Reviews

Tempted by the Tycoon's Proposal by Rachael Stewart

norwayellesea's review against another edition

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5.0

A feel-good romance, perfect for Christmas!

Single dad and high flying businessman, Jack McGregor's daughter, Lily goes missing while staying at a hotel. Hotelier, Sophie Lambert finds the little girl hidden away,...out of sight but safe.

Lots of satisfying, warmth and emotions are visible within this romance. Jack and Sophie have much in common… notably, they are workaholics and each carries the burden of grief. It's a story of two people thrown together by an avoidable incidence, which sparks an attraction neither would have noticed if Lily hadn't run away from her nanny.

With contrasting backdrops of London and Iceland, both protagonists not only have to deal with events from their past but to learn to trust each other and those close to them. It's a time to evaluate what is important to them not only as individuals but as a new couple too… to begin cementing the foundations for a new kind of normalcy for them all, including Lily.

Overall, an enjoyable and heartfelt novel with delightful characters and the northern lights wrapped up in a heart-warming romance.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Mills and Boon***

wilko's review against another edition

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4.0

Both Jack and Sophie have been through traumatic experiences and closed themselves off from everything apart from Jack having Lily and that sweet wee girls game of hide n seek is about to change everything. You can't help but feel the reservations they both have about the attraction they feel but you also can't help but smile at how bad a job they do at trying to stay away from each other. They are soo good for each other that you want to shake some sense into them and make them open their hearts to love again, thankfully they both have Lily to not only think about but also to show them what could be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

emmalb1984's review against another edition

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5.0

Rachael Stewart’s debut True Love title is an excellent, heart-warming and beautiful romance that is a joy to read from start to finish and shows off her skills as a storyteller as she begins a new chapter of her writing career.
Widowed businessman Jack McGregor and his daughter, Lily, live a nomadic lifestyle as Jack crosses the world running his company and living in various hotels.  A stay in London leads Jack and Lily to a chance encounter with hotel manager Sophia Lambert, and what follows is a delightful story of self discovery, letting go of the past and allowing yourself to be happy.  With strong, likeable characters and a compelling plot which draws you in to the heart of Jack and Sophia’s budding relationship, the author has created a world in which the reader quickly becomes immersed and eager to discover what will happen next, and it is a joy to turn the pages as the characters form a bond and begin to look beyond their lives as they currently are.
Whilst the crux of the plot is Jack and Sophia, the undoubted star of the show is five year old Lily who unwittingly puts her Dad and Sophia on a collision course to happiness and then proceeds to play matchmaker in her own unique way.  Spotting a brochure for stargazing trips to the Northern Lights, Lily gets a birthday treat to remember as the plot moves from London to Iceland, and the vivid descriptions which follow allow the reader to almost feel they are there with the characters.  Whilst both Jack and Sophia have suffered tragedy in their pasts, the fact that they are able to work through this together as they begin to think about the future is another enjoyable element to the plot, and the emotional moments shared between the two are written with sympathy and understanding as you begin to understand why the characters are scared to form an attachment to the other, yet the overall nature of the story means that, whilst there are emotional moments, there are lots of happy scenes and a few moments of humour as we see Jack and Sophia beyond the front they present to the world.
I cannot praise Racheal Stewart’s plots, characterisation and writing style in this book highly enough as she moves seamlessly from writing the much more passionate Dare stories which we know and love her for into the more subtle and romantic True Love.  Whilst there may be far less heat within this book, it is of no detriment to the enjoyment of the story, and, as the plot moves forward, you really do root along with Lily for Jack and Sophia, to build on their slow burning romance and find their happy ending.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters and hope this is the first of many True Love titles we see from Rachael Stewart.

jessbookishlife's review against another edition

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5.0

When I read this book I was still writing for NaNoWriMo and reading Rachael Stewart's romance novel was such a good treat at the end of the day. It was sweet and warm. It was refreshing and inspiring. It was just what I needed.

Although I don't want to give any spoilers, you all know this is a romance and happy ending is expected and welcomed. What I can say is that, once again Rachael gave us a brilliant story with so many elements a romance lover will look forward to read. Definitely the kind of book I would love to see in the big screen.

The characters were realistic, their interactions and the way their relationship was growing with each page... I loved it. From the Billionaire and single dad to the strong and hardworking young woman. And of course, the cute little cupid that brings them together.

Overall, it was a quick romance that I could relax to. It wasn't chaotic and while reading my brain could let go and not overthink each moment and each small revelation and obstacle. It was a "let's just enjoy this love story and be happy" kind of feeling.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachael Stewart for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

ksmarsden's review against another edition

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4.0

Sophia and Jack are both work-a-holics, but when they meet they realise there's more to life than work.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jack is a high-flying businessman who came from nothing, and works tirelessly so his young daughter can have everything he never had. Including a babysitter/tutor that Lily doesn't get on with.

Sophia has pushed herself to succeed in her career, and is a hotel manager at the young age of 24.
She has neglected her social life, and doesn't even think about dating, until she meets Lily and her very handsome dad.

Oh wow, Lily really is the star of this book. She's a sweet 5 year old girl, whose mother died in an accident a few years ago.
She travels the world with her father, staying in the fanciest hotels, and no expense spared on her happiness. When all she wants are friends her own age, and someone to look at the stars with.
When she runs away from her tutor, she is found by Sophia; and quickly becomes cupid between Sophia and Jack.

I really liked the fact that Lily is a full-fleshed character, as important to this story as the two romantic leads.
It's equally about the growing attachment between Lily and Sophia, as it is with Sophia and Jack. It felt very realistic in the creation of a new family.

The story is very sweet, as they each work out what is important to themselves.

The not-so-good.
I've been lucky enough to read some of this author's other work first, and I couldn't help comparing them.
I was surprised at how quickly they shared their emotional baggage. From the first date, they know everything about each other. The rest of the book then rolls out without any surprises, and only a few minor bumps, ticking all of the boxes.
I found it cute, but predictable. Which I know can appeal to some readers, but it's just not for me.

Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5. It was an enjoyable, light-hearted read.
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