The rules are simple: unattached companionship, toe-curling sex and a clean break whenever it ends.Either one of us can say the single word that will break it off: Snapdragon.Falling in love is a luxury people like us don’t have.He’s at the top of his field and I’m at the top of mine.It’s only a matter of time before duty calls and one of us walks away.But I can feel myself slipping, falling for … for him, every time he sends me dinner when I’m chained to my desk; every time he takes revenge on my boss for making my life hell; every tender touch in the dark of night.How will I ever walk away if he says the word?I know I ought to be the one to say it. I’ve already broken the rules. I know I ought to say it. But I can’t.
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Original, genuinely unconventional, feminist, deeply romantic. Really interesting. Possibly even a bit radical. I’d love others to read this book so that we can have a conversation about it. This is part one of a two book duet.
this book and Book 2, Chrysalis, were really good. I rarely give a 5 star review but I could not put it down, even sneaking peeks at work. The characters were so well drawn and their emotions so well played and controlled, it was amazing. and the description of the many leveled connection between Michael and Darby took my breath away.
This is my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. Pre-order Chrysalis. Can’t wait! I look forward to Michael’s view of this relationship. Snapdragon surprised me at how the writing was complex and detailed. Beautiful characters and love story. Highly recommend this book. Also, the sex scenes were beautiful and very steamy but fit the story.
I had a like/hate relationship with this book.
Things I like:
– Michael and Darby’s upfront agreement of how they will conduct their relationship
– the fact that they were realistic that their type of relationship would have an end date
– Darby’s relationships with her research partner and the labor/delivery nurse
– Michael’s flamboyant assistant
– Michael’s relationships with his family and people from the neighborhood where he grew up
Things I hated:
– so much dialogue – both internal and external
– so much named dropping of brands to show how ridiculously wealthy the main characters are
– the apparent paedophilia swept under the rug by Darby’s politician father and his cronies
– Darby being “oh, by the way, not only am I a psychopharmacologist but also a producer”
– the lack of communication, at times, between Darby and Michael
– who the heck does NOT Google an extremely wealthy, successful man they are having a secret relationship with???
– the fact that, at times, I felt as though I needed both a dictionary and thesaurus to figure out what was going on (and I majored in English!)
The sex scenes seemed rather clinical and, maybe it’s just me, I like a bit more emotional investment and even some playfulness at times. They really took their sex seriously.
I realize this is the author’s debut novel but I don’t think I am invested enough to read the second book in this series. This book seemed more like a women’s fiction novel than a romance. Romance usually has a “happy-ever-after” or ” happy for now” ending, but had it not been for the author’s note at the end, I would not have realized their story continues and would have thought the book’s end was just that – the end.
Kilby definitely has a winner with this debut book. So sexy and so much fun was this book. Two career minded people who choose to pursue a non future related relationship. Sex and companionship with no strings and one that can stop with one word – SNAPDRAGON. For two people who are supposedly only interested in their careers sure seem to going to bat for each other’s career and life challenges. Told from Darcy’s point of view, we are able to see into her soul. Love makes the world go around in more ways than one. This was a great book that caught my attention at the beginning and kept me page turning from then on. I loved it and it’s definitely a five star in my book. I received an arc copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Kilby Blades has written an easy to read book that flows effortlessly. Darby and Michael are two highly successful, determined, appealing individuals. Acting upon their mutual attraction, they decide to embark upon a no strings relationship. Rules are made to be broken as we read this story told from Darby’s voice. I am interested to see what happens next, as the story evolves. I also hope to hear more of Michael’s voice. Overall a well paced story.
This was the first book I read by this author and I am thoroughly intrigued by her writing style. This first book in Love Conquers None is told entirely from Darby’s perspective. She meets Michael at a mutual friend’s wedding and they realize they’ve heard about each other from the mutual friend foe years. They find it easy to talk and discuss what they are each looking for in life.
They begin unconventional relationship that doesn’t allow either of them to catch feelings or allow for things to get complicated…but is it really possible to develop a close friendship and physical relationship without feelings developing?
This first portion of the story goes well beyond their physical relationship, but the deep friendship they develop and protect. Their relationship and interactions build and Darby continues to be surprised and fascinated with Michael – just who and what he is – because he is unlike anyone she’s ever known.
I’m looking forward to the second book in this duet told from Michael’s perspective because there is so much to discover about who he is and what he truly wants. Just how their HEA will come about will be interesting as they have both recently been promoted and reached success with their careers. They both have indicated there careers come first, but is that really their hearts desire?
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book sizzles! It draws you in and oh boy do you get caught up in Michael and Darby who are both successful but have very little time for a committed relationship. They meet at a wedding and strike up conversation that leads to them finding out that they both live in the same city. When they enter into a friends with benefits relationship, neither thought that it would become what it did? I loved this first story and look forward to reading so many more ok Kilby’s books! I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
These characters are so deep! The twists and turns you don’t expect with the steamy to keep it HOT! Loved it.
I hated for this to end!
This is probably one of the most unexpected and beautifully written romances I’ve ever read. The push and pull of the emotions within these complex characters draws you in sentence after sentence and page after page. Their relationship is not typical and neither is the story line. Darby and Michael are the perfect mixture of heat and depth. Yet the relationship “arrangement” leaves them both in a strange place that you can feel without it being spoken. When the arrangement “ends” is it really over? Book 2 awaits!!
Snapdragon is a steamy page turner that will not disappoint! The author makes the emotions of the main characters feel palpable and you’ll be pulled in to their world from the get go. The characters are relatable even while their world may not be. Very well written. I can’t wait to read the follow up book to this!
This is the first book I have read from Kilby Blades and certainly not the last! Full of hot and steamy scenes, page-turning drama and realistic storylines. Although it is a cliffhanger, this is the very first book I immediately purchased the follow-up book. I was so addicted and wrapped up in this book! Great job Kilby!
Absolutely fabulous! Luscious prose, intriguing storyline, and a delicious romance. The pacing was perfect and yes, it ended on a cliffhanger, but at the perfect point for a continuation into the next book. This author is subtle, smart, and relevant in her writing. Due to the accolades, I expected great things and the author delivered. I couldn’t be any more satisfied.
My first read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I need to know if Darby and Michael get their HEA so onto the next book I go.
I was intrigued by this book. Darby and Michael meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and since they are both entirely focused on their jobs, they enter into a “friends with benefits” arrangement. The key to their agreement, however, is that if it gets too complicated either one can end it with no hard feelings by saying “snapdragon.” Through Darby’s troubles at the hospital where she is a psychopharmacologist and Michael’s continued rise as a premier architect, the two learn how to support each other beyond being partners in bed (and those scenes are something else) but realize that feelings and secrets run deeper than either expected.I found myself liking the book a lot but was surprised by the end. As a stand-alone, I found the character choices to be brave. However, as it is actually the first of two books, I hope the choices of the first one are not minimized in the second. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
The story does not finish with this book and continues with Book 2
The story is a little different from the norm, well written and engaging and engrossing once you get into it.
The characters are realistic, smart and well crafted.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Hidden Gems
Two people meet. The attraction’s there. But, someone always ends up wanting more, feeling more. And that is the conundrum, at least as far as both Michael and Darby can see it. So when they meet, neither wants the commitment, the strings, that an actual, real relationship brings. They want companionship and pleasure but not the feelings. So when they realize the other is of like mind, what else happens but an arrangement of no strings companionship. Yes, one of THOSE kind of arrangements. And everything is going along swimmingly because they’re having fun, getting to know each other, actually finding they’re becoming fast friends along with enjoying each other in bed.
Michael’s everything, well almost, a woman could want in a good companion/friend – he’s kind, he’s thoughtful, he’s hot, and a amazing lover. He’s a tad controlling, but Darby can deal. After all, the rest of him is a dream. But, she (and he) know that this arrangement can, and will, end at any time with just one word spoken by either of them. SNAPDRAGON.
So when the ending was nigh and Darby walked into a home filled with…
I was screaming “NOOOOO!”
And now I’m anxiously waiting until I can read Chrysalis.
Snapdragon is one angsty little romance. I guess I shouldn’t say little, to be honest. It is much bigger than most romances.
Snapdragon is the first book in a duet by Kilby Blades. I have never read Kilby Blades before. This book and its partner have grown my interest in her. This duet follows Darby and Michael. This couple meets at a wedding of a personal friend of both of them. They are instantly drawn to each other. Both of them are horrifically busy working professionals: Michael is a renowned architect and Darby is a psychopharmacologist. They are driven, committed to their careers and philanthropic endeavors, and busy adults. With that, they struggle to find companionship with others who cannot understand their goals. Given their similar lives, they make an arrangement for companionship and physical connection. There are no expectations for anything more. If either of them ever needs to end the relationship, they say the word “snapdragon,” and they go their separate ways. This book follows the development of this relationship.
Snapdragon is written from the POV of Darby. From this point of view, we are given a limited perspective of their feelings and actions. We can only see as much of Michael as Darby is willing to give us or as much as she understands herself. Chrysalis, the second book, is written from Michael’s perspective, and it provides an insight that adds layers to this story. In fact, I highly recommend reading the second book because the depth of this story is revealed.
Kilby Blades is detailed, incredibly detailed. You get every aspect of Darby’s life: her work life, her personal life, and her family life. Blades takes her time in developing this story in a way that could be perceived as tedious (I’ve read stories that have felt that way), but these details reveal more of Michael in her life. And I found myself wanting more of the story so I could be sure that Michael could fall in love with her and she could find love with him. They are two people who easily construct walls to protect themselves. As we receive more of the story, every detail, it’s insurance that they will end up together in the end. I couldn’t stop reading it because I wanted them to realize they were perfect for each other.
This story ends on a cliffhanger. You have to commit to both books when you read this story. However, it is absolutely worth it. I fell in love with Michael and Darby (even more with Michael in the second book). I think you will too. Read this duet.
Kilby Blades, ‘Snapdragon’. (Love Conquers None Series #I).
As a Hidden Gem ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is.
English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 5 stars (of 5).
In general: Intelligent ‘Friends to Lovers’ story interweaven in fascinating setting.
Main characters:
– Darby Christensen (32).
Psychopharmacologist at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Daughter of controversial senator Frank Christensen.
– Michael Blaine (31).
Born and raised in Chicago. Talented and famous architect with international
career.
As told before, English is for me a foreign language. I needed Google to understand the title ‘Snapdragon’. So a flower and, in this case, an appropriate unusual term the main characters needed.
Darby and Michael met at a wedding of a mutual friend. Both were bored at the party and during the night prefer to walk along the beach. They like each other. Both enjoy the good looks of the other, both feel challenged by the sassy and intelligent conversation in which they – among other things – discover having the same opinion about relationships. In the end they kiss passionately and agree upon a ‘friendship with benefits’. The arrangement is: We ‘ll date, but no emotions or long term expectations and each can end the affair by using the code word ‘Snapdragon’ on any moment and without the usual painful explanations.
At first the relation between Darby and Michael is in particular physical, but – a bit clichematic – hot sex and interesting talks causes involvement into each others life. Then the step to emotional feelings and love is not far away.
The author, Kilby Blades, describes the development of the relationship with great insight. She interweaves the love story in a clever way with intrigues in the hospital, Michael’s designer career and the involvement of Darby in the dubious actions of her father (a politician with a very low morality – is that possible in the States??-) in his campaign for the VP-of-USA job. The book ends in a kind of cliffhanger and book 2 in the series, ‘Chrysalis’, will give the answers on how the relationship between the two friends and future lovers(?) ultimately will end.
But all in all: for me it was a pleasure to read book 1. And I completely understand why this author won already a lot of prizes and nominations. So I’m looking forward to reading ‘Chrysalis’.
R. Huiszoon.