Member Reviews

I really liked this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed the aspect that romance novella was heavy featured in the book, and seeing the MC stand up for her own writing.

One could recognise the “shame” that comes with romance books, but just as our heroine, we too have overcome this.

For me, this book had a good ratio of sex and world building. Recommend.

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I’m going to start off by saying I really enjoy dual POV. I like to know both sides and this one had it. Lisa is a romance author that has had great success but wants to branch out to a different genre. Chris is a successful business man that meets Lisa from his brothers business. I liked the slow burn this book had, mixed with a sweet romance.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book

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3.5 stars rounded up. An interesting twist on an office romance since there was a workplace connection but they weren't working together day-to-day. I really enjoyed the connection between Lisa and Chris, and their chemistry and passion was palpable and amazing!
However, I had a few issues with the plot and conflicts therein. First, it made me roll my eyes that Lisa used the author's name as her pen name. Also, the fact that the plot kept coming around to all the issues it could cause Lisa if someone found out she wrote romance. Fine to be brought up once, but why keep bringing things back around to something that is a non-issue?
I also felt like there were a lot of loose threads at the end of the story. Does Charlie's start-up succeed? What happens with Lisa's writing career? What happened with that patent?
Overall, I would say I liked the characters, but not their story. Also, this should not be classified as erotica.

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Small town girl meets Colorado millionaire in this steamy story from author Michele Lenard.When I started reading I couldn't put it down. Michele Lenard is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book

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This is my second novel by Michele Lenard and I did not enjoy it like the first book I readed by her "Not so Friendly Intent" , despite touching on a very interesting subject such as romance novels and the world around them
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Lisa is a fledgling romance writer with more than a dozen published books and her pen name among the best known. But her dream is to publish her children's stories, which is why she gets a job in a company related to children's education. That's where she meets Chris, her boss's twin brother.
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The chemistry between them flows and so does the weight of their secrets. Both must decide if it is worth opening up completely and the vertigo of the uncertainty of being accepted.
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Thanks to Michele Lenard and Victoring Editing for give me this great book in exchange for my honest opinion

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I primarily read romantic comedies, but every now and then I love a good steamy romance.

When I saw this book available for request I was a little put off by the cover, but the synopsis grabbed my attention and intrigued me.

The book is written from the two perspectives, both Lisa and Chris. I really like this in romance novels as you feel as though you’re getting inside knowledge on the male response to situations.

The authors writing style was great, the book flowed well, the romance developed at a good pace and the storyline was interesting. My only negative was the subjects of the storyline (children’s education and cyber security issues) didn’t interest me and there was a lot of dialogue around these areas. However, this didn’t detract from the too much.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 📚

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This is book one in The Mile High Romance Series and it is Lisa and Chris story and what a great start to a new series. Lisa has always wanted to write children's books but she ended up writing a steamy romance book under a secret pen name so when she takes a job at an educational company she doesn't put that she has already written a book on her resume but when she meets Chris and likes him it makes her feel bad because she is living a lie. Chris is helping his brother but he is living a lie and it becomes even more difficult when he meets Lisa and can't stop thinking about her but he doesn't know what to do next. Lisa and Chris have a instant attraction and chemistry between them but they both have secrets and if they are revealed will they loose there chance of having a happy ending only time will tell. I really enjoyed reading this book and I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see what the outcome would be between Lisa and Chris. I can't wait to read more books by Michele Lenard as her books are so well written and definitely worth reading.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book.

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Overall, this book is full of basic cliches: the FMC is beautiful but doesn't know it, sexy librarian fantasy, forbidden romance (which I usually love).

Basic summary: FMC works for an education start up company and wants to write children's books but moonlights as a romance author to make money. FMC falls for her boss's brother, who is supposed to be off limits. Basic summary should make for a pleasant story; however, the writing felt forced. The story felt forced. Parts of the dialogue and plot give the impression that the author of the book is ashamed by what she writes, which really killed the entire book for me.

*** Review also left on GoodReads ***

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I did like the romance between Lisa and Chris, but I found I didn’t really care for Lisa that much. She seemed too engrossed in her writing where she forgets about things happening around her and was rude to Chris in my opinion. The story was too slow for my tastes.

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I keep trying to describe how I feel about this, but am struggling.

The conflicts were predictable and yet ridiculous. There are stereotypes to Romance novels, obviously. Every reader knows that, as I imagine writers do, too. But the only people I have met who would be as awful as Chris and Jason are immature people who want to only read books that are the kind on Lisa's coffee table so that they seem interesting and smart. I'm not saying many people aren't bemused at the fact I blog about romance novels, but I don't hide that they've been my favorite genre since I was 9 and read "Logan Likes Mary Ann."

Honestly, this entire book felt like the author wanted everyone to make us believe romance novels are akin to porn, and that writing them is shameful (but lucrative). The very meta "This is how romance authors write things," pulled me out quite a bit, and felt like she was talking down, saying something a bit judgy about those who read the genre. Surely not the intent, considering the audience, but then the "filth" was written by Lisa's pseudonym "Michele Lenard," so...

Which brings me to another aspect that was hard to swallow. It felt like almost everyone was ignorant about pseudonyms, despite it being mentioned over and over. Most authors separate their writing by pen names, with a different name for even different types of romance (erotic, contemporary, historical, aliens, orcs...). It's not at all weird for someone to write childrens books AND romance (or psychological thrillers...), unless they are using the exact same name.

Initially, I was amused at the "Mixing childrens books and romance is weird" message, since my blog is literally reviews of both because they are of interest to a certain demographic (mothers/caregivers in their mid-20s to mid-40s). The fact that writing romance seems to be thought of as "less than" writing childrens fiction wasn't that amusing by about 40% in, though. I can't imagine anyone buying the kids books would care, so long as she continued with a pen name. Does Ben Clanton also write horror or romance under a pen name? Heck if know! Is he even really male? No clue. Would either being untrue stop me from buying my son Narwhal books? Not at all.

Don't get me started on a woman who has wanted to write childrens picture books for years, but has no idea that a couple thousand words about an overly complex topic is all wrong for a picture book (which typically stick to 250-750 words..). Has she read ANY picture books before?!

The characters in this were fine, but I never really connected with them. I liked that they didn't jump into bed with one another right away, except that their dates felt less like they were getting to know one another and more just TELLING us it was more than lust. I prefer to be shown that... And Not Like Other Girls with the truck? Meh.

Some points for steam, though I admit I started skimming about halfway through, not emotionally invested in the characters. (Romance isn't porn...).

I did verify with my husband that very few men would be anything other than curious and turned on if their partners were describing their sex lives in steamy detail. I mean, what guy wouldn't be fascinated by what his girlfriend thinks about sex, so long as she isn't writing about his micro-penis, how boring he was, or something embarrassing? As evidenced by the fun Chris has with the fantasies Lisa has, most men don't mind women who read romance novels. :P

So, unfortunately, I have to say this was a big miss for me. The writing overall was fine, and I did finish it, so points for that, as well.

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I like to read and I read a lot. Most of the books I read are novels in all its forms. To be surprised, a story has to have something unique, and I found that in this book!

The author's writing style is easy to read and you are taken into the thoughts of both main characters. The story is told from both POV, from Lisa and Chris.
The quiet build-up of their romance is filled with special moments and good dialogue that provide insight into both characters and why they both fail to reveal a part of themselves as their relationship grows. The chemistry between the two is expressed in lustful scenes that are beautifully worked out.
He could tell his secret himself, he discovers her secret.

And in the final chapters, for me, was the uniqueness of this story. Like the fact that Lisa is writing her books under a pen name which is the name of the author of this book and where their feelings and emotions are re-described in a nutshell in such a loving way. It almost comes across as autobiographical.
That's why I rate this with 5*. Who doesn't want their story ends in a HEA?
A great twist at the end of a beautiful, emotionally written novel

I received this book as an ARC provided by NetGalley

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PURELY NOVEL INTENT was a quick read and a sweet romance. The character of Lisa writes romance novels under the pen name Michele Lenard(!) but is concerned her successful romance author career will keep her from being taken seriously as a writer of children’s books.

Chris is the twin brother of Lisa’s boss. He’s also being cagey about who he is although not by using a pen name. I was drawn to his character because of his immediate concern for Lisa’s safety in spite of there being no other threat than she leaves when it is dark.

There is enough angst to go around as each character is faced with how much to give of themselves to family, friends and one another. There were some passionate scenes in the story, but they were not overly steamy. It is a good book to read if you are looking for a quiet kind of romance.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my voluntary review.

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This was a wonderfully fast, enjoyable read. The characters have amazing chemistry that is what makes and pushes the story. If you are in the mood to read a story that takes time to develop the characters which in turn develops the relationship between the two This is the story for you. Everything in the story feels natural and sweet. This story will be sure to leave you feeling satisfied with a smile afterward.

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Purely Novel Intent is my first book by author Michele Lenard.

This novel is about Lisa, an aspiring children's author and closet romance author, and Chris, a millionaire investor. These two meet at Chris' twin brother's company, Lisa has been working as a contract writer in creating educational materials for this upstart company, and Chris is the angel investor who is silent and acting as the facilities manager for the building the company is working out of. There are lots of alluring moments between these two as they flirt and get to know each other. Chris is absolutely charmed by Lisa from the start, and it is so delightful to see him fall for her, because he is able to see past her physical beauty to the inner strength and genius. I really enjoyed that there was a build up of friendship and getting to know each other before they went on their first date. I also loved that through their dating they were able to really show each other that they understood the other in a deeper way.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was lighthearted, funny, sweet & sexy.
The love scenes were hot and steamy, what I really liked was the description of the characters from each other's perspective, so I could see how each one felt equally for each other.
I would recommend this if you are looking for a fast paced romance, that feels very comforting and leaves you with a smile on your face. I am looking forward to continuing on in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley & Michele Lenard for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

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ARC received for review

A nice love story with some steamy scenes and a little bit of drama. Netgalley has it under the Erotic, and I don't agree with that.

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Unfortunately I was not a fan of this book. It had much more of a insta-/love-at-first-sight vibe than I was expecting. Sometimes this can work, but I felt like the hero was making up a version of the heroine instead of falling for her as a person instantly. The way Chris was introduced also didn't sit right with me. He doesn't seem very likable and, yes, a lot of the things that happen during the first meeting can be explained, but also... He created the very awkward and somewhat shady circumstances. I just couldn't really bring myself to like him after that. The way he speaks to his brother about Lisa also left me with a weird feeling. I liked Lisa a lot better, but unfortunately she wasn't enough to salvage the unlikable hero.

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Purely Novel Intent is my first book by author Michele Lenard.

This was a quick-paced, entertaining contemporary romance. The story is about Lisa, an aspiring children's author and closet romance author, and Chris, a millionaire investor. These two meet at Chris' twin brother's company, Lisa has been working as a contract writer in creating educational materials for this upstart company, and Chris is the angel investor who is silent and acting as the facilities manager for the building the company is working out of.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

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Are you in the mood for a hot and steamy office romance? Then pick up a copy of Purely Novel Intent Michele Lenard. This story takes place in Mile High City, and the two main characters, Lisa and Chris, have amazing sexual chemistry.

Lisa works for an educational start-up and hopes to one day be a children's book author. However, she has found tremendous success authoring romances, and she writes under a pseudonym in order to ensure her anonymity. Chris is one of the most successful Angel investors in the Denver area, and he is the lead investor in his twin brother's start-up, Lisa's place of employment. They both have never been in a long-term relationship and overtime they fall into lust and love.

I enjoyed this book but the pace was a bit slow for my tastes. The characters were well developed and various parts of the book were extremely eventful.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

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3.5 stars. The relationship between the MCs is the real highlight of this novel. They have great chemistry, but they also take the time to develop their relationship at a pace that feels natural. I can understand how and why they grew to like each other, instead of just falling into instalove. Once they do make their way to each other, the physical side of their relationship is wonderfully spicy and inventive! There's fun and passion and genuine affection in their encounters.

Another strong point is the side relationships between the MCs and their families and friends. I especially appreciated the way the men supported and helped each other along. In terms of their conflicts, I feel like Chris got off unfairly easy. Lisa was understanding and supportive of his secrets and he did not entirely return the favor for her at first. While he did attempt to explain himself, I felt she was owed more groveling than she got!

Where I struggled a bit was with the amount of time and attention paid to the businesses in which the MCs are involved. While it's always interesting to learn a little something about a new field, there was a lot of detailed information about angel investing, corporate espionage, data security, educational software, and the business of writing. These are fields of a more niche interest (as to opposed athletics, creative arts, etc.) so one's interest in hearing about them in-depth may vary.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

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“What makes a good romance?”

Emotions, right? You want to fall in love with idea of love. The idea of two characters who face so many trials and tribulations and are able to triumph and come out the other side. You want to feel that hope. The hope that just maybe, what you read in your favourite stories on paper, can happen for you too. People want to love, love. I mean, do we not all want to find that one soul that mirrors our own? I think we do.

I love romance. It’s my favourite genre to read. It captivates me in a way I can’t even explain. It’s happiness overtakes my body and it feeds my soul in a way that fills my heart. Romance is a ‘feeling’ that presents unconditional love and warmth.

📚 Purely Novel Intent 📚 by Michele Lenard, gives you that feeling.

It’s not overly hot or sexy, its more of a cute feel good novel. There’s a little bit of spice, a whole lot of sweetness, and two really adorable characters.

Lisa, a closet romance writer, decides to work at an up incoming educational company in hopes to learn the ropes that will help fulfill her dreams in writing a children’s book. She struggles with the possibility that some may judge her in the fact, if you write romance - you can’t write for kids; as if the two are mutually exclusive, when it actuality they are completely separate.

Chris is Mr. Moneybags. Both silent partner and majority investor to said up incoming educational company, AND twin brother to said company’s founder. We watch Chris struggle with some business adventures within this story but his main storyline is finding real love. Love that has nothing to do with how deep his pockets are but who he actually is as a person.

One of my favourite lines in this story comes from Lisa when she asks Chris, “What do you want?” My heart warmed when he answers, “Happiness.”

This is what makes a good romance! Happiness, joy, love, and warmth!

Thank you NetGalley, Michele Lenard, and the published for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!! Good luck and he’s of wishes in the future success of this novel!

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