A review by ggbookrecclub
Between Desire and Denial by Shain Rose

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What should have been a one night only situation between a bridesmaid and groomsman turns into a let’s strike a deal situation. After breaking it off with her professor(don’t worry, I’m not spoiling anything you literally learn this on the first page of chapter one) her graduate thesis is in danger. Luckily the Hardy’s have their hands in all sorts of dealings and can easily pull strings. But no good deed goes unpunished, am I right? 

There’s just something about Dimitri and his smug ways of throwing around money to make things happen that just make you want to hate him. The problem with that is he’s also so caring and sincere with all things when it comes to Olive. Olive, hair stylist and friend to Kee(book #3), grew up in a quiet but oh so exclusive subdevelopment that Dimitri wants into. He bought a house thinking that would do it, getting him, in order to expand their businesses to the surrounding areas. Turns out it's not that easy. Striking a deal, Olive relocates to work on her thesis while faking as his live-in girlfriend gaining his favor with the townspeople. It’s all very Stars Hollow but exchange the quirky charm for a dangerous secret society. Of course, in true romance book fashion, this fake dating situation can’t stay fake for long.

Between Desire and Denial contained all the fun and drama you’d expect from the Hardy Billionaire Brothers series while also setting up Shain Rose’s next series perfectly. By the end of the book I kept finding myself wanting to know more about this diamond syndicate and then kept having to real myself back in to keep on topic. The groundwork for something truly devious has been laid and I can’t wait for the new series.