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Life on Stage #1
Throb
The rules:
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Rules were made to be broken, right?
Eight weeks ago I signed a contract. One that seemed like a good idea at the time. A handsome bachelor, luxury accommodations, and a chance to win a prize my family desperately needed. There were some rules though. Lots of them actually. Follow the script, no dating, sex, or disclosing the terms of the deal. After my self-imposed moratorium on men the last year, it wouldn’t be hard to live up to my end of the bargain... so I thought. Until I realized the deal I’d made was with the devil... and I was in love with his dirty-talking brother.
Can be read as a standalone.
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Rules were made to be broken, right?
Eight weeks ago I signed a contract. One that seemed like a good idea at the time. A handsome bachelor, luxury accommodations, and a chance to win a prize my family desperately needed. There were some rules though. Lots of them actually. Follow the script, no dating, sex, or disclosing the terms of the deal. After my self-imposed moratorium on men the last year, it wouldn’t be hard to live up to my end of the bargain... so I thought. Until I realized the deal I’d made was with the devil... and I was in love with his dirty-talking brother.
Can be read as a standalone.
269 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2015
About the author
Vi Keeland
102 books32.4k followersVi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and
USA Today
Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...
Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,180 reviews
October 20, 2016
➦You know it's not great for ya when you can't be bothered to stick around for an epilogue. Yep, I totally didn't care and moved right on to book 2 in the series.
➦Imagine you are competing against other women on a reality show for one man. And you like him, you really really like him! Then bam! You meet someone else and you like him more! So what the fuck do you do now? That's the situation the heroine in this book finds herself in.
➦And although the book has an interesting premise and a lot of people did love it, I felt like it was lacking a good ending (for me!) I didn't really understand the decisions the heroine made and it made it hard for me to connect with her and enjoy the book. I thought there was going to be more drama at the end, it kind of lacked a punch... I might be talking nonsense lol I'm just trying to make sense of why exactly I didn't care for this...
➦There's obviously a love triangle here but there is no cheating. The "other" guy is totally sweet and sexy so it's hard to hate him lol And he's a main character in the second book of this series... which, by the way, also has a love triangle. I sense a pattern.
February 4, 2015
4 Throbbing Stars.
Kate is entering a reality-show that’s quite similar to the Bachelor, but with more adrenaline in the mix. She doesn’t want the fame, she just need the money, but she knows she has rules to follow anyway. The show have a bachelor that will choose one girl so the contract rules are clear: no type of relationship or physical contact with anyone except with the bachelor. On the night previous to the beginning of the filming, Kate meets Cooper and they’re immediately attracted to each other and neither of them can’t resist the other.
Only to find out the next day that Cooper is a film producer… and the brother of Kate’s boss, the man who runs “Throb”, the reality show. Once Cooper finds out who Kate is, he’s relentless in pursing her.
They know the rules, they know what happen if they get caught… but isn’t the forbidden fruit always the sweetest one?
I was very hesitant before reading this because of the whole reality-show and “only dating with the bachelor” thing. But this was completely different from what I was expecting and I couldn’t be happier for that. I don’t know what it is with Vi Keeland, but for some reason I always start her books a little hesitant, and I always end up loving them. I guess that’s because she always write about unpredictable bad boys and I’m always a little afraid they’ll be assholes. However this woman always create sweet, sexy and great love stories, and she does it writing them wonderfully. So if you’re in the mood for a sweet love story with some angst and anxiety thrown in the middle, this book is a great choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Kate annoyed me with her indecision, but I liked her anyway because I understood where her actions come from. She was stronger for her family and that’s something to admire. Cooper was amazing, I confess I was a little hesitant and that he was going to take advantage of that messed up situation, but he was simply amazing. Add the sexy quality and the dirty talking and impossible not to love him. I really liked Flynn and I hoped he would get his HEA, so I was very happy to find out he’s going to get his own book, one I’ll definitely read.
Steam: Hot. (Like 8/10)
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Kate is entering a reality-show that’s quite similar to the Bachelor, but with more adrenaline in the mix. She doesn’t want the fame, she just need the money, but she knows she has rules to follow anyway. The show have a bachelor that will choose one girl so the contract rules are clear: no type of relationship or physical contact with anyone except with the bachelor. On the night previous to the beginning of the filming, Kate meets Cooper and they’re immediately attracted to each other and neither of them can’t resist the other.
Only to find out the next day that Cooper is a film producer… and the brother of Kate’s boss, the man who runs “Throb”, the reality show. Once Cooper finds out who Kate is, he’s relentless in pursing her.
They know the rules, they know what happen if they get caught… but isn’t the forbidden fruit always the sweetest one?
I was very hesitant before reading this because of the whole reality-show and “only dating with the bachelor” thing. But this was completely different from what I was expecting and I couldn’t be happier for that. I don’t know what it is with Vi Keeland, but for some reason I always start her books a little hesitant, and I always end up loving them. I guess that’s because she always write about unpredictable bad boys and I’m always a little afraid they’ll be assholes. However this woman always create sweet, sexy and great love stories, and she does it writing them wonderfully. So if you’re in the mood for a sweet love story with some angst and anxiety thrown in the middle, this book is a great choice.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Kate annoyed me with her indecision, but I liked her anyway because I understood where her actions come from. She was stronger for her family and that’s something to admire. Cooper was amazing, I confess I was a little hesitant and that he was going to take advantage of that messed up situation, but he was simply amazing. Add the sexy quality and the dirty talking and impossible not to love him. I really liked Flynn and I hoped he would get his HEA, so I was very happy to find out he’s going to get his own book, one I’ll definitely read.
Steam: Hot. (Like 8/10)
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 17, 2021
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DNF @ 23%
When I found out this was reality TV-themed, I was like *pterodactyl screech*. And then I found out that even though the heroine is on the reality TV show, the love interest is just the stalkery brother of the producer who is WAAAAAAY too jealous over this woman he doesn't even know. Way too jealous. Like, watching TV with only one hand in sight, jealous. Ewww.
Kate and Cooper meet a blackjack game. She's the daughter of a famous card player and picked up a few tricks. She's also the girl-next-door archetype on this reality TV show called Throb, which is like a tropical-set Bachelor where all these girls queue up to date this rock star named Flynn-- who's actually REALLY nice. I loved Flynn.
But the love interest is Cooper, who gets interested in the show just because of Kate (initially, he was like oh god little bro, ANOTHER probably-failed reality TV show? let me fall into rich boy agony). He's instantly jealous and starts demanding that the film crew force the rock star guy to take another girl out on a date besides Kate (who he was going to choose) and then after screening a video where he sees Kate and Flynn kiss, Cooper gets jealous and has one of the crew call her into his office, where he then forces a kiss on her himself and is like HOW WAS THAT.
Ummmmm.
#Bye
I will be the first in line for an alpha hero of a man but not if he's like a stalkery, spineless, icky one. UNLESS he's supposed to be stalkery, spineless, and icky... and I don't think so. Kate is just like ohhh Cooper is so dreamy-- and I'm like yeah, if that dream is a nightmare about stalkers.
I'm so disappointed.
1 star
January 26, 2015
★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Bgzl1o
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1thNkGv
This was a pretty decent read with likeable characters and fair amount of steam, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Cooper runs one of the best production companies in Hollywood, following in his fathers footsteps he is well respected within the industry. His brother Miles however is another story. He has broken away from the family firm and has gone into creating trashy reality TV.
Kate meets Cooper and they are instantly attracted to each other, but due to her contract with reality TV show 'Throb', she is not in a place to pursue a relationship with him, after all she is already 'dating' another man.
Cooper has to sit back and watch while Kate gets cosy with Flynn, a rock star who is the fortunate bachelor who has to choose a woman to be his girlfriend in a process of elimination.
I liked Kate and Cooper, Kate was torn because she needed to win the money for her family and also because she really liked Flynn albeit in a friendly capacity. Cooper was controlling on one hand, but thoughtful and tender on the other. Then we have the evil brother Miles who wanted to piss off his brother. To be honest, I would have liked to have heard more about what his motivations were, but I'm sure we will learn more in future books.
The next book in the series is about Flynn, so I'll be sure to check that one out simply because he's a sexy bad boy rock star!
ARC gratefully received in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Bgzl1o
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1thNkGv
This was a pretty decent read with likeable characters and fair amount of steam, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Cooper runs one of the best production companies in Hollywood, following in his fathers footsteps he is well respected within the industry. His brother Miles however is another story. He has broken away from the family firm and has gone into creating trashy reality TV.
Kate meets Cooper and they are instantly attracted to each other, but due to her contract with reality TV show 'Throb', she is not in a place to pursue a relationship with him, after all she is already 'dating' another man.
"Perfect, The first woman I can't stop thinking about in years, and she's about to have the most romantic date of her life...with someone else."
Cooper has to sit back and watch while Kate gets cosy with Flynn, a rock star who is the fortunate bachelor who has to choose a woman to be his girlfriend in a process of elimination.
I liked Kate and Cooper, Kate was torn because she needed to win the money for her family and also because she really liked Flynn albeit in a friendly capacity. Cooper was controlling on one hand, but thoughtful and tender on the other. Then we have the evil brother Miles who wanted to piss off his brother. To be honest, I would have liked to have heard more about what his motivations were, but I'm sure we will learn more in future books.
The next book in the series is about Flynn, so I'll be sure to check that one out simply because he's a sexy bad boy rock star!
ARC gratefully received in exchange for an honest review
January 31, 2015
4 HEART THROBBING STARS
Cooper and Kate ♥
WOW! Vi Keeland has did it again! Created an amazing plot, characters, and dialogue. I love a good old forbidden love story and this one hit the spot. One thing that I loved about this story was the selflessness of these two profound characters. Cooper gives Kate an option that she caneasily take but she refuses and chooses to earn it HER way. And what a WAY it is, definitely laugh out loud funny. I do recommend as it is quite short and worth the read!
ThrobVi Keeland
- Sleepless, Readmore.
Twitter
Cooper and Kate ♥
Perfect,
The first woman I can't stop thinking
about in years,
and she's about to have the most romantic date of her life
.. with someone else .."
WOW! Vi Keeland has did it again! Created an amazing plot, characters, and dialogue. I love a good old forbidden love story and this one hit the spot. One thing that I loved about this story was the selflessness of these two profound characters. Cooper gives Kate an option that she can
" .. the last thought I have as his lips meet mine
is that this may be more than a game,
and I'm either all in orall out.
ThrobVi Keeland
- Sleepless, Readmore.
August 22, 2020
Cooper walks into a room expecting to see a few men but what he sees is her a very beautiful sexy woman. Her name is Kate and she plays poker better then most anyone Cooper has ever met. He likes her and feels a connection. But she is standoffish. He asks her for a date and she turns him down.. The next time he goes to play poker she's there again. He says if he wins she has to go out with him. She is very confused. What he doesn't know is his brother has a reality show and Kate is one the contestants. She needs to win this reality show. She needs money. This is there story. I loved it like I do all of Vis books.
January 26, 2015
★ Complimentary Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ★
TITLE: Throb
AUTHOR: Vi Keeland
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 26th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★
Scorching hot read that will get you throbbing for more!!
I admit I am a sucker for the tv series "The Bachelor" this had the same concept, the rose ceremony, the dates, the cameras etc etc the difference with this though was the pool money the winning female would get at the end of the game $250,000
I may have entered this contest for the grand prize money, but I'd be lying if I said that the bachelor hasn't sparked my interest.
The rules:
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Discussing anything that has not been aired with anyone outside of the show is a violation of your contract..
Dating or sexual relationships, of any kind, other than with the bachelor are prohibited until the last episode has been aired.
Violation of any of the terms of the contract will result in forfeiture of any prizes, and you can and will be sued with breach of contract.
Every which way you looked at it Kate broke each and every rule within the game.
You find love when you least expect it..Sometimes at the most inconvenient times
When I signed the contract for the show, I didn't give any thought to what would happen if I met someone..
He's off limits..Banned..Forbidden..A complete violation of the rules of my contract..It only makes me want him more..
The bachelor is Flynn an up and coming singer who is new on the charts
I loved Coopers alpha male tendencies, his one liners, his dominance and arrogance *fans face* Now if he was "The Bachelor" I would've been signing up on the dotted line *Partner who* lol
The first woman i can't stop thinking about in years, and she's about to have the most romantic date of her life...with someone else.
If you want something, you pursue it aggressively and nothing gets in your way. If you love something, sometimes you have no choice but to set it free so it can find its way back to you forever..
Anything from this author you know you are going to get lost in between the pages, before I knew it I was finished reading this in no time..And will definitely be hanging out for "BEAT"
TITLE: Throb
AUTHOR: Vi Keeland
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 26th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★
Scorching hot read that will get you throbbing for more!!
I admit I am a sucker for the tv series "The Bachelor" this had the same concept, the rose ceremony, the dates, the cameras etc etc the difference with this though was the pool money the winning female would get at the end of the game $250,000
I may have entered this contest for the grand prize money, but I'd be lying if I said that the bachelor hasn't sparked my interest.
The rules:
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Discussing anything that has not been aired with anyone outside of the show is a violation of your contract..
Dating or sexual relationships, of any kind, other than with the bachelor are prohibited until the last episode has been aired.
Violation of any of the terms of the contract will result in forfeiture of any prizes, and you can and will be sued with breach of contract.
Every which way you looked at it Kate broke each and every rule within the game.
You find love when you least expect it..Sometimes at the most inconvenient times
When I signed the contract for the show, I didn't give any thought to what would happen if I met someone..
He's off limits..Banned..Forbidden..A complete violation of the rules of my contract..It only makes me want him more..
The bachelor is Flynn an up and coming singer who is new on the charts
I loved Coopers alpha male tendencies, his one liners, his dominance and arrogance *fans face* Now if he was "The Bachelor" I would've been signing up on the dotted line *Partner who* lol
The first woman i can't stop thinking about in years, and she's about to have the most romantic date of her life...with someone else.
If you want something, you pursue it aggressively and nothing gets in your way. If you love something, sometimes you have no choice but to set it free so it can find its way back to you forever..
Anything from this author you know you are going to get lost in between the pages, before I knew it I was finished reading this in no time..And will definitely be hanging out for "BEAT"
January 28, 2015
OMG OMG OMG this book was AMAZIN it's the best book I've read so far this yr I now we r only in Jan but I could put it down I only started it this after it so f@#kin good an hot as well woo hoo I luvd it
This story was so good I enjoyed it loads the story basically is there's a reality show it's a cross between survivor an bachelor Kate is 1 of the girls on the show an the guy is a hot up an coming rock star but 1 nite she goes an plays poker an meets the most gorgeous sexy man Cooper an God is he gorgeous but she can't really do anything cause of the contract from the show but she needs 2 do the show an she does actually like the rocker star hunk things get a lil hard an just 2 make things hard it's Cooper's bro who us running the reality show an he's a total ass but he needs Cooper's helps with it cause he is a just a cocky ass an doesn't know what he's doin
I really enjoyed the characters Kate is just great she is just so selfless I just wanted 2 hug her she will do anything 4 her family even if it's not goin 2 make her happy then u have the gorgeous Cooper he is 1 sexy son of a bitch an a man in a suit is just my weakness he is very protective with what his an when he wants something he gets it he stop till he does there so 2gether an the sexy time is seriously HOT I luv how dominant he is with her it's damn rite sexy
I m so delighted I read this book an I high recommend it I never read an of Vi Keeland but I sure will read more after this xxx
This story was so good I enjoyed it loads the story basically is there's a reality show it's a cross between survivor an bachelor Kate is 1 of the girls on the show an the guy is a hot up an coming rock star but 1 nite she goes an plays poker an meets the most gorgeous sexy man Cooper an God is he gorgeous but she can't really do anything cause of the contract from the show but she needs 2 do the show an she does actually like the rocker star hunk things get a lil hard an just 2 make things hard it's Cooper's bro who us running the reality show an he's a total ass but he needs Cooper's helps with it cause he is a just a cocky ass an doesn't know what he's doin
I really enjoyed the characters Kate is just great she is just so selfless I just wanted 2 hug her she will do anything 4 her family even if it's not goin 2 make her happy then u have the gorgeous Cooper he is 1 sexy son of a bitch an a man in a suit is just my weakness he is very protective with what his an when he wants something he gets it he stop till he does there so 2gether an the sexy time is seriously HOT I luv how dominant he is with her it's damn rite sexy
I m so delighted I read this book an I high recommend it I never read an of Vi Keeland but I sure will read more after this xxx
February 6, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via TRSOR PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
Hot dayum! Vi Keeland definitely is a clever gal as she pulls The Bachelor, but, with a hot&sexy twist!
Throb tells the story of, Kate Monroe, who enters a reality tv show as a last resort to save her family. She doesn’t care for the fame, finding romance, or any of it really. She just needs the money.
Imagine her surprise though-- when she finds herself in a tumultuous predicament when handsome, Cooper Montgomery, takes an interest in her (and her him) and just so happens to be the show’s film producer!! Ruh-oh!!
Now with lights, camera, action on the way…There are just three rules that Kate has to abide by while on contract as a contestant.
1 No dating
2 No sex outside of the game.
3 No disclosing of the terms of the contract
And with things heating up with Cooper... and with hot rocker Flynn, the Bachelor himself, on the side….
What will Kate do? Who will she choose? And how will she get out of this mess?
Rules are rules after all.
But some rules are meant to be broken.
#Great, great standalone novel from Ms. Vi Keeland!
I never thought such a ploy could be embedded in a book without being cliché but this one somehow just worked!! I loved CooperXKate but I also had a weak spot for Flynn!! It was hard to choose!
%What team are you, readers?%
Hot dayum! Vi Keeland definitely is a clever gal as she pulls The Bachelor, but, with a hot&sexy twist!
Throb tells the story of, Kate Monroe, who enters a reality tv show as a last resort to save her family. She doesn’t care for the fame, finding romance, or any of it really. She just needs the money.
Imagine her surprise though-- when she finds herself in a tumultuous predicament when handsome, Cooper Montgomery, takes an interest in her (and her him) and just so happens to be the show’s film producer!! Ruh-oh!!
Now with lights, camera, action on the way…There are just three rules that Kate has to abide by while on contract as a contestant.
1 No dating
2 No sex outside of the game.
3 No disclosing of the terms of the contract
And with things heating up with Cooper... and with hot rocker Flynn, the Bachelor himself, on the side….
What will Kate do? Who will she choose? And how will she get out of this mess?
Rules are rules after all.
But some rules are meant to be broken.
#Great, great standalone novel from Ms. Vi Keeland!
I never thought such a ploy could be embedded in a book without being cliché but this one somehow just worked!! I loved CooperXKate but I also had a weak spot for Flynn!! It was hard to choose!
%What team are you, readers?%
December 2, 2018
“If you WANT something, you pursue it aggressively and nothing gets in your way.
If you LOVE something, sometimes you have no choice but to set it free so it can find its way back to you forever...”
This is pretty much the lesson the characters have to learn in this story.
In Throb, we have 3 main characters with an interesting love triangle. First of all, I hate love triangles when the girl or the guy cannot decide. This was nothing like that, so don’t avoid the book for this reason.
Also, if you wonder if there is cheating, here is the answer:
We have a rich businessman: Cooper
A rockstar: Flynn
And a beautiful girl: Kate
How do their lives intersect one another?
Well, our girl Kate joins a TV reality show as a contestant because she needs the money for her sick mother and handicapped brother.
The contract she signs has harsh rules. Other than the bachelor on the show, she cannot have an affair with anyone else in the real world until the show ends. She accepts it. But she doesn’t know that she is going to meet the love of her life soon after that.
When the show begins, there are sparks between Kate and the bachelor, aka rock star Flynn.
Cooper enters Kate’s life at a very unexpected time (the timing of the fate really sucks here.)
Kate is invited to join a game of poker due to the absence of the regular guy. Kate is the daughter of a poker champion. Cooper and Kate meet at this game and from the first moment, there is an undeniable and very strong attraction between the two.
Cooper is also the brother of the owner of the show Miles, who borrowed money from him for the show.
On the day they meet, Cooper tells Kate that he wants to go on a date with her, she says she can’t. Soon, Cooper learns the reason of her rejecting him when he sees that she is one of the contestants in the show.
Then begins the angst, the jealousy, the irresistible temptation, growing feelings, the stolen moments...
For example, this is what Cooper says to himself:
“Dickhead. He makes a beeline for Kate, not even seeing the other women who are right in front of him. Tunnel vision. He wants her bad.
Where have I seen the look on his face before? Oh, yeah. In the mirror.”
Cooper is definitely a very handsome and hot guy whose power is felt when he enters a room. He is respected and loved by the people around him. He is a decent guy with good manners. He is also an alpha male, but the one type I like.
As Kate describes him:
“Cooper may seem like he takes control away from me, but he’d never take it unless I was giving it to him.”
Oh, Cooper was definitely a swoon-worthy hero – he is now one of my all times favorite heroes.
Kate is a drop-dead gorgeous blonde. She is beautiful, smart, sexy, sincere and she has a good heart. In love triangles, normally the heroine is an annoying one. In this book, our girl is adorable. She is just so sweet and lovable.
Flynn, the bachelor – the rock star in the show, is the most interesting part of the love triangle. If he was an arrogant and deceitful character, if he was someone to be disliked, everything would be too easy. We would hate him, and swoon for Cooper. But the writer makes it difficult for us as we discover that Flynn is another beautiful soul, he is also beautiful inside and out. He has long hair, tattoos and dimples. Whereas Copper is intense, Flynn is lighthearted and easygoing.
So while we, as the readers, swoon for Cooper, we also feel deeply sorry for Flynn because as soon as Cooper enters her life, Kate loses all her initial interest in him and she acts disinterested during the show. What contributes to this drama is Flynn really falls in love with Kate. I mean it is not an act for the TV show. You feel it in his behaviors and in his words. He is so sweet, so real and genuine.
This is the dialogue between Kate and Flynn when they are together out of the show and his fans (girls, of course) come near and want him to sign their skin:
"By the way, I think I would have been okay with you signing some skin. It doesn't seem so risqué since you are dating four other women everyday."
Flynn stops and unexpectedly pulls me close to him. 'That's all for the show. But today, when its's my choice, I 'm here with you only.'"
Now, how can you not feel sorry for this guy?
For an alpha male like Cooper, it is too much to bear watching the woman he loves dating and being intimate with another hot guy on TV. He wants to help Kate financially and wants her to get out of the show but she is too proud to accept his money. Life gets more and more complicated for the three of them and twists and turns tear Kate and Cooper apart and Flynn gains his second chance to win Kate. The ratings of the TV show are good and people are considering Kate as “America’s sweetheart” and want Flynn to choose her at the end of the show.
The whole story is told by dual point of view: Cooper and Kate's..
This was a roller caster of feelings and I literally had to finish this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t drop it. It was the perfect love story for me – just what I needed to read on a rainy Saturday sitting at home all by myself...
So, it all ends well and I loved every minute of it...
If what you need is a light read for a peace of mind, if you are in the mood for a hot, intense and beautiful love story with some angst and fun in it, you can opt for this book. It sure won’t disappoint you if you are in need of romance only...
I didn't compare this book with all the books I have read. I compared it to similar books that are funny, hot and romantic and this one was flawless for me and that is why I wanted to give it full points.
And what makes me even more lighthearted now is to learn that the second book in the series, THE BEAT, is about our lovely rock star Flynn. Yay, I am so happy :)
If you LOVE something, sometimes you have no choice but to set it free so it can find its way back to you forever...”
This is pretty much the lesson the characters have to learn in this story.
In Throb, we have 3 main characters with an interesting love triangle. First of all, I hate love triangles when the girl or the guy cannot decide. This was nothing like that, so don’t avoid the book for this reason.
Also, if you wonder if there is cheating, here is the answer:
We have a rich businessman: Cooper
A rockstar: Flynn
And a beautiful girl: Kate
How do their lives intersect one another?
Well, our girl Kate joins a TV reality show as a contestant because she needs the money for her sick mother and handicapped brother.
The contract she signs has harsh rules. Other than the bachelor on the show, she cannot have an affair with anyone else in the real world until the show ends. She accepts it. But she doesn’t know that she is going to meet the love of her life soon after that.
When the show begins, there are sparks between Kate and the bachelor, aka rock star Flynn.
Cooper enters Kate’s life at a very unexpected time (the timing of the fate really sucks here.)
Kate is invited to join a game of poker due to the absence of the regular guy. Kate is the daughter of a poker champion. Cooper and Kate meet at this game and from the first moment, there is an undeniable and very strong attraction between the two.
Cooper is also the brother of the owner of the show Miles, who borrowed money from him for the show.
On the day they meet, Cooper tells Kate that he wants to go on a date with her, she says she can’t. Soon, Cooper learns the reason of her rejecting him when he sees that she is one of the contestants in the show.
Then begins the angst, the jealousy, the irresistible temptation, growing feelings, the stolen moments...
For example, this is what Cooper says to himself:
“Dickhead. He makes a beeline for Kate, not even seeing the other women who are right in front of him. Tunnel vision. He wants her bad.
Where have I seen the look on his face before? Oh, yeah. In the mirror.”
Cooper is definitely a very handsome and hot guy whose power is felt when he enters a room. He is respected and loved by the people around him. He is a decent guy with good manners. He is also an alpha male, but the one type I like.
As Kate describes him:
“Cooper may seem like he takes control away from me, but he’d never take it unless I was giving it to him.”
Oh, Cooper was definitely a swoon-worthy hero – he is now one of my all times favorite heroes.
Kate is a drop-dead gorgeous blonde. She is beautiful, smart, sexy, sincere and she has a good heart. In love triangles, normally the heroine is an annoying one. In this book, our girl is adorable. She is just so sweet and lovable.
Flynn, the bachelor – the rock star in the show, is the most interesting part of the love triangle. If he was an arrogant and deceitful character, if he was someone to be disliked, everything would be too easy. We would hate him, and swoon for Cooper. But the writer makes it difficult for us as we discover that Flynn is another beautiful soul, he is also beautiful inside and out. He has long hair, tattoos and dimples. Whereas Copper is intense, Flynn is lighthearted and easygoing.
So while we, as the readers, swoon for Cooper, we also feel deeply sorry for Flynn because as soon as Cooper enters her life, Kate loses all her initial interest in him and she acts disinterested during the show. What contributes to this drama is Flynn really falls in love with Kate. I mean it is not an act for the TV show. You feel it in his behaviors and in his words. He is so sweet, so real and genuine.
This is the dialogue between Kate and Flynn when they are together out of the show and his fans (girls, of course) come near and want him to sign their skin:
"By the way, I think I would have been okay with you signing some skin. It doesn't seem so risqué since you are dating four other women everyday."
Flynn stops and unexpectedly pulls me close to him. 'That's all for the show. But today, when its's my choice, I 'm here with you only.'"
Now, how can you not feel sorry for this guy?
For an alpha male like Cooper, it is too much to bear watching the woman he loves dating and being intimate with another hot guy on TV. He wants to help Kate financially and wants her to get out of the show but she is too proud to accept his money. Life gets more and more complicated for the three of them and twists and turns tear Kate and Cooper apart and Flynn gains his second chance to win Kate. The ratings of the TV show are good and people are considering Kate as “America’s sweetheart” and want Flynn to choose her at the end of the show.
The whole story is told by dual point of view: Cooper and Kate's..
This was a roller caster of feelings and I literally had to finish this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t drop it. It was the perfect love story for me – just what I needed to read on a rainy Saturday sitting at home all by myself...
So, it all ends well and I loved every minute of it...
If what you need is a light read for a peace of mind, if you are in the mood for a hot, intense and beautiful love story with some angst and fun in it, you can opt for this book. It sure won’t disappoint you if you are in need of romance only...
I didn't compare this book with all the books I have read. I compared it to similar books that are funny, hot and romantic and this one was flawless for me and that is why I wanted to give it full points.
And what makes me even more lighthearted now is to learn that the second book in the series, THE BEAT, is about our lovely rock star Flynn. Yay, I am so happy :)
March 21, 2019
****3.5 Stars****
Bit of a rant that probably won't make a lot of sense. It may also be a wee bit spoilerish so please proceed with caution.
I didn't hate it but it was bloody hard to love it. I just can't get my head around the falseness of it all. I know Reality TV is dodgy and you shouldn't believe what you see, but it's still confronting how manipulated it really is. You sign up for a matchmaking show to win money? I would have thought the prospect of love reward enough?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I know, I'm bloody hilarious!!
I guess my biggest issue is the fact that Cooper and Kate's relationship was being played out alongside a potential relationship between Kate and Flynn. Yes, I get that she's doing it for a good reason but it still left a bad taste in my mouth. There is no way that Flynn deserved the way Kate treated him and I thought he was much nicer than what she deserved.
The worst part of the whole story...MYLES!! That slimy, sleazy bugger, I would have loved to see Cooper deal with him and the despicable investigator he hired. Cooper has enough money and power, why didn't he sink them both. It's not like Myles showed any family loyalty, so why should Cooper show him mercy.
Sebastian York treated us to his usual sexy magic and his accompanying narrator, Molly Glenmore did a great job too. This was my first Molly narration and I will not hesitate to listen to her again.
The story ended really sweetly and I was happy how it all played out in the end.
Bit of a rant that probably won't make a lot of sense. It may also be a wee bit spoilerish so please proceed with caution.
I didn't hate it but it was bloody hard to love it. I just can't get my head around the falseness of it all. I know Reality TV is dodgy and you shouldn't believe what you see, but it's still confronting how manipulated it really is. You sign up for a matchmaking show to win money? I would have thought the prospect of love reward enough?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I know, I'm bloody hilarious!!
I guess my biggest issue is the fact that Cooper and Kate's relationship was being played out alongside a potential relationship between Kate and Flynn. Yes, I get that she's doing it for a good reason but it still left a bad taste in my mouth. There is no way that Flynn deserved the way Kate treated him and I thought he was much nicer than what she deserved.
The worst part of the whole story...MYLES!! That slimy, sleazy bugger, I would have loved to see Cooper deal with him and the despicable investigator he hired. Cooper has enough money and power, why didn't he sink them both. It's not like Myles showed any family loyalty, so why should Cooper show him mercy.
Sebastian York treated us to his usual sexy magic and his accompanying narrator, Molly Glenmore did a great job too. This was my first Molly narration and I will not hesitate to listen to her again.
The story ended really sweetly and I was happy how it all played out in the end.
August 4, 2022
***SPOILERS under Sexual History***
What made this book better than the other 4 Keeland books I read this past week was this H was more persistent, stalkery obsessed, and fought for H, even when he'd respect the choice she made to not be with him openly or at all. Loved that only h brought the OTT jealous-possesive stalker side of this alpha-dominant H:
However, H did cave in & did the usual it's-better-if-she's-not-with-me breakup reason that Keeland's Heroes typically decides for h. It sounds sweet but it's frustrating, especially when he or h end up dating/kissing another person. Gah! But it makes for some angst.
Good pacing/emo/rom/chars. Good emo-involvement & depth with some tears when they reunited after 20s physical-therapy student h found out why movie-company CEO H really broke up with her. Good emo- & S-tension due to their secret affair while h was still taping the reality-TV show.
Probably the most likable characters of my 5 current Keeland reads. Really liked honest/kind/simple h who was both sexy but didn't make a big deal of it and who was set on righting the wrongs of her family to the extent of sacrificing her own happiness but she wasn't a doormat about it. Also liked H who was alpha-dominant yet still considerate & sweet. He was un-apologetically bossy but not in a controlling selfish manner. He just knew what he wanted & went for it. He backed off to respect the choice h made re: the importance of her financially supporting her family with her TV winnings. Yet he'd still repeat his offer to just give her the money & help her family financially to get her to change her mind.
Sexual History:
Early-20s h had lovers & probably BFs before the car accident 5 years ago that paralyzed her 14yo brother. Since then & especially her father's death 2 years ago, she'd been too busy working to help her family's great financial debts & helping with her brother & mom's medical needs. She was attracted to & passionately kissed the bachelor (OM) before meeting H. After meeting H she only let OM kiss her by accident or she'd turn her head away from him. She still thought he was attractive but her heart was only for H, even after she saw the actress at his house & after he broke up with her.
H was a selective player who was only interested in women for sex due to his busy work schedule & work interest. h was the only 1 he was ever interested in cuddling & laying around in bed for after sex. He manipulated things with the actress (OW) who'd been pressuring him for sex to show up at his house when he was in the shower & when h was due to come by so h would think she'd caught them in the act so she'd have no problem breaking up with him. It worked but he was miserable & heartbroken when he saw the TV taping of h going into the honeymoon suite for the night with OM. But he sacrificed his happiness to give h the chance to win the TV prize for her family as she wanted. They were both celibate for the 5-6weeks they were apart. OM became a friend to both of them & helped them get back together after h used their Honeymoon-Suite night to tell OM about her romance with H & after OM overheard H's sleazy bro drunkenly talk about his video blackmail of H&h. H had never smexxed OW. He went on 1 date with her & called an early night, when he realized how crazy clingy she was.
What made this book better than the other 4 Keeland books I read this past week was this H was more persistent, stalkery obsessed, and fought for H, even when he'd respect the choice she made to not be with him openly or at all. Loved that only h brought the OTT jealous-possesive stalker side of this alpha-dominant H:
@12% H's jealous-possessive obsession with h already palpable & he begins to manipulate the reality-TV dating show of his bro so the bachelor OM doesn't get to spend much alone time with h & sets OM up with another contestant OM's also interested in
@17% H's already showing his assertiveness/persistence with h & big part of what creates their S tension as h gets turned on by it all yet not really yielding to him due to her caution & secrets & makes their 1st kiss @ 20% so hot
@23% their 2nd kiss was even hotter coz H got super-jealous/possessive-claiming (after he watched a video his reality-TV-producer bro was showing to the crew of h & bachelor-OM kissing before she met H) so asked h if she felt the same way kissing OM as she kissed H & then told h that he didn't care re: her breaking the show's rules (re: dating others aside from bachelor OM while still taping the show) because he wanted to spend time with her.
@25% she tells H that she can't quit the dating show & just date him coz she needs to win the $250K final-winner reward in the next 7 weeks & H reluctantly lets her go.
@27% H obsessively reviews the daily videotapes of h with bachelor-OM after h told him she can't date him due to the TV show rules & disgusted with himself for being her stalker but still can't stop
However, H did cave in & did the usual it's-better-if-she's-not-with-me breakup reason that Keeland's Heroes typically decides for h. It sounds sweet but it's frustrating, especially when he or h end up dating/kissing another person. Gah! But it makes for some angst.
Good pacing/emo/rom/chars. Good emo-involvement & depth with some tears when they reunited after 20s physical-therapy student h found out why movie-company CEO H really broke up with her. Good emo- & S-tension due to their secret affair while h was still taping the reality-TV show.
Probably the most likable characters of my 5 current Keeland reads. Really liked honest/kind/simple h who was both sexy but didn't make a big deal of it and who was set on righting the wrongs of her family to the extent of sacrificing her own happiness but she wasn't a doormat about it. Also liked H who was alpha-dominant yet still considerate & sweet. He was un-apologetically bossy but not in a controlling selfish manner. He just knew what he wanted & went for it. He backed off to respect the choice h made re: the importance of her financially supporting her family with her TV winnings. Yet he'd still repeat his offer to just give her the money & help her family financially to get her to change her mind.
Sexual History:
Early-20s h had lovers & probably BFs before the car accident 5 years ago that paralyzed her 14yo brother. Since then & especially her father's death 2 years ago, she'd been too busy working to help her family's great financial debts & helping with her brother & mom's medical needs. She was attracted to & passionately kissed the bachelor (OM) before meeting H. After meeting H she only let OM kiss her by accident or she'd turn her head away from him. She still thought he was attractive but her heart was only for H, even after she saw the actress at his house & after he broke up with her.
H was a selective player who was only interested in women for sex due to his busy work schedule & work interest. h was the only 1 he was ever interested in cuddling & laying around in bed for after sex. He manipulated things with the actress (OW) who'd been pressuring him for sex to show up at his house when he was in the shower & when h was due to come by so h would think she'd caught them in the act so she'd have no problem breaking up with him. It worked but he was miserable & heartbroken when he saw the TV taping of h going into the honeymoon suite for the night with OM. But he sacrificed his happiness to give h the chance to win the TV prize for her family as she wanted. They were both celibate for the 5-6weeks they were apart. OM became a friend to both of them & helped them get back together after h used their Honeymoon-Suite night to tell OM about her romance with H & after OM overheard H's sleazy bro drunkenly talk about his video blackmail of H&h. H had never smexxed OW. He went on 1 date with her & called an early night, when he realized how crazy clingy she was.
February 2, 2015
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Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review
Throb left me
Throbbing…
Clenching…
Pulsating…
With great excitement thanks to Vi Keeland’s latest leading heartthrob, Cooper Montgomery.
This read was a pleasant surprise. So glad I jumped right in blind, without a single clue as to what this story was about. And what I found was a refreshing plot filled with passion, a cast of characters I come to adore and some I absolutely loathed. Once starting, I was immediately hooked, smitten with the deliciously bossy Cooper. It was easy to fall in love with his filthy mouth and titillating ways. Always dominating in the bedroom; Cooper is a take-charge kind of guy – rich, powerful and all business. But, life becomes intensely uneasy when circumstances involving his relationship with Kate were not in his control. He is determined to claim her, regardless of the fact that she was unavailable. Pure Alpha-hotness.
Poor Kate. Her timing truly sucked when meeting Cooper. Stuck with making a heart wrenching decision – fall for the perfect guy or following through on her reality show contract. Following her heart will lead her into a blissful romance. Listening to her mind will allow her the chance to help her family out of a dire financial situation. I was sent into a whirlwind as Kate's future was at risk, cursing the rules that bound her…
- no dating outside the program
- no sex outside the game
- do not break any rules
- to win the prize, she must make another man fall for her charms
Kate and Cooper’s life is spinning out of control, as his bastard of a brother, Miles, is the ruthless master of the game. Regardless, they manage to turn on the heat and bend the rules with stolen moments of sizzling passion which I savored. But all the while, I was on the edge of my seat, as the drama level was kicked up to high. Kate forced to make a decision that will change her life, and Cooper finds himself backed into a corner with nowhere to turn. This story was intense.
All in all, Throb was a great read for me and I highly recommend giving it a try. Vi Keeland’s writing style is the perfect blend of serious sexiness laced with humor. Although part of a series involving different couples, this read is considered a standalone with no cliffhanger ending. There are some that feel this is a love triangle of sorts, but in my opinion, it is not in any way. And now my wait begins for the next installment – a definite must read.
http://angelas-sizzling-pages.blogspo...
www.sizzlingpages.com
Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review
Throb left me
Throbbing…
Clenching…
Pulsating…
With great excitement thanks to Vi Keeland’s latest leading heartthrob, Cooper Montgomery.
This read was a pleasant surprise. So glad I jumped right in blind, without a single clue as to what this story was about. And what I found was a refreshing plot filled with passion, a cast of characters I come to adore and some I absolutely loathed. Once starting, I was immediately hooked, smitten with the deliciously bossy Cooper. It was easy to fall in love with his filthy mouth and titillating ways. Always dominating in the bedroom; Cooper is a take-charge kind of guy – rich, powerful and all business. But, life becomes intensely uneasy when circumstances involving his relationship with Kate were not in his control. He is determined to claim her, regardless of the fact that she was unavailable. Pure Alpha-hotness.
Poor Kate. Her timing truly sucked when meeting Cooper. Stuck with making a heart wrenching decision – fall for the perfect guy or following through on her reality show contract. Following her heart will lead her into a blissful romance. Listening to her mind will allow her the chance to help her family out of a dire financial situation. I was sent into a whirlwind as Kate's future was at risk, cursing the rules that bound her…
- no dating outside the program
- no sex outside the game
- do not break any rules
- to win the prize, she must make another man fall for her charms
Kate and Cooper’s life is spinning out of control, as his bastard of a brother, Miles, is the ruthless master of the game. Regardless, they manage to turn on the heat and bend the rules with stolen moments of sizzling passion which I savored. But all the while, I was on the edge of my seat, as the drama level was kicked up to high. Kate forced to make a decision that will change her life, and Cooper finds himself backed into a corner with nowhere to turn. This story was intense.
All in all, Throb was a great read for me and I highly recommend giving it a try. Vi Keeland’s writing style is the perfect blend of serious sexiness laced with humor. Although part of a series involving different couples, this read is considered a standalone with no cliffhanger ending. There are some that feel this is a love triangle of sorts, but in my opinion, it is not in any way. And now my wait begins for the next installment – a definite must read.
Read
January 28, 2015DNF
I did not connect with the characters, so why bother?
I did not connect with the characters, so why bother?
February 2, 2015
4.25 to 4.5 Throbbing Stars!
I thought this book was pretty damn good! This was one of those really entertaining reads, start to finish, with two characters who were pretty damn awesome!
Throb is a love story of sorts set in the drama of Reality TV! Cooper Montgomery is a sexy successful TV mogul who has no problem with getting the attention of women everywhere. While he goes thru the motions of "bachelorhood" he knows something is missing. Well, that is until an impromptu card game introduces a vibrant, sassy card-shark Kate Monroe!
Fast Sparks, Flirty Banter, and then...well a sweet goodbye! What? Cooper rebuffed and Kate affected, but unfortunately the timing is so wrong! Kate is contractually obligated to another of sorts as she thriving on a bachelor meets survivor dating show! To those on the outside she has amazing chemistry with a sexy rock God Flynn, but perhaps her libido is reacting to her inner thoughts of one Cooper Montgomery!
Rules are made to be broken right? HMMMM...easier said than done, especially when this reality TV show just so happens to be under the advisement of Copper's brother Miles...no telling how far he will go to get his ratings! Well, this is where the fun begins! Vi Keeland wrote a fabulous fun and sexy tale. Cooper was an amazing alpha male yet he was romantic and deeply vested in wanting Kate. As for the female, Kate was doing her best to stay on the right path, but damn if Cooper didn't dominate her in every way!
This read was pretty fab! As I said, both characters were in deep and had emotions for only each other. I appreciated the upfront nature of their relationship and their open jealousy! I also found it was amazing to read the ins and outs of reality TV and realize that no matter what the cameras catch, anything can be manipulated for ratings...Too bad the reality of the situation is the inability to manipulate the heart!
I thought this book was pretty damn good! This was one of those really entertaining reads, start to finish, with two characters who were pretty damn awesome!
Throb is a love story of sorts set in the drama of Reality TV! Cooper Montgomery is a sexy successful TV mogul who has no problem with getting the attention of women everywhere. While he goes thru the motions of "bachelorhood" he knows something is missing. Well, that is until an impromptu card game introduces a vibrant, sassy card-shark Kate Monroe!
Fast Sparks, Flirty Banter, and then...well a sweet goodbye! What? Cooper rebuffed and Kate affected, but unfortunately the timing is so wrong! Kate is contractually obligated to another of sorts as she thriving on a bachelor meets survivor dating show! To those on the outside she has amazing chemistry with a sexy rock God Flynn, but perhaps her libido is reacting to her inner thoughts of one Cooper Montgomery!
Rules are made to be broken right? HMMMM...easier said than done, especially when this reality TV show just so happens to be under the advisement of Copper's brother Miles...no telling how far he will go to get his ratings! Well, this is where the fun begins! Vi Keeland wrote a fabulous fun and sexy tale. Cooper was an amazing alpha male yet he was romantic and deeply vested in wanting Kate. As for the female, Kate was doing her best to stay on the right path, but damn if Cooper didn't dominate her in every way!
This read was pretty fab! As I said, both characters were in deep and had emotions for only each other. I appreciated the upfront nature of their relationship and their open jealousy! I also found it was amazing to read the ins and outs of reality TV and realize that no matter what the cameras catch, anything can be manipulated for ratings...Too bad the reality of the situation is the inability to manipulate the heart!
January 3, 2016
3,5 stars
Interesting characters,fast-paced story and an amazing romance.Something happened to me while reading this book which hasn't happened in a very long time-I preferred the main male character and his POV to the main female character.
The summary of this book is pretty clear but I couldn't help but feel that the relationship (no quotations because at one point in this book Kate kind of has conflicted feelings? I mean,the whole situation is weird but I just didn't get some of Kate's actions.) between Kate and Flynn (I freaking hate this name,ugh.) was like an emotional cheating.I liked Cooper immensely and I really felt bad for him and the situation he found himself in.I wish we got a bit more information about Miles (now,that's a name I love.) and his motives.And don't think that just because I don't like his name that I don't like Flynn at all-I think he's a fantastic character and I'm glad that he got his own book.
Overall,an entertaining story but with some major flaws,at least major flaws for my taste.
Interesting characters,fast-paced story and an amazing romance.Something happened to me while reading this book which hasn't happened in a very long time-I preferred the main male character and his POV to the main female character.
The summary of this book is pretty clear but I couldn't help but feel that the relationship (no quotations because at one point in this book Kate kind of has conflicted feelings? I mean,the whole situation is weird but I just didn't get some of Kate's actions.) between Kate and Flynn (I freaking hate this name,ugh.) was like an emotional cheating.I liked Cooper immensely and I really felt bad for him and the situation he found himself in.I wish we got a bit more information about Miles (now,that's a name I love.) and his motives.And don't think that just because I don't like his name that I don't like Flynn at all-I think he's a fantastic character and I'm glad that he got his own book.
Overall,an entertaining story but with some major flaws,at least major flaws for my taste.
January 26, 2015
Prepare not to sleep, not to eat and for your family to generally be ignored (eh, they'll get over it). This original and unique page-turner is packed with so much heat that it is incendiary and guaranteed to leave YOU throbbing. Vi Keeland's writing is tight, crisp and fast-paced. You're not going anywhere until you've hit that last page, so settle in for an amazing ride.
Want to read
January 28, 2015
Available here:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1BgqIUD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1CsRg9d
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zk882K
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1x5c3P8
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1slglLN
February 3, 2015
*Complimentary ARC received from author*
3.5 ★
I have Ms. Keeland’s other work(s) in my never-ending list of TBR pile but unfortunately haven’t gotten around to them yet. Then, I had the opportunity to sign up for one of Ms. Keeland’s blog tour for this book so I did, and was fortunate enough to get an ARC.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s a decent read with enough heat and likable characters. It’s fast paced with easy going but heartfelt conversations. It began with a chance meeting with Cooper and Kate not realizing how tight a circle they were running in and how tangled it will get as they moved forward. I really like the attraction between these 2. I really like Cooper and his alpha tender ways. I really like Kate and her smarts and her caring ways. Heck, I even really like Kate’s friend, Sadie, and Flynn. Oh, and the poker games! It’s very Old-Hollywood-meets-New-Hollywood.
I think Ms. Keeland captured the industry well enough, to a degree that it feels realistic to me. She probably could have included more deets and I would’ve been ok with it.
I admit wasn't completely on board with the direction that Ms. Keeland took for Cooper and Kate to get to their ending. It distracted me a little when I had no choice but to put my focus on another character. I totally understand the motives but it took away some of Cooper’s alpha-ness. Also, because of their situation, it felt like they weren’t together enough. But like I said, I totally get why…
Needless to say, this is just a personal take-away, that’s all… It may have taken away points in my head but what it didn't take away is the heat between the 2, most definitely not.*g*
And I’m actually curious about Flynn. Glad to hear he’s getting his story. Maybe Sadie too?:p
3.5 ★
I have Ms. Keeland’s other work(s) in my never-ending list of TBR pile but unfortunately haven’t gotten around to them yet. Then, I had the opportunity to sign up for one of Ms. Keeland’s blog tour for this book so I did, and was fortunate enough to get an ARC.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s a decent read with enough heat and likable characters. It’s fast paced with easy going but heartfelt conversations. It began with a chance meeting with Cooper and Kate not realizing how tight a circle they were running in and how tangled it will get as they moved forward. I really like the attraction between these 2. I really like Cooper and his alpha tender ways. I really like Kate and her smarts and her caring ways. Heck, I even really like Kate’s friend, Sadie, and Flynn. Oh, and the poker games! It’s very Old-Hollywood-meets-New-Hollywood.
I think Ms. Keeland captured the industry well enough, to a degree that it feels realistic to me. She probably could have included more deets and I would’ve been ok with it.
I admit wasn't completely on board with the direction that Ms. Keeland took for Cooper and Kate to get to their ending. It distracted me a little when I had no choice but to put my focus on another character. I totally understand the motives but it took away some of Cooper’s alpha-ness. Also, because of their situation, it felt like they weren’t together enough. But like I said, I totally get why…
Needless to say, this is just a personal take-away, that’s all… It may have taken away points in my head but what it didn't take away is the heat between the 2, most definitely not.*g*
And I’m actually curious about Flynn. Glad to hear he’s getting his story. Maybe Sadie too?:p
January 23, 2015
Review: Surj
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Vi Keeland's "Throb" was a relatively easy, sexy as hell read that wasn't necessarily too taxing on the old brain cells but at the same time managed to grab my attention not only with the characters and the very hot sex scenes but also with the unique story line. Kate was a woman who was torn. In desperate need for money, she entered a reality tv show where the prize was enough to rid her of her problems... great right? I mean she was single and didn't have anything to lose so why not enter and give it her all? What she wasn't expecting was to bump into a certain Cooper Montgomery who (from the minute she laid eyes on him) had her brain all befuddled. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue but with the rules of the competition clearly stipulating no dating, she was well and truly buggered. Her sensible head told her to focus on the show and her end goal but her heart and her nether regions said to hell with it, go with the man who gives you mind blowing orgasms... lol. Decisions... decisions... which path would Kate follow?
Sounds simple and straight forward doesn't it? Well, some of this book was and I guess that's what made it easy reading. However, the last 20% or so was something else because Vi Keeland decided to take Kate and Cooper's story in a direction I hadn't even contemplated. I was so comfortable with what I was reading, assuming I knew what was going to happen, thinking their journey was as predictable as hell, that I honestly never saw it coming... lol. My own silly fault. I'd say this last part of the book was the best bit because it really did give me a run for my money and right up until the end, I had no idea which way the story would go.
Cooper Montgomery was to die for. He was completely controlling but in the sexiest of ways and had a beautiful, tender side that just melted me. Plus, he was all about Kate and whether it was in the bedroom or not, he wanted to please her and make her happy.... oh and trust me... he made her very happy... as in toe curlingly, ecstatically happy.
Kate's character left me a little conflicted. Overall, I liked her, I understood the reasons behind what she was doing and I got that pride mixed with guilt meant she wanted to sort her mess out herself... the show being a quick, simple solution where no one got hurt. However, I couldn't help but feel sorry for one of the other characters in the book because her actions affected them and in some respects, I thought it was a little unfair and selfish. This wasn't the type of person she was in my head and it was a road I truly wished she wouldn't follow but hey, all's fair in love, war and competitions!!!
So all in all, this was a fun, sexy read with a small side order of seriousness that fit seemlessly. The epilogue was perfect and I cannot wait for the next book in the series... roll on Flynn's story... I have a feeling he's going to steel my heart.
I rated "Throb" ❤️❤️❤️.5 to ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Vi Keeland's "Throb" was a relatively easy, sexy as hell read that wasn't necessarily too taxing on the old brain cells but at the same time managed to grab my attention not only with the characters and the very hot sex scenes but also with the unique story line. Kate was a woman who was torn. In desperate need for money, she entered a reality tv show where the prize was enough to rid her of her problems... great right? I mean she was single and didn't have anything to lose so why not enter and give it her all? What she wasn't expecting was to bump into a certain Cooper Montgomery who (from the minute she laid eyes on him) had her brain all befuddled. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue but with the rules of the competition clearly stipulating no dating, she was well and truly buggered. Her sensible head told her to focus on the show and her end goal but her heart and her nether regions said to hell with it, go with the man who gives you mind blowing orgasms... lol. Decisions... decisions... which path would Kate follow?
The last thought I have as his lips meet mine is that this may be more than a game, and I'm either all in or all out.
Sounds simple and straight forward doesn't it? Well, some of this book was and I guess that's what made it easy reading. However, the last 20% or so was something else because Vi Keeland decided to take Kate and Cooper's story in a direction I hadn't even contemplated. I was so comfortable with what I was reading, assuming I knew what was going to happen, thinking their journey was as predictable as hell, that I honestly never saw it coming... lol. My own silly fault. I'd say this last part of the book was the best bit because it really did give me a run for my money and right up until the end, I had no idea which way the story would go.
Cooper Montgomery was to die for. He was completely controlling but in the sexiest of ways and had a beautiful, tender side that just melted me. Plus, he was all about Kate and whether it was in the bedroom or not, he wanted to please her and make her happy.... oh and trust me... he made her very happy... as in toe curlingly, ecstatically happy.
"Tonight I'm going to tell you to do things and you're going to do them. When I tell you to open wider, or take my c**k deeper, you're going to listen.You know why? Because since the moment we met, all I've wanted to do is make you feel good."
Kate's character left me a little conflicted. Overall, I liked her, I understood the reasons behind what she was doing and I got that pride mixed with guilt meant she wanted to sort her mess out herself... the show being a quick, simple solution where no one got hurt. However, I couldn't help but feel sorry for one of the other characters in the book because her actions affected them and in some respects, I thought it was a little unfair and selfish. This wasn't the type of person she was in my head and it was a road I truly wished she wouldn't follow but hey, all's fair in love, war and competitions!!!
So all in all, this was a fun, sexy read with a small side order of seriousness that fit seemlessly. The epilogue was perfect and I cannot wait for the next book in the series... roll on Flynn's story... I have a feeling he's going to steel my heart.
If you want something, you pursue it aggressively and nothing gets in your way. If you love something, sometimes you have no choice but to set it free so that it can find its way back to you forever.
I rated "Throb" ❤️❤️❤️.5 to ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 18, 2016
4.5 Stars
Though the sex wasn't that descriptive the chemistry between the pair and Cooper's dirty mouth had a 'Throb' developing down under for me.
Though the sex wasn't that descriptive the chemistry between the pair and Cooper's dirty mouth had a 'Throb' developing down under for me.
February 29, 2020
Another okay-ish book.
Throb started off great but then started to drag for me. I'm not even going to lie, at some point this just became background noise for me. I wanted to like the characters more but they just ended up annoying me so freaking much. It didn't even matter if they were likable towards the end to me anymore.
The romance was there and it was hot/smutty when it needed to be. Yet, it did nothing for me. Maybe the next book/couple will bring me tears of joy and happiness? Not really going to hold my breath though.
Throb started off great but then started to drag for me. I'm not even going to lie, at some point this just became background noise for me. I wanted to like the characters more but they just ended up annoying me so freaking much. It didn't even matter if they were likable towards the end to me anymore.
The romance was there and it was hot/smutty when it needed to be. Yet, it did nothing for me. Maybe the next book/couple will bring me tears of joy and happiness? Not really going to hold my breath though.
March 4, 2017
Le doy un 3,5. Aunque la historia me ha gustado, el protagonista masculino es demasiado similar a Jack Cole, otro de esos fuertes protas que tanto parecen gustarle a la autora.
¡¡Deseando leer el libro sobre Flynn Beckham!!, un personaje que he amado desde el minuto uno.
¡¡Deseando leer el libro sobre Flynn Beckham!!, un personaje que he amado desde el minuto uno.
February 6, 2015
Throb was my very first Vi Keeland book and I'm sure it won't be my last because it was such a great read. It was a very different book from what I initially expected (in a good way!) but it ended up being one of my favorite books now.
I loved Kate and Cooper as the main characters but I loved them together even more. They had chemistry right off the bat but the only thing keeping them apart was the contract Kate signed for a reality tv show game. Kate needs the prize money to help her mother and brother and we can tell that Kate really does like Flynn, the bachelor in the game, and vice versa but from the moment she meets Cooper it's all ruined pretty much.
Now Kate and Cooper have their own point of view in this book, which I loved. I actually liked each one of them. Usually have a preference when it comes to dual points of view but not with this one. I really liked how the game spiced things up a lot and I think it's a pretty unique concept because I never read anything like it. The romance between Kate and Cooper was amazing. Their chemistry is off the charts and so sizzling hot. Wow! I almost had to fan myself a few times. Good writing!
I actually really liked Flynn too. At some point I thought it would start going into the love triangle area but eventually it did not. Flynn obviously liked Kate a lot even though she didn't fell the same way. She might've liked him at the start but then Cooper came into her life. It made me feel a little bad for Flynn and I am so glad the next book, Beat, is going to be about him. I'll be definitely reading that!
I also feel like I should mention Miles because he plays a pretty big part. Let me start with saying that he's such an asshole. Seriously. He turned into one of the most hated characters that I know and that says a lot. I can't believe he would do the things he did to both his brother and Kate and the resentment he has for his brother while Cooper has been nothing but kind to him.
I thought the writing was pretty amazing. It was very easy to read, I really liked the way she writes. Nothing puts a damper on a book for me as bad writing, which was totally not the case with this book. I can tell Vi Keeland is a very talented writing and I can't wait to read more books by her. I can't wait for Beat!
I loved Kate and Cooper as the main characters but I loved them together even more. They had chemistry right off the bat but the only thing keeping them apart was the contract Kate signed for a reality tv show game. Kate needs the prize money to help her mother and brother and we can tell that Kate really does like Flynn, the bachelor in the game, and vice versa but from the moment she meets Cooper it's all ruined pretty much.
Now Kate and Cooper have their own point of view in this book, which I loved. I actually liked each one of them. Usually have a preference when it comes to dual points of view but not with this one. I really liked how the game spiced things up a lot and I think it's a pretty unique concept because I never read anything like it. The romance between Kate and Cooper was amazing. Their chemistry is off the charts and so sizzling hot. Wow! I almost had to fan myself a few times. Good writing!
I actually really liked Flynn too. At some point I thought it would start going into the love triangle area but eventually it did not. Flynn obviously liked Kate a lot even though she didn't fell the same way. She might've liked him at the start but then Cooper came into her life. It made me feel a little bad for Flynn and I am so glad the next book, Beat, is going to be about him. I'll be definitely reading that!
I also feel like I should mention Miles because he plays a pretty big part. Let me start with saying that he's such an asshole. Seriously. He turned into one of the most hated characters that I know and that says a lot. I can't believe he would do the things he did to both his brother and Kate and the resentment he has for his brother while Cooper has been nothing but kind to him.
I thought the writing was pretty amazing. It was very easy to read, I really liked the way she writes. Nothing puts a damper on a book for me as bad writing, which was totally not the case with this book. I can tell Vi Keeland is a very talented writing and I can't wait to read more books by her. I can't wait for Beat!
June 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is the book that I need a half star to rate, this is a solid 3.5 Star book for me. I liked the story line, it was creative and different what lost me was the waffling. I do enjoy the way Ms. Keeland tells her story, it draws you in and keeps you engaged. I look forward to Beat, speaking of which...I hope Miles gets his ass beat, because no one deserves it as much as he did in this book!!
This is the book that I need a half star to rate, this is a solid 3.5 Star book for me. I liked the story line, it was creative and different what lost me was the waffling. I do enjoy the way Ms. Keeland tells her story, it draws you in and keeps you engaged. I look forward to Beat, speaking of which...I hope Miles gets his ass beat, because no one deserves it as much as he did in this book!!
November 25, 2018
3.5 Stars!
January 30, 2015
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Attention there is a new book boyfriend alert and his name is Cooper Montgomery!!! Talk about having your heart throb because this sexy man was one of the sweetest, sexy and loving hero that will steal your heart. Throb happened to be the first book that I have read from Vi Keeland and it surely won’t be the last.
Throb was one fun book to read. This book had a mixture of humor, sass, romance, love, drama, and steam. With that being said, I practically devoured this book in one sitting since it was so entertaining and there was never a dull moment. What made Throb so much fun to read was that this book circled around a reality show of the contestants and the producers. So basically, think the reality show, Bachelor and that’s what the show THROB was about. Enter Kate Monroe a contestant on the show THROB and the bachelor Flynn, a rockstar. Kate is among 4 contestants vying the heart of Flynn for the grand prize. Flynn was the perfect bachelor who was sweet, handsome, and a perfect gentleman who made it clear that he had eyes for Kate. But Kate had her eyes on Cooper Montgomery, one of the producers who is helping to finance the reality show that his brother Miles is producing. Cooper and Kate have an instant attraction and connection. But there is only one problem, Kate signed a contract that she can’t be in a relationship while she is doing the show THROB. And so Kate and Cooper must hide their relationship till the show is over. Will Kate and Cooper be able to hide their relationship? Will Cooper’s jealousy of Flynn be their downfall? Can Flynn win the heart of Kate?
Throb was just one of those books that you had to read because it had two men that were just perfect but the heart wants what it wants and there is a clear cut winner who that man is. With all the cards laid out on the table, there is only winner in Kate’s eye. So if you are looking for a book that is fun, sexy, and downright romantic then Throb is the book for you.
Vi Keeland
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Attention there is a new book boyfriend alert and his name is Cooper Montgomery!!! Talk about having your heart throb because this sexy man was one of the sweetest, sexy and loving hero that will steal your heart. Throb happened to be the first book that I have read from Vi Keeland and it surely won’t be the last.
Throb was one fun book to read. This book had a mixture of humor, sass, romance, love, drama, and steam. With that being said, I practically devoured this book in one sitting since it was so entertaining and there was never a dull moment. What made Throb so much fun to read was that this book circled around a reality show of the contestants and the producers. So basically, think the reality show, Bachelor and that’s what the show THROB was about. Enter Kate Monroe a contestant on the show THROB and the bachelor Flynn, a rockstar. Kate is among 4 contestants vying the heart of Flynn for the grand prize. Flynn was the perfect bachelor who was sweet, handsome, and a perfect gentleman who made it clear that he had eyes for Kate. But Kate had her eyes on Cooper Montgomery, one of the producers who is helping to finance the reality show that his brother Miles is producing. Cooper and Kate have an instant attraction and connection. But there is only one problem, Kate signed a contract that she can’t be in a relationship while she is doing the show THROB. And so Kate and Cooper must hide their relationship till the show is over. Will Kate and Cooper be able to hide their relationship? Will Cooper’s jealousy of Flynn be their downfall? Can Flynn win the heart of Kate?
Throb was just one of those books that you had to read because it had two men that were just perfect but the heart wants what it wants and there is a clear cut winner who that man is. With all the cards laid out on the table, there is only winner in Kate’s eye. So if you are looking for a book that is fun, sexy, and downright romantic then Throb is the book for you.
Vi Keeland
[image error]
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
October 10, 2018
💝FREE on iBooks today (10/10/18)!💝
The rules:
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Rules were made to be broken, right?
Eight weeks ago I signed a contract. One that seemed like a good idea at the time. A handsome bachelor, luxury accommodations, and a chance to win a prize my family desperately needed. There were some rules though. Lots of them actually. Follow the script, no dating, sex, or disclosing the terms of the deal. After my self-imposed moratorium on men the last year, it wouldn’t be hard to live up to my end of the bargain... so I thought. Until I realized the deal I’d made was with the devil... and I was in love with his dirty-talking brother.
Can be read as a standalone.
The rules:
No dating.
No sex outside of the game.
No disclosing the terms of the contract.
Rules were made to be broken, right?
Eight weeks ago I signed a contract. One that seemed like a good idea at the time. A handsome bachelor, luxury accommodations, and a chance to win a prize my family desperately needed. There were some rules though. Lots of them actually. Follow the script, no dating, sex, or disclosing the terms of the deal. After my self-imposed moratorium on men the last year, it wouldn’t be hard to live up to my end of the bargain... so I thought. Until I realized the deal I’d made was with the devil... and I was in love with his dirty-talking brother.
Can be read as a standalone.
June 5, 2016
Pues no me ha gustado mucho.
Tiene instalove, que eso ya de por si no me agrada mucho, los personajes super planos, sin profundidad, los secundarios prácticamente inexistentes.
Leí Beat que es el segundo de esta serie y el libro que trata de Flynn, lo leí antes que este a pesar de ser el segubdo, porque note que Beat tiene mejores criticas y puntuación y se pueden leer standalone, pero como Beat me gusto bastante decidí darle una oportunidad a este el primero de la serie, y mec, error.
Tiene instalove, que eso ya de por si no me agrada mucho, los personajes super planos, sin profundidad, los secundarios prácticamente inexistentes.
Leí Beat que es el segundo de esta serie y el libro que trata de Flynn, lo leí antes que este a pesar de ser el segubdo, porque note que Beat tiene mejores criticas y puntuación y se pueden leer standalone, pero como Beat me gusto bastante decidí darle una oportunidad a este el primero de la serie, y mec, error.
March 13, 2024
Not your typical love story. I enjoyed the characters, their love story against the odds and the narrator bringing it all to life.
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