Anna DePalo

Fun enemies to lovers story. Mia needs a date for the Ruby Ball. The man she had been dating just got married to someone else. Then Mia mistakes a man at a costume ball for her second choice and discovers that she laid a lip-lock on Damian Musil. She and Damian grew up in the same town, and their families are business rivals, so she's shocked when Damian suggests that he be her date.

Though Mia doesn't know it, Damian has been attracted to her for a long time. This event provides the opportunity he needs to get closer to her. Mia is wary, well aware of the animosity her family holds for his. But Damian has an ace up his sleeve to tip the balance his way. Mia soon finds herself embroiled in a fake relationship that becomes all too real.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Damian and Mia. At first, it was just the ball, then Damian needed her for a business outing. It doesn't take long for them to realize that they actually liked each other, in addition to the attraction that burned between them. I liked seeing them spend time together and build a friendship before taking the next step. The more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings grow, though neither admits it. For Mia, the animosity between the two families is a significant obstacle. Things go quite well between them until a recent purchase by Damian's company impacts Mia's family. I ached for both of them, as Mia felt betrayed and Damian was just confused. I loved the advice Damian got from his dad and what he did to make things right. The epilogue was great.

The family dynamics in the book were interesting. Mia's brothers Cole and Jordan irritated me with their attitudes toward Damian. I loved the scene at the beginning where he backed up Mia with her family. It was fun to see him refused to get riled no matter what they said. I also liked Mia's encounter with Damian's father and brother. Though I haven't read the other books in the series (yet), there was enough background dropped in through the book that I wasn't lost.

#netgalley… (mais)

When Jacinda Endicott's sister's death is ruled a suicide by the police, Jacinda leaves England for New York City's Park Avenue Apartments--the scene of the crime--to do some investigating. She believes her sister was murdered. Posing as a maid, Jacinda gets a job working for billionaire Gage Lattimer in his penthouse apartment. She thinks Gage may have been involved in her sister's death. Much to Jacinda's dismay, she finds herself attracted to Gage (a feeling that is mutual) which has her hoping that Gage is innocent.

This was a quick, easy, and entertaining read. I really liked Jacinda and her determination to find out what truly happened to her sister. I thought that Jacinda and Gage made a great pair. The story was fast-paced and very enjoyable with a mystery to be solved, as well. The setting was perfect for the story--New York City during the Christmas season.… (mais)