Madison receives acclaim for running a talent agency for people with disabilities, but she doesn’t know how to take care of herself. When her altruism becomes life-threatening–a matter of either develop healthy habits or die–she joins a reality TV show that pairs her with hot, raven-haired Brandon. He is witty, sexy, and her teacher. That makes him off limits. After a successful run on a soap … soap opera, Brandon stepped away from empty fame and now focuses on his work as TV’s most noted health teacher. He has one fast rule–never fall for a student. But when he meets Madison, their chemistry is combustible. There’s no hiding their conflict or their attraction, especially when it’s all caught on film.
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Madison is an interesting, realistic character who, like many, is driven, fueled by caffeine and junk food. She seldom slows down to relax. Her “always on” lifestyle catches up to her and we meet her as she’s slowly coming to after fainting. Her rescuer is guru Brandon, there to try to talk her into changing her life before she kills herself.
Scared by her prognosis, she agrees to take part in Brandon’s reality show and become his next student project. But the rules don’t fit with her life. No junk food, no caffeine, no alcohol or cigarettes, no cell phone, no outside contact beyond her sister. She tries rebellion, but when the producers threaten to kick her out, she agrees.
The presence of cameras everywhere except the bathroom and study keeps their growing attraction at bay. Plus, Brandon is determined not to get involved with a student. There’s a lot of sexual tension, and their attraction is clear, but they don’t even kiss until near the end. And the heat between the sheets, when they finally get there, is tastefully described, with more emotion than physicality.
The secondary characters here were a lot of fun, too, from the folks on the program crew, to Maddie’s crazy family—and the dog! Loved that mutt. Also lots of soul searching and life changes here for both Maddie and Brandon.
What I liked: the characters. Especially Maddie. She’s so real. And quirky, snarky, broken, and changes and grows very much through the story. I loved the setting details and the struggles Maddie faces. The tension between the characters was really well done.
What I didn’t like: very little. Well done book.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended.
Rare is the romance that challenges the reader like this book did. In the end I was so thrilled by the book, I can’t believe I was lucky enough to read it. The author has a gift for creating characters with almost never before seen depth. Take the lead character Maddie. For at least the first 30 or 40% of the book, I felt the best solution for her problems would be for her to drive off the Santa Monica Pier and keep the pedal pushed down. Then, like a caterpillar that turns into a Monarch butterfly, Maddie became someone that the reader adored, cared for, felt for and wished for.
The book is beautifully crafted with so many details that all make sense in the end. The work simply flows. I didn’t know how much I was loving reading the book until my tablet died and I couldn’t wait to get back to seeing how it was going to turn out.
A superb romance with a proper ending, amazing characters and a story that will wow anyone. Fantastic read. I recommend to anyone who has either had a personal flaw they wanted corrected or has ever loved.
My Rating: 5+ stars
How often do we get caught up in work and ignore everything else going on around you? This is exactly what happens to Madison – she works crazy, long hours and rarely goes home to even sleep in her own bed. This leads to some health issues and causes her family to bring in Guru Brandon. All he wants to do is help people get healthy. Madison agrees to go on Brandon’s reality show and becomes his next project.
Brandon’s reality show moves into Madison’s house and from the beginning, Madison is reluctant – everything she lives for has been taken away – phone, chocolate, meat, cigarettes, coffee, and alcohol. Being the type of woman she is, she refuses to show weakness while they are filming her every move. Eventually she begins to follow what Brandon is trying to teach her and starts to have feelings for him. Brandon has had a thing for Madison since he first walked in on her in her office. But he was the teacher and she was the student and he wanted to keep this professional.
Doing this reality show helped Madison to open up and let go of things from her past that was allowing her to push everyone away who she loved. This was a great read and makes you think about your health a little more and actually wanting to follow along with what Brandon was teaching. Both characters are very relatable and both have a lot of passion for what they believe in. If you are looking for romance, you will not get to it until the end of the book. This story focuses on lifestyle changes and your inner self.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
Two people in need of sollace and self-forgiveness come together under the glaring lights of TV caneras, and heal each other. For those who are in need of drastic changes in life-style–or those familiar with ACOA issues–this is the book for you!!
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
The love story and deep personal transformations of Madison and Brandon warmed my heart. Madison’s journey, in particular, resonated with me. So many times we push ahead each day on a hamster wheel of work, not thinking of our own wellbeing. We have to let go. Allowing past sorrows to flow through the body was also a narrative line, which touched me deeply. A loving man like Brandon who supports and challenges Madison was the ultimate story of soulmates. I recommend this book highly!
Madison is a quirky and compelling main character. Although wildly successful in her career, she’s on a clear path to self-destruction. Her physical health and interpersonal relationships are rapidly disintegrating. After much resistance (and many hilarious insults), Madison begins to see the value in clean, mindful living. In front of a full camera crew, she transforms every aspect of her life, from her exercise habits to her food choices to her perception of those around her. Madison’s perspective shifts as drastically as her physical health, thanks to Guru Brandon’s coaching. I enjoyed the sexual tension between Madison and Brandon. Every time they were together, sparks flew. I also found the pain exhibited by Madison’s brother, Andrew, raw and relatable. Overall, this was an inspiring read and a satisfying tale of romance.