It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.
I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.
That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.
I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.
If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.
Let the battle begin…
Source: an advance e-galley from the author in exchange for an honest review
OH. MY. LAWD! I have been waiting for this since I was done with Idol. At first, a story about Gabriel Scott, manager for mega famous band, Kill John, did not seem like the likely follow up to me. Good thing I'm not in charge of the decision making. I really liked Idol but Managed is something else!
Managed has so many incredible things to recommend it, one of them being the perfectly timed banter. When it's done right, it's everything. The banter here is not only witty and entertaining but showcases both Gabriel and Sophie's personalities so well. Gabriel is supposed to be insanely handsome, almost intimidatingly so to the point that most people are awestruck in his presence (I know I'd be a babbling mess). Not Sophie though. I have never adored a female character more. She has no qualms saying whatever is on her mind and thank goodness for that because she is hysterical! It's almost too good to pass up when he offers her a unique proposal while they join Kill John on their European tour. If there's one thing they can agree on, it's that they're both pretty messed up. Through their special arrangement, she's able to get Gabriel to loosen up (begrudgingly, I might add). It's rather alarming to the consummate professional who always seems to have his sh** together but it's nice to see him lighten up, and also sad to see what has made him so rigid. I like seeing characters explore the changes in their lives even if they're unnerved by them. These two cuddle-buddies thrown together by happenstance are exactly what they need.
There's more to the story than just Gabriel's gradually chipping armour. Sophie's past is a source of embarrassment and she's still working to escape that lowest point in her life. But if there's one thing I love about her is that she has grit. And the boys of Kill John are as mischievous as ever. It's always a blast when they're in any scene.
Kristen Callihan's muse for Gabriel is none other than, David Gandy, model and star of those sultry Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue commercials and ads. Even with knowing this, I without fail always end up inserting British actor, Richard Armitage as the face of every hot and broody British character with dark hair. Not sure why; my subconscious seems to have a thing for him and it did it here as well. Whatever the case it's a nice problem to have. Anyway, Managed is certainly the one to grab if you're all about the simmering chemistry and sharp dialogue. It'll have you gushing and squealing in delight - promise!
~ Bel
