REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: ROMANCING THE BACHELOR by DIANE ALBERTS

 

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

 

 

Romancing the Bachelor
Hamilton Family #2

By: Diane Alberts

Releasing May 15, 2017
Entangled Indulgence

 

 + Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

In Romancing the Bachelor (Hamilton Family #2) by Diane Alberts, Shelby Jefferson has already been hurt by a man and she's not about to fall for a guy similar to the one that broke her heart, so she's determined to resist Eric Hamilton. However, her plan backfires, especially since Eric is a persistent guy that she finds difficult not to like once she gets to know him better. Yet, with her other plan to leave the city and hopefully settle into small town life once she secures a job, will she leave or will history repeat itself by her changing her plans for a man?

 

After having read the first book of this series, and absolutely loving it due to the Hamilton brothers and the way they were so protective of their sister, I couldn't wait to discover the women that would win the hearts of the gorgeous brothers, and I've got to say that Shelby is a wonderful match for Eric; a man determined to stay focused on his five-year plan, and yet, loves a challenge. The way this story started had me liking the hero immediately, as he's a good lawyer determined to do anything to help his clients win their cases. Except it seems he doesn't need to work his magic much for the case he's in court for, and instead, needs all his suave and persuasiveness to convince the heroine that he's not a spoilt, rich playboy capable of winning over any woman wants.

 

Both the main characters entertained me from start to finish and the dialogue was a delightful combination of intense due to the main characters back stories, especially the heroine; and playful banter between Eric and Shelby that had me smiling or laughing. Certainly, Shelby's lucky to have caught Eric's attention, and I liked that he kept proving her original assessment of him wrong with everything he does or things he tells her about. Moreover, he's smart, charming and I loved the tight bonds he has with his family. They're always there for each other when one needs advice or just needs someone to listen to their problems, and there are times when Eric needs the support of his brothers or sister. While the heroine, it's understandable why she fears giving another man a chance after what the last guy she was with did. Seriously, she's strong and brave in giving Eric a chance; and the way she was able to pick up the pieces of her life after what her jerk of an ex did, instead of running home to the support her family would gladly offer. I also liked her plans for her future and how she was torn between leaving for the small town life she wanted and staying to be with Eric. Would he want her to stay?

 

Overall, Ms. Alberts has delivered a fun and delightful read in this book where the romance was hot and Eric made Shelby feel beautiful. The way this story ended had me crying happy tears, as Eric proved how much he wanted Shelby in his life by what he does to be with her. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story perfectly, because of this couple's surprise and how it's revealed to Eric's family. That moment had me smiling. I would recommend Romancing the Bachelor by Diane Alberts, if you enjoy second chance romances, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Avery Flynn, Naima Simone, Victoria Davies or Sarah Ballance.

 

 

 

BLURB
Eric Hamilton isn’t looking for love. Hell, he isn’t even looking for a girl. He has a five-year plan, and he’s one hundred percent focused on that. But then Shelby walks into his life, and suddenly, he can’t think about anything else. Unfortunately for him, she hates his guts, and wants nothing to do with him. But he’s a man who loves a challenge.

Shelby Jefferson can’t wait to get out of the city, and back to her country roots. She moved to Atlanta for a guy who promptly left her, and the last thing she wants is to fall for another man who might make her want to stay. But Eric is nothing if not persistent, and before long she’s inside his arms, in his bed, and she’s falling for him. Hard. But when history repeats itself, and she has to choose between a man and herself––again.

Buy Links:  AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS | KOBO

 

“Do you bring all your dates here, then?” she asked, gesturing around them. “Is this your spiel?”

“I’ve brought one other woman here before, but she’s my sister, not a girl I’d bring on a date. If you really want to know, generally when I take a woman out, I opt for somewhere with less elegance and more heat. Something that lends itself to an easy seduction later on. I like to get my date relaxed, show them a good time, take them dancing, and maybe bring them home.”

She snorted. “Maybe?”

“Shelby…” he started, frowning.

“What?” She held her hands up, looking far too innocent for it to be real. “I’m just saying, we do live in the same building. I’ve seen a lot of women come through your place.”

“Clearly,” he muttered drily.

“Why not bring me to a seduction restaurant?” she asked, leaning forward. The way she sat pushed her breasts up, teasing him with a glimpse of cleavage that made his mouth water. “Why take me to the same place you bring your sister?”

He reached across the table, catching her chin. “Because I don’t want to seduce you, Shelby.”

“Wow.” For a second, she looked offended. “That’s—”

“I wasn’t finished. I have no intention of seeing you naked tonight, or on our next date, or even the next, if I’m lucky enough to get one. With you, I want it to be a slow burn. I’ll start with something so small you barely even notice me, and over time, the intensity will increase, until you’re breathless and witless and desperate for my touch. Then, and only then, will I let myself even think about having you. After I’ve earned it, and not a damn second before.”

She sucked in a breath, held it, and didn’t move.

He didn’t break eye contact. Neither did she.

After what felt like an eternity, the waiter came back, clearing his throat. “Sir? Ma’am? Are you ready to order? Or would you prefer to order course by course?”

She was the first one to look away.

“Y-Yes.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, and her hand trembled. “I’ll have the potato, the steak, and the feta. Also, the caramel apple for dessert.”

Eric frowned at her.

She’d said she hadn’t even looked yet.

Forcing his eyes off her, he glanced down at the menu to see the recommended wine pairing for the steak entrée she’d ordered. “I’ll have the crab, duck, feta, and caramel apple as well. Also, a bottle of cabernet with the second course.”

The waiter bowed and left with the menus, and Shelby cleared her throat, her cheeks flushed a bewitching pink. “Look, Eric—”

“You’re about to tell me to back off. I can see it. Did I come on too strong?” He crossed his arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Like I said, I don’t play games.”

“I don’t, either, usually."

He cocked a brow. “Usually?”

“I’m going to be honest. I’ve been trying to annoy you tonight. To make you not like me.” She winced, dropped the napkin, and then immediately picked it back up. “Actually, I needed you not to like me.”

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Diane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin Random House. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury of The Bent Agency.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS