WINDY CITY SERIES, BOOK 1 (Full Length)
Jessica Stanley is comfortable in her orderly life as a paralegal at a high end law firm. Having dated her fair share of liars and manipulators, Jessica views men through a pair of thick, cynical lenses. Men are good for one thing in her eyes, and one thing only.
Her predictable life is thrown into a whirlwind of new experiences when she meets a … meets a dominating man at a casual dinner with friends.
Royce Bradford is a man of intent and is used to getting his way. Until he meets Jessica. She is wound tight, and he finds himself yearning to unravel her secrets and her passions.
Jessica declares their relationship casual. She’s tempted by his seductive tone and unusually powerful demeanor to give him that much. But for Royce, it’s not enough. He wants more.
Except Jessica has built a secret tomb around her heart, and it will take a lot more than sensual play times and verbal commands for him to be allowed entrance. Royce never backs down from his desires. He takes up the challenge to seek out her Hidden Heart.
This book contains adult material such as graphic sexual scenes and BDSM elements such as spanking, domestic discipline, and anal play.
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HEA isn’t for her or so she thinks
Usually it is the guy who is the commitment phobe, but in this book Royce is all in from the first kiss. Jessica needs a little more convincing with her jaded history. Thankfully the author made Royce a character who won’t stop until he reaches his goal an no is not in his vocabulary. I love that he works until he gets his HEA. This author continues to impress me with her alpha males and the ladies that they love. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This story with Royce and Jessica touched me because I totally felt her lack of confidence in relationships and her supposed indifference to them.
Although she is very new to the D/s relationship Royce sees her submissive side and nurtures it to come out naturally.
Royce is absolutely swoon worthy. His actions create a safe haven for untrusting Jessica who has seen her share of unworthy men. The list of his good, decent, moral and respectful qualities are beyond endearing as a damn sexy yet playful dominant.
Descriptive scenes between lovers are so well written that one’s heart beats quicker. Characters are developed through their actions and interactions which really drives home the fact that people as well as relationships are fluid. No one is the same a week, a month or year from now. Truly enjoyed reading Hidden Heart.
This story takes you on a slow-burn journey from not-even-friends, to a full blown D/s relationship.
While Royce is not your rule-obsessed Dom, he is still strict and very inventive.
And Jessica, hm… , her walls are so well fortified that she is isolated behind them.
The slow steps Royce has to take to make her realize what both of them want, need, are tantalizingly seductive.
This is the 1st book in a new series from this author, and what an intriguing introduction this is. Jessica has had enough of being hurt by men, and she is certainly not looking for any long term relationships. Royce is determined to break through her walls and convince her to take a chance on them and his special preferences. This is a quick read which is filled with secrets, and is a steamy read. I look forward to reading more in this series.
The Windy City series kicks off with Royce and Jessica’s story. Royce is a man who knows what he wants, and when it comes to Jessica, he definitely wants her. But can they get past their trust issues? Harboring secrets is a sure-fire way to wreak havoc with their burgeoning relationship! This was a quick read with some good angst and chemistry!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Royce Blandford follows a promotion to Chicago, because when he wants something-he gets it. He’s a man with determination. And after one evening with Jessica, he’s determined to claim her as his. Jessica is perfectly content keeping relationships casual. She’d rather fall in lust than love. And one glance at Royce-she’s definitely in lust. But Royce doesn’t kiss and bail. Jessica may try to hide behind a thick wall, be he senses the fires burning hot. If he has to break through kiss by kiss, he will.
This is the first book in the Windy City Series by Measha Stone. If you have never read anything by this author then I can tell you from experience that you are missing out. She gained quickly a spot as one of my must read authors. This book is short so you will be able to read it in one sitting and then you do not have to wait long for the next book as I think she is doing on every couple of weeks in this series. This is the story of Jessica and Royce. Jessica is a closed off person when it comes to me. She sure doesn’t believe in love either. All she needs are her close group of friends and their Friday night dinners. However one of her friends just so happens to bring Royce, who has just moved to town for his job, along Jessica’s life is about to be turned upside down. This may be a short book but man do these two have some amazing chemistry. This is a short but hot read and I really really enjoyed it.
This is the first book in the Windy City stories of interconnected standalones. Jessica needs to make some changes in her life. She has a set of rules she lives by, and in following her rules, she avoids any kind of risk. When her friend Alex invites his new employee Royce to their regular Friday night gathering, things are going to change. I loved the characters, especially Jessica, who struggled so hard to have emotional independence but her craving for connection was greater. I loved that Royce really saw Jess, and was kind in his guidance. This is BDSM romance at its best.
I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
This is a beautifully written story about trying to get past the walls that have been built to provide protection for a much abused heart to have a life you dreamed of!
Jessica and Royce are such compelling characters that they drag you with them through their journey of exploration!
Highly recommended!
What a wonderful story and a great start to this series. Jessica was set in her ways and after several failed relationships she was against love, that was until she met Royce. She had agreed to date him but just as friends with no attachments or love. It is funny how love will just sneak in. You need to read this and see what happens. Enjoy
I loved Royce from the start except for one fact. He hide a secret from Jessica that would come back to hurt his relationship he was building with Jessica. As for Jessica, I know she had been hurt numerous times in the past but her struggle to accept love from anyone was a bummer. She held herself from everyone, including her friends to a certain extent. When Royce starts worming his way into her life, she pushes back but eventually accepts a relationship , with conditions, with him. It was one of those books where I didn’t want to put it down because I knew something was going to happen. When the secret Royce has been keeping from her shows up, she runs!! Will this tear them apart for good or will they be able to reconnect? Even though Jessica bugged me, this is still a story that I loved. Just get the book and read it for yourself. It’s one I will eventually be adding to my bookshelves in print!
I really loved the dynamics in this story and the patience of Royce bringing out Jessica and her feelings and desires when she is such a closed off scared woman of commitment. The emotions and feelings were very powerful as step by step they bring each other higher. I found the characters very well developed and mature and I really enjoyed it.
Jessica doesn’t believe in love. Can Royce change her mind? A short, quick read sexy read. I really enjoyed it.
Jessica is afraid to let loose with her heart. She is guarded and afraid due to her abysmal track record with men but then she meets Royce. A compelling dominant man who leads her into a gentle exploration of her submissive side. This is a slow tour of learning what kink is and what works for them as a couple. I liked how Jessica spent time researching what was there but then being able to embrace change. Especially something she thought was a hard limit which turns out to be so much fun she wants to do it again. And again.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
What a great story, it was so sexy and full of love and caring. The first scene in Royce’s apartment is one of the most sensuous I have read in a long time. Jessica had always done what was safe and necessary, not what she loved and wanted. Royce saw beyond the outer wall and enabled her to be who she wanted and needed to be to live a fulfilling life. A true love story full of caring even if there was a bump along the way.
What a great start to this hot new series! The story of Royce and Jessica entranced me so much that I read it in one sitting! Jessica is a strong woman who believes relationships are a farce and doesn’t believe in love. Along comes Royce, and she starts to rethink everything she believes in. Royce knows Jessica is the one, but how can he convince her? He shows her a world where she can be her true self and to just let go. But can she ever truly let go after all the heartache she has endured in her past? I love these characters so much. They just embed themselves into your very heart and soul. And not to mention the sizzling chemistry! I truly enjoyed this book and so will you!!!
This actually was the first book I have ever read by Measha Stone and I haven’t looked back since. This book introduces Erin and her friends and it focuses on her relationship with Royce.
It is a well written book with an easy flow to it. Royce guides Erin with her first steps into a relationship with D/s elements. It is. It is very light on the D/s scale and a great book for readers who want to dip their toes in romance with BDSM elements and a wonderful book overall.
Royce and Erin are both very likeable character and there are a lot of things about Erin that I identified with. It was wonderful to see how their relationship evolved. there is a lot of love, respect , understanding and support
Jessica has a wall build so high and thick around her heart. Royce is new to Chicago and a working buddy with Alex. Jessica is a strong-willed take-charge woman. She believes in casual relationships but won’t allow anyone into her heart. Royce see a strong woman with vulnerabilities. Is he the one who can get into Jessica’s heart? He knows how to slowly break away her walls and still give her the freedom she requires.
So good my assistant today complained that I kept reading my book instead of entertaining her. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved the Dominant in this book. Royce. Can I have a Royce? I will be a really good girl! Promise! Totally recommend it. Really good.
Jessica and Royce make a lovely couple. I found the opening a little slow but within a couple pages soon got hooked into their story. There is the sweet chemistry this author is renowned for, along with her usual skill with sexy scenes, and a twist that tugs at the heart strings. I LOVED Royce.
If you are looking for a book to while away a quiet evening in with a glass of wine, or to lose yourself in while in transit, or just fancy a solid book to pass the time, this is one you need. Highly recommended!