Loved Callum and Ava.

I really enjoyed reading "The CEO." It was a warm, feel-good romance which takes place in Sydney. The characters are very well developed and the story kept me interested throughout. I intend to go back and read the previous books by this author. From what I've read, this is the most recent book in a series. It was great as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I missed anything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this fun romance!

The three Malone brothers are attending their father’s funeral when Callum’s ex-wife, Lulu, together with her boyfriend and sister, Ava, also attend to pay their condolences. Callum is the CEO of the family business, whilst his other two brothers have nothing to do with it on a day to day basis - one is a world renowned photographer and the other an international surfing champion. Ava is a landscape architect who has always been so awful to Callum that he nicknamed her Ava the Terrible. Little did he - or his ex-wife - know, that was to hide her love for him. Now he’s been divorced for a year, he wants her to landscape his gardens and attractions run riot! Can they get over their past to move on to a future together? Will his marriage to Lulu and subsequent divorce mean there’s no HEA for him and Ava?

This is the second book I’ve read with the Malone brothers in it and I’ve enjoyed them both - the first was 'The Millionaire'. I particularly like how the author portrays her characters, bringing them to life, warts and all. A great plot with plenty of twists to keep the reader entertained and surprises, too, as the story progresses. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this as a great feel-good romance to escape into.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The CEO is the second in the Millionaire Malones series and takes us back into the world of the super sexy Malone brothers at a time of great sadness, and great change for all of them.

We pick up at the funeral of William James Malone, father of the Malone brothers. It is the first time they have all come together in a while and they haven't always seen eye to eye. The relationships are still strained but they come together to farewell their larger-than-life father and finalise his affairs.

My only real issue with this book, apart from the fact that it's a novella and way too short, is I found it really hard to get my head around the fact that Callum's ex-wife came to the funeral, and dragged her sister with her. I understand that even after couples separate you sometimes get the ex coming to pay their respects, usually after they have been together for a long time and shared a bond with the deceased and that just didn't seem to be the case here. We soon discover that there is a lot more than meets the eye here; and besides they needed to attend for the rest of the story to play out.

Callum is the CEO of the family's multi-national business, and recent owner of a gorgeous beachside house. But not any old beach, the views from his balcony are of a secluded beach with limited access. Being at the helm of Malone Enterprises has meant he hasn't spent a lot of time in the new house and he hasn't made it homey. Discovering that Ava Gibson, his ex-sister-in-law, is a talented landscape designer prompts him to hire her for his multi-level garden; as a distraction but not the way you might think.

Callum is scarred by the failure of his marriage and a little bitter about being the brother shouldering the responsibility for Malone Enterprises, and his life revolves around his work. He seems to be one of the good guys, trying to live a quiet laid-back life in spite of his wealth.

There is more to this story than meets the eye and it isn't until near the end that the pieces come together.

The chemistry between Callum and Ava is palpable but one of them runs as soon as things start to look a little real. Ava couldn't possibly allow anything to happen, he's her sister's ex-husband and that is totally wrong; and Callum isn't going to risk giving his heart to another woman after the devastation he felt in the wake of his divorce.

We, of course, see more of Chris and Cooper, the other two Malone brothers and spend a little time catching up on their lives. Chris and Ellie have married and are expecting their first child and are ecstatically living their happily ever after. Cooper is still an enigma but from the beginning I just knew that all would be revealed in a third Millionaire Malones story.

The remainder of the review will be live at Beauty and Lace.

I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from Tule Publishing for an honest review (thank you!). This is the 2nd book about 3 brothers. The first book was The Millionaire about Chris/Ellie. Although I have not read that one, I felt like I wasn't missing too much by starting with this. Although I am going to go back and read that and look forward to the 3rd brother's story.

Ava fell in love with her sister's boyfriend (and later husband) the first time she met him. She took the old classic girl/boy likes boy/girl and acted like she hated him (no piggy tail pulling or bra snapping). They meet again at Callum's (great name!) father's funeral and he is immediately drawn to the challenge and mystery of why she's always "hated" him. He ends up hiring her as his landscaper and slowly realizes there's more to her than he ever saw. His past with her sister (now ex-wife) was complicated and interesting.

I have to admit I was seriously surprised she had the balls to show up at the funeral and since his father didn't like her. Considering why/how she left him, maybe don't bring her boyfriend with you? Either way, it's the catalyst to Ava and Callum starting over and ultimately having their own HEA.

This story is just lovely, it left me smiling and feeling all warm inside, there wasn't an element in the story that I didn't enjoy.
The brothers mourning and sorrow at the loss of their father were real, the conflicted feelings they were having, mixed with tender childhood memories, authentic and touching.
The look into Chris and Ellie's life, from the previous book, was a joy, to see them so happy together, starting a family.
The connection between Callum and Ava before hadn't been the best, but as they now get to know each other as individuals, their feelings grow. Callum is charming, solid, loyal, and trustworthy. I loved how, despite the divorce, he was showing respect towards his ex, Lulu. Ava's loyalty to her sister was admirable.
I liked how the development of the relationship played out, it was natural, beautiful, and passionate. The epilogue was absolutely perfect, giving the book a wonderful ending. This really was a perfect summer read, feel good, cheerful, tender, and touching story, that flows well, has enough depth to be moving, the conflict wasn't too overwhelming, and the lovers were adorable
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Book two in the Millionnaire Malones series is a feel good romance with some surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed it and whilst I do wish I'd read this series in order, it could easily be a standalone read.

"Sex is never complicated. It's what come after that is complicated."

With a great chemistry, Ava and Callum were endearing characters, although I must confess I was a little wary over the fact that he is her sisters ex-husband, but it worked. It does have that insta-love feel to it but it was well-written and Victoria Purman is an author I would certainly read again. 3.5 stars.

Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Ava has been in love with Callum since the day her sister introduced his to the family as her new boyfriend. Ava wasn’t sure she truly believed in love at first sight – yet her feelings for Callum haven’t changed in five years. Through being Lulu’s boyfriend, fiance, husband and then ex-husband — Ava has hidden her feelings of love for Callum as intense hatred. She shows disdain and disinterest in him from that first day onward. She has insulted his family, his wealth, his business, his person until everyone around her, including Callum and Lulu truly believe that she cannot stand the sight of him.

The Malone family was gathered in the cemetery in the pouring rain. The three Malone brothers had just put their father to his final rest. Surprisingly, Lulu, her new boyfriend and Ava were also there to pay their respects. Somehow everyone ended up at Callum’s home after the funeral – and Ava was brought into his circle once again. She tried her best to continue with her hatred act, but it was slipping.

The CEO is such a touching, loving story. We watch two people change their attitudes towards each other and let emotions grow naturally between them, in spite of their past. Ava grows so much, grows past such a barrier wall that she had built over the years to find the happiness that she and the man she’s always loved truly deserve.

I would highly recommend The CEO as a wonderful, touching romance that anyone would enjoy. Looking forward to the next novel in this series, even as I head over to Amazon to pick up the first one.. now I need to get to know all the Malone men and their lovely ladies.

*I received an e-ARC of The CEO from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

This is a lovely and loving romance, one of Tule Publishing's Holiday Books series, and book number two in the Millionaire Malones, about the three Malone brothers. The first Millionaire Malone was one of the Hot Aussie Nights series. This one is definitely worth of the Hot Aussie Nights title as well.
The oldest Malone brother, Callum, is divorced from our heroine's sister. Our heroine has been in love with Callum since before her sister had married him. She has treated him with disdain, he mentally dubbed her Ava the Terrible. But when they meet again, a year after the divorce, major sparks fly. He decides to see if he can get to her, and he does, but not in the way he expected. And the ick factor of the hero being her sister's ex is handled really well.
I loved the first novella in the Millionaire Malones and I look forward to reading the next, about the third Malone brother.

Excellent story of forbidden love and what it takes to make it! Very well written and the characters of Callum and Ava work great together.

After secretly loving her ex brother-in-law for years, Ava Gibson finds herself thrust into his world after attending the funeral of his father. Callum always knew Ava didn't like him but he never really understood why. Now, working with her while she landscapes the grounds of his home he finds himself determined to prove to her he's more than she gives him credit for.

This is a quick light read that I highly recommend!

Callum is the CEO of the family company since his father semi-retired. His father died shortly before the beginning of the book and the story starts with the funeral. Ava is his ex's sister and is at the funeral as moral support for her sister who's doing the polite thing. Ava has being in love with Callum for the last five years, pretending to hate him as a front to protect herself. The divorce was finalized a year ago and Callum and Ava didn't see each others since. They're in for a surprise when sparks fly.

The ebook was a nice summer read. I absolutely recommand this book to the romance lovers out there!

Ava has been in love with Callum since the day her sister LuLu brought him home to meet the family. Since he belonged to her sister, he was off limits so she hid her feelings by saying she didn't like him. When Callum and Lulu's marriage ended, Ava was angry with him....but she didn't know the truth of their breakup. But, even with her anger, she couldn't get him out of her mind.

Now Ava has the professional opportunity of a lifetime - to do the landscaping at Callum's house. She isn't sure she can work for him until Callum presents her with an offer she can't refuse.

The day Callum met Ava, he dubbed her Ava The Terrible because Ava had never been shy about revealing her disdain for he and his wealthy family. Callum doesn't know what happened but now he can't stop thinking about how Ava will look naked.

Maybe working on the landscaping job will allow them to see what may have been right in front of them. I really enjoyed this book, it is well written and well paced. In addition, the characters are likable. I look forward to reading more in the series.

A pleasant read with more of the Malone brothers and their heated presence that have readers ever present attention. Callum Malone is the integral Malone brother in this installment of the series. Ava adds a touch of sweetness to the story with her feelings on Callum. A story set in Australia with a backdrop of Sydney. A nice addition to The Millionaire Malones series.
4 stars
*Review copy received from Tule Publishing

Enjoyed yet another story set in Australia.

The characters were relateable, and I really did enjoy the story line. I'm not sure if I would've been okay with my sister marrying my ex-husband, but, hey! It's a novel, and I am certainly not complaining.

P.S. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exhange for my review.

4.5 stars

The CEO was a very entertaining, heartfelt read.

I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the setting. I'm from Sydney and loved that I knew the area and locations the book was set in. Believe me the beaches and views are just as amazing/breathtaking as the author describes.

I connected with both Callum and Ava, they had amazing chemistry and seeing them open themselves up to each other left me with a heart full of love.

The CEO was a well written heartfelt novella that I highly recommend, looking forward to reading more from Victoria Purman in the near future.

Thank you Tule Publishing via Netgalley for the advance copy

A feel-good novel with warm and enjoyable characters. An undemanding fairytale just right for reading on holiday.

I receive an ARC from netgalley for an honest review. Great story, I enjoy reading this book. For me this is the first of this series and I love it. Can't wait to read book 1 and 3.

I really love this series. I read the first book when it came out based on Cal's brother and his now SIL Ellie. This story features our hero Callum (Cal) who is divorced. The book opens up at his fathers funeral where his ex wife, her boyfriend and sister all are attending. His ex wife is the younger sister to our heroine, Ava.. While the divorce was mostly friendly, the father thought the family was way below Callum and hated his ex wife so it was very weird for them to all attend.

If that is not bad enough they have a get together after the funeral at Cal's house, where Cal discovers Ava is a landscaper and he hires her to work for him. This whole scenario was beyond believable. I would have understood it more if they were at a party and ran into each other but I am americn so maybe they do things differently in Australia.

Now here is the big kicker, Ava has been in love with Cal for 5 years, since the second she met him. She became this mean person to disguise her love. Cl never saw her as anything more than a pain in the neck.. To distract himself from the loneliness of his divorce he decides bugging Ava could be fun. Thats how it starts.

Now before I go on, the whole sister thing is not my cup of tea. No matter what, sleeping with two sisters is very icky to me.And I really liked that Ava felt the same way.. Cal doesn't care he just wants to grab some happiness no matter who that was and I respected that..

In the end I really loved the story, I really enjoyed both lead characters and the writing was wonderful. It was a fun and light read.

This is the second book in this series and I love reading about these powerful rich Aussies that are so down to earth. This story was sweet, steamy and heartfelt with likable characters that had a wonderful sizzling connection. I got a good feel for the story right away and liked Ava and Callum immediately. They are both such sweet people that love and care with all their hearts. I liked that push and pull they had on each other, which made for some really nice chemistry. It was also so much fun to watch their relationship develop as well as the witty banter and how it all played out. Ava has had a been in love with Callum for five years since her sister brought her fiancé home, and nobody had any idea. She pretended that she hated him instead so no one would know her true feeling. Now even though her sister Lulu and Callum are no longer married there is no way she can hurt her sister with her cheating ex. But when Callum hires her to landscape his home, the sizzling chemistry is undeniable. Callum is the CEO of Malone Enterprises he has been divorced for a year and although he is happy for his ex-wife that she has found what she wanted, where does that leave him with only work and no love life. So when Callum sees Lulu's older sister Ava the Terrible with her funny smart mouth, and her hotter than hot body even with a bug up her ass. He is determined to get inside and find out why she hated him since the day Lulu brought him home. Loved this wonderful sweet, steamy heart warming story of finding your true love! Highly Recommend. I couldn't put it down and was up till the wee hours to finish the journey to their Happy. Was a feel good story that left me smiling at the end. Received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I feel so bad for Ava. She not only has feelings for another woman’s man, but it is her own sister so she has to see them together all of the time. She copes the only way she knows how and hides it behind a façade of dislike. I just can’t imagine how she handled it for as long as she did.

When Cal makes Ava a job offer that she can’t pass up, the two spend time together and get to know one another better. And the more Ava sees of Cal, the more her long-held feelings grow. It also allows Cal to see the woman behind the mask she’s worn around him for so many years, showing him a woman that he finds very attractive. But there are so many hurdles for the two, considering their history. Are their feelings enough?

Purman deftly delivers detailed characters with a unique problem. I found it very difficult to put the book down, speeding thru the pages, hurrying to get to that HEA ending. And while I was a little curious how it would feel to be with your sister’s ex (as an only child I would think that Christmas dinner would be a little uncomfortable :) ), I think that it was handled very tastefully here. Ava and Lulu have a chance to finally discuss what happened (on all sides) and for Ava to come to terms with her feelings for Cal. It helped make that HEA even more complete.

**This is the second in this series about three brothers, but (of course) I haven’t read the first. I don’t think that it really impacted anything so you are probably pretty safe starting here.**

Reading Victoria Purman is like snuggling into a warm and familiar blanket ... so comfortable that you feel right at home from the first page. Well, that's how it is for me at any rate, and that was certainly the case when I started reading The CEO. Callum Malone is the middle of the Malone boys, the businessman and dutiful son who took over the reigns of his family business empire when his father let things slip. He's also a lonely man who feels the burden of his responsibilities.
Ava has been in love with Callum for five years, ever since her sister Lulu introduced him to her family as the man she was going to marry. Ava is a loyal sister, so she goes out of her way to disguise her feelings by being just plain snarky around Callum. When Lulu's marriage to Callum ends, Ava assumes Callum is to blame, yet she still can't get over her feelings for him. When he asks her to landscape his garden she is tempted to refuse but it's an offer that's too good to overlook. Despite asking Ava to do the landscaping just to make her squirm, it doesn't take Callum long to discover there's another side to Ava The Terrible, one he'd like to know better.
This book flows really well from beginning to end. The plot is well developed. The setting in some of Sydney's nicer suburbs works well, and you can just smell the ocean in some places. The characters are realistic and easy to like, and all of this makes for great weekend reading. I can't wait to meet the next Malone brother!

Ava had a few thoughts on her ex-brother-in-law, Callum~ self-absorbed, spoiled and inconsiderate (just to name a few). Even though her sister has found happiness in a new man, Ava still holds a grudge again Callum...not to mention a secret crush!! By chance Ava lands the job to do landscaping for Callum's home and she is forced to confront the crush she has been suppressing!!

The CEO was a fun, quick and enjoyable book. I read it all in one sitting and enjoyed it just as much as the first book. Even if you haven't read the first book (The Millionaire) you could read The CEO and not be lost. This is the perfect light beach read and I want to thank Victoria Purman for writing another great book!!

We want to thank Victoria Purman, Tule Publishing and Net Galley for providing us this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Couldn't find on good reads. But was a cute story line. With some interesting chard,lctetd

The CEO by Victoria Purman is the second Malone Brother book I have read. It is just as good as the first brother’s, Chris, story. I loved catching up with Chris and Ellie at the beginning of Callum’s story. However, I want to point out that this novella can be read without having read The Millionaire.

One of the things I like best about this author is how well developed the characters are even in this novella series. I snickered a little at Callum’s nickname for Ava, as Ava the Terrible. I think that thought of his is insightful for both of the characters. As true feelings are revealed, that nickname no longer holds true. I liked also how the ex-wife is not a terrible person, just the wrong one for Callum. Most of all I like how these stories feel complete and satisfying even though they are novellas.

4.5 Stars

I very much enjoyed Victoria Purman's The CEO. I was immediately drawn into Callum and Ava's story. I found both Callum and Ava strong characters with that soft side, a vulnerability that they work to keep hidden. I'm looking forward to reading more of Purman's Millionaire Malones.

Callum has is all figured out and he is ready to take on the world. Now that his dad past away he is starting to question and wonder whats really head and how much more he can face before everything crashes in. When at the funeral he runs in to the last person he expect and starts to wonder what could have been. Ava has "hate" him for five years or at least thats what she has told her sister. But she's not the only one hiding a secret and she seems surprised when her sister finally comes clean but she realizes this opens the door for her to come clean to not just her sister but to all involved.

This was a really fun and short read. The sexual chemistry was really built up. The book really didn't seem to far fetched but all has you wondering what is going to happen next also. If you have read the first book you will definitely want to read this one to catch up with the characters from the first one and find out whats happening now. I love the quirkiness of the brothers and the bond they seem to share the author did a good job not portraying them as rich jerks. If you are looking for a quick and fun read you want to check out this fun book for sure.

To be honest this book felt a little rushed or maybe the timeline was so short that it felt hurried. I felt that maybe Ava's conflicted feelings should have been highlighted some more. True she'd been in love with Cal for so long but the angst about him being her sister's ex could have been stronger. If I'd been in her place I'd probably speak to my sister first before falling into bed her ex.

But in spite of that I still really enjoyed the book. The story was realistic enough to relate to and Cal's character was well defined. There was also a nice link up to "The Millionaire" and a good build up for the next book "The Rebel".

OH YEAH (lol)....Who doesn't want to read a short romance story about a landscaper and her CEO ex brother-in-law?!?! Cue ... #FANTASTIC! And Victoria Purman delivered! This story had spunk and energy and sexy and it was just FUN!
ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review

Ava Gibson has a career she loves and would do anything for her sister, even going with her to the funeral of her former father-in-law, despite her obvious dislike of LuLu's ex-husband. Already in turmoil, Callum Malone was surprised to see not only his ex-wife, but Ava at the funeral. Well aware of her feelings toward him, he is surprises himself into offering her the job of landscaping his new place, basically a job that can shoot her business to the next level. Unable to turn him down, Ava has to find a way to deal with the man she loved since she first met him, the same man who divorced her sister. Callum has enough to worry about taking all the responsibility for the family company. He isn't looking for a relationship, especially after the way his marriage ended. Definitely not with his former sister-in-law who has always hated him. As these two spend time together, each find that what they believe about the other may not actually be true, and maybe they are right for each other.
What a fun story. There is so much emotion and character packed into a novella that it feels much longer. I enjoyed revisiting the Malones and learning more about them, and especially where things are with Chris and Ellie. We also find the brothers reconnecting and trying to come to terms with their past and how it fits into their future. The author's descriptions of the scenery transported you into the story and her character development made me feel I knew them. A really enjoyable read that, while part of the series, can easily be read as a stand alone novella.

These two were emitting enough fire I'm surprised no one called for a hose. The CEO is centered around Ava and Callum. Ava was a person who would put the feelings of others before and her own. She was fine with being in the background and not drawing attention to herself. Callum has it all. His flashy lifestyle and wealth make him the center of attention. Wonderful idea to have the two main characters wishing they could swap places. Ava the center of attention and Callum have more of a normal life. Maybe that is what drew them to each other originally. Dealing with feelings of guilt, misplacement and love had them questioning it all. The CEO is about making important decisions and listening to the heart.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Tule Publishing for an honest review. "The CEO" by Victoria Purman is book two in the "Millionaire Malones" series. This is Callum Malone and Ava Gibson's story.

Callum is CEO of his family's business and has gone through a tough divorce. Ava has had a thing for Callum for years. The problem is that Callum is her sister's ex-husband. Ava has hidden how she feels about Callum so well that everyone thinks she hates him.

Ava ends up landscaping Callum's yard at his new house. It was a job she couldn't turn down. Will Ava be able to continue to hide her feelings for Callum?

This was a great and fun short read. The chemistry and attraction between Callum and Ava was intense. There were a few surprises and twist in the book. I loved how Callum and his brothers interacted with each other. The author did a great job with all the characters. You felt like they were your friends. This can be read as a standalone book. I haven't read the first book in the series but I want to go back and read it to get to know Chris and Ellie's story. Also, looking forward to reading the third book in this series. I really enjoyed this book and watching Callum and Ava's love grow.
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