The first time I saw him, he entranced me and offered to help me forget my broken engagement. The second time was on a blind date with no last names and undeniable passion. The third time, I was eight months pregnant with his baby he knew nothing about. This time he’s not letting me walk away so easily.
I loved this book! You could feel the chemistry between Ian and Carina! I loved the banter between Ian and Carina. I can’t wait for more in this series and from Fiona Cole!
Overall Rating:
The genius of a good writer lies in his/her craftsmanship of story and characterization. You always want to find a little bit of yourself somewhere in the humanity of a character. Looking into a mirror of sorts, you cannot help but empathize with the character through your soul’s connection to him/her. Fiona Cole’s Another did just that for me. Her newest story shares the dichotomy, the struggle, of being a woman of great strength and allowing one’s self to feel vulnerable. This contest leads to the revelation that women can be both tenacious and emotionally available.
Another tells the story of Carina, the ex-fiancee of Jake from Cole’s book, Lovers. When we leave her in that story, her heart has been broken when Jake realizes his love for his college friend, Jackson, and breaks his engagement. At the end of that story, Carina meets a man in a bar and asks for a kiss, a way to know if she can still feel desired. Quickly, we find that there is a potential mystery man for her future.
At the beginning of this book, Carina’s aunts have arranged a blind date boudoir session. When she arrives to meet her partner, she finds it’s the man from the bar. Together, these two struggle for dominance, which only sparks their chemistry. This leads to a quick dalliance. Overwhelmed by it, Carina runs away from the man, Ian, avoiding exchanging last names and contact information. Fast forward six weeks and Carina realizes she’s pregnant. Without contact information for Ian, she determines to raise the child by herself until, one day, she meets Ian again, and they begin the journey of parenthood and partnership. Will Ian and Carina find love? Will Carina allow herself to fall in love again, or will she be destined to live in her strength, raising her child on her own?
In reading this story, there is an ease in liking Ian. He is affable, easy-going, and he moons over Carina and their child. There is no doubt you should fall in love with Ian Bergamo; Cole forms him into this hero we should pine for. Even in moments when he fails Carina (like all male heroes, he makes mistakes), Cole makes it easy to forgive him, rooting for him and Carina to find a happy ending. I think it’s easy to be distracted by Cole’s hero.
However, the crux of this book is Carina. I had commented out to Cole in her Facebook fan group that Carina needed a big book, one that would remedy the heartbreak of Lovers. And Cole does not disappoint. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the mark of genius in a writer is his/her ability to create characters where the reader finds a bit of herself in a character. Cole does this beautifully with Carina. One aspect that I’ve admired about this character in other stories within Cole’s universe is Carina’s acceptance of other women. In Savior, she buoys Alexandra. In Liar, she admires Olivia’s ability. In this book, she continues to build relationships with women like Erik’s sister, Hanna, even when Hanna makes some unwise choices and hurts Carina in the process. Carina is a woman in the business of building up other women in the workplace and out of it. You cannot help but admire Cole’s commitment to creating this type of character, especially in a genre where female characters can be awful to each other. And especially in the world outside of books, where women are still fighting for equitability and respect.
Secondly, Carina’s struggle with vulnerability truly resonated with me. Over and over again, when Carina comments on her “walls” that she has constructed through heartbreak and surviving a predominately male workplace, this evoked feelings of solidarity within me. Women who carry internal strength struggle with making ourselves “soft.” We worry it will be taken advantage of, or, in the case of Carina, we will realize, once given, we won’t be someone’s priority, their first choice, that our vulnerability will be diminished in favor of another’s feelings. When this happens, it’s crushing to the soul. Each moment when Carina struggled with this, I felt it in my soul. I knew that struggle, and it connected me deeply to her.
But what’s truly amazing about this trial is Cole’s resolution of it. In the real world, most of us walk around with gaping fissures in our walls without people to help fill them up with apologies or actions to protect us. In Another, Cole specifically creates Ian to bring about this resolution, this repair of the heart, to show us that women can both carry a strength of being AND be loved into submission. That the two are not mutually exclusive, but, rather, they work best residing together in a person’s soul.
There is so much to love about Fiona Cole’s newest book, Another. An indelible woman coupled with a man who loves her beyond herself plus a surprise baby is the best of romance. If you truly want to live in the genius of Fiona Cole, if you want to appreciate her ability to craft a woman of substance, and if you finally want Carina’s happily-ever-after, then Another should be at the top of your booklist. This is one of Cole’s bests.
I really liked Carina Russo in Lovers. She was bold, independent and full of life. The woman in this book had her engagement broken off and the residual hurt kept her from trusting another man easily. Ian was introduced briefly in Lovers and it was apparent that they had some potentially sizzling chemistry. So when they meet again during a photo shoot blind date (I loved the idea of this!), that chemistry exploded. While Ian was a great guy, definitely swoony and perfect daddy material, Carina was really the star of this story. She portrayed someone who kept her confidence intact and would handle any situation by herself if needed, not relying on anyone for support to avoid disappointment or abandonment. Ian has his work cut out for him to prove otherwise, that he would be the man to stand by Carina’s side every day. Even though they were sharing a baby and raising the child together, Carina didn’t fall prey to Ian’s charms that easily and he had to work hard to show that he wanted to be her man. I wasn’t expecting Ian to be so negotiable and easy going. He would make a lot of jokes to lighten the mood and Carina was always rolling her eyes at him and I felt that sort of negated the angst. However, they worked well together and actually talked through issues like a couple should so I applaud them for their maturity on behalf of the baby and finding that their journey was meant to be taken together.
My favorite Fiona book yet!!! Ian and Carina deserve all the stars!!!
I swear with every book release, Fiona Cole books just get better and better. This book had me salvating! There simply aren’t words to describe how delectable Ian Bergamo is in this book. We met this spectacular specimen in Lovers, but this book can be read as a standalone if you wish. However, Lovers partly tells the story of Carina Russo who is the heroine of this book. So, if you wish to fully appreciate how freaking amazeballs Carina Russo truly is, you’ll want to thoroughly get to know her by reading Lovers prior to Another. She is a fantastic force to be reckoned with as a heroine!
A total firestorm, unapologetically bold and courageous both in the boardroom and in the bedroom. You will LOVE her! One thing is for certain, Ian Bergamo certainly did.
The sexual tension and power struggle between these two was record breaking!! If you want to see what it’s like for a strong, sensual woman carrying some emotional scars and baggage, to completely let in a man who rarely gives up control to anyone, but will for her, this story will take you on quite a panty-melting, heart-warming, sexy as all *bleep* ride!
Ian was undoubtably the only real man for the job of securing Carina’s heart. She had some understandable walls built up around herself, but Ian handled her with all the love, care, concern and devotion that any woman could ever hope for. The man was pure sinful magic and I’m convinced his mode of transportation must be a Unicorn! We’re talking Heaven sent boyfriend/husband material here and that was just the “everyday” stuff that made Ian so swoon-worthy.
Now, if we’re talkin’ the hot -n-heavy details…Carina won the sexpot lottery with Ian. Talk about a man who pays attention to what a woman needs. This guy could teach a master class in the art of seduction. The sparks that flew between he and Carina were palpable. As in my heart could practically be witnessed banging against my chest. SOOOO GOOD Y’all!!
The love story of Ian and Carina checks so many boxes for me. It’s both a second chance romance of sorts, and a friends to lovers romance. In a roundabout way it’s even a single dad story, and the way Ian greets fatherhood is just beautiful!! And sexy…I can’t help it, you’ll see….SEXY! It’s the story of two very strong willed people who allow themselves to be vulnerable and get the best gift ever in return….a family. You’ll swoon yourselves silly, while sharing in the ups and downs, joys and pains but you’ll be so glad for the experience. I HIGHLY recommend all of the Voyeur world of books, and I love them all, but Ian and Carina have just claimed the coveted top spot!! Re-read worthy in my opinion. I’m already hoarding an Audible credit for the audio release of this one. LOL!
This book is incredible. I have loved Carina since Lovers. I love her strength and just being a woman. In Another -we see that other side of her and how she is broken and yet grows again. I LOVED IT!!!!!
Ian is absolutely amazing. Through everything with Carina he never waivers and that is so good. he is her strength when she needs him. And he builds her to be strong again on her own. Their daughter is first…. but they grow together.
I love Fiona Cole’s writing, how she creates books to be read as a standalone yet their are interconnected. I love her characters, they are not perfect but when they grow to be honest with each other and those around them…. nothing is better!
There is true friendships in Another, great chemistry, it’s steamy, it builds on itself…. It’s why I read romance and why I love Fiona Cole as an author!
To say that Fiona Cole’s Voyeur world just keeps getting better and better is an understatement. What she has created with Another is a new level of excellence. Beautifully crafting together wildly erotic trysts with so much heart, my own wanted to burst, is beyond sensational. Taking the bold, take no prisoners, tough woman in Carina Russo and pairing her with the incredibly sexy, successful playboy in Ian Bergamo was brilliant. Their banter is off the charts clever leading to amazing chemistry that neither of them seem to be able to resist. Even when their stubborn ways get the best of them.
I was hooked, like I always am with Cole’s writing, right from the start, having been very interested in Carina’s story after what she endured in Lovers and the heartache she faced. I just love her tenacity and the way she manages to pick herself up even when she is struggling not to. She is a fighter with a vulnerability that makes her relatable even as she brings the toughest of business opponents to their knees with just a look. I could sense her pain and the loneliness that has plagued her, allowing just a select few to see beyond the mask she has successfully worn for way too long.
The surprise pregnancy she unleashes upon Ian, by accident mind you, is what starts these two off to a most unconventional kind of relationship, but one that has the potential to be great. From their off the charts erotic photo shoot that unknowingly started this adventure, to the subtle touches and longing in both of their eyes, Carina and Ian together is a force to be reckoned with. One neither of them could deny despite all the joking and hiding behind their fears. And Cole breaks down their walls piece by piece, sometimes painful and sometimes heartwarming, but either way their attraction and their love for each other is all-consuming and one I loved watching.
I can’t say enough about Cole’s writing or the way she draws me in to this wonderful Voyeur world with the endearing characters who have graced the many pages of her recent books. And all of the crew is present and accounted for, which adds more than the perfect touch. They are full of support and wisdom, but of course, only when Carina and Ian are ready to listen.
Baby Audrey adds the requisite cuteness and I found myself signing, swooning, squirming in my seat (FYI, always evident with Cole’s books) as Carina and Ian maneuver a new world for both of them, being the most sensual set of new parents I’ve ever read.
Another is just so damn good, I couldn’t love it more if I tried. With a new book on the horizon as Hanna may finally find her happy, I could read about this Voyeur world forever.And I will, that is a promise.
5 huge stars!
I have found a new favourite from Author Fiona Cole. She starts this story off with quite a bang, in more ways than one. Boudoir photography takes a turn into the very naughty when Ian and Carina step onto the stage. The first couple of chapters rev up the reader preparing them for a journey of slow-burn and sexual tension mixed with lots of laughter, periods of frustration and angst, along with heart-melting experiences for the couple. This book deals with some pretty serious and life-changing events that shouldn’t be taken light of. Fiona hits them head on and delivers a wonderful story full of passion and emotion.
This surprise-baby story was told in a way that matched the personalities of the characters to a T. Having and raising a child is serious business and Fiona did not romanticize it. She handled all the issues in a way that made me respect both Ian and Carina.
Ian made me grin like a fool with his awe-inspiring wonder at all the majic and miracles of pregnancy and first-time parenthood. He is an all-around amazing character full of life, laughter, and unconditional love. He has been misunderstood and craves the stability and routine of a family in his life every day. He steps up to the plate ready to do everything for “his girls.”
Although shocked and surprised by Carina’s baby bump, he soon sees that the family he has always longed for is now within his grasp. Of course, he has a little work to do to convince his baby-mama that he is up to the challenge, in it for the duration, and ready to leave his playboy ways in the past.
Carina needs slow and steady baby steps to open her eyes to the possibilities, to show her he is there for her and for their baby. Ian knows what she needs and takes care of her in ways she doesn’t even realize she needs. He makes her laugh and makes her heart slowly release the bricks and mortar that surround and protect her.
Carina was ready to face this challenge head on and alone. Now that she suddenly has someone willing to help and be all-in with her, she struggles with how it makes her feel and wonders where she really stands with Ian. Her past stands in her way. Still hurting from betrayal is like a noose around her neck; her emotional baggage, obstacles, and hurdles to finding happiness.
Another has a perfect balance of sexy and steamy, laughter and swooning, angst and forgiveness, self-acceptance and awareness. It provides a little reality-check to what life can throw at us, a feisty and hormonal female who despite her strong facade, still struggles with acceptance, and an amazing book boyfriend who made me swoon and made me proud in all the ways that count.
I totally recommend this book. It ticked all the boxes for me, earning it 5 shiny stars. Even though there are interconnected characters with other books, they all stand alone. I didn’t feel one bit lost and even though I now have a glimpse into how some of the others may end, it hasn’t deterred me from reading them, only piqued my curiosity to get the whole story.
I loved Carina in the previous books and wanted her to find the one she really deserved it. Ian is just swoon worthy, I defy you not to fall for him. He’s confident and funny but with a soft vulnerable side I wasn’t expecting. Fiona built their relationship slowly perfectly the transition from lovers to adversaries to parents was seamless. Ian as a dad was everything he’s just so darn sweet. This was the perfect mix of sexy and poignant. I really felt like I got to know both main characters really well. The storyline was well paced and thought out. A really enjoyable read.
Ian and Carina’s story is nothing short of brilliance. Fiona Cole has successfully added to her Voyeur series with Another and she once again has crafted a sublime beautiful love story. I devoured Carina and Ian’s story in one sitting and I could not turn the pages fast enough. I am absolutely LOVING this Voyeur world that Fiona Cole has created for and her characters are so complex yet so relatable, I am constantly wanting more and more.
I have been desperate for this story since Carina was first introduced in Lovers. I wanted and needed her to find that epic love story that she so rightly deserved. She is such a strong, proud, determined woman I couldn’t wait to see what man she would end up with. The chemistry between Ian and Carina was SMOKING HOT!!! My heart ached for both of them at times and I swooned so hard for Ian. He is sweet, and hilarious, and such an amazing dirty talker. I laughed so hard at Ian goofiness! Carina Russo is an absolute goddess. She is a total bad-ass and deserved all the attention Ian gave her. I adored her smart and sassy ways and take no crap attitude as well as her insecurities which made me love her even more than I originally did. I loved this couple from the start and was rooting for them all the way.
This is a sweet, emotional and dirty read all at the same time. There are some of the steamiest and sexiest scenes in this book between Ian and Carina since they have this insatiable chemistry, and Ian is such a dirty talker(!) so he adds to all of their heat. Then you have this beautifully sweet storyline that brings these two together after multiple meetings. I loved watching these two amazing people challenge each other, have fun and banter together, even see the angst and the love that developed overtime. Fiona Cole has written a simple yet sweet and heartwarming story. I loved it! Definitely a must read!
I think a lot of readers were eager to see Carina again and we were not disappointed!
I love Carina because she is a strong and independent woman. She is fierce and fiery. She is also stubborn and unwilling to ask for help. Carina does face insecurities because of her past but this adds to her appeal. It shows that even the strongest people have moments of weakness. And that’s perfectly normal and acceptable. A person can’t be strong all the time and it’s okay to ask for help.
Ian is the funniest, sweetest and swoon-worthiest guy I have read by Fiona Cole. It is so hard to resist Ian because is just too adorable and sexy. He is particularly adorable when speaking to Peanut. Who can resist a DILF? Or as he is sometimes called in the story: the baby daddy. Ian had some great lines in this story. Like this one:
“Will I get to meet them then?”
“Oh yeah, and they will eat you up.”
I pulled to a stop and turned off the car before facing her. “Then it’s a good thing I’m delicious.”
And this was an absolute favourite of mine:
“You may not miss me, but I’ll miss you.”
*Sigh and swoon* Of course, Carina isn’t the only one with insecurities. Ian has his own and does his best to prove he is more than what he appears to be.
This story was amazing! And it was so good seeing the other characters from Fiona Cole’s other stories. I love their interactions and the connections that they have with each other. I loved reading this story so much. Even though it wasn’t plain sailing for Carina and Ian, the best things in life are worth fighting for. This was a beautiful story about facing your insecurities and not letting them stop you from trusting others because it may stop you from finding something beautiful.
Carina and Ian are two incredible characters wrapped up in a wholly captivating story with the perfect amount of heat, humor, and heart. I fell hard for both! Carina is understandably guarded because of past heartbreak and it makes her reluctant to fully embrace Ian in all his glorious-ness. She’s an amazingly strong woman though, and her experience has her demanding to be placed first in life and love. I respect the hell out of her intelligence, drive, and determination to do best by her baby.
Oh Ian, Ian, Ian. What a man. What a fabulous and cocky (warranted!) man. Though he has never been one to be a steady boyfriend, he immediately attaches himself to Carina and their child in the most lovingly admirable way. He steps up 100% and is the best father to Audrey, while being able to slowly prove himself to Carina. I love how there was no hesitation on his part to jump into providing for his new growing family. Total swoon-worthy!
Carina and Ian’s story is written in an honest way. They each stumble a bit to get to their happy ending but that just makes it ALL more lovable. 5 stars for Another and its heat, humor, and heart!
Fan-f***ing-tastic read by Fiona Cole
I. LOVED. THESE. CHARACTERS
I. LOVED. THE. BANTER
THE. HEAT. BETWEEN. THEM. WAS. SCORCHING
This book is from the Voyeur world, gaining us front row access to Carina and the dirty talking, swoony as all get out, Ian! These two are the definition of passion, lust and mutual attraction. They are also each other’s equal, one of the many things I really loved about this story. Carina was stubborn to a fault and fiercely independent, but that is the one quality i think drew Ian to her the most. They complimented each other so well, there was no one better fit for the job of handling each other. The sparring between these two was epic, the sexual tension high and the end result had me smiling like a loon.
Ian is THE baby daddy of baby daddy’s! When he baby-talked to his little one, I melted into a complete puddle. He never wavered in his devotion to Carina or his Peanut. HE. WAS. PERFECTION! Carina didn’t stand a chance when he stepped into her world and refused to leave.
There wasn’t a lot of drama, just shear goodness between two people who were brought together by their beautiful baby, but soon realized they were the family they wanted all along. Thanks for the great read, Fiona. Now….I’m excited for the next couple!
One of my favorites of 2019
This author is magic. Anything she writes has me staying up until the wee hours of the morning. She is one of those authors that make want to savor every word as if it was the tastiest morsel in the world. There is just something about her that feeds my soul. This book is everything that I love about reading. It is poignant, there are bumps in the road, but in the end, finding love and happiness makes the journey worth it.
I have wanted this story since Carina was first introduced. I needed her to find that epic love that she so rightly deserved. I knew how hurt she was was, even if she understood, from her previous experience. I just wasn’t prepared that she would have the wall around her that she did. However, if there was anyone that could breach that wall it would be Ian. Sweet holy hell. This delicious man.
I am not sure what it is about hot dads with a baby. Couple this with his backstory and attentiveness towards Carina and this man became kryptonite. Add in his bantering and hot dirty mouth and he had me on the verge of wishing I was the baby mama. He had a sense of nonchalance about him but there was still a sense of genuine gentleman to him that I also adored. The connection between these two was fire and their steamy moments? Yeah, get a fan because it is HOT.
It was great having the previous characters make an appearance. This is a standalone and those don’t need to be read to understand this book. However, in my opinion, these other characters enhance the story. Especially in regards to Carina and her backstory. I also like the sneak peek into who the next book will be about.
I cannot recommend this story or author enough.
7 likes
After being dumped by her fiancé for another, Carina meets Ian. Ian is sexy and funny. While Carina tries to keep a straight face, Ian always manages to break down her defenses. Together they make a dynamic couple. With a surprise pregnancy thrown in, the story gets more interesting. Though not a rom com, it has its funny moments. It’s a page turner, Ms. Cole’s books just gets better and better.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
Another amazing read by Fiona Cole! *Gasp* I did not read Lovers yet (but I plan to) and I was not lost on Carina’s backstory. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Fiona does a fantastic job developing Carina’s story and her personality. Now, this book has quite a bit of sex in it but it doesn’t make it seem like there is sex on every page. It’s just the right balance of storyline, dirty, and sweet. Their whole relationship seems to be fleshed out really well for the reader to make a good connection to these characters.
And, how the book ended!? I guess we know who is getting a book next!