A young graduate. A ruthless CEO. And an attraction neither of them was prepared for.
Somehow I got an interview at Downtown, the “It” company of the decade.
Sure, I’d heard the rumors about the CEO, Rafe Black. How elusive he was. How rich. How hot.
None of it prepared me for what was about to happen. The white-hot lust at first sight. The attraction that wasn’t just mutual but obsessive, … The attraction that wasn’t just mutual but obsessive, life-changing and enough to test the limits of what I could handle …
XOXO I Love You is the first book in the I Love You series. If you like fun, sexy romance starring obsessed alphas, you’ll love Julie Capulet’s page-turning book.
*This book is the first of a two-part series and ends in a cliffhanger. The second book, XOXX I Love You More is now available.
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Wow, what a wonderful story. What a mega-obsessive, controlling, protective man who falls head over heels in love and does not know what happens to him.
If you read how they meet, the depth of their feelings immediately becomes clear, then you actually know that it will be difficult for both of them. Their connection stands out and giving in to lust is easier than dealing with the other. Her scars from her childhood makes her vulnerable and he knows too little about her to recognize the triggers she has.
A wonderful book to read. I recommend everyone to read this book …… and just like me hope that soon the timeis there for the sequel to be available!
This book was…WOW…beyond words! Beyond 5 stars! The characters had so much chemistry. It was scorching hot from beginning to end! Lexi Blondeau is in LA to live with her best friend and to find a job worthy of her Stanford degree. She gets an interview for a personal assistant position. The job is for none other than Rafe Black, CEO and founder of Downtown. She is interviewed for the job by Mr Black and she seems to be the perfect fit… in more ways than one!
This is Book 1 of the I Love You Series and my first read by this author, and let me just say that I am pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the author’s writing style. It is a captivating romance between Lexi and her boss, Rafe. It is a love story with sexual tension and sizzling chemistry, drama and suspense, plus engaging secondary characters. Overall, it is a solid read with heart and heat, but with a cliffhanger ending. Must read Book 2 for the conclusion to Lexi and Rafe’s amazing tale.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Rafe is a tough billionaire CEO who is knocked completely off kilter at his first sight of Lexi. She is innocent but not naïve. She and Rafe have both had some rough experiences in their lives and have the baggage and secrets to prove it. Rafe fell hard, and I loved that. His obsession was a little out of control at times and he does not always make the best decisions. I appreciate his protective instinct and his relationship with his brother. I appreciate how driven he has been to succeed. I love how he wants to take care of Lexi, but he has to learn to temper that. Insta-love, and lots of heat make this a fun and steamy read. The first book in this duet does not yet have the HEA and has a bit of a cliffhanger. It is written in first person from a dual POV.
Holy cow can two people really feel this kind of connection right from the first thirty minutes? Wow my heart was racing and I was falling in love with Rafe. Lexi is beautiful, sweet and she meets Rafe and it’s game on. He’s a CEO billionaire and he’s interviewing her for an assistant position. She’s gets a whole lot more then just a job that day, it was extremely erotic. Rafe has lots of childhood issues and he’s very overprotective and possessive. Some women might find that sexy but Lexi has childhood trauma of her own and so she runs away from him. I can’t wait to get started on book two. It’s eleven pm so it’s going to be a long sleepless night. I give this book five stars and highly recommend it.
Lexi arrives at DOWNTOWN, the magazine of the decade, for her interview as the personal assistant to the owner. Her first interview….ever, since she has only just graduated from Stanford University a month ago. She is shocked she even got an interview.
The second Rafe opened the door to Ms. Blondeau for her interview for personal assistant, he knew he was in trouble. He has never had a reaction to anyone like he is feeling at this moment. These are the actions of a maniac not me. And the worse thing is he doesn’t care.
Rafe is obsessed and possessive of Lexi to the point he feels panic when she is not within his sight. So possessive that he may have lost her.
Just WOW! I found it funny at one point that he referenced his current assistant as the Moneypenny type since I had been picturing his voice as Sean Connery. I love the characters in this book from Lexi’s innocence to what everyone sees when looking at her and Rafe’s overboard need to keep her safe. Rafe is an alpha controlling and possessive man who knows he’s out of control, but has no idea how to stop.
I couldn’t put this book down. Not only is it smoking hot, but I felt like I was there walking the streets of LA. The storyline keeps your attention from page one and I can’t wait to see Lexi and Rafe’s continuing story. Highly recommend!!!
Controlling Billionaire In An Imbalanced Relationship!
XOXO I Love You (I Love You #1)
Lexi & Rafe both had difficult childhoods that have left them scarred. She’s become independent, careful & guarded. He is extremely protective of his younger brother, single minded in his goals & a bit distant & cold – until he interviews Lexi for the position of his new P.A. An unnatural, obsessive lust ignites! It happens for her too & she gives herself, without reservation, to him. His controlling personality takes over in the bedroom too but she goes with it, not knowing any different & swept away by their mutual passion. It all quickly turns to an obsessive love for both of them. He can’t bare for her to be away from him in case something happens & he’s not there to protect her – until he finally goes too far and triggers a last trauma & sends her running!!
I really don’t like their dynamic, it’s not healthy on either side. They manipulate each other with sex or bribes/threats! It was uncomfortable reading with him having most of the power due to her job, housing, salary etc being in his control. He doesn’t see that of course, he wants her to have everything but she wants her own means as a safety net! It’s grippingly messed up. I have to finish this series as uncomfortable as it is. Lol Oh & Max, his younger brother, uber hot
Debbie, 1970, UK
I absolutely love this book! It’s instant love mixed with intense, steamy scenes. Rafe and Lexi’s story has you hooked right away even with a bit of a cheesy start. Even though it’s an instant love they are honest with themselves. Wish they were more honestly and open with each other but maybe they will be in book two which I can’t wait to start!
This is my first book by the author, and I will definitely read more.
Lexi just graduated college and moved to L.A. with her best friend Tessa. She gets a interview for the assistant for the CEO of Downtown. When she meets the boss Rafe Black, she is instantly attracted to him. She has always hidden herself behind thick glasses and baggy clothes to not draw attention to herself, always focused on her studies. She has recently had a makeover thanks to her bestie Tessa.
Rafe Black has never been committed to a relationship in his life. He has always been a workaholic. When Lexi walks into his office, all of that changes. He becomes obsessed, possessive, and doesn’t want her out of his sight.
This book is full of tons of sex scenes. Rafe and Lexi spend most of their time in bed.
Ends on a cliffhanger, but the series is complete.
If you want a J/P OTT alpha insta-love story than this book is perfect for you.
While parts of this story bit a bit too close to home, I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful character development and I’m looking forward to the sequel. Rafe and Lexi are a bit too good to be true, but then that’s what romance reads are all about – sexy escapism and dreams of ‘what if.” I’m eager to read the second in this duo.
Lexi goes to an interview at Downtown in Los Angeles to be the assistant to the CEO. Rafe Black is the CEO of Downtown and owns several other businesses and properties. He’s arrogant, determined and possessive. He decides to do the interview himself and the sparks start when Lexi walks into his office. This was well written, has wonderful characters who have sizzling chemistry that takes them both by surprise. I was given a copy of this book to review, this is a definite must read.
Lexi Blondeau has no idea when she goes for an interview to be Assistant to CEO Rafe Black, that as soon as they lay eyes on each other, a crazy chemistry erupts. Lexi has never felt this way before, and neither has Rafe. There was no question in Rafe’s mind that she had the job and his heart and soul! Talk about insta-lust! It was in full force! Lexi was a virgin and had no qualms about succumbing to Rafe right there, right then!
They spend the weekend together, fused together, mostly in bed. Rafe is wildly and crazy in love, afraid to let her out of his sight, ultra possessive. Off to his estate in Hawaii for two weeks, Rafe, a man who had never taken a day off in his life before. Self made millionaire, owns several companies, several homes, several cars. The only person he has ever cared for is his brother, Max. Now Lexi. He would kill for her.
But can Lexi live like this? He wants to lock her up in a tower so no one even looks at her. He wants her just for himself. Lexi grew up in foster care and she ran off because of men trying to take advantage of her. She can take care of herself. She cannot be stifled. She needs to have some freedom and trust. What will happen?
This is just the first book in a duet. So just jump right into the 2nd book to see if they can work thru their differences and trust issues to find their HEA. This is definitely Five Possessive Stars!
Julie Capulet is a new author for me, but after I’ve finished reading her XOXO I Love You 1 I felt in love with her writing , the all consuming, madness love and obsession between her main characters. I’m always been a sucker of crazy stupid love.
PS if you haven’t read her XOXO I love you 1, mmm that book is to die for. Ive recently finished reading book 1 I’m on book 2 now.
This book was incredible! The narration is powerful, and it’s very erotic. Rafe is intense, really intense, and it’s hot until it… isn’t. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series, and can’t wait to read the next book.
Be ready for lots of steam!
Twenty year old Lexi, new Stanford grad, has no sense of fashion, so when she goes to interview for the position of assistant to the CEO of the iconic Downtown, her roommate who happens to run a fashion blog gives her a makeover for the occasion.
Twenty-seven year old Rafe Black spent seven years building his billion dollar empire. He is reclusive and ruthless. He has never connected emotionally with a woman, instead keeping his laser focus directed on his businesses.
When Rafe opens the door to greet Lexi for her interview, he is instantly drawn to her. He muddles through the interview rather unconventionally, offering her the job at the end. But when he leans forward and grasps a strand of her hair, they both give in to their lust at first sight. Rafe wants her again immediately, and each time he has her his obsession grows.
Lexi and Rafe share an intense chemistry in this steamy romance. It was nice to see them open up to one another about their broken childhoods, deepening their bond.
Fans of Fifty Shades might find some parallels in XOXO I Love You, although it is not BDSM.
I would have rated this five stars if Rafe’s ruthless side were developed more, perhaps by showing him at work. He is very often sweet to Lexi, which is great, but it is hard to picture him as ruthless.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
Oh Rafe…such a beautiful, overprotective, possessive & obsessive man. The way he and Lexi fall head over heels in lust is…kinda sexy, not gonna lie. That first chapter…wowza. The passion between them is powerful and delicious.
If you love a well-written, love/lust at first sight, whirlwind romance, you’ll love this one.
This is my first read by this author and I really love her writing! This ends in a cliffy, so thankfully book 2 is available so I could dive right in.
I already know I’ll be reading Max’s book.
I love him already.
Unexpectedly intense, off-the-charts-level of lust-filled chemistry
—>>> An unexpectedly intense, off-the-charts-level of lust-filled chemistry hits both Lexi and Rafe when they meet for the first time at his office for an interview and literally takes off right then and there. While neither were prepared for just how fast they have fallen for each other, it takes two weeks after Rafe whisks her away to his private island property for Lexi to lose almost all of her sense of self to this man she admits she relishes giving control over to. But is what she is holding back enough for her to remain the independent woman she yearns to be, the woman she is striving to become? Both have pasts which may be much too ingrained to change, so perhaps it will boil down to the issue of control…and trying not to be consumed in the process of its possession. I am looking forward to continuing their story, which is in my TBR!
Holy jeez! This book is all about obsession! As in serious, you can’t leave my sight, obsession.
When Lexi applies for a job she sure she’s not qualified for and gets an interview, she is nervous, excited but wary of getting her hopes up. But when she meets the CEO instead of a review panel, she’s feeling things one doesn’t normally feel during an interview. Within minutes she’s definitely gained a position and while it might have the title of Personal Assistant, this position is much more personal.
This is like an Alex Riley book on steroids. Due to the length, it actually is much more satisfying as it gives us some real time with Rafe and Lexi as a couple. Yes, it starts out insta-everything and it continues for most of the book as two people who can’t stop touching each other. But both of these characters have dark pasts that haunt them and it takes them a bit of time to get to the place where their physical relationship makes room for emotional trust.
I adore a strong alpha hero who immediately recognizes and claims his woman, has a “mine” mentality, and shows jealousy just at the thought of other men looking at her. Rafe is all that and more.
’I feel like I could kill for her. I know I could kill for her. I’m supposed to be a civilized, educated pillar of society, possibly. What I feel like is an obsessed Viking who, if another man so much as looks at my girl, wouldn’t hesitated to kiss the [guy] with my bare hands.’
He’s completely over the top, bonkers obsessed with Lexi and interestingly enough, she feels the same about him. He’s never felt this way and it’s both driving him crazy as well as tormenting him, especially when Lexi reaches a point where she needs more from him than just his presence in her life.
Lexi is a sweet, smart, girl and her past leaves her aching for the protective, possessive cocoon that Rafe places her in. Even as he’s claiming her, she’s claiming him. It was a bit different than how most heroines react to a Neanderthal hero.
’I want him to want me like this. Obsessively. Possessively. I love him too much. I want to break free and at the same time crawl into his body and soul and live there forever.’
‘His bullyish, overbearing alpha male requests are totally over the top, half the time. The other half, they’re exactly what I want and need.’
However, when he crosses a line that throws her back into her nightmares, she reacts and everything is blown apart.
I loved that the author wrote Rafe’s voice in a very gritty and darkish manner so it never mirrored that of Lexi. I enjoyed this book, a lot, but I have to admit I skimmed some of the smexy times because there were just so many of them. This ends on a cliffhanger and I have to admit, while I’ll definitely be reading the next book, I did think if the author cut some of the smexy she could have put this story into one book.
P.S. This author has a link at the front of this book for a prologue “The Obsession Begins” that gives a nice little look into Lexi’s first few days in L.A. and her transformation. While not necessary to read it, I’m glad that I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
XOXO I Love You is book one in the I Love You series by Julie Capulet. This is the first book in a duet and does end in a cliff hanger but the second book is already available so you can immediately continue. I would call this an Insta-Love, Insta-Lust romance that should come with a warning, that it could cause spontaneous combustion! Because these two are just that hot, their chemistry that off the charts.
Rafe Black is CEO of Downtown, the “it” magazine in Los Angeles. Not only is he owner of the magazine and the entire building it is housed in, he also owns an empire of other businesses. Rafe has built his empire one brick at a time so to speak. He came from nothing, a past he tries not to revisit. His younger brother, Max, is the only constant, the only person he cares about. Any women that are in his life are temporary, no attachments. That’s the way he wants it. But then Lexi walked into his office to apply for the assistant position, and everything else faded away. She was the only thing he could see.
Lexi Blondeau just moved to LA. She just graduated from Stanford and is staying with her best friend, Tess, while she looks for work. Tess treated her to a full makeover to help her get ready for her interview. She’s been buffed, polished, and has a new outfit. She feels confident as she walks into Rafe’s office. Until she sees him. He’s the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. She had read online about how good looking he was but nothing could describe the man that stood in front of her.
“I’ve found my weakness. And I am utterly, hopelessly addicted.”
Rafe was an alpha in every way. He ruled with an iron hand. But as soon as Lexi walked in, none of it mattered. She was all he cared about. The pull between them was unexplainable. He couldn’t stand the thought of being separated from her in any way.
“Can I trust him with my heart? Or should I walk away before it becomes impossible?”
Lexi had a dark past, a past that has left her emotionally scarred. She now finds herself thrust into an opulence she didn’t really know existed. It would be so easy to let Rafe take over. Let him give her everything. But if she gave in, gave him her heart, then he left, she would never recover.
This is a story of lust, love and obsession. Rafe doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings for Lexi. Only that he’s obsessed. His need to touch her, protect her, have her, consumes him. He can’t seem to get himself under control.
“I love him too much. I want to break free and at the same time, crawl into his body and soul and live there forever.”
I am in love with this book. Lexi could never have imagined a life like this. But can she give everything to Rafe? She’s been on her own her entire life. She needs to keep some sort of independence, to somehow not lose herself. And did I say yet how hot this is? These two burned up the pages. I am immediately going on to the next book, XOXX I Love You More, for the conclusion to Lexi and Rafe’s story.
Lexi has just moved to LA and is staying with her friend Tess. She needs a job. With Tess’s outgoingness and coaxing Lexi applies for her dream job, she gets an interview. Tess helps her with a makeover and she is ready for this interview. Until the CEO himself walks into the room as the interviewee. Holy sparks! Nothing like meeting your potential new boss and drooling all over him. But hang on, is the feeling mutual? This is a very interesting story of how these two characters go about working together but also how they form a more personal relationship. There are a few bumps in the road and this will end on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what happens with Rafe and Lexi, is a HEA possible?
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems.