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The Bitter Rival #1
The Bitter Rival
Sebastian Lee is a self-serving playboy.
Arrogance personified.
There’s no need for clever seduction. He merely circles his prey, just waiting to take a bite.
With his sinfully handsome looks and confidence to match, I’ll take a swim.
It’s just one night, right? This single mom has needs too.
Until suddenly, you discover the surgeon you’re working with is the shark in blue scrubs.
And he doesn’t realize it’s you.
Our explosive connection is no longer limited to the bedroom.
This is not the kind of man you bring home to meet your son. We’ve endured enough.
Yet these are treacherous waters.
Is it purely lust that brings me back for more?
Our chemistry is undeniable.
The passion unparalleled.
Is there a hope for a future with this deliciously dangerous man, driven to win at any cost?
Or is this relationship one more betrayal in the making?
Arrogance personified.
There’s no need for clever seduction. He merely circles his prey, just waiting to take a bite.
With his sinfully handsome looks and confidence to match, I’ll take a swim.
It’s just one night, right? This single mom has needs too.
Until suddenly, you discover the surgeon you’re working with is the shark in blue scrubs.
And he doesn’t realize it’s you.
Our explosive connection is no longer limited to the bedroom.
This is not the kind of man you bring home to meet your son. We’ve endured enough.
Yet these are treacherous waters.
Is it purely lust that brings me back for more?
Our chemistry is undeniable.
The passion unparalleled.
Is there a hope for a future with this deliciously dangerous man, driven to win at any cost?
Or is this relationship one more betrayal in the making?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2021
About the author
L.M. Fox
19 books595 followersBorn and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
March 21, 2022
DNF. DNF. DNF. DNF. DNF.
I swear, every other thought in his head was about how many women he's had sex with. I tapped out because I got so sick of reading his nonstop thoughts about all his nameless women. I get it L.M. Fox, he's a manwhore, now shut the fuck up about it already. I'm so grossed out at this point. He spent the majority of his first time with the heroine comparing her to all his other women. Oh! He even had sex with his best friend's wife. In front of the heroine, he wraps his arm around best friend's (ex at that point) wife while thinking about the time he had sex with her, and how badly he had wanted to f*ck her, even though he dislikes her now. Did I mention how grossed out I am? WTF?
I'll never read another book by this author.
I swear, every other thought in his head was about how many women he's had sex with. I tapped out because I got so sick of reading his nonstop thoughts about all his nameless women. I get it L.M. Fox, he's a manwhore, now shut the fuck up about it already. I'm so grossed out at this point. He spent the majority of his first time with the heroine comparing her to all his other women. Oh! He even had sex with his best friend's wife. In front of the heroine, he wraps his arm around best friend's (ex at that point) wife while thinking about the time he had sex with her, and how badly he had wanted to f*ck her, even though he dislikes her now. Did I mention how grossed out I am? WTF?
I'll never read another book by this author.
December 14, 2021
I enjoyed reading this until the heroine became so thirsty she allowed her "friends" to talk her into stripping on stage at a club to entice the hero. Needy, desperate women are my pet peeve.
March 14, 2022
I cannot believe I actually finished this book.
When were they rivals??? For like 2 seconds in the beginning when he didn't know it was her and then regretted it?? The title is very misleading.
Also reading this book hurt my brain, it just sounded like at every opportunity possible the author put in the fanciest version of a word they could come up with/google. And the way the author approached Austin and talking about autism did not read well for me at all.
Furthermore, ew to GG.
I didn't like the writing or the plot and I shocked myself by actually making it through, don't know if i should be proud or disappointed in myself for it lol.
When were they rivals??? For like 2 seconds in the beginning when he didn't know it was her and then regretted it?? The title is very misleading.
Also reading this book hurt my brain, it just sounded like at every opportunity possible the author put in the fanciest version of a word they could come up with/google. And the way the author approached Austin and talking about autism did not read well for me at all.
Furthermore, ew to GG.
I didn't like the writing or the plot and I shocked myself by actually making it through, don't know if i should be proud or disappointed in myself for it lol.
May 24, 2023
This guy is like 38 and his frontal lobe hasn’t developed. Literally the worst doctor ever with no emotional intelligence.
November 29, 2021
ARC Review of The Bitter Rival:
First off I just want to say how excited I was for a spin off of LM Fox’s first series Deprivation. I’ve had a thing for Sebastian since book1❤️. He’s sexy, smart, and totally confident and I absolutely love him,(and let me just say those first couple of chapters😮💨) TOTAL SWOON🔥
The more you get into the story your heart breaks- or at least mine did for Bas, because of his history with relationships whether it be romantically or with his family you feel for him- you get why he’s held back a lot about himself. He’s a hard working guy who puts his career at the top of the list…. That is until Isabella. Talk about wanting to find what makes “ her tick”. She’s his kryptonite. Straight up. She makes that bad playboy’s heart flutter and knees go weak.
Isabella- straight up a dynamic character. She’s a single mother to a wonderful young man, Austin who has Autism- and knowing from experience how challenging that lifestyle is- kudos to this female character. She’s a well rounded person with a phenomenal support team- of her sister and brothers and friends- including Katarina Barnes😍
The chemistry between these two in undeniable hot hot hot! From page one! There’s a lot of back and forth with the communication problems these two suffered but I blame that on stubbornness but let me tell you this chase was worth reading.
I enjoyed once again being brought back to St Luke’s- I’m all for the medical drama. It just makes you feel like you’re apart of this story- like remembering certain places mentioned in her previous books.
More towards the end my heart shatters- like first off- they’re no spoilers but let me just say the twist that was thrown in took me by a HUGE SURPRISE- not expecting that at all! Bravo to LM Fox for that one! Dragged me in even further to get this story read.
Favorite side characters from this book were of course Sam-(Sebastian brother) who had be laughing every time he opened his mouth. Literally. And of course Mr Hansen❤️ beyond brilliant side characters for this story.
Overall- phenomenal read- one of LM Fox’s best work yet! I am beyond excited to watch this new author grow and will be looking forward to future reads!!
First off I just want to say how excited I was for a spin off of LM Fox’s first series Deprivation. I’ve had a thing for Sebastian since book1❤️. He’s sexy, smart, and totally confident and I absolutely love him,(and let me just say those first couple of chapters😮💨) TOTAL SWOON🔥
The more you get into the story your heart breaks- or at least mine did for Bas, because of his history with relationships whether it be romantically or with his family you feel for him- you get why he’s held back a lot about himself. He’s a hard working guy who puts his career at the top of the list…. That is until Isabella. Talk about wanting to find what makes “ her tick”. She’s his kryptonite. Straight up. She makes that bad playboy’s heart flutter and knees go weak.
Isabella- straight up a dynamic character. She’s a single mother to a wonderful young man, Austin who has Autism- and knowing from experience how challenging that lifestyle is- kudos to this female character. She’s a well rounded person with a phenomenal support team- of her sister and brothers and friends- including Katarina Barnes😍
The chemistry between these two in undeniable hot hot hot! From page one! There’s a lot of back and forth with the communication problems these two suffered but I blame that on stubbornness but let me tell you this chase was worth reading.
I enjoyed once again being brought back to St Luke’s- I’m all for the medical drama. It just makes you feel like you’re apart of this story- like remembering certain places mentioned in her previous books.
More towards the end my heart shatters- like first off- they’re no spoilers but let me just say the twist that was thrown in took me by a HUGE SURPRISE- not expecting that at all! Bravo to LM Fox for that one! Dragged me in even further to get this story read.
Favorite side characters from this book were of course Sam-(Sebastian brother) who had be laughing every time he opened his mouth. Literally. And of course Mr Hansen❤️ beyond brilliant side characters for this story.
Overall- phenomenal read- one of LM Fox’s best work yet! I am beyond excited to watch this new author grow and will be looking forward to future reads!!
June 14, 2022
I saw this EVERYWHERE on bookstagram and I hate to say I was MAJORLY disappointed and disgusted.
HUGE DNF and mild spoilers ahead.
There is nothing redeeming about anyone.
Isabella is just annoying and pretentious. Sebastian is just a creepy asshole who doesn't understand consent.
Either you label this book that or just DON'T add shitty things like that.
When someone says: 'no, leave me alone', ESPECIALLY to a random stranger; YOU FUCKING LEAVE THEM ALONE AND DON'T SAY SHIT LIKE "I wanna eat your pussy". ANd that stupid sister, Bailey, she's literally crossing ALL her boundaries?? You can't send every attractive person you see to follow your sister to the bathroom. That's just so messed up.
And all that garbage about protective older brothers doesn't add up AT ALL. Are you trying to tell me that NONE of the four of them found ANY red flags or even any gut feeling about her ex who "traumatized" her and her son?? Yeah, I don't believe that for a second.
I just didn't like anyone in the book and having the first two chapters filled with "handsome stranger, short woman and LITERALLY EVERY variation of 'dick' " did NOT help.
I DON'T CARE if the MCs are attractive or not!! They need to have SOMETHING good in them but these two had NOTHING. And ZERO chemistry, everything felt so flat and SOOO forced. I hated it.
This was honestly a complete waste of time.
HUGE DNF and mild spoilers ahead.
There is nothing redeeming about anyone.
Isabella is just annoying and pretentious. Sebastian is just a creepy asshole who doesn't understand consent.
Either you label this book that or just DON'T add shitty things like that.
When someone says: 'no, leave me alone', ESPECIALLY to a random stranger; YOU FUCKING LEAVE THEM ALONE AND DON'T SAY SHIT LIKE "I wanna eat your pussy". ANd that stupid sister, Bailey, she's literally crossing ALL her boundaries?? You can't send every attractive person you see to follow your sister to the bathroom. That's just so messed up.
And all that garbage about protective older brothers doesn't add up AT ALL. Are you trying to tell me that NONE of the four of them found ANY red flags or even any gut feeling about her ex who "traumatized" her and her son?? Yeah, I don't believe that for a second.
I just didn't like anyone in the book and having the first two chapters filled with "handsome stranger, short woman and LITERALLY EVERY variation of 'dick' " did NOT help.
I DON'T CARE if the MCs are attractive or not!! They need to have SOMETHING good in them but these two had NOTHING. And ZERO chemistry, everything felt so flat and SOOO forced. I hated it.
This was honestly a complete waste of time.
December 8, 2021
The emotional turn this story took was so not what I'd expected! But that's what sealed the deal for me. This is the first book I've read by the author and I was so glad I picked it up because it will not be my last. I fell in love with the author and her amazing work. I definitely need to get back to reading the Deprivation trilogy.
And unto Sebastian and Bella. Their story was amazing to experience. The author really did well with the writing because I was so hooked from the very beginning. Bella is one amazing woman for how she let herself go when she was pregnant and her ex-husband was going through medical school. She put her life on hold for them but of course, her ex-husband did not appreciate that. It was hard to date again when you have a teen autistic son. But Sebastian takes it in a stride, no he's actually amazing with Austin. Especially when he was not really a relationship kind of guy.
I loved how their story went but what I loved most is Sebastian and Austin's relationship. My heart melts just reading these two especially when Sebastian went to grovel to Bella. I loved those first thoughts he has when he made Austin.
I highly, highly recommend this book because it is really amazing I can't stress it enough.
And unto Sebastian and Bella. Their story was amazing to experience. The author really did well with the writing because I was so hooked from the very beginning. Bella is one amazing woman for how she let herself go when she was pregnant and her ex-husband was going through medical school. She put her life on hold for them but of course, her ex-husband did not appreciate that. It was hard to date again when you have a teen autistic son. But Sebastian takes it in a stride, no he's actually amazing with Austin. Especially when he was not really a relationship kind of guy.
I loved how their story went but what I loved most is Sebastian and Austin's relationship. My heart melts just reading these two especially when Sebastian went to grovel to Bella. I loved those first thoughts he has when he made Austin.
I highly, highly recommend this book because it is really amazing I can't stress it enough.
March 20, 2022
Not for me
I am confused by this story and for the life of me can't figure out why it's titled The Bitter Rival.
At times this seemed like two different stories, in fact I lost the timeline in the second half.
One star each for Austin, Isabella's Autistic son and Boomerang the dog.
I am confused by this story and for the life of me can't figure out why it's titled The Bitter Rival.
At times this seemed like two different stories, in fact I lost the timeline in the second half.
One star each for Austin, Isabella's Autistic son and Boomerang the dog.
February 5, 2022
Other than one uncomfortable conversation, I’m not quite sure how the two main characters are “bitter rivals?”
If anything, this book is a demonstration of two people going about their days independently and then coming back together for multiple “one night stands.”Which then eventually leads to a relationship. I’m not even sure it would qualify as a slow burn but rather “whelp. You’re hot. I’m hot. Let’s do this.”
The ending certainly took an interesting and unexpected twist which was a fun surprise for books in this genre. Not enough to really redeem the book for me but a nice surprise nonetheless.
Still waiting to find out if Austin and J.D Garland meet up to talk art though… 🤨
If anything, this book is a demonstration of two people going about their days independently and then coming back together for multiple “one night stands.”Which then eventually leads to a relationship. I’m not even sure it would qualify as a slow burn but rather “whelp. You’re hot. I’m hot. Let’s do this.”
The ending certainly took an interesting and unexpected twist which was a fun surprise for books in this genre. Not enough to really redeem the book for me but a nice surprise nonetheless.
Still waiting to find out if Austin and J.D Garland meet up to talk art though… 🤨
May 13, 2022
I hated this book so much, I was enraged about it
May 31, 2022
Bleh bleh bleh
August 28, 2022
Is there another man in your life? Is that why you’re so quick to leave my bed?
It’s not the worst book that I’ve read but it wasn’t that good. For the life of me I don’t understand the title. They were never rivals or enemies or anything like the title implies. I initially loved Isabella she just got dumber and dumber as the book progressed. I know love makes people dumb but this was too much. And all of the jealousy and miscommunication drove me crazy. That was the worst part. And it came from both Bella and Sebastian. I also felt like I missed something. I didn’t research this book enough but I wonder if it’s part of a series or spin off. There was a lot of Nick and Kat and his brother Sam. Like stuff I should know with Sophia. It was slightly explained but it still felt like it happened on another book and wasn’t explained fully in this one. It was just really weird. Very incomplete.
I just needed more of them as a couple. No cameos of other couples or people. Just them two figuring out life together. Not weird jealousy. No fighting. I didn’t see them as a real couple. It felt more like an obsession and not one that will last.
It’s not the worst book that I’ve read but it wasn’t that good. For the life of me I don’t understand the title. They were never rivals or enemies or anything like the title implies. I initially loved Isabella she just got dumber and dumber as the book progressed. I know love makes people dumb but this was too much. And all of the jealousy and miscommunication drove me crazy. That was the worst part. And it came from both Bella and Sebastian. I also felt like I missed something. I didn’t research this book enough but I wonder if it’s part of a series or spin off. There was a lot of Nick and Kat and his brother Sam. Like stuff I should know with Sophia. It was slightly explained but it still felt like it happened on another book and wasn’t explained fully in this one. It was just really weird. Very incomplete.
I just needed more of them as a couple. No cameos of other couples or people. Just them two figuring out life together. Not weird jealousy. No fighting. I didn’t see them as a real couple. It felt more like an obsession and not one that will last.
June 3, 2022
whenever i binge an author, the next book i read i always dnf because you just can't compare what doesn't compare.
i read 40% and only read THREE scenes of the couple interacting! scene 1: when they met and have a one night stand; scene 2: they met again at the hospital and he's rude; scene 3: he apologizes.
and they barely though about each other, so too boring for me
i read 40% and only read THREE scenes of the couple interacting! scene 1: when they met and have a one night stand; scene 2: they met again at the hospital and he's rude; scene 3: he apologizes.
and they barely though about each other, so too boring for me
May 20, 2022
I got 74% in and I lost it!!!
For a “romance” book there definitely isn’t a lot of romance in it. The whole book is simply 2 characters barely interacting with each other and I just don’t care. Besties that’s just fiction.
Sure they hookup like thrice or so but the book is about their individual lives more than a couple. All of a sudden, fmc wants to make mmc jealous (out of nowhere) so she performs an amateur strip show at a club and mmc is all possessive and shit and he’s like balls deep inside her talking about “say your mine” GOODSIR we haven’t even had a real conversation yet. And apparently that means they’re dating, because next scene he’s all like “you’re my girl” and “babe” like how the hell did this happen??
Anyway I hate this book, I was gonna finish because I like trash sometimes but this was physically painful at the 3/4 mark so I had to stop.
Other issues (that are less important but still valid). The author continuously writes the words “bzz bzz” to indicate a phone ringing, rather than writing “the phone rang”, what is this hunny?
Finally, THE MMC DOES NOT USE HAIR CONDITIONER. I KNOW HE HAS DRY ASS HAIR SMH
This is the second book in like 3 days I’ve read where hair conditioner is not used, so I had to create a goodreads shelf, look at what has happened.
For a “romance” book there definitely isn’t a lot of romance in it. The whole book is simply 2 characters barely interacting with each other and I just don’t care. Besties that’s just fiction.
Sure they hookup like thrice or so but the book is about their individual lives more than a couple. All of a sudden, fmc wants to make mmc jealous (out of nowhere) so she performs an amateur strip show at a club and mmc is all possessive and shit and he’s like balls deep inside her talking about “say your mine” GOODSIR we haven’t even had a real conversation yet. And apparently that means they’re dating, because next scene he’s all like “you’re my girl” and “babe” like how the hell did this happen??
Anyway I hate this book, I was gonna finish because I like trash sometimes but this was physically painful at the 3/4 mark so I had to stop.
Other issues (that are less important but still valid). The author continuously writes the words “bzz bzz” to indicate a phone ringing, rather than writing “the phone rang”, what is this hunny?
Finally, THE MMC DOES NOT USE HAIR CONDITIONER. I KNOW HE HAS DRY ASS HAIR SMH
This is the second book in like 3 days I’ve read where hair conditioner is not used, so I had to create a goodreads shelf, look at what has happened.
November 22, 2022
Yes this book was sexy but I think I lost brain cells reading it
Read
February 28, 2023This book started off with a bang...literally. I thought the chemistry between Sebastian and Bella was really good, I enjoyed them together in the beginning.
I got frustrated with Bella going completely against her personality and stripping because her friends pushed her into it. It was just an odd choice.
My biggest issue with the book was the lack of communication between Sebastian and Bella. I understand Bella not talking to Sebastian about her son. They weren't serious, they'd only hooked up a couple times at that point. There was no need for him to know she had a son. I really disliked that Sebastian didn't talk to Bella about his diagnosis of MS. I hated that he made her think he was going away with another woman to get her to move on. He never talked to her, he took her decision away from her. Honestly, by time this happened, I didn't really care if he got a HEA or not. He came back and basically lived on her couch to wear her down. I was so frustrated with the end of the book. I just wish things would have been talked about between Sebastian and Bella.
I got frustrated with Bella going completely against her personality and stripping because her friends pushed her into it. It was just an odd choice.
My biggest issue with the book was the lack of communication between Sebastian and Bella. I understand Bella not talking to Sebastian about her son. They weren't serious, they'd only hooked up a couple times at that point. There was no need for him to know she had a son. I really disliked that Sebastian didn't talk to Bella about his diagnosis of MS. I hated that he made her think he was going away with another woman to get her to move on. He never talked to her, he took her decision away from her. Honestly, by time this happened, I didn't really care if he got a HEA or not. He came back and basically lived on her couch to wear her down. I was so frustrated with the end of the book. I just wish things would have been talked about between Sebastian and Bella.
Want to read
November 17, 2021
Foreword PR is delighted to be working with LM Fox with her release for The Bitter Rival ! The Bitter Rival is a passionate & uber angsty, workplace contemporary romance standalone and is the first spin-off from her wildly popular Deprivation Trilogy! Visit here to find out how you can read early: The Bitter Rival
December 9, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book, and let me tell you, I loved it!
LM Fox just does emotion so well. Everything was so well done. The tender moments with Austin, the awareness and portrayal of serious subjects, and the steam.... gosh I hope sexy surgeons like Bas really exist in real life. Please!
I loved how this story had so much heart packed in with the spice. It's a story that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. And I loved how little threads were woven in that all tied together by the end.
LM Fox is a magical story teller and I can't wait to read more from her.
LM Fox just does emotion so well. Everything was so well done. The tender moments with Austin, the awareness and portrayal of serious subjects, and the steam.... gosh I hope sexy surgeons like Bas really exist in real life. Please!
I loved how this story had so much heart packed in with the spice. It's a story that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. And I loved how little threads were woven in that all tied together by the end.
LM Fox is a magical story teller and I can't wait to read more from her.
December 12, 2021
Wow, what a read! 4.5⭐s
This was a different type of story for me. Not to give the plot away but there are 2 serious medical conditions in this story. I thought they were handled quite well. There's serious themes balanced with some things that made me chuckle.
Bas is somewhat of a typical surgeon, there's the God complex, where they think they’re Him. He becomes Infatuated with Bella, a X-ray tech who's finishing her degree while working at one of the hospitals he's at. He nicknames her GG for Good Girl. He never takes a woman to his home nor does he let them stay the night - until GG.
Bella's husband walked away from her and their child after she worked to put him through medical school. Her son, Austin, is on the spectrum, but is a talented artist. It's just too bad that his canvas of choice is the wall in his room.
Things are heating up between Bas and Bella and they are getting closer and closer. (Their friends and her sister are working to get them together. And does her her girl gang have some off the wall ideas of how to get his attention!) Bas is very accepting of Austin and Austin relates well with him. Things are progressing nicely right up until Bas has a medical crisis and he decides on his own that the best way to handle this is to walk away and make her hate him. He never let Bella have any say in what would be future, too.
Of course he screwed up! It takes him time to accept his condition and realize he does have what could be a satisfying and fulfilling future, IF he can get Bella and Austin back in his life. He has some help from a no nonsense private duty nurse, a former patient and his lady friend but mostly a "stray" dog he names Boomerang.
His plan to get Bella back doesn't go quite as planned. Austin is even giving him tips on what he needs to do to have Bella forgive him. But, Bella's a hold-out...
I haven't read any other books in this trilogy but they will be on my TBR list. If this book is any indication, they will also be fantastic stories.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This was a different type of story for me. Not to give the plot away but there are 2 serious medical conditions in this story. I thought they were handled quite well. There's serious themes balanced with some things that made me chuckle.
Bas is somewhat of a typical surgeon, there's the God complex, where they think they’re Him. He becomes Infatuated with Bella, a X-ray tech who's finishing her degree while working at one of the hospitals he's at. He nicknames her GG for Good Girl. He never takes a woman to his home nor does he let them stay the night - until GG.
Bella's husband walked away from her and their child after she worked to put him through medical school. Her son, Austin, is on the spectrum, but is a talented artist. It's just too bad that his canvas of choice is the wall in his room.
Things are heating up between Bas and Bella and they are getting closer and closer. (Their friends and her sister are working to get them together. And does her her girl gang have some off the wall ideas of how to get his attention!) Bas is very accepting of Austin and Austin relates well with him. Things are progressing nicely right up until Bas has a medical crisis and he decides on his own that the best way to handle this is to walk away and make her hate him. He never let Bella have any say in what would be future, too.
Of course he screwed up! It takes him time to accept his condition and realize he does have what could be a satisfying and fulfilling future, IF he can get Bella and Austin back in his life. He has some help from a no nonsense private duty nurse, a former patient and his lady friend but mostly a "stray" dog he names Boomerang.
His plan to get Bella back doesn't go quite as planned. Austin is even giving him tips on what he needs to do to have Bella forgive him. But, Bella's a hold-out...
I haven't read any other books in this trilogy but they will be on my TBR list. If this book is any indication, they will also be fantastic stories.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 10, 2022
This was my first read by this author and I'll be heading back to read the trilogy that this book spawned from. Whilst I enjoyed it, I found some of the actions of both main characters incongruous with how they had been portrayed.
I would have loved to have seen Bas and Bella get to know each other more. To go from "I don't have sex with a woman more than once." to "I'm going to shag that woman silly and talk dirty to her and that is how we will communicate." didn't give me a sense of a deepening affection. It was pure lust. This isn't a bad thing at all, but a bit of pillow-talk or something might have fleshed out each character a little. Now I haven't read the Depravation trilogy yet, so I might be talking out of my arse here, of course!
I would have loved to have seen Bas and Bella get to know each other more. To go from "I don't have sex with a woman more than once." to "I'm going to shag that woman silly and talk dirty to her and that is how we will communicate." didn't give me a sense of a deepening affection. It was pure lust. This isn't a bad thing at all, but a bit of pillow-talk or something might have fleshed out each character a little. Now I haven't read the Depravation trilogy yet, so I might be talking out of my arse here, of course!
December 13, 2021
SHES DONE IT AGAIN! LM Fox is such an incredible author who I encourage all to read! If you haven’t read her first trilogy, THE DEPRIVATION TRILOGY then I really encourage you to go back and read it. You’ll meet a few of the characters from St.Luke’s that you’ve met here. Oh I looooved this book so much.♥️
Dr. Sebastian Lee..🔥 I’ve been waiting for his book and it did not disappoint! I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, but learning what those things were had me crying (a few times!) for him. Seeing him leave his playboy-bad boy persona behind was beautiful.
Isabella. I love this girl so much. She is what every Mother should be. Learning about her son Austin who is on the spectrum and then seeing how Bas and Austin grow closer was so so special, it was one of my favourite parts of the book. ♥️
The chemistry between these two is so so HOT! I mean wowsers!! From the off these two are so attracted to each other. Yummy!🔥
LM Fox is an extremely talented author, she makes you feel like you are a part of the story. Her storytelling is right up there with the best I’ve read. I cannot wait to read more from her.
Thank you LM Fox ♥️
Dr. Sebastian Lee..🔥 I’ve been waiting for his book and it did not disappoint! I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, but learning what those things were had me crying (a few times!) for him. Seeing him leave his playboy-bad boy persona behind was beautiful.
Isabella. I love this girl so much. She is what every Mother should be. Learning about her son Austin who is on the spectrum and then seeing how Bas and Austin grow closer was so so special, it was one of my favourite parts of the book. ♥️
The chemistry between these two is so so HOT! I mean wowsers!! From the off these two are so attracted to each other. Yummy!🔥
LM Fox is an extremely talented author, she makes you feel like you are a part of the story. Her storytelling is right up there with the best I’ve read. I cannot wait to read more from her.
Thank you LM Fox ♥️
April 3, 2023
This story has heart, so much sizzling spice for days, emotion, and grace… I simply am in awe. ♥️
Sebastian and Bella are individually molded as characters and I think that's one of the reasons I love this book so much. Sebastian's character comes across as arrogant and he is, but he sees he needs change. He wants so much more and he strives to get there. That's why I've fallen harder for Sebastian than I have for a book boyfriend in quite some time (I hope my hubby doesn't become too jelly 😉.) Bella is multi-faceted and I love it! She is just right for Sebastian – oh and their chemistry?!? Get a fire extinguisher!!! Whoa Nelly, it is just right 🔥🔥🔥. The emotions within this story -- I felt every single one.
All of the characters in this book are wonderful. I have to give a special shout-out to Austin, Bella's son. He's perfect.
If you like spicy emotional romances, medical romances, one night stand, Alpha cinnamon rolls, or just absolutely wonderful stories, please put this on your TBR list. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I have a feeling you'll like it.
Sebastian and Bella are individually molded as characters and I think that's one of the reasons I love this book so much. Sebastian's character comes across as arrogant and he is, but he sees he needs change. He wants so much more and he strives to get there. That's why I've fallen harder for Sebastian than I have for a book boyfriend in quite some time (I hope my hubby doesn't become too jelly 😉.) Bella is multi-faceted and I love it! She is just right for Sebastian – oh and their chemistry?!? Get a fire extinguisher!!! Whoa Nelly, it is just right 🔥🔥🔥. The emotions within this story -- I felt every single one.
All of the characters in this book are wonderful. I have to give a special shout-out to Austin, Bella's son. He's perfect.
If you like spicy emotional romances, medical romances, one night stand, Alpha cinnamon rolls, or just absolutely wonderful stories, please put this on your TBR list. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I have a feeling you'll like it.
November 23, 2021
LM Fox has done it again.
She blew her readers away with her debut trilogy, Deprivation. And she has done it again with it’s spin off story, The Bitter Rival.
TBR follows Sebastian Lee, hot surgeon bachelor who can’t be tied down to one woman. Dr. Lee is snagged in the beautiful web of one Isabella Potter. Bella is a single mother of a teen son who is on the spectrum and she has spent her adulthood caring for him and putting herself through school. Working in the same hospital as Dr. Lee, their meeting is still quite unexpected!
The chemistry here is off the charts. The steam can hardly be rivaled. LM Fox does an incredible job of writing a true “bad boy redemption” story for Sebastian. I think readers who are familiar with her and even new readers will find a part of themselves in this story.
Also, I want to give her full credit for the appropriate representation of someone who is on the spectrum. She did really well at it and some of my favorite moments are between Bella’s son and Sebastian. As a mother myself, all you want is your children to be loved and appreciated for who they are. LM Fox made sure that this translated well on page.
I cannot wait to read what LM Fox brings her readers next!
She blew her readers away with her debut trilogy, Deprivation. And she has done it again with it’s spin off story, The Bitter Rival.
TBR follows Sebastian Lee, hot surgeon bachelor who can’t be tied down to one woman. Dr. Lee is snagged in the beautiful web of one Isabella Potter. Bella is a single mother of a teen son who is on the spectrum and she has spent her adulthood caring for him and putting herself through school. Working in the same hospital as Dr. Lee, their meeting is still quite unexpected!
The chemistry here is off the charts. The steam can hardly be rivaled. LM Fox does an incredible job of writing a true “bad boy redemption” story for Sebastian. I think readers who are familiar with her and even new readers will find a part of themselves in this story.
Also, I want to give her full credit for the appropriate representation of someone who is on the spectrum. She did really well at it and some of my favorite moments are between Bella’s son and Sebastian. As a mother myself, all you want is your children to be loved and appreciated for who they are. LM Fox made sure that this translated well on page.
I cannot wait to read what LM Fox brings her readers next!
February 20, 2022
What a great book!
He’s an arrogant surgeon. She’s a determined radiology tech student with an autistic son. Match made in Heaven? Not quite. Good communication is not their forte and they both have trust issues but they’re drawn to each other regardless. You can’t help being drawn into this story and become intimately drawn into these characters’ story. Fox does a wonderful job creating 3 dimensional characters, a great plot and a few surprises along the way. This is my first book by this author, but won’t be my last. I’ve already downloaded one of her previous books and will be starting that one shortly!
He’s an arrogant surgeon. She’s a determined radiology tech student with an autistic son. Match made in Heaven? Not quite. Good communication is not their forte and they both have trust issues but they’re drawn to each other regardless. You can’t help being drawn into this story and become intimately drawn into these characters’ story. Fox does a wonderful job creating 3 dimensional characters, a great plot and a few surprises along the way. This is my first book by this author, but won’t be my last. I’ve already downloaded one of her previous books and will be starting that one shortly!
June 15, 2022
I feel like i could count the number of actual conversations they had on one hand. How could they possibly be in love when they barely even spoke to each other or knew each other. By the time they were actually together they hadn’t even talked about Bas’s family all that much or the fact that the doctor and firefighters Bas kept seeing Isabella with were her relatives… how am i supposed to believe they are so madly in love that Bas is willing to become a father to a basically grown kid???? Like huuuh?? The only time they interacted with each other was to fuck. I only found lust in this book and no love. They don’t even know each other or their lives even at the end of the book…
January 5, 2022
4.5 STARS
NEW to me author, as always you can find my Full Review & More on my REVIEW BLOG -> CLICK HERE
February 25, 2022
LM Fox is new to me, but she did not disappoint.
Bella a single mom who is studying to become a radiology tec meets Bas the playboy Doctor and sparks fly.
This read was such a fun read with enough steam to fog your glasses. I loved Bella determination to better her and her childs life.
If you enjoy steamy and some twist this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book.
Bella a single mom who is studying to become a radiology tec meets Bas the playboy Doctor and sparks fly.
This read was such a fun read with enough steam to fog your glasses. I loved Bella determination to better her and her childs life.
If you enjoy steamy and some twist this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book.
August 24, 2022
I am so madly in love with this book! This has to be my favorite LM Fox book. It’s so heartbreakingly beautiful. Sebastian’s story was not what I was anticipating. Bella is amazing. Her and Sebastian are so great together. I understood both characters and understood the decision they made. I can’t wait to read their extended epilogue!
April 5, 2023
Sweet Story
This was definitely a sweet story and a slow down from the books I'd read before. I tend to stay away from contemporary tears but this one was worth breaking back into the genre. I enjoyed Bas and Bellas journey!!
This was definitely a sweet story and a slow down from the books I'd read before. I tend to stay away from contemporary tears but this one was worth breaking back into the genre. I enjoyed Bas and Bellas journey!!
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