Going Down Hard

Going Down Hard is the third book in this series but can be read as a standalone. This is a sexy second chance romance with a hint of a revenge theme thrown in as this billionaire finds himself realising that sometimes there is more to a person than stereotypical appearances.

Told from dual perspective, Derek and Cassie have an instant attraction to each other when their paths cross again. Both are relatively likeable characters; Cassie a determined woman not to let the men around her keep walking all over her, Derek a man with a hard exterior but softer inside who is protective of those around him, especially his family after heartache, and goes after what he wants whether it be a company or woman. The relationship between the two picks up with an intense heat but isn’t rushed as the two characters grow closer at a realistic pace given their history.

Going Down Hard is a well written romance that had a good blend of humour, heart, steamy scenes, and suspense that will have you swept up quickly in the story. The book is relatively fast paced but doesn’t feel overly rushed ever as the solid plot evolves and given the albeit brief history the two characters have together. Despite appearing to use the common theme of opposites attract with his family working for her rich family while growing up and now wanting revenge on them having made it in the tech world, the plot was unique enough with a few unpredictable things cropping up to make this an intriguing read. The book does have a HEA to make this a standalone read, although those who have read previous books will be happy to catch up with familiar faces again.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and series; I cannot wait to read Julian and Kendall’s story now!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own

Loved it

I love Carly Phillips and all her books and after reading this one i now want my own Derek West. He is loyal, fierce, knows his own mind and can bear a grudge. Cassie and Derek come from to different worlds. Derek is the son of a gardener who works for Cassie's parents and has had a crush on Cassie. Cassie is the rich girl who has a crush on Derek but bows to peer pressure easily. Derek overhears a crushing thing she says in reply to her friends and that's the last time they see each other.

This story is all about betrayal, guilt and forgiveness. I felt for Cassie when she had to bow to peer pressure and give an answer to a question one of her friends asked her. I also felt for Derek as well and it broke my heart that he had to listen to the what Cassie had to say and I could almost feel from the emotions how he was feeling. Roll on years and Derek is now a successful business man and Cassie works for her dad. After a humiliating time at a board meeting and her brother coming back she gets in touch with Derek again to get one thing that no other person has never gotten from him........an interview. Things get yesterday between them as though no time had elapsed. Misunderstandings from the past are brought out and forgiven.

Cassie's brother is the biggest problem! And I had to read this book in one sitting as I needed to know what was going on between brother and father. Once truths come out after an underhanded thing her brother does it cones to a surprise to me how everyone feels. Can Cassie and Derek get the HEA they so deserve from their chemistry at the beginning or is her family, regret, betrayal and guilt just to much.

This book complements the other 2 and I really enjoyed reading about the third member who founded the app. Everybody needs a little Derek in their lives and I can't wait for the forth book. This is another 5* read for me and carry on writing these excellent books. Although this is the third book of the series it can be read as a stand alone although it might be useful to read the other 2 books so you get to know the other characters. Derek is a sweet man who is fiercewhen it comes to family and Cassie is a sweet natured girl who just wants her job and do right by people.

I read this book as an advanced reader copy