This CEO has everything! Except the love of the right woman… The first time guarded tycoon Theo Molenaar crossed paths with his business partner’s sister Mia Boelens, he was compelled by her bright-eyed beauty. The second time it was her fierce protective instincts. Now there are too many things to count… Theo knows all too well you can’t believe appearances. But Mia’s the first woman with … the first woman with whom he’s felt his secret–and his heart–might actually be safe…
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I absolutely fell in love with the characters of Theo and Mia, pushed together by fate, but drawn to the other’s vulnerability and hopefulness (even if that was buried deep). With the wonderful city of Amsterdam as the backdrop of this beautifully told story, I was (again) in awe of how skilfully Ella Hayes weaves in backstory and explores character motivations in a way that feels organic. As a reader, you get to know these likeable and complex characters just as they get to know each other, and it is easy to become invested in their story.
Another great read by an author who can paint landscapes with words. I felt like I was in an canal boat, in a house by the canal, in Amsterdam, breathing the atmosphere. Ella Hayes has a photographer’s attention to light, texture and mood. Her vibrant, troubled characters come to life in her beautiful settings. Ella deals sensitively with the delicate topic of domestic abuse, breaking the cliché of social class and wealth. I’ve very much enjoyed Mia and Theo’s love story, the chemistry between them and the happy ending. 🙂
Does Mia hold the key to Theo’s heart?!
Whaaa?
Don’t even think about having a pop at me for my headline *wags finger*… cheesy *nods* it may be, but my heart is too full right now for any of that negativity *beams*.
*shrugs*
I’m going to be up front here a mo and lay my cards on the table. I have a feeling this review is going to be laden with clichéd loveliness because I’m all about the warm and fuzzies at the moment. Fair warning!
Still here?
Okay, no backing out now.
My fellow bookdragons will understand me when I say that there are some books you pick up and you just know that you’re in a safe pair of hands. UTTH is one such read for me.
Ella’s writing sucks me in as if I’m cocooned all warm & snuggly in a blanket. I know it’s never going to be plain sailing for the H/h (coz where would be the fun in that! *snorts*), but I have faith that everything will work out as it should be.
I loved the parallels between Mia (I want her as my new BFF) and Theo’s (swoony!) backstories. Both vulnerable, in an emotional sense, with a fear of risking their hearts once more and repeating mistakes from their pasts.
Everything came together for me in UTTH; engaging characters, place (set in the atmospheric and picturesque city of Amsterdam), and an accident-prone kitty who’s sure to steal your heart!
What more can I say? If you’re looking for a quick romantic read, then let Theo (& Mia) sweep you off your feet for a couple of hours. Because, let’s face it, times as they are and travel limited, we could all do with an escape.
One more musing before I depart (yay, I hear you cry!) – I’d love, love, love for Lotte to get her own HEA by finding the women of her dreams. Hmm, I wonder what my chances are?