Title: Smokescreen
Author: Ahren Sanders
Genre: Adult, Romance
Release Date: February 5, 2015
Stella Sullivan
Bright. Dedicated. Loyal.
The day I walked into his boardroom, I had no idea my life was about to change forever. It was supposed to be a simple proposal that would catapult my career. The chance to help Hurst & McCoy save one of their flailing business lines seemed simple enough. However, I never expected that one look at Maxwell McCoy would have me grasping for control. He’s demanding, charming, powerful; most of all he’s beautiful, inside and out. As hard as I fought against the attraction, he broke down my defenses. But he’s hiding things. Even when secrets, lies, and greed threaten everything I have worked so hard for, I couldn’t walk away. There’s no denying, the moment my eyes landed on Maxwell McCoy was the moment I became his.
Maxwell McCoy
Rich. Brilliant. Powerful.
People only see me as CEO of Hurst & McCoy. The ruthless businessman whose mere presence demands respect. People don’t know I chose to leave a life I loved in order to protect my father’s legacy and reputation. When my company’s future was threatened, I had no choice but to seek assistance. The day Stella Sullivan walked into my boardroom was the day my heart started beating again. One business proposal, from the topaz-eyed beauty, changed my life. She tried to deny our unyielding chemistry, but I wouldn’t. I should let her go, but I didn’t.
The smokescreen I created soon comes crashing down, forcing me to fight for everything I love.
Stella groans lightly and rolls over. I’ve been watching her from my desk for half an hour, trying not to wake her. But as soon as she realizes my side of the bed is empty, she sits up dazed. Her head turns toward the bathroom and then turns to me.
“What are you doing?” she asks sleepily.
“Working a bit.”
“What time is it?”
“A little after seven.”
“Why the hell are you up? Do you ever sleep?” She falls back onto my bed and the sheets slip down her naked body.
I jump to my feet and make my way to her side of the bed in a second. “Yeah, I slept, then I worked out, showered, and decided to work until you woke up.”
“You worked out? Showered? What the hell is wrong with you? I thought we weren’t going anywhere this morning.”
She throws an arm over her eyes and I take the opportunity to kiss the skin up to her elbow, then pull her arm down so she has no choice but to look at me.
“I didn’t go anywhere. I have a home gym down the hall. I showered because I was gross, and we are staying here this morning. We have a meeting at ten, but until then, it’s us.”
“You have a home gym? Where?”
“Yeah, babe, there’s about two thousand square feet you’ve not seen yet. Two more rooms and a gym.”
“What?”
“Babe, you’ve only been here a few times, I haven’t had time to show you.”
“This is a whole lot of information for me this early, without coffee. Remember I’m not a morning person.”
“So you keep saying, but I love proving you wrong.” I kiss her softly and slide my hand under the sheets and down until it reaches her pelvic bone.
My fingertips run lightly back and forth from hipbone to hipbone until her breath catches. Every time I hear that small sound, I know she’s getting turned on. Then my hand slinks lower to her slick heat and I press one finger in, sliding her wetness back and forth. “You are the best morning person I know.”
“That’s because you give me orgasms before my coffee.”
Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing. They have one amazing daughter.
Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand. I started writing my Surrender Series, in the spring of 2013 and have received incredible support from the Indie community. Throughout this year, I have been privileged to meet some amazing people that I am thankful to have in my life.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
Stella meets Max when her PR firm is in the running to work with Max's company. He has taken over the reins after his father passed away, much to the chagrin of Mr. Hurst, the other half of Hurst & McCoy. They are instantly attracted to each other and despite that fact that they end up working together, the two start a relationship.
Very early in the book Stella's best friend and coworker Laci makes a point to warn her about Max. He's so good looking that she wants go give Stella a heads up just in case she meets him. Turns out Laci is right, but it doesn't matter. As soon as Stella sees Max she is completely taken aback:
My breath hitches and my skin prickles. Maxwell McCoy stares back at me with complete indifference. He’s taller than I imagined, at least six foot two. His dark hair is shaved close on the sides, but longer on top with a slight spike. The black suit he’s wearing fits his body perfectly showing off a firm physique. My mouth goes dry at the sight and my heart starts racing. When our eyes meet, something passes between us and his pupils widen. The energy in the room changes as we stare at each other.
The intensity of his gaze sends chills up and down my spine. The blue of his irises darken and his lip twitches slightly. As hard as I try, it’s impossible to turn my head. I’m paralyzed by the dominant powerhouse standing in front of me. He finally breaks the spell and I’m able to think clearly again.
And Max has a very similar reaction to meeting Stella:
A lot happens in this book. Just when you think things are going well...BAM something else happens. There is even a plot twist that I did not see coming. Stella and Max are perfect for each other and the events of the book just cement that fact. The author had my attention the whole time and if I had the time, I could have easily finished this book in one afternoon.
I've only read Ahren's previous book "Reed's Reckoning" so I guess I was expecting the same kind of book. A sweet love story with a bit of drama, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, the love story is there, but this book has everything. A ridiculously sexy alpha male. A kick ass heroine. An awesome best friend. A big secret. Corporate intrigue, which I totally wasn't expecting. And an amazing, sexy relationship that had me wishing I was Stella Sullivan.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00T71ALZM
My vision is spotty as soon as our eyes lock. The woman in front of me is like a shockwave to my system. I break the stare and look down her body. Long dark hair flows over her shoulders landing right above the black belt that hugs her small waist. Her hips flare slightly, leading to the sexiest pair of legs that look a mile long in those black heels. My eyes rake back up and lock with the most gorgeous eyes I’ve even seen—a mix between caramel and amber. When she smiles, it’s like a thousand lights have been flipped on. Her beauty illuminates the room. Hearing her breath hitch again spreads warmth through my body. For the first time in years, I feel something in my dark soul.Wow. After that I knew that these two would have a intense relationship and they didn't disappoint. Stella is hesitant at first, but it isn't long before these two are not only in a working relationship, but a romantic relationship as well.
A lot happens in this book. Just when you think things are going well...BAM something else happens. There is even a plot twist that I did not see coming. Stella and Max are perfect for each other and the events of the book just cement that fact. The author had my attention the whole time and if I had the time, I could have easily finished this book in one afternoon.
I've only read Ahren's previous book "Reed's Reckoning" so I guess I was expecting the same kind of book. A sweet love story with a bit of drama, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, the love story is there, but this book has everything. A ridiculously sexy alpha male. A kick ass heroine. An awesome best friend. A big secret. Corporate intrigue, which I totally wasn't expecting. And an amazing, sexy relationship that had me wishing I was Stella Sullivan.
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00T71ALZM
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