Zandra York just got her big break, photographing a major project for a travel magazine. So what if she’s never traveled out of the country before? Or that she’s more adept at deciphering fraudulent financial statements than reading German train schedules? Her brother Jackson is on his way to act as her guide, and she can’t wait to experience Europe with him. But when Jackson’s overprotective … overprotective best friend gets off the plane instead, Zandra knows this will not end well.
There isn’t a damned thing Special Forces instructor Blake Monroe wouldn’t do for his best friend, but babysit Zandra when Jackson is unexpectedly called away on a mission? Nope. Not on the list. Especially not when she proves to be more trouble than he can handle–and far too tempting.
Between accidentally hiring a hearse as their rideshare, an unprovoked goat attack, and photographing erotic-shaped chocolates, Blake and Zandra can’t keep their hands off each other. But Zandra’s new career is about to send her all over the world and Blake is finally ready to settle down after his next deployment.
He’ll never ask her to give up her dreams. And she’ll never ask him to give up his.
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This one didn’t grab me immediately, but once I got into the story I was definitely rooting for our couple to overcome the obstacles in their path. A brother’s best friend romance with a twist, this book pairs a woman just starting a job that will take her around the world, and a soldier who is counting down the days until he can start living a normal life. This unlikely pair have known each other for years, but it isn’t until they’re thrown together on a trip that they truly become more than acquaintances.
I loved the depth of emotion between them – there’s really no question that Zandra and Blake are interested in exploring the chemistry between them, but they both know their careers will make it almost impossible to make something work in the long run. Their time together is limited and they have to make the most of it… without breaking their hearts in the long run. It’s not overly angsty, though that’s definitely there. There’s plenty of lightness and some humor, with obvious chemistry between two characters who are easy to like. With a slow burn romance, a touch of steam and an ending that’s happy (if not a little rushed), there’s a lot to like about this book.
Why didn’t it hook me immediately? The writing style itself, which took a little while for me to warm up to, in addition to the fact that I wasn’t sure I liked Zandra at first. She’s a photojournalist who livestreams some of their adventures, and she rides a fine line of being too obnoxious about her social media use. I had zero problems with Blake – he is such a sweet, steady guy who has sacrificed a lot for his family, and might wind up sacrificing his heart so that Zandra can pursue her passion. I wasn’t sure how these two would be able to find their happily ever after, but I was definitely rooting for it to happen. I received a free copy via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sweet yet sexy book.
Sweet and steamy…”Will they, won’t they”?
I truly enjoyed this story but it seemed to take soooo long for Zandra and Blake to accept their mutual feelings. With all the sexual tension in this book it still took to chapter 10 for the first kiss and then chapter 22 for sharing the bed. Btw, those scenes are beautiful and my mention here is not truly a spoiler. They really need to be read to be appreciated.
Zandra 2.0 is on her new adventure. She’s left her family’s accounting firm to do what she is passion about, which is photography. She’s been given an assignment by an ezine to cover some events in Europe. Needing help, she called on her brother Jackson who is in the military. Due to a scheduling problem, Jackson sends his childhood BFF Blake who is also in the military but takes time for his best friend’s little sis. Blake is going to be her “tour guide” and “pack animal” on her adventure. Blake is such a sweet, caring and loveable guy. You only want the best for him, which in this case is Zandra.
This is a well-written, sweet and steamy romance. I loved the character development and angst Ms. Alexander has poured into this story. The passion figuratively flows throughout the book: Zandra for her photographic subjects, Blake’s love and protectiveness for those he loves and lastly for each other. I just wish it hadn’t taken quite so long for this couple to stop fighting their mutual attraction. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through A Novel Take PR and it comes highly recommended.
Thank you Novel Take for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Seduced By The Soldier
By: Melia Alexander
*REVIEW*
Zandra and Blake have known each other for years because Blake is her brother’s friend. Now, Zandra has an amazing opportunity to travel and take photos-a dream career come true. Circumstances cause Blake to end up chaperoning Zandra because she is not an expert international traveler and needs some help. Early on, they admit feelings for each other. Unfortunately, this relationship has no potential for a future. Zandra wants to travel and do her job. Blake is soon to leave the military life behind, and he wants to settle down. At odds with each other, there seems to be no compromise. Blake and Zandra are at different places in their lives, and someone would have to sacrifice dreams for this to work. Is it worth it? I liked the places they visited and the humorous moments. Blake is a likeable character with a good hearted personality. Zandra annoyed me, and I found her a bit obnoxious at times. The story just seemed to be missing something and felt flat. It’s average but not remarkable-good for an easy read.
This is a delightful story that had me laughing and crying and left me with all the warm fuzzy feelings! Melia does an amazing job developing characters so that you feel like she is writing about your friends. Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet romance full of fun and adventure!
Seduced by the Soldier tells the story of Zandra and Blake. They have known one another a long time and crossing the friend zone into romantic territory is difficult when you start thinking about your brother’s best friend. Both have found themselves putting their dreams on hold for the sake of loyalty and responsibility. The characters find themselves in a dichotomy where their personal past, present, future and unquestionable chemistry make it hard to think, act and be logical. The characters are genuine and believable not over the top but so very real. The kind of people you could be friends with. Good people in the pursuit of their dreams and struggling to understand how to do it all without sacrificing what is most important to them. Melia builds these characters with ease and I found myself routing for them to find a way to overcome their limiting beliefs and find a way to make the unbelievable chemistry between them work in reality. Seduced by The Soldier is everything we have come to expect in a romantic comedy with laugh out loud moments, tender moments and it left me with the feeling of wanting to know what happens next. I highly recommend this book to all the romance novel reading, Hallmark Movie watching people of the world.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I thought it was an ok read. A brother’s best friend to lovers’ romance and this is one of my favorite tropes but I just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were ok but they were not enough to keep me invested into the story. It was a quick read. I was just hoping for more.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Zandra is finally going to make it as a photographer only problem is that her brother has organised for his best friend Blake to travel with her. This is the story of how they realise what they feel for one another and how they grow as they travel together. Blake is on leave from the military he is extremely good at what he does but it is time for him to start the next part of his life he has had an interest in his friends little sister for years but knew that he couldn’t go there. As they travel through Europe those feelings grow and are reciprocated Can they have a future together.
This is a sweet story that draws you in It is a little slow getting started so do persevere
Zandra is aiming to change her life and career path. She sets out on a trip to Europe. She is surprised by the appearance of her brother’s best friend Blake who shows up to be her tour guide. Blake has his life planned out and knows that Zandra does not fit in there. The story chronicle the trip with all it’s mishaps and adventure. It shows two people who think they are on different paths discovering that they can make it work. I loved Blake’s devotion to his mom and sister. These are wonderful characters that focuses on the heart of love and life.
Zandra York has known Blake Monroe since her teenage years. He was her brother’s best friend. An attraction simmered but she was too young and he had responsibilities.
When Zandra leaves her accounting job to work in her dream job as a photographer, her first assignment is in Europe. It’s her first overseas trip and knowing that she’ll need help navigating the train stations etc, she enlisted her brother’s to help. Little did she know that her brother recruited Army Capt. Blake Monroe to take his place.
The attraction develops but both believe that since they are on different paths in their lives, a relationship will not work.
The story was touching and at times heartbreaking, especially as we learn about Blake’s childhood and his determination to help his mother become a doctor. He’s put his dreams on hold for her and those he cares for.
At times you will laugh out loud, at others you will feel sad, but in the end , you will be glad to have spend some time with Zandra and Blake.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.