Managed (VIP, #2)

by Kristen Callihan

[stacey_is_sassy]

…I think I started Managed with rose coloured glasses on.

***4.5 Stars***

After reading Managed, I’m trying to imagine how I would react if David Gandy sat beside me on a flight to London. OH MY LORDY!! Besides major heart failure (and possibly some drooling), I can honestly say that I would probably pretend to be asleep through the whole flight. See, even though I think Mr Gandy is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, I know there is NO WAY IN HELL I’d have the courage to talk to him. What if…I was 20 years younger (OMG…when did I get old???), single and Mr Gandy was scared of flying and needed to hold my hand? Hmmm…

You may or may not know this but I think Mr Gandy is a beautiful man. Hubby knows and shakes his head at me but he also knows that it’s just an admiration for his good looks. Mr Gandy is my free crush. Hubby has one too. He’ll probably kill me for telling you all, but he had a huge crush on Alyssa Milano when she was in Who’s The Boss? I think it’s pretty safe to say that neither of us will be running off with our free crush…so it’s all good.

Gabriel aka Scottie, was described in Idol, the first book in this series, as looking like David Gandy. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED IN MY LIFE (slight exaggeration). I love it when I can picture a character in my mind. I’ll admit, I think I enjoyed Managed even more because of it. It wasn’t just that he looked like David Gandy (BIG BONUS), it was that I could see him. I was able to imagine the faces he would pull and hear his British accent. It was easy to fall in love with his character and it felt more intimate… real… emotional because I felt like I knew him. Poor David Gandy (the real one). The next time the poor bugger gets on the plane women will be offering to cuddle him if the plane gets bumpy.

Sophie Darling is heading overseas for a job interview and can’t believe her luck when she’s been moved to first class. Nothing could be better than travelling first class…until she sees who is sitting next to her. Hubba Hubba…he is the most beautiful specimen she has EVER SEEN. It’s a shame he’s such a jerk. Sophie, being a wee bit of a smart mouth decides to have a bit of fun at his expense. What follows is a very intense snark battle that both of them thoroughly enjoy. Then…they hit turbulence.

Gabriel Scott does not fly well. He reserves two seats in first class to avoid anyone seeing him vulnerable. Imagine his delight (HORROR) when his spare seat is occupied by a loud mouthed bombshell with curves to die for and big red lips. Putting up his ice fortress doesn’t seem to deter her and lucky for him too because she manages to distract him from a panic attack more than once. If he can just get through this flight…he’ll never have to face this sexy woman again.

HA HA HA!! Guess who Sophie’s meeting in London? You guessed it, Gabriel’s business partner.

I would almost call the romance between Gabriel and Sophie a slow burn. There is an attraction from the very beginning but neither of them is comfortable with starting a relationship. The more time they spend with each other, the more they become addicted to being in each others company. Once they do become intimate it is HOT!!

I really enjoyed Managed from start to finish. I loved Sophie and Gabriel’s characters. Neither of them is as they seem. Sophie comes across as extremely confident but deep down she finds herself lacking. There was a time in her life where she didn’t like herself at all. She’s better now, but it doesn’t take much for her vulnerability to show through. Gabriel comes across as very unemotional. The more we get to know him and the more time he spends in Sophie’s company, we see that he has made work his life to avoid heartbreak. It was beautiful to see them grow and connect.

I loved catching up with the gang. Jax seems better, Killian and Libby seem happy together and Rye and Whip are still causing mischief. I’m thinking that I want Brenna’s story next. I have this feeling that she has some unfinished business with the goofy one.

I thoroughly enjoyed Managed and definitely recommend it.