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.
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 f*ck’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.
Connect w/Adriana:
Website: https://adrianalocke.com
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Elizabeth's Review
My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend
Review Copy Provided by Author
Wade Mason has been a consistent secondary character throughout this series and I am so glad that we finally got to see a little bit of the man behind the snarky attitude!
Dara was the perfect leading lady for our grumpy architect- I loved how she didn’t put up with his attitude and gave as good as she got!
This is probably the most emotional of the Mason family books. You get to read to find out why, but Ms Locke handled everything just right. I appreciated how she had the characters evolve and face key issues so that they could put demons to rest and see where things would lead.
If you have been reading the Mason family series, you will be thrilled to see the updates on the other brothers. But, don’t worry! While this is a great series conclusion, the “wrap up” doesn’t detract from the core story. There are even a few teasers for things that may be coming soon and I am definitely curious!
View all my reviews
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