Managed (VIP) – book review

Managed
by Kristen Callihan
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Book #2 in the VIP series
Number of Pages:  349
Contemporary Romance
Ages 15 and up
CW: grief (cancer), assault,
suicide (past), substance abuse
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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…

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In general, I’m not a huge fan of a slow burn. I don’t hate it, but I don’t usually love it either. Of course, there are many ways an author can write a slow burn wrong. This author wrote this slow burn completely right. I swear, she could give classes on the method. Somehow I didn’t mind how long it took Gabriel and Sophie to give in to their desires because every step along the way was a smoldering fire.

Although the slow burn isn’t often my thing, this book had so many micro-tropes that make me swoon every single time. Both characters get their best sleep ever when they are in the same bed, the MMC’s surprise glasses, endearing pet names, and so much more. Gabriel is very resistant to giving in to his feelings, but once he does he is 1000% percent all in and makes sure his actions show Sophie that. He’s attentive and thoughtful and observant throughout this story, even when he’s trying his hardest not to be. We could all use a Gabriel in our lives. (Note: Everyone but Sophie calls him Scottie, so I went with Gabriel in my review. In the fandom of this book, you will most likely hear/see him called Scottie.)

This story also spoke to me on a very personal level. I have a lot of anxiety issues and one of the only things that can comfort me is when my husband touches me. Whether he is holding my hand, resting his hand on my knee, or wrapping me in his arms, my whole body relaxes. There are many instances for both Sophie and Gabriel where the other’s touch, scent, or mere presence calms them and it gave me such a warm feeling. I know that feeling of security you can get from another human, it’s not just made-up stuff for romancelandia. The author did such a beautiful job of portraying that sentiment.

When I finished this book I wanted to flip back to the beginning and start all over again. It gave me all the feels.

5 stars