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New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd, one of the most acclaimed authors of historical romance, makes a dazzling foray into contemporary fiction in this intriguing and sensuous novel about a hard-working young woman who mistakenly falls in love with Boston's wealthiest bachelor. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and þattered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable -- marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together....… (more)
User reviews
Enter Zachariah Givens, a corporate raider, who keeps all but his family and one best friend at a distance. Zack’s longtime assistant is going on vacation and has set up an account at an answering service for the time she is gone since her boss is a technophobe (fax machines eat the papers, phone buttons flash confusingly…). The first time Givens calls the service and speaks to Hope, he is hooked – drawn in by her sultry voice, her friendly manner and her obvious caring for all of her clients. Only one thing – Hope thinks she’s speaking with Givens’ butler – Griswald. Oops. When Hope makes her thoughts clear regarding wealthy, uncaring employers – and Givens in particular – Givens decides to let the deception continue.
The story was entertaining, if a bit improbable. Hope’s a smart woman and yet she falls for Zack’s deception without hesitation. Moreover, she is more than a little gullible in other instances making for a frustrating read. Additionally, there’s a crisis that is completely unbelievable, unrealistic and unreasonable – also adding to the frustration.
The best part of the story is Aunt Cecily, Zack’s outspoken and outrageous aunt, as well as a scene in which Cecily and Zack’s parents discuss his problems as if he’s not even in the room (definitely a good chuckle). This is the first in the Lost Hearts trilogy. I may read the next in the series as I generally like books by Christina Dodd, but I’m not going to rush as there are more – and better – books on Mt. TBR waiting for me.
Rating: 3 stars
First, I hate billionaire novels, but this one worked for me. A Cinderella story, with a gutsy heroine and a repressed hero. Loved it.