Miami, Florida ~ Present Day

Five years ago, Rand Kincaid and Tara Anthony had a torrid affair which ended badly when Rand thought Tara slept with his father. Rand left Miami vowing never to return. Alas, part of his father’s will requires that Rand return to the family’s cruise company and rehire Tara as his assistant -- for one year. He wouldn’t do it for himself, but for his brother and sister, who need the money. Tara agrees to rejoin the company, but only if Rand accepts her conditions: Rand move into her house and occupy her bed. Rand agrees, despite what he thinks of her.

Tara knew while she was involved with Rand that he wasn’t into commitment, but his abrupt breaking off of their affair hurt her. She didn’t sleep with Rand’s father, but Rand doesn’t believe her. Meanwhile, for the past five years she has dealt with her mother’s illness and eventual death, and feels that getting back at Rand is a means of payback for the emotional rollercoaster he left her in. Rand makes it clear he won’t be forced to care for Tara, even if he must perform certain duties. But, once working and living together, will Rand change his tune?

Rand grew up being treated harshly by his father, and the two seemingly competed for everything…including Tara’s affections. Rand’s response was to reject his father, family, and Tara, but now he’s forced to return or watch the company be practically given away to a rival. Rand tells himself he hates Tara with a passion, but that passion soon turns hot and heavy between them. Will love soon follow?

Tara loved Rand all those years ago, and being around him again only reinforces the feelings. She should hate him for what he did to her, but after everything she’s experienced, she knows one should take whatever they’re offered in life. If she only has Rand for a year, then so be it. She’ll treasure their time together. As Rand and Tara spend time together, they soon discover the keys to their past, opening up to a whole new look at each other. Is it enough to heal the past’s wounds?

With a setting in Miami and the cruise industry as a background, along with Tara’s unusual demand, Emilie Rose has brought readers an intriguing tale that is superbly written. Emotions run high, but so does the passion. By the time you get one third of the way through SHATTERED BY THE CEO, you will come to care for Tara and Rand just as I did. This is the first tale in The Payback Affairs, which features the Kincaid family, and I look forward to reading Mitch's and Nadia’s stories.

Get ready for secrets to be revealed and desire to be rekindled. Snatch up a copy of SHATTERED BY THE CEO for a couple hours of reading pleasure.

Patti Fischer