Flashed

July 15, 2019
A reclusive model falls for his new housekeeper in this contemporary romance with noticeable "Beauty and the Beast" vibes. Patrick Halloran was on top of the world. First, he was a soccer star, then a model, and he was set to star in a Hollywood blockbuster. But then a vicious car accident changed his life forever. Scarred emotionally and physically, Pat retreats to his family ranch in Montana to live in isolation until art student Magdalena "Lena" Martel accepts the position as his new housekeeper. The rules are simple. She'll cook, clean, and avoid certain areas of the house. Despite the unconventional circumstances, Lena needs the money. With tuition to pay and a stepmom and younger sister to keep out of debt, she's willing to overlook her grouchy, nearly invisible boss. Slowly, Lena's fantastic cooking and the catchy music she blasts while cleaning have Pat emerging from his self-imposed exile. Post-it notes left behind graduate to texts and even to late-night phone calls, though the ultimate test will be whether or not Lena runs from Pat's disfigured body. Pat's trauma and regret are very real. He hates the man he has become, but he isn't sure the man he was before the accident was much better. Though Lena isn't without her own baggage, it's certainly overshadowed by Pat's journey to do as little as set foot outside his home. The romance is steamy and charming as a standoffish and frankly horrible first impression seamlessly morphs into a tentative friendship and more. Lena and Pat's relationship builds at a slow and steady burn that fights against their heavy emotional insecurities. However, the turning point, when a big misunderstanding threatens to ruin their happily-ever-after, doesn't have as much nuance as the way they came together in the first place. A sexy, modern fairy tale that caps off an entertaining series.

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