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Book Review-Managed by Kristen Callihan

by | Apr 6, 2017 | Book Reviews | 20 comments

Book Review-Managed by Kristen Callihan

Book Review-Managed by Kristen CallihanManaged by Kristen Callihan
Also in this series: Idol, Fall , Exposed
Series: VIP #2
Published by Plain Jane Books on November 14 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Rock Stars
Pages: 321
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
AmazonLibrary ThingLibrary ThingLibrary Thing
five-stars

It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.
I thought Iโ€™d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. Heโ€™s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought Iโ€™d give him hell for one, long flight. I didnโ€™t expect to like him. I didnโ€™t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didnโ€™t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I canโ€™t manage. But Iโ€™m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool faรงade just might be the best thing thatโ€™s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle beginโ€ฆ

Summary

Sophie Darling, has boarded a flight inbound to London for a elite job offer, all expense paid trip and how could she refuse such an opportunity especially when she is surprised to learn that her seat gets bumped up to first class with all the trimmings, except there is one downer, her seat partner is a jerk and offended that he has to sit next to her. Yeah but Sophie is not going to let Mr. High and Mighty get away with his self righteous attitude. But Sophie soon realizes the real reason that Gabriel Scott is not wanting to share the seat next to him, he is terrified of flying but Sophie is bubbly and upbeat and distracts him all the way to London. Sophie is stunned to hear that Mr. Gabriel Scott, is also her boss (kinda) and oh boy is she in trouble, because sparks fly whenever they are close together and not touching him will be torture. Gabriel has set himself apart from others, it protects his heart, and even though he has found a family in the band members, he keeps himself locked away but Sophie has a way of making him open himself up in ways he never imagined…

The Hero

Gabriel Scott is brilliant with money, enjoys his luxurious comforts and his plentiful choice of homes all over the world but keeps the emotional side of himself locked away where no one can hurt him. Gabriel was once hurt by those he once called family, and had to learn a very hard and bitter lesson in life. He found his new family among the band members, all of whom he will do anything for and protect no matter what. Gabriel is one sexy beast and I have loved his character from book one. And boy was he wonderful as the hero here. Callihan did a tremendous job with his character and I couldn’t get enough seeing more depths and grooves to him, and seeing what really makes him tick. And we see some great changes in him, from him being cold and closed off to being honest and open and laughing and sharing affection in public and what a journey.

The Heroine

Sophie Darling, has found what she loves to do and is dang good at and even though she has made a dreadful mistake in the past, she is determined to keep moving forward until that one mistake bites her in the behind upon learning of her new job. Sophie, unlike our hero, had a good upbringing, with loving if not obnoxious parents that adore her. Sophie was a heroine I could get behind and I truly loved the way that her character is totally opposite of Gabriel. She is spunky, bubbly, sweet and fun. She is literally the “life” of the party. But she also has such a likable personality, you just love her instantly.

Plot and Story Line

Managed is the second book in the newest series by Callihan and what a book this one. Now while I did enjoy Idol quite a bit, Managed was by far a way better book in my opinion. First off we have Gabriel Scott as our hero and what a hero he makes. Like truly, swoon worthy, grumpy and dramatic Gabriel that gives you shivers. And our wonderful heroine Sophie handles him so well. Its like she is meant for him, because he learns to relax and be himself with her when he doesn’t allow it with anyone else. Granted he can be stubborn and pig headed which causes some ripples between him and Sophie but what FUN ripples they are.

โ€œYou should know, I canโ€™t be a fling. Not with you. If you want me, you have to be all in.โ€
A frown knots his brows, and when he speaks, his voice is a rasp. โ€œIโ€™ve lived my whole life denying myself what I truly want. And yet I cannot turn from you. Havenโ€™t you realized it yet? I am yours. I will always be yours, whether I touch you or not.โ€

This couple is quite fantastic together. And I will admit this book had me laughing up and down and sideways and all the way in between. We see more of the band members and maybe hints of the “next book” maybe??!! And yeah I love seeing them together again and all of their interactions together. The romance is sexy and sweet and quite a tear jerker at times. This is one of those “opposite attract” stories that end up being AMAZING and curl your toes type of book.

I have never experienced intimacy. I did not know how good it felt to simply be with someone and let everything else melt away. The world can fuck off when Iโ€™m with Sophie Darling. There is only us. I donโ€™t have to be anyone else but Gabriel.

These two are as different as night and day but somehow find their own compromise of sorts and end up being just perfect for each other in the end, but its not an exactly easy road for them. They have their rifts on their road that creates some short stops but they work through it and their relationship becomes even stronger. Yeah I had a blast with this story and eager to see what Callihan comes up with next.

The Cover

What a pretty pretty cover, I just love the swirl of color here!!

Overall View

Managed is a sensational and heart stopping romance that rocks your world in the most stimulating and poignant moments….A TRUE GEM!!

โ€œI am a cold man. Any happiness or warmth Iโ€™ve felt died when Jax tried to take his life. Until you.โ€ His ragged breath gusts over my cheek. โ€œYou are my warmth.โ€

Click To Buy On Amazon

About Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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20 Comments

  1. Quinn's Book Nook

    I have heard such great things about Callihan’s books, but I’ve never read one. I should really fix that. That quote, though, about not being a fling. So swoony!!!!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh yes…she really writes some great books, and I totally think this is a book you would go for Quinn!!! Especially the heroine, she is so bubbly and upbeat and really balances out the heroes grouchy exterior.

      Reply
  2. Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog

    I still need to read Kristin Callihan!! I have hear great things about this one too. Maybe I need to pick it up. Greta review!!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh you need to, she writes some fantastic books!!!

      Reply
  3. kimbacaffeinate

    Gabriel sounds swoony and I have a thing for grouchy men..LOL

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      Oh yes he made the best hero for this book and the heroine really balances his grouchiness out with her bubbly personality.

      Reply
  4. Karen

    I was just thinking that I hadn’t read any of her contemps but then realized I read Idol lol

    I’ll have to grab this one soon.

    For What It’s Worth

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      You definitely should grab this one up very soon Karen!! If you liked Idol, you will LOVE this one, way better than book one–although I did enjoy Idol too.

      Reply
  5. Carole's Random Life

    I don’t think that I have read this author yet. I do like the sound of this one even though I don’t usually like romances with the boss. The plane ride sounds like a lot of fun to read about.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      haha the plane ride was awesome and really sets the tone for their relationship and the rest of the story too. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Geybie's Book Blog

    I’ve had this book on my TBR but I haven’t read it yet. Yay, you make me want to! Fantastic review! ???

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      You definitely need to darling!! Its pretty fantastic. Gabriel makes the best hero.

      Reply
  7. Melliane

    didn’t you make a mistake on the publishing date? In any case I didn’t know about this one and I used to love this author so I’m curious

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      haha yeah, the system I use for my reviews sometimes goes weird when processing the info from Goodreads, and I sometimes forget to double check the date, Fixed–thanks for letting me know. I think you would really like this series.

      Reply
  8. Nick

    I adored this one too! I loved the chemistry between Gabriel and Sophie. And ahh Gabriel totally made me swoon. I wasn’t sure about the book since I didn’t love the first one, but it totally worked for me!
    Great review!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      It was some amazing chemistry right?? It just gives me shivers thinking about it. Gabriel just made the perfect hero here. I am curious to see who she does next in the series.

      Reply
  9. The Book Disciple

    I liked this one better than Idol as well. I didn’t think I would like it because Gabriel gave off a bit of a douche vibe, but I’m glad I was wrong! Great review ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh yes the first book he really does come off as being a jerk…but in this book we get more depth and see why he is so protective of the band.

      Reply
  10. Michele H

    This sounds amazing! You kinda had me at Gabriel being “swoon worthy and grumpy”. He he! I do love a grumbly hero who is still a nice guy underneath the attitude.

    Reply

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