Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The man she loves to hate… 

Most women would kill to be draped in ivory lace and walking up the aisle toward King Kostas Laskos. Stella Constantinides isn’t most women. But for peace in her kingdom, she’s agreed to marry the man she once bared her heart to with disastrous effect. 

The feisty princess refuses to be his pawn, yet one night in their marriage bed proves that Stella will never be immune to her husband’s charms. Soon Stella begins to see a truth behind the sins of their past…and she finds herself doing what she swore she’d never do—fall for her husband!

 

Review:

Princess Stella Constantinides of Akathinia needed a break, so she took one without her entourage to draw attention.  Imagine her surprise when King Kostas Laskos of Carnelia approaches her on said break.  There is history between the two back to when they were children.  A history that broke Stella’s heart and, unknown to Stella, affected Kostas as well.  Kostas convinces Stella to listen to his offer and leaves her with lots to consider.  If she marries him, it would unite their two countries.  It would also help Kostas prove to the Carnelian citizens that he is not his father, who had not been more dictator that anything else.  It may also place her in danger, as there are factions in Carnelia that look to unseat Kostas and his reign and continue in the ways of his father. 

Once Stella makes her way home to Akathinia and discusses her decision with her brother, King Nikandros Constantinides, she embarks on a path that she hopes will give everyone what they want.  She also has hopes she doesn’t lose herself in the process. 

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is a wonderfully written story with characters that draw you in from the very beginning.  We’ve gotten to know Stella in the first two books, but this book gives us insight into what makes her tick.  She has a strong sense of honor and is determined to set things right, both with her new home, Carnelia, and with her new husband.  Kostas, even though misguided in the first 2/3 of the book, does truly have a sense of honor as well.  He just had a hard time seeing what was in front of him the entire time.  As Stella starts understanding what has made Kostas the way he is, her heart breaks for him.  Even though he’s vowed he’ll be faithful, but that he’ll never love her, a little of her hope fades.  But, when he truly opens himself up, and truly sees what a wonderful gift has been given him and the opportunities those present, you will fall head over heels for him.  He and Stella are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is ultimately a story about letting go of preconceived notions and doing what is best, not only for you, but for everyone involved.  And, with all of that, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself AND the love of your life.  Once again, if you’re looking for a quick and sexy read that keeps you turning the pages, you will never go wrong with this one, or any written by this fabulous author.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!!  Very, very well done!!!
Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

About The Author

Jennifer Hayward

Award-winning author JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenaged angst.

Jennifer’s career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write, always with a touch of humour.

Jennifer emerged on the publishing scene when she won Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write global writing competition in 2012. She is the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Best Harlequin Presents of 2014 winner for her book, The Magnate’s Manifesto.

A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer lives in Toronto with her Viking husband and young Viking-in-training.

 

 

giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of of Marrying Her Royal Enemy ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from July 20 to July 24, 2016

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Claiming the Royal Innocent by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

Claiming the Royal Innocent by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
Found 

When Aleksandra Dimitriou is revealed as the secret daughter of Akathinia’s former king, she’s torn from her comfortable existence and thrust into the royal world…under the protection of Aristos Nicolades. 

Forbidden 

Aristos has orders not to touch the innocent princess, but beautiful Aleksandra calls to the rebellious urges that the self-made Greek tycoon thought he overcame long ago. 

Forever? 

As the heat of their desire rises, the rules begin to evaporate. It’s soon clear that the person Aristos should be protecting Aleksandra from is himself!

 

 

Review:

Claiming the Royal Innocent begins with a party at the palace that’s about to have more fireworks than they believed.  Not that Aleksandra waltzes in and announces who she is to everyone…..But she does draw the attention of one Aristos Nicolades.  Even though Aristos doesn’t consider himself and the king best friends, he knows that something is up with the beautiful woman before him.  And, oh yeah, she’s not the person whose invitation was used to enter the party.  Even though Aristos doesn’t think she’s dangerous, he knows that something is definitely up.

When Aleksandra does get her few moments with the king and tells him her story, she knows things will never be the same.  Not only is she an actual princess, but she’s attracted to the one person that she knows down to her toes that she should NOT be.  But, when war looms for Akathinia, King Nikandros asks Aristos to not only see to his new sister’s safety, but to take her his private island to keep the media at bay.  AND, he issues a warning to Aristos:  keep your hands to yourself.  Yep……

Claiming the Royal Innocent is another great story by Jennifer Hayward.  Aleksandra is as stubborn as she is beautiful and as loyal as she is fierce.  Once she sets her sights on helping Aristos open up about his past and getting his project on Akathinia sewn up, she moves heaven and earth to do so.  Aristos is your typical brooding rich guy and his backstory will make you feel for him.  But when he finally opens up to Aleksandra, you know the two  of them are perfect for each other and will be unstoppable.  Jennifer Hayward has a knack for writing the stories that you WANT to read.  There is humor, a nicely developed romance and a whole lot of hotness.  And, the best part?  They start from the very first word.  There’s no filler, just an awesome story that will keep you turning the pages.  If you’re looking for a quick and sexy read, you CANNOT go wrong with anything written by her.  Phonebooks people!!  (Which means I’d read the phonebooks if she wrote it!  Ha!)  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very, very well done!!!!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Carrying the King’s Pride by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

Carrying the King’s Pride by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
One last New York night with Sofia Ramirez is all Prince Nikandros Constantinides allowed himself before returning to Akathinia, after a dreadful accident took his brother’s life. But before the royal rebel is crowned, Nik discovers that he didn’t leave Sofia behind alone! 

In a baby’s heartbeat, Nik turns Sofia’s world upside down and whisks her away to his Mediterranean kingdom. Dissolving a politically perfect engagement is not what Nik—or his country—had in mind, but this proud prince will do whatever it takes to legitimize his new rule…with a wife and child!

 

Review:

Carrying the King’s Pride begins with Sofia Ramirez attending a swanky party with some of New York City’s elite. And, she knows “he” will be there, Prince Nikandros Constantinides. Even though she has enjoyed her time with the Prince, she knows his m.o. He is a kind of love them and leave them kind of guy. The moment he senses that a woman is becoming too attached, he cuts and runs. Unfortunately for Sofia, she finds herself becoming attached and decides to be the one to end their affair. Of course, they see each other at the party and Nik invites her to his penthouse, where she tells him that she is ready to end their affair. Nik is a little taken aback that she is taking the lead on ending it. He is not used to being the one being let go, after all. They decide to make love one last time, but little did either of them know how much that decision would change their lives. Forever.

After Sofia has left, Nik finds himself wondering why he cannot seem to stop thinking about her and the fact that she initiated the break up. But those thoughts are short-lived as he receives news that his brother has been killed in an accident back home in Akathinia. Even though he and his brother were not close, he knows that the death will devastate his family, especially his father, as his brother was the one who would become King once the time came. Nik had always been more about making money for their monarchy, but with the unexpected death of his brother, he would have other endeavors that he would have to dive in to: becoming King of Akathinia.

Once Nik arrives home, things start to happen quickly. Not only has he lost his brother but the ruler of a neighboring island country has set his sights on Akathinia’s riches and war looms. Nik is also to be married to a woman that will be politically beneficial, but when he finds out that Sofia is pregnant with his heir, all bets are off. He heads back to New York City to confront Sofia and pretty much cons her into going back to Akathinia with him. Once he confronts her about trapping him with this pregnancy, he tells her that they will marry and she will be his Queen. Sofia is devastated that he thinks she got pregnant intentionally, and vows that she will not marry him until he believes her. With so much on Nik’s plate, and Sofia being adamant that she didn’t get pregnant on purpose, he immerses himself into the political machinations of his country as he tries to be the man he feels he needs to be for the good of his family. But, once he sees that Sofia may actually be more of an ally than an adversary, they embark on trying to make things work. Work for themselves, Akathinia and most of all, for their baby. Will Nik be able to be the man Sofia needs him to be? Will he ever be able to believe that she didn’t trap him? Will Sofia ever be able to get through to him? Well, my friends, you will have to read to find out. And, what a read it is.

Jennifer Hayward has once again written a story that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. Sofia and Nik are both wonderfully written characters. Sofia is strong, independent and bound and determined to make things work out the way they are supposed to. Nik is strong, pig-headed and ultimately very vulnerable. Once you find out a little of his back story and his feelings of never having been good enough, your heart will break for him. Sofia was the perfect person to finally make him see reason and see himself as worthy. Of course, there are bumps along the way, but their journey together will melt your heart. I absolutely loved the political nature of this book. It is not over wrought with politics, but it does play a big part in the story. As I read it, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the fictitious Akathinia and Monaco. If you’re looking for a quick read that is sweet and sexy with a little intrigue thrown in, this one is definitely for you. If you’ve not read Jennifer Hayward before, you are seriously missing out. She has very quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading her beautiful stories for years to come. Well done, Jennifer Hayward! Very, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Reunited For the Billionaire’s Legacy by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

Reunited For the Billionaire’s Legacy by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
Diana Taylor’s marriage to playboy Coburn Grant was short, passionate and blazed brightly until the reality of their different worlds set in. Now, years later, Coburn has finally agreed to a divorce. Except one last pleasurable night together seals their fate—with a baby!

Diana knows Coburn will never sign the papers now—he will have his wife and child. And, whisked away to a tropical island paradise, it’s increasingly difficult to ignore their primal hunger for each other. With his legacy growing inside her, can Diana deny the one man she could never resist?

 

Review:

As Coburn Grant prepares to offer up a toast at a friend’s wedding, the last person he ever expects to see walks in………his soon to be ex-wife, Diana. Needless to say, he didn’t deliver the toast he had prepared. Instead he issued a toast wrought with warnings about love not being enough and to be very sure about what they’re getting into. He then wishes the couple well, and leaves. He had no idea that Diana would follow.

When Diana confronts him at his apartment, things heat up to the point where Coburn thinks that one last roll in the hay will rid him of what he feels for Diana and get her out of his system. Diana knows that she’s made a huge mistake afterwards and practically runs out of his apartment. She has a few weeks before she leaves New York for Africa, where she has accepted a position with Doctors Without Borders. There, she feels that she can finally do something meaningful as a pediatric surgeon and not be in her father’s shadow, who is a world renowned orthopedic surgeon. She also wouldn’t have to worry about running into Coburn. However, when she shows up the next morning for her meeting with Coburn and his attorney to finalize their divorce, she finds that Coburn has changed his mind, and won’t sign the papers. Furious, she leaves and heads home.

Diana only has a few weeks before she leaves for Africa. But during those weeks, she discovers that their last time together not only broke her heart, but left her pregnant as well. She makes the decision to go to Africa, get her head on straight and then let Coburn know that they’re going to have a baby. When Coburn receives a call from Diana’s doctor’s office,(Diana hadn’t changed her contact info), he discovers she’s pregnant and she left the country anyway.

Coburn flies to Africa and Diana is surprised to find him at her hotel when she got back that particular night. She gives in and leaves with him. She knows she’s in over her head with being pregnant and not feeling well in a third world country, and heads home. Only when they are about to land does she discover that she’s not actually being taken home, but to some remote island where Coburn vows that they WILL work out what’s between them for the sake of the baby. But, can Diana stay with someone who only wants things to work out for the good of their unborn child and live without love? Well my friends, you’ll just have to read to find out……..And, oh, what a read it is!

Jennifer Hayward has once again written a wonderful story that grabs you from the very first. Diana wants so bad to be independent and make her own way in the world, but her father constantly overshadows her. She is also so afraid of being in a marriage that is in name only, just like her parents. The same can be said of Coburn. He feels that he’s never going to be able to live up to his brother’s expectations, let alone live up to their dead father’s legacy. Once Diana and Coburn decide to really try to work things out, what follows will break your heart and ultimately have you cheering for them both. Reunited for the Billionaire’s Legacy is ultimately a book about letting go of preconceived notions, and your past, to see what can truly be. I’ll say it again. If you’re not reading Jennifer Hayward, you are seriously missing out. And, again, I’d read a phonebook written by Jennifer Hayward. There are no wasted words, no repetitiveness, (which is becoming an issue with several authors that I read) which leaves a beautiful story. Well done, Jennifer Hayward. Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Tempted by Her Billionaire Boss by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

Tempted by Her Billionaire Boss by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
Francesca Masseria is mortified. On her first day working for renowned tycoon Harrison Grant, she accidentally hits the panic button and watches in horror as security puts her boss in handcuffs! Normally poised and efficient, Harrison’s enigmatic presence leaves Francesca flustered. 

Harrison is furious. He can’t afford any distractions with a high-stakes deal on the table, and his new assistant is as diverting for her beauty as her incompetence! He should fire her, but she’s determined to make up for their disastrous meeting by anticipating his every need. Except, what Harrison’s beginning to want from Francesca isn’t part of her job description!

 

 

Review:

Tempted by her Billionaire Boss by Jennifer Hayward begins just as the blurb states…..with her mortified. Once the first crisis is averted, she and Harrison decide to start anew the next morning. Francesca (Frankie) can’t believe that her boss, Coburn who is Harrison’s brother, has sent her over to work for Harrison. He has a reputation as being a very demanding boss, as well as a bit of a playboy, although the latter will not be an issue. She can’t wait to finish her tenure with Harrison and return to work for Coburn….if she lasts that long.

Harrison is furious with his brother and can’t believe that he has taken it upon himself to assign Frankie as his new assistant. Even though they’re brothers, they have not been close for years since the death of their father, who committed suicide. Coburn assures Harrison that she is more than capable, and even though Harrison is not convinced, he decides to take Frankie with him on a very important overseas trip to see if she can earn her keep. He has a plan in place to buy up certain companies and then cut the man off at the knees that he blames for his father’s death. To say he is hell bent on revenge is a slight understatement.

Once Harrison and Frankie arrive overseas, it doesn’t take him long to see what an asset she is, as well see that she is a distraction for him. Of course, they share a night of passion that makes things awkward and they both vow it’ll never happen again. Riiiiight. However, Frankie is determined to make Harrison see that he is a good man and when he assures her that she’s wrong, he ends up pushing her away and breaking her heart. Frankie is not a quitter though. She continues to do her job, counting down the days until she is back working for Coburn. And when things are set in motion for Harrison to finally see his revenge through to fruition, why is Frankie all he can think about? Will he finally dole out his revenge? Or, was Frankie right all along……………..

Jennifer Hayward has once again written a wonderful story that begins with the first word and leaves you turning the pages faster and faster. Tempted by her Billionaire Boss is written in a way that leaves you clamoring for more. Hayward doesn’t waste time or words in the stories she writes. Her world building is superb and you feel as you actually get to know her characters. I loved Frankie! She is determined and very independent. And, who couldn’t love Sebastian? He’s driven and has a great big heart, even though it takes a minute for us to see it. Tempted by her Billionaire Boss is ultimately a story about understanding and coming to terms with ghosts of the past in order to have the future that you deserve. I have to tell y’all that I’d read a phonebook written by Jennifer Hayward. I absolutely adore her books. Well done, Jennifer Hayward! Very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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The Italians Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

The Italians Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

The Italians Deal For I Do

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Description:
The Irresistible Italian: Married for Business

He’s conquered global markets and immeasurable hearts, but to regain control of the fashion empire that’s rightfully his, Rocco Mondelli must prove his playboy days are over. His secret weapon? Supermodel-in-hiding Olivia Fitzgerald…and the power to ruin her if she refuses to play his loving fiancée!

But returning to the world stage revives Olivia’s old demons, and instead of walking down the aisle toward her gorgeous groom—she flees! The world holds its breath: Can the indomitable Rocco get his wayward bride to the altar on time?

The world’s sexiest billionaires finally say “I do”!

 

Review:

The story begins with a tragic loss that not only breaks Rocco and his sister’s hearts, but also has him reeling. The Mondelli fashion empire should be his outright, but it seems his grandfather had other ideas. And, a few secrets. Once the will is read, a series of events unfold that has consequences for everyone. Especially Rocco and an unknown female living in an apartment that his grandfather had purchased and made available to said female. Rocco is convinced that his grandfather was having an affair with a young woman and he was also convinced that the young woman was using his grandfather. Throw into the mix that once he figures out the unknown female is none other than Olivia Fitzgerald, who fell off the earth a year earlier, and things really get dicey.

Even though Olivia tries to reassure Rocco that there was nothing between her and his grandfather other than business and friendship, Rocco is not convinced . He comes up with a scheme that will not only give Olivia what she wants, but will get the board off of his back and ultimately give him full control of the House of Mondelli. As Rocco and Olivia carry out the charade, it doesn’t take Rocco too terribly long to realize that things weren’t as they seemed. But, as Olivia hits the runways again to carry out her end of the bargain, and the old demons resurface, will she be able to seal the Italian’s deal for I do?? Well, my friends, you’ll just have to read and find out. And, oh, what a read it is!!

The Italian’s Deal for I Do is an awesome story. Jennifer Hayward has done a wonderful job with developing both of these characters. Rocco, who was hardened as a child by the death of his mother and his father’s downward spiral, is a delicious character. Just the right amount of alpha without being too dominant, and when the chips are down, he’s just the right amount of hero. Olivia’s demons have somewhat to do with her childhood as well, but more due to the fact that her mother had ISSUES that Olivia paid for literally and figuratively. She is such a multifaceted character that you’ll feel for her as her heart breaks and as it’s put back together. We don’t get to see a lot of the supporting characters, namely Rocco’s best friends, and fellow moguls, from college and his sister, but I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing them again. SOON I hope!! We get just a little taste of their personalities and I can wait for the whole spoonful! If you’re looking for a wonderfully written romance with very tasty characters, The Italians Deal for I Do is for you! I cannot wait for the next one!! Well done, Jennifer Hayward. Very very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

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The Magnate’s Manifesto by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

The Magnate’s Manifesto by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
Jared Stone: Visionary, rebel, the tech world’s golden boy…and now the most hated man on the planet!

Bailey St. James: Survivor, powerful female executive, the only woman who refuses to bow down to Jared Stone…and the only woman who can save him?

When Jared’s manifesto makes him public enemy #1 the only way out is to make Bailey an offer she can’t refuse—a very public promotion to VP! Now, with a major deal on the line and tensions rising, can it be long before Jared and Bailey move from spreadsheets to bed sheets?

 

Review:

Jared Stone doesn’t have a high opinion of women in the workplace. And, when his “manifesto” was leaked to the press, his world was turned upside down overnight. As his blurb says, he’s a force to be reckoned with, until a board member with an agenda of his own, leaks the email. Let the rebuilding begin…………

Bailey St. James knows that she should have been promoted over a male coworker, but she keeps plugging away. She’s worked hard to get where she is and she is bound and determined to climb the corporate ladder……… Until she reads the said manifesto and sees red. Once she arrives at the office, she is summoned to Jared’s office and is ready to hand in her resignation when she learns that Jared is offering her the promotion she’s been dreaming of. She knows down to her toes he’s doing it to show the world that he’s not the pompous, chauvinistic pig that the world now thinks he is, but she can’t refuse the promotion as she knows that she can show Jared just how valuable an asset she will be to the company and ultimately prove him wrong.

They almost immediately leave for France to meet with the owners and representatives of a company that Jared is wanting to partner with that will set the tech world on its ear. IF they can tie up this deal, it’ll be huge. As things get rolling, Jared, almost reluctantly, sees that Bailey St. James is more than he thought. She charms everyone she comes in contact with, including him. But, once Bailey’s past comes out and could threaten the entire deal, will Jared be able to completely trust her to complete the deal? And, when his past is revealed (which explains why he thinks of women the way he does), will Bailey be able to crack his icy façade? You’ll just have to read to find out, and what a read it is……

This is the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Hayward, but it won’t be the last. Jared Stone started out as a first class butthead, but when you find out what has shaped his view of women, you can’t help but feel for him. You will ultimately root for him as well! And, when Bailey’s past comes out?! Wow! You will instantly love her. She has literally built herself from the ground up, and is such a strong and believable character , that you will absolutely fall in love with her. Hayward’s world building was spot on as well. And, for you who have an aversion to “instalove” (is that a word??), this one is for you. Even though they are both attractive, it takes a minute for the actual emotional attraction to build. The Magnate’s Manifesto is ultimately about coming to terms with one’s past and knowing that we are all, at one time or another, guilty of letting our past shape the way we see others, and ourselves. Well done, Jennifer Hayward, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

about the author
Jennifer Hayward
JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenaged angst. Her career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write, always with a touch of humour. A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer lives in Toronto with her Viking husband and young Viking-in-training.

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Changing Constantinou’s Game by Jennifer Hayward – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Changing Constantinou’s Game by Jennifer Hayward – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

Changing Constantinou's Game Banner

 

Changing Constantinou's GameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Alexios Constantinou is notorious for his lethal charm, so when the exquisite Isabel Peters is—literally—dropped into his lap during a hellish elevator ride, he doesn’t waste the opportunity! With tensions sky-high after their near-death experience, an insatiable desire ignites between them, and all bets are off.

But when Alex discovers that reporter Isabel’s next story is him, he’s furious…yet determined to use it to his advantage. He’s calling the shots, but the closer Isabel gets, the closer she comes to discovering his carefully concealed secret. Now, with everything at stake, he’ll need a whole new game plan….

 

Review:

Wow!! CHANGING COSTANTINOU’S GAME by Jennifer Hayward starts out with a BANG or should I say a loud thump!!

Our elusive millionaire, Alex gets trapped in an elevator with Izzie, our tenacious reporter. Neither knows who the other is, so this trapped confinement lets them lower their guards. Alex discovers that Izzie keeps a drugstore in her purse (who doesn’t?) and her love of “smutty novels”. She makes him smile, due to her quirkiness and genuine fear of elevators. What starts out as a near death experience develops into a night of “no strings attached”!!  

Wait, you didn’t think things would be that easy? Alex figures out that Izzie was sent to interview him and he feels betrayed. Both characters have major trust issues and while Izzie sits on her story, things still get complicated. This is a story of ambition, hidden secrets and most of all building trust. This novel does not follow a predictable format. There are many surprises along the way!

I have not read any of Jennifer’s other novels, but I am a new fan. Her writing is effortless and her characters soon wrap you around their fingers. Both characters are so endearing in different ways and their relationship is hot! This novel is a must read for the contemporary romance lover! I have to admit, I even shed a few happy tears at the end! Enjoy!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publicist

 

Guest post-White and Red

Shining A Light On The Elusive Alpha Hero

 Alpha heroes – oh how we love them! They command and seduce us. Sweep us off into passionate tales. Stride into our pages like the larger-than-life figures they are and make us wonder why we haven’t met one at a cocktail party yet. I mean we’ve been getting out there right?

But as compelling as they are, many writers say they find the alpha male difficult to write. That that type of character just doesn’t come naturally to them. So I thought I’d tackle the subject of our sexy, scintillating alpha in this post.

I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been surrounded by alphas my entire life. First my father, an alpha surgeon, then in my career in PR where I worked with charismatic CEOs on a daily basis. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, one thing’s for sure – an alpha might be wrong, but he’s never uncertain. He is grounded in the fact that he is master of his domain and he commands it all with a firm, confident hand. In fact, there’s nothing in the world an alpha’s powerful authority and money can’t buy, except as we say in Presents land, “the love of a woman strong enough to tame him!”

So where do you find inspiration for an alpha if you don’t have one close by to study? How do you incorporate those key characteristics that make an alpha irresistible yet incorrigible all at the same time? I think of our modern-day superheroes. They all have something about them that elevates them to a level above the ordinary man. Spiderman spins his webs, Superman has his superhuman power, Aquaman can breathe under water and command the sea. Formidable? Yes. Yet all of these superheroes also have the necessary hubris that puts them in jeopardy, flaws that test their superiority. And this is what causes their problems.

If channelling a superhero is too far out for you, then think of the globe’s most powerful CEOs. Would Steve Jobs have forgotten to read a report before going into a meeting, taken no for an answer on a deal or let a competitor get in the way? I think not J He was brilliant, uncompromising and unafraid to trumpet a vision he had for what the consumer electronics industry should look like. He was, in essence, extraordinary.

For my current release, Changing Constantinou’s Game, I chose as my alpha, Alexios Constantinou, a legendary football quarterback who set the world on fire with his pro debut. A big lover of sports, I think quarterbacks are the biggest alpha of them all. How else would you step on a field and command a team of big, macho personalities with adrenalin racing through their veins? How else would you step on the field knowing at the end of the game you’ll either be a hero or the player everyone points the finger of failure at? (Not always, but you get what I mean). You have to have a certain ego to be a quarterback, you have to think you’re better than the rest. But despite being brilliant on the field, Alexios, like every alpha, has flaws that bring about his destruction. He is a wounded warrior who has never gotten over the loss of his identity when an injury ended his career. He prefers to ignore his pain and let it tear him apart inside rather than face it and move on. But the love of a good woman in my heroine Izzie might just bring him back from the darkness.

I’d love to know what you think makes an ideal alpha hero. What do you love most about them? And maybe a favourite or two?

Thanks for having me at The Reading Café! I’ve so enjoyed being here.

 

 

About The Author

Jennifer HaywardJENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenaged angst.
Her career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write, always with a touch of humour. You can find out more about Jennifer and her books and sign up for her newsletter at her website. Or you can find her on twitter, facebook.and goodreads

 

 

Giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of of Changing Constantinou’s Game ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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6. Giveaway open Internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from August 24 to August 28, 2014

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