Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific story. Anemone (Annie) Jones was raised by a single mother. She never knew her father or who he was until after her mother's death. Annie would love to get to know her half-siblings but is wary of her reception. She takes a job at Aurora, the family company, without letting anyone know of her connection.
As the story opens, Stephen Pemberton discovers that his father had been making unknown payments to someone up until his death. Determined to get to the bottom of it, he sets his investigators on the problem and is horrified by what he finds out. The father they all admired had had an affair that produced another child. The next step was to locate that child.
Meanwhile, Annie works in the PR department at Aurora's Paris office. She is assigned to help Phillippe Leroux plan the launch of the newest Aurora fragrance. Her organizational skills are stellar, and she has become indispensable to Phillippe. Annie has quite a crush on Phillippe, handsome, kind, and an excellent boss. Annie doesn't know it, but Phillippe is just as drawn to her. Two things are holding him back. First, he is her boss. Second, he is divorced, and his first wife's actions left him determined to avoid romantic entanglements.
When Annie receives a summons to report to a meeting with the head boss, she has no idea what's in store for her. Confronted by the united front of her half-siblings, they accuse her of wanting to blackmail them for money, create a scandal, etc. Horrified and devastated by the accusations and the coldness of her so-called family, Annie is furious when Stephen attempts to buy her off.
I ached for Annie, who just wanted some family, and instead, they accused her of horrible intentions. I loved how Phillippe stood up for her and protected her. Though he tries to deny his feelings for her, it's easy to see that Annie has found her way into his heart. I loved watching the attraction between them build until it became too much to resist. Phillippe's pride in her accomplishments was one motivation in his insistence that she attend the launch gala, and I loved the steps he took to make it possible. I also liked the little bit of "rub their faces in it" attitude he had, knowing that the Pembertons wouldn't exactly be happy that she was there.
When disaster struck in the form of a tabloid story about Annie, Phillippe was the one who rode to the rescue. I loved seeing him take her to the place where he's happiest and where he can let go and be himself. I loved seeing Phillippe open up about his past and trust Annie with the pain and guilt he still feels. There were plenty of sweet scenes of them together, like picking roses for perfume, and a couple of steamy ones, such as their trip to Cannes. The tension returned when Annie received a call asking her to visit the Pemberton chateau. Once again, Phillippe was ready to stand by her side in support but stood back when Annie wanted to do it on her own. I loved the boost in confidence that he gave her.
I was happy to see that the Pemberton family redeemed themselves, but it complicated matters for Phillippe. I ached for him and his fear of history repeating itself and wanted to shake Annie for being a bit insensitive in her excitement. Fortunately, their separation didn't last long. I loved the depth of emotion expressed as Annie and Phillippe finally shared their feelings. The ending was great. I loved seeing their decisions about their future and loved Phillippe's big moment.
#netgalley
As the story opens, Stephen Pemberton discovers that his father had been making unknown payments to someone up until his death. Determined to get to the bottom of it, he sets his investigators on the problem and is horrified by what he finds out. The father they all admired had had an affair that produced another child. The next step was to locate that child.
Meanwhile, Annie works in the PR department at Aurora's Paris office. She is assigned to help Phillippe Leroux plan the launch of the newest Aurora fragrance. Her organizational skills are stellar, and she has become indispensable to Phillippe. Annie has quite a crush on Phillippe, handsome, kind, and an excellent boss. Annie doesn't know it, but Phillippe is just as drawn to her. Two things are holding him back. First, he is her boss. Second, he is divorced, and his first wife's actions left him determined to avoid romantic entanglements.
When Annie receives a summons to report to a meeting with the head boss, she has no idea what's in store for her. Confronted by the united front of her half-siblings, they accuse her of wanting to blackmail them for money, create a scandal, etc. Horrified and devastated by the accusations and the coldness of her so-called family, Annie is furious when Stephen attempts to buy her off.
I ached for Annie, who just wanted some family, and instead, they accused her of horrible intentions. I loved how Phillippe stood up for her and protected her. Though he tries to deny his feelings for her, it's easy to see that Annie has found her way into his heart. I loved watching the attraction between them build until it became too much to resist. Phillippe's pride in her accomplishments was one motivation in his insistence that she attend the launch gala, and I loved the steps he took to make it possible. I also liked the little bit of "rub their faces in it" attitude he had, knowing that the Pembertons wouldn't exactly be happy that she was there.
When disaster struck in the form of a tabloid story about Annie, Phillippe was the one who rode to the rescue. I loved seeing him take her to the place where he's happiest and where he can let go and be himself. I loved seeing Phillippe open up about his past and trust Annie with the pain and guilt he still feels. There were plenty of sweet scenes of them together, like picking roses for perfume, and a couple of steamy ones, such as their trip to Cannes. The tension returned when Annie received a call asking her to visit the Pemberton chateau. Once again, Phillippe was ready to stand by her side in support but stood back when Annie wanted to do it on her own. I loved the boost in confidence that he gave her.
I was happy to see that the Pemberton family redeemed themselves, but it complicated matters for Phillippe. I ached for him and his fear of history repeating itself and wanted to shake Annie for being a bit insensitive in her excitement. Fortunately, their separation didn't last long. I loved the depth of emotion expressed as Annie and Phillippe finally shared their feelings. The ending was great. I loved seeing their decisions about their future and loved Phillippe's big moment.
#netgalley
