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emilyhei's review
5.0
Essie Santiago has struggled to get where she is, she overcame more than anyone should endure and pursued her passion for fashion. When her brother called with a job opportunity that could catapult her career, she jumped on a plane thinking this was afresh start. However she didn't realize that the House of Payne would turn into a fashion contest for best designer, Essie is used to hiding in the background and this is completely out of her comfort zone.
Ezekiel Steele sees something in Essie that peaks his interest, the normally demure woman is a spitfire when pushed. Steele knows her wants her, he knows she needs time to see he is not a threat, he plans to have her. However, Steele doesn't believe he can have a happily ever after, in the time of need he was broken but he believes he can keep Essie happy but Essie as other ideas about what she wants from Steele.
I hadn't picked up one of the Payne books yet but I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. This was fantastic, just what I was looking for in a book. Essie is a wonderful heroine, she is so strong and doesn't realize how strong she truly is. Steele is just pure unfiltered alpha male, he is so protective of Essie you can't wait for more. Thought the fashion show contest was great, reminded me of Project Runway. Will be reading more from this talented author.
Ezekiel Steele sees something in Essie that peaks his interest, the normally demure woman is a spitfire when pushed. Steele knows her wants her, he knows she needs time to see he is not a threat, he plans to have her. However, Steele doesn't believe he can have a happily ever after, in the time of need he was broken but he believes he can keep Essie happy but Essie as other ideas about what she wants from Steele.
I hadn't picked up one of the Payne books yet but I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. This was fantastic, just what I was looking for in a book. Essie is a wonderful heroine, she is so strong and doesn't realize how strong she truly is. Steele is just pure unfiltered alpha male, he is so protective of Essie you can't wait for more. Thought the fashion show contest was great, reminded me of Project Runway. Will be reading more from this talented author.
shobeteener's review
5.0
This book is part of the House of Pain Series. Prior to reading this book I have not read any of the other books in the series and I had no problem following along in this book. It definitely can be a stand alone.
This book captured my interest right from the start. In fact I read it straight through. I just didn't want to put it down. It was well worth the missed sleep.
Ezekiel Steele (prefers to be called Steele) works from a security company that is ahead of the House's security.
Essie Santiago, who is Twist's sister (he works in the house) and moved back to town believing she had a job with the house. She is now involved in a contest that the winner gets a job with the company.
Both Steele and Essie have scars from their past. He being wounded in action during his time in the military and Essie from having survived a severe trauma in her teens.
The author did a great job pulling you into the story. I was crying at parts, especially when Essie was reliving her trauma.
I think knew how to get Essie to excel due his own experiences. He has her back 100%! We all need men like him!
This is the first book I have read by this author. She now has a new follower and I will be going back and reading the rest of this series.
This book captured my interest right from the start. In fact I read it straight through. I just didn't want to put it down. It was well worth the missed sleep.
Ezekiel Steele (prefers to be called Steele) works from a security company that is ahead of the House's security.
Essie Santiago, who is Twist's sister (he works in the house) and moved back to town believing she had a job with the house. She is now involved in a contest that the winner gets a job with the company.
Both Steele and Essie have scars from their past. He being wounded in action during his time in the military and Essie from having survived a severe trauma in her teens.
The author did a great job pulling you into the story. I was crying at parts, especially when Essie was reliving her trauma.
I think knew how to get Essie to excel due his own experiences. He has her back 100%! We all need men like him!
This is the first book I have read by this author. She now has a new follower and I will be going back and reading the rest of this series.
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