle their relationship. Which is something different, since it seems in any relationship, the mother-in-law is the one the girlfriend usually has to jump thru hoops to get on their good side, so that's a nice change, haha!

I liked seeing the flirty banter between the two of them, and respected Victoria for being professional about the whole thing, because in real life, working for/with an ex, wouldn't be an easy task!!

“Better as a Memory” was a very nice second-chance story, and I think a lot of women who read this can relate to it, because I'm sure a lot of us have been in a relationship where their partner just vanishes without a “real” or good enough reason.

Can Ms. Baxter write us all a happy ending like Victoria got? :)
Profile Image for Anny hernandez.
1,181 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2014
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.

I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, an how the book turn out to be, I have to say that this book, had me laughing at some part and mad at others, but I love every second of it, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

The story begging with Victoria, she have her own business, image consultant, which it comes cross between What Not to Wear and Man vs. Wild, when she was offer the job to turn one man image around, she did not wanted to take it, but she knew that if she take it, it will do much better for her business, that's when Max com in, Max had return home to take over his father company, as much as he don't want to know he know he have to, the only reason his doing it is cause he wants to start a camp for at risk boys. and he will need his trust fun for that, but what he was not counting on was to have his image change, and now more than ever after finding out that the one person to do that is his ex girlfriend, the woman that he once almost married. Will they get alone working side by side, will they start remembering how they felt for each other, will the finally have their happy ending.

I really love and enjoy reading this book, love the banter that Max and Victoria have with each other, love it when they finally open up to each other, and how much they love one another, I love it how this is a book about second chances, and show you how important family is, I just love the book, Author Marilyn Baxter THANK YOU for this wonderful characters and this awesome book love it.
Profile Image for Book Junky Girls.
840 reviews33 followers
May 28, 2014
Victoria is trying to get her business as an image consultant off the ground and the client perfect for helping her get her foot in the door has just turned up. Too bad it's her college sweetheart who left her broken hearted, and with those mesmerizing eyes of his it'll take everything she's got to not fall for his charms again.

Max left for what he thought was good reason, coming back has one prupose and one purpose only, he needs his inheritance. The mountain man look he's adopted over the last 7 years though just won't cut it in corporate America, and his sneaky mother has hired an image consultant to get him looking the part. He'll do whatever it takes to get to his money, but he never imagined coming across Victoria again. Now to keep his hands off her. Easier said than done, and as the two spend time together the sparks they shared all those years ago comes back with a vengence.

Victoria has had her share of heartache, but she's stronger because of it and doesn't let anyone get in her way of getting what she wants. Even a stubborn rugged man like Max. Max had his funny moments, but for most of the book he definitely wasn't my favorite guy. In fact I thought him a bit of a chicken shit for running away, but he does manage to redeem himself in the end. They are quite the pair together and it was fun watching the push and pull between them. I do wish we had seen more of their backgrounds, but overall I did enjoy this short story.
Profile Image for Lynelle Clark.
Author 58 books178 followers
January 28, 2016
I give this book 4.5 Stars
I was given this book for an honest review.

This book has all the elements of a classical and sweet romance story.
A decision made in their youth causing them to separate, again confronted the main characters as they found themselves in a similar situation years later. What will be the outcome?
Victoria Sharpe, owner of a image consulting business, agreed to do a makeover to the son of Brown Industries, the largest private owned company in the State, Max Brown. Victoria’s business is suffering financially and this could be her big break, but she and Max have a history she doesn’t want to repeat.
Max’s mother Julie has her own motives for changing his image. She wants her son to look more like an executive, than a guy that lives in the bush; even though he is more comfortable in his hiking gear.
As soon as Victoria met with Max, the flame that was dead for seven years ignited once again. However, she refused to give in, not interested to fall for his charms, and she told herself as much. But as the meetings progressed for the makeover so things of old started to surface again.
The characters are believable and likeable. Feeling the pain that Victoria had to endure when she was left alone at such a young age. At the end love conquered and the mistakes of the past were rewritten, and the love that they had discovered at a young age wins at last.
Profile Image for Sara.
122 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2014
Better as a Memory was a fast read, yet it was an enjoyable contemporary romance as well. For me, the main thing I got from the book was it was about second chances, and the role that fate sometimes plays in people's lives which brings them back together. Max, the boyfriend that Tori had in college, is in need of a makeover to enhance his appearance and make him more professional, since he's the public face of the company he is temporarily running.

Tori is the image consultant, hired by Max's mother to serve in that capacity. It's apparent there's still a connection between the two, but Victoria wants to keep it strictly professional, based on what happened in the past in their relationship. Of course, the fire they once had reignites, but they're reluctant to recognize it at first.

On the surface, it appears that Max is selfish and absorbed in his own goals, but there's more there than the surface appearance would indicate. This is apparent in the relationship he has with his sister, and the fact he recognizes her talents and abilities. At this point, I found myself rooting for Max, and wanted him to achieve the dreams he had, not to mention the HEA I wanted for both him and Tori.

For a quick, enjoyable contemporary romance, I'd recommend this book. My rating is 4/5 platypires.
Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews157 followers
June 24, 2014
Victoria Sharpe, was a yound, smart, business woman with a financial problem after putting all her eggs in her business basket. She had to moved in with her brother after loosing her apt. She knew she needed this huge client to make her business stay alive for a little while longer, but knowing she had to work with the man that broke her heart 7 years. She knew taking this job will be a salvation for being broke and expand her profile. But can she do it?

Max Brown had an ulterior motive for coming back to work with his dad on their family business, his youth camp for trouble teenagers, but when he found out he will be working with his ex-girlfriend the person he walked out on 7 years ago. Seeing her will be a bittersweet experience for Max, he wanted to stay away from her and he rather be better as a memory rather than the a** he was in the past. But can he stay away from her?

Victoria and Max have been working together on his image, that is why she was hired, but she knew he was the loved of her life and the only man she had been with. Can she save her heart from getting broken again or will she keep Max as a memory?

This is a very sweet, and refreshing love story. I will recommend this book. If you are looking for a HEA story you will find it here.

Thank you Marilyn Baxter for sharing this lovely story with us!!!!
Profile Image for Em The.
92 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2014
This is a sweet, pretty uninvolved and speedy read and I would highly recommend this!

I have loved spending a nice afternoon in my sunny garden with Victoria and Max. This is a sweet tale of rediscovery and opening of old wounds. Victoria needs her new contract to help Max and his new image in order to survive financially. But emotionally you see that she may not survive this. The deeper you delve into the history between her and Max, the more you have to sympathise with the situation she is in.

At first I found Max to be pretty cold hearted and focussed purely on himself an his goals but as the book went on I warmed to him immensely. He has clear goals and none of those feature anyone with him as he achieves them. And how will Victoria fit into those plans, if at all?

The connection between the couple is instant as they reconnected as friends and emotionally. The tension sexually and otherwise between the two of them feels very real in the book and I loved how they developed individually as they opened up to each other. The ending however very nearly broke my heart. You will have to read the book to find out what happens!

This is a really refreshing change for me and was a perfect light sunny afternoon read! his was my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more!
5 sunny afternoon Stars!
Profile Image for Heather Way.
304 reviews18 followers
June 19, 2014
Victoria Sharpe is a image consultant that was recruited to help Max Brown improve his image. But Max & Victoria have past history that neither one of them want to be reminded of. Victoria starts off explaining everything that is expected. They have 5 steps they must complete to better his image!
Victoria has always loved Max even when he left her with just a email when they were in college. I loved this book it was short and very sweet it offered romance, drama, even hard feelings that you try to suppress because you were hurt so bad. Max was running away from his family back then. Because he never thought he was good enough. I think that sums up what Max felt about his relationship as well. He didn't think he was good enough for his family or his love for Victoria.
Victoria kept Max at arm length even know her body yearned for him. Max wanted Victoria like h want his last breath. But there was so much pass and a lot of left unsaid between the two. Will they be able to move on and be friends or will they end up being more. This book did give you a little steamy sex but it was short and sweet like the rest of the book! I love those books that gave me a little taste of a Authors writing and Also Gave m a conclusion That had me squealing with delight.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,403 reviews149 followers
July 4, 2014
Sweet and sexy reunion story. I'm a big fan of reunion stories and loved Victoria and Max as a couple. They were both such strong characters and only made each other stronger together.

I love reunion stories and was very exited to read the newest release from Marilyn Baxter.

Victoria is given a chance to help save her business by giving a make-over to the man who broke her heart in college. Max only plans to stay in Atlanta long enough to get access to his trust fund so he can start a camp for at-risk boys. Victoria and Max are still attracted to one another all these years later. They really had amazing chemistry and I wanted them back together from the very beginning.

I really liked both Victoria and Max. While they had different dreams for their careers, they both were willing to do anything to make it work. I could see that they both still had feelings for one another after all this time and loved watching them reconnect. I'm a sucker for a book where the guy realizes his feelings first, and Max admitting his feelings first was the perfect after the history he and Victoria had.

Better as a Memory is a sweet reunion romance and I enjoyed every minute of it. I really enjoy Marilyn Baxter's voice and look forward to many new stories from her in the future.
Profile Image for Kel.
85 reviews
July 3, 2014
This is a sweet romance that I really enjoyed reading. Victoria has been through a lot since college. It's been seven years since she has seen Max, the guy who hurt her more than she ever imagined possible. Now she has started her own business and will do anything to make is successful. Unfortunately, in order to do that, she must take Max on as a client. Victoria also has a secret that she has kept since college and she has no intention of telling Max the details. She won't allow herself to live through that again and being with Max will certainly put her at risk. She must keep it professional...period!

Max has his own agenda for returning to the family business. He has suffered a great loss and is trying to turn it into something positive. In order to do that, he needs money. So he plans to stay in Atlanta and do whatever it takes to get him closer to his goal. When his mother hires Victoria to change his image, he is surprised but happy about it.

Old memories come flooding back for the both of them and they eventually come together. What happens when truths are revealed? Can their new found love be enough?

A short romantic story that I have no doubt you will enjoy :)
Profile Image for Jaime Fiction Fangirls.
1,664 reviews153 followers
June 25, 2014
Victoria,

I'd like to start this letter by telling you how sorry I am that Max left you so many years ago without anything more than an email letting you know. Then to know what you were going through on top of him leaving, it's heartbreaking.
Now I'd like to say how awesome you are for handling his return to town and your subsequent hiring as his image consultant.with such grace and strength. Thank you for not being one of those women who immediately fall back into bed with a man upon his first advances. I realize that this was hard for you to do but in the long run it was the right thing for you to guard your heart.
I think that the way you and Max's story played out, the outcome was always meant to be the same. I'm so glad to see that Max finally opened his eyes to what was right in front of him and hope that your lives continue to be blessed, together.
Your story was short and sweet and I enjoyed reading it.

Hopefully Max has earned his face on your t-shirt,
Jaime

*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
June 20, 2014
~~I received this book in exchange for an honest review~~

This is one of those books that I am glad that I DIDN'T stop reading it. There were parts in there that I was bored with it because Max (to me) was wining a whole bunch about how he didn't want to enter the corporate world and he just wanted to be in the wilderness. I really thought about not continuing it. But I am glad that I did. And Victoria in the whole story didn't want to admit that she still has feeling for Max. That made me annoyed. She knows she has them, she tries to fight them, but something that strong you can't fight, you just have to give in.

This is the first book that I have read by Marilyn, it isn't going to be the last. Yes I didn't like that whining through out the book and the wishy-washiness of both of them, but this is a very good book that has a deeper underlying message in there. Don't give up on your Dreams. You can make them better, you can improve them, but don't give up on them. Things have a way of working themselves out for the better!
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
July 1, 2014
3.5 stars
Better as a Memory is a sweet story about a second chance love. Victoria Sharpe is a image consultant. She has been hire by her ex's mother to help him out. He needs a whole image make over from clothes to dealing with people. The only problem is that Max was Victoria's one true love. Her first and only lover. He broke her heart into a million pieces when he just up and left her.
7 years later, Max is in forced to see her again. Although his mother hired her, one she is back in his life, Max is not too eager to let her walk away again. Although Max is not into the whole makeover thing, he is glad Victoria is back in his life.
Max is not into money or possession. He has decided to dedicate himself to helping at risk teens. Max is only working for his parents to make his dream a reality. He has no intention of going back to the world he escaped.
Will he change his mind now that he is trying to win Victoria back?
This was a short novella. It was just the pick me up I needed after a long afternoon.
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2014
Love the cover, the name almost scared me away, but I am so glad I decided to read this one.

Victoria is struggling to build her business as an image consultant when she gets a job to make over a local Executive. When she finds out that it is Max, a man she thought she would marry when she was in college she doesn't know if she wants to take the job.

Max has lived in his brother's shadow his whole life and moved home to help with the family business when his brother was killed. He doesn't want to be in business and dresses like a wilderness guide. When his mom hires his old girlfriend to help him 'clean up his act' he isn't thrilled.

I really enjoyed this book, it is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Marilyn Baxter and I'm sure it will not be the last. It was well written and had a very real feel to the characters and situations.

I received this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Beth Livingston.
248 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2014
3.5 Stars

Better as a Memory by Marilyn Baxter tells Victoria's story 7 years after her heart was broken not once but twice because of the same man, Maxwell Brown.

Max was Victoria's first love. They were great together until one day he emailed her he had quit college and left. Now Max needs the help of an image consultant. Who does his mother hire? Victoria!

Victoria needs the Brown's business for networking. Working for the Browns will be great for her image consulting business but can she not allow her feelings for Max cause a problem to work for and so closely with him? She just has to keep it professional and not let his charm suck her in again.

Better as a Memory is a sweet short read. I enjoyed the sweet simplicity of it. Sometime thats just what the librarian ordered, sweet, simple, & leisurely. Go pick this one up.

Reviewed for Hooked On Books
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
June 8, 2014
3.5 Stars
Better as a Memory by Marilyn Baxter tells Victoria's story 7 years after her heart was broken not once but twice because of the same man, Maxwell Brown.

Max was Victoria's first love. They were great together until one day he emailed her he had quit college and left. Now Max needs the help of an image consultant. Who does his mother hire? Victoria!

Victoria needs the Brown's business for networking. Working for the Browns will be great for her image consulting business but can she not allow her feelings for Max cause a problem to work for and so closely with him? She just has to keep it professional and not let his charm suck her in again.

Better as a Memory is a sweet short read. I enjoyed the sweet simplicity of it. Sometime thats just what the librarian ordered, sweet, simple, & leisurely. Go pick this one up.
Profile Image for Alicia.
341 reviews
July 9, 2014
This book is just right for those days you're looking for a light, quick read. I read this in a matter of hours and enjoyed every second of it.

Victoria "Tori" is an image consultant and Max is her ex- boyfriend turned client. He broke her heart years before by just leaving and breaking up with her in an email. Well, he's back, working at his father's company in order to gain money from his trust fund so that he can pursue his real dream opening a camp foe troubled boys. However, he doesn't dress the part of executive and that is where Victoria comes in.

This book isn't heavy by any means. While I enjoyed the characters, I didn't become attached and didn't feel sad about the book coming to an end. Honestly, this book left me feeling light hearted and happy.
23 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2014
I really enjoyed Better as a Memory, there's a lot of story packed into 96 pages!
Ms. Baxter did solid character development with Victoria and Max, they frustrated me which made the story even better!
This is a story of second chances, forgiveness, realizations, steamy attraction and timeless love. It's not just about Victoria and Max however, their families are very much involved as well, especially Max's.
I will continue following Marilyn Baxter, her first novella 'Tea for Two' was also very good and a lot of story packed into it. I'm hoping she will write a full length novel, I'm betting it would be excellent!!
Profile Image for Darra.
235 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2016
This book was an easy read that I through in a couple of days. If you are interested in a light hearted weekend book(Hey, good to read this weekend), this would be a great choice. I liked both characters. Despite what Max did in college.
Besides Max taking very little interest in running his family’s business, he does have soft spot in his heart and is dedicated to Charity Camp he wants to initiate. Val is a business woman and despite being stuck with her boyfriend that broke her heart, she stays professional. Well, mostly.
You get the best of both worlds. A hot rugged guy and a hot suit professional man. Loved that.

I would rate the book a 4.2.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
June 23, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

In this novella we meet two people who probably should have worked it out the first time they met, as clearly the (well hidden) flames are still burning bright. After some serious growing up, things may just get sorted out for the better.

This is the perfect break-time read - fun, steamy and sweet!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Renee at Book Happiness.
1,486 reviews36 followers
July 3, 2014
I recieved this book for an honest review. This was such a good story. Once I started this I couldnt put it down. I really enjoyed this book because it was the perfect second chance romance book.
Max and Victoria were college sweethearts and Max decieded to break up with Victoria over email. They are brought back together 7 years later by Max's mother who of course is trying to rekindle thier romance by making them work together. This is a nice fast read. For which I love. The only thing I wish is that there was little bit more back story on their history...
Profile Image for Twin Opinions.
556 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2014
This book was a fun little read. I love the dialogue It was fun and witty. This is the perfect second chance read. Very easy to relate to and I think most readers will agree with me on this point. For so few pages I feel like I got the full experience of a novel. The author did a phenomenal job.

I loved the characters and the romance that they shared. It was fun and light for the most part. I really couldn't get enough. I can see myself revisiting this little read a few times!
Profile Image for Niccisbookblog.
755 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2014
This is a nice short second chance at romance read.

I liked how the author gave us snippets of the couples past relationship at moments in the book not a huge chunk to digest.
The story flowed well and I liked all the characters.

Max and Victoria worked well as a couple and the fire still burned between them even after seven years apart, so it was nice to see them get there HEA at the end.

If your looking for a quick sweet romance read this book ticks all the boxes.
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