Simply Sensual

Simply Sensual, book three in the Simply series, by Carly Phillips, is an enjoyable read and one of the many early books of hers that I read and re-read. This re-release has been modernized, updated and expanded. This is a story with a humorous bend, a bit of intrigue and suspense; not quite the current, hot and sizzling books she writes. Emma Montgomery was concerned about granddaughter, Grace, who fled to New York. She wanted to make sure she was alright since she wasn’t using her trust fund and had become independent, if possible, too independent and pursuing her love of photography. Hiring Ben, a PI, to keep tabs on Grace, would give Emma some relief; not to mention a chance to do a little matchmaking. Moving into an apartment across the hall from Grace, Ben gets to know her a bit better and notices the magnetism and chemistry building between them, almost from the first meeting. Grace runs Ben ragged with her shenanigans and locations for photo shoots, which could possibly put her in danger and attracting some major unwanted attention. It might be difficult for some to create a relationship built upon lies, family interference, attraction, romance, sizzling chemistry, intrigue, and danger; but Ben and Grace just might be the couple to pull this off. Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, humorous and sweet story that will pull at your heartstrings and is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and charming characters in order for Grace and Ben to find their own happily ever after. I highly recommend Simply Sensual to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved the characters and the story line. I HIGHLY recommend this read. Grace Montgomery is from an extremely wealthy family. Unfortunately, her parents only cared about money and social status, not their children. Luckily for Grace and her brother Logan, their grandmother Emma raised them. Emma raised them to be strong and independent. Since Grace is now of age she decided to move far away from her parents, especially her father the judge. She lives off her trust fund for a little while but then decides to prove to her parents and herself that she can do it on her own and not need her parents financially. Ben is a private investigator that was hired by Emma to give her information on how Grace is doing and to make sure she is safe. Ben only took this job because Emma was paying him enough money from this one job to be able to put his blind mother into a nice, assisted living facility. Grace is unaware that her new sexy neighbor is the man her grandmother hired to keep an eye on her. Ben is shocked to see that the beautiful woman from the picture is even more breathtaking in person. As much as Ben tries to keep his distance from Grace the more seductive Grace gets. After all, she’s a woman that knows what she wants, and in this case, it happens to be Ben. When Ben decides to give in to the attraction and temptation, he figures he can get his fill and get out. Never once did his plan involve falling for his “job”. Grace is happy to finally get Ben exactly where she wants him, in her bed. But will she feel the same once she finds out the man she fell in love with was hired by her grandmother to check in on her? Will she believe him when he tries to tell her he has fallen in love with her? Will Grace ever be able to forgive Ben so they can have a future together? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Grace Montgomery is the granddaughter of Emma Montgomery, whom we met in the second book of this series. Emma is worried about Grace living alone in New York, trying to make it on her own. So what does Emma do? She hires P.I. Ben Callahan to look after her granddaughter, and if a little matchmaking also happens.....even better! Ben knew as soon as he saw Grace's picture that this assignment was going to be tough. Instantly attracted to Grace, Ben knew he'd have to keep his hands off, but he really needed the money to help pay for his mom's assisted living care so he accepts the job. What Ben didn't realize was that Grace was really a down-to-earth, smart, beautiful woman that he could see spending the rest of his life with. He also didn't realize that when Grace first meets him, she decides she is going to do a full-on court press to get things steamier between the two of them. When it appears that Grace's life could actually be in danger, Ben makes it his mission to protect her. Of course the more time these two spend together, the more explosive these two become until Ben finally gives in. Ben knows it is wrong to be getting involved with Grace with his big secret he is keeping from her, but he just can't help himself. Just when Ben is about to tell Grace the truth, the world comes crashing down around them. It will take a big, bold move to get these two back together, but in the end they get a perfect happy ending. I really liked Grace. I give her credit for trying to make it on her own. She could have relied on her trust fund to live, but instead she wanted to be free. I just adored Ben. I loved his protective side. I really believe all Grace wanted in life was someone to love and protect her for her, not for her family's money and she found it in Ben! Fun, entertaining story with great characters.