If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all. - Oscar Wilde
We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading. - B. F. Skinner
No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting. - Mary Wortley Montagu

Monday, January 14, 2019

Review: Seduction by Henley Maverick



Title: Seduction
Author: Henley Maverick
Publisher: Henley Maverick
Release Date: November 4, 2018
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Explicit, Romance
Book Version: eBook


Any publicity is good publicity, right? Unfortunately, for Alivia O'Reilly, this just isn’t true. Having developed a scheme to create a media ruckus outside of her flower shop, Blooms, to drive up business, Liv was never prepared for the maelstrom her little publicity stunt would create.

Conor, her cousin, funded her little start up business and the extra attention is exactly what he didn’t order. A loan shark tied to organized crime, he prefers to stick to the shadows - as most rats do - and now there’s a spotlight on Liv, putting a wrench in his nefarious plans.

Also watching from the shadows? Rhys Gallagher, billionaire mogul and reformed crime lord. He’s been watching Liv for years, patiently waiting to make his move on the buxom brunette. Now, nothing is going to keep him from her. Not her business, not her independence, not her pride, and certainty not Conor. Because when Gallagher plays, he plays for keeps. And the prize… is Liv’s heart.

“When the time comes, Liv, you’ll make me an offer I can’t refuse.”

Rhys is an old country businessman with new world ethics. Kind of. Some of those old country ways still cling to him, usually for the betterment of those close to him. His wealth is well-earned, and the respect he has is too. He is a man you want on your side and never the man you want to renege on.

His sights are set on Alivia, have been years, and he sees in her the future he’s always wanted: family, warmth, comfort, familiarity. The problem is, well, Alivia.

Alivia’s intelligent and loyal, qualities that will outlast beauty as time marches on. But her stubbornness... I can’t remember the last time I wanted to throttle a female lead character as much as I wanted to with her. I get the whole wanting to be independent, I am woman hear me roar thing, but really?! Her friend is right. She took that mentality too far.

Alivia’s shop and how it came to be are what pushes her into Rhys’ arms. Her refusal to accept him and all he has to offer grossly overshadowed his appreciation for the woman she was. He didn’t want anything from her except her trust, her love, a chance to make a life with her. She didn’t see or understand that. Pushing him away became a constant in this story until she couldn’t push anymore.

Pride definitely went before the fall in this story, but admission and acceptance brought about healing and love. My heart was in my throat when I got almost to the end and I hoped, crossed-my-fingers-silently-prayed-she-wouldn’t-do-anything-stupid hoped, Alivia could see what was right. In. Front. Of. Her.

Thank the Lord above she did.

Not sure I could’ve handled anymore of her if she hadn’t.

Ms. Maverick, this was a tumultuous story to say the very least. I loved it. Hated it. Oh dear God, did I hate Alivia at times. And Lord help me, did my heart ache for Rhys at other times. But it’s a story worth reading, one I will read again. Just, you know, after I recover from reading it this time.

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