You might be wondering how you’ll know when your playboy ways are coming to an end. For some it might be an unexpected pregnancy (ahem… you know who), for others it might be finally landing the one woman you’ve always wanted (cough… I won’t mention any names). For me, it was the death of my mentor and the subsequent reading of his will.The signs were there, they always are. But I didn’t notice … didn’t notice them until it was too late, and my demise was complete.
Demise Sign #1 – You find yourself thrust into the land of responsibility and you don’t immediately hightail it out of town.
Demise Sign #2 – Despite being stuck with the world’s biggest Jekyll & Hyde, some sadistic part of you actually enjoys spending time with her.
Demise Sign #3 – Your family suddenly stops wanting to weigh in on every decision in your life.
Demise Sign #4 – Somehow you end up being the voice of reason in your tumultuous partnership.
Demise Sign #5 – You start thinking of other people before yourself.
Demise Sign #6 – You agree to put yourself in the middle of an Alaskan reality TV show that has both of you sleeping in the same tent.
Demise Complete.
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I think Denver has been the most messed up Bailey to date and I just loved it.
When his boss and mentor pass away and the only daughter comes to town, he expects to be out of a job, but Chip had a different plan. Then Denver and Cleo are thrown into an unwanted partnership and things get a little more than complicated in good Lake Starlight fashion.
One of the things I love about this series is that each Bailey child has their own set of demons unleashed by their parents’ death and not even twins have had the same issues. Similar, but not the exact same and this has kept each one special and unique in their own right.
Denver isn’t the exception and learning about his struggle and seeing his understanding Cleo’s predicament and come to her aid has to be one of the most swoon worthy moments of this story.
In a nutshell, I fell hard for Denver. I thought he wouldn’t have any redeeming qualities based on past glimpses of him, but he was a wonderful surprise and I couldn’t be happier Piper & Rayne decided to handle this story the way they did. The storyline, the characters, their support system and the backdrop of a small town feel are the best we could have asked for.
I LOVE THE BAILEYS, BUT MY HEART BELONGS TO DENVER. There is way more heart hidden inside of his self-absorbed shell than I ever could have dreamed. His make’em laugh motto shields the world from discovering just how sensitive he really is. It only took a ball buster to turn the playboy into a changed man. Cleo would not have been my first choice for the class clown, but she turns out to be the perfect fit. She gets under his skin and worms her way into your heart with very little effort. Demise of a Self-Centered Playboy throws caution to the wind. Rayne pulls out all the stops and delivers perfection.
You can never go wrong with a Piper and Rayne book. Especially a book with the Bailey clan. This book made me swoon and want to just move to Lake Starlight already!
Cleo has just lost her father whom she wasn’t very close to. Although they spent time together, she still felt like a stranger to him. She is his only child so she expects to inherit all his belongings and assets so she is flabbergasted when she has to share her father’s dream and passion with Denver Bailey. She despises him and is unhappy at first with her father’s decision but later appreciates it. She is thrown into a lifestyle she isn’t accustomed to and he saving grace turns out to be the playboy who shrugs responsibility. Denver thinks Cleo is uptight and doesn’t fit into his world but the more time he spends with her, the more hard he finds it to stay away or let go.
I was not so sure going into this book because Denver Bailey had quite the rolodex of women and that’s not something that appeals to me but… I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t not read Bailey sibling book. I knew I would be missing out. And Oh Lordy did this Bailey sibling steal my heart. He was so darn sweet and cute. Who would have thought?! It was good that their relationship was not rushed. It drew me in and made me more invested on their union. I love the way the Bailey’s embrace their siblings significant others. Sometimes not all of them are warm and fuzzy at first but they very welcoming to Cleo. I love Phoenix’s relationship with her and I seriously super eager for her book.
The Baileys are getting bigger and better with each new story in this amazing series by Piper Rayne. I finished this delicious sexy story so fast as I could not wait to see what Piper Rayne has planned for bad boy and lady killer Denver. And I miss the Baileys so badly as soon as I read the last word!
I will repeat same words from my last review of this series. These stories can be read as standalone but you should read other stories first as that will give you more in depth idea about the characters and their dynamics. Else it will feel incomplete. I was not sure how I feel about Denver from what I read previously. He is impulsive, reckless, mischievous, care free and commitment phobe. Even his job of a bushpilot has the edge of uncertainty and thrill. He acted very immaturely in case of his siblings and their spouses. But whoa! Piper Rayne opened up a whole new side in his character. And I could see his fleeting mind from a completely understandable and heartbreaking point of view. He does not want to get attached to anything or any one as he is scared of abandonment. But his mentor Chip Dawson has attached him to something big after his death. His shop or business where Denver works. The issue is he has to share it with his daughter Chloe. And they hate each other. And he wants her more than anything.
Chloe has an unstable childhood and upbringing that made her feel distanced from her own father. And now she co-owns his business in Lake Starlight and she is not sure how to keep it afloat. Chloe’s character starts as a clueless city girl but soon I got to see her big heart and own struggles. It’s basically love story of two people searching for their own place in this world. They could not stand each other but as they work side by side in a reality TV Show to save the business, they find a deep connection and soul deep chemistry that cannot be ignored or suppressed. So player boy Denver and city girl Chloe take a chance on love. They have their share of bittersweet and painful moments. But they find a way to love with some help of the crazy and adorable Bailey family!
Piper Rayne can hook me to a story instantly and I have the greatest time of my life reading about the brilliant characters. Demise of a Self-centred Playboy has the same magnetic story telling full of sweet, sexy, steamy, hilarious and heartwarming feelings!
Received ARC for Honest review
In the previous Baileys book, Denver was just a guy that like to play but never work. He was just slowly sliding into his life. No purpose, no time to grow up. And then the unexpected happened. Denver’s life is changed and nothing seems the same anymore.
Cleo, Chip’s daughter, seemed to be portrayed as a snob. But that was in a previous book. We get the drill down of her character and BOOM! She is human after all.
You unpeel this story one layer at a time. Piper Rayne killed it with their story line and main characters. The twists and turns makes your head spin. But I unconditionally fall for Denver. I love the Baileys, but Denver takes the cake. Cleo is a woman trying to find her place. I devoured this book and may had forgotten real life for awhile, but I can’t help but go back to Alaska where the magic happens!
I so love this family and the stories that come from the dynamic duo of Piper Rayne.
This is Denver and Cleo’s story…
When I was reading, especially when Grandma Dori was talking about Denver in his childhood, I was thinking of the old Bugs Bunny cartoon when the abominable snowman has Bugs in his grasp, stroking him and saying “I will call him George, and I will love him and pet him and squeeze him…” Denver is slow to love but when he does, whoo wee, he loves hard and Cleo loves him right back.
I had a special place in my heart for Denver, he was truly a self-centered playboy but I knew when the right person came alone it would change his world.
As with all of the Baileys stories, you get a bit of a twist and hint of mystery in the story which just makes it all the more of a phenomenal read.
I also love the fact that you get to see what the rest of the Baileys are up to, it’s like a little family reunion every time you open a new story in this series. I also enjoy the lead-ups to future stories!! I can’t wait to read Phoenix’s story next, it’s gonna be amazing, just like the other stories in this series!
Loved, loved, loved it! Denver’s had a lot of loss in his life so he can understand what his boss’ daughter, Cleo, is going through. He doesn’t have to like her, however, they might not have any other choice but to get along… I have to say, I think this might be my favorite book in the series so far. Each book is so good on their own but the series altogether is terrific. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
Plenty of sexual tension, witty banter and mind-blowing turn of events…Piper Rayne has given us another INCREDIBLE Bailey family 5-Star read! I always know when I pick up a Piper Rayne book that there is going to be plenty of humor, but this book had so much more than its usual dose of humor. I loved Demise Of A Self-Centered Playboy. It was full of love and family and it ticked all the boxes for me.
Denver Bailey’s story was an amazing adventure with laughs and all the feels. And I loved Denver and Cleo! Watching these two go from enemies to friends to lovers was such a wonderful transition. They fell for each together gradually and finding out that Denver was such a sweetheart and a romantic took this book to a whole new level.
As always, Piper Rayne delivers a wonderful book full of surprises on how a Bailey can fall in love. I loved seeing the rest of the Bailey family! Another amazing story and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next Bailey adventure.
Denver has been the brother that was always fast and loose. He has never been one to take commitment seriously, proof is the one and done attitude toward the opposite sex and his job as a bush pilot means low responsibility. So when his long time mentor and boss dies leaving Denver half of the business, he is at a loss as to how to handle the situation. Not only is this something that he was trying to avoid, but he also has to deal with Cleo, Chip’s daughter, that now owns the other half of the business. Denver is attracted to Cleo and he knows that she is also attracted to him, but for them to actually make their joint effort in this business work, they need rules to keep them on the straight and narrow. Will they be able to maintain distance or will they break the rules?
This was such a great addition to the series! I am really enjoying the Bailey’s and am actually a bit nervous that this was number five, we only have 4 more siblings/books left. Even with this being book five, this series is still coming off as fresh and entertaining. With some drama, a few moments of sadness, some seriously hot naughty bits, and a laugh or two… or three, I give this 5 stars and am ready to see what comes next!
Another great book by Piper Rayne! This is the fifth book in the Bailey series that are centered on the nine Bailey siblings in a small Alaskan town. What is fun with this series is that the authors tackle a different romance trope in each book. This book centers around Denver Bailey who is a bush pilot for an Alaskan adventure company. When his boss Chip dies, he leaves the company to Denver and his daughter Cleo. Of course, Cleo hates the irresponsible playboy Denver, so we have a wonderful enemies to lovers romance. I loved both Denver and Cleo, and enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Bailey clan. If you love lighthearted, small town romances, you will enjoy this book and the whole series. I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review.
Oh Denver I loved reading your story boy because it was beautiful! I was crying, laughing and rooting for you and Cleo. I loved it!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
5 Star Review Demise Of A Self-Centered Playboy (The Baileys #5) by Piper Rayne
I love small town romances and often find myself wishing that I could be a part of the Lake Starlight, Alaska community and I happily admit I would love to be a friend of The Bailey family. I have fallen more and more for the Bailey’s and their circle of friends as each book in this series releases.
I know when I pick up a Piper Rayne book that there is going to be plenty of humour, there’s no question, but this book had so much more than just humour. Demise Of A Self-Centered Playboy is full of love and family and ticked all the boxes for me as I was riveted from the first to the last chapter.
Denver has always been the outrageous Bailey, always up to mischief and getting into trouble. However after the death of his mentor and friend, we see a more serious side to the fun loving Denver we have come to know and love. Denver is shocked to learn that Chip has left him half his business in partnership with his daughter Cleo.
Cleo Dawson, who we met in a previous book is the perfect woman for Denver, if only they don’t kill each other first. She is feisty, spunky and determined not to give an inch and Denver is intrigued with her. The banter between them had me almost in tears at times, such was the humour. The chemistry between the two is so intense, that you can almost feel the sparks flying.
Initially I wasn’t that keen on Cleo but as the book progressed I could see how “lost” she was and my heart went out to her, and to Denver. There is so much more to Denver than I ever expected and I was impressed with how he grew throughout the story.
Loved Denver and Cleo! We watched both of them find themselves and each other. There were bumps but what relationship doesn’t have that. They’re adorable and will leave an impression on your heart. I love the Bailey’s and can’t wait to read more of them.
Denver gives you all the feels. Lana~ White Hot Reads
Denver and Cleo sure act like they aren’t the same but boy they sure are. Denver and Cleo can’t stand each other that its makes it that much more enjoyable to read. After realizing that they must work together in order to save Lifetime Adventures, each shows the other their true self. With the new realization, these two make quite the splash. Another fun Bailey book.
Denver Bailey’s story was an amazing adventure with laughs and all the feels.
He has solidified a place in my heart as my favourite Bailey. Denver is Rome’s twin and these two men couldn’t be more different.
Denver surprised me, especially when he comes across as a playboy in previous books but you can’t help but love everything about him in this one!
When push comes to shove he is a caring and attentive man but with an incredibly soft side and it was such an amazing ride that I didnt want it to end. What is he really afraid of??
When he finds out Chip left him and Cleo part of the business, needless to say the banter is fantastic, wtih sizzling chemistry and there are also moments where you may shed a tear.
All in all, this is my favourite book of the series and I cannot wait to see what this amazing duo of authors writes next.
Brilliance doesnt even begin to describe my feelings on this captivating book of emotions!
5 ‘Bursting Out Of The Bag’ stars.
Demise of a Self-Centered Playboy is the fifth fabulous book in ‘The Baileys’ series by Piper Rayne and is filled with sexy banter, sassy comebacks and more interfering from G’Ma Dori. It’s Denver turn in the spotlight of the Buzzwheel. Aaaah, Denver, Denver, Denver! He’s not the playboy was all thought he was.
Once he set his sights on Cleo Dawson, he was a goner. She may have hated him, but it didn’t last long. Denver sees himself as the ultimate underdog as far as love is concerned. He’s been content with his life. But with the death of his boss and mentor, he’s feeling more than a little lost. He and Cloe make a great team, it was fun watching them grow, not just as a couple but on their own too. I loved catching up with the rest of the Baileys, but come on, Piper, cut Holly some slack. Poor woman. One-Click the feel-good sensation with a hint of mystery and get your next Lake Starlight fix.
I just read this arc. It was so good. Denver really grew on me. To read his story really made me understand him better. He deserves the love that he got from Cleo. Cleo is a strong, vulnerable character. She is sweet, funny, strong, and stubborn. The two of them had such great chemistry. Another amazing Bailey couple.
Yet again Piper Rayne have another winner on their hands. Demise of a self-centred playboy is the five book in the fantastic Bailey series. Denver is so much more than the playboy that new no from previous books. That boy loves hard and I love him! Cleo looks like she led a charmed life, no cares in the world but she is hurting, her dad just died, she isn’t close to her mum she just wants to be loved. There were tears!!!! As always I loved seeing the rest of the Bailey family! Another amazing story and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next bailey adventure. You have to get this!
How do you conquer a playboy? And better yet, how does a playboy conquer a woman that has peaked his interest? In all the previous Bailey Books, we have seen Denver be the playboy, the comedian, the one who can take a serious situation and break the ice with laughter, he is your go to guy for some comedic relief. He is also very well versed in the land of the ladies. He is a favorite near and far across towns. Maybe a self proclaimed commitment-phobe.
Well then, his story should be fun and entertaining and it should have all of the things we have come to love about Denver. And yet, we get so much more! So much more than I could have ever imagined. Denver has layers…he is like an onion that has so many layers that when you start peeling them back you wonder what the hell you were doing never knowing these new things about him. Denver takes the cake and steals my heart. He makes me feel things that I didn’t think I could for him because he is so beautifully complex. Piper Rayne keeps upping the ante with each new book and each new sibling! Denver is one who will be in my heart forever.
There is sadness and there is beauty, there is love and there is passion, there is wit and there is sass. Everything you have come to love about a Piper Rayne book is ever present and then they give us more. SO SO MUCH MORE AND I LOVE IT!
Cleo Dawson was introduced in the previous book and all I could say was that woman has an attitude, with a capital A. She gives Denver a run for his money yelling and screaming and putting him in his place. She is strong-willed and passionate and so good at taking care of herself. She is independent and is a woman who makes an impact on arrival. I didn’t know much about Cleo, but after reading this book she is a beautiful soul that I can relate to. She is someone who I want to see fight for herself and those that she loves and she is one who can go toe to toe with Denver and his wit. Her one liners are hilarious. I found myself constantly laughing out loud and getting funny looks from the people around me! I know when I have that that it is a Piper Rayne masterpiece!
Denver and Cleo will make your skin crawl with the anxiousness in their banter. And every time they are together you find yourself wanting those tidbits of lust and love, those breadcrumbs of what a love like their could truly be like. It is magical!
Read this book! You are going to devour and fall in love with it like I did! It is so so so exceptional! These Bailey’s were the best surprise of the year…..I can’t wait for the rest of their stories!!!