Let me first say: Reed York was never my boyfriend. He was the pen. I was the company ink. Though if you want to get technical, we were more like colleagues-who-hated-each-other … with benefits. Everything was fine until the charming jerk went behind my back, stole my promotion, and became my boss—literally overnight. Refusing to work beneath him (professionally speaking and otherwise), I … otherwise), I transferred 2,014 miles away to our Chicago division, and I’ve spent the past year trying to remember how much I hated his panty-melting smirk so I can forget how much I secretly loved the way his ocean eyes lit every time I walked into the room.
But he’s just announced a last-minute site visit next week, and on top of that, he’s audaciously designated me as his ‘right hand gal’ during his visit. If he thinks he has a snowball’s chance in this hell at getting back in my good graces, he’s got another thing coming.
Reed York might be a man used to getting everything he’s ever wanted, but Joa Jolivet is a woman that never forgets.
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I enjoyed this one a lot. Super sweet. Low angst. Not a lot of steam. No OW or OM drama. Great cast of secondary characters. Two very likable main characters. All wrapped up in a very sweet epilogue.
Wow! When I started reading the blurb, I was intrigued and was anxious to get started diving into this read and I must say I don’t regret at all, reading this! It was awesome 🙂 I loved every single moment and I know you guys will too! It had everything you want to read in a great book 🙂 I can’t wait for the next one from this author! 🙂
She’s Getting Her Ex For Christmas This Year… Maybe She’ll Get A Merry “Exmas” Afterall!!
Has she been a BAD Girl this Year…
Is she On Santa’s N@UGHT¥ List…
How else can she explain,
Her life slowly sliddin’ down the Drain~
Again!!
Ohh, ohh! I know!
It’s Him! The Man in the Suit…
Too BAD, His isn’t Red with a Cape, or Red Trimmed with White!
No, He’s the Epitome of ZZ Top’s finest… He’s a “Sharp Dressed Man!!”
Unfortunately, he’s also my Ex, my Boss, my Career Stealer, my Heartbreaker… & I Fear he’s my Everything~ Still!
Secrets, Deceptions, Lies, & Betrayals… It’s been a H€LLUV@ Year, but it’s almost Over…
I can actually Smell the Sweet finish line!
I can only hope, Once the Smoke Clears, I’ll be forgiven for my Secrets & the Massive Fallout…
I was granted an ARC of Winter Renshaw’s “Exmas” via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time… Happy Reading!
Reed and joa work together and had been in a sex only relationship for almost a year. But can they denied their feelings? When Reed destroy Joa’s drem job she needs to runaway. It’s beem almost a yesr since she left L.A. to come.back to her hometown in chicago. Will Reed show Joa how he really feels and make her understand what happenned a year ago? Great audiobook. Logan mcallister is one of the best narrator
First, this is a really good story and the first I’ve ever read I involving cryptocurrency. It wasn’t all hearts and butterflies, though. It really was hard to warm up to Reed because of his arrogance and unapologetic aversion to anything resembling commitment. I wasn’t that fond of Jos, either because she was a smart woman and should have expected better from Reed.
But as these things go, the characters evolve based on each other and the secrets they are hiding. Reed takes a promotion meant for Joa and she is crushed by his betrayal. Six months later they meet again and Reed is no longer that guy he was in LA. He’s caring, helpful and smitten with Joa but he can’t tell her why had to hurt her.
So, it was important to keep with the story as the characters grew. The thing I didn’t like were the flashbacks – I did read them but the frequency was a little bite too much. That’s why I gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars.
I just love WR!!!! This book has all the feels. From love-hate-lust-love.
I loved this book and the characters especially with the bit of background story of how this lost and hate came to be. Joan is such an independent and strong minded women and I just love it wen the heroine isn’t weak. And then you have Reed this sexy smart and talented Hero that just gets your mouth watering lol. If your into Second chance romance this book is for you. You will definitely enjoy this.
Thanks WR for another awesome read can’t wait for the next!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars – I really enjoyed Reed and Joa’s story. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance that will leave you with a smile.
Joa and Reed start out as colleagues. He’s a bit full of himself and she’s driven to succeed. There is a fine line between love and hate and when they cross it, there is no going back.
These two decide on a benefits only arrangement. No titles, no strings and no going to each other’s apartments. Just lots of sexy fun times! They spend more and more time together but then it all falls apart.
Joa takes off with a broken heart and starts over in her hometown. Now Reed is in her neck of the woods. They still work for the same company and he’s there on business. Joa cannot get over the hurt and betrayal. However, things aren’t what they seem. You will be invested in this story and finding out the reasons behind the choices Reed made.
This story is told in the present with regular flashbacks about their time together. We get a glimpse into where they are now and how they got where they are. Their chemistry and back and forth is super hot! The slow unveiling of where they came from really brought depth to this story. I am a fan of this author, but this may just be my favorite story of hers to date. A great read!
DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING!!!
Title: The Executive (formerly titled Exmas)
Author: Winter Renshaw
Designation: Full-Length, Standalone, Contemporary Holiday Romance #secondchance #enemiestolovers
My Rating: Four Delightfully Entertaining Stars****
Once Thanksgiving rolls around, I always find myself in the mood to gorge on holiday stories and Exmas caught my eye. Winter Renshaw has been one of my favorite go-to authors for years, especially when I’m in the mood for a sweet contemporary romance with a splash of heat, and this book certainly fit the bill. Exmas is a cute, heartwarming, full-length, standalone contemporary holiday romance, brimming with saucy banter, a dash of humor, a pinch of suspense, a cast of wonderful characters, and sweet heat. I’ll admit it took me a while to get into the flow of this story, and it wasn’t because there was anything technically wrong with the way it was crafted. The narrative was exceptionally well written in the first person with clearly defined his and her points of view, which is my favorite style for contemporary romance. My initial problem stemmed from the fact that the perspectives alternated between present day events and flashbacks from the past, but after the first few chapters, I realized what Renshaw was doing and quickly found the rhythm of the story. The intense attraction and sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine was quite obvious from the very beginning. It was so much fun to watch their little tug of war, but I think my primary disconnect was with the male protagonist, Reed York, at least at first. I fell in love with the female protagonist, Joa Jolivet, immediately. She was sweet, but not too sweet, which translates to mean she wasn’t a doormat for any guy. Joa was also intelligent, independent, savvy, driven, hard-working, and successful. On the other hand, Reed York did not make a good first impression. It took me quite a while to warm up to him. As the story progressed and more was revealed about his life and upbringing, I began to understand the complex nature of his character. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, never judge a book by its cover. Well, that certainly holds true for handsome, cocky, and seemingly indifferent Reed York. Reed turned out to be the exact opposite of my first impression. Needless to say, by midway the book, I began to see the true Reed and became completely smitten. But Renshaw certainly kept me on my toes until the very end! lol…
Did I like this book? Yes, very much! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adults since there’s a moderate sprinkling of profanity and a few tastefully written sex scenes. I would classify Exmas as a sexy mashup of second chance, enemies to lovers, and office romance tropes. So, if you’re in the mood for a cute holiday story with lots of heart, humor, and heat, then Exmas is the book for you. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and another awesome read from Winter Renshaw!
Is anyone else in “read all the holiday romance” mode or is it just me? Since the first snow of the year, right before Thanksgiving, I’ve been in the mood. So, I decided there was no need to fight it and promptly began knocking books off my TBR. Exmas was a newer addition to my TBR, but I’ve wanted to read it since I first read the blurb. It so did not disappoint. In fact, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
I found Exmas to be a really fun holiday romance. I’m a sucker for a good second chance romance and when done right, I thoroughly enjoy an office romance as well. Joa and Reed’s story was fun and sexy. I really liked how it was told not only in alternating perspectives from both characters, but how it went back and forth between past and present day. I think it’s an engaging way to learn a couple’s backstory while they get to know each other again. There was a great twist I never saw coming and I love when a book takes me by surprise.
It was surprisingly easy for me to get behind the idea of a reconciliation between Joa and Reed without even knowing the full extent of the misunderstanding that split them up before. I really liked both characters separately and together they were even better. Loved their chemistry and the bit of a slow burn between them. Joa was strong, smart and could seriously hold a grudge. There was far more to Reed than met the eye and I liked seeing layers peeled back. Plus, I adored Joa’s meddlesome family. I could totally see my parents unknowingly putting me in the same situation hers put her, so the story was relatable.
Exmas was delightful. It was sexy and had its fair share of feels. It was romantic and I love how everything wrapped up. There were definite swoons. This was my first Winter Renshaw book, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed her writing and I’m looking forward to tackling her backlist very soon.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve failed you, Joa. I know that. In more ways than one. And I can forgive your harsh words. But I can’t forgive the fact that you stand there and you continue to deny that I’m the only man who’s every going to be right for you and you’re the only woman who’s ever going to be right for me.”
I’m not sure who I hate more: him for hurting me a year ago and weaseling his way back into my life? Or me for letting it happen after I promised myself it wouldn’t.
Looking back, label or no label, we were in a relationship the entire time. I was hers. She was mine. Even if we were both too stubborn and pigheaded to admit it.
It won’t always be perfect. It won’t always be magical. But it will be filled with love and a bond that can never be severed no matter what may come our way. Real love never ends, never goes away.
I gave this Book a rating of 4 ’s
Title: Exmas
Series: Standalone
Genre: A Holiday Romance
Author: Winter Renshaw
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Nov 4, 2018
I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Ardent Prose and am choosing to leave a review.
>-< >–< >–< >–< >–<>–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< >–< What I liked/Didn’t Like: I would have given the book 5 stars, but the flashbacks were too many for my tastes. Other than that, I loved the book and the characters as well. Very well written with a good dose of romance.
I was so skeptical about this book’s premise but was thoroughly converted approximately… oh, 2% in? It didn’t disappoint and continued to be as fabulous as the opening pages promised. More fabulous, even. I’ll be waxing lyrical on Frolic Media soon, but for now all I can say is: this book is very much worth your time, and a wonderful read for the festive season.
** spoiler alert ** A year ago, Joa left her job in LA, feeling betrayed. A year ago, Reed made the tough decision to protect the woman he was falling for. He is determined to win her back, but trust doesn’t come easily. Will Reed be able to protect her? Will Joa forgive him for the secret he has been keeping?
Have to admit that I definitely loved these two characters. I loved how despite their rivalry, they couldn’t help but give in to their chemistry. I didn’t blame either character for what was happening, but was really happy that Reed was willing to try to win her back. Great read!
A hot as all hell Christmas story with a twist.
Winter Renshaw’s romances are never straightforward, nor predictable. There’s always going to be a little darkness, some suspense or a snippet of irony in there somewhere, they’re sweetened with wit and spiced with a large helping of heat! In Exmas, our characters are both strong and independent co-workers:
Joa and Reed… they’ve set rules around their non relationship.
“We’ve been hooking up almost a year now, and we’ve managed not to break a single rule.
No hotels.
No couple selfies.
No visiting each other’s places.”
Then betrayal happens, and this is the start of the book, one year later.
Told in a dual POV, I loved that this book gave me insight into the memories of their past relationship. It was meant to have been an affair only, albeit exclusive, but the romantic aspect from these past times gave me so many good feels and had me engaged, lock stock and smoking hot barrel. I read it in one day, fitting it around work, the gym and life in general, resenting each moment I had to put it down.
Winter Renshaw’s descriptions of their kisses, and the intense chemistry between them is off the charts hot, and I loved the introspection that both Joa and Reed had surrounding their non-relationship. Especially Joa, as she tries to equate the Reed she thought she knew, who wouldn’t display and polite or redeeming family related qualities, with the person he is showing to her now.
And regarding that betrayal, even though I knew nothing was as straight-forward as it seemed, Reed’s level of hot hero went up in my estimation. As always, I could shout accolades about Ms Renshaw’s writing from the rooftops, but instead I’ll have to stick to 5 Stars, and a recommendation to get it and read it now!
PS, there is a two chapter preview into another book, PS. I Dare You, and dammit if I wasn’t sucked into reading that as well!
4.5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I love a good second chance story. This fun story by Winter Renshaw was great. Reed and Joa were everything I wanted. Reed needs to prove himself to Joa before he can win her back.
This book is low on angst, high on steam, and a fun read. I loved watching Reed prove himself. I loved watching him get his life in order to win his girl back. Please check out this great story.
Loved this second chance romance. The story keeps going to the past which helped me understand why Reed was the way he was and why he and Joa had the type of relationship that they did.
Joa moves to Chicago after being backstabbed by her ” friend with benefits ” and coworker.
Its been a year and Reed cant get over Joa especially the look of betrayal on her face after he stole her promotion. He had to do it………….
Now that he is on Chicago he isnt going to let her walk out of his life again……
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game. Exmas is a duel of hearts. Will they or won’t they? Should they or shouldn’t they? Joa and Reed are caught up in an epic battle of wills that could cost them their chance at a happy ending. Renshaw is the queen of bait and switch. Just when things are falling into place, the rug is pulled out from under you. Sexy meets sassy and creates magic.
The storyline was well written and the characters were so well developed that as each page was turned I felt like I was being drawn deeper and deeper in as the story unfolded between Joa and Reed! I always enjoy reading what this author writes!
They worked together but they were friends with benefits. It all changed when he went behind her back and got the promotion she should have got and became her boss. She transferred to another office miles away. He reappears and expects to go back to what it was. Will it? She wants nothing to do with him. How will it end?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enjoyable well written office lovers enemies lovers romance. The characters were likable and interesting with strong attraction and chemistry. Joa and Reed have a coworkers with benefits relationship till she feels betrayed when he gets the promotion she wanted and he claimed no interest in. She packs up and transfers 2000 miles away. A year later he appears to due an audit and their connection is just as strong. Can he convince her they should be more. A sexy, suspenseful passionate story as you have flashbacks into their past. I loved their journey and her family and their closeness and homey, cheesy holiday traditions. Excellent continuation in the future through the epilogue. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reed and Joa are all about their careers and have an arrangement that works for them. That is until Reed gets a promotion that was supposed to go to Joa. Upset Joa transfers to another branch of the company in Chicago. Now a year later Reed is coming to that branch for an audit and wants Joa to work with him on it. Sparks fly when they are in the same room again and its not long before old feelings resurface. Can they still work together with everything that has happened? Will Reed get her to let him explain?
This is a great story once I started it I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Reed and Joa is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.