#enemiestolovers #workplaceromance #reversegrumpysunshine #smalltown #forcedproximity #secondchance #agegap
HATE ME (ALEX & DELANEY #1)
The last place Delaney Hayes thought she would find herself is Badger Creek. It’s the place she left with dreams of college scholarships and a future as a professional skier. But less than a year later, she’s back with her tail between her legs, embarrassed and bitter, working as a ski instructor.
And then there’s Alex Cunningham. A guy most girls would dream of working with. Arrogant and gorgeous with a sinful smile to match. Determined to make Delaney’s life miserable, he seems to turn up everywhere she is and her patience for him is wearing thin.
However, fate has other plans and when tragedy strikes, they’re forced together in a way they never expected.
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Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)
My Thoughts:
Delaney’s choices land her back in Badger Creek and after a one night stand, she’s not expecting to be tolerating Alex on a regular basis. Both are running from bad experiences they’ve had in college – par for the course at that age as I ran from my own back during those days!
The banter had me laughing out loud at several points. Delaney could hold her own with Alex, but we also get to see sides of both characters that reveal their vulnerabilities and insecurities. I love how the author made them flawed with age-appropriate qualities. I love how they have to navigate through their feelings on a personal and professional level as they work together.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I’m grateful that the second book is available to cure my need for a fulfilling ending!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
HATE ME NOT (ALEX & DELANEY #2)
After surviving an avalanche, Delaney Hayes thought the worst of it was over. Battered and bloody, she finds herself in the middle of nowhere. Terrified for her life, she has no idea that the one person she can’t stand will be the one to save her.
And then there’s Alex Cunningham. Clinging to Delaney as the avalanche struck, he’s determined to keep her safe even if it means surviving in the remote wilderness. His first and only thought is to find shelter even if the thought of being trapped with her is difficult to take.
But as the days turn into weeks, these two enemies must come to terms with their situation, finding comfort in each other when they need it most.
Buy the Book:
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)
My Thoughts:
Jumping right in from the moment where Alex and Delaney have experienced another terrible blow – an avalanche. But they survived and now they have to learn how to depend on one another for more than a good sparring partner.
Forced to depend on one another, they being navigating their emotions and feelings toward one another, while connecting on deeper than a physical level. We see a big shift between Alex and Delaney as individuals and as a couple.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a lot from them being stuck in one location for so much of the book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author grips the reader by immersing them into good, forward-moving conversations that help put old wounds to rest. Both do a lot of healing and give us all the feel-good that we’ve been waiting for!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Not only is Claire Raye a really sweet pen name, it’s actually a pen name for two sarcastic best friends who met through their mutual love of reading. After bonding over books (and wine and cheese), they decided to take the plunge and see if they could write a book together and ta dah… The Rockport Beach Series was born! In addition to their shared love of food and dropping an occasional (read, a lot of) f bombs, the writing duo that is Claire Raye like to write about strong, sassy females who aren’t afraid to say what’s on their mind and the overprotective men who fall in love with them.
Both halves of Claire Raye are married and both of their husbands have a cheeky side that gets plenty of airtime in their books. From their smart mouths to their witty one-liners, there’s plenty of material to use for all those alpha males they love to write about.
While Claire Raye isn’t sure they’ll ever reveal who they really are —there’s just something about your co-workers knowing you write erotic love scenes that makes having a pen name that much easier— they’re definitely going to keep on writing. Plans are already underway for the next series, which is sure to feature plenty of sass, steam and humor, and of course, a happily ever after!
