| Title | : | Let Me Be the One (San Francisco Sullivans, #6; The Sullivans, #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 227 |
| Publication | : | First published August 28, 2012 |
Back in San Francisco preparing for her big art show, Vicki Bennett needs help protecting herself and her career from the unwelcome advances of one of the judges. She knows that her longtime friend and baseball star, Ryan Sullivan, will know just how to handle things, and he's the only person she can imagine asking for help.
Ryan is thrilled to have Vicki back in his life, and he will do anything to protect her from harm, including playing the role of "pretend boyfriend." But when their staged kisses and caresses lead to an incredibly sensual night, they both worry that they may have damaged their friendship forever.
Have they made the worst mistake possible? Or is the perfect combination of friendship and love finally within reach?
Let Me Be the One (San Francisco Sullivans, #6; The Sullivans, #6) Reviews
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Posted on
Under the Covers
As teenagers, Vicki and Ryan were inseparable. However, whatever romantic feelings they had for each other were held under tight wraps for fear that one wrong move could tear their friendship apart. For a long while, their friendship kept them in touch over the years, but after fifteen years of not seeing each other, Vicki asks a major favor from Ryan in a moment of panic.
As a talented artist, Vicki makes stunning works of art with her hands. Her latest endeavour involves a fellowship that would either make or break her career. However, a pushy and very hands-on mentor wishes to get too close to Vicki, causing her to call in Ryan to pretend to be her boyfriend for the time being. Sliding into boyfriend mode is easy for Ryan when he sees just how much this guy is taking advantage of Vicki, but keeping it cool, Ryan plays the part well until he can get Vicki alone and ask her what is really going on.
Turns out that the people Vicki needs to work with wish to take advantage of her. But now that Ryan is there, he can keep tabs on her. As their lives collide once again, sexual tension sizzles and scorches the pages of the book. I kid you not, Bella Andre set this book on fire!
Ryan Sullivan has been mentioned a few times in the past books of the series, but I had absolutely no idea that he would be so damn sexy. I have added each and every hero in this series to my harem list, but damn, Ryan Sullivan needs to have his own category! He blew me away and I don’t think I ever got my breath back.
In a rush of need, I devoured this book in just a few hours, stopping only to text, Bells from Hanging with Bells about “the champagne line scene” and how “perfect and sexy” Ryan is. And those are just the texts I can show the public! To entice you further, here’s just one of the unbelievably sexy lines Ryan has:
“This is how I want you, Vicky. Open to me. Ready for me. Always.”
But perhaps my favorite quote of the entire book is...
“I wore you out.”
Oh Lord, you have no idea.
Bella Andre hit this book right out of the park! An absolute home-run! I cannot get over how enjoyable and thrillingly sexy this book was. LET ME BE THE ONE has shot straight to the top of my favorite books this year. I am so glad I found this series and if you haven’t read Andre yet, you are seriously missing out! Andre will shock you, make you laugh, turn you on with her incredibly seductive heroes and of course, make you fall in love with each book! Definitely an auto-buy author for me!
P.S. Smith’s story, COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER will release this winter. I.CAN’T.WAIT. -
Another great installment in the Sullivan series. One thing that I am loving about this series is that each book is totally unique to the sibling that it is about. Depending on the personality of the character the story is focused on is what makes the tone of the book.
This story is about the famous baseball player, Ryan Sullivan and his childhood friend Vicki. Back in high school Vicki saved Ryan's life, and after that they became very close friends. Unfortuneatly their timing for each other to take things to a more personal level was always wrong. In fact, by the time Ryan was ready to finally claim Vicki as his own; he found out she was engaged to be married. Years later, Vicki texts Ryan and states she need him, "NOW!" Ryan goes running to her rescue, and things will never be the same for either one of them again.
There was very little conflict in this book. These two had a love for each other right from the start. The only thing either one of them battled within themselves was if they should admit their deep love for the other person. Their fear was that if they took their friendship to the next level, and things didn't work out; they would lose the friendship that means so much to them. It doesn't take them long to take the plunge though, and truly they never look back. This story differs a bit from the others in that there is a villian in this book. Vicki is a sculptor, and the man that is on the board basically wants sexual favors in trade for help in her field of work.
Ryan is usually very laid back but his protective instincts leap to the surface, and he refuses to let anything happen to HIS Vicki.
This is what I am loving about the Sullivan men the most. They are all very possessive, protective, and dominating. Some more than others, and I have found that my five star reads have been for the brothers that are the most Alpha! As in each book, we get to have a little reunion with the other members of the Sullivan family which feels like having an update on my own friends. I love seeing how the couples are doing, and how they interact with one another.
The sex is never lacking in these installments either, and I always look forward to finding out what kind of "kink" the hero is into with each different book. Whether it be handcuffs, public sex, or just making love; these Sullivans know how to get it on!! In Ryan and Vicki's case, clay and champagne come into play, and believe me...it didn't disappoint!!! The clay reminded me of that erotic scene in the movie, "Ghost!" and woweee...it was HOT!
The next Sullivan up is Smith, the movie star. I am eager to see what makes him tick, as I feel like I haven't got to know him as much as the others seeing as he has been away on movie shoots a lot of the time. I am sure he will be just as yummy as all of his brothers, and I can't wait to see what he will do for a chance at love! This is just an excellent series, and reminds me of why I fell in love with Bella Andre's writing style with all her other books! She is an auto buy for me, as I have loved anything and everything that she has written to date! -
"Kindness is incredibly sexy."
Hot on the edges as two friends deny their deep feelings for one another. The chemistry and sexual tension as well as the inner conflict of taking a frienship to a different level had me hooked.
Ryan truly is swoon worthy, as well as generous, thoughtful and there when you need him. He's a girl's knight in shining armor and gorgeous to boot! Vicki is trying to prove herself in the art world and I admired her tenacity and her struggles for her craft.
This is a lovely story of two best friends falling in love, that will have you smiling. Enjoy! -
Rhayne's review posted on
Guilty Pleasures
4 Stars
Let Me Be The One is book 6 in The Sullivan series. It seems like I have been waiting forever to learn more about Ryan. Let me just say I was not disappointed in this man at all. He is exactly how I pictured him to be. This really is a great addition to an astonishing series.
Ryan and Vicki were best friends in high school. They both had more than friendly feelings toward each other, but neither of them wanted to risk the chance of destroying what they had to be honest about it.
After her divorce to a controlling, jealous, and deceiving jerk, Vicki is back in San Francisco doing what she loves; creating sculptures. She is up for a fellowship and gets herself into a sticky situation with one of the judges. Ryan is the one person she has always been able to count on and he does not disappoint this time. He never stopped loving Vicki. Even when she was on the other side of the world and married to someone else, she was always the one who held his heart.
Vicki has deep passionate feelings for Ryan as well. Even after all the years apart, their longing for each other have never disappeared. Neither one is willing to be honest about the way they feel. The emotion and frustration they suffer, you experience right along with them as you read it. The build up with their relationship takes a little while to get through and there are many moments when I wanted to scream at Vicki for being ridiculous. However, once they are finally able to give in to all that pent up desire, they are explosive together.
I love the way Ryan is so romantic and expressive with his feelings. There are a lot of really sweet heartwarming moments that just make you fall in love with him a little bit more. I love the way we get to read about the rest of the Sullivan clan. Each book is so remarkable and you really come to love the characters, so it’s fun to get some follow up on their lives. Last but not least, I love the way the relationship with Vicki and Ryan came full circle. Their first “I Love You” moment was pure magic.
Even though this is a series, you could read this book as a standalone just fine. This series is incredible. It’s one of my favorites. If you haven’t started them yet, you are missing out! Smith’s book is out next and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Andre has in store for him. -
4.5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Erotica Romance
Heat Barometer: 5 out of 5 flames
Awesome audiobook, with a fabulous narrator, fast moving story, hot, hot passion with lots of sexy scenes. What I loved: Ryan!!!, sex on a stick hero, athlete with his tight, hot, gorgeous body, knight in shining armor who comes running to save the heroine, Vicky, when she gets caught in an uncomfortable situation. Such a noble hottie!
Ryan and Vicky have been best friends since they were young. She was an artist and from a different crowd than Ryan in high school and he was a jock who all the girls chased. They had a true connection and deep attraction, but neither wanted to ruin a wonderful friendship and chance a romance. So they went their separate ways even though they kept in touch by email and phone calls as they grew older. Their lives went on happily and they both followed the path they always dreamed of; she became a sculptor and he became a professional baseball player. But fate brings them back together when Vicky needs Ryan to be her pretend boyfriend to get her out of a sticky position.
I loved the relationship between Ryan and Vicky together. It was honest, mature, and sooo sweet. This whole series has been wonderful. It is nothing deep with heavy angst, but the right blend of love, conflict, sexy and tension filled situations, and engaging characters. The stories are also on the shorter side that can be finished in a sitting, but I never feel short changed. I accidentally skipped a few in the series, but it wasn't a problem and I can easily go back and catch up. Which I absolutely will! -
4.00 Stars - Contemporary Romance
This sixth book of the series is a story for anyone who loves a good ‘friends to lover’ hero-heroine pairings. With plausible protagonists and pleasing romance angle this book doesn’t disappoint to fulfill a promise of a well-spent afternoon.
Vicky is back in town after a messy divorce to apply for her fellowship in arts, but she wants to turn down the advances of an influential man who could make that possible. Along comes Ryan Sullivan, her best-friend of all time, aka her teenage crush, in disguise of a loving boyfriend. Ryan is a famous easy-going athlete who is known for his laid-back individuality. Successful, charming and handsome, this Sullivan also happens to be quite the ladies man! But when his best friend Vicky is in danger, he doesn’t hesitate to bare his all-consuming protective nature with an intensity of a man who knows how to get serious and win the woman of his dreams for better or worse.
Easy dialogues, blistering chemistry and glorious plot, this book outlines the love and passion of two sweet friends who met as teenagers and eventually made their ways as adoring lovers in later years. -
review to come
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3.5 stars
I usually like to read friends to lovers stories so I chose it eagerly. First quarter was not impressed me, as if it lack of a solid friends-to-lover plot.
I think the success of friends-to-lovers trope is about persuasiveness. Reader should see and feel that protagonists are really friends and how they start to feeling stronger emotions with each other.
Usually if I don't like story, either I don't buy friendship or the part being more is not well handled.
In this story, I started to read believed that they're very good friends but when story was progressing, I didn't feel that way. As if they're acquaintance but not very comfortable around with each other etc. So if I read and have a good time about this trope, I keep an eye on the author because it's a diffucult job to handling this kind of plot.
Except "friendship" issue, it was enjoyable and very hot reading. I guess, Ms. Andre is really good and famous about "hot" part in her stories or I have read that such.
I can't say it was very romantic or emotional. At least not for me. It was nice, and I accepted it was a romantic story so it's not bad. But not one of the book, shake my heart and make me want to read it again in the future.
Though it make me wonder next book in the series. I'm considering to read it some time later.
Overall, it was a well-writen, not very good but also not bad, with lots of hot scenes, a quick and nice read. -
:) OMG I love this story.
Is such a wonderful story! I cried, I smiled, I laugh... and I feel as the heroine, when she realizes her true and beautiful love.
Ryan and Vicky always, since they were teens, they are best friends... but after a decade trying hiding the true feelings they have for each other, the time is over. And all what they want is take a chance, risk it all, and assume.
If you want read a lovely story this is the one! :) -
Ryan Sullivan sempre teve tudo fácil nada vida – ou pelo menos é assim que seus irmãos e amigos pensam! Mas ele sabe que não é bem assim... Ele é um atleta profissional que se dedica à sua carreira de forma consciente e completa. Se parece fácil é porque ele treinou muito para isso. Ele é o mais pacato dos irmãos Sullivans, mas não deixa de ser super protetor com aqueles a quem ama – o que faz com que Vicki recorra a ele na hora de necessidade e, tarde demais, perceba que se colocou numa situação complicada...
Vicki e Ryan são amigos desde os 15 anos, quando estudaram juntos e ela o salvou de ser atropelado no estacionamento da escola. Só que Vicki vem de uma família de militares e todo ano ela se muda... E foi com tristeza que se despediu de Ryan e da família Sullivan, por quem se apaixonou, no final daquele ano. E, por serem muito amigos, eles sempre mantiveram contato por telefone e e-mail. Agora, depois de 15 anos separados, visto Vicki ter se casado com um escultor famoso (ela também é escultora) e se mudado para a Europa, ela está de volta a São Francisco e precisando da ajuda de Ryan. E que ajuda seria essa? Ela pede que ele se passe por seu namorado para evitar as investidas de um homem asqueroso e que é responsável pelo conselho que está distribuindo bolsas para artes, na qual ela se cadastrou e está concorrendo como escultora. O que ela não contava é que Ryan iria muito além de se fingir seu namorado e criaria situações que os aproximariam cada vez mais fazendo com que não conseguissem mais esconder o que realmente sentem um pelo outro...
O ritmo desse livro é bem diferente dos outros, pois Ryan e Vicki já se conhecem e se gostam... o que eles precisam é entender que os sentimentos deles são muito maiores do que apenas amizade. E é o medo de se entregar a esses sentimentos e perder essa amizade que os levam à uma tensão sexual sem precedentes nos outros livros da série!
Posso estar enganada, mas acho que é nesse livro que são mencionados pela primeira vez dois primos dos Sullivans que estão dando continuidade à séria nos EUA: Rafe, o detetive particular, e Mia, a corretora de imóveis. Eles são de Seattle e o pai deles é irmão de Jack, o falecido pai de nossos heróis e heroínas.
E agora que venha o Smith!
(
http://analiseeleituras.blogspot.com....) -
December 2016 Review:
This was an incredible read. I love the Sullivans series. The writing and the characters are so amazing and I just love reading this series every year. I loved Ryan and Vicki's story. This is a friends-to-lovers love story. Ryan and Vicki met in high school and became best friends. She understands the Sullivans as she spent a lot of time with them in high school while hanging out with Ryan.
Ryan is a member of the San Francisco Sullivans who is a professional baseball player. He is in love with his best friend, Vicki. Vicki is a sculptor who is participating in a sculpting fellowship to show off her work. During this time, Ryan and Vicki reconnect and fall in love. They have amazing chemistry. This book proves that the special person in your life may be closer than expected. I can't wait to read Book 7 - Come A Little Bit Closer. Overall, an amazing read.
December 2015 Review:
This was another fantastic read by Bella Andre. She knows how to draw her audience in. Ryan and Vicki's love story is no different than the other books in the series. It was brilliant and it proves that a big, close-knit family of brothers and sisters can demonstrate their love each other and the loves of their lives.
Ryan is a baseball player. He is funny, sexy, smart and a great brother. He is in love with Vicki, his best friend from high school. Vicki is a sculptor. She has been doing that since high school. She is talented, smart, and sexy as well. Also, she understands the Sullivans more than others because she always came over and spent time with them while in high school with Ryan.
This was a friends-to-lovers story. It was filled with passion, love and steamy scenes. Ryan and Vicki are perfect for each other. I am glad that they found their happily ever after. Can't wait to read Smith and Valentina's love story in book 7 of the Sullivans series, Come A Little Bit Closer. Overall, an amazing read. -
Star baseball pitcher Ryan Sullivan gets a text message from an old high school friend that sends him racing into San Francisco to return the favor of saving her the way she's saved him years before. Sculptor Vicki Bennet asks him to be her fake boyfriend to protect her from the attentions of a man who could hold the success of her career in his hands. Ryan agrees. He's never forgotten Vicki or what she did to save his life and sees this as a chance to pay back what he feels he owes her as well as make up for not pursuing her when he could have. It takes a while but eventually each confesses to feelings for the other, feelings they've had for a long time.
Although I liked this story it's not my favorite of the series. The heat is hot. The Sullivan siblings as interesting. But Ryan doesn't seem to have the same depth his brothers do. However, this is still one of my favorite romance series and I'm looking forward to the next one. -
Well Ms. Andre did it again. Let Me Be The One was wonderful. Ryan was so swoon worthy and sweet he made my teeth hurt:) LOL. Like the rest of the series I thought this book was well told. The story between Ryan and Vicki was great. It over course was your typical friends to lovers story but this one just hit me in all the right spots. Plus Ms. Andre really knows how to write a steamy scene. These books have definitely gotten better as the time has past. I truly enjoyed the 1st book of the series but with that said she has continued to improve on the stories and have made them better with each book. I can't wait for the next book to be released (#7 Smith's story) This is definitely a series I think everyone should give a try:)
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How far would you go for a friend?
Back in San Francisco preparing for her big art show, Vicki Bennett needs help protecting herself and her career from the unwelcome advances of one of the judges. She knows that her longtime friend and baseball star Ryan Sullivan will know just how to handle things, and he's the only person she can imagine asking for help.
Ryan is thrilled to have Vicki back in his life, and he will do anything to protect her from harm, including playing the role of "pretend boyfriend. " But when their staged kisses and caresses lead to an incredibly sensual night, they both worry that they may have damaged their friendship forever.
Have they made the worst mistake possible? Or is the perfect combination of friendship and love finally within reach? -
These are my thoughts/feelings while reading this book - WARNING THERE ARE SPOILERS!!!!
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This was probably closer to a 2.5 read for me.
I'd always liked Ryan in the other Sullivan books, and he surely did NOT disappoint as a character in the hotness factor. The friends-to-lovers storyline usually appeals to me, but NOT when it's rife with miscommunication, misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and missed opportunities to be honest with each other - manufactured drama!
This series that has been my guilty pleasure of late, but this book missed the mark! -
I give Let me be the one a 3.5. It was a sweet story, and was a little different formula that I have seen in this series which I really like. There was NO big misunderstanding or fight which was a nice change of pace. It made more believable of two lifetime friends. I really can't wait for Smith story -
I absolutely love this series and Bella Andre. Can't wait for Smith's book next!! Loved Ryan's book~so good!! I love returning to the world of the Sullivans~I get pulled into the stories every time and hate when I am finished and have to leave these wonderful characters behind. So far my favorites of the series are still Marcus&Nicola and Sophie&Jake!!!
4 out of 5 rating. -
I loved it! -
Great book!!!
I loved the "Sullivan Series"
I'm torn between Ryan and Zach Sullivan as being my favorite.
This story was definitely the sweetest!! -
* You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one.
** Book read in Dutch.
When Vicki Bennet texts her old friend Ryan Sullivan because she got into trouble, he immediately comes to the rescue. An old, powerful man wants to use Vicki to satisfy his urges and the only option to resolve it seems for them to act like a loving couple. But when old feelings arise and sparks start flying, their friendship might not be able to survive.
Pro's:
+ Another sizzling hot entry into this series. The sparks really fly between Ryan and Vicki and it was nice to read that their relationship was not only based on lust, but also on a old friendship which they both cherish. It gave this story a certain sweetness that was not in the previous books.
+ Vicki's character progression was the biggest of any in this series thus far. She has been through a lot and even though more bullshit is thrown her way. she never wavers and she always keeps her head up high. When she eventually deals with James, I was so proud of her and the thing she does is absolutely hilarious.
Con's:
- I couldn't shake the feeling that if Ryan and Vcki had talked about their feelings 15 years ago, this whole book would never have existed. It is also the trend of this book. They only talk about their feelings towards the end and then it all gets clear and resolved. Another lesson why communication is key.
Another enjoyable entry in the Sullivan series. The romance was hot and steamy and there was actually a bad dude in this story, which gave it another feel than the previous books. It was nice that Vicki and Ryan were childhood friends, which gave them another startingpoint of their relatonship. -
Another delightful instalment of
The Sullivans series and, as usual,
Bella Andre does not disappoint. I am not even sure how this is possible but, as the series continues, the stories keep getting better and better. I’m at a point where when I know a Bella Andre book is being released, I put everything else on hold in my life and dive into her new book until my fingers get all pruney. And what a scrumptious dive that is!
This is Ryan Sullivan’s book - he is the professional baseball player in the family and we have met him in previous books as the incorrigible bachelor. Ryan has had one best friend since he was a teenager, Vicky, but their lives have followed very different paths over the last decade. They are finally living in the same city again and Vicky needs his help. She needs Ryan to pretend to be her boyfriend to deter the inappropriate advances of a man who has the power to make or break her career as an artist. What starts as innocent role-play soon turns into irresistible reality, awakening long-suppressed feelings between Ryan and Vicky and making them realise that they have been each other’s ‘the one’ all along.“Ryan didn’t just want Vicky, didn’t just crave her laughter, her curves, her mouth beneath his. He loved her. And every other woman he’d been with since that day she’d come into his life had only been a placeholder for the real thing.”
What is it about friends-to-lovers stories that presses all the right buttons with me every single time? The sexual tension between these two characters was so skilfully woven into the first part of the story, the anticipation of the inevitable climax slowly torturing us and making us turn the pages with increasing frustration. Ryan and Vicky’s friendship is something they equally value and do not want to ruin by taking their relationship ‘to the next level’ but the more we find out about them and their history, the more we know with certainty that they are made for each other. They struggle to reconcile the precious friendship that they share with fifteen years of hidden feelings for each other, but they quickly realise that a risk is sometimes worth taking when the alternative could mean regretting a missed opportunity for the rest of their lives. Oh, and there is no denying a silver-tongued Sullivan when he takes charge of the
‘issuation’!“Every fantasy, Vicky.” His words were raw. And so low she could barely hear them over the spray from the multiple showerheads. “You’re every single fantasy I’ve ever had.”
The development of the relationship between Ryan and Vicky follows a steady upward line, gently paced and constantly making as crave for more. The pace is on the slow side at times but that is because once the characters reach a high point in their relationship, that line never takes a downturn. We can always rely on Bella Andre to deliver a great love story without breaking our hearts in the process.
Ms Andre’s writing is consistently delicious, as always. Her prose is nor crass or unnecessarily weighed down by one explicit sex scene after another - not that I would have complained had that been the case! Her love scenes are classy, well-written and beautifully interwoven into the storyline, putting more emphasis on the sexual tension between the characters rather than the carnal acts themselves. They are not gratuitous gifts aimed at keeping the reader’s interest alive - they are done with finesse and they are SENSATIONAL. Her male characters are alpha males but they are not the rough cavemen types. Ms Andre’s heroes are gentlemen, hot passionate possessive want-to-lick-them-all-over alpha-types but gentlemen nonetheless. They ask you to strip but they also say ‘please’.“Angry with herself for having less than no control around him anymore, she closed her eyes tighter. Only, she knew that wouldn’t deter him from getting his way, and she was right when he leaned back over her and kissed each eyelid softy. “Look at me. Please.” His plea undid her. Completely. Unable to resist him for a moment longer, she looked up at him, her inner muscles clenching even tighter around him as she let his dark gaze all the way inside her heart … and her soul.”
Cold shower anyone?
Read this book, read all of them and jump on the Bella Andre bandwagon - you won’t regret it. The next Sullivans book will be Smith’s story and this crazy Bella Andre fan is already panting in anticipation.
[4.5 STARS]
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog! -
I'm a total sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story, and I have to say, Let Me Be The One was fantastic.
This isn't a book that will grab you by the nuts and totally screw with you, it's not full of TSTL moments instigated by the heroine, or moments of assholiness from the hero, no no, not at all. This book was a gentle spring day, with occasional bursts of rain, but mostly filled with sunshine.
I know the above sounds kind of whimsical, and dare I say corny, but that's how Let Me Be The One made me feel.
It was great to once again meet a heroine who not only had common sense, but also one who's vulnerability and sensitivity didn't turn her into a walking, talking moron.
Vicki Bennett was a sculptress, who'd met Ryan Sullivan back when she was in high school. They'd immediately connected, after Vicki saved Ryan's life.
Connecting with her peers had always been an issue for Vicki, as her and her family never stayed anywhere long enough to make any real friends. But Ryan changed all that.
This excerpt in the prologue when Vicki was recalling their first meeting, made me feel all warm and fuzzy:
"Ryan made everything seem so easy though, as if the only thing that wouldn't make sense was them not hanging out.
By the end of their trip to the art store and back, she knew all about his seven siblings, he knew she had two annoying little brothers, he'd told her what he liked about baseball, she'd told him what she loved about sculpting, and she'd been invited to dinner at the Sullivan house.
It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The best one she'd ever had."
Because Vicki was an army brat, just over a year later, her and her family had to relocate again. Vicki was devastated to be leaving Ryan, but the two of them kept in touch for the next fifteen years, through emails and phone calls.
Vicki had been secretly in love with her best friend, but because she didn't believe she was Ryan's type, and didn't want to irreparably damage their friendship by confessing her love, she kept her feelings to herself.
Years later, newly divorced from her artist Italian husband of ten years, Vicki comes home.
Ryan is of course ecstatic to see her again after all this time, because unbeknownst to Vicki, he'd also harboured his own secret crush on her when they'd been teenagers.
Ryan was a hero to die for, which is weird, because out of all of the Sullivan brothers, his book wasn't one that I was particularly looking forward to reading, but I have to say, Ms Andre did an amazing job with his story.
What I loved about Ryan and Vicki's relationship was how their friendship really rang true to me. Of course I, as the reader knew that they were secretly in love with each other, but that knowledge didn't detract from the essence of their friendship. They genuinely enjoyed being together, and only wanted the best for each other. The sudden realisation that they could be more, only added to what I thought was already a cracking story.
There were no huge moments of conflict, they didn't argue needlessly, they were honest with each other, and actually, the only issue they had, was that neither knew that the other felt the same way.
Let Me Be The One was a book that had you routing for both the hero and the heroine, I was desperate for them to realise that they were in love with each other, but fear of ruining a great friendship kept stopping them from making a move.
However, when 'the move' came, it was epic. Their love scenes were hot, made all the hotter, by the fact that as the reader, I'd had to endure countless near-miss kisses. I have to say though, the anticipation of their getting together, made the wait, worth while.
Like I said, this isn't a book that's chock full of conflict or action, fanfare or explosions, instead it's a book about two great friends who made it an absolute pleasure for this reader to watch them fall deeper in love. -
Review posted:
Happily Ever After - Reads
In this friends-to-lovers story, Vicki and Ryan meet as teens when their story begins. Vicki pushes Ryan out of the way of a car in their school parking lot and their friendship starts. Ryan was the popular jock, Vicki more of a loner, moving around every year with her military family. She’s an artist and has a hard time making friends to only have to leave them after a few months. But she and Ryan clicked early on and became best friends. For Ryan, she was the one person he could be himself with. With her, he wasn’t the superstar baseball player or the popular guy, he was just Ryan and they were able to talk about anything and everything together. Even back then at that young age, they loved each other, but kept their feelings to themselves as their friendship continued on long distance after Vicki’s family moved away again.
Flash forward to present day and Vicki finds herself in San Francisco in a tough spot with an over-aggressive board member who will be judging her sculpture that’s up for consideration as part of an art fellowship. She’s having a hard time pushing away his advances and inappropriate behavior and calls the only person she can think of to help her, Ryan. They haven’t seen each other in years, but have stayed in touch and Ryan can’t think of anything except getting to her to help. They pretend to have a romantic relationship in front of the board member and with each other, their friendship picks up as though they hadn’t been separated by time. With a failed marriage on Vicki’s side and living half way around the world from each other, it all melts away and they become the best friends that they once were.
Here’s what I loved most about this story, it is 100% romance. There is no huge drama, no suspense, nothing that takes away from the sweet and satisfying romance that takes Ryan and Vicki from being friends to admitting their love for each other. There’s of course doubt on both sides. They each value their friendship so much that there’s a lot to consider about taking their relationship to the next level. If it doesn’t work, would they be able to recover from not only lost love but potentially a lost friendship? There’s a little more hesitancy on Vicki’s part, she’s determined to keep from uttering the “L” word, even downplays their night of intense sex when they finally cave, but she can’t keep her feelings inside for long, especially when Ryan puts his heart out there on the line.
There is so much that’s likable about both characters. They have character, that’s the biggie. They don’t deceive each other, they’re open and honest and actually talk about their feelings and don’t keep things from each other – it’s SO refreshing to read a story with leads like this. I truly liked these people and their actions and for that reason, wanted their happiness badly. There was no unnecessary drama between Ryan and Vicki, it was simply watching their relationship grow, seeing Vicki become a part of the Sullivan clan and watching Ryan give his full support to Vicki and her growing art career.
We get a couple big Sullivan family scenes, which I always enjoy. I also liked how Smith’s role was a bit more present in this one. We don’t learn much on personal level about him, but having him more on page is nice way to gear up for his book, out next.
I simply loved this story. It’s a sweet romance with two characters that I found to be completely likable on page and I enjoyed their journey. I appreciated that there was no crazy, outside drama added in just for drama’s-sake, and rather the focus from the first page remained on this couple’s relationship, friendship and love. -
4.5
This is the kind of connection I expected from a previous couple (from this series) who also met when they were young.
Ryan and Vicki's relationship started when she saved his life when they were teenagers and I easily believed the strong bond between them that managed to survive time and distance. Their chemistry was real, sweet and adorable. Their transition from best friends to more was wonderful because the best friends' part combined perfectly with their wishes of being together in a perfect way.
There's more behind the guy everyone's called a playboy for five books. It's hard not read Ryan's story and fall in love with him and Vicki in this incredible journey.
**
The Sullivans series
The San Francisco Sullivans
Book 1:
The Look of Love (Chase and Chloe)
Book 2:
From This Moment On (Marcus and Nicola)
Book 3:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Gabe and Megan)
Book 4:
I Only Have Eyes for You (Sophie and Jake)
Book 5:
If You Were Mine (Zach and Heather)
Book 6: Let Me Be The One (Ryan and Vicki)
Book 7:
Come A Little Bit Closer (Smith and Valentina)
Book 8:
Always on My Mind (Lori and Grayson)
Book 9:
Kissing Under the Mistletoe (Jack and Mary Sullivan)
The Seattle Sullivans
Book 10:
The Way You Look Tonight (Rafe and Brooke)
Book 11:
It Must Be Your Love (Mia and Ford)
Book 12:
Just to Be With You (Ian and Tatiana)
Book 13:
I Love How You Love Me (Dylan and Grace)
Book 14:
All I Ever Need Is You (Adam and Kerry)
San Francisco & Seattle Sullivans reunite for Zach & Heather, and Ryan & Vicki's wedding
Book 14.5
Every Beat Of My Heart
The New York Sullivans
Book 15:
Now That I’ve Found You (Drake and Rosa)
Book 16:
Since I Fell For You (Suzanne and Roman)
Book 17:
You Do Something to Me (Alec and Cordelia)
Book 18:
Every Time We Fall in Love (Harry and Molly -
What can I say about Bella Andre's The Sullivans...just wowzars! Is that even a word? Bella Andre can weave a big family like no one I know! You feel like you are a part of the family, experiencing the highs and lows along with each and everyone of them. Ryan and Vicki are the latest additions to the Sullivans who have found love in Let Me Be the One.
Ryan Sullivan has always had a crush on Vicki Bennett from the day she "saved" him. Being teenagers though, it's harder to get over asking someone out rather than being their best friend. Every time Ryan makes an attempt to show Vicki how he feels, he finds her in a situation that precludes him from going through. Throwing himself into baseball seems to be the only course. But now Vicki needs him, and Ryan will do everything he can to help her.
Vicki grew up with a crush on Ryan, but never thought he would return her feelings. Not one to sit back and allow things to happen to her, she moves on with her life, marries, moves abroad and subsequently divorces. Now back in San Francisco, she is trying to make her mark on the art world and get out of her ex-husband's shadow, who is also an artist. When she goes after a fellowship, she inadvertently gets into a bad position where she needs Ryan's help.
To get Vicki out of a sticky situation, Ryan agrees to play her boyfriend, when he wants so much more that just playacting. Both are hiding behind being scared of ruining their friendship if they ever really tried to enter into a deeper emotional relationship. Sacrifices on both sides must be made before a long term relationship can move forward.
Ryan is a baseball player, so we get to see just how easy baseball comes to him. He loves it and its not as much of a job as something he loves doing each day. But along with that career comes the publicity that Vicki doesn't want to be part of. Throw in one of the fellowship board members threatening her, he ex-husband causing problems and a need to finally find recognition for herself, Vicki has a lot to consider before falling for the one man who has been her best friend.
This is a wickedly sexy book, with both hero and heroine doing a lot of soul baring and searching. I love stories of hidden love that go on for a long time, only to finally hit the wall. These two to everyone were an obvious match made in heaven. It just took being thrown together for them to realize it themselves.
This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader -
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Let Me Be The One was another wonderful addition to The Sullivans series. I've enjoyed every novel in The Sullivans companion series by Bella Andre, and Let Me Be The One was no exception. Ryan and Vicki's story was a sweet and sexy love story filled with passion and angst.
I recommend this story and this series to every single romance fan out there. In my opinion, The Sullivans is the perfect companion series for romance readers. Each story is unique, but they all share Bella Andre's signature blend of sweet, sensual, and sexy.
My favorite thing about Ryan Sullivan and Vicki Bennett was their history and their friendship. Ryan and Vicki met in high school and remained friends throughout their lives. They remained close even when life pulled them in different directions. They were physically separated for many years, but as soon as they saw each other again it was as if no time had passed. Their friendship was remarkably strong; it was the perfect foundation for a relationship. Not only did Ryan and Vicki genuinely care for one another, but they also had this crazy, explosive passion for each other. Oh yeah, they wanted each other. Bad. It just took them both a really, really long time to make a move. There were times when I wanted to beat the character's heads together and yell at them to just get it on already, but even though their reluctance to make a move made me a little mad, it also was also part of what made this novel so great. Their longing for each other and their fear of rejection only made their fall that much sweeter.
I gave Let Me Be The One by Bella Andre 4 STARS. If you haven't been introduced to the Sullivans yet, then I recommend that you fix that immediately, starting with the first novel in the companion series, The Look of Love.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING -
"And still, even when he’d told her how he felt about her, and that he wanted their fake relationship to be real, she’d held herself back out of fear that their friends-to-lovers story was too good to be anything but fiction."
One of the hardest bridge to cross is the one that connects love and friendship. Finally! I get to read Ryan's story - and I was glad it was worth all those book that I skipped to read this one. As expected, it was hot on the edges as two friends try to deny what they feel for each other. The tension, the sexual chemistry and the inner conflict of crossing boundaries had me hooked and excited that I have finished this book in a day!
Ryan, truly a swoon-worthy knight-in-shining-armor is a guy any girl would want to have as her best friend. He's kind, generous, thoughtful, and always there when you need him. As a teenager with raging hormones, he tried to control every urges he has in respect to Vicki and their friendship. But as a grown man, (at last) he found some courage to finally pursue what he wanted for a long time: his best friend
Vicki worked hard to gain recognition in the art world, to prove to everyone that she can be famous because of what she can do and not who she knows. I admire her dedication to her craft and her struggle to do what she really loves. There were several problems she encountered along the way, and one of these problem is the reason why she called Ryan. Pretending to be his girlfriend is not that hard when it was almost close to reality. But doubts and fear of losing her best friend gave her some pause and a lot of thinking.
Their friendship had been through rough times, especially when they separated and Vicki wanted to pursue art for college. Even when she got married - their communication stayed and their friendship stayed alive.
Bella Andre makes a perfect love story for an ordinary plot of two best friends falling in love with each other. -
Originally posted on
Gone Pecan
Ryan Sullivan, one of the middle children of the great, talented San Fransisco Sullivan clan, is a major league baseball pitcher. When he receives a text from Vicki, his best friend since they were teenagers, asking him to rescue her, he finds her fighting off the advances of a skeevy man who has the ability to make or break her career. What is her solution to turning the guy down nicely? Pretend that she and Ryan are a couple.
Which is fine with him, Ryan’s been in love with Vicki since they met at age 15. Any excuse to finally give into the overwhelming urge to kiss her. And it’s every bit as amazing as he expected. But the skeevy guy won’t let it go, so Ryan ups the ante and surprises Vicki with a fake engagement. So this, acting all lovey to convince others of their love, as well as her staying in Ryan’s amazing house, has Vicki confused and aroused because she, too, has been in love with him for years.
I am a total sucker for unrequited love. Though this love is totally requited on both sides, neither thinks the other sees them as more than a friend. And that friendship is very strong and important to them. So this book is reeking of heated glances and not-so-innocent touches. And HOT. Being aroused for fifteen years tends to lead to very explosive sexual encounters.
Both characters are great. I loved Ryan. He may be my favorite Sullivan. He was so honorable and sweet. Vicki was fun, too. I loved that she was determined to make it on her own. Together they were quite sweet.
4/5
