Review: 4 1/2 stars: a possessive determined hero who gets what he wants, yes sign me up.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 25, 2014
4 1/2 stars, So I will admit that I held off on reading this book because it was 554 pages. Now long books don't scare me I read all the time in fact if given the choice I would read before most other activities for myself, but long boring books scare me so I held off. I don't know why I was scared maybe because I had read some boring books lately that I just wanted to finish so the thought of a almost 600 page book being borring  and long was daunting to me, I in fact have heard great things about this book so finally deciding to trust the people who recommended this book I started The Stand Off.I have to say I can't believe this book is almost 600 pages I flew through this book and I mean flew. I wasn't bored yes this book is very descriptive but I liked it it wasn't to much or worth an eye roll it just served to bring me more into the book and become more invested into the world Z. Stefani created and to care more about the characters.  The hero Dean was possessive and I don't mean possessive I mean POSSESSIVE if you are looking for a hero who is over the top(in a good way) Dean is your man. And I loved that there is no cheating and that the author actually marked her book as no cheating(which is why I didn't mark this as spoiler) I wish other authors would do this. Yes there are some other sk*nks but they are the past once Dean lays eyes on Lux and whats not to love about that. In fact I liked Dean so much the remembrance of past sk*nks (and not even in an affectionate way) made me frown.Anna was a great multi dimensional heroine with to much pressure put on her shoulders. She is strong and feisty. She holds her head high and is determined to protect what she loves. I also loved that although she is very attracted to Dean she does turn into a pile of goo when he looks her way *thank you Z. Stefani* Not saying that I want my heroines tuff and buff but I get tired of the heroines back bone disappearing especially about important things just because the hero turns her on. I also have to give props to the author for writing in so many characters well. When I started reading and saw all of Lux's friends/sisters I got worried that the story would be bogged down or that it would take away from the main characters and it didn't in anyway. I'm assuming that the sisters/friends will be getting books and I hope I am assuming correct.The only good thing that came from Lux's fathers death was that the family was finally able to buy the building they had rented for years, not only housing their home but a music lounge, music store and most importantly a music hall that teaches children how to play. So when Dean one of the most powerful men around threatens to bulldoze the portion of the building he owns(something no one was aware of) Lux is determined to do whatever it takes to stop him. Even when nothing else works Lux continues to fight and starts to play dirty.Dean always gets what he wants so when Lux walks into the meeting he is shocked at her beauty but more so that she tells him no. The more they argue and the more heated to situation gets, the more Dean finds himself wanting Lux. When Lux shows some of her secret cards to stop him Dean is shocked at her determination and more interested in Lux than any woman ever. Soon Dean starts to want Lux more than the building and for a man who never stands down that's unthinkable.Lux can't deny she is attracted to Dean and wishes they had met under other circumstances so when he comes up with an offer he thinks will serve them both Lux is shocked. But the more time they spend together the more Dean see's Lux as the woman he wants to get to know and keep, and Lux soon can't deny that its not only attraction she feels for Dean. But a rich man like Dean is bound to have enemy's especially with the life he has lead and those enemies are more than happy to tear away the only thing Dean has ever cared about.This wasn't only a hot book but it was also funny I loved the bickering between Lux and Dean and I found myself laughing though out this book. This is the first book by this author that I have read but after reading The Stand Off it won't be the last. I can't recommend this book enough if you like a crazy possessive hero a great spicy story with funny thrown in for good measure.