Providence

This is an interesting book with well developed, well written characters and an interesting narrative about photography, wealth, eroticism, and having a purposeful life. Rebekiah receives a huge inheritance after the death of a friend and just wants rid of it. She doesn't want her work or her life to be tainted by money. She approaches a company of wealth managers to help her achieve the divestment. Enter Lindsay who is happy to help Rebekiah with her wishes but also wants to have her consider what other options she has. They come to an agreement which pushes both well beyond their comfort zones.The writing is fast paced and the characters are likeable even if the behaviours are outside anything I am familiar - or comfortable - with. The changes are slow and seem to fit and the results are satisfying. I won't put any spoilers here but I felt good at the end that this is what Rebekiah and Lindsay would do. Nothing too stretching but they both grow and develop in a credible way.Recommended if you want something light and entertaining that is a bit different.I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

First book out of the gate, Hays did an awesome job. I will look forward to many more of her books, I actually preordered her newest release set for Nov. 10th.

Rebekiah is an erotic photographer. She inherits a large sum of money from her friend Emma, after two years of caretaking for her. Emma’s death causes for Rebekiah to close herself off from intimate relationships. Lindsey is a management consultant who has no time for intimate relationships. Spending six months of the year in different countries, Lindsey just doesn’t have the time which romantic partners usually desire. Rebekiah wants to give the inheritance away and Lindsey thinks she can convince Rebekiah to invest it wisely. In order for Rebekiah to be open to taking Lindsey’s advice she makes a bold move to pose for Rebekiah, in order to earn her trust. After a few photography sessions and business meetings, are they willing to admit to themselves the instant attraction they felt for each other is growling into something more?This was a slow-burn romance, at first. The first part of the book I appreciated the nuggets of lust shared between the MC’s, before the steam factor went up 8 notches. Being trust was an issue for both characters, I can see why Hays decided to start the story as such. By about 65% of the way in, the book’s pace picks up. In addition, the steam factor heats up. It was definitely worth the wait. I loved how light BDSM was incorporated into their scenes together. Being trust was the issue both characters suffered from, Hays used the BDSM sex scenes as an instrument to allow each to put down their walls. The power play is very hot, I must admit. In addition, the BDSM scenes are well written and choreographed. Not all sex scenes are BDSM-esque. But all are well-written and delectable. Overall, the sex scenes show variety and are described in a beautiful manner. I appreciate how Hays uses her intimate scenes in a sincere manner, both sex and non-sexual scenes. Showing vulnerability towards each other and growing trust within each other, for each other. It’s their interaction, not just words but body language and tone. This writing style not just tells but shows the reader these two MCs are falling in love...making their moment of verbal expression realistic. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and Rebekiah’s dog, who really stole a few scenes ❤️ Definitely an author I plan to look out for, as this was her debut novel.

I liked the plot to the story. However the story seemed rushed. I understand it’s based through out the year. But the author didn’t go into depth on how the characters connected. They meet, they are together and then it’s over. I felt there were a lot of threads started but not finished. If that makes sense