Reforming the CEO by Marisa Cleveland – a Review

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Description:
What happens when your next door neighbor is the hottest, most notorious playboy in all of South Beach?

Reece Rowe is on hiatus from respectability. Before she returns to her stable, boring existence of charity events and dating predictable, stuffy suitors who are only interested in getting closer to the wealthy family who adopted her, she’s going to get a taste of what she’s been missing. She screws up her courage and heads to Vincent Ferguson’s office to find out what all the women in South Beach already seem to know about him.

Once CEO Vin Ferguson’s tech company goes public, he’ll have proved he’s no longer the poor, gritty kid from the wrong side of the tracks. But, citing his bad boy reputation, some financial backers waver, and his friends suggest dating a more respectable woman to improve his image. Ridiculous. Because delectable but snooty socialites, like his next door neighbor, are way out of his league.

And then, Reese walks through his office door and makes him an offer. To say his jaw hits the floor is an understatement.

And he can’t believe what she just proposed…

Review:

A summer of secrets between two consenting adults is the background for Reforming the CEO by Marisa Cleveland. Vin Ferguson ventures beyond “models and mayhem” to gain proper attention only the arm of socialite extraordinaire, Reece Rowe can secure. Her part of the negotiation garners sexual fantasies without any fallout. Quid pro quo. Easy enough…said no one ever, 😀

 “He’d give her what she wanted, and he’d give his board what they wanted, but that would be all. One summer, and everything he ever worked for would finally come into fruition.”

Vin didn’t give Reece enough credit for ambition. She wanted to shatter the glass ceiling of her adoptive family’s expectations and dating a bad boy was just the catalyst. I thought Vin was going to be indifferent to her presence, sex with no strings-focused, but he was in fact captivated by her; no way was he going to be aloof about her position in his life. Before long, Vin recognizes Reece’s steady influence, an attraction more meaningful than superficial, and shared sensibilities creates a solid relationship. Wait…no breaking the rules!

Aside from cat and mouse antics, family dynamics underlie the impetus for Reece’s character departure, her need to behave according to the Rowe model. Strangely enough, Vin isn’t bogged down by skeletons in his closet. He’s abiding by the agreement, promoting his corporation, while making good on Reece’s list of sexual exploits.
 
As there wasn’t a lot of subterfuge, both Vin and Reece benefitted from the “summer of secrets”, broken hearts aren’t a consequence, right? Because love is just that easy, right? Simultaneous proposition, jimultaneous droposition — love always finds a way! Will Vin and Reece be as adult about a relationship as they were a fling? Are either of them ready to commit, considering the career headway they’ve launched as a result of the affair?

Reforming the CEO wasn’t heavy in tone or subject matter – it was downright refreshing to read such an approach! Marisa Cleveland touched on several themes and delivered them well. I enjoyed this book and would love to explore a secondary character’s journey. I’ll be here for book #2!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher