Mixing Business With Pleasure (Books 1 and 2) by Ace Gray

Strictly Business (Book 1)

I decided to read this book because I got an ARC of the third book - Family Business, which is to be released on October 21, 2016. I wanted to know the whole story before I got on to the third installment. At least, I know what to expect.

Kate Elliot is the founder and CEO of Vesper. It a high-end active clothing line. She is in control of her life and business. Not until she met Nicholas Bryant, the CEO of Bryant Ventures. These two are competitors but they are drawn to each other like magnets. Will Kate be strong enough to avoid Bryant? She has to or her heart or her business will surely crumble.

Yes, this comes with the warning - contains mature content. It is recommended that this should be read somewhere less crowded. We don't want the oldies frowning or raising their eyebrows on you when they see the cover. Yes, a lot of steamy sex. I was actually raising my eyebrows when I read the first time Kate and Nicholas meet. I was - seriously? I didn't think the story or the book was off to a good start.

And more hot scenes coming up. Yes, most part of the book were like that. I was disappointed. I was expecting some story but I think it came late. It did not come out until almost the last few chapters. I think the author was letting her readers enjoy the steamy sex so they will all be surprised when she doles up the real meat of the story. It happened to me too, the surprise. Okay, I admit, very slightly enjoying the steamy sex. I guess it was too much in one story. Anyway, I wish there was a lot more going on than just a lot of sex. The good part did not come until I almost thought that this was a waste of time. I mean I've read Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, all three. And this one seems to be giving out the same flavor. I was looking for something different. Fortunately, the author had it, except that I think she made the readers wait far too long. 

I give the book three handcuffs. I would have written off this book if not for the amazing save at the last part. I agree, it was nicely done which makes me want to read the next book. Hmmmm... Maybe, that was the plan all along? Get them bored to their wits and then wake them up with a sting. Yeah, I get it.

Bad for Business (Book 2)

The story picked up exactly where Strictly Business ended. Right on the dot. 

This book is gratefully a lot better than the first book. I know, Miss Gray was holding out on us. Still a lot of steamy sex but there was more emphasis on the plot. I think this was a great improvement from the first one. And Miss Gray started on giving out her surprises which are totally unexpected. This book made me start to like the story but I was still wary to be fully taken in. It still has a slight likeness to Fifty Shades of Grey. You know, a hot and handsome CEO who likes to have sex a lot. Good thing the likeness  ended there. I think this book had a lot going on unrelated to sex which is what I wanted. I am not really into this genre so I had high expectations. I wanted it to be something I have not read before and would grip me without the help of those hot scenes. And this book did it. So, this book set the mood for the third book - which is anticipation. A desire for more surprising events that would be more memorable than those that happened in bed.

I give Bad for Business three and a half handcuffs. And by now, I should have known that Ace Gray has a habit of making you want for more. But I was still surprised when she did it again on the last part. It wasn't unexpected but still I was not ready for it.

You do know me. Because I begin and end with you. 

- Ace Gray, Bad for Business (Mixing Business with Pleasure #2) -

Family Business (Mixing Business With Pleasure Book 3)

Family Business (Mixing Business With Pleasure #3) by Ace Gray | ARC | A Book Review

I saw the author's post on Instagram asking for anyone who wants to do a review of the book. I sent her a DM and I was emailed an ARC. Thank you again Ace K. Gray.

This is the third installment of the Mixing Business With Pleasure Series. I have not read any of Ace Gray's books so before I read this one I started on the first two books - Strictly Business and Bad for Business. I have a separate post on books one and two. I had them in one post. The link is on the bottom.

Mixing Business With Pleasure is about two successful business CEO's in New York who are physically, emotionally and sexually drawn to each other. Kate Elliot and Nicholas Bryant are just what each other needs but their relationship has never been easy. In this third book, the ghosts of Nick's past are now crawling back into his life and want a piece of it. Will they or their relationship survive?

This time, the book has lesser sex scenes in it but the intensity has not toned down. Yes, this is more intense than the previous two books, both in the story line and sex scenes. Fortunately, the events are more demanding and fast-paced. A lot of things were happening that kept me glued to it. More surprises , explosions and unexpected turns. If not for the hot scenes, this book would have definitely been a one-of-a-kind pure suspense ride. I admit, I honestly enjoyed this and I think this is the best of the three. And to top it all, there is a cliffhanger at the end. I am sure, this is not the last will hear of Kate and Nicholas. I can't wait.

I did not think that I would actually enjoy this book. The title alone, seems very steamy as it is. I am not really into that genre though once in a while I chance upon them. Yes, I have read Fifty Shades of Grey and this book seems to be on that same plane though this is not really a BDSM. I think that is what I least like about the book which is really minor. It has a similar tone as Fifty Shades of Grey though I think this one, the female protagonist is really bad ass and is way better. A stronger character, feisty and more spunk. Absolutely not the tamed or sweet kitty type. Kate always surprises me with each facet of her character that she reveals. I am just as surprised as Nicholas. Also, I think the writing is better in this book. So why did I sign up for this book?  I signed up to read this one because it got me at ARC. Yes, I feel like a kid on Christmas every time I see the word ARC. As long as it says ARC, I would like to get my hands on it. I would not mind the genre. And I would love to be surprised and proven wrong. This book did good on both counts. I am glad. It's true, some books just find you.

I give it four and a half handcuffs. If you happen to read the series, from the first book to the third, you would notice the development of the story and the writing. As the story progressed, your attention is also demanded more. If you read the first book and thought it wasn't that engaging, that was what I felt too. But good things come to those who wait. And the author has made good on that promise. Even better on this third installment. I think it will be far greater on the next one. Congratulations Miss Gray! Definitely worth my time. Thank you.

Can I say now move over Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey? Here comes Kate Elliot and Nicholas Bryant. 

Release Date: October 21, 2016


Mixing Business With Pleasure Books 1 and 2(Strictly Business and  Bad for Business)