AN ARMORED HEART by RC Boldt -review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2023

RULE #1: Do not catch feelings for the man who doesn’t believe in love.

Four months. That’s how long I have to pretend to be Steele Cunningham’s doting girlfriend.
I agreed to this insanity only to save my restaurant. He’s doing it because he needs someone outside his “social circle” to stick it to his meddling parents and clingy ex.
Ruthless and emotionless in both his personal life and his career, Steele’s ego rivals his net worth.
Operating on joy and positivity—and a healthy bit of feistiness—I challenge him at every step.
He’s a tin man—heartless and cold. Falling for him would be a colossal mistake, because there’s no chance he’ll ever love me.
He can’t.
After all, he’s the man with an armored heart.

••••••

REVIEW: AN ARMORED HEART by RC Boldt is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing on businessman Steele Cunningham, and chef / restaurateur Daniella ‘Ella’ Marchetti.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ella and Steele) AN ARMORED HEART follows in the wake of Steele Cunningham buying the property in which Ella Marchetti runs her business. In the hopes of convincing Steele to not tear down the property, Ella comes baring gifts of food, a visit that will place both in a compromising position. Unable to think clearly, Steele introduces Ella as his new girlfriend, a ruse that is about to be played out for in social media, for the world to see. Steele is tired of his mother trying to push he and his former girlfriend back together, so a four month arrangement with Ella, will save Ella business, and Steele’s integrity but all does not go according to plan when their arrangement turns into something more, only to be a vindictive family, and a big misunderstanding. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Steele and Ella, and the potential fall-out as their secrets and lies are about to spiral out of control.

Steele Cunningham comes from money; his family are the ultimate snobs, live the life of high society rich and famous but Steele doesn’t always recognize the reality of his situation. Cold and aloof, Steele doesn’t do love, or public displays of affection until Daniella ‘Ella’ Marchetti falls into his life. Having to appear with Ella at several social functions, Steele struggles with his growing attraction to the woman who is about to break his heart. Ella Marchetti loves her friends, her business, and loves to hug but a ‘fake’ relationship with Steele finds Ella breaking down all of Steele’s walls, walls he has built since a very young age.

The relationship between Ella and Steele begins by accident that quickly morphs into a business arrangement in which Ella will pretend to be Steele’s girlfriend for approximately four months but someone is trying to sabotage both Ella and Steele’s businesses, a sabotage that is about to back fire when the truth is revealed. Trying to keep their fake relationship platonic, Ella quickly falls for the man that battles between head and heart for the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are provocative, intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and interesting secondary and supporting characters including Ella’s co-workers and friends (Tessa, Serena, Kirin), as well as Steele’s rich and snobby family, his business partners Dylan and Lucas, and Steele’s ex girlfriend Iris Colton. I am hoping the author has plans for Lucas and Dylan but the epilogue fast forwards several years revealing the personal lives of many of the secondary characters.

AN ARMORED HEART is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, differences and similarities, acceptance and love. The wonderful premise is detailed, heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of a possible end date; the characters are determined, powerful, dynamic and captivating.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you’re in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80’s song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she’s your girl.

Website: http://www.rcboldtbooks.com
Email: rcboldtbooks@gmail.com
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