Breaking up with Barrett (English Brothers book #1) by Katy Regnery

Blurb: Barrett English, aka “the Shark,” is the fair-haired, first-born of the English brothers, and the CEO of the oldest, most prestigious investment banking firm in Philadelphia. He rules the boardroom with an iron fist, refusing to take no for an answer and always getting his way.

Emily Edwards, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, grew up in the gatehouse on the outskirts of Barrett’s childhood estate. The daughter of his family’s gardener and housekeeper, she was always looking through the window of privilege, but forced to remember her place at the very periphery of the kingdom.

When business partners suggest that a fiancee might soften Barrett’s image over business dinners, he approaches Emily for the “job” of fiancee. And while love wasn’t necessarily on Barrett’s radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves.

5 Stars!!!!

Holy crap this book is awesome!!!!  This book was just what I needed. It has depth of character, a decent plot and the emotional intensity I love when reading romance. Its not all about the physical.  That shows me a different side of the same coin.  Layers people! Layers!

Characters:

Emily: she is emotionally mature but at the same time has intense feelings that she doesn’t know how to hide.  The way the author wrote Emily was so perfect!  She was level headed, yet spontaneous and loving. The balance the author weaved between physicality and emotion was just brilliant!  One of my favorite parts is when she realizes he needs more than a love interest, but a partner to trust and share with.  ::Sigh::

Barrett: He is like an alpha male but not. I don’t know how else to put it.  He was confident and demanding in business.  But when it came to her, her wasn’t overbearing.  You could see he respected her for more than her body.  He wanted more from her than just sex, he wanted time with her.  Just to be around her.  And that, I think, makes him one of the most sexiest men I have ever read about.  My favorite scene with Barrett is when his mother comes in and he is is bed.  OMG, it was hilarious.

They had some sick chemistry!  The steamy scenes made me blush.  I also loved how the author incorporated every aspect of their lives into the book for great background, such as Emily’s schooling and family along with Barrett’s family and business.  It really helped me get a full picture of their dynamic past as well as how their relationship would work in the long run.

The climax to this book was subtle but poignant.  It was written so gracefully . Something I lack but can appreciate in others.  Well done! Katy Regnery, you have a fan in me.