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Managed
It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.
I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle begin…
I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle begin…
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2016
About the author
Kristen Callihan
25 books13.6k followersKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,895 reviews
March 1, 2017
My heart and head...........are DANCING!!!!!!!
Sophie's life is about to change - firstly by being upgraded to first class - does she feel lucky...but her elation soon fizzles..just a tiny bit...when she overhears some guy complaining about her being in his seat..but wait his seat is next to hers...but he maintains he paid for two seats..what the hell does he need 2 seats for!! He certainly does have a body of two!!! Who does he think he is??? And then her vision is filled with the most amazing male specimen.......WOW....this guy is hot!!!
I found Sophie to be endearing and blimy.....engaging!!! Sassy. Spunky. Her wit and zest for life is bloody infections....
If you liked Idol, book #1 in Kristen Callihan's Rockstar Series...you're are going to LOVE LOVE the 2nd book, MANAGED. I AM OVER THE MOON........it's Gabriel Scott, the band's manager, who gets his very own book!!! I was absolutely ...hell, let me think what I felt meeting him from the 1st moment...
I flipping LOVED Gabriel Scott & Sophie Darling - is that a fabulicious name or not!!!! The perfect pair! The total opposites! That was made their chemistry off the charts!!! Right from the very beginning when they meet on the plane that is taking Sophie for a job interview and him to sort out some band matter in London.
Sophie's life is about to change - firstly by being upgraded to first class - does she feel lucky...but her elation soon fizzles..just a tiny bit...when she overhears some guy complaining about her being in his seat..but wait his seat is next to hers...but he maintains he paid for two seats..what the hell does he need 2 seats for!! He certainly does have a body of two!!! Who does he think he is??? And then her vision is filled with the most amazing male specimen.......WOW....this guy is hot!!!
I found Sophie to be endearing and blimy.....engaging!!! Sassy. Spunky. Her wit and zest for life is bloody infections....
The first chapters which are set on the flight to London are an FRICKING treat! The dialogue is out of this world....
“ “Oh, I bet you’d find that marvellous; all of us helpless women just smiling and nodding. Though I’m afraid it would never work on me.” “Of course not,” he deadpans. “I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhoea.” “Says the man who is socially constipated.”
“ “Oh, I bet you’d find that marvelous; all of us helpless women just smiling and nodding. Though I’m afraid it would never work on me.” “Of course not,” he deadpans. “I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhoea.” “Says the man who is socially constipated.”Sunshine aka Gabriel and Chatty Girl aka Sophie are on a roll and neither is prepared to give in inch, when it's discovered that a) Sophie's interview is for a job with Kill John and b) Gabriel is the band's manager!!! What a pickle!!!
Sophie gets the job...ooh I want her job!!! Taking care of the band's media profile!!! My kind of job and I get to see Gabriel every day! Hell, Sophie...you are a lucky girl!!
The attraction is total mutual....Gabriel suggests that they become friends "with benefits"......“You’ve told me repeatedly now that you find me blindingly attractive.” “That doesn’t mean I like you. Besides, your brand of pretty is like a weapon. You reel victims in with it, just like a vampire does. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sparkle in the sun.” “I cannot believe I’m arguing with a woman who references Twilight.” “The fact that you know I’m referencing Twilight betrays you as a secret Edward-loving fanboy.” His snort is loud and scathing. “Team Jacob all the way.” I can’t help it, my eyes fly open, and I lift a corner of my mask to glare at him. “That’s it. We can never be friends.”Don't u just love the Twilight connection??? Sophie Darling unique and beyond refreshing!!But, really would anyone be able to resist this kind of man wanting to do things to and with you???Not me and certainly not Sophie!! Giving in....of course she does!!! And that is not a spoiler...really!!! It's a given that these two will definitely get together......despite their back and forward denials...“Jesus,” I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. “It’s like looking into the sun.” “What?” he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing. Oh, this will be fun. “Just stop, will you?” I squint at him. “You’re too hot. It’s too much to take.” This is true, though I’d never have the guts to say so in normal circumstances. “Are you quite well?” he intones, as if he thinks the opposite. “No, you’ve nearly rendered me blind.” I flap a hand. “Do you have an off switch? Maybe put it on low?”These two bring out the best in each other. But before they can continue, both will have to deal with the secrets they both are keeping from each other.........
I loved meeting up with the band members from Idol.....their banter - witty and so much fun - and connection between each other is pretty awesome:“What did I say about speculating?” I warn. “One more word and I’ll have you all doing a music video with synchronized dancing faster than you can say Backstreet Boys.” Whip lifts up a hand. “Okay, geesh. Got it. You two are an impenetrable wall that no one shall gaze upon. No need to go all Simon Cowell on us.”This was an incredible and fabulous reading experience.
“Is he drunk?” Whip asks with some concern. “Naw,” Killian drawls. “All I see are empty water bottles.” “Drowning his sorrows in bottled water. At least he’s not cliché,” Rye murmurs before sitting next to me.”
Loved the epilogue!!! And can't wait for the next book in this series.
If you love a love story filled with romance, with unforgettable characters and following the lives of rockstars...this is a series for you!!I can't recommend reading the series enough!!
And yes....when I turned over to the page.....THE END...........I was still dancing!!!
June 10, 2018
The five stars are for, well:
1. Each and every character in this breathtaking book
2. Sophie Darling aka "Chatty Girl", and Gabriel Scott aka "Sunshine". The best Book Couple of 2016!
3. The laughter. Oh Gosh, the laughter...
4. Kristen C, for creating Sophie, who has to be one of the funniest and most lovable female characters of all time.
5. The Rock Stars. Come on, I mean who writes Rock Stars as secondary characters? Only KC, and she totally made us fall in love with them.
BTW, I CHOOSE JAX! (Yes, because I'm so tender-hearted, I will hold him to my bosoms and my D-cups *ahem* will def chase away his demons)
6. Chapter 20. That scene at the hotel. When Sophie strips for Gabriel. Well....let's just say, it was totally worth the wait.
7. The prose.“His voice gains strength. “The second you are out of my sight, I want you back where I can see you.”8.That epilogue! Wowza...that was truly emotional.
“If I can see you, know that you’re all right, I can breathe a little easier, feel a little human.”
**
Well played Kristen C. Well played....
February 10, 2019
4.5 Stars
One thing's for sure, Kristen Callihan can write no wrong. I’m in awe of her ability to write so effortlessly. Her words, sentences and dialogues just flow naturally, the way good writing should. Her ability to evoke emotion and create passion is amazing.
I love the intensity she creates when she describes intimate scenes, the rawness of each emotion, the almost palpable connection between the characters. It feels like you are really going through all those feelings, like you’re experiencing them first-hand. She’s not telling or describing. She’s directly transferring emotion. And you are not reading; you’re experiencing.
At least that’s what I was feeling like.
And this is not a one-time thing. Exactly the same thing happened to me with all of her books. Each book features a scene or two that is so memorable to me, that I still remember it vividly. Remember the kiss from Idol? I still get the shivers...
Well, the first kiss here was an out-of-body experience too. Everything around me stopped to exist - sounds, people, objects, time... Hell, I stopped breathing for the entire scene.
It’s no secret that tortured, silent or reclusive heroes with a touch of assholery are my weakness. Add to that a kick ass heroine who is realistically strong and smart and you have a winning combination.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment:: 4.5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 4/5
Depth of the book: 4/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers:
Similar books: Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott
One thing's for sure, Kristen Callihan can write no wrong. I’m in awe of her ability to write so effortlessly. Her words, sentences and dialogues just flow naturally, the way good writing should. Her ability to evoke emotion and create passion is amazing.
I love the intensity she creates when she describes intimate scenes, the rawness of each emotion, the almost palpable connection between the characters. It feels like you are really going through all those feelings, like you’re experiencing them first-hand. She’s not telling or describing. She’s directly transferring emotion. And you are not reading; you’re experiencing.
At least that’s what I was feeling like.
And this is not a one-time thing. Exactly the same thing happened to me with all of her books. Each book features a scene or two that is so memorable to me, that I still remember it vividly. Remember the kiss from Idol? I still get the shivers...
Well, the first kiss here was an out-of-body experience too. Everything around me stopped to exist - sounds, people, objects, time... Hell, I stopped breathing for the entire scene.
It’s no secret that tortured, silent or reclusive heroes with a touch of assholery are my weakness. Add to that a kick ass heroine who is realistically strong and smart and you have a winning combination.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment:: 4.5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 4/5
Depth of the book: 4/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers:
Similar books: Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott
February 1, 2023
2023: this book has nearly zero angst but it's still perfect. love a good low stakes, dialogue heavy, British hero-having romance.
2017: Perfect. Everything you could want in a sweet lil romance: angsty, witty, sexy.
2017: Perfect. Everything you could want in a sweet lil romance: angsty, witty, sexy.
November 15, 2016
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I didn’t have a home until she came into my life. She gave me one without hesitation as if she’s been waiting for me all this time, knowing I was meant to be hers. I touch her cheek just to remind myself she’s real.
Yet again I am left in awe of the writing talents of Kristen Callihan. I don’t think there has been a book that I’ve read of hers that I haven’t loved. MANAGED was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2016 because ever since Gabriel Scott was introduced in IDOL, I had been beyond fascinated with the man!! Firstly, he’s British, and most importantly he’s described as being David Gandy’s doppelganger…SAY NO MORE!!!! Ms. Callihan did not disappoint me with this one…if anything she far exceeded my expectations! I devoured this book and honestly I wished it could have gone on forever because I’m still not ready to let Gabriel go and don’t even get me started on Sophie!! I really loved that vivacious heroine!!
Sophie Darling is on a seven-hour flight bound for London where she has a job interview lined up. It seems as though lady luck has given her a break when her ticket is upgraded to the first class section. Things get even more interesting when she ends up being seated next to the most stunning gentleman she’s ever seen. But the man is a bit uptight and put out over the fact that she’s in the seat next to him when he specifically purchased the ticket for the adjacent seat so that he wouldn’t have to sit next to anyone. Sophie, being the saucy chick that she is, decides to have a bit of fun with her uptight travel companion. The flight is anything but boring for Gabriel and Sophie. It even gets a little steamy at one point when their seats are turned into a double bed and Scottie is in need of some cuddling to help ease his anxiety attack. Gabriel is not a fan of flying because of his panic attacks and somehow Sophie becomes attuned to his predicament and has the compelling need to soothe him.
During the flight, they find out that Sophie is actually interviewing for the job as social media photographer/director for Kill John. After having basically rubbed up on Gabriel during the flight, Sophie is just a tad bit mortified to find out that he is her potential employer, but that’s not even her biggest problem. Embarrassing moments aside, Sophie and Gabriel soon form a special bond that has the gang raising their eyebrows. Gabriel has always kept a cool and professional demeanor. Always keeping everyone at arm’s length and never letting anyone in. Now Sophie has done the impossible—she’s broken through his barriers and has completely captivated Gabriel.
They end up striking a very unconventional arrangement when Gabriel is desperate to get some sleep and it seems the only way he’s able to do so is when Sophie is cuddled up in his arms. So these two agree to shack up together -- but only to cuddle!! I was literally about to BURST from the sexual frustration!!! I don’t know how these two managedsee what I did there?, to keep from ripping each other’s clothes off and going at it!!! But let me tell you, this delicious sexual tension is freaking all-consuming and I promise you that you will find it hard to put this book down!! I have to note that the panty sniffing scene in the bathroom had me just about melting in my own pool of desire!! HOLY FREAKING HOTNESS!!!!
I don’t want to say much more because this is a book to be enjoyed and savored! Take your time and bask in the awesomeness of this story! All I can say is that we have plenty in store for us in this series as there are more band members whose stories are waiting to be told!!
MANAGED is available now!! Don’t wait to one-click! I promise you will want to get your hands on it because there’s no way you won’t fall in love with Mr. Gabriel Scott!
AMAZON ➜ http://amzn.to/2dmProC
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2dMc86i
B&N ➜ http://bit.ly/2diWDly
KOBO ➜ http://bit.ly/2dyFHoS.
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2fucFcr
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I didn’t have a home until she came into my life. She gave me one without hesitation as if she’s been waiting for me all this time, knowing I was meant to be hers. I touch her cheek just to remind myself she’s real.
Yet again I am left in awe of the writing talents of Kristen Callihan. I don’t think there has been a book that I’ve read of hers that I haven’t loved. MANAGED was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2016 because ever since Gabriel Scott was introduced in IDOL, I had been beyond fascinated with the man!! Firstly, he’s British, and most importantly he’s described as being David Gandy’s doppelganger…SAY NO MORE!!!! Ms. Callihan did not disappoint me with this one…if anything she far exceeded my expectations! I devoured this book and honestly I wished it could have gone on forever because I’m still not ready to let Gabriel go and don’t even get me started on Sophie!! I really loved that vivacious heroine!!
Sophie Darling is on a seven-hour flight bound for London where she has a job interview lined up. It seems as though lady luck has given her a break when her ticket is upgraded to the first class section. Things get even more interesting when she ends up being seated next to the most stunning gentleman she’s ever seen. But the man is a bit uptight and put out over the fact that she’s in the seat next to him when he specifically purchased the ticket for the adjacent seat so that he wouldn’t have to sit next to anyone. Sophie, being the saucy chick that she is, decides to have a bit of fun with her uptight travel companion. The flight is anything but boring for Gabriel and Sophie. It even gets a little steamy at one point when their seats are turned into a double bed and Scottie is in need of some cuddling to help ease his anxiety attack. Gabriel is not a fan of flying because of his panic attacks and somehow Sophie becomes attuned to his predicament and has the compelling need to soothe him.
During the flight, they find out that Sophie is actually interviewing for the job as social media photographer/director for Kill John. After having basically rubbed up on Gabriel during the flight, Sophie is just a tad bit mortified to find out that he is her potential employer, but that’s not even her biggest problem. Embarrassing moments aside, Sophie and Gabriel soon form a special bond that has the gang raising their eyebrows. Gabriel has always kept a cool and professional demeanor. Always keeping everyone at arm’s length and never letting anyone in. Now Sophie has done the impossible—she’s broken through his barriers and has completely captivated Gabriel.
They end up striking a very unconventional arrangement when Gabriel is desperate to get some sleep and it seems the only way he’s able to do so is when Sophie is cuddled up in his arms. So these two agree to shack up together -- but only to cuddle!! I was literally about to BURST from the sexual frustration!!! I don’t know how these two managedsee what I did there?, to keep from ripping each other’s clothes off and going at it!!! But let me tell you, this delicious sexual tension is freaking all-consuming and I promise you that you will find it hard to put this book down!! I have to note that the panty sniffing scene in the bathroom had me just about melting in my own pool of desire!! HOLY FREAKING HOTNESS!!!!
I don’t want to say much more because this is a book to be enjoyed and savored! Take your time and bask in the awesomeness of this story! All I can say is that we have plenty in store for us in this series as there are more band members whose stories are waiting to be told!!
MANAGED is available now!! Don’t wait to one-click! I promise you will want to get your hands on it because there’s no way you won’t fall in love with Mr. Gabriel Scott!
AMAZON ➜ http://amzn.to/2dmProC
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2dMc86i
B&N ➜ http://bit.ly/2diWDly
KOBO ➜ http://bit.ly/2dyFHoS.
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2fucFcr
November 3, 2023
5 stars
After reading the first book in this series, Idol, I knew I needed this book. Even though Idol wasn’t my favorite book, I was so curious about the band’s manager Scottie. Gahhhhh Scottie! This book! I loved it so much. Seriously, there is no better feeling than reading a book that hits you in the feels and keeps a huge smile on your face.
Gabriel Scott is the manager for the famous band, Kill John. He is on a flight overseas when he meets Sophie Darling. Oh that meeting… it was seriously one of the best opening scenes of a book. I had so much fun with the plane ride. Sophie and Gabriel soon realize that she has an interview with someone who works closely with Gabriel and things get a little more complicated.
Sophie is a social media expert and after the rough year Kill John has had, they need someone running that part of their lives. While on tour, Sophie and Gabriel become closer, which is some feat. Gabriel keeps everything close to the vest and is known not to let people in. Sophie, however, manages to crack him wide open and get to that part of him he doesn’t usually show others. Sigh. It was so beautiful and heartwarming watching these two fall in love!
Opposites attract, grumpy sunshine, steamy, sweet, and laugh out loud funny, this book was perfect for me. The heroine was so sassy and fun and the hero was the most swoony! I couldn’t have loved this more and I recommend it to all lovers of romance!
“You are my greatest weakness because I have no defense when it comes to you.”
After reading the first book in this series, Idol, I knew I needed this book. Even though Idol wasn’t my favorite book, I was so curious about the band’s manager Scottie. Gahhhhh Scottie! This book! I loved it so much. Seriously, there is no better feeling than reading a book that hits you in the feels and keeps a huge smile on your face.
Gabriel Scott is the manager for the famous band, Kill John. He is on a flight overseas when he meets Sophie Darling. Oh that meeting… it was seriously one of the best opening scenes of a book. I had so much fun with the plane ride. Sophie and Gabriel soon realize that she has an interview with someone who works closely with Gabriel and things get a little more complicated.
Sophie is a social media expert and after the rough year Kill John has had, they need someone running that part of their lives. While on tour, Sophie and Gabriel become closer, which is some feat. Gabriel keeps everything close to the vest and is known not to let people in. Sophie, however, manages to crack him wide open and get to that part of him he doesn’t usually show others. Sigh. It was so beautiful and heartwarming watching these two fall in love!
Opposites attract, grumpy sunshine, steamy, sweet, and laugh out loud funny, this book was perfect for me. The heroine was so sassy and fun and the hero was the most swoony! I couldn’t have loved this more and I recommend it to all lovers of romance!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrators: Charlotte North & Rupert Channing
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10h 38m
April 14, 2017
He isn't cold or unfeeling. He's just hiding. I want that unleashed - all that strength and simmering emotion he holds beneath the surface.
➦Okay. So. I'm delighted to read a story about a hot arrogant man in a suit any day. Gabriel here also has an accent so... naturally, le #swoon.
➦This series revolves around the band Kill John and it's members. Gabriel is one of the guys but he isn't a musician - he's the band manager. And although he thinks of the band as his family he still keeps everyone at arm's length. WHY? Interesting question, which undoubtedly gets answered in the book. :p
➦The story begins with Gabriel flying first class - his favorite form of transportation. NOT. He might be just a teeny bit afraid of flying. And who does he get stuck with on the flight? Right. Sophie is very chatty and she immediately starts breaking down Gabriel's walls even without him realizing it. Will they keep in touch after the flight?
➦I loved pretty much everything about the story. It was a friends first type of trope and I always enjoy those. Following the experiences of these two was absolutely delightful and I enjoyed every second of it.
➦The anticipation was killing me - the sexual tension was off the charts. This was definitely steamy but also gave me all the feels. A bit of angst at the end certainly worked for me just fine.
➦I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary romances with misunderstood heroes, quirky heroines and friends first storylines.
Read
November 13, 2016 ::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::
*SWOOOOON* This sexy opposites-attract romance begins on a plane, is set against the backdrop of a rock band's tour, and I just loved it!! The snappy, witty banter kept me laughing, the heart-warming romance kept me swooning, and the healing and hotness rounded out the story so well. To be honest, there's probably more great banter in the first few chapters than in most whole books!! The hero is this very polished and controlled British businessman who hides his pain beneath his impenetrable facade and the heroine is a sassy, outspoken, and hilarious American girl who is literally his complete opposite and I just LOVED seeing her break through his walls and MELTED over how deeply he fell in love with her!! It was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it!
As I mentioned, the awesome banter started strong from the very first chapter in which these two meet on the plane after a seat-swapping mishaps puts her beside the hottest and grumpiest man she's ever met. Seriously, these two couldn't have been more opposite. He was this tightly-wound Englishman with an extreme aversion to anyone in his personal space or who, God fodbid, wanted to talk to him... while she was this bubbly, chatty American girl with a sense of humor and an uncanny ability to ruffle his feathers. And the two of them locked in a tiny space together for seven hours led to some pretty hilarious exchanges!
They really were as different as you could imagine.
He was restrained.
She was wild.
He was controlled.
She was spontaneous.
He was polite.
She was outspoken.
He was a manager by profession and nature.
She was utterly unmanageable.
However, they got surprisingly close to each other over their flight -- though probably not in the way you (or they) ever anticipated, and despite their nearly non-stop verbal sparring match, they undeniably had a spark between them. Until a revelation at the end of the flight left them both reeling with the discovery that, depending on how her upcoming interview went, he may very well end up being her new boss!
So at this point it's important to mention that while Managed can certainly be read as a standalone, it is also the second standalone in the VIP series and follows the book IDOL in which we are first introduced to Gabriel Scott as the manager of a world-famous rock band! The members of this band and Gabriel together make a very closely bonded group and I have to say that they are definitely my most favorite rockstar cast of characters that I've ever read! They're such an amazingly close family -- they bicker like siblings, but you know any one of them would throw themselves in front of a bullet for the other. That kind of comraderie makes for really great reading!
I loved the way Sophie broke through Gabriel's walls. Everyone who knew him would say that despite his unwavering loyalty to his friends, he was reserved and even cold sometimes. He was caring but distant. And yet this one bubbly girl broke through the walls of control that he'd so long used to protect himself with. As she joins the band on tour, they're forced to face their attraction and so begins their unlikely and unexpected romance...
This was a really addictive and heart-warming romance! I loved the slow burn and the non-stop banter, I loved watching these two completely opposite people fall head over heels in love with each other, and I couldn't help but root for them to find a way to make their relationship work! This is definitely a new favorite!
Rating: 4.5 stars! Contemporary Adult romance.
Standalone in series of standalones.
Buy MANAGED (Kindle)
Buy MANAGED (Paperback)
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“The second you are out of my sight, I want you back where I can see you.”
*SWOOOOON* This sexy opposites-attract romance begins on a plane, is set against the backdrop of a rock band's tour, and I just loved it!! The snappy, witty banter kept me laughing, the heart-warming romance kept me swooning, and the healing and hotness rounded out the story so well. To be honest, there's probably more great banter in the first few chapters than in most whole books!! The hero is this very polished and controlled British businessman who hides his pain beneath his impenetrable facade and the heroine is a sassy, outspoken, and hilarious American girl who is literally his complete opposite and I just LOVED seeing her break through his walls and MELTED over how deeply he fell in love with her!! It was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it!
It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.
I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle begin…
As I mentioned, the awesome banter started strong from the very first chapter in which these two meet on the plane after a seat-swapping mishaps puts her beside the hottest and grumpiest man she's ever met. Seriously, these two couldn't have been more opposite. He was this tightly-wound Englishman with an extreme aversion to anyone in his personal space or who, God fodbid, wanted to talk to him... while she was this bubbly, chatty American girl with a sense of humor and an uncanny ability to ruffle his feathers. And the two of them locked in a tiny space together for seven hours led to some pretty hilarious exchanges!
“Jesus,” I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. “It’s like looking into the sun.”
“What?” he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing.
Oh, this will be fun.
“Just stop, will you?” I squint at him. “You’re too hot. It’s too much to take.”
“Are you quite well?” He intones, as if he thinks the opposite.
“No, you’ve nearly rendered me blind.” I flap a hand. “Do you have an off-switch? Maybe put it on low?”
His nostrils flare, his skin going a whole shade darker. “Lovely. I’m stuck next to a mad woman.”
…
“I don’t like you,” I mutter…
“Lie,” he points out. “You’ve told me repeatedly now that you find me blindingly attractive.”
“That doesn’t mean I like you. Besides, your brand of pretty is a weapon. You reel victims in with it, just like a vampire does. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sparkle in the sun.”
“I cannot believe I’m arguing with a woman who references Twilight.”
“The fact that you know I’m referencing Twilight betrays you as a secret Edward-loving fanboy.”
His snort is loud and scathing. “Team Jacob all the way.”
I can’t help it, my eyes fly open, and I lift a corner of my mask to glare at him. “That’s it. We can never be friends.”
They really were as different as you could imagine.
He was restrained.
She was wild.
He was controlled.
She was spontaneous.
He was polite.
She was outspoken.
He was a manager by profession and nature.
She was utterly unmanageable.
“I’ve never met a person I couldn’t manage,” comes his tight reply a few second later.
Not bothering to take the mask off, I extend a hand his way. “Sophie Elizabeth Darling.”
However, they got surprisingly close to each other over their flight -- though probably not in the way you (or they) ever anticipated, and despite their nearly non-stop verbal sparring match, they undeniably had a spark between them. Until a revelation at the end of the flight left them both reeling with the discovery that, depending on how her upcoming interview went, he may very well end up being her new boss!
So at this point it's important to mention that while Managed can certainly be read as a standalone, it is also the second standalone in the VIP series and follows the book IDOL in which we are first introduced to Gabriel Scott as the manager of a world-famous rock band! The members of this band and Gabriel together make a very closely bonded group and I have to say that they are definitely my most favorite rockstar cast of characters that I've ever read! They're such an amazingly close family -- they bicker like siblings, but you know any one of them would throw themselves in front of a bullet for the other. That kind of comraderie makes for really great reading!
I loved the way Sophie broke through Gabriel's walls. Everyone who knew him would say that despite his unwavering loyalty to his friends, he was reserved and even cold sometimes. He was caring but distant. And yet this one bubbly girl broke through the walls of control that he'd so long used to protect himself with. As she joins the band on tour, they're forced to face their attraction and so begins their unlikely and unexpected romance...
“I will say the wrong words from time to time. And I will cock things up. That’s a given, unfortunately. but there will never, ever be a time when I do not love you or want you in my life.”
This was a really addictive and heart-warming romance! I loved the slow burn and the non-stop banter, I loved watching these two completely opposite people fall head over heels in love with each other, and I couldn't help but root for them to find a way to make their relationship work! This is definitely a new favorite!
Rating: 4.5 stars! Contemporary Adult romance.
Standalone in series of standalones.
Buy MANAGED (Kindle)
Buy MANAGED (Paperback)
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April 6, 2021
✩⡱ original rating 2018: 4.5 – ɢᴀʙʀɪᴇʟ ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ ꜱᴄᴏᴛᴛ – stars
✩⡱ re-read March 2021: 4.5 – ꜱᴏᴘʜɪᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴛᴛʏ ɢɪʀʟ ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ – stars
SONG:
Stick With You – Zara Larson
don't mind me, i'm just going to reread older books for comfort since all the newer books i've been reading this year are not doing anything for me. and no one is doing the sunshine-grumpy trope like Sophie and Gabriel.
i'm an easy gal, i see a couple insulting each other, i obsess. don't we all love a guy who has a stick up his ass so far up? that's the cue to mentioned the other anal-retentive asshole that is Christian Allister. These Heroes just do it for me. <3
Sophie and Gabriel have one of the best meet-cute.. alright it's not actually a meet cute, but it was freaking hilarious to me. what happened is that Sophie got upgraded to first class on her flight to London. guess who is not amused by his new seat mate? right, Mr. Gabriel Scott. Sophie and Gabriel's banter 10/10 would recommend. their bickering was already amusing, but when Sophie started distracting Gabriel from his flight anxiety.. it was cracking me up.
Sophie and Gabriel as individuals were amazing. Sophie's one of the wittiest and funniest heroine who lives in the moment, while Gabriel or Scottie how everyone in the band is calling him, is the strict & cold manager who has everything under control.
Besides Sophie and Gabriel's top tier banter, i loved their little domestic moments so much. Gabriel and Sophie watching Buffy and eating apple crumb together, making each other a cup of tea, dancing Flamenco in Spain, vacationing in Italy..living their best life. Yes please. 😌✨
I love the found family aspect the Kill John guys have. Killian, Jax, Rye, Whip are so tight and joke around each other like brothers and Scottie is always included even though he's always trying to keep his distance, because he doesn't know how to let people in.
Also i never wanted to join a band in a rap battle as badly as after I reading that scene in Managed. The only thing I can rap is the first verse of Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" and not even that well, but I just want to be part of their little family. 🥺👉👈
I've been struggling with the rating to round it up to 5 stars or leave it at 4 stars, but ultimately left the rating as it is, because for the following reasons
✧ the first half of the book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G... like 5 stars level of greatness. not one second of boredom, I was grinning the whole time from ear to ear and my heart was so happy. then at one point my excitement level just fizzled out and I became lowkey frustrated with Sophie and Gabriel. was it the nonexistent plot again? was it sexual frustration, the blue balls? i really don't know.
✧ i don't really like how the big conflicts in this series is handled. in Sophie and Gabriel's case it was a lot of miscommunication which lead to the characters to act irrational, because neither of them handled it well.
｡･ﾟﾟ･ Conclusion ･ﾟﾟ･｡
Managed has cleared my skin, solved my commitment issues, cured my depression and swept away my childhood trauma.
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
VIP SERIES
#1 Idol – 3.5 stars
#2 Managed – 4.5 stars
#3 Fall – tbr
#4 Exposed – tbr
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
✩⡱ re-read March 2021: 4.5 – ꜱᴏᴘʜɪᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴛᴛʏ ɢɪʀʟ ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢ – stars
SONG:
Stick With You – Zara Larson
I didn't have a home until she came into my life.
don't mind me, i'm just going to reread older books for comfort since all the newer books i've been reading this year are not doing anything for me. and no one is doing the sunshine-grumpy trope like Sophie and Gabriel.
“I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhea.”
“Says the man who is socially constipated.”
i'm an easy gal, i see a couple insulting each other, i obsess. don't we all love a guy who has a stick up his ass so far up? that's the cue to mentioned the other anal-retentive asshole that is Christian Allister. These Heroes just do it for me. <3
Sophie and Gabriel have one of the best meet-cute.. alright it's not actually a meet cute, but it was freaking hilarious to me. what happened is that Sophie got upgraded to first class on her flight to London. guess who is not amused by his new seat mate? right, Mr. Gabriel Scott. Sophie and Gabriel's banter 10/10 would recommend. their bickering was already amusing, but when Sophie started distracting Gabriel from his flight anxiety.. it was cracking me up.
"Jesus," I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. "It's like looking into the sun."
"What?" he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing.
"Just stop, will you?" I squint at him. "You're too hot. It's too much to take."
"Are you quite well?" he intones, as if he thinks the opposite.
"No, you've nearly rendered me blind." I flap a hand. "Do you have an off switch? Maybe put it on low?"
His nostrils flare, his skin going a shade darker. "Lovely, I'm stuck next to a mad woman.
Sophie and Gabriel as individuals were amazing. Sophie's one of the wittiest and funniest heroine who lives in the moment, while Gabriel or Scottie how everyone in the band is calling him, is the strict & cold manager who has everything under control.
Besides Sophie and Gabriel's top tier banter, i loved their little domestic moments so much. Gabriel and Sophie watching Buffy and eating apple crumb together, making each other a cup of tea, dancing Flamenco in Spain, vacationing in Italy..living their best life. Yes please. 😌✨
“Man, I keep waiting for her to break up with Jay Z. Then I’m all in.”
“Dude, your dream is dead in the water,” Jax says. “You don’t have a chance in hell with her.”
“You’re gonna eat your words,” Whip promises. “Our love is destined. She totally winked at me during that charity concert we all did last month.”
“It was windy,” Killian says with a snort. “She had dust in her eyes.”
“She had me in her eyes.”
I love the found family aspect the Kill John guys have. Killian, Jax, Rye, Whip are so tight and joke around each other like brothers and Scottie is always included even though he's always trying to keep his distance, because he doesn't know how to let people in.
Also i never wanted to join a band in a rap battle as badly as after I reading that scene in Managed. The only thing I can rap is the first verse of Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" and not even that well, but I just want to be part of their little family. 🥺👉👈
I've been struggling with the rating to round it up to 5 stars or leave it at 4 stars, but ultimately left the rating as it is, because for the following reasons
✧ the first half of the book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G... like 5 stars level of greatness. not one second of boredom, I was grinning the whole time from ear to ear and my heart was so happy. then at one point my excitement level just fizzled out and I became lowkey frustrated with Sophie and Gabriel. was it the nonexistent plot again? was it sexual frustration, the blue balls? i really don't know.
✧ i don't really like how the big conflicts in this series is handled. in Sophie and Gabriel's case it was a lot of miscommunication which lead to the characters to act irrational, because neither of them handled it well.
His eyes lock with mine, and the dancing people around me fall away. There’s just him, his hips moving with mine, my heart pounding in my chest.
｡･ﾟﾟ･ Conclusion ･ﾟﾟ･｡
Managed has cleared my skin, solved my commitment issues, cured my depression and swept away my childhood trauma.
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
VIP SERIES
#1 Idol – 3.5 stars
#2 Managed – 4.5 stars
#3 Fall – tbr
#4 Exposed – tbr
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
July 11, 2021
4.5 Letting Love In Stars
* * * * 1/2 Totally Spoiler Free!
Why is it the most wonderful experience we can have...can also cause us to feel so much pain...It must be the universal question because in Real life as well as in Fictional Life...having experienced Love, leaves the biggest mark on us all.
When it is glorious... wholehearted and fulfilled... the ripple effect on those who experience it is something to amaze. The recipients will be bighearted, welcoming of others, and open to share this feeling easily with the freedom of knowing It Is A Good Thing.
But when Love has been given then taken away or withheld...the lessons taught are much more complicated. The depth of pain can cause the desire to protect oneself from ever experiencing this loss...to overrule the innate need we have as humans to love, to connect on that level. They become distant and controlling, thinking this will protect them from any pain.
For some, that might work...But oh, the experiences, the thrills, the warmth and joy, they will miss. In Managed (VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan, we are taken on a ride that touches all of this... and it is oh so very good!
This is part of a series and although I did not read the first part, I never felt lost. I did see how compelling the premise was and plan on going back to see how it all came together...but this can be read as a stand-alone without issues.
Let me just say... This was so enjoyable. Both main characters were equals in how they interacted...We never felt they compromised or rolled over out of weakness...This dynamic made the reading strong...and thoroughly captivating. I did not want to stop reading... and practically didn't.
It had American Sophie, this woman who had gone through a darker period in her life and was reinventing herself. She had all of the necessary tools to do it. She came from an amazingly loving family; supportive, free with letting her know she had self-worth and examples of how two people can fall in love, remain in love, and be there for each other and their children.
Sophie came from all of that ... and it gave her an understanding of what was possible. She had made a detour in her life and fell prey to a man who took advantage of her...who used her talents and the experience taught her an important life lesson...She could change her path and decide what she wanted to do. She would only do work which brought her joy ... pleasant times and never to make herself feel less than. As an accomplished Social Media person/photographer, she became in demand and was on her way.
Gabriel Scott is a British self-made man out of necessity. His family life was not something to wish for...the happiness he experienced briefly with his mum and dad was short-lived. The father was not a man who there and solid... he didn't work and provide...and his mother, the main source of affection and caring, was stricken with cancer. He saw the pain and difficulty his mum went through... and when she decided enough was enough...Gabriel was left mostly on his own at 15.
He was a smart lad and was given a scholarship to one of the Boarding schools of the Upper Crust. It was there he learned what he needed to do to fit in and not be abused by pompous arses...and it was during a fight he met all of his future mates...the boys who became the band, Killing John. Those boys who became men are his family now...but he learned, oh so long ago...to never allow anyone, not even them to get too close.
He would watch out for them, make them wealthy and protected... be there every step of the way, ensuring things ran smoothly...But he would never let his guard down...that is when you could get hurt...
These two are brought together on a plane ride...Sophie being bumped to first-class and Gabriel discovering she is in the seat next to him. This is not what Gabriel expects...He always purchases both adjoining seats so no one is ever in his personal space. It is this circumstance that puts these two together for hours...and there is no escaping for Gabriel.
The joy in reading this book is the quick, sharp, extraordinary fun dialogue that happens immediately. It is not just what they say to each other but also what they are thinking at the moment. We are given both POV's and as the tale builds...all of it just works. The chemistry was off the charts and the slow build was perfect. The quotes from their banter, inner thoughts will be plastered all over other reviews...they were that good!
Even the plot points, which I knew were coming, worked...Because let's face it, all stories need some conflict and at least they weren't drawn out for too long. They showed the need for both characters to see their weaknesses and admit them. Both were up for the challenges.
This read is strong and all of the characters have purpose and tease. More VIP's will be coming and it is only a matter of time for us to find out which band member/team member it will be about...all are intriguing.
Idol (VIP, #1)
Managed (VIP, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fall (VIP, #3)
Exposed (VIP, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, how I like smart....
Give me witty, snappy dialogue anytime...
Throw in a British Man who looks like he stepped out of a fragrance ad...
And I will be right there...
But add an incredibly quick, confident, talented, and real woman to throw him off course...
And I will be frothing at the mouth to get this puppy in my hands...
Lucky for me...I've got it and could not be happier!
Managed (VIP #2) November 14th 2016
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Totally Spoiler Free!
Why is it the most wonderful experience we can have...can also cause us to feel so much pain...It must be the universal question because in Real life as well as in Fictional Life...having experienced Love, leaves the biggest mark on us all.
When it is glorious... wholehearted and fulfilled... the ripple effect on those who experience it is something to amaze. The recipients will be bighearted, welcoming of others, and open to share this feeling easily with the freedom of knowing It Is A Good Thing.
But when Love has been given then taken away or withheld...the lessons taught are much more complicated. The depth of pain can cause the desire to protect oneself from ever experiencing this loss...to overrule the innate need we have as humans to love, to connect on that level. They become distant and controlling, thinking this will protect them from any pain.
For some, that might work...But oh, the experiences, the thrills, the warmth and joy, they will miss. In Managed (VIP #2) by Kristen Callihan, we are taken on a ride that touches all of this... and it is oh so very good!
This is part of a series and although I did not read the first part, I never felt lost. I did see how compelling the premise was and plan on going back to see how it all came together...but this can be read as a stand-alone without issues.
Let me just say... This was so enjoyable. Both main characters were equals in how they interacted...We never felt they compromised or rolled over out of weakness...This dynamic made the reading strong...and thoroughly captivating. I did not want to stop reading... and practically didn't.
It had American Sophie, this woman who had gone through a darker period in her life and was reinventing herself. She had all of the necessary tools to do it. She came from an amazingly loving family; supportive, free with letting her know she had self-worth and examples of how two people can fall in love, remain in love, and be there for each other and their children.
Sophie came from all of that ... and it gave her an understanding of what was possible. She had made a detour in her life and fell prey to a man who took advantage of her...who used her talents and the experience taught her an important life lesson...She could change her path and decide what she wanted to do. She would only do work which brought her joy ... pleasant times and never to make herself feel less than. As an accomplished Social Media person/photographer, she became in demand and was on her way.
Gabriel Scott is a British self-made man out of necessity. His family life was not something to wish for...the happiness he experienced briefly with his mum and dad was short-lived. The father was not a man who there and solid... he didn't work and provide...and his mother, the main source of affection and caring, was stricken with cancer. He saw the pain and difficulty his mum went through... and when she decided enough was enough...Gabriel was left mostly on his own at 15.
He was a smart lad and was given a scholarship to one of the Boarding schools of the Upper Crust. It was there he learned what he needed to do to fit in and not be abused by pompous arses...and it was during a fight he met all of his future mates...the boys who became the band, Killing John. Those boys who became men are his family now...but he learned, oh so long ago...to never allow anyone, not even them to get too close.
He would watch out for them, make them wealthy and protected... be there every step of the way, ensuring things ran smoothly...But he would never let his guard down...that is when you could get hurt...
These two are brought together on a plane ride...Sophie being bumped to first-class and Gabriel discovering she is in the seat next to him. This is not what Gabriel expects...He always purchases both adjoining seats so no one is ever in his personal space. It is this circumstance that puts these two together for hours...and there is no escaping for Gabriel.
The joy in reading this book is the quick, sharp, extraordinary fun dialogue that happens immediately. It is not just what they say to each other but also what they are thinking at the moment. We are given both POV's and as the tale builds...all of it just works. The chemistry was off the charts and the slow build was perfect. The quotes from their banter, inner thoughts will be plastered all over other reviews...they were that good!
Even the plot points, which I knew were coming, worked...Because let's face it, all stories need some conflict and at least they weren't drawn out for too long. They showed the need for both characters to see their weaknesses and admit them. Both were up for the challenges.
This read is strong and all of the characters have purpose and tease. More VIP's will be coming and it is only a matter of time for us to find out which band member/team member it will be about...all are intriguing.
Idol (VIP, #1) Managed (VIP, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fall (VIP, #3) Exposed (VIP, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, how I like smart....
Give me witty, snappy dialogue anytime...
Throw in a British Man who looks like he stepped out of a fragrance ad...
And I will be right there...
But add an incredibly quick, confident, talented, and real woman to throw him off course...
And I will be frothing at the mouth to get this puppy in my hands...
Lucky for me...I've got it and could not be happier!
Managed (VIP #2) November 14th 2016
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 17, 2017
****4.5 STARS****
Let us first talk about sexy ass Gabriel for a moment please….This man is beautiful, just fucking beautiful. It’s really not fair if you think about it. He has the sexist accent (as far as us American think).I’m a sucker for a British accent – I even my my husband read some of Gabriel sentences so I could listen to his words come out of another Brit’s mouth. I’m sure he wants a divorce now!!!
But here is the thing, Gabriel knows he is sexy as hell but he doesn’t give a flying fuck. To him, all those women who only want him for his looks turn him off.
He sounds so snobby, but I love him.
Hopefully, you have read Idol (VIP book 1) and you know that Gabriel is kind of rude, snobby, closed off, emotionless and difficult to get to know….or so we think. But in book 2 you get a chance to get to know Gabriel aka Scottie in a way we didn’t from book 1. He is quite the opposite of all those things.
I’ve lived in England and have many British friends so I understood Gabriel’s flat personality well. I actually liked his character in the previous book. I knew in book 1 that there was more than and reading it in book 2 just solidified my feeling about him.
My precious Sophie, I just loved her.
Sophie is everything Gabriel needs whether he wants to admit it or not – he didn’t want to admit it, surprise, surprise! She is funny, outgoing, confident but not arrogant, beautiful and opinionated.
She also has no intentions of putting up with his shit, which I love. While everyone is scared of him she doesn’t care, she messes with him on purpose to help bring him out of his shell.
But Gabriel doesn’t always stay on Sophie’s good side. Just like every other man he has is “idiot” moments. And when they get to a point of disrespect she isn’t having any of that. My kind of girl.
When a woman is fed up there is nothing you can do about it….
Sophie gives Gabriel something he has always found difficult to obtain, complete acceptance. But can he give it back to her?….
Let me tell you something I don’t think men understand. We will support them until we are blue in the face. We will ride for them, stand by them, accept you for who they are. But don’t get it wrong, we will not be doormats or their punching bags. I loved me some Sophie because she not going to allow him to be disrespectful or treat her like shit.
But Gabriel sees Sophie as his weakness. Weakness is not an emotion that sits well with him. That scares him and he begins to make choices and do things that aren’t healthy for him or for Sophie.
At least Gabriel has some really good friends, I mean check out their advice….
Us women can be so complicated. Hahahahahahahaha!!!!! Love it!
I can’t say anything negative about this book because I really enjoyed it. It didn’t stress me out much, I loved both main characters, no one annoyed me. It was pretty, pretty, pretty good.
I don’t know if there is going to be a 3rd book but if there is I’m going to reading it ASAP!!!! It’s a good things there is a HEA otherwise I would be going bat shit crazy.
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Let us first talk about sexy ass Gabriel for a moment please….This man is beautiful, just fucking beautiful. It’s really not fair if you think about it. He has the sexist accent (as far as us American think).I’m a sucker for a British accent – I even my my husband read some of Gabriel sentences so I could listen to his words come out of another Brit’s mouth. I’m sure he wants a divorce now!!!
But here is the thing, Gabriel knows he is sexy as hell but he doesn’t give a flying fuck. To him, all those women who only want him for his looks turn him off.
“Our situation aside, casual contact irritates me, which means casual sex no longer holds and interest. In truth, I find it repellant now.” – Gabriel
He sounds so snobby, but I love him.
Hopefully, you have read Idol (VIP book 1) and you know that Gabriel is kind of rude, snobby, closed off, emotionless and difficult to get to know….or so we think. But in book 2 you get a chance to get to know Gabriel aka Scottie in a way we didn’t from book 1. He is quite the opposite of all those things.
I’ve lived in England and have many British friends so I understood Gabriel’s flat personality well. I actually liked his character in the previous book. I knew in book 1 that there was more than and reading it in book 2 just solidified my feeling about him.
My precious Sophie, I just loved her.
Sophie is everything Gabriel needs whether he wants to admit it or not – he didn’t want to admit it, surprise, surprise! She is funny, outgoing, confident but not arrogant, beautiful and opinionated.
I’d wonder if he’s simply arrogant – a perfectly formed man who doesn’t deign to mix with average women like me. But it’s fairly clear he’s this way with everyone. – Sophie
She also has no intentions of putting up with his shit, which I love. While everyone is scared of him she doesn’t care, she messes with him on purpose to help bring him out of his shell.
But Gabriel doesn’t always stay on Sophie’s good side. Just like every other man he has is “idiot” moments. And when they get to a point of disrespect she isn’t having any of that. My kind of girl.
When a woman is fed up there is nothing you can do about it….
“You know,” she says. “I like you just as you are, faults and all. But you clearly don’t accept me for who I am.”
“That’s not true!” I’m walking faster now. But she’s already at the door, opening it. “Sophie.”
She pauses, but still doesn’t look my way. “Leave me alone, Gabriel. I’ve reached my limit tonight. I can’t talk to you anymore.”
Sophie gives Gabriel something he has always found difficult to obtain, complete acceptance. But can he give it back to her?….
Let me tell you something I don’t think men understand. We will support them until we are blue in the face. We will ride for them, stand by them, accept you for who they are. But don’t get it wrong, we will not be doormats or their punching bags. I loved me some Sophie because she not going to allow him to be disrespectful or treat her like shit.
But Gabriel sees Sophie as his weakness. Weakness is not an emotion that sits well with him. That scares him and he begins to make choices and do things that aren’t healthy for him or for Sophie.
At least Gabriel has some really good friends, I mean check out their advice….
“So, did you apologize to Sophie?” Jax asks.
“Of course. But I cocked it up, and she asked for space.”
“You didn’t give her space, did you?” Killian sounds horrified.
It give me a pause, and I peer up at him. “Wasn’t I supposed to?”
“No, you don’t give them space,” he wails. “That’s only some shit they say to see if you’ll fight for them.”
Outrage punches through me, “Why the bloddy hell would they do that to us?”
“To see if we’re paying attention.” Jax offers.
“To torture us.” Rye counters.
Us women can be so complicated. Hahahahahahahaha!!!!! Love it!
I can’t say anything negative about this book because I really enjoyed it. It didn’t stress me out much, I loved both main characters, no one annoyed me. It was pretty, pretty, pretty good.
I don’t know if there is going to be a 3rd book but if there is I’m going to reading it ASAP!!!! It’s a good things there is a HEA otherwise I would be going bat shit crazy.
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July 28, 2021
4.5 Chatty Girl Stars ⭐
What a book and what a man. There's nothing better than a grumpy asshat who's an adorable keeper. If you need a smile and a little chuckle, Managed was delightful!
“I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhea.”
“Says the man who is socially constipated.”
There are first meetings and then there is Gabriel Scott and Sophie Darling. Sat together in first class whilst travelling to London, I don’t know who drew the short straw. At first glance Gabriel is rude and obnoxious, completely pissed at having to sit next to another passenger. Whereas Sophie is still spinning at being upgraded from economy. So, what’s better than poking the beast.
They may have gotten off to a rocky start, but the witty banter is everything Gabriel didn’t know he needed. Trying to hide his fear of flying is smashed to smithereens once he realises that he’s met his match in Sophie. A person so kind and genuine it sets his nerves on edge.
“I’ve never met a person I couldn’t manage,” comes his tight reply a few seconds later.
Not bothering to take the mask off, I extend a hand his way. “Sophie Elizabeth Darling.”
A set of teeth catch the edge of my hand and nip me. I’m so shocked I yelp, snatching my hand back. Lurching up, I whip off my mask to find him staring back at me with a bland look.
As it happens, fate is having a laugh at their expense. Because Gabriel and Sophie will soon be working closely together. With Gabriel being the manager of rock legends, Kill John; Sophie has just been hired to help with their social media image.
Their attraction was instant even if Gabriel has spent years erecting emotional barriers. The master of control intends on keeping Sophie at arm’s length. Considering Sophie’s presence brings him comfort, asking her to be his snuggle buddy is crazy. You say what? Well it wasn’t so preposterous when reading this. Now they’re bedding together without sex. Like that was going to last…
I know I already said delightful, but this truly was. Both Scottie and Darling were ridiculously good. This was slow burn perfection featuring two characters who will have you in fits!
“I’ve lived my whole life denying myself what I truly want. And yet I cannot turn from you. Haven’t you realized it yet? I am yours. I will always be yours, whether I touch you or not.”
What a book and what a man. There's nothing better than a grumpy asshat who's an adorable keeper. If you need a smile and a little chuckle, Managed was delightful!
“I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhea.”
“Says the man who is socially constipated.”
There are first meetings and then there is Gabriel Scott and Sophie Darling. Sat together in first class whilst travelling to London, I don’t know who drew the short straw. At first glance Gabriel is rude and obnoxious, completely pissed at having to sit next to another passenger. Whereas Sophie is still spinning at being upgraded from economy. So, what’s better than poking the beast.
They may have gotten off to a rocky start, but the witty banter is everything Gabriel didn’t know he needed. Trying to hide his fear of flying is smashed to smithereens once he realises that he’s met his match in Sophie. A person so kind and genuine it sets his nerves on edge.
“I’ve never met a person I couldn’t manage,” comes his tight reply a few seconds later.
Not bothering to take the mask off, I extend a hand his way. “Sophie Elizabeth Darling.”
A set of teeth catch the edge of my hand and nip me. I’m so shocked I yelp, snatching my hand back. Lurching up, I whip off my mask to find him staring back at me with a bland look.
As it happens, fate is having a laugh at their expense. Because Gabriel and Sophie will soon be working closely together. With Gabriel being the manager of rock legends, Kill John; Sophie has just been hired to help with their social media image.
Their attraction was instant even if Gabriel has spent years erecting emotional barriers. The master of control intends on keeping Sophie at arm’s length. Considering Sophie’s presence brings him comfort, asking her to be his snuggle buddy is crazy. You say what? Well it wasn’t so preposterous when reading this. Now they’re bedding together without sex. Like that was going to last…
I know I already said delightful, but this truly was. Both Scottie and Darling were ridiculously good. This was slow burn perfection featuring two characters who will have you in fits!
“I’ve lived my whole life denying myself what I truly want. And yet I cannot turn from you. Haven’t you realized it yet? I am yours. I will always be yours, whether I touch you or not.”
April 16, 2021
I loved hearing Mr Gandy ... I mean Scottie
I was surprised when I started my re-read/listen of Managed, that I had only given it 4 stars (with my own .5 added on because I can). How could I not have loved a story about Mr Gandy/Scottie? Even when I started listening, I thought that maybe I'd had a brain malfunction when I wrote my review.
Then, I got it.
I admit it's hard to absolutely love a story when one of the characters has done something abhorrent. Sure, she tried to make up for her bad decision but it was still something that I really struggled with.
Anyways ... it was still a very enjoyable listening experience and Rupert Channing's accent is extremely sexy. Charlotte North does a fantastic job but in the end, I was really only here for Mr Gandy ... I mean Scottie. 😉
I will definitely be listening to more of the VIP series soon...ish.
**********
…I think I started Managed with rose coloured glasses on.
***4.5 Stars***
After reading Managed, I’m trying to imagine how I would react if David Gandy sat beside me on a flight to London. OH MY LORDY!! Besides major heart failure (and possibly some drooling), I can honestly say that I would probably pretend to be asleep through the whole flight. See, even though I think Mr Gandy is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, I know there is NO WAY IN HELL I’d have the courage to talk to him. What if…I was 20 years younger (OMG…when did I get old???), single and Mr Gandy was scared of flying and needed to hold my hand? Hmmm…
You may or may not know this but I think Mr Gandy is a beautiful man. Hubby knows and shakes his head at me but he also knows that it’s just an admiration for his good looks. Mr Gandy is my free crush. Hubby has one too. He’ll probably kill me for telling you all, but he had a huge crush on Alyssa Milano when she was in Who’s The Boss? I think it’s pretty safe to say that neither of us will be running off with our free crush…so it’s all good.
Gabriel aka Scottie, was described in Idol, the first book in this series, as looking like David Gandy. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED IN MY LIFE (slight exaggeration). I love it when I can picture a character in my mind. I’ll admit, I think I enjoyed Managed even more because of it. It wasn’t just that he looked like David Gandy (BIG BONUS), it was that I could see him. I was able to imagine the faces he would pull and hear his British accent. It was easy to fall in love with his character and it felt more intimate… real… emotional because I felt like I knew him. Poor David Gandy (the real one). The next time the poor bugger gets on the plane women will be offering to cuddle him if the plane gets bumpy.
Sophie Darling is heading overseas for a job interview and can’t believe her luck when she’s been moved to first class. Nothing could be better than travelling first-class … until she sees who is sitting next to her. Hubba Hubba! He is the most beautiful specimen she has EVER SEEN but it’s a shame he’s such a jerk. Sophie, being a wee bit of a smart mouth decides to have a bit of fun at his expense. What follows is a very intense snark battle that both of them thoroughly enjoy. Then…they hit turbulence.
Gabriel Scott does not fly well. He reserves two seats in first class to avoid anyone seeing him vulnerable. Imagine his delight (HORROR) when his spare seat is occupied by a loud-mouthed bombshell with curves to die for and big red lips. Putting up his ice fortress doesn’t seem to deter her but luckily for him, she manages to distract him from a panic attack. If he can just get through this flight he will never have to face this sexy woman again.
HA HA HA!! Guess who Sophie’s meeting in London? You guessed it, Gabriel’s business partner.
I would almost call the romance between Gabriel and Sophie a slow burn. There is an attraction from the very beginning but neither of them is comfortable with starting a relationship. The more time they spend with each other, the more they become addicted to being in each others company. Once they do become intimate it is HOT!!
I really enjoyed Managed from start to finish. I loved Sophie and Gabriel. Sophie comes across as extremely confident but deep down she finds herself lacking. There was a time in her life where she didn’t like herself at all. She’s better now, but it doesn’t take much for her vulnerability to show through. Gabriel comes across as very unemotional and icy. The more we get to know him, we see that he has made work his life to avoid heartbreak. It was beautiful to see them grow and connect.
I loved catching up with the gang. Jax seems better, Killian and Libby seem happy together and Rye and Whip are still causing mischief. I’m thinking that I want Brenna’s story next. I have this feeling that she has some unfinished business with the goofy one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Managed and definitely recommend it.
I was surprised when I started my re-read/listen of Managed, that I had only given it 4 stars (with my own .5 added on because I can). How could I not have loved a story about Mr Gandy/Scottie? Even when I started listening, I thought that maybe I'd had a brain malfunction when I wrote my review.
Then, I got it.
I admit it's hard to absolutely love a story when one of the characters has done something abhorrent. Sure, she tried to make up for her bad decision but it was still something that I really struggled with.
Anyways ... it was still a very enjoyable listening experience and Rupert Channing's accent is extremely sexy. Charlotte North does a fantastic job but in the end, I was really only here for Mr Gandy ... I mean Scottie. 😉
I will definitely be listening to more of the VIP series soon...ish.
**********
…I think I started Managed with rose coloured glasses on.
***4.5 Stars***
After reading Managed, I’m trying to imagine how I would react if David Gandy sat beside me on a flight to London. OH MY LORDY!! Besides major heart failure (and possibly some drooling), I can honestly say that I would probably pretend to be asleep through the whole flight. See, even though I think Mr Gandy is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, I know there is NO WAY IN HELL I’d have the courage to talk to him. What if…I was 20 years younger (OMG…when did I get old???), single and Mr Gandy was scared of flying and needed to hold my hand? Hmmm…
You may or may not know this but I think Mr Gandy is a beautiful man. Hubby knows and shakes his head at me but he also knows that it’s just an admiration for his good looks. Mr Gandy is my free crush. Hubby has one too. He’ll probably kill me for telling you all, but he had a huge crush on Alyssa Milano when she was in Who’s The Boss? I think it’s pretty safe to say that neither of us will be running off with our free crush…so it’s all good.
Gabriel aka Scottie, was described in Idol, the first book in this series, as looking like David Gandy. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED IN MY LIFE (slight exaggeration). I love it when I can picture a character in my mind. I’ll admit, I think I enjoyed Managed even more because of it. It wasn’t just that he looked like David Gandy (BIG BONUS), it was that I could see him. I was able to imagine the faces he would pull and hear his British accent. It was easy to fall in love with his character and it felt more intimate… real… emotional because I felt like I knew him. Poor David Gandy (the real one). The next time the poor bugger gets on the plane women will be offering to cuddle him if the plane gets bumpy.
Sophie Darling is heading overseas for a job interview and can’t believe her luck when she’s been moved to first class. Nothing could be better than travelling first-class … until she sees who is sitting next to her. Hubba Hubba! He is the most beautiful specimen she has EVER SEEN but it’s a shame he’s such a jerk. Sophie, being a wee bit of a smart mouth decides to have a bit of fun at his expense. What follows is a very intense snark battle that both of them thoroughly enjoy. Then…they hit turbulence.
Gabriel Scott does not fly well. He reserves two seats in first class to avoid anyone seeing him vulnerable. Imagine his delight (HORROR) when his spare seat is occupied by a loud-mouthed bombshell with curves to die for and big red lips. Putting up his ice fortress doesn’t seem to deter her but luckily for him, she manages to distract him from a panic attack. If he can just get through this flight he will never have to face this sexy woman again.
HA HA HA!! Guess who Sophie’s meeting in London? You guessed it, Gabriel’s business partner.
I would almost call the romance between Gabriel and Sophie a slow burn. There is an attraction from the very beginning but neither of them is comfortable with starting a relationship. The more time they spend with each other, the more they become addicted to being in each others company. Once they do become intimate it is HOT!!
I really enjoyed Managed from start to finish. I loved Sophie and Gabriel. Sophie comes across as extremely confident but deep down she finds herself lacking. There was a time in her life where she didn’t like herself at all. She’s better now, but it doesn’t take much for her vulnerability to show through. Gabriel comes across as very unemotional and icy. The more we get to know him, we see that he has made work his life to avoid heartbreak. It was beautiful to see them grow and connect.
I loved catching up with the gang. Jax seems better, Killian and Libby seem happy together and Rye and Whip are still causing mischief. I’m thinking that I want Brenna’s story next. I have this feeling that she has some unfinished business with the goofy one.
I thoroughly enjoyed Managed and definitely recommend it.
November 18, 2016
*****5 Stars*****
“I wasn’t prepared to need you this much. I don’t know who I am anymore if you aren’t with me.”
One word springs to mind when I think about this book and that is AWESOME! The dialogue in the book is quick witted, the characters have a charm about them and their banter was superb. This was an incredibly hilarious read and I was constantly laughing out loud (and I mean that, literally). After falling madly in love with the first book in this series, “Idol”, I just could not wait to get my hands on the second “Managed”, which meant I was re-introduced to Gabriel “Scottie” Scott. I just could not wait to get inside his head and read his story. Kristen Callihan certainly did nail it again.
I fell head over heels in love with Sophie Darling from the very first page. She is witty, outspoken, spirited and confident. Sophie cannot believe her luck when she is upgraded to first class on a flight to London. This is where she first meets Gabriel. Gabriel comes across as a typical pompous, arrogant Brit; he is a person who buys two seats in first class so he doesn’t have to sit with anyone else. When Sophie is moved to first class, to sit in the spare seat he has purchased, he gets riled up at the fact he has to sit next to her. For a normal person this could have been a very awkward situation, but not Sophie. No, she fights back and refuses to take his crap and even nicknames him “Sunshine”.
One of the many character traits I loved about Sophie was her compassion. During the seven hour flight to London, she wakes to find Gabriel having a panic attack as a result of some turbulence. Despite his rude behaviour towards her earlier on, she was still willing to go above and beyond and help him with his panic attack by cuddling him. That turned out to the first of many comforting cuddles she would give to him.
Gabriel is not at all as he initially appears to be. He comes across as a serious, stiff, pompous twat who is incapable of having any fun, but he has an absolute heart of gold. As the manager of one of the biggest rock groups in the world “Kill John”, he is fiercely loyal to them. He refers to them as his family, but due to previous life experiences, he has built a wall between him and everybody else in his life and finds it terrifying to let people in. I’m not going to go into too much detail of all the wonderful, complex layers of Gabriel Scott, but trust me when I say you this, “you will fall in love with him!"
This was such an addictive, heart-warming beautiful story filled with lots of laugh out loud moments and a lot of quick witted banter. Gabriel and Sophie were night and day and their sexual tension literally jumped off the pages. The anticipation for them to eventually succumb to their feelings and attraction towards each other almost did me in. I loved each and every page and could not put it down. If you enjoy your slow burn, opposites attract, hilarious and heart-warming stories, definitely give this a go. I most definitely recommend it.
September 13, 2017
This book was absolutely delicious. Delicious!
I FLOVED this story. Gabriel Scott was so damn yummy in his beautiful suits and cufflinks. Sophie Darling was such a fun character and the perfect balance to Gabriel's very structured persona. I just adored them together. The sexual tension between the two of them was absolutely palpable and I craved it! The touch of angst toward the end seemed a bit ridiculous, but I don't shy away from angst in a book and it was quickly resolved.
This contemporary friends-to-lovers read told from dual POVs had me burning the midnight oil and I don't regret the lack of sleep I'm suffering from today because of it. Now, I just have to wait for the next book in this series by Kristen Callihan to be released. At the time of this review, book 3 in this series is "Untitled" with only the description that it's "Jax's book." Um... fuck, yes! I'll be waiting... and watching.
I FLOVED this story. Gabriel Scott was so damn yummy in his beautiful suits and cufflinks. Sophie Darling was such a fun character and the perfect balance to Gabriel's very structured persona. I just adored them together. The sexual tension between the two of them was absolutely palpable and I craved it! The touch of angst toward the end seemed a bit ridiculous, but I don't shy away from angst in a book and it was quickly resolved.
This contemporary friends-to-lovers read told from dual POVs had me burning the midnight oil and I don't regret the lack of sleep I'm suffering from today because of it. Now, I just have to wait for the next book in this series by Kristen Callihan to be released. At the time of this review, book 3 in this series is "Untitled" with only the description that it's "Jax's book." Um... fuck, yes! I'll be waiting... and watching.
November 14, 2016
5 Chatty Girl's Sunshine Stars
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Gabriel "Scottie" Scott is "Kill John's" band manager. He is the person who keeps things in order. His firm control over all aspects of his friends' musical carrier is also symbolic for the control he has over his emotions. Guarding his heart has become second nature to Gabriel and the walls he has built around it are impenetrable. It is not that he doesn't feel but admitting is what gives other people an in to hurt you.
Sophie Darling is the person who tries not to take things too seriously. She always has a sassy comeback on her lips and since meeting this closed off beautiful man who is terrified of flying on board of a plane she can't stop rattling his cage and pushing his buttons.
Despite the air of aloofness she glimpses something vulnerable.
Confession: I'm not a David Gandy fan. Sure, he is insanely beautiful. He has that smile that can make panties melt. What I don't like is his arrogance and attitude. Yet, he was the person I imagined as the hero of this book. Gabriel is the best version David Gandy can ever hope to be. So maybe there is a little bit of Gabriel in Mr. Gandy, who knows ;)
Gabriel is painfully guarded. So much that you want to draw him into a hug all the time and tell him to let loose. He has that super dry sense of humor that appeals so much to me, his quips had me laughing out loud in the waiting room of a hospital. People weren't happy with me!
Deep down Gabriel is also a nurturer and I love how he takes care of Sophie.
Sophie is the perfect girl to crack open his shell. She has a mouth that most of the times runs away with her, is warm and makes people laugh. She also has a spine made of steel and doesn't back down if Sophie feels she is in the right. She also owns her desire to have something real in her life and doesn't sell herself short.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading Ms. Callihan's story about Sophie and Gabriel. She created magical moments, a heroine with enough sass to reel in a jaded businessman with an ironclad control and a wonderful ultra slow-burning love story, which I'm sure I'll be re-reading in the future. The banter was insanely entertaining - I'm always in awe because I have no idea how authors come up with these dialogues. Overall 100% recommendation from this reader!
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Gabriel "Scottie" Scott is "Kill John's" band manager. He is the person who keeps things in order. His firm control over all aspects of his friends' musical carrier is also symbolic for the control he has over his emotions. Guarding his heart has become second nature to Gabriel and the walls he has built around it are impenetrable. It is not that he doesn't feel but admitting is what gives other people an in to hurt you.
I know without a doubt that The Book of Gabriel doesn't open very often, if ever.
Sophie Darling is the person who tries not to take things too seriously. She always has a sassy comeback on her lips and since meeting this closed off beautiful man who is terrified of flying on board of a plane she can't stop rattling his cage and pushing his buttons.
"I'm stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhea."
"Says the man who is socially constipated."
Despite the air of aloofness she glimpses something vulnerable.
Confession: I'm not a David Gandy fan. Sure, he is insanely beautiful. He has that smile that can make panties melt. What I don't like is his arrogance and attitude. Yet, he was the person I imagined as the hero of this book. Gabriel is the best version David Gandy can ever hope to be. So maybe there is a little bit of Gabriel in Mr. Gandy, who knows ;)
Gabriel is painfully guarded. So much that you want to draw him into a hug all the time and tell him to let loose. He has that super dry sense of humor that appeals so much to me, his quips had me laughing out loud in the waiting room of a hospital. People weren't happy with me!
Deep down Gabriel is also a nurturer and I love how he takes care of Sophie.
...he left me breakfast - a boiled egg, a ginger scone, and a pot of tea on a tray, all covered with a warming cloth. The note pinned on it had instructions to eat it all, as breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Gabriel Scott, mother hen hiding in a ten-thousand-dollar suit.
Sophie is the perfect girl to crack open his shell. She has a mouth that most of the times runs away with her, is warm and makes people laugh. She also has a spine made of steel and doesn't back down if Sophie feels she is in the right. She also owns her desire to have something real in her life and doesn't sell herself short.
I want this woman more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. But I want to keep her. I have no idea how to keep anyone close to me. Because I have no idea how to expose my heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading Ms. Callihan's story about Sophie and Gabriel. She created magical moments, a heroine with enough sass to reel in a jaded businessman with an ironclad control and a wonderful ultra slow-burning love story, which I'm sure I'll be re-reading in the future. The banter was insanely entertaining - I'm always in awe because I have no idea how authors come up with these dialogues. Overall 100% recommendation from this reader!
We both freeze. Well Gabriel freezes. His dick? It nudges me again, that blunt head pushing into the small of my back as if to say hello."Involuntary reaction," Gabriel says in a strangled voice. "Ignore it."
His hard-on says otherwise.
I swallow with difficulty. "Your hard dick is poking me in the ass. I can no more ignore it than if you slapped me in the face with it."
He stills, a sound gurgling in his throat. I'm about to apologize for being so crude, when he bursts out laughing.
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I feel like this deja vu for me in regards to how I felt about the first book, Idol. I LOVED the first part of this book! I loved the witty banter, the chemistry, the grumpy hot H and the awkward funny h! I was on my way to having a 5 star read!
Then, sadly, it fizzed out. I got antsy about waiting for them to actually get together. While I loved their friendship and their banter, I just wanted them to get it on ;)! It took until 73% for them to kiss for the first time!!!! I am definitely not a fan of instalove. I need to feel their connection before the "L" word starts being thrown around (even in inner dialogue). BUT I also am not a fan when the "slow burn" is too slow! I need a good balance, and unfortunately because I didn't feel like this was properly balanced it lost me. I don't need them to get frisky right off the bat in a book for me to like it, but I just didn't understand why they weren't giving in to their feelings here. It became frustrating to me, and I started to feel the itch to skim. I didn't! I stayed with it, but I really was ready for them to start up an actual relationship.
I also was extremely frustrated with the "drama" that was thrown in at around the 85ish% mark. It felt like drama for the sake of drama, and it honestly just made me upset with the h. I know that the H was the one that we probably are supposed to feel "messed up" (because he is the one that made the big effort to make-up), but the h was bordering on that tstl line for me with her behavior. I loved her otherwise! I was just really bummed with how she reacted and didn't fully trust the H and the relationship they had to be honest. I know that I am usually harder on the hs than I am on the Hs, so that might just be the case here.
I also wanted more! I wanted to see their HEA!! I wanted a farther jump ahead epilogue to see them with a family and settled down like Sophie had said was all she really wanted in life. While the epilogue was cute, it just didn't leave me with that feeling of fulfillment.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Gabriel's story. They meet on a international flight when they are seated together in first class. They quickly engage in some fun banter and have an instant attraction, but they eventually figure out that Sophie is on her way to interview for a job with the band Gabriel manages. They end up working together and forming an strong friendship where both of them help each other out, and much to everyone's surprise Gabriel lets Sophie in to see the real him. They spend more time together, and the line between friends becomes really blurred and they fall in love. There are some laugh out loud moments, some sexy times, some sweet moments, and a little drama...but they do get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Sophie and Gabriel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Great for the first half, but then I struggled with it. It is my biggest complaint tbh. I never skimmed though.
Instalove: No, but instalust and instant connection.
H rating: 5 stars. Gabriel. I loved him! I loved how protective and loyal he was to those he loved. I loved how he was with Sophie, and his inner dork.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Sophie. I loved her until she decided to keep something from the H close to the end.
Sadness level: Low. Never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They take a long time to get there, but once they do they have good chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes, but pretty mild
Closure: This had ok closure with a jump ahead epilogue. I would call it a HFN ending, but others might be fine with calling it a HEA . Being the greedy girl I am, I wanted more!
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most readers.
Overall Opinion: I feel like this deja vu for me in regards to how I felt about the first book, Idol. I LOVED the first part of this book! I loved the witty banter, the chemistry, the grumpy hot H and the awkward funny h! I was on my way to having a 5 star read!
Then, sadly, it fizzed out. I got antsy about waiting for them to actually get together. While I loved their friendship and their banter, I just wanted them to get it on ;)! It took until 73% for them to kiss for the first time!!!! I am definitely not a fan of instalove. I need to feel their connection before the "L" word starts being thrown around (even in inner dialogue). BUT I also am not a fan when the "slow burn" is too slow! I need a good balance, and unfortunately because I didn't feel like this was properly balanced it lost me. I don't need them to get frisky right off the bat in a book for me to like it, but I just didn't understand why they weren't giving in to their feelings here. It became frustrating to me, and I started to feel the itch to skim. I didn't! I stayed with it, but I really was ready for them to start up an actual relationship.
I also was extremely frustrated with the "drama" that was thrown in at around the 85ish% mark. It felt like drama for the sake of drama, and it honestly just made me upset with the h. I know that the H was the one that we probably are supposed to feel "messed up" (because he is the one that made the big effort to make-up), but the h was bordering on that tstl line for me with her behavior. I loved her otherwise! I was just really bummed with how she reacted and didn't fully trust the H and the relationship they had to be honest. I know that I am usually harder on the hs than I am on the Hs, so that might just be the case here.
I also wanted more! I wanted to see their HEA!! I wanted a farther jump ahead epilogue to see them with a family and settled down like Sophie had said was all she really wanted in life. While the epilogue was cute, it just didn't leave me with that feeling of fulfillment.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Gabriel's story. They meet on a international flight when they are seated together in first class. They quickly engage in some fun banter and have an instant attraction, but they eventually figure out that Sophie is on her way to interview for a job with the band Gabriel manages. They end up working together and forming an strong friendship where both of them help each other out, and much to everyone's surprise Gabriel lets Sophie in to see the real him. They spend more time together, and the line between friends becomes really blurred and they fall in love. There are some laugh out loud moments, some sexy times, some sweet moments, and a little drama...but they do get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Sophie and Gabriel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Great for the first half, but then I struggled with it. It is my biggest complaint tbh. I never skimmed though.
Instalove: No, but instalust and instant connection.
H rating: 5 stars. Gabriel. I loved him! I loved how protective and loyal he was to those he loved. I loved how he was with Sophie, and his inner dork.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Sophie. I loved her until she decided to keep something from the H close to the end.
Sadness level: Low. Never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They take a long time to get there, but once they do they have good chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes, but pretty mild
Closure: This had ok closure with a jump ahead epilogue. I would call it a HFN ending, but others might be fine with calling it a HEA . Being the greedy girl I am, I wanted more!
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon for it.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most readers.
September 9, 2018
4.5 Stars
1st things first. Gabriel Scott is a GOD and I need him to be real a person so I can claim him and smother his stuck up, snooty, sexy self in my love.
I’ve always adored Kristen Callihan’s writing and Managed was no exception. This book focuses on Gabriel “Scottie” Scott, manager of the band Kill John (whose lead singer is the hero from Idol – VIP Book #1 ) and Sophie Darling, who was one of the most sweetest, sassy, and outspoken heroines.
The sexual tension in this book was NO JOKE. I was buddy-reading this with a friend and must have messaged her 74 times screaming that if these two didn’t do the dirty already I was going to throw my kindle out of a freaking window.
“I want to shut her up with my mouth. Take. And take. And take. Lick up her words, drink in her laughter.”
"I can’t look away or stop myself from rocking into her, saying with my body what I’m too afraid to utter.
Take me, have me, love me."
The banter was fantastic. The way Kristen writes dialogue is gold. There is always a perfect mix of humor, steam, and romance in her books.
“Besides, your brand of pretty is like a weapon. You reel victims in with it, just like a vampire does. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sparkle in the sun.”
“I cannot believe I’m arguing with a woman who references Twilight.”
“The fact that you know I’m referencing Twilight betrays you as a secret Edward-loving fanboy.”
His snort is loud and scathing. “Team Jacob all the way.”
I can’t help it, my eyes fly open, and I lift a corner of my mask to glare at him. “That’s it. We can never be friends.”
“How are dudes in real life supposed to compete when women are reading about python dicks and pussy whisperers?” <--This line from my darling Rye. I can’t wait for his book.
The bromance was so freaking adorable I swear my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I am not a huge fan of rock star romances, but leave it to Kristen to change my mind and fall head over heels in love with the band and the rest of the characters.
While some things were a littleeee over the top and some parts a little too convenient for my liking, this was so DAMN SWEET and something I most definitely recommend!
Managed is out now! |http://amzn.to/2gGNNAA
Find Me On:
Instagram ❤ FB Page ❤ FB Blog ❤ Blog
1st things first. Gabriel Scott is a GOD and I need him to be real a person so I can claim him and smother his stuck up, snooty, sexy self in my love.
I’ve always adored Kristen Callihan’s writing and Managed was no exception. This book focuses on Gabriel “Scottie” Scott, manager of the band Kill John (whose lead singer is the hero from Idol – VIP Book #1 ) and Sophie Darling, who was one of the most sweetest, sassy, and outspoken heroines.
The sexual tension in this book was NO JOKE. I was buddy-reading this with a friend and must have messaged her 74 times screaming that if these two didn’t do the dirty already I was going to throw my kindle out of a freaking window.
“I want to shut her up with my mouth. Take. And take. And take. Lick up her words, drink in her laughter.”
"I can’t look away or stop myself from rocking into her, saying with my body what I’m too afraid to utter.
Take me, have me, love me."
The banter was fantastic. The way Kristen writes dialogue is gold. There is always a perfect mix of humor, steam, and romance in her books.
“Besides, your brand of pretty is like a weapon. You reel victims in with it, just like a vampire does. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sparkle in the sun.”
“I cannot believe I’m arguing with a woman who references Twilight.”
“The fact that you know I’m referencing Twilight betrays you as a secret Edward-loving fanboy.”
His snort is loud and scathing. “Team Jacob all the way.”
I can’t help it, my eyes fly open, and I lift a corner of my mask to glare at him. “That’s it. We can never be friends.”
“How are dudes in real life supposed to compete when women are reading about python dicks and pussy whisperers?” <--This line from my darling Rye. I can’t wait for his book.
The bromance was so freaking adorable I swear my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I am not a huge fan of rock star romances, but leave it to Kristen to change my mind and fall head over heels in love with the band and the rest of the characters.
While some things were a littleeee over the top and some parts a little too convenient for my liking, this was so DAMN SWEET and something I most definitely recommend!
On rumpled, linen sheets, she claims me, body and soul, and then offers herself right back. In that moment, I am no longer Scottie or Gabriel, I am something more. I am home. Finally. At last. Forever.
Managed is out now! |http://amzn.to/2gGNNAA
Find Me On:
Instagram ❤ FB Page ❤ FB Blog ❤ Blog
May 5, 2020
*Update* 5/5/2020
It's incredible how despite having being in a book slump for over 5 months, I have read half of this book in one single day. Certain stories and characters alone are good enough to pull you out of a horrible book slump, even if for a little bit.
5++++++++++++++++++++++ "You're my warmth" stars
Goodreads should have a special feature for this kind of books. The "there are not enough stars in the sky to rate this book" feature. That's the only rating that would do this novel justice.
It was so, so, so good. Tugged at all the right strings. I knew I'd love Gabriel from book 1 and not just because of his resemblance to mr. God Among Humans himself. His character was outstanding, so round and loyal to the man we'd come to know in Idol, yet surprising. I simply adored to see him struggle to open up to Sophie, to be overwhelmed by his feelings for her and not having a single clue how to address the situation. He was perfect. Sweet, caring, yet perfectly in line with his "cold" attitude. He was a joy to read about from the very first page, on the plane... sigh.
Sophie was a surprise too. I wondered what kind of heroine Callihan would pair up with someone like Gabriel. And Sophie was the perfect match. She's fun, she's sunny, she's this bubble of joy and hilariousness. Without reaching the negatively OTT heights of Clayton's Unidentified Redhead's craziness, Sophie was the perfect blend of a human being, with her mistakes, her insecurities and her strengths.
I also loved how the story proceeded. The slow burn was really slow for Callihan's standards, yet I never got bored or had the sensation that things weren't progressing. Their relationship just kept growing and growing from the very first paragraph to the very last. It was this terrific crescendo of feelings that had my heart bursting.
Kudos also for the side-characters. This authors is a master at characterization and I'm dying to read the stories of all the other band members too. I hope Rye and Brenna are next. All the group scenes were priceless and so damn funny!
Moreover, I loved how dynamic this book was. Still focusing on their relationship, the setting kept changing from city to city with the band's tour, and there was always something happening.
It wasn't devoid of angst or drama, but I absolutely lurved how the happy times greatly surpassed the angsty-sad-angry ones.
Last, but not least, the sexy times. It took a while to get to them, but the sexual tension that lead up to them was so charged it was like the first part was one long session of foreplay. And when they finally got to it, Holy Guacamole. I mean, Gabriel is gorgeous, but it's his attitude that truly did me in. On the outside, he's cold, always in control, uncompromising, but his POVs told a completely different story. And when he's with Sophie, we get to see the real him. It's like one of those choco-balls treats that are all over the internet now. Sophie is the scalding hot sauce that is poured over the thin ball of chocolate, that melts it and reveals the real goodness inside.
I would recommend it to all romance lovers, because this books is romance at its best. Gabriel has secured a spot in my all-times book boyfriends and the banter between the two was so funny it kept me laughing throughout the novel.
I will certainly re-read this because of the good feelings that it gave me and the abundance of swoon moments. It was one long, gratifying joy-ride with great company.
"Managed" is one of those books that you want to read over and over again because every single thing from the plot to the characters, side and main, the feelings, the setting, the style, was so incredibly good it feels like you've lost a limb when you read the word "end".
Where to find me:
It's incredible how despite having being in a book slump for over 5 months, I have read half of this book in one single day. Certain stories and characters alone are good enough to pull you out of a horrible book slump, even if for a little bit.
5++++++++++++++++++++++ "You're my warmth" stars
Goodreads should have a special feature for this kind of books. The "there are not enough stars in the sky to rate this book" feature. That's the only rating that would do this novel justice.
It was so, so, so good. Tugged at all the right strings. I knew I'd love Gabriel from book 1 and not just because of his resemblance to mr. God Among Humans himself. His character was outstanding, so round and loyal to the man we'd come to know in Idol, yet surprising. I simply adored to see him struggle to open up to Sophie, to be overwhelmed by his feelings for her and not having a single clue how to address the situation. He was perfect. Sweet, caring, yet perfectly in line with his "cold" attitude. He was a joy to read about from the very first page, on the plane... sigh.
Sophie was a surprise too. I wondered what kind of heroine Callihan would pair up with someone like Gabriel. And Sophie was the perfect match. She's fun, she's sunny, she's this bubble of joy and hilariousness. Without reaching the negatively OTT heights of Clayton's Unidentified Redhead's craziness, Sophie was the perfect blend of a human being, with her mistakes, her insecurities and her strengths.
I also loved how the story proceeded. The slow burn was really slow for Callihan's standards, yet I never got bored or had the sensation that things weren't progressing. Their relationship just kept growing and growing from the very first paragraph to the very last. It was this terrific crescendo of feelings that had my heart bursting.
Kudos also for the side-characters. This authors is a master at characterization and I'm dying to read the stories of all the other band members too. I hope Rye and Brenna are next. All the group scenes were priceless and so damn funny!
Moreover, I loved how dynamic this book was. Still focusing on their relationship, the setting kept changing from city to city with the band's tour, and there was always something happening.
It wasn't devoid of angst or drama, but I absolutely lurved how the happy times greatly surpassed the angsty-sad-angry ones.
Last, but not least, the sexy times. It took a while to get to them, but the sexual tension that lead up to them was so charged it was like the first part was one long session of foreplay. And when they finally got to it, Holy Guacamole. I mean, Gabriel is gorgeous, but it's his attitude that truly did me in. On the outside, he's cold, always in control, uncompromising, but his POVs told a completely different story. And when he's with Sophie, we get to see the real him. It's like one of those choco-balls treats that are all over the internet now. Sophie is the scalding hot sauce that is poured over the thin ball of chocolate, that melts it and reveals the real goodness inside.
I would recommend it to all romance lovers, because this books is romance at its best. Gabriel has secured a spot in my all-times book boyfriends and the banter between the two was so funny it kept me laughing throughout the novel.
I will certainly re-read this because of the good feelings that it gave me and the abundance of swoon moments. It was one long, gratifying joy-ride with great company.
"Managed" is one of those books that you want to read over and over again because every single thing from the plot to the characters, side and main, the feelings, the setting, the style, was so incredibly good it feels like you've lost a limb when you read the word "end".
Where to find me:
November 27, 2016
It is not often that a heroine over shadows a hero in a book and becomes the character I liked the most. But Sophie was such an amazing character that I honestly still would have loved this book even if Gabriel wasn't in it. Now don't get me wrong, Gabriel was still a great character and I loved him. Yet it was Sophie that took me from liking this book and made me love it. She was fun and colorful and had me smiling through the majority of this reading experience. For her alone I would be recommending this book.
But the extra great thing about it is that she wasn't the only character in this story. On top of reading about this free-spirited woman we also got to read about the man that she brought into her rainbow. I loved Gabriele in this book, and that's shocking considering I really wasn't sure I liked him when we were first introduces in Idol. He was so serious most of the time, which is why I adored those moments when he just let go and stopped worry about order and let the chaos take him.
Bottom line, do yourself a favor and pick this book up. Oh and did I mention that on top of getting to know these two amazing characters we also have hot band members as our secondary characters? A definite recommend from me.
June 20, 2020
3.5 stars
This was such a fun time. This is a book that should not be taken seriously. It is to be read whenever you’re in the mood for something fun and almost ridiculous, but still entertaining. This book won me over with the fun banter; I’m just a sucker for cute ridiculous banter. I didn’t even get the chance to let the characters grow on me, I just found myself loving them at first sight. Their first encounter was the best! I loved their grumpy-sunshine personalities. They were so adorable. Overall, this was such a fun easy to read book and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did!
This was such a fun time. This is a book that should not be taken seriously. It is to be read whenever you’re in the mood for something fun and almost ridiculous, but still entertaining. This book won me over with the fun banter; I’m just a sucker for cute ridiculous banter. I didn’t even get the chance to let the characters grow on me, I just found myself loving them at first sight. Their first encounter was the best! I loved their grumpy-sunshine personalities. They were so adorable. Overall, this was such a fun easy to read book and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did!
December 4, 2016
5+ stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Sophie Darling is on a flight to London for a job interview, and it seems luck is going her way when she gets upgraded to first class. She also gets seated next to someone who could be on the cover of GQ.
Handsome, English, but standoffish, Gabriel "Scottie" Scott, the manager of one of the biggest bands in contemporary music, finds himself seated next to a bubbly and vivacious blonde on a seven-hour flight. Even after paying for two seats, he has no choice but to sit next to Sophie on the way to London. Curse his luck. He's deathly afraid of flying, and now a beautiful but annoying/entertaining woman will become witness to his breakdown.
In the span of a seven-hour flight, Sophie manages to cuddle with Gabriel (blame it on the turbulence), flirt with/annoy him, and find out that he is her potential boss, which is also news to Gabriel.
Fast forward to Sophie getting the job. She tours with Kill John and Gabriel in their European leg, and Gabriel proposes an arrangement that would benefit them both. Sleep together each not. Not sex, just sleep. They've been having trouble sleeping lately, and have only slept peacefully when they were together. And so they sleep together while they both fight the attraction and sexual tension that's so thick and sharp, it could cut glass.
I love this book. I'm still buzzing from the high I got from reading this. I liked what I read about Gabriel Scott in Idol, but I completely fell in love with him in Managed. This book is one of my top reads this year. Kristen Callihan wrote this romantic masterpiece with amazing characters, the perfect slow burn, and a swoon-worthy relationship. I want to read it over and over again!
Now let me tell you more about the things I loved about the book:
Gabriel Scott. Oh man, he's ruined all men for me. I am a sucker for the brooding leading men who are actually cuddly teddy bears who will give you the world if he lets you in his. He is every bit the English gentleman with his perfectly-tailored suits, penchant for tea and pudding, and proper English manners. He appears cold and unapproachable––an impenetrable wall––and he may have made a grown man cry, but he's more than meets the eye. His past broke my heart and his present made me love him even more. And he's a complete and utter romantic. I'm swooning right now.
Sophie Darling. I've never related to any characters as much as I did with her. She's a happy-go-lucky girl who lives life by the day, but sometimes she can't help but worry if she's defective because she's not like the rest. Plus we have a similar job. Kind of.
Her past career has traumatized her, and she still carries that weight of the guilt on her shoulder. You wouldn't think that with how she acts. She's a ball of sunshine, but she won't let anyone treat her like sh*t. I love her!
And she's part-Filipino!!! Granted, her mother is half, so she's like 25% Filipino, but hey. I'm all for that! And Lumpia? Lumpia is life.
Plus, she's hilarious!
Their relationship. A-freaking-dorable! They seem like polar opposites; while Sophie lives life by the day, Gabriel spends his planning it. Truth is, they have a lot in common than they thought. They're also attuned to each other's needs, it made me melt!!! Gabriel doesn't have to tell Sophie anything, but suddenly she's there and she's helping him and making him feel things, therefore making me feel things. And I love how Gabriel is when he's with Sophie. Swoooon! Their banter's pretty hilarious, too!
Their first time. Oh my gosh. What a scene. It was a slow build up, and the story was filled with the perfect balance of sexual tension and sweet little moments. I wanted to celebrate when I finally read their first time. It was perfect.
The camaraderie between Kill John, Libby, Gabriel, Sophie, and Brenna. They're always there for each other and they're a family––with the exception of the romantic relationships, of course. I also love how Jax looks out for Sophie and how much they understand each other. But Kill John and Gabriel wins best bromance ever. They're such adorable idiots when they're together! I love them!
The pace and voice. I breezed through this book. I had no idea hours had passed by because I was so invested, so immersed in the story. I didn't feel rushed, and I was so entertained by both Gabriel's and Sophie's POVs. PLUS THE ENDING omg. It was beautiful.
So, it's safe to say I love this book. I'll recommend this to any romance novel lover, especially to those who have a weakness for the secretly romantic brooding man and a feisty and amazing heroine.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Sophie Darling is on a flight to London for a job interview, and it seems luck is going her way when she gets upgraded to first class. She also gets seated next to someone who could be on the cover of GQ.
Handsome, English, but standoffish, Gabriel "Scottie" Scott, the manager of one of the biggest bands in contemporary music, finds himself seated next to a bubbly and vivacious blonde on a seven-hour flight. Even after paying for two seats, he has no choice but to sit next to Sophie on the way to London. Curse his luck. He's deathly afraid of flying, and now a beautiful but annoying/entertaining woman will become witness to his breakdown.
In the span of a seven-hour flight, Sophie manages to cuddle with Gabriel (blame it on the turbulence), flirt with/annoy him, and find out that he is her potential boss, which is also news to Gabriel.
Fast forward to Sophie getting the job. She tours with Kill John and Gabriel in their European leg, and Gabriel proposes an arrangement that would benefit them both. Sleep together each not. Not sex, just sleep. They've been having trouble sleeping lately, and have only slept peacefully when they were together. And so they sleep together while they both fight the attraction and sexual tension that's so thick and sharp, it could cut glass.
I love this book. I'm still buzzing from the high I got from reading this. I liked what I read about Gabriel Scott in Idol, but I completely fell in love with him in Managed. This book is one of my top reads this year. Kristen Callihan wrote this romantic masterpiece with amazing characters, the perfect slow burn, and a swoon-worthy relationship. I want to read it over and over again!
Now let me tell you more about the things I loved about the book:
Gabriel Scott. Oh man, he's ruined all men for me. I am a sucker for the brooding leading men who are actually cuddly teddy bears who will give you the world if he lets you in his. He is every bit the English gentleman with his perfectly-tailored suits, penchant for tea and pudding, and proper English manners. He appears cold and unapproachable––an impenetrable wall––and he may have made a grown man cry, but he's more than meets the eye. His past broke my heart and his present made me love him even more. And he's a complete and utter romantic. I'm swooning right now.
The world can fuck off when I'm with Sophie Darling. There is only us. I don't have to be anyone but Gabriel."
Sophie Darling. I've never related to any characters as much as I did with her. She's a happy-go-lucky girl who lives life by the day, but sometimes she can't help but worry if she's defective because she's not like the rest. Plus we have a similar job. Kind of.
Her past career has traumatized her, and she still carries that weight of the guilt on her shoulder. You wouldn't think that with how she acts. She's a ball of sunshine, but she won't let anyone treat her like sh*t. I love her!
And she's part-Filipino!!! Granted, her mother is half, so she's like 25% Filipino, but hey. I'm all for that! And Lumpia? Lumpia is life.
Plus, she's hilarious!
Their relationship. A-freaking-dorable! They seem like polar opposites; while Sophie lives life by the day, Gabriel spends his planning it. Truth is, they have a lot in common than they thought. They're also attuned to each other's needs, it made me melt!!! Gabriel doesn't have to tell Sophie anything, but suddenly she's there and she's helping him and making him feel things, therefore making me feel things. And I love how Gabriel is when he's with Sophie. Swoooon! Their banter's pretty hilarious, too!
Sunshine: False. That is what I eat for breakfast. Keep up, Darling."
Their first time. Oh my gosh. What a scene. It was a slow build up, and the story was filled with the perfect balance of sexual tension and sweet little moments. I wanted to celebrate when I finally read their first time. It was perfect.
The camaraderie between Kill John, Libby, Gabriel, Sophie, and Brenna. They're always there for each other and they're a family––with the exception of the romantic relationships, of course. I also love how Jax looks out for Sophie and how much they understand each other. But Kill John and Gabriel wins best bromance ever. They're such adorable idiots when they're together! I love them!
The pace and voice. I breezed through this book. I had no idea hours had passed by because I was so invested, so immersed in the story. I didn't feel rushed, and I was so entertained by both Gabriel's and Sophie's POVs. PLUS THE ENDING omg. It was beautiful.
So, it's safe to say I love this book. I'll recommend this to any romance novel lover, especially to those who have a weakness for the secretly romantic brooding man and a feisty and amazing heroine.
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December 12, 2016
How do you know that you feel relaxed-happy with someone?
How can you tell that you have this rare feeling of safeness?
1. When you sleep with her with complete abandonment, oblivious about what is happening to the outside world.
2. When you eat from her plate like it is the most natural thing.
3. When you feed her, because you are worried about her and you want her to feel good.
Gabriel Scot does not like socializing, but then he meets Sophie who is a very friendly, lively, social girl:
And after that
-he sleeps with her (no sex) at the plane, hugs her and eats her food.
-he drinks her Guinness.
-he eats her egg salad with arugula sandwich, which he has bought her in the first place.
-he sleeps with her at his bed (no sex) at his home
- he makes her tea and breakfast. Only an Englishman would make naughty proposals offering tea…
-she eats his Apple crumble
All these are happening, while he calls her “Darling” and she calls him “Sunshine”.
Gabriel Scott as a result has become a very confused man
….which is weird, because usually he is very a cool, reserved man.
He positively prefers delayed gratification, i.e. when he really wants something, he waits a lot of time until the thrill has dampened and then he buys it.
But his confusion with his chatty girl is obvious.
Gabriel: I don’t know why I am here. I don’t..I don’t socialize.
Sophie: Yet here we are.
Gabriel: Apparently so. I can’t fucking sleep.
Sophie: Are you really going to make me tea?
Gabriel: What’s wrong with tea?
This is their main problem. Both Gabriel and Sophie are thinking too much, while they resist their attraction too hard. Most of the times, they suffer with no reason. This fact results to hilarious situations and building up sexual tension.
You will have fun with this book. There is a tour going on for Kill John. You will be travelling with them from London to Scotland, to Spain, to Italy, to Australia.
All happen fast and the scenery constantly changes.
Road trips by bus, some airplane flights.
Ferrari and Vespa for short drives.
Fancy hotels, villas by the sea.
Everything is stylish, everything is spectacular.
Of course there is also music and screaming fans and paparazzi. There are
• concerts,
• small clubs where you can dance in a flamengo, modern twist-funk, hip-hop, Bollywood blending beat (I would love to listen to something like this!),
• private parties in the bus
Lots of laughing, jokes, lots of crying, lots of sex – although it will take a lot of time to get there, painful truths, stupid lies,
secrets and misunderstandings- I really hate stupid misunderstandings, but this time they have really worked well in order to demolish some emotional walls and open vaults that hold the hearts as prisoners.
Everything and everyone are on a constant move with the exception of the times when Gabriel is holding Sophie in his bed. When they watch cheesy TV shows or sleep, time seems to stand still.
Join them for one of the best road trips of your life! I certainly had a good time with them ;)
How can you tell that you have this rare feeling of safeness?
1. When you sleep with her with complete abandonment, oblivious about what is happening to the outside world.
2. When you eat from her plate like it is the most natural thing.
3. When you feed her, because you are worried about her and you want her to feel good.
Gabriel Scot does not like socializing, but then he meets Sophie who is a very friendly, lively, social girl:
And after that
-he sleeps with her (no sex) at the plane, hugs her and eats her food.
-he drinks her Guinness.
-he eats her egg salad with arugula sandwich, which he has bought her in the first place.
-he sleeps with her at his bed (no sex) at his home
- he makes her tea and breakfast. Only an Englishman would make naughty proposals offering tea…
-she eats his Apple crumble
All these are happening, while he calls her “Darling” and she calls him “Sunshine”.
Gabriel Scott as a result has become a very confused man
….which is weird, because usually he is very a cool, reserved man.
He positively prefers delayed gratification, i.e. when he really wants something, he waits a lot of time until the thrill has dampened and then he buys it.
But his confusion with his chatty girl is obvious.
Gabriel: I don’t know why I am here. I don’t..I don’t socialize.
Sophie: Yet here we are.
Gabriel: Apparently so. I can’t fucking sleep.
Sophie: Are you really going to make me tea?
Gabriel: What’s wrong with tea?
This is their main problem. Both Gabriel and Sophie are thinking too much, while they resist their attraction too hard. Most of the times, they suffer with no reason. This fact results to hilarious situations and building up sexual tension.
You will have fun with this book. There is a tour going on for Kill John. You will be travelling with them from London to Scotland, to Spain, to Italy, to Australia.
All happen fast and the scenery constantly changes.
Road trips by bus, some airplane flights.
Ferrari and Vespa for short drives.
Fancy hotels, villas by the sea.
Everything is stylish, everything is spectacular.
Of course there is also music and screaming fans and paparazzi. There are
• concerts,
• small clubs where you can dance in a flamengo, modern twist-funk, hip-hop, Bollywood blending beat (I would love to listen to something like this!),
• private parties in the bus
Lots of laughing, jokes, lots of crying, lots of sex – although it will take a lot of time to get there, painful truths, stupid lies,
secrets and misunderstandings- I really hate stupid misunderstandings, but this time they have really worked well in order to demolish some emotional walls and open vaults that hold the hearts as prisoners.
Everything and everyone are on a constant move with the exception of the times when Gabriel is holding Sophie in his bed. When they watch cheesy TV shows or sleep, time seems to stand still.
Join them for one of the best road trips of your life! I certainly had a good time with them ;)
December 26, 2018
OMG I laughed so hard!! I laughed so many times, in so many ways, and for so many really fantastic reasons. My fave scenes took place on the plane early in the book. Those scenes were off-the-charts hilarious to me. When Gabriel and Sophie meet on that plane ride... it just really set the tone for their relationship and this story. I really just enjoyed every minute of this book!
I didn't have a favorite character because both mains were awesome. But if I was forced to choose, it would be Gabriel. I'm a sucker for a brooding and damaged hero and he played that role to perfection. Gabriel seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He alone felt the need to bear all of the responsibility for not only himself, but also for his boys (his family) and whoever else he classifies as his "people". However, he also isolated himself. He went through many of his own struggles and conflicts internally, not wanting to show a moment of weakeness. This had a lot to do with his self-diagnosed abandonment issues. Ha ha!! But then along comes Sophie, crashing into his life like a clown car, with her natural joie de vivre, her youthful exuberance, and her empathy, smashing down his walls.
Every scene between these two was exceptional. Their banter, their chemistry, the feels, the realism... all lent itself to me falling completely in love with them. I was also interested in the side characters of the story as well (Killian, Jax, Rhye, Whip, Brenna, Libby and Jules) and intend to read Idol in order to learn more about Kill John. I wonder which member will be the next to fall victim to cupid???
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
I didn't have a favorite character because both mains were awesome. But if I was forced to choose, it would be Gabriel. I'm a sucker for a brooding and damaged hero and he played that role to perfection. Gabriel seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He alone felt the need to bear all of the responsibility for not only himself, but also for his boys (his family) and whoever else he classifies as his "people". However, he also isolated himself. He went through many of his own struggles and conflicts internally, not wanting to show a moment of weakeness. This had a lot to do with his self-diagnosed abandonment issues. Ha ha!! But then along comes Sophie, crashing into his life like a clown car, with her natural joie de vivre, her youthful exuberance, and her empathy, smashing down his walls.
Every scene between these two was exceptional. Their banter, their chemistry, the feels, the realism... all lent itself to me falling completely in love with them. I was also interested in the side characters of the story as well (Killian, Jax, Rhye, Whip, Brenna, Libby and Jules) and intend to read Idol in order to learn more about Kill John. I wonder which member will be the next to fall victim to cupid???
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
November 19, 2016
3 HERO IS STIFF SHIRT STARS
First I will say Yay I loved the heroine. Her name is Sophie Darling and she is a complete darling and I loved her. She is sassy, funny, and more than capable of giving as good as she gets.
She is very sexually experienced and makes no apologies for that.
“I have sworn off hookups, as I’ve concluded they’re bad for my mental health. I’ve dealt with too many dick biscuits to continue with casual sex”
She made mistakes but she owns up to them and tries to make things right. I can only admire someone who is able to try to make restitution for past wrongs.
SHE IS TO BE COMMENDED AND VALUED
All my issues are with the hero Gabriel aka sunshine aka Scottie. He was just not a guy I could root for. He was a stiff shirt always repressing himself and his needs. He doesn't want to want her but he does not want her to have anyone else. He literally lost it when he thought she was with another.
His reaction:
“My heart knocks against my ribs so hard, I feel the reverberations in my throat. Jax? She’s with Jax? She fucking slept in my bed while she fucking fucked fucking Jax?”
Now my problem here is that he does not even give her a chance to speak up and defend herself before he treats her like garbage.
To him, she is guilty until proven innocent.
And why you may ask?
The answer is simple she has a history, she actually has experience and she is not afraid of her sexuality.
The evil double standards here!!!
Also, the hero spends over 80% of the book fighting his feelings. He treated her like she was toxic and to be avoided, while using her for his own comfort. If I'm being honest here I think it was their whole arrangement that bothered me the most.
Like having feelings and/or expressing them would somehow contaminate him or something?
Also, The band was always coming first with him.
I saw this when he said to her:
“The band’s welfare should be your top priority, damn it.”
“It’s obviously yours,” She said.
“Of course it is....I’m their goddamn manager!"
And I guess she is just the girl he is f*cking then!?
She was not even second to his feelings and issues with intimacy. When she's hurt by a craze mob, he leaves her to deal with his own emotions in his own way. He DOES NOT HELP her or PROTECT her like an alpha should.
Let's just face it, I did not enjoy this Hero.
PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE MILD SPOILERS AHEAD
While he says some nice things and thinks wonderful thoughts like,
“Something cracks open within my chest. I don’t know what it is, but I do know one thing: my chatty girl has no idea what she’s gotten herself into. Because I’m not letting go.”
But he says Also
“But you, Sophie Darling, need to grow the hell up and take responsibility when things go into the shitter. And if you cannot do that, you don’t belong on this tour.”
She does this and more!!!
He also tell her:
"More like disgusted by your life choices.”
She does eventually get a clue and stop the cycle with her comments to him:
“You know,” she says. “I like you just as you are, faults and all. But you clearly don’t accept me for who I am.”
And essentially this is true. He can't accept that she has a past meanwhile he has one way worst!! With him sleeping with groupies, fans, and a variety of others.
HONESTLY I AM OVER THIS TYPE OF DOUBLE STANDARD
In general, I did enjoy this book, it's just I wanted her to have a more ALPHA PROTECTIVE HERO. He does end up being an Okay guy at the end. It's just for all the crap he puts her through and the waiting, I thought he should grovel a little. She is an innocent victim of circumstances and not a master manipulator. She gives and gives without asking for anything.
Personally, I felt she was worth more.
They have some very wicked battle of wits and my favorite scene is the plane and the "house" party she has when he leaves her.
She is just sooo engaging and fun that this book was saved by her for me.
This book is worth a read for sure and recommend it as a funny banter read with some HOT scenes included near the end.
Safety; totally safe, without drama (except the crap in the hero's head). Both are experienced and used condoms in the past.
First I will say Yay I loved the heroine. Her name is Sophie Darling and she is a complete darling and I loved her. She is sassy, funny, and more than capable of giving as good as she gets.
She is very sexually experienced and makes no apologies for that.
“I have sworn off hookups, as I’ve concluded they’re bad for my mental health. I’ve dealt with too many dick biscuits to continue with casual sex”
She made mistakes but she owns up to them and tries to make things right. I can only admire someone who is able to try to make restitution for past wrongs.
SHE IS TO BE COMMENDED AND VALUED
All my issues are with the hero Gabriel aka sunshine aka Scottie. He was just not a guy I could root for. He was a stiff shirt always repressing himself and his needs. He doesn't want to want her but he does not want her to have anyone else. He literally lost it when he thought she was with another.
His reaction:
“My heart knocks against my ribs so hard, I feel the reverberations in my throat. Jax? She’s with Jax? She fucking slept in my bed while she fucking fucked fucking Jax?”
Now my problem here is that he does not even give her a chance to speak up and defend herself before he treats her like garbage.
To him, she is guilty until proven innocent.
And why you may ask?
The answer is simple she has a history, she actually has experience and she is not afraid of her sexuality.
The evil double standards here!!!
Also, the hero spends over 80% of the book fighting his feelings. He treated her like she was toxic and to be avoided, while using her for his own comfort. If I'm being honest here I think it was their whole arrangement that bothered me the most.
Like having feelings and/or expressing them would somehow contaminate him or something?
Also, The band was always coming first with him.
I saw this when he said to her:
“The band’s welfare should be your top priority, damn it.”
“It’s obviously yours,” She said.
“Of course it is....I’m their goddamn manager!"
And I guess she is just the girl he is f*cking then!?
She was not even second to his feelings and issues with intimacy. When she's hurt by a craze mob, he leaves her to deal with his own emotions in his own way. He DOES NOT HELP her or PROTECT her like an alpha should.
Let's just face it, I did not enjoy this Hero.
PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE MILD SPOILERS AHEAD
While he says some nice things and thinks wonderful thoughts like,
“Something cracks open within my chest. I don’t know what it is, but I do know one thing: my chatty girl has no idea what she’s gotten herself into. Because I’m not letting go.”
But he says Also
“But you, Sophie Darling, need to grow the hell up and take responsibility when things go into the shitter. And if you cannot do that, you don’t belong on this tour.”
She does this and more!!!
He also tell her:
"More like disgusted by your life choices.”
She does eventually get a clue and stop the cycle with her comments to him:
“You know,” she says. “I like you just as you are, faults and all. But you clearly don’t accept me for who I am.”
And essentially this is true. He can't accept that she has a past meanwhile he has one way worst!! With him sleeping with groupies, fans, and a variety of others.
HONESTLY I AM OVER THIS TYPE OF DOUBLE STANDARD
In general, I did enjoy this book, it's just I wanted her to have a more ALPHA PROTECTIVE HERO. He does end up being an Okay guy at the end. It's just for all the crap he puts her through and the waiting, I thought he should grovel a little. She is an innocent victim of circumstances and not a master manipulator. She gives and gives without asking for anything.
Personally, I felt she was worth more.
They have some very wicked battle of wits and my favorite scene is the plane and the "house" party she has when he leaves her.
She is just sooo engaging and fun that this book was saved by her for me.
This book is worth a read for sure and recommend it as a funny banter read with some HOT scenes included near the end.
Safety; totally safe, without drama (except the crap in the hero's head). Both are experienced and used condoms in the past.
November 12, 2016
Title: Managed
Series: VIP #2
Author: Kristen Callihan
Release date: November 14, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
I've been a huge fan of this author for some time now, she's an auto-buy for me. But this particular book was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year. After reading Idol, the cranky band manager Scotty with the movie star good looks had me completely hooked and begging for his full story. He's snooty, he's got a fortress around his heart, and a tongue like a whip. And he's brought to his knees with one encounter of the very provoking Sophie Darling. (How amazing is that name?)
“I’ve never met a person I couldn’t manage,” comes his tight reply a few seconds later. Not bothering to take the mask off, I extend a hand his way. “Sophie Elizabeth Darling.”
That opening airplane scene?? I fell. Hard. Dizzy, giddy, happy feels were all over those pages. It was love at first sight....er...banter. The chemistry these two had was instantaneous and done to perfection. Gabriel "Scotty" is an exacting man, and used to intimidating people and getting his way. Sophie is a woman who is free with her opinions and isn't shy about cutting pompous men down to size. They were destined to clash. And oh, how they did. Enough to have me laughing out loud and feeling that magic "click" when you connect to two characters completely effortlessly.
“I’m stuck next to the one afflicted with an apparently incurable case of verbal diarrhea.” “Says the man who is socially constipated.”
Scotty, or Gabriel as he allows Sophie to call him (inexplicably as he gives no one else the honor), is closed off from people for self-preservation. Losing his mother at an early age has left its permanent mark on him. He's driven and structured which has led to a successful career leading the band to fame. But when it comes to his private life, he doesn't allow anyone close enough to have the ability to hurt him. At least, that's what he tells himself.
He may be a strict taskmaster, but he's also fiercely loyal to these men who accept him and his tough exterior. They've known each other since their school days, and been there for each other ever since. Not until Sophie has he felt like someone has broken through his defenses. And she has, with spectacular colors. Bringing laughter and a strange addiction that he can't curb.
I want this woman more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. But I want to keep her. I have no idea how to keep anyone close to me. Because I have no idea how to expose my heart.
Sophie is a fun-loving, bright, and warm person. She flits from job to job, living life wherever it is that makes her happy. She has shame and regrets from her past, and her job handling the band's social media forces her to face those parts of herself she wishes were buried. And Gabriel? He's a complication that rattles her cage at every opportunity. As she's given a rare window into his hidden depths, their attraction flares brighter and hotter with every night spent on tour together.
God, it burns, the way he watches me. It’s covetous and possessive. He looks at me as if he’s mentally stripping off my clothes. With his teeth. He looks at me, and the bottom falls out of my belly.
Their attraction was a slow burning ember. Though he had an unexplained need to be close to her early on, it was a hard-earned culmination. They didn't jump into bed early and grow into their feelings later. It was the opposite, and that was something that I appreciated. Gabriel was resistant to his growing feelings and he fought the hard fight. But when they finally did make the leap into a physical relationship, they were both all in. Seeing him open up and grasp onto her with both hands tight...it was thrilling. She softened him, relaxed him. He gave her a safe place to be herself with, someone who doesn't always have to be shiny and happy.
The band dynamic was highly entertaining and is sure to put a smile on your face. Each supporting character was given enough development to see their individuality and the potential for their own stories. I don't have many complaints about this book. If I had to nitpick, the conflict that arose in the last 10% did seem rushed from appearance to resolution. I could have done without it. But at the same time, it served the purpose of showing Gabriel's struggle to put his full trust and faith in those he loves. So, I'm not necessarily complaining about it. Maybe it just could have been introduced a bit earlier and explored more.
This latest installment of the VIP series hit all the right marks with me. It was infused with loads of witty humor and enough heat to make your pulse flutter and your breath catch. I am without a doubt continuing on with the next book and I encourage anyone who hasn't started this series to get started.
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March 16, 2017
Girls, if you don't have a Gabriel Scott please put up an add and look for one!
This is my second Kristen Callihan book and I think I found a new favorite. After reading Killian's story everybody told me that Gabriel's will be so much better, with more drama, steamier scenes and a more delicious package. Well thank you so much, everyone was right!!!
Gabriel and Sophie meet on a plane, during one hell of a bumpy ride. Sophie seat is changed to VIP, next to Gabriel's, leaving them to cope with each other during the flight. Gabriel is not comfortable with her presence, because as you may already found out about him, he is extremely guarded and doesn't like anybody's company. Especially Sophie's that talks a lot and speaks her mind. That flight will be the beginning of something new for both of them. Destiny will bring them together, Sophie being in charge of social media advertising for Kill John, the band that Gabriel manages. They will have to work together and figure out how to be productive while trying to keep their hands off each other.
I don't know with which character to start first. Let's begin with Sophie! She was amazing. I love independent, strong and chatty heroines, nevertheless those who are sincere and speak their mind even if that might hurts other. She was the living figure of sincerity, beginning with telling Gabriel from the first place that she was attracted to him, to telling him in the face when he is being an ass. I wish I could be the same in real life. Even if in the past Sophie did some bad choices, with her new job for Kill John she was ready to redeem herself and in the process find people she could love and love her back. The band became her family and soon they saw her the same.
Gabriel was such a thought cookie to crack. As you read in "IDOL" Gabriel Scott is a stone figure of a perfect man, flawless features and zero feelings. Everything he does is for the benefit of the band, without being emotional involved in anything. Everything goes by the book, zero feelings and implication. At the end of the day, his heart is sheltered from hurt and disappointment and he can managed to control everything around. Until he meets Sophie. Being so different from him, she enters his world by storm, but that personality is what makes him change. His control begins to crumble and he will allow himself to feel vulnerable and say "I Love You"! It will be a hard and long battle, but the end will be worth it.
Their relationship was amazing. A slowly and dying burn, but as I said before, it was worth it. I loved how different they were, but such a good match! Fire and ice if I can say in a formal way. I loved exploring Gabriel in his relationship with Sophie, the way he slowly changes and enables us to see a softer and romantic side of him. There were moments when I was so sorry for him, because of his childhood and marks that affected him, but I knew this transition was necessary in order for him to change and accept love in his life. The dialogues between the 2 of them were amazing: funny as hell and so well structured and hot and steamy when the situation was up to it.
I truly enjoyed this book and absorbed every page. It was a funny and delicious ride, about 2 people that meet under funny circumstances, but in the end find their way to each other. Both Gabriel and Sophie were amazing and I enjoyed seeing the band together again, doing their traditional shenanigans that made me laugh so much my cheeks hurt.
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
This is my second Kristen Callihan book and I think I found a new favorite. After reading Killian's story everybody told me that Gabriel's will be so much better, with more drama, steamier scenes and a more delicious package. Well thank you so much, everyone was right!!!
Gabriel and Sophie meet on a plane, during one hell of a bumpy ride. Sophie seat is changed to VIP, next to Gabriel's, leaving them to cope with each other during the flight. Gabriel is not comfortable with her presence, because as you may already found out about him, he is extremely guarded and doesn't like anybody's company. Especially Sophie's that talks a lot and speaks her mind. That flight will be the beginning of something new for both of them. Destiny will bring them together, Sophie being in charge of social media advertising for Kill John, the band that Gabriel manages. They will have to work together and figure out how to be productive while trying to keep their hands off each other.
I don't know with which character to start first. Let's begin with Sophie! She was amazing. I love independent, strong and chatty heroines, nevertheless those who are sincere and speak their mind even if that might hurts other. She was the living figure of sincerity, beginning with telling Gabriel from the first place that she was attracted to him, to telling him in the face when he is being an ass. I wish I could be the same in real life. Even if in the past Sophie did some bad choices, with her new job for Kill John she was ready to redeem herself and in the process find people she could love and love her back. The band became her family and soon they saw her the same.
Gabriel was such a thought cookie to crack. As you read in "IDOL" Gabriel Scott is a stone figure of a perfect man, flawless features and zero feelings. Everything he does is for the benefit of the band, without being emotional involved in anything. Everything goes by the book, zero feelings and implication. At the end of the day, his heart is sheltered from hurt and disappointment and he can managed to control everything around. Until he meets Sophie. Being so different from him, she enters his world by storm, but that personality is what makes him change. His control begins to crumble and he will allow himself to feel vulnerable and say "I Love You"! It will be a hard and long battle, but the end will be worth it.
Their relationship was amazing. A slowly and dying burn, but as I said before, it was worth it. I loved how different they were, but such a good match! Fire and ice if I can say in a formal way. I loved exploring Gabriel in his relationship with Sophie, the way he slowly changes and enables us to see a softer and romantic side of him. There were moments when I was so sorry for him, because of his childhood and marks that affected him, but I knew this transition was necessary in order for him to change and accept love in his life. The dialogues between the 2 of them were amazing: funny as hell and so well structured and hot and steamy when the situation was up to it.
I truly enjoyed this book and absorbed every page. It was a funny and delicious ride, about 2 people that meet under funny circumstances, but in the end find their way to each other. Both Gabriel and Sophie were amazing and I enjoyed seeing the band together again, doing their traditional shenanigans that made me laugh so much my cheeks hurt.
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
June 15, 2021
I love this so much. I love the characters. The plot. The writing. Yup, I love it
March 23, 2017
I got as far as the first chapter, only to think that I was probably better off not finishing the book.
It was impossible to get past that crazy, annoying woman - and I don't mean this kindly - who engaged a stranger in inane, nonsensical talk, then climbed all over him in a first-class seat, unbuttoning his shirt while supposedly helping him counter his fear of flying. Not only could I not find this believable, but the term 'harassment' actually came to mind, when her apparent 'cuteness' wasn't something I could even think of as endearing.
Some books just rub you the wrong way and in a direction that's contrary to the great reviews they have garnered. 'Managed' is one of those. Clearly not a book for me at all.
It was impossible to get past that crazy, annoying woman - and I don't mean this kindly - who engaged a stranger in inane, nonsensical talk, then climbed all over him in a first-class seat, unbuttoning his shirt while supposedly helping him counter his fear of flying. Not only could I not find this believable, but the term 'harassment' actually came to mind, when her apparent 'cuteness' wasn't something I could even think of as endearing.
Some books just rub you the wrong way and in a direction that's contrary to the great reviews they have garnered. 'Managed' is one of those. Clearly not a book for me at all.
August 22, 2021
4.25 stars ✈️
Well this definitely lived up to the hype! This was genuinely a really cute and sweet read. I think the characters were real standouts in this one, but also the tropes and the romance between the MCs were excellent
Gabriel 'sunshine' Scott (H) and Sophie Darling meet on a plane to London. Their first interaction starts off really rocky, with Gabriel not liking that Sophie is seated next to him. Sophie doesn’t even try to hide the fact that Gabriel is hella hot and uses that to make him extremely uncomfy
There’s so many times where their banter had me jealous af like why can’t I meet a super hot, rock band manager named Gabriel Scott on a plane 😤 Screw you universe
Not only is this a slow burn, first kiss doesn’t happen till about 3/4 of the way in, but the build up is just AMAZING. There’s so much sexual tension between the two because of one reason…THEY SLEEP IN THE SAME FUCKING BED EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE NOT TOGETHER 😏
Basically, Gabriel proposes that Sophie sleep in his bed because he has trouble sleeping and it only helped when she’s there 🥰 so they cuddle and get constantly turned on by each other but refuse to tell the other person because of fear of rejection
ISN’T THAT JUST SO GOOD?! Then all that tension builds up to one fucking scene that just so fucking hot
I also loved Gabriel’s character development. He started off as this cold, closed-off man and turned into such a sweetheart, not only to Sophie, but also his friends.
This COULD have been a 5 star reads, but the fight at the end was just blah. So much miscommunication between the MCs that could have easily been resolved if they talk it out, but luckily it was resolved quickly 😊
Well this definitely lived up to the hype! This was genuinely a really cute and sweet read. I think the characters were real standouts in this one, but also the tropes and the romance between the MCs were excellent
Gabriel 'sunshine' Scott (H) and Sophie Darling meet on a plane to London. Their first interaction starts off really rocky, with Gabriel not liking that Sophie is seated next to him. Sophie doesn’t even try to hide the fact that Gabriel is hella hot and uses that to make him extremely uncomfy
“Jesus,” I blurt out, lifting my hand as if to shield my eyes. “It’s like looking into the sun.”
“What?” he snaps, those laser-bright eyes narrowing.
Oh, this will be fun.
“Just stop, will you?” I squint at him. “You’re too hot. It’s too much to take.” This is true, though I’d never have the guts to say so in normal circumstances.
“Are you quite well?” he intones, as if he thinks the opposite.
There’s so many times where their banter had me jealous af like why can’t I meet a super hot, rock band manager named Gabriel Scott on a plane 😤 Screw you universe
Me: Your sarcasm smells of slain interns’ blood and the souls of missing record execs.
Sunshine: False. That is what I eat for breakfast. Keep up, Darling.
…
Me: Aw…terms of endearment already?
Sunshine: It’s your name.
Me: A convenient excuse.
Sunshine: A legitimate answer
→Even in their texts their banter is perfect. Also, let me say I love that Sophie calls Gabriel ‘sunshine’ when he’s obviously not
"...Just don't go driving off a cliff and getting us killed."
"I plan on dying when I'm very old and fucking you while hopped up on Viagra"
"You really do say the sweetest things."
"Sono pazza di te."
→Translation: I'm crazy about you. Oh, I'm sorry did I fail to mention he speaks Italian 🤪🤪
Not only is this a slow burn, first kiss doesn’t happen till about 3/4 of the way in, but the build up is just AMAZING. There’s so much sexual tension between the two because of one reason…THEY SLEEP IN THE SAME FUCKING BED EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE NOT TOGETHER 😏
Basically, Gabriel proposes that Sophie sleep in his bed because he has trouble sleeping and it only helped when she’s there 🥰 so they cuddle and get constantly turned on by each other but refuse to tell the other person because of fear of rejection
ISN’T THAT JUST SO GOOD?! Then all that tension builds up to one fucking scene that just so fucking hot
“Some nights, it’s so bad I don’t want to bother with foreplay. I want to lift your leg, make room for myself between your thighs, and rut like a selfish, greedy bastard.”
…"But you wouldn’t have to fuck me wet,” I whisper, heart pounding. “Anytime I’m in bed with you, I’m wet.”
I also loved Gabriel’s character development. He started off as this cold, closed-off man and turned into such a sweetheart, not only to Sophie, but also his friends.
On rumpled, linen sheets, she claims me, body and soul, and then offers herself right back. In that moment, I am no longer Scottie or Gabriel, I am something more. I am home. Finally. At last. Forever.
This COULD have been a 5 star reads, but the fight at the end was just blah. So much miscommunication between the MCs that could have easily been resolved if they talk it out, but luckily it was resolved quickly 😊
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