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Simply Series #1
Simply Sinful
He’s not the man she thought he was. But when danger lurks, he’s the man she needs.
Any rookie on the force could verify if Charmed! is a legit etiquette school for businessmen, or…something else. But coming off a wrenching drug bust, Detective Kane McDermott’s captain gave him a choice. Take the fluff case, or take enforced time off.
The moment Kane meets Kayla Luck, he's in trouble. She’s fierce, keen-eyed intelligence in a body built for sin. And when they touch, the jolt of desire reminds him it’s never wise to mix police work with pleasure.
Kayla is used to handling men who are more focused on her curves than her mind. But when her newest client arrives for lessons in foreign language and business etiquette, she’s the one who can’t tear her eyes off all those muscles wrapped in a sexy, double-breasted suit.
Dinner out leads to a hot night in bed, and Kayla falls hard and fast. Until she learns the business suit hides a badge, and she calls it quits. But Kane’s already lost his heart—and discovered she’s in danger. And if he can’t convince her she’s safe with him, he’ll lose the woman he loves.
Any rookie on the force could verify if Charmed! is a legit etiquette school for businessmen, or…something else. But coming off a wrenching drug bust, Detective Kane McDermott’s captain gave him a choice. Take the fluff case, or take enforced time off.
The moment Kane meets Kayla Luck, he's in trouble. She’s fierce, keen-eyed intelligence in a body built for sin. And when they touch, the jolt of desire reminds him it’s never wise to mix police work with pleasure.
Kayla is used to handling men who are more focused on her curves than her mind. But when her newest client arrives for lessons in foreign language and business etiquette, she’s the one who can’t tear her eyes off all those muscles wrapped in a sexy, double-breasted suit.
Dinner out leads to a hot night in bed, and Kayla falls hard and fast. Until she learns the business suit hides a badge, and she calls it quits. But Kane’s already lost his heart—and discovered she’s in danger. And if he can’t convince her she’s safe with him, he’ll lose the woman he loves.
248 pages, ebook
First published February 23, 2000
About the author
Carly Phillips
325 books9,604 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
May 14, 2021
4.5 stars
The re-release of this book is still a great read and the characters and plot remain fun and intriguing. Detective Kane McDermott is put on an assignment to see if the local dating agency is running more than it says. Kayla Luck inherited Charmed! from her great aunt and wants to change up the business to offer other services as opposed to the dating help it currently offers. Kane propositions Kayla, but what happens from there is purely attraction. When he realizes that Kayla is not what he thought she was, he wants to get to know her. Then danger keeps popping up and Kane makes it his duty to protect her. I really loved this story and the characters. There is so much confusion and crossed signals that you will be cheering for them to work it out and find what they both need with each other.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
The re-release of this book is still a great read and the characters and plot remain fun and intriguing. Detective Kane McDermott is put on an assignment to see if the local dating agency is running more than it says. Kayla Luck inherited Charmed! from her great aunt and wants to change up the business to offer other services as opposed to the dating help it currently offers. Kane propositions Kayla, but what happens from there is purely attraction. When he realizes that Kayla is not what he thought she was, he wants to get to know her. Then danger keeps popping up and Kane makes it his duty to protect her. I really loved this story and the characters. There is so much confusion and crossed signals that you will be cheering for them to work it out and find what they both need with each other.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 30, 2022
Not the best, but not the worse either. Spice was good. Characters were okay. It didn’t feel like a waste of time, but it didn’t blow my socks off and it won’t be one I go back to reread (or listen again for the audiobook). I haven’t decided about giving the rest of the series a chance yet.
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November 15, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (11/15/2021)! 🎁
May 8, 2021
A loner cop meets a wary businesswoman in "Simply Sinful"- a Classic Carly Phillips title, which she updated a little before its re-release to include things like cell phones and the internet. Kane McDermott is a detective determined to live life alone, convinced that not caring for others is the only way to keep his edge and do his job. Kayla Luck has inherited a former charm school and turned it into a business teaching business etiquette. It isn't what she wants to do with her life, but she isn't ready to give up her aunt's business so soon after her aunt and uncle died in a car accident. For her, family is everything and men aren't worth the time. But there's chemistry with Kane from the beginning and she's willing to take a chance with him. Too bad he's investigating her and her business for prostitution.
The attraction between Kane and Kayla is there right from the start and never wavers. Both of them feel like they can be themselves, a comfort that usually takes ages instead of minutes. Kayla is smart enough to see this for something special. Kane is ready to run from it. The baggage both have from their pasts have created enough issues to keep a therapist happy for years. I was happy Kayla started to grow and realize that who she was at the beginning of the book and who she was towards the end were two different people and not only did she not have to go back to her old ways, she didn't want to. Poor Kane though, he was sure he could keep things the same and make it work. Thank goodness he had friends to shake him up and get him to see that emotions and caring didn't have to mean disaster! His growth was painful and sad to watch, which meant to me that Carly Phillips hit it perfectly.
Overall, "Simply Sinful" is a lovely book about emotional and personal growth, and the importance of grabbing onto that special someone when we have the chance. A fun and fast read, and a definite classic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The attraction between Kane and Kayla is there right from the start and never wavers. Both of them feel like they can be themselves, a comfort that usually takes ages instead of minutes. Kayla is smart enough to see this for something special. Kane is ready to run from it. The baggage both have from their pasts have created enough issues to keep a therapist happy for years. I was happy Kayla started to grow and realize that who she was at the beginning of the book and who she was towards the end were two different people and not only did she not have to go back to her old ways, she didn't want to. Poor Kane though, he was sure he could keep things the same and make it work. Thank goodness he had friends to shake him up and get him to see that emotions and caring didn't have to mean disaster! His growth was painful and sad to watch, which meant to me that Carly Phillips hit it perfectly.
Overall, "Simply Sinful" is a lovely book about emotional and personal growth, and the importance of grabbing onto that special someone when we have the chance. A fun and fast read, and a definite classic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2021
Kane and Kayla both have issues from their childhood. I can’t imagine what either went through. Kayla was lucky though to have her sister and an aunt where Kane only had himself. I know Kane was a good cop, but he had shut himself off emotionally for so long I was glad Kayla was able to get to him. Since Kane was trying to find out if Kayla was running a prostitution ring, he hated himself for going to far with Kayla. But he also had the other side where he wanted to protect her and didn’t want to leave her. Their relationship was up and down with lots of emotions on both sides. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
May 1, 2021
Simply Sinful the first in Ms Phillips reissued Simply Series was an enjoyable read. That nicely mixed mystery and romance to great effect and had likable characters. And I was wholly engaged throughout.
Would recommend.
**Copy provided via BookSprout in exchange for honest review**
Would recommend.
**Copy provided via BookSprout in exchange for honest review**
Shelved as 'free-on-amazon-today'
November 15, 2021🔺free 15 Nov 2021
September 14, 2013
Yuska lagi kesambet setan Harlequin!
Akhirnya, lengkap juga Simply Series gue, walaupun belinya di dua OL shop berbeda, karena stocknya Bukabuku terbatas. Setelah selesai membaca dan mereview Simply Sexy yang merupakan buku terakhir dari Simply Series, gue malah mulai membaca buku pertamanya ini. Kalau Simply Sexy lebih chicklit dengan latar belakang dunia media, Simply Sinful lebih berbau suspense dengan tokoh utama seorang detektif yang menyelediki kasus sekolah kepribadian yang memiliki bisnis underground.
Simply Sinful dibuka dengan adegan Kane, seorang detektif yang menyamar menjadi sales suatu perusahaan dengan dandanan geeky, mendatangi kantor Charmed!, pusat kursus etiket untuk businessman. I bertemu dengan Kayla, pengelola Charmed! yang charming dan merobohkan pertahanan Kane yang biasanya selalu profesional.
Mereka berkencan dan panas...panas...panas deh pokoknya. Belum apa-apa adegannya sudah melibatkan whipped cream *LOL*
Terjadi drama di kamar hotel, karena memang Kane menyelidiki Charmed! Yang menurut informan merupakan usaha prostitusi berkedok sekolah etiket. Tentu saja Kayla berang dan meninggalkan Kane di kamar hotel.
Baru melangkah masuk ke kantornya, Kayla didatangi tamu tak diundang yang mengenakan topeng. Catherine, kakaknya, datang dan menemukan Kayla terbujur di lantai. Suasana kantor juga kacau, berantakan habis digeledah oeh si garong tak dikenal.
Catherine menelepon kantor polisi. Mudah ditebak, Kane datang dengan identitas aslinya, membuat Kayla marah. Namun keadaan tidak memungkinkan Kayla untuk protes berlama-lama karena ia membutuhkan perlindungan Kane. Apalagi Kayla mendapat telepon ancaman dari si garong yang menginginkan uang tersebut.
Sebenarnyw Reid, atasan Kane, mengatakan bahwa Kayla tak perlu dijaga. Namun Kane bersikeras dan ia yakin Kayla berada dalam bahaya. Bersama-sama mereka memecahkan misteri di balik Charmed!
OK, novel ini banyak adegan ranjang, jadi tidak cocok dibaca oleh anak dibawah umur 18 tahun. Premisnya menarik, namun hubungan cinta Kayla dan Kane terkesan terburu-buru. Dibandingkan dengan Simply Sexy, gue lebih suka Simply Sexy yang lebih chicklitish dan hubungan cinta Colin dan Rina bertahap, lebih terasa chemistry-nya walau premisnya mirip dengan Simply Sinful.
Agak ganggu juga kalau tokohnya horny all the time. Bukannya menyelesaikan kasus penyerangan Kayla, detektif malah sibuk jelalatan memelototi lekuk tubuh Kayla lah, aroma shampo lemon yang membangkitkan gairah. Gue cuma bisa geleng-geleng kepala.
Seperti novel lainnya dalam Simply series bersetting di kota Boston. Novel ini ringan banget dan bisa habis dibaca dalam satu kali duduk. Bacaan menghibur di sela-sela kesibukan mengurus anak. Dan yang jelas, Simply series lebih berisi daripada the infamous 50SoG. Nggak sabar untuk melahap 3 buku lainnya dari Simply Series. Cover Simply Series simple namun terkesan sexy and sassy. Me likey! Nggak malu-maluin kalau dibawa-bawa ke tempat umum :D
Oiya, masih ditemukan typo nih.
kalalu - seharusnya kalau (hal. 62)
pegangann - seharusnya pegangan (hal. 112)
Akhirnya, lengkap juga Simply Series gue, walaupun belinya di dua OL shop berbeda, karena stocknya Bukabuku terbatas. Setelah selesai membaca dan mereview Simply Sexy yang merupakan buku terakhir dari Simply Series, gue malah mulai membaca buku pertamanya ini. Kalau Simply Sexy lebih chicklit dengan latar belakang dunia media, Simply Sinful lebih berbau suspense dengan tokoh utama seorang detektif yang menyelediki kasus sekolah kepribadian yang memiliki bisnis underground.
Simply Sinful dibuka dengan adegan Kane, seorang detektif yang menyamar menjadi sales suatu perusahaan dengan dandanan geeky, mendatangi kantor Charmed!, pusat kursus etiket untuk businessman. I bertemu dengan Kayla, pengelola Charmed! yang charming dan merobohkan pertahanan Kane yang biasanya selalu profesional.
Mereka berkencan dan panas...panas...panas deh pokoknya. Belum apa-apa adegannya sudah melibatkan whipped cream *LOL*
Terjadi drama di kamar hotel, karena memang Kane menyelidiki Charmed! Yang menurut informan merupakan usaha prostitusi berkedok sekolah etiket. Tentu saja Kayla berang dan meninggalkan Kane di kamar hotel.
Baru melangkah masuk ke kantornya, Kayla didatangi tamu tak diundang yang mengenakan topeng. Catherine, kakaknya, datang dan menemukan Kayla terbujur di lantai. Suasana kantor juga kacau, berantakan habis digeledah oeh si garong tak dikenal.
Catherine menelepon kantor polisi. Mudah ditebak, Kane datang dengan identitas aslinya, membuat Kayla marah. Namun keadaan tidak memungkinkan Kayla untuk protes berlama-lama karena ia membutuhkan perlindungan Kane. Apalagi Kayla mendapat telepon ancaman dari si garong yang menginginkan uang tersebut.
Sebenarnyw Reid, atasan Kane, mengatakan bahwa Kayla tak perlu dijaga. Namun Kane bersikeras dan ia yakin Kayla berada dalam bahaya. Bersama-sama mereka memecahkan misteri di balik Charmed!
OK, novel ini banyak adegan ranjang, jadi tidak cocok dibaca oleh anak dibawah umur 18 tahun. Premisnya menarik, namun hubungan cinta Kayla dan Kane terkesan terburu-buru. Dibandingkan dengan Simply Sexy, gue lebih suka Simply Sexy yang lebih chicklitish dan hubungan cinta Colin dan Rina bertahap, lebih terasa chemistry-nya walau premisnya mirip dengan Simply Sinful.
Agak ganggu juga kalau tokohnya horny all the time. Bukannya menyelesaikan kasus penyerangan Kayla, detektif malah sibuk jelalatan memelototi lekuk tubuh Kayla lah, aroma shampo lemon yang membangkitkan gairah. Gue cuma bisa geleng-geleng kepala.
Seperti novel lainnya dalam Simply series bersetting di kota Boston. Novel ini ringan banget dan bisa habis dibaca dalam satu kali duduk. Bacaan menghibur di sela-sela kesibukan mengurus anak. Dan yang jelas, Simply series lebih berisi daripada the infamous 50SoG. Nggak sabar untuk melahap 3 buku lainnya dari Simply Series. Cover Simply Series simple namun terkesan sexy and sassy. Me likey! Nggak malu-maluin kalau dibawa-bawa ke tempat umum :D
Oiya, masih ditemukan typo nih.
kalalu - seharusnya kalau (hal. 62)
pegangann - seharusnya pegangan (hal. 112)
Orang bodoh macam apa yang membutuhkan sekolah pesona untuk merayu wanita? (hal. 6)
Ibuku selalu berkata kalau kau tidak bisa melakukan sesuatu dengan benar, lebih baik tak usah sekalian. (hal. 55)
June 10, 2010
Let me start by saying, I really wanted to like this book. The storyline seemed interesting, if not your typical contemporary romance plot of girl meets boy, they fall in love quickly, deny their feelings for one another then come to their senses and live happily ever after.
That aside, the story started off well; the main character, Kayla Luck, inherits Charmed!, an etiquette service for business men. Detective Kane McDermott, however, has reason to believe it's a cover-up for a high class escort service instead, so he goes undercover to try to lure her into revealing the scheme.
Sadly, the book quickly lost steam after the first couple chapters. Kayla is an intellectual blonde with large breasts (go figure), but after a while I got sick of her "woe ith me, nobody takes me seriously" attitude. Kane, on the other hand, is battling his own demons and won't let his guard completely down, and so Kayla does everything she can to make him realize he loves her. I know that most contemporary romance novels have this same underlying plot, but in this case it was poorly executed. Kayla comes off as pathetic and desperate, while Kane seems like a neanderthal who is so stubborn that it's ridiculous. Not to mention that the conflict (if you can call it that) is rapidly skimmed over and resolved in less than two pages.
I didn't hate this book, but it certainly wasn't my favorite from Phillips, which is a shame since it is part of a series. Then again, who know, perhaps Simply Scandalous (the second book) is better, and worth a try...
That aside, the story started off well; the main character, Kayla Luck, inherits Charmed!, an etiquette service for business men. Detective Kane McDermott, however, has reason to believe it's a cover-up for a high class escort service instead, so he goes undercover to try to lure her into revealing the scheme.
Sadly, the book quickly lost steam after the first couple chapters. Kayla is an intellectual blonde with large breasts (go figure), but after a while I got sick of her "woe ith me, nobody takes me seriously" attitude. Kane, on the other hand, is battling his own demons and won't let his guard completely down, and so Kayla does everything she can to make him realize he loves her. I know that most contemporary romance novels have this same underlying plot, but in this case it was poorly executed. Kayla comes off as pathetic and desperate, while Kane seems like a neanderthal who is so stubborn that it's ridiculous. Not to mention that the conflict (if you can call it that) is rapidly skimmed over and resolved in less than two pages.
I didn't hate this book, but it certainly wasn't my favorite from Phillips, which is a shame since it is part of a series. Then again, who know, perhaps Simply Scandalous (the second book) is better, and worth a try...
August 20, 2011
Another template: they meet under false pretenses, she falls for him, he’s wracked with guilt, she discovers his secrets, decides to help him despite his lies, he keeps pushing her away, she’s in danger and he realizes he loves her, but he still pushes her away, until the very end when he realizes he cannot live without her.
It started great, I loved the premise of a male-polishing-school possibly being the cover for an escort service and the police sending someone undercover, someone who cannot possibly use the male-polishing-school services, but the heroine is so naïve she buys it...
Unfortunately the whole thing quickly fizzled when the heroine started to get annoying and the hero started to be the brooding Alpha that’s so popular in nowadays Harlequin/Silhouette brand – the I-don’t-need-anybody loner type. Yeah, the insecure heroine and the strong, silent hero are the norm nowadays, but these two went a little overboard with the whole whining and chest-thumping.
What could’ve kept the story afloat was the “conflict”, but that was resolved too quickly and a little too easily, making the fizzle of the story complete.
This was my first CP book and it will probably also be my last.
It started great, I loved the premise of a male-polishing-school possibly being the cover for an escort service and the police sending someone undercover, someone who cannot possibly use the male-polishing-school services, but the heroine is so naïve she buys it...
Unfortunately the whole thing quickly fizzled when the heroine started to get annoying and the hero started to be the brooding Alpha that’s so popular in nowadays Harlequin/Silhouette brand – the I-don’t-need-anybody loner type. Yeah, the insecure heroine and the strong, silent hero are the norm nowadays, but these two went a little overboard with the whole whining and chest-thumping.
What could’ve kept the story afloat was the “conflict”, but that was resolved too quickly and a little too easily, making the fizzle of the story complete.
This was my first CP book and it will probably also be my last.
November 22, 2012
Com o mesmo titulo que um dos livros de Kate Pearce, Carly Phillips apresenta-nos uma pequena história, sem grande desenvolvimento e sem grande profundidade. Com muitas repetições, de sentimentos e discursos, o texto vai fluindo bastante bem, apesar de tudo. Digamos que é uma história para relaxar, com muito romance mas também com muitas dúvidas emocionais.
Normalmente isto não acontece ou se encontra muito nos romances, mas neste caso, Carly Phillips fez questão de colocar os personagens a tomar banhos (sozinhos ainda por cima) várias vezes por dia. Muito banho eles tomam!
Pensei que a parte do sexo fosse mais descrita, mas Carly não se alarga muito nesse campo, passando à frente e dando mais enfase aos diálogos entre os apaixonados.
No Goodreads acabei por dar quatro estrelas não pela qualidade da história, mas porque acho que cumpriu o objectivo e me deu a sensação de satisfação quando o terminei.
Normalmente isto não acontece ou se encontra muito nos romances, mas neste caso, Carly Phillips fez questão de colocar os personagens a tomar banhos (sozinhos ainda por cima) várias vezes por dia. Muito banho eles tomam!
Pensei que a parte do sexo fosse mais descrita, mas Carly não se alarga muito nesse campo, passando à frente e dando mais enfase aos diálogos entre os apaixonados.
No Goodreads acabei por dar quatro estrelas não pela qualidade da história, mas porque acho que cumpriu o objectivo e me deu a sensação de satisfação quando o terminei.
March 3, 2013
Boring, uneven, lame, disappointing, repetitious – those are just the few adjectives that come to mind. I really expected better after all the glowing things I had read about Carly Phillips. I may try another book, but two is my limit when it comes to sex starved heroines and heroes who constantly have a hard-on – as if that makes a book plot.
Kayla Luck has inherited a business called Charmed! from her aunt. She is also a beautiful, built babe. The plot says she is smart, but I don’t buy that. Kane McDermott is an undercover cop investigating the business as a front for prostitution. He takes Kayla out, decides she is no prostitute, but beds her anyway – she just refuses payment. It was only supposed to be a one night stand, but the next morning when Kayla goes to the office she is attacked. In comes Detective Kane McDermott, not a traveling salesman after all. Kayla doesn’t really care he lied to her, she just wants more sex.
Kayla Luck has inherited a business called Charmed! from her aunt. She is also a beautiful, built babe. The plot says she is smart, but I don’t buy that. Kane McDermott is an undercover cop investigating the business as a front for prostitution. He takes Kayla out, decides she is no prostitute, but beds her anyway – she just refuses payment. It was only supposed to be a one night stand, but the next morning when Kayla goes to the office she is attacked. In comes Detective Kane McDermott, not a traveling salesman after all. Kayla doesn’t really care he lied to her, she just wants more sex.
May 22, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation. Received from BookSprout
Simply simple is book one in the re-written Simply series by Carly Phillips which has been updated and released.
Kayla takes over the “Charmed” etiquette school/business her late aunt and uncle were running before their untimely death. When Kane, an undercover cop shows up for classes, sparks fly between them ! Kane is investigating a prostitution ring that the police believe was being run from the business… Upon further investigation Kane believes that Kayla has no idea about it but is now in danger and he is determined to keep her safe and discover who is behind the ring…
Mystery, suspense, chemistry, laughter, kidnapping, a quick read and looking forward to the other books in this series!
Simply simple is book one in the re-written Simply series by Carly Phillips which has been updated and released.
Kayla takes over the “Charmed” etiquette school/business her late aunt and uncle were running before their untimely death. When Kane, an undercover cop shows up for classes, sparks fly between them ! Kane is investigating a prostitution ring that the police believe was being run from the business… Upon further investigation Kane believes that Kayla has no idea about it but is now in danger and he is determined to keep her safe and discover who is behind the ring…
Mystery, suspense, chemistry, laughter, kidnapping, a quick read and looking forward to the other books in this series!
December 10, 2010
I've read other books by this author that I liked a lot more. This one felt thin. The hero/heroine were okay, and the danger was plausible, but the internal emotional dialogue and decisions felt forced, and I just didn't buy it. I did buy this book as part of a "bundle," though, so I have 4 more to read, which I hope will be better.
September 25, 2013
Very quick and fun read..practically read it in one sitting. I found it to be funny despite the circumstances with Kane pretending to need etiquette classes.... It was just one of those stories where you can kinda guess what's going to end up happening but still it's perfect when you need a simple story that wont bog your mind so much.
October 20, 2022
Kayla’s aunt died and left her the charm school she had by the name “Charmed.” It was, however, a blast from the past with its antiquated class offerings. But Kayla wanted to bring the school into the 21st century with new offerings. Her sister, Catherine, on the other hand, did not want anything to do with the business as she wanted to become a chef. Then in walks this man acting like he needed this school to teach him how to get a date, but she knew something wasn’t right as his build, his looks, and his dress all had something else to say. Then his personality changed, and before she knew it, she agreed to go out with him that night. This man had told her he was from out of town, so she decided it was time for a one-night stand but the way he treated her when she went to leave, she did not want to know him, but unfortunately, she would in the next few days, and that was not the only problem she would face in that time.
I appreciated the betrayal of Detective Kane. Not only to Kayla but to his job and himself. And then Kayla, the not-so-innocent woman. This complexity gave these characters some depth and the story some legs to whisk me away on their journey.
I did not know that this story had been previously published in 2000 when I read it, but I think it is a good story and worth the read if you missed it the first time around. If you like detective stories or brave females, I think you should read this. I rate this updated read five stars out of five stars.
I appreciated the betrayal of Detective Kane. Not only to Kayla but to his job and himself. And then Kayla, the not-so-innocent woman. This complexity gave these characters some depth and the story some legs to whisk me away on their journey.
I did not know that this story had been previously published in 2000 when I read it, but I think it is a good story and worth the read if you missed it the first time around. If you like detective stories or brave females, I think you should read this. I rate this updated read five stars out of five stars.
May 10, 2021
This is not a new release for Carly but a remake of an earlier book with updates, however this was my first time reading Simply Sinful and I must say it's a very enjoyable romance with some sinfully delicious characters.
Kane and Kayla meet under the most unusual circumstances and while the chemistry is palpable from the beginning, Kayla is wary of trusting any man. Assigned to investigate her business as a front for a prostitution ring, Kane can't help but feel the attraction from the moment he meets Kayla. Kayla is a beautiful woman and mistrusts men because of their using her in the past. Kayla just wants to run her deceased Aunt's business with some changes but little does she know the business is not what it seems.
After Kane has one date with Kayla under the business umbrella he realizes this woman has nothing to hide and that her business is definitely not a cover for something else. But when she is attacked in the office with threats for wanting something she knows nothing about Kane takes it personal and decides that he will protect her at all costs.
This is a delightful fun, hot story and the chemistry is beyond off the charts just from reading between these characters, you won't want to miss getting this one, even if you read the original I believe you may enjoy the remake more!
Kane and Kayla meet under the most unusual circumstances and while the chemistry is palpable from the beginning, Kayla is wary of trusting any man. Assigned to investigate her business as a front for a prostitution ring, Kane can't help but feel the attraction from the moment he meets Kayla. Kayla is a beautiful woman and mistrusts men because of their using her in the past. Kayla just wants to run her deceased Aunt's business with some changes but little does she know the business is not what it seems.
After Kane has one date with Kayla under the business umbrella he realizes this woman has nothing to hide and that her business is definitely not a cover for something else. But when she is attacked in the office with threats for wanting something she knows nothing about Kane takes it personal and decides that he will protect her at all costs.
This is a delightful fun, hot story and the chemistry is beyond off the charts just from reading between these characters, you won't want to miss getting this one, even if you read the original I believe you may enjoy the remake more!
May 8, 2021
*An advance reading copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
What started out as an undercover assignment turns out to be anything but in the first book in a new series by Carly Phillips. Detective Kane McDermott is tasked to find out whether there’s an escort service being run from Kayla Luck’s family etiquette business that she just inherited from her Aunt and Uncle. From the moment they met, Kane has a hard time not telling Kayla the truth, as the attraction is instant. Keeping things professional helps Kane get to see that Kayla’s innocent, but something more sinister lurks in the wings.
Hours after their one night together, Kayla finds out who Kane really is and is not amused. Kane steps in to be her protector while trying to get to the bottom of who tried to harm Kayla. To do so, they are living and working together. Both are having a tough time keeping their hands (and other body parts) to themselves.
Once this case is solved, are they just going to walk away from each other? Both of them had crappy childhoods. Can they learn to trust one another? Lean on one another? Be the one for each other? Only the pages of this book will tell.
What started out as an undercover assignment turns out to be anything but in the first book in a new series by Carly Phillips. Detective Kane McDermott is tasked to find out whether there’s an escort service being run from Kayla Luck’s family etiquette business that she just inherited from her Aunt and Uncle. From the moment they met, Kane has a hard time not telling Kayla the truth, as the attraction is instant. Keeping things professional helps Kane get to see that Kayla’s innocent, but something more sinister lurks in the wings.
Hours after their one night together, Kayla finds out who Kane really is and is not amused. Kane steps in to be her protector while trying to get to the bottom of who tried to harm Kayla. To do so, they are living and working together. Both are having a tough time keeping their hands (and other body parts) to themselves.
Once this case is solved, are they just going to walk away from each other? Both of them had crappy childhoods. Can they learn to trust one another? Lean on one another? Be the one for each other? Only the pages of this book will tell.
May 8, 2021
Modernized and slightly expanded version of the author's 2000 publication with a new cover. Simply Sinful is the first book in the Simply series and can be read as a standalone book.
Kayla and her sister inherited a business from their Aunt. It was dating etiquette and they are expanding it to international business etiquette. The police have a reliable tip it might be an undercover prostitution business. They send Kane, a detective, to gather information.
Kayla is both smart and beautiful and she has issues with men only being interested in her body. Kane has both trust and guilt issues from his past that keep him from relationships. Yet, they have instant attraction and fall into bed together. Kayla tries to make him realize he loves her. Kane tries to avoid emotional intimacy. This part of the story got tedious.
The mystery of her Aunt and/or Uncle's involvement in what did turn out to be a prostitution service was the background story the second half of the book as both Kane and Kayla tries to bring the facts to light.
Kayla and her sister inherited a business from their Aunt. It was dating etiquette and they are expanding it to international business etiquette. The police have a reliable tip it might be an undercover prostitution business. They send Kane, a detective, to gather information.
Kayla is both smart and beautiful and she has issues with men only being interested in her body. Kane has both trust and guilt issues from his past that keep him from relationships. Yet, they have instant attraction and fall into bed together. Kayla tries to make him realize he loves her. Kane tries to avoid emotional intimacy. This part of the story got tedious.
The mystery of her Aunt and/or Uncle's involvement in what did turn out to be a prostitution service was the background story the second half of the book as both Kane and Kayla tries to bring the facts to light.
May 11, 2021
Kayla Luck and Kane McDermott are thrown together when he is assigned as the detective looking into her business, Charmed!, and its possible connections to prostitution. Disguised as a potential client seeking help learning how to handle upper-class customers, Kane approaches Kayla and convinces her to coach him personally. After a dinner and baseball game, Kane determines that there is no “secret” ring behind the Charmed! services but the electricity between him and Kayla is definitely there and something neither of them can resist. After spending a hot night together, Kane makes the mistake of ensuring that Kayla is authentic by trying to pay her for her professional services which she takes as an insult and walks out.
From that point on, Kayla’s life takes a different track and becomes endangered so Kane is assigned to protect her. The investigation into the business moves forward and Kane and Kayla struggle with their feelings while their backgrounds and family histories play a big part in their struggles.
Enjoy . . .
From that point on, Kayla’s life takes a different track and becomes endangered so Kane is assigned to protect her. The investigation into the business moves forward and Kane and Kayla struggle with their feelings while their backgrounds and family histories play a big part in their struggles.
Enjoy . . .
October 27, 2022
Kane and Kayla are an unlikely match. He is closed off from personal relationships and hyper focused on his career. Kayla is looking for anyone to respect her as an intelligent person first and body second. Her desire to make the family business what it once was is her only focus. Come to think of it maybe they aren’t so different. They both come with family baggage but in totally ways.
Kane is under cover investigating Kayla and her business. Is this woman built for sin running a prostitution ring? Two minutes with her and his instincts are screaming no. But his attraction is screaming yes. Now that he’s gotten himself into a lie, how does he get out?
I loved Kayla and her ability to see most people for what they are. Well, maybe not Kane initially but she tunes in to his personality pretty quickly. Her intelligence makes her such a threat to man and his inability to think with his brain.
Kane is the grumpy hero. He is my kind of crack. He is the one you want to chip away at the tough exterior. He is the one who’s heart is hard won but once you have it, it’s yours for life.
Kane is under cover investigating Kayla and her business. Is this woman built for sin running a prostitution ring? Two minutes with her and his instincts are screaming no. But his attraction is screaming yes. Now that he’s gotten himself into a lie, how does he get out?
I loved Kayla and her ability to see most people for what they are. Well, maybe not Kane initially but she tunes in to his personality pretty quickly. Her intelligence makes her such a threat to man and his inability to think with his brain.
Kane is the grumpy hero. He is my kind of crack. He is the one you want to chip away at the tough exterior. He is the one who’s heart is hard won but once you have it, it’s yours for life.
May 8, 2021
I love Kayla Luck. She is a strong female who can hold her own. Yes, she has feelings and gets scared/nervous, but all in all she is one strong cookie. She stands up for what she believes in and fights for what is right and does not let anyone walk all over her.
Kane is a cop with a mission. And whether she likes it or not, Kayla needs to do as he says. Yeah, right. Unfortunately, Kane is falling for the person he is supposed to be protecting. It started as a job and ended up being personal. Now he needs to turn off his emotions and leave her before she interferes with his job and his safety and the safety of those who depend on him.
Neither Kane nor Kayla have much family. Both lost their parents at a young age. Neither has allowed themselves to get involved in a relationships. They are both all about business. Well things are going to change for each of them. Question is, will they recognize the changes? And, how will they react to the changes?
Kane is a cop with a mission. And whether she likes it or not, Kayla needs to do as he says. Yeah, right. Unfortunately, Kane is falling for the person he is supposed to be protecting. It started as a job and ended up being personal. Now he needs to turn off his emotions and leave her before she interferes with his job and his safety and the safety of those who depend on him.
Neither Kane nor Kayla have much family. Both lost their parents at a young age. Neither has allowed themselves to get involved in a relationships. They are both all about business. Well things are going to change for each of them. Question is, will they recognize the changes? And, how will they react to the changes?
May 11, 2021
Kane didn't want this undercover assignment any more than he did the time off that was his other option. It shouldn't be too difficult to tie the etiquette school Charmed to prostitution, right?
He knew something was off when he met Kayla, it seems the school is rebranding. The intel he had was outdated, and now he had to ad lib something more convincing. There's definitely an attraction between Kane and Kayla and she agrees to a business dinner. One that ends with Kayla feeling humiliated and embarrassed.
Kane's already written off the possibility of Charmed being a prostitution front when the 911 call comes in. Kayla was being grilled by a junior officer when he arrives on the scene.
Kayla is more than surprised and her sister Catherine is more than irritated as Kane takes charge.
Now they have to find the information the assailant was after.
An interesting beginning for this relationship and plenty of intrigue as it turns serious and sizzling.
He knew something was off when he met Kayla, it seems the school is rebranding. The intel he had was outdated, and now he had to ad lib something more convincing. There's definitely an attraction between Kane and Kayla and she agrees to a business dinner. One that ends with Kayla feeling humiliated and embarrassed.
Kane's already written off the possibility of Charmed being a prostitution front when the 911 call comes in. Kayla was being grilled by a junior officer when he arrives on the scene.
Kayla is more than surprised and her sister Catherine is more than irritated as Kane takes charge.
Now they have to find the information the assailant was after.
An interesting beginning for this relationship and plenty of intrigue as it turns serious and sizzling.
May 13, 2021
***ARC Provided by the Author***
3.5 Stars
What's a detective to do when he finds himself attracted to the woman he suspects might be operating a prostitution ring out of the family "charm school" business?
Sleep with her, of course.
Wait, that was the wrong answer? Don't tell Kane and Kayla this, as it's the start of their relationship (once she forgives him for lying to her, of course) and it's the beginning of their story, which is a lightly updated reissue of the previously published title.
I loved that about it, it had the feel of the older titles by Carly Phillips without feeling dated because technology has moved well past what was in the original version of the book.
This was a lighter story, although there is a bit of a heavy theme as they start to uncover the things that were going on in the family business, but overall it's a fun and quick read with characters you enjoy.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
3.5 Stars
What's a detective to do when he finds himself attracted to the woman he suspects might be operating a prostitution ring out of the family "charm school" business?
Sleep with her, of course.
Wait, that was the wrong answer? Don't tell Kane and Kayla this, as it's the start of their relationship (once she forgives him for lying to her, of course) and it's the beginning of their story, which is a lightly updated reissue of the previously published title.
I loved that about it, it had the feel of the older titles by Carly Phillips without feeling dated because technology has moved well past what was in the original version of the book.
This was a lighter story, although there is a bit of a heavy theme as they start to uncover the things that were going on in the family business, but overall it's a fun and quick read with characters you enjoy.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
May 18, 2021
This is the first book with the Luck sisters and it is so good. Kayla & Cat Luck take over their Aunt's Charm School when she passes away and turn it into more than a "Charm and Dance" school like her Aunt & Uncle were doing. Kayla has changed it into a teaching business etiquette school but for some reason, the vice squad thinks that she is a madame so Kane goes undercover to see if she will accept money for services rendered. Chemistry sparks when Kane and Kayla meet which is not a good thing when you are undercover at all. These two have chemistry yes but Kane is one who says has always said he would never be married and Kayla is one who has her sister Cat and will stay with those two.
Sounds like two peas in a pod. And of course, then Kayla finds out that someone is out to hurt her and shock Kane is not who he says he was. Can she forgive him long enough to let him keep her safe and find out what is going on? This book has heat, romance, and yes mystery!
Sounds like two peas in a pod. And of course, then Kayla finds out that someone is out to hurt her and shock Kane is not who he says he was. Can she forgive him long enough to let him keep her safe and find out what is going on? This book has heat, romance, and yes mystery!
May 20, 2021
Detective Kane has been given a choice and he doesn't care for either. He loves his job so he decides to take on a case that he usually wouldn't even look at. He will be taking classes in business etiquette and foreign language. What he doesn't expect is the woman who will be his teacher and the instant attraction that he feels. Kayla isn't sure what to make of her new client, he's handsome and she can't help but feel a pull. What she soon learns is that her sexy client is a cop under cover. She doesn't care for cops and wants nothing more to do with Kane. She'll do her job but knowing who he really is so she won't let her feelings get in the way. Kane already knows what he wants but worries he won't be able to get Kayla to trust him and believe what he feels for her is real. Follow along as these to do a dance, Kane trying to take steps forward but Kayla always stepping back. Will the two come together or will Kayla let love pass her by.
January 12, 2023
I liked the main characters, Kane and Kayla. Their chemistry was instantaneous. He's a police detective working undercover, following up on a tip about an illegal business. She's operating a family business that belonged to her recently-deceased aunt, the same business that Kane is investigating. Despite him quickly figuring out that Kayla is innocent of any wrongdoing, an attack on her at the business prompts further investigation. Kane and Kayla are both carrying hurts from their pasts and any future for them seems doubtful. While this story has all the ingredients for a good romance and the mystery surrounding the business is intriguing, the story seemed rushed to me. I felt the plot needed to be fleshed out more. The couple fell in love at warp speed and despite both of them being resolved to stay apart after the case is closed, their reunion afterward happened very abruptly. Hence the three-star rating.
November 3, 2024
Una novela corta de Harlequin que fue escrita hace algunas décadas y que no ha envejecido bien. Es de ese tipo de novela aunque la protagonista es una mujer lista, muy inteligente, se le cae la ropa interior al ver por primera vez al protagonista, que actúa como si fuera un regalo de los dioses para las mujeres, y que no entendiente el concepto de no. En fin, se ven por primera vez, se desean con locura, salen a cenar, y se van a un hotel a darle alegría al cuerpo. Al despertarse vienen las duda, los malosentendidos, la mentiras y bla, bla, bla.
Luego reencuentro, más alegría para el cuerpo y ya está.
Como siempre en este tipo de libros no he sentido ningún tipo de romanticismo porque está más centrado en el aspecto sexual que romántico.
¿Recomendado? Solo si quieres leer algo corto, que no requiera mucha concentración y nada más. Hay novelas contemporáneas actuales que profundizan más en los personajes.
Luego reencuentro, más alegría para el cuerpo y ya está.
Como siempre en este tipo de libros no he sentido ningún tipo de romanticismo porque está más centrado en el aspecto sexual que romántico.
¿Recomendado? Solo si quieres leer algo corto, que no requiera mucha concentración y nada más. Hay novelas contemporáneas actuales que profundizan más en los personajes.
May 27, 2017
I felt immediately attached to Kayla.The hurts of her childhood that followed her to adulthood, the complicity with her sister, the way she's hoping for something to change were things that endeared her to me. Here's a woman who have everything going on for her but everything never brought her real joy. Kane was more difficult to like. He was kind of cliché and less endearing.
I would have like their relationship to develop differently. Kayla forgave and trusted him too soon and he was not worthy of it just yet. Her sister, Catherine, wants a man who'll put Kayla first and I don't know how she knows he could be that guy because for most of the book, it's Kayla that made most of the efforts. At the end, they are both changed by the other and Kane admitted he's a better man when he's with her. I enjoyed the book and I like the «library/restaurant.»
I would have like their relationship to develop differently. Kayla forgave and trusted him too soon and he was not worthy of it just yet. Her sister, Catherine, wants a man who'll put Kayla first and I don't know how she knows he could be that guy because for most of the book, it's Kayla that made most of the efforts. At the end, they are both changed by the other and Kane admitted he's a better man when he's with her. I enjoyed the book and I like the «library/restaurant.»
May 3, 2021
Detective Kane McDermott is given a choice either take an easy case or time off the job after a terrible case . He is sent to check out Charmed an etiquette school to see if it is legit or a prostitution ring . Kayla Luck owns Charmed ever since her aunt and uncle died . Kane is immediately attracted to Kayla but she is use to guys that are only interested in her body . Kayla and Kane have feelings for each other after a steamy night together . Kane has issues from his past .
She finds out he is a detective and is investigating her business . Kane finds Kayla is in danger and he will do anything to keep her safe . This story is fantastic , well written with great characters .I highly recommend taking the time to read .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She finds out he is a detective and is investigating her business . Kane finds Kayla is in danger and he will do anything to keep her safe . This story is fantastic , well written with great characters .I highly recommend taking the time to read .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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