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Smokescreen

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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.

*Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

ebook

First published February 4, 2015

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About the author

Ahren Sanders

33 books1,655 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author 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.

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.

Visit me online:
Facebook➜ www.facebook.com/authorahrensanders
Twitter➜ @Ahrensanders
Instagram➜/Ahrensanders
Amazon➜http://amzn.to/1eejSKy
mailing list➜ http://bit.ly/1RrWAR4
Website➜www.ahrensanders.com

FB Fan Page➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/14405...
Bookbub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ahren...




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5 stars
655 (41%)
4 stars
526 (33%)
3 stars
285 (17%)
2 stars
84 (5%)
1 star
40 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
975 reviews1,293 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 10, 2015
DNF 53%

I'm not going to say that this book is bad. It's not. It's just clearly tailored for someone whose tastes in reading are the exact opposite to mine.



I'm giving up the struggle and moving on. Next!
Profile Image for Talltree.
2,081 reviews25 followers
June 2, 2016
3.5 stars for the sweet low angst romance but ugh, this author should seriously think about writing for soap operas, there was so much roller coaster stuff that my head is spinning!
Profile Image for Nicla.
416 reviews334 followers
July 22, 2015
Loved it! Perfect reading escape for me. Smokescreen had everything I love in a good book. A bossy alpha who knows what he wants and never waivers, a sweet heroine that isn't a push over and a hot instant love romance that has just the right amount of angst to keep you turning pages. Another thing I love about this story is when the couple have an issue they communicate and work it out quickly. Highly recommend!

HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: 3.5/10
Heat Level: 7.5/10
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
602 reviews12 followers
February 19, 2015
I loved, loved, loved this book!!! In true Ahren Sanders' style this book is impossible to put down!! Very well written with an interesting story and a good plot, this sizzling romance is a pure pleasure!!! Witty and funny thanks to the dynamics between all the great characters, this book contains some action which will also add to the addiction! Maxwell is a mogul and as alpha as can be, in a sexy, business suave kind. Stella is a beautiful, amazing, independent young woman who strives in the PR world. Their attraction is explosive and immediate....Both of them full of charm and warmth they will have a scorching hot chemistry. Big deals, complots, money, love and sexiness, this story has a few good twists that will keep you entertained all along and hook you from the begining! Once again Ahren Sanders surprises me with a fantastic book! Smokescreen is an amazing read!! Two Thumbs Up High In The Air!!!!!
Profile Image for Aya.
116 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2017
DNF 27%

Cant believe that I drop this book.
One of my friend recommend this to me so I go for it and I saw it here that this is have a good rating here (Im excited that time)... anyway~ when I make it to 10% im a littel annoy to the heroine... she's not spoild,a b*tch, a s*ut..its just... argh! its hard to say it here anyway straight to the point I don't like her even the hero. (i hate that when im saying it)
I tried it to continue until 20% and im snap at 27%.
description
but its not working to me.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews482 followers
February 9, 2015
After reading the excellent Reed's Reckoning last year, I was impatient for another Ahren Sanders book. I had hoped she would deliver another intriguing, HOT story in Smokescreen and guess what? SHE TOTALLY DID.

When Stella Sulllivan walked into Hurst & McCoy, all she was hoping to land was the chance to work with the company to rehab its tarnished image. She certainly wasn't expecting to catch the eye of the handsome, powerful and secretive CEO, Maxwell McCoy.

Max sees the stunning PR representative and knows something is different about her... For the first time in a long time, his heart pounds and his life shifts. He plans to not only save his failing business but also land the girl.

Except Max still has secrets, and only time will make it possible for these two to find their happy - and it's not going to be easy. With everything up in the air and the fight of their lives coming, can Max convince Stella to take the chance?

First of all, my husband gives this one 5 stars.... I'll let you guess why. Figure it out? It's H.O.T., that's why. Max and Stella were sizzling together - from the moment they met to the minute I closed the book, I was squirming, fanning myself and generally just enjoying their *ahem* closeness. They were an excellent couple, and even the slight insta-lovey vibe wasn't a turn-off. It seemed so natural and real, and damn it, I wanted their HEA to hurry and come. Only I didn't want the story to end, so I was a little torn.

One of the highlights of this book - as with Reed's Reckoning, as a matter of fact - were the strong, funny, sassy and lovable secondary characters. Seriously, there is SO much potential here to make this book the first in a series of many... Laci and Jake, Chris, the McCoy brothers. Ooooh, maybe M/M for Landon? Hell, Ryan and Erica.... Sure, why not? I'd read them all!! The banter, the connection, everything was spot on. They gave the story urgency, humor and an extra dash of love, and it was exactly was this roller-coaster story needed.

I was so captivated by this thrilling, mysterious book, I practically read it one straight sitting. Except I had to...err...take care of some business, if you know what I mean *wink*. ~ Beth, 5 stars
Profile Image for Jos.
1,725 reviews135 followers
May 30, 2016
3-3.5 Stars Good

OK, I liked this book, I just didn't love it. it was pretty fast paced but too "simple" and a bit too cheesy too. For me personally I felt it was one level. I would have like to see more depth in the characters and story as it was too one dimensional, just my own feelings.

This was my first read by this author and as much as I was disappointed in this book, I will definitely read another book by her in the future. The writing itself was very good, it was the execution that fell flat for me personally.
Profile Image for Strider28.
436 reviews13 followers
February 12, 2015
41/2 stars.

Smokescreen is a smoking hot love story mixed with a lot of intrigue and suspense.
Stella Sullivan is the heroine and she is strong and independent. She runs a small PR firm and she's put in a proposal for a big company run by millionaire and drop dead gorgeous bachelor Maxwell McCoy. Maxwell is the hero of the story...a man with a reputation of being a man whore but also a man on a mission to clean up the reputation of one of the subsidiaries of the company his father built.
Stella figures her company has no chance at winning the contract but despite being the underdog and being scared sh*^less she bravely presents her proposal to clean up the reputation of the Hurst & McCoy company.
The book is written in duel points of view which I really liked. Miss Sanders takes the time to develop not only the main characters but also the secondary characters. Laci, Stells best friend, provides comic relief. She's sassy, funny and a loyal friend.
While Max and Stella are supposed to have a strictly professional relationship Max pursues Stella from the very beginning. They end up working closely on cleaning up his companies reputation and finally Stella can't ignore his pursuit of her.
While there relationship is building so is the storyline that carries such intrigue that I wanted to keep reading to find out what secrets were lurking around the corner. It seems that someone is purposely trying to sabotage Max's efforts to clean up his companies reputation and there are dirty and sleazy characters involved. As Max further investigates with Stella they begin to receive threats. Real and dangerous threats.
.
Be warned that some of you may be turned off by part of the story that is far fetched. I personally didn't mind because part of the fun of reading fiction is that it doesn't always have to be realistic. In this case the part of the story that is unrealistic adds to the suspense and also puts some of the characters in a panic worrying about one of their friends.
There are two villains in this story, Edward and Erica. They are the kind of characters that you love to hate! There is a twist near the end of the book that makes the story even more interesting.
I also like the fact that this book is a stand alone...no waiting on following books in a series! And it has a HEA!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2015
Stella lost her breath and her heart when she walked into his boardroom. Never did she expect for the CEO of the company to be there during her presentation. You can almost feel both of them holding their breathes and the electricity traveling between them. This is the moment when you get hooked to this love story and decide to read it in one sitting.

I am not kidding. I was holding my breath as I read their first encounter. The words on the page create the atmosphere in that boardroom so accurately it plays in your head like a movie. Kudos to Stella for gathering her wits enough to make her presentation and defend why her PR Company is the one that can best provide the services Maxwell's company needs.

This is a romantic thriller. We have a plot line full of mystery and thrills, while our couple weaves a courtship and love affair not to rivaled. Their attraction is palpable, but Stella does not want to be just another conquest. She makes Max work for her affection. She forces him to slow down and consider what he wants and realize Stella is not like the other women he has been used to.

There is jealousy, greed, kidnapping, federal investigation, drugs... you name it, it is there. This is a complex plot that moves fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I love Max. Once he realizes he loves Stella, watch out, he is a protective bear that will take no prisoners. If you love romance and thrills, you cannot go wrong with this story.
Profile Image for Promiscuous Book Blog.
176 reviews25 followers
February 10, 2015
I swear I REALLY try not to be biased, but as an author Ahren kicks ASS! I have absolutely loved all her stories and this one is no different. The way the characters interact from the main characters to their friends is just a beautiful production of words that always leave you wanting more than the last page.
What I really loved about this book was that it was so much different from her other books. It’s a different setting and I appreciated how she could change the theme and still be real to her writing.
This book was sexy, not too much just that right amount to make you take a break for a second cause shit just go that real. LOL. The dialogue was brilliant and I definitely can tell you that the ending will leave you feeling in peace…Now the question is, what’s next??
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,921 reviews407 followers
February 11, 2015
This author has a great knack of grabbing your attention and not letting go until you've finished the book. This book is no different. My intentions on Sunday afternoon was to sit and read a few chapters. Next thing I know the afternoon is gone and I've finished the book.

This is a great standalone. Maxwell is a ruthless CEO. He always gets what he wants. When he meets Stella he knows his life is about to change. These two characters are fantastic. I totally love them. Max is a really hot alpha male. Stella is strong and independent. The chemistry between these two is so hot.

This book is full of drama, hot sexy scenes and great twists and turns. I highly recommend this book. Ahren this is your best book to date. I loved it.
Profile Image for Susan.
882 reviews10 followers
June 24, 2016
This was just awful. 1/2 of the book was useless filler that added nothing to the story. Anti climatic plot resolution.
Profile Image for Sabrina Lynn.
182 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2015
Review for Smokescreen by Ahren Sanders
5++ stars!!!

Yes I gave it 5++ stars. I honestly believe Ahren was heaven sent to all of us readers for one reason. To give us the chance to read her amazing stories. The men she writes about will bury their way deep into your gut.

Max McCoy...you hot man. You protective, jealous man. He not only knows how to love a woman and show her how much he does. But, He can seriously fight for her too. The best part....Max can speak Portuguese!!! Ok well there isn't any of it in there but she says he can and that made me so darn happy. :) This story about Max and Stella is action packed! Max the Most Eligible Bachelor and Stella the strong independent, hard working woman, will keep you glued through this story. Ahren throws some great curve balls with this one. I swore all along I knew who the "person" was. I was so wrong. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. Cried (as always) I'm a crier. I can't get enough of the sex scenes. Good Lawd woman! You can write a hot scene! The sexual tension between these two comes right off the page.

I want my own Max. I'm sure everyone will want their own also once they are done reading Smokescreen. There was so much going on it never lagged. Every page had something to give. Drama, crazy bitch ass ex girlfriends, murders, thieves....oh ya! I'm telling you action packed! Ahren never disappoints with any of her books. Enjoy Max but remember to give him back to me. He's mine! :)
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars for Maxwell McCoy! I don't know where Ahren Sanders comes up with her men but Max is the best yet. Loyal, protective, smart and sexy as hell, he is the answer to every woman's fantasy including Stella's.

I wouldn't say it's instalove though there is insta-attraction from the moment Stella arrives in Max's boardroom to pitch a PR proposal that may save his company from public embarrassment.

Immediately drawn to each other, I was happy to see them take their physical relationship a bit slow while they got to know each other. Max is trapped in an unhappy life he doesn't know how to escape until he meets Stella and can let her see past all of his walls. She gives him the encouragement he needs to fight for his company and turn his life around.

Shady dealings from his business partner put both of their lives in danger and create a lot of the plot/turmoil for this book. I loved the drama. It wasn't overdone but kept me going and wondering what would happen. In true Ahren fashion, she gave us an amazing cast of side characters.

I adored Stella's character. She is strong, funny and an all around great person. She's not whiny or overly dramatic. Instead, she's the voice of reason for her friends and the light almost everywhere she goes.

This book is very sexy so be prepared to fan yourself every few chapters. I read it all in one sitting and can't recommend this stand alone highly enough!
Profile Image for Athena Freya.
558 reviews130 followers
February 9, 2015
Wow.
Just wow.

Smokescreen is simply one of my all-time favorites!!

I can’t tell you how many times I scrolled through the book to reread, right after I finished it..

I became utterly and irrevocably obsessed with it.

Stella and Max are simply one of the most beautifully and brilliantly created characters I have read ( and obsessed over)..

This is not just a masterpiece. In my mind, it is as high as J.Lynn, Kristen Proby and Samantha Young’s novels. And this is a HUGE thing for me, because these ladies are IT for me.

Ahren Sanders, you have amazed me!

I had read Reed’s Reckoning and I really loved it. But Smokescreen? God, it was a while since I had become this obsessed over a book.

I will keep things simple in this review, because honestly how many times can I tell you that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT? And how many different ways can I possibly find to describe what I felt and I keep feeling about this book.

The characters are excellently developed, the story was flowing and was full of sexy romance combined with suspense, mystery and smart dialogues.

This is not just a Must Read. It’s a Must Re-Read.

Smokescreen receives the honorable INFINITY OF STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Evette.
843 reviews56 followers
February 14, 2015
I am lucky to be one of Ahren’s beta readers. Smokescreen is a departure from her other books, a corporate romance where the characters are older, careers established and for the most part they know what they want. It’s such a thrill when they get what they never expected.

Ahren writes for me (or so I like to believe;)) Great attention to detail, incredible character development and insane, out of control chemistry, all are abundant in Smokescreen.

Stella is an intelligent and strong woman, focuses on her career, has amazing friends and family and hasn’t really made time for love. Or anything even close. Enter Maxwell, all bets are off!

Maxwell is so jaded. He is always in control, so when his business and personal life intertwine he tries even harder to put a leash on everything that is happening. The harder he pushes the more he realizes how much he needs Stella and her crew in his life. When everything he and Stella have worked for is threatened, watch out! Protective alpha Max is here to stay.

The storyline was fast faced with plenty of plot twists to keep the reader turning the pages. We are given a cast of characters that we quickly become invested in, cheering for the wins and booing the losses. An excellent standalone that I definitely recommend.
56 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2015
Absolutely ridiculous. No grown man speaks that way to a woman he just met. Give me a break! The way they spoke their affections to each other was so immature it was embarrassing. If I had to listen to him talk about his "blue balls" one more time I was going to lose my shit. I'm all about a guy expressing his feelings but not if it turns him into a twelve year old weenie at the same time.
Stella Bella and her sidekick laci were equally infuriating there is no way these two women could possibly run their own company. The conversations between the two of them were just stupid.

Completely stunned by the high ratings. Perhaps if the main characters were 15 years younger the immaturity of the dialect would be better tolerated and understood. Thanks to Amazon for their return policy.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,369 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2018
I can finally say I have read all of Ahren Sanders books. Smoke Screen is my favorite
Stella Sullivan just blew me away. She is a badass tough when needed, sassy as all get out and sweet as anything. She would be someone I would want helping me when needed.
NOW let's talk about Maxwell McCoy, he's amazing with his take no bull attitude. He knows what he wants and gets it. He needs to be a hard ass being he runs a Billion dollar company. The story was a bit more mystery then I am used to from Ahern. But it was a great change
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,636 reviews78 followers
July 3, 2017
Smokescreen is a fun and drama filled adventure. Things aren't easy for this troublesome duo. Working against a lot of different variables...

It's a hardship falling for Max...not. He's sweet, sexy, and even though he's bossy- perfect. It's a wonder that he made it so long...
Profile Image for Léatitia Brière.
Author 2 books21 followers
February 8, 2015
A must read ! I really loved it and here are the reasons why :
(from my blog)
There was a lightning in the room and the story started. When Max and Stella met, I just knew I would love the story. And I did very much. I took my time to read Smokescreen and that's a good thing cause I was able to savour it until the last word. I was also busy but every night it was a real delight to open the book and read more about Max and Stella' story. I could recommand this novel just by telling you what a sweet, funny and hot escape it was.



One of my favorite quotes :

"Your heartbeat is the lifeline to mine. Nothing and no one will ever know the depths of my love and adoration for you." Max



How can you not be melting, literally, when you read this? Right?




Now I'm glad to continue my review by talking about the character who stole my heart from the beginning : Maxwell McCoy. But before, let me tell you I'm surprised I love him this much. He is not the book boyfriend I prefer, I prefer them less control freak and less bossy. Which Max was all the way. But it was okay, it made him really interesting. And it would be wrong to forget to tell about his soft spot, his tenderness and his big heart. His charisma is of course very attractive but there's so much behind this handsome and sexy CEO. If you don't fall for him like I did, let's say we can't be friend ! And what about the way he sees his Bella (Stella's nickname)? That's definitly a turn on ! I loved everything about him, therefore, you need to meet him !



"There's a buzzing inside my soul that's been here since the first time I saw her." Max


Let's talk about Stella Sullivan, the lucky one ! I like her too. She's determined, tough and funny. At first, you'd think their relationship wouldn't work because she's independent and likes her freedom. But you remember the lightning? After they first met, she couldn't just walk away and resist Max. It was too late, how could she let this budding love waste away?



"I can't imagine you being anything else but passionate and loving." Stella



But of course, things are never meant to be easy. This story shows a love worth fighting for and I assure you, you will want to know how it ends. Not just because the two main characters are touching and interesting, to say the least, but also because it's intense and well written.





"A single tear falls down her cheek and I catch it with my lips. No words are needed." Max



While reading Smokescreen, I thought it was like watching a movie. You get great descriptions, funny, beautiful and intense dialogues. You also keep turning the pages because you absolutly love how the story is developped. I really enjoyed the second characters too : Lacy is so the best friend you want to keep in your life after High School. She brought lightness and helped getting even more Stella. The two of them are pretty awesome ! If you add Max's POV, you feel really close to Stella.



"Everything about you makes me comfortable." Stella to Max


Well, one of the things I loved, is the two POV. Usually I adore seeing a story from two different POV but here it was perfect and efficient. The last few chapters were so intense ! So yeah, I liked this pace. But of course, as I mentionned earlier, Max captured my heart. So I truly enjoyed putting myself in his shoes. And obvisously, this love story wouldn't be the same without his POV. It was amazing ! Well done !



There were also beautiful and tender pictures of family, friendship, love and... hotness ! I could sense and taste the unovoidable, strong and deep chemistry between Max and Stella. Their little corps à corps were pretty funny, demonstrative, loving and of course hot as fire !



"Can you handle that, Bella? Can you handle knowing I'll claim you as my own and you'll unquestionably be mine?" Max



Without telling too much, I have to say I really enjoyed the end of the book. It was satisfying and I found everything I hoped for. Again, well done !


I feel like I told you pretty much everything you need to know about Smokescreen. I let you discover this must read and I hope you follow my advice and pick up Ahren Sander's new book. You won't regret it !

I got this ARC for an honest review so here it is : YOU HAVE TO READ SMOKESCREEN !


Ps: that was coming from my book lover's heart.


Happy reading !
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,843 reviews156 followers
February 13, 2015
Smokescreen ~ a ruse designed to disguise someone's real intentions or activities

Ahren Sanders couldn’t have chosen a more fitting title for her newest release. There’s a plethora of secrets and duplicity throughout the text, and while most of it is done in the name of revenge and greed, some deceptions or hidden truths are used in order to cope with regrets and mishandled choices.

Maxwell McCoy is one such hero who falls into the latter category, and for the last three years, he hasn’t really been living, keeping everything close to the vest and doing what needs to be done for his company and his father’s legacy. But in order to clean up the issues that plague Hurst & McCoy, he needs a PR firm who can reimage the business and do damage control on multiple fronts, which is where Stella Sullivan comes into play and clears the smoke that has surrounded both Max’s personal and professional life, rendering him, for the most part, an open book to Stella, at least those are Max’s intentions when the connection he feels for Stella is worth playing a new kind of game – the forever kind.

But the business world is filled with duplicity, and when things get personal between Max and Stella hiding their relationship is the least of their worries when there are multiple players threatening to not only separate them but wreak havoc in all areas of their lives.

Going in to Smokescreen, I had heard such amazing things about Ahren Sanders’ Reed’s Reckoning, and while I own the text, I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, so when a blog tour opened up for Max and Stella’s story, I knew I needed to sign-up, and I’m so glad that I did! I loved everything about this story! The writing is extremely engaging; it has a great blend of steam, humor, and conflict that will have readers turning pages until a resolution is reached. A captivating storyline is a necessity in a text, but what really solidify the greatness of Sanders’ text are her characters, both the hero/heroine as well as the family and friends who surround them.

Max McCoy is a dominant in the bedroom and the boardroom; he’s alpha to the core and he protects what’s his. Stella takes his breath away from their very first meeting, and from that day on, he does everything in his power to claim her. In words and deeds, Max becomes Stella’s willing captive, and as their relationship grows throughout the text, he shows her and everyone else the kind of man he is due to his love for her and the presence she has in his life. I love a hero who is strong and confident but also brought to his knees by the woman of his dreams and not afraid to show it and claim those feelings – that’s exactly the kind of man Max is.

Stella Sullivan is a force to be reckoned with; she’s a compassionate and selfless woman who also has a great amount of strength and determination. She’s everything Max never knew he wanted, and he is the man who she can trust to have her back in everything. They make such a fantastic couple and the chemistry between them is written so well that readers can’t help but smile during all of Max and Stella’s interactions.

Laci, Jake, Pedro, Ryan…I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed the whole ensemble of supporting characters in a book like I enjoyed Sanders’ crew. They add so much to the text and illustrate the kind of people both Max and Stella are to have these people stand behind them; their own personalities are also brought out in the text, which I absolutely adored!

Smokescreen is a fantastic story that definitely needs to be on everyone’s TBR list!

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,066 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2015
**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:
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.
Profile Image for Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark.
487 reviews344 followers
February 9, 2015
Ahren Sanders–I ADORE YOU! Truly, this is a fabulously written book with great characters and a female lead who has this incredible strength and softness to her. She holds a lot of cards without even knowing how special she really is. She sees something in making a bid for a client that she knows is completely unobtainable and yet, she doesn’t back down. She knows if given the chance, she can do amazing things for this company… oh but that’s a big if. She has to get the contract first. But the first step is walking into that boardroom to present her ideas.

Immediately dismissed by one, the other saw great potential. In fact, I think Max saw a lot more than potential in Stella. But it is more than her ideas that have Max intrigued. He see something in her that he just can’t resist. He likes her ideas to help his company that is in trouble, but how long can he pretend there is no chemistry when they shook hands? How long can he pretend this is just another business deal to handle?

Oh Stella… you have your hands full with this one. Max just hired you to pull of a big PR move… do you think you can handle the pressure? Do you think you can handle Max? Not talking anything away from your brilliant ideas, but how you manage to get anything accomplished with Max so close is beyond me.

There is so much I want to say about things that happen in this book that I just can’t. I don’t want ANY spoilers to fall in my review. But this book truly defines strength. It is not conventional, it is not the norm, but Stella has it and if Max is beside her through it, he will make sure she never loses it. I think Max would rather lose his business than watch Stella’s fall apart.

These two heat up the pages and the fire burns through the entire book. It is a beautiful romance but more than the chemistry and passion between these two main characters, I was blown away by the strength and courage of them both. Fighting for everything without sacrificing their integrity. That is what makes them so powerful together.

The secondary characters just made me laugh, made me cringe and Max should have fired half the damn company that he worked with. But Stella’s best friend and her very unfiltered mouth just had me in hysterics. She was hilarious and one of a kind, but more than that she was an amazing friend who would stop at nothing to help her Stella Bella! The extended family that Stella had just touched me. They wrapped their love around Stella and help to protect her and love her when everything seemed to be going wrong.

Ahren Sanders is a talented writer, there is no disputing that. This is not her first book, but this book is a treasure. It has the steam, the romance, the passion, the intrigue and the suspense. I was up all hours of the night reading it and it was worth it to be barely functioning in the office the next day! I love Ahren’s writing style and her books grab me more and more with each page turned. You can’t help but be swept away in the story line and when the book finally ends, you will wish you were able to read it again for the first time. I know I will be revisiting this book and Max very soon…
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