Review: Immensely Likable Characters Amidst a Familiar Yet Entertaining Storyline
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 27, 2013
When I first started reading this book the overall theme felt familiar, but as each page was turned Ms. Jade brought new life into a tried and true storyline.  From its memorable characters to crackling chemistry an indelible mark was left that kept a smile on my face throughout and sad when I reached the end knowing there was no more.  Fans of the theme of opposites attracting will be drawn to Spencer and Coda and rooting for them every step of the way as they realize they're more alike than they thought.Spencer is a tough businessman who gave up his personal dreams to run the family business as he's devoted to his family.  He's also a workaholic who gives everything to his work leaving little time for happiness.  Part of his past involves Ava, the woman he broke up with after realizing she was completely wrong for him.  Unfortunately Ava doesn't want to take no for an answer and promises to win him back at an upcoming wedding he's attending.  His brilliant plan to convince Ava they're over involves another woman pretending to be his girlfriend.  That woman, cleaning woman Coda, appears to be his complete opposite but as the wedding weekend progresses he realizes she's exactly right and he just needs to convince her of it too.Coda too is dedicated to family working two jobs to keep a roof over her and her sick mother's head.  She desperately wants a career in advertising but college debts and a pending eviction leave her no choice but to work and put her future on hold.  One night she gets an unexpected offer and the chance to finally live her life in exchange for playing the pretend girlfriend to a serious-minded yet sexy man for one weekend.  Their weekend ends up being more than they counted on as the sexual tension mounts and their supposed differences become a match made in heaven.  Once the weekend's over though do they have faith in a future together to grab their HEA?This was a sweet story with immensely likable characters.  Coda was a delightful heroine who stood her ground against Spencer.  She took pleasure in goading him into having fun and relaxing and it drew her to him even more than his initial attraction.  Spencer was a different man in her presence, playfully laid-back and even more sexy.  Their banter was crisp and delightful to witness.  The issue of money was handled in a completely business-like manner so as to not sully their burgeoning relationship.  As they got closer together their contract evolved to reflect their deepening feelings.  Though their relationship is sweet that doesn't mean there's no steaminess.  The connection between them starts out as a slow burn but the fireworks soon arrive in some very sensual moments.  The only issue I had with the story was the annoying Ava who acted as the stereotypical villain bent on uncovering the truth about Coda in a vindictive way to pull the lovebirds apart.  For me she put a damper on every scene she was in.  Overall though I found this a heartwarming story that was immensely entertaining and satisfying and lovers of true romance will find this the perfect read.