I don't like reviews that "gush"...they build my expectations up too high and I'm usually disappointed. Because we're all unique...I've learned what floats your boat might sink mine....etc. and so on, and all that. Therefore, I usually stick to the 3 star reviews...they're more honest. So at the risk of gushing over a story, here I go. This story wasn't easy to put down---even when my life and duty were threatening me. It has a fun and witty beginning with 25 y/o Sophie Darling being seated on a plane next to a stuffy (but hawt) stuffed shirt...aaaaaaand the fun begins. Because Sophie is an outrageous, intelligent, warm, curvaceous platinum blond (this month), hottie. She's fun, chatty, vibrant and full of life. She's unpredictable and refreshing and I loved her. She can't help but poke the bear.But it was Gabriel "Scottie" Scott who stole the show for me. Gabriel Scott is a very serious, prickly, stodgy English snob who values his privacy and keeps everyone, even loved ones, at arms length. He's one stern, rigid and yummy piece of hawt cheeze who's bored with women coming onto him. He's scorching ice...a testosterone menace. Too, too handsome, never smiles...always in control of himself and all things...he's a cold, emotionless machine who never seeks a relationship. Ever. His motto is: "When you don't yearn for anything, nothing can let you down". I loved his complex, arrogant, persnickety character who looks down his nose at everyone...who loves his solitude even though he'd never admit to being sometimes, very lonely. The most important thing in his life is managing the rock band, Kill John, and its members, who are closer than family to him. There's nothing he wouldn't do for them.I quickly became addicted to this story. Couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end but couldn't read fast enough. It held me captive, often forcing laughter outta me and I'd reread paragraphs and pages just for the fun of it all. Superb, original and witty dialogue that holds throughout the story and builds up anticipation nicely. Sophie was such a breath of fresh air. So full of life; and she could see right through Gabriel. She's happy and vivacious but battling her own demons; she doesn't realize how transparent she is to Gabriel. A wonderful romantic story of a rigid and proud man who struggles to maintain his rules and regulations he puts on himself, but longs to let go when he meets this platinum blond tornado. It's about Gabriel facing the demise of his rigid persona and the birth of his new life. This story was nicely paced...told in 1st person with such clever dialogue balanced perfectly with narration. Sex scenes are explicit and steamy, but they're few and don't overpower the plot. Character descriptions are strong and the author never let my mind wander or forget what our protagonists looked like. She gave me detailed descriptions giving me the perfect visual and I immediately connected. Great controversy, drama and angst.Even though I've read this author before, let it be known that I didn't receive an ARC and I am not acquainted with her.