This made for a nice, uplifting and easygoing story after something heavy. It was pretty predictable, but in a comforting way. I was hopeful that they would actually be friends and get to know one another that way, but all they really did was date like a lot of people do. I didn't care for the InstaLust or InstaLove aspects, but that's just me.

All in all, fine characters and stories, and some funny scenes. Good if you want something fun and light!

Well, the synopsis is mostly accurate here, folks. You pretty much get what is promised except for a big notable exception. Shelby, the heroine, didn’t just walk into the hero’s life out of the blue. She had been living and even working in very close proximity to him for several months. Apparently, she just wasn’t worthy of his time or attention until “bam” one day he noticed her short skirt. Yeah, that pretty much sums him up this unapologetic, yet implied he’s a good guy man ho hero’s attention span. She’s had a front row seat to his womanizing ways, which has included a parade of numerous, random other women in and out of his apartment’s front door pretty much every morning.

I’ll give him this. Not only was he upfront and honest about who he was and what he would never want, Shelby had already seen it for herself. She really had no one to blame but herself for getting her heart broke. But this good time Charlie’s come-ons became too tempting, and she stupidly vows to keep her heart out of some steamy, smexy time with him. Of course, he’s vowed to do the same. At 45% though she takes it to a whole new level by telling him it’s OK if he continues to pursue other random woman. Yeah, walking/talking sex on a stick meets stupidity here, folks. They both start living in the land of denial. But, hey, not to worry. At least he doesn’t take her up on that offer.

“Should I do this or not” and “Should I tell her/him how I feel or not” started to become overly tiresome. This couple’s coupling felt more like meaningless quickies than a genuine emotional connection. She can’t believe such a hot guy is into her, and he can’t get over the fact it took him so long to notice her. The hero didn’t come across as overly romantic, as well. Buying flowers once was the only romantic gesture I remember, and she didn’t even get those, folks.

So I’ll end this by saying I wasn’t overly fond of this guy and expected more of him. Frankly, the heroine should have done so, as well. She certainly knew what she was getting into though. It’ll ultimately be up to you to decide if this is your idea of romance.

Title: Romancing the Bachelor, Author: Diane Alberts, Pages: 190, stand-alone, can only blame herself, unapologetic manho hero, breaks her heart, groveling hero, very smexy scenes.

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)

A fun, flirty read with just enough heat and sass!

Eric is busy. Plain and simple. He’s vying for a junior partner position at the law firm and he barely has time for his family, let alone a relationship. When he sees court reporter Shelby for the first time – or I should say notices her for the first time, his jaw almost lands next to her stilettos.

Shelby has always noticed Eric. Noticed his handsomeness, his intelligence, his impatience, his determination. He’s been the costar in her sexy dreams. But she has no intention of staying in Atlanta or living in any other big city. She changed her life and moved to Atlanta for a man who promptly left and humiliated her. She vowed to never do it again. And when she and Eric decide to have a little fun, he vowed to make her keep that promise. When the time came, he’d help her pack, wish her well, and wave goodbye.

Easy, peasy right?

Well, now if it were, there wouldn’t be a story now would there?

Since no one is trying to impress the other or embark on anything long term, they let their guards down and simply be. Be relaxed, be open, be honest. All things they both find irresistible. So irresistible that have trouble letting each other go.

Now I won’t ruin the rest for you, but I will say this. Alberts has done a great job with characterization. I really like them both. They are fun, feisty, and willing to go after what they want. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. Nice curve ball. Kudos to Alberts. Eric has brothers that open the door for a series, although at this point, I’m not sure if that’s the intent, but if so, I’m more than happy to keep reading. It’s somewhat of a quick read, but I didn’t feel cheated in the least.

Eric Hamilton has no plan to settle down but when he meets Shelby Jefferson he is smitten. Shelby knows who Eric is, in fact they have been in the same apartment building and she has been court reporter for a few of his cases but he never noticed her until now. Shelby knows Eric is not going to leave her alone until he gets what he wants, her so she turns the table.

There is quite a bit more to this story that I am not going to divulge to not giveaway too much of the plot. This was very good and I liked how they became friends even with the underlying attraction between them. Great romance to read for spring.

What a delightful and amusing read! Eric is a career minded man with a five year plan, one that includes a firm no-strings and no committed relationships policy. One day, he notices Shelby at work and she wants no part of him. She's seen the string of dates he brings home with no repeats. Eric sees her as a challenge and she shoots him down. She has already changed her life for a man who betrayed her. Been there, done that! Besides, she has some plans of her own.
I loved how the cocky and arrogant Eric was brought to his knees by the sassy tongue of Shelby. Sure, she is attracted to him, but she doesn't want to be hurt again. Eric is tenacious and talks her into being friends. Soon, they reach the next level, but miscommunication and insecurity nearly derails their growing love. This couple was meant to be together. Their banter was witty and I felt the sexy sparks fly between them. This is part of a series, and I will definitely keep Diane Alberts on my read list!

Eric Hamilton has goals and women are not on his agenda. But in walks Shelby Jefferson and all of a sudden he can't focus on these very important plans and goals. All he can think about is her.

Shelby Jefferson followed her heart once and it led her to heartbreak and left her in the big city. She isn't going to make the same mistake twice. She is focused on moving back to the country; once she finds the right job. But in walks Eric Hamilton and very persistent and he wants her. She is falling again for a man who could break her but its so nice in his arms. Will history be repeating itself again? Or will Eric be the real deal.

I love this story of two people not looking for love but find each other and can't resist it. Shelby was hurt and it makes her question it and Eric who seems to not have ever had time for anything has been bitten by the love bug and he decides is more important then his plans and goals. What happens when Shelby gets the job that will take her away from Eric? Will she take it? What will he do? You will have to read this one to find out what happens when you have to choose love or a job?

Another great book in this series! I enjoyed the development of the characters, you really root for Shelby and Eric. Sweet, fun read!

Talk about a fabulous read. We have Eric Hamilton who notices this girl at work and he was like I have to have her, and she shoots him down. Who doesn't love an opening like that. Shelby shoots him down hard.
"You're clearly quite accustomed to women swooning in your presence, and maybe if I had met you a few years ago, I would be one of them. But I'm not one of them. I won't giggle and flirt, or tell you how cute you are. I won't go to dinner with you, take my dress off, and then let you forget me the next day. So you're wasting your time and mine by pretending otherwise. Have a good night, though, Mr. Hamilton."
Ouch. So, Eric had his work cut for him. He probably didn't help his cause when he use to have a rotating door of women prior to Shelby. However, these two were fabulous. I had absolutely fun reading these two.

Diane found a great balance in Romancing the Bachelor between lightheartedness, and romance. Seriously, I love that Eric had to work to become friends before he could even get what he wanted. Yes, Eric did become a dick a little later, but he didn't handle his feelings to well. He was a little rough with Shelby, but he was able to grovel his way back. I totally can't wait for more Hamiltons. I hope they are coming soon. Overall, I basically sat down and read this in a day. Yes, I loved Romancing the Bachelor.


Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley

Eric and Shelby both had a plan. And in that plan there was nothing about falling in love. But then one day, Eric looked up from his work fog and saw Shelby really for the very first time. Shelby had her own opinion of Eric Hamilton. She'd known him for years, since he was a lawyer and she was a court reporter. Plus they both lived in the same building and Eric had never given her the time of day. So to all of a sudden to be under his skin, seemed like a stretch. So Eric had to prove that Shelby was more than a passing fling. Friendship was going to be the key, even though he had never really had a woman as a friend...

I really like Eric and Shelby together. It was a natural progression from friends to lovers and they were cute together, both opening up to the possibility of more, even though neither of them were looking for more. As they start to know each other and start to see there is more to life than their plans, will they be able to push them aside in order to stay together? Eric surprised me with his sweet, romance - even though he said he wasn't romantic and Shelby is a strong, smart heroine that never got to be too much. She gives Eric a run for his money which was fun to read.

I am really looking forward to the rest of this series! Getting a peek at the rest of the Hamilton brothers in the epilogue, really made me excited for more plus I hope to also get a little more of Eric and Shelby too!

I enjoyed book! I loved Eric and liked how he went after Shelby. I liked Shelby too, she was funny, and loved there chemistry. It was heartbreaking when he was trying to do the best thing for her, even if he was wrong. However, I loved, loved how he explained himself and told her why, and what he was willing to do for her. I am happy with story, I can't wait to continue to read about the Hamilton's.

Getting into the first few chapters I couldn't help but think
Pretty Woman/Sleepless In Settle. And that was good.
Eric's character reminded my so much of Richard Gere's character in Pretty Woman. The womanizing executive that has a hidden soft spot.
Once he notices and immediately desires Shelby he's stuck in a Sleepless in Seattle type friendship.
It doesn't take long for the two to take the next step and become
'more than friends'.
Therein lies the problem as they struggle with their feelings and their 'plans' for their individual futures neither intended 'real love' to get in the way.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. Both Eric and Shelby were fun characters to 'get to know'.

This book is rated a 3 on the 'heat side'. I would rate it closer to a '2'.

There was no rating for the language that I found. The beginning first few pages are filled with language basically the writer uses language to describe Eric's character through description and his thoughts and conversations.

Some readers might be put off by the language. I suggest giving
Romancing The Bachelor a chance and read past the first few pages.

I enjoyed the introduction to Eric's sister Anne and her fiance Brett whose romance is book 1 in the series. And Eric's brother Whit a pro football player who I suspect might just give up is bachelor ways in book 3. I look forward to reading book 1 and the remaining books in the Hamilton Family Series.

I received a complimentary copy from Tasty Book Tours.

Romancing the Bachelor is another great entry in the Hamilton Family series. This time it's Eric's (one of Anna's big brothers, from The CEO's Seduction) turn to fall in love. Shelby is the lady in question. She's a court reporter and has been Eric's neighbor for 6 months, but not once during that time has he ever noticed her, or even said one word to her. But, today he's noticing her while he's in the courtroom waiting for opposing counsel, who's late. He notices her because she's got a shorter skirt than she normally wears. Hm, well when he determines he has to introduce himself to this new, beautiful woman, she shoots him down. I loved it! She gives him so much sass and he has no idea what to do with it, as he's never heard the word no before, not from a beautiful woman. She calls him out on his playboy ways. She's seen the endless parade of women that come to his apartment, then leave the next day, never to darken his door again. Yep, Shelby knows better than to get involved with another smooth talking player like the one she had followed here, and who promptly left her practically homeless and broke.

But, Eric is able to convince Shelby that they can just be friends, as neither wants a relationship. She, because she is dying to get out of this big city and find a job in a small town somewhere, and he because he doesn't think he's capable of commitment and love. So, they start off as friends, but it was inevitable that they'd give into the fierce attraction between them. It's a slow burn, but when it catches fire, it's steamy and sexy and soon they're both falling for each other even though they promised each other there would be no falling in love and that when she got a job somewhere else, he'd help her pack and wave goodbye as she left.

I really like both Shelby and Eric. She's sweet and independent and pulled herself out of a really crappy situation. Eric is actually a sweet, kind man behind his playboy façade. They have strong chemistry and it's nice seeing them go from real friendship to more. Their relationship is both easy and sweet, and then sexy, too. And honestly, that's the best way for a relationship to progress, because if you aren't friends with your partner, it's going to be hard to in a relationship with them.

I love seeing the rest of the Hamilton family sprinkled throughout Romancing the Bachelor, especially big brother Wyatt. I'm hoping there's a story coming for him, because he's a really interesting guy.

Eric Hamilton isn’t looking for love. Hell, he isn’t even looking for a girl. He has a five-year plan, and he’s one hundred percent focused on that. But then Shelby walks into his life, and suddenly, he can’t think about anything else. Unfortunately for him, she hates his guts, and wants nothing to do with him. But he’s a man who loves a challenge.

Shelby Jefferson can’t wait to get out of the city, and back to her country roots. She moved to Atlanta for a guy who promptly left her, and the last thing she wants is to fall for another man who might make her want to stay. But Eric is nothing if not persistent, and before long she’s inside his arms, in his bed, and falling for him. Hard. But when history repeats itself, she’s left having to choose between a man and herself…again.

I really enjoyed Eric and Shelby's story. It's a reminder that love can show up when we least expect it and that love will do what has to be done in order to be happy. This was a well written story and the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Diane Alberts. I am heading to buy book 1 in this series right now. If you love to read a good book then give this book a try. You might want to start with book one in this series first or read them backwards like me ;)!

After being at court had a meeting with George, Wallace, and Mark and then he had a consultation with a possible client. Eric didn’t really believe in love and wouldn’t be getting married anytime soon. Eric loved his brothers Cole. Chris and Wyatt even Brett his soon to be brother in law. And his sister Anne. He also had a special place in his heart for his parents. All his life things have come easy for him so he was looking in the shelter one time a week for the last month but hadn’t found the right dog for him. A dog that had went through a lot and needed somewhere safe f0rever place to live. Then the court stenographer or court reporter came in and Eric had an expected pull toward her and he wanted her. She was not what he usually went for and somehow she looked familiar. Shelby had been in Atlanta for two years and hated it , the city just wasn’t for Shelby. Neither were men or romance. Shelby had moved to Atlanta for a man who cheated on her and broke her heart and left her homeless. Shelby had left college and family for George her ex. For everything left it behind her for George. She had been left alone in an unfamiliar city. A lot of people had told her George was no good. But Chelsea stayed and waited tables and worked her way up until she could go back to school. She got good grade. Made a name for herself got a job and succeeded here despite everything. Shelby thought Eric was hot but not for her. Guys like Eric were fun to look at but that’s all. She couldn’t let ruin what she had worked so hard for here in Atlanta. Shelby hadn’t slept with anyone in two year.. Shelby was honest with Eric and said they could only be friends. Eric never had a female friend before. But Shelby wanted Eric really bad.
I adored this romance. It was a short read but had everything it needed for this story. I loved the plot. I loved how Wyatt was there for Eric even though he had never been in love. I loved how Eric was a good person even if he was born of a wealthy family. I love Eric made Shelby go for her dream even if it broke both their hearts. I absolutely loved the ending. A great book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend,

3.5 stars

Romancing the Bachelor is an improvement from the first book in the series. It wasn't without its faults, but it was better. That drama in the end, lasted longer than I would have wanted it to and I was wondering what the eff was happening. I kinda get Eric's side even if I don't like it and Shelby almost had a point. I would have preferred to see some honesty instead of lying to make things better. I hope in the third book we will get a chance to see how they are doing. The book is another case of people who don't seem to have a lot in common and they wouldn't fit each other for the long run and yet, in the end, they make it work. Eric lives in a big city, hoping to become junior partner while Shelby is looking for a job in a small town because big cities are not for her. See? Opposites. This is why the agree to have a friends with benefits thing and part their ways once Shelby gets the job she wants. I was thrown off in the beginning by Shelby's behavior, to be honest, so I never managed to warm up to her. Something about her attitude and her way of thinking didn't click with me, so I only managed to get some lukewarm feelings for her.

So I was right … the Hamilton men are a very entertaining read 🙂

The best part of this romance story is the actual romance progression. They meet ~ they become friendly ~ they date ~ they fall in love .. That’s how it happens in life, mostly lol so I really like it when my stories mirror that and this one did. The progression was slow and sexy and very entertaining. Both Eric and Shelby were strong characters with passion and fortitude. Willing to meet anything thrown at them head on.

If you’re looking for a fun sexy afternoon read … you just found one 🙂

Copy provided for blog tour review

A fun read!

I really enjoyed both Eric and Shelby's early relationship (she won't give him the time of day, he's determined to win her over like a gentleman instead of his usual manwh*rish persona) and their "friendship"--because man, can he pull out all the stops when he wants to, and even though Shelby really is pretty wowed by him (abs. And butt. And actually a nice guy in there somewhere) she still gives even better than she gets in their relationship. And though he's never done it before, Eric does give a good grovel.

You gotta love a good grovel.

Which admittedly he wouldn't have needed if he hadn't turned into a total tool at about 80%--even though what seemed like it was going to be their black moment was caused by a non-communication issue (not my favorite plot device, but here it was fairly believable) was Eric content with that? Oh, no--he had to take it to the next level of WTFery and nearly lost me--but the aforementioned groveling saved him and the story.

Romancing the Bachelor is the second in the Hamilton Family series, but worked just fine as a standalone.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Romancing the Bachelor was such a great novel. I really loved the fact that neither the heroine (Shelby) or te hero (Eric) are looking for love but love find them when the least expect or want it. Both have goals in life and a relationship isn’t on their radar. Shelby has been tainted by love gone wrong and isn’t looking to be held back again from a man who’s just going to go in his merry way when a better option arises. Shelby is ready to leave the city that love brought her to and is waiting for a job opportunity in a small town is her main focus. While Eric’s goals have nothing to do with a woman but when the challenge of a woman who hates his guts presents herself he just can’t resist. I loved the interaction and chemistry between Eric and Shelby. The storyline was fabulous and overall an extremely enjoyable read. I would give this novel 5 stars.

Romancing the Bachelor (Hamilton Family, #2)

The man that could have any woman he wants, any time he wants, and in any way he wants has found the one woman that would sass him, ignore him, and just plain right out refuse him. Eric Hamilton was young, successful, determined, and on a mission to complete his five-year plan. Never was sexy, sassy, independent, determined Shelby ever part of those plans. A mere court reporter with spunk-n-sass. She could not stand the sight of the strong, sexy, take-control attorney.

A little this and a little of that allows for Eric to become a part of Shelby’s life, if only as a friend. Then the friends become a bit more and then a bit more. Neither wants to impede on the other life goals or dreams, but sometimes life has its own way of getting what it wants. The was a sexy romantic comedy that provided some relief to the day. I say pick up your copy of Romancing the Bachelor and just enjoy the slow rise to blissful union between the sexy hot attorney, Eric and the sassy court reporter, Shelby.

Thank you, Diane for adding to the series and making the day just that much better and lighter than when it started.