Theo MacLeod wasn’t supposed to be the one.Tall, dark and handsome suits me just fine, but the cocky grin, know-it-all attitude, and mammoth ego? No thanks. I only hired him so I wouldn’t have to sit at the singles table again. It was just pretend.He wasn’t supposed to kiss me. My heart wasn’t supposed to pound. We weren’t supposed to spend the night together—the hottest night of my life. One … together—the hottest night of my life.
One night turns into a snowed-in weekend away, and even the blizzard of the century can’t cool the fire between us. I can’t get enough—of his smile, of his body, of the way he makes me feel.
We’re nothing alike. He’s a daredevil, and I’m a nervous Nellie. He’s a drifter, and I want to put down roots. He’s an opportunist with a checkered past, and I’m a Girl Scout volunteer.
But none of it matters when I’m in his arms.
I know he’s made mistakes. I know his wounds are deep, and he doesn’t trust easily. I know he doesn’t believe he could ever be enough to make me happy, but he could.
All he has to do is stay.
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If you are a Melanie fan then this book will not disappoint and if your a Melanie newbie, you will sure become a lover of her books. I loved this book. Claire and Theo are such beautiful characters. I enjoyed this book so much.
Nothing compares to that perfect read! Where you dive in and can’t or won’t let up till you have purged the contains! In IF YOU WERE MINE you were swept up from the moment you read the prologue. Boom it held you!
To say that the story was romantic and witty is an understatement! Sheer swoony perfection. Add to the story a white knight, whose sexy, charming and has issues!! Well, that’s just a topper!!
Sweet romance, sexy, and fun story although a tad predictable. I enjoyed this author’s writing and look forward to reading more of her books.
This book is magic. Theo is a dream and Claire never knew going on a blind date and then needing a date after realizing she needs a boyfriend to take to a wedding she doesn’t have Theo comes into the mix and feelings and real life come into play. You must read this book to find out of their arrangement turns into something they can’t live without.
Sometimes fairy tales come true!
Theo and Claire … their story is like a fairy tale, with all the romance, angst and drama that go with a fairy tale.
Although the protagonists are quite opposite in character and background, they click together like two pieces of a puzzle. But it’s a long and bumpy road to their happy ending due to Theo’s trust issues. It takes a hard look at himself for him to realize what is important to him to overcome and work through his issues. The happy ending, which is known to be part of every fairy tale, is all the sweeter in the end.
I really enjoyed this page-turner.
Theo. I heart Theo and all his baggage. Such great characters. Loved this book.
I adored Theo and Claire.
This is my first book By Melanie Harlow and it certainly will NOT be my last.
I thoroughly enjoyed it,their romance captivated me from the start,and Melanie’s writing is amazing and I loved how the words flowed effortlessy.
Claire and Theo were just adorable their chemistry was off the charts and blush worthy.
…And that ending made me swoon so hard it was perfect.
It is a superb read.
5 wonderful Stars
Melanie Harlow can weave a tale that captures every emotion. IF YOU WERE MINE is the kind of book that warms your heart but breaks it a little, too. The baggage Theo and his brother carried from childhood threatened both of their abilities to be happy and be able to make someone else happy.
I just loved how the book started. The Theo at the beginning of the story was so enticing and Claire really the right person for him with her caring and generous character.
As we peel Theo’s layers away, it just reveals how much of a facade our first impression is. Harlow reveals who he is very much by how he defines himself – as someone unredeemable.
The passionate encounters are hot, so enjoy this book as an enjoyable escape you deserve.
4 “As You Wish” Stars
If You Were Mine was only my second read (audiobook) by Melanie Harlow. I just can’t believe I haven’t read more of her novels, because this story was amazing. I first read After We Fall a couple years ago and really enjoyed it so when I was looking for an new audiobook, I decided to dive back into this series of interconnected books. This romance was gorgeous, sweet and sexy.
Claire and Theo’s chemistry was off the charts hot. I enjoyed how they’re so different on the surface, but also really similars where it counts. Theo didn’t have an easy life growing up. He made mistakes, but tries to better himself. It’s sad how he doesn’t feel worthy of Claire, because he treats her so beautifully. He’s caring and so charming! Their powerful attraction leads to some scorching hot moments of passion. They connect so effortlessly! Claire has dreams, but she doubts herself on a lot of things. Spending times with Theo only makes her realize that she’s settling for less than what she really wants. Seriously, those two are so perfect for each other they made me giddy!
The narration was amazing to listen to. The narrators embodied the characters so well with all the right intonations and emotions. I’ll admit that I had a rough start with connecting with Theo’s voice, but I gradually felt it fitted him. As I previously mentioned, this is a standalone book part of of a series, but I feel we didn’t see a lot of the cast from the previous novels, so it’s easy to dive into this story and not feel too lost.
If You Were Mine was a great surprise and made me want to read more Melanie Harlow’s backlist novels!
This was my first book by Melanie Harlow and I am excited to add her list of books to my TBR. I thought this was a very creative story of Pretend boyfriend turn lover. There is plenty of funny, sweet, and steamy moments throughout that will leave you feeling nothing but love. I won’t lie, I cried as well. The love between Claire and Theo is so strong that when things turned, my heart broke as well. I wanted Theo to have his happily ever after, because he deserved it more than anyone, coming from a past like his. I was so happy he found Claire. She helped him trust in not only himself but his feelings. That he can be loved and love someone as well, without having to run in fear of losing that person. In turn, Theo helped her realize that she has so much potential as an artist and helped push her to do what she always dreamed about.
If You Were Mine is a standalone novel but I have already had the pleasure of meeting Claire. She was first introduced in Man Candy and then again in After We Fall as the best friend to the lovely ladies in those books. I liked her then and love her now. She is a fairy tale type of girl that hasn’t been close to finding a prince, that was until she hired one.
It all started with a wedding. Claire was tired of sitting at the singles table. Tired of all the questions about why she was single. She just was! It’s not like she was looking for love. She just wasn’t feeling it when any of the guys she went out with. She wanted the magic not just a little spark. Lately, there wasn’t even that. So…she did something nobody ever thought she would. She hired a hottie to take her to the wedding. What she didn’t expect was it to feel so real. Theo was a mystery but she wanted him. And for one night she did and it was beyond amazing.
The minute Theo saw Claire he wanted to break all of the rules. She was beautiful. Not only one the outside but he could tell but just watching her that she was just as beautiful on the inside. She was a good woman. Too good for him. That is why he needed to go on this pretend date and walk away. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t resist tasting her. It was suppose to be one night. That was all her could give but she was different. She was dangerous. She could make him want more. And that is what scared him the most. And for someone that enjoyed jumping out of planes, that tells you something.
I loved this story. Theo and Claire are opposites in almost every way but their chemistry is undeniable. He wanted to be on the open road for a lifetime and she wanted to stay in one place. He wasn’t afraid of living but he was afraid of loving. She was afraid of putting herself out there and living the life she deserved. And I am not talking about with a man. But with her art. That was something Theo didn’t understand. She was talented and he wanted her to show the world but she didn’t believe she was ready. These two might be opposites but they bring balance. I loved that Theo saw her and couldn’t believe she wasn’t being worship by someone. He couldn’t believe that he even had that chance but would he fuck it up?
Overall…it’s a beautiful, fun, and oh so sexy ride! It’s about love but it’s also about two scared people trying to get through the journey called life. Will it be together? Or will they just be two people that are together for a season to give that extra push?
P.S It was awesome to get caught up with Jaime and Quinn & Margot and Jack!
Quotes:
“God, why can’t you just rent a boyfriend for a night like you can rent a movie?” Jaime grinned over the rim of her martini glass. “Boyfriend On Demand?”
“Exactly!” I snapped my fingers. “You could just scroll through, pick the one that looks good, and he’s all yours for twenty-four hours. I’d even pay more for HD.”
“Huge Dick?”
I laughed. “Yeah.”
“Good. Because I have no limits to test, but I’ll be damn happy to test yours.”
He was an enigma—so open and generous with his body but so closed off when it came to anything personal.
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the full length novel If You Were Mine the sequel to After We Fall aka man Candy Series book 3 by Melanie Harlow and this review was given freely.
Errotic and steamy with a heart warming ending. This full length romance contains themes of alcohol abuse, abandonment, abuse and low self esteem balanced with true friendship, loving family, a strong physical attraction and true love. Elementary Art school teacher Claire enters a fake relationship to save face at her coworker’s wedding, helps to plan her friend Margot’s wedding, and comes out of her comfort zone with the help of con artist and multi faceted date for hire Theo.
This is a sweet and sexy romance with heart warming characters that leaves you an emotional wreck. This story has a lead male who is broken but who you can’t help but love. A leading lady who is very self critical but good at helping others and is the perfect fit for the leading man. There are lots of emotions leading up to the HEA that they both deserve.
This book was just so darn cozy! I’m a huge fan of Melanie Harlow’s work, and this book was every bit as excellent as what I’ve come to expect from her. It was sexy and sweet, with just the right amount of drama and angst thrown in, topped off with a subtle sense of humor. The quality of Melanie’s writing is stellar and she knows how to craft a story well. Very highly recommended!
Claire needed a date to take to a wedding, so she actually tried renting a guy! They had a trial first meeting at a coffee shop. Then they attended the actual wedding together. Both ended up falling hopelessly in love with each other…Then they broke up…
You’ll have to read the book to learn the ending of this heart braking tale of true romance including dragoons, princesses, and one real prince charming!
Theo and Margot’s story was a good read. They balanced each other out and were perfect for each other. However, there were things I liked and disliked about this story. There were parts that were a bit predictable especially when it came to Theo’s actions, but it really was expected from everything he went through. He did what was normal to him and it was his way of protecting himself. This was a sweet and steamy standalone read. I however, still prefer the second book (After We Fall) in this standalone series my favorite.
If you were mine
Melanie Harlow
Reviews on Amazon. Goodreads and the book addicts (fb)
Harlow is one of my favorite one click authors. I stumbled upon her by chance and I’m so glad.. she has yet to let me down.. break my heart, make me scream at my kindle, make me cry the ugly cry and smile like a idiot. Yes.
Yes she has done those things .. and I have loved ever minute.
I wanna say Theo is my favorite but I feel like that would be a injustice to Quinn, Jack , Miles, Sebastian, And Levi. They are all my favorites. Lol I can’t just pick one. They all have a special characteristic that makes me love them ! But Theo. Just goodness. He is just the best .. sweet and over the top sexy !! From that beautiful face to that dirty mouth and who doesn’t love a Mr. fix it handy man .. I just couldn’t put him down .. I think I may miss him.
That epilogue !! O M G. !! Just wait. It’s probably the best epilogue ever !!
Theo and Claire. I’m not sure where to start. Can I just say I loved it. Period. That should be enough. I don’t fully have words for how much I love these two! Their story was just too indulgent and it called to my single girl heart. I think any single girl has a moment where we think “What am I doing wrong? Maybe it IS me…” Even if it’s for a moment we have all thought it, especially during a long dry spell.
Love is something we all want but maybe never get because we are scared. And that is the main point of Theo and Claire. They both need love to save themselves but each are so scared of being hurt or being left that they ruin it before it can start either on purpose or subconsciously.
These two are gonna grab ahold of your heart and squeeze constantly. There is no way around it. But you will also laugh and scream in frustration. You might even shed a tear there for a moment. The emotions will be worked over hard through this story and you will be left a big pile of goo in the end.
I loved this story, it was the first story I read by Melanie Harlow and now I am hooked! I can’t wait to read more!
-Mackenzie
4.5 ‘Stay With Me’ Stars!
I was totally captivated by this intoxicatingly funny yet poignant romance. It is about two flawed people who don’t believe they are worthy to be loved. Claire French is a talented artist and art teacher. She enjoys being in the background, inspiring kids and finding beauty in unexpected places. But she is afraid to put herself out there with her art and in love. When a co-workers wedding fast approaches, she panics and makes up a fake relationship to avoid the pitying looks she gets for still being single. She finds an on-line service to help her find her ‘boyfriend’ for the night. In comes Theo ‘Woodcock’ MacLeod. He is sexy, funny, and kind. He encouraged Claire to like herself and face her fears. Something he had a hard time with from living a lonely life where everyone leaves you. Theo saw how kind, humble, and trusting Claire was. They had instant attraction and chemistry but he didn’t think she would want him if she knew his secrets. I really liked Claire and Theo, even tho he would frustrate me at times, they were well developed, funny and genuine. The banter was witty and the story was very engaging. I love a book that can make me laugh, cry and swoon and this did all that and more. Ms. Harlow expertly blended multifaceted characters, witty banter, touching emotion, and steamy passion into an exciting, fun, and sexy story and I loved every moment of it!
Our lead lady Claire’s so tired of going to weddings alone and being stuck at “the singles table” Not happening again, so she hires an escort “Theo”. He’s gorgeous and there’s instant chemistry. They kiss to make an ex jealous which only fans the fire that’s igniting. They hit it off and Claire feels she may have finally found someone she could count on. Can they make this romance turn to something permanent? Theo had a terrible upbringing, mother leaving when he was very young, deserting him with an abusive father. Theo also has a record so he doesn’t feel worthy of Claire’s love. Theo has a lot of issues that he needs to work on. I was so lucky to be able to read this book in advance and WOW!! It didn’t disappoint at all!!! Melanie Harlow’s book just keep getting better and better. Beautiful story that I am sure to re-read over and over again because it’s just that good!!!