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BLURB:

From USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees.

Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio.

This is tragic. It’s unfair that a man so maddeningly gorgeous—an architect with a deliciously squarish jaw, adorably dimpled chin, and the hottest black glasses that straddle the line between professional and provocative—rebukes all things love.

I knew this well before I walked into his office.

The man is a conundrum—a complicated, steel wall of a puzzle. On the one hand, he brushes against me in the conference room with a broodiness that sets me on fire. He demands in-person meetings about the house we are working on together. I catch him watching me out of the corner of his eye with a look that’s anything but platonic. But any talk of hookups, love, or relationships—even in general? Completely off the table.

I’m determined to peel back his layers until I get to the bottom of the mysterious businessman. But my plan is foiled by a surprise that leaves both of us reeling. Neither of us sees it coming, but it changes everything … forever.

Caroline's Review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a cracker of a book to finish the series!

”I’m resolved about one thing: come hell or high water, I will get to the bottom of Wade Mason. Even if it kills me…or my heart.”

Wade Mason is the serious brother. He’s antisocial, grouchy and avoids intimacy, although it’s clear that he loves his family and would do anything for them. When Dara Alden bursts into his life, he’s thrown off kilter by her cheerfulness, sassiness and beauty. No matter how hard he tries, she burrows her way under his skin. What no one in his family knows is that he’s carrying some major baggage that has seen him living a solitary life – a life that is no match for Dara’s colourful presence in it.

”I’m not going to be able to feel the way I felt before I knew what it was like being inside you.”

I absolutely adored this story! It was funny, sexy and angsty. Wade was the black horse of emotions. He tried so hard to appear uncaring but lurking beneath his stiff, grouchy exterior was a heart of gold and a dry sense of humour. Dara’s heart was feeling particularly vulnerable and tender and she was in no place for any kind of relationship, yet Wade was her catnip – he was totally her type, and she just couldn’t resist him when he finally began to lower his shield and open up to her. I loved watching his defences break down, as he slowly began to fall for her. Once he was in it with her, he subconsciously committed to her. Dara was sweet and likeable. I hurt for her loneliness but adored her playfulness and cheekiness. This was a such a fantastic read to end the series, and I loved the ending as a teaser for a new series.

Excerpt:

Much to my surprise and annoyance, she laughs as she walks by me. Her elbow grazes my stomach in a move that I think is intentional. Before I can react, she’s down the hall and standing in front of Eliza.

“That dress is stunning on you,” she tells Eliza as if we weren’t in a strained conversation five seconds ago. “Where did you get it?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I grumble as I slam my door. The framed copy of the first building I ever designed shakes against the wall.

I lean against my desk and suck in a deep lungful of air. The scent of coconuts only intensifies my frustration.

I open a window and then sit down.

“Busy men always go through the motions and never have time to be creative. I’m not sure that fits my needs.”

What the hell?

Relational intimacy.

Loads of rubbish, just as it was ten years ago.

Instead of listening to spoiled, silver spoon-fed women who want their ridiculous projects handled, I have real work to do.

My heart pumps from the interaction with Dara, and I find myself replaying much of our conversation. It’s not until I get to relational intimacy do I realize how much time I’ve wasted—and am still wasting.

I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and get back to the only thing I ever want to know intimately—my work.

About the Author:

USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.