Love Online

Penelope Ward

Aug 2018 · Penelope Ward Books, Inc.

About this ebook

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

We met in the least likely of places. It started out innocently enough. I was “ScreenGod” and she was “Montana,” but of course, those weren’t our actual names, just the virtual cloaks we hid behind.

 

Logging in at night and talking to her was my escape—my sanctuary.

 

Her real name was Eden, I’d soon come to find out.

 

From the first time we connected online, I found myself transfixed.

 

She was an addiction.

 

At first, we knew nothing about each other’s real identities…and she was adamant that we keep things that way. Anonymity had no effect on our unstoppable chemistry, though. If anything, it allowed us to open up even more in ways we may not have otherwise.

 

Eden was funny, intelligent, gorgeous—everything I’d ever wanted in a woman.

 

But I couldn’t really have her.

 

I had accepted things would have to stay the way they were—until the day I found a clue that led me straight to her.

 

So I took a chance.

 

And that was when our love story really began.

 

 

 

Ratings and reviews

Ryder McNamara had a charmed life. But behind his glitzy lifestyle, he was a jaded man. One lonely night, he stumbled upon a woman who managed to make him feel alive again. Eden had been living a double life behind her onscreen persona. Contented with the path she took, she never thought she could find something real. But as her heart started to latch on to the man behind the screen she had to decide if they’re worth something more. This book started with an interesting premise especially with the dynamic between the two characters. Both of them were interesting, likable and relatable even though they came from two different worlds. I love how understanding Ryder was with her situation and how independent but caring she was. The story had a little bit of everything - sexiness, light and funny moments and also some heart. The good supporting characters also added dimension to the storyline. However, I do wish there was a bigger conflict in their relationship because I prefer more intensity. Love Online is a story of finding love in an unexpected way. It would appeal to fans of light, sexy romance with heart.

Clear your schedules... Love Online is yet another 'One Sitting Read'. As much as I tried to slow down and savor it, I devoured it in the matter of a few hours. P. Ward not only brings us another swoon worthy male lead but also a strong and independent female lead that many books in this genre continue to lack. The characters are so well developed that when they finally meet, it's an instant connection for the readers. My heart swooned, skipped a few beats, then melted in the best possible way. Get to one-clicking, Peeps! Story Ingredients: Slow burn romance Emotional plot twist Sexy dialogue Deliciously naughty scenes Sweet and witty banter Great supporting characters Lower level angst Happily ever after! Great writing: Well written with unique story line Smooth and easy pacing Character development on point Favorite Quote: "When something is worth fighting for, you don’t wait around to figure out logistics. You say yes, you accept the gift you’ve been given, and you figure out the rest later, because life is too damn short to be unhappy.”

4.5 stars — OK, wow, this book went in places I wasn’t anticipating at all. And while I don’t want to spoil things, I will warn that if you have problems with people in porn or the sex industry, then you should steer clear. So while I was surprised what subjects this book tackled, I found it really fascinating and thought-provoking. I doubt I was supposed to, at least to the degree which I was, but I think women who work in…shall we say “less savoury” professions are so often judged without looking deeper. And what’s strange is that a lot of romance books I’ve read have helped me to consider the reasons women might seek these jobs out, besides the obvious of enjoying it (or the common thought that they were forced or coerced). It’s a strange world we live in where sex really does bring in the money. And while that’s kind of a shame, I like how books I’ve read have helped me not to judge the *people* in those industries (well, the ones on the bottom, not necessarily the ones at the top who exploit). What I appreciated about this one was that we didn’t really get into the industry at all, it was just an aspect of Eden’s character. Instead we got to see the role it would play in a love story…which is, I suppose, the part that I found fascinating. Ryder was not what I was expecting at all. I truly felt how lost he was when the book started, and how lonely. And while I’m not really a fan of mentioning some “secret” (about how his previous relationship ended) and then not telling the reader, I tolerated it in this book. I was worried about what the secret was going to be, but it was interesting in and of itself and added a new dimension to Ryder. Through him we also got a realistic view on grief as well. The thing that got me about Ryder is that he was this interesting mix of jealous/possessive with understanding/compassion. I loved that his compassion for Eden’s situation meant that his jealousy didn’t go out of control. It, again, felt very realistic. Because it would be hard to turn off those feelings, even as you understood the circumstances. He was just such an interesting hero for me, because he didn’t fall into any of the usual hero traps. He was a rich, powerful guy, but he was still struggling with what he wanted to do with his life. He loved his parents, and struggled with making his father proud. He was just way more humble and down to earth than I was expecting. He surprised me in the best ways. I felt a bit more in tune with who Eden was going to be, and I loved that she was sweet, caring, and while she had her insecurities, we got to see her struggle to not let them overrun her emotions. She had her own balancing act between her fears and her desires. While I really liked Eden, I didn’t connect with her as strongly as I connected with Ryder, and I’m not sure why…truly. *shrugs* It happens I guess. She had her own “secret” that was kept from the readers, and while I had guesses to what it was, it was actually more intricate than I was anticipating. I loved the way Ryder and Eden’s love story progressed, from their first interactions right to the end. I LOVED that the relationship wasn’t sexual at first, but that they got to know each other. I loved that they found they could share their true selves with each other. Basically their connection felt real to me, and I appreciated that it wasn’t a rush to the bedroom, despite how they met. But worry not, their steamy scenes were worth waiting for (in my opinion). Now here’s the surprise of the story: Ollie. But I can’t tell you more without some spoilers, so... So yeah. Huh. I told my hubby I was having trouble writing this review, but apparently what that meant is that I had a novel’s worth of thoughts to put on paper. *rolls eyes* And I still think of other things to say (like I loved how the ex wasn’t really vilified). I can definitely see this book not working for everyone, but it totally worked for me. In the end, I fell in love with their love.

About the author

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

 

With over 1.5 million books sold, she is a twenty-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels.