Review: Thrown Down by Tessa Bailey and Dirty Deal by Christine Bell

Thrown Down by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Made in Jersey series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: April 4, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams...

Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her...and River is in danger of drowning a second time.

No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process?even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.

But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time...

What I Liked:

I love Tessa Bailey's books. There is something about them that keeps me coming back. She writes some of the hottest romances, and well-rounded characters, and different types of stories. You're always going to read something different and new when you pick up a Tessa Bailey book. I think this is my tenth Bailey read, and I really enjoyed the book!

Crashed Out was Sarge and Jasmine's story; Rough Rhythm was James and Lita's story. Thrown Down is Vaughn and River's story. River is Sarge's sister, and Vaughn is her ex-boyfriend who left her about four years ago and enlisted in the Army. Vaughn had no idea that River was pregnant, and nine months after he left, she had Marcy. Four years later, Vaughn is now hearing of his three-year-old daughter, and he's back. River won't let him back in her life easily, but Vaughn won't give up on River, and especially not his daughter.

I adore second-chance romances! I was a little nervous about this one. Crashed Out hinted at this story, with the ending of the book showing Vaughn's return. I had nothing to be worried about! I loved seeing Vaughn and River interact, after four years. Both of them were guilty of something that night four years ago - both of them kept things from each other. But Vaughn is the one that left, and River won't let him march back into her life, and into Marcy's life, so easily. Usually I dislike it when both people are to blame but only one person is working towards forgiveness, but that wasn't quite the case here.

For one, River does give Vaughn the chance to slowly come into her life and Marcy's. I think the author handled this aspect of the story well - there is no way River would have just let Vaughn into Marcy's life, like, surprise, this is your dad! And I like Vaughn's reactions to meeting his daughter - panicked, but then slowly getting more used to fatherhood.

River and Vaughn together are sizzling! They never lost their heat, and if anything, they are even more steamy together than before. We get to see flashback scenes from the past, so we know that the pair had a really physical relationship before Vaughn left. Fast forward to the present - initially River tries to keep things separated, but it's pretty impossible for either of them to stay away, physically and emotionally. 

I felt for both characters, and I really liked both characters. I thought it was really unfair that Vaughn missed the first three years of his daughter's life, and that River never told him about her. But at the same time, I totally understand River's reasons. And I was mad at Vaughn for leaving, but I totally understand his reasons too. 

In the end, I love how they both forgave each other, as well as themselves. I also really liked how the ending was very low on drama and miscommunication and angst. Both River AND Vaughn fought for each other and to be with each other. I love that it wasn't a one-sided fight! This aspect of the book was probably one of my favorites. The ending was lovely and wrapped up the story perfectly!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything at the moment! I breezed through this book so quickly - it was excellent!

Would I Recommend It:

If you like Tessa Bailey's books, don't miss this one. I'm not usually a fan of romance novels with children in them, but this one really worked for me. I really enjoy Entangled Brazen's books, and this one is another phenomenal publication. Bailey's books are always so hot and each one so unique, each story different from the last. Did I mention super steamy? This book was no exception!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (this is just picky Alyssa being picky). I love this second-chance romance! I like seeing two people struggle and push and pull and ultimately, fight to be with each other. Such a lovely story!

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Dirty Deal by Christine Bell
Book Two of the Perfectly Matched series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen 
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
Rating: 4 star
Source: Kindle copy bought from Amazon

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Professional matchmaker Serena Elliott spends her workdays helping clients find love. It’s the perfect gig. She gets to see the good part of the relationships...before things inevitably turn to crap. She leads her own love life the same way. Get in, and get out before things get too complicated. One date with sexy army doctor, Bryan Metcalf, won’t be enough to make her change her mind, no matter how hot it gets…

Bryan has had his share of crazy women and isn’t in the market for another relationship that ends by way of restraining order. When Serena Elliott gets into a bidding war for him at a charity bachelor auction, he’s a little worried. Turns out she’s just as anti-relationship as he is, and could be the solution to all his problems. If he can convince her to be his fake girlfriend, he just might be able to spend the rest of his leave in peace. Now if only he can stop thinking about that night on the beach…

But there are other forces at work that believe these two belong together, and they just might find out that happily ever afters do exist.

What I Liked:

I bought this book on a whim, while it was $0.99 (such a steal!). I've had pretty good success with Christine Bell's books. One of my favorites is Down for the Count, but I also liked Down on Her Knees. Book one of the Perfectly Matched series, Dirty Trick, was okay for me. I liked this one more! Dirty Trick featured Grace and Patrick, and this book featured Serena (Grace's coworker) and Bryan Metcalf, an army doctor who has returned home for a short time.

Bryan is roped into participating in a charity event that was put together by his sister, Quinn. All Bryan has to do is strut around in his underwear while women bid on a date with him - in the name of charity, of course. The bidding comes down to his crazy ex... and Serena, who is bidding so that she can have time with Bryan to talk to him, and try and get him to be the face of a campaign she and Grace are working on, for their matchmaking company. Both Bryan and Serena aren't looking for a relationship, but the chemistry between them is pretty fiery. What happens when their purely physical relationship turns into more?

If there is one thing about Christine Bell's books that I've come to expect and love, it is that all of them are REALLY hot. Bell especially writes hot romances and steamy scenes, and not the same ones over and over with slightly different variations. The romance in this book was smoking hot! The chemistry between Bryan and Serena was beyond steamy.

I immediately liked Bryan, upon reading the first few pages. He's a sexy army doctor (win-win there - man in uniform and a medical professional), and he's a nice guy. Apparently he's the type of guy that drives women crazy (his exes are insane!), but he's a decent guy, not arrogant. Serena is a perfect match for him. She is bold and unapologetic and feisty. I like that they both kind of fell into a physical relationship and they both were pretty okay with it being only physical. But I also like that they both fell for each other, and both of them were terrified of this.

Both characters have their reasons for avoiding love and relationships, but I liked seeing them together. They have craaaazy chemistry, but they also fit well as a pair, in general. This was a nice story of  two people meeting, falling in lust, and then in love with each other.

Overall, another success from Christine Bell! I like her Dare Me series, but this Perfectly Matched series is great too. I don't think Bell has written a Brazen-published book in a while, but I think she should!

What I Did Not Like:

I don't think I had complaints about this one! I kind of wish the ending was a little less dramatic, though it wasn't nearly as bad as some romance novels can get. Poor Serena! I'm glad Bryan came to his senses (both of them, really, but especially Bryan). 

Would I Recommend It:

I would pretty much recommend any of Christine Bell's Brazen novels, this one included. My favorite of hers is Down for the Count, which is actually only $0.99 right now! Bell's books are incredibly sexy and so well-written. It's worth stocking up on these!

Rating:

4 stars. I do hope there are more Brazen sales in the future, because I love having Brazen novels I haven't read on hand! They are so fun to read. Especially books by authors like Christine Bell, who can write a really satisfying and steamy romance!

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Review: Down on Her Knees by Christine Bell and Tell Me You Want Me by Joya Ryan

Down on Her Knees by Christine Bell
Book Three of the Dare Me series
Publisher: Entangled
Publication Date: February 24, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Bought from Amazon

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Four lessons, no strings…

Detective Rafe Davenport has always made Courtney DeLollis uneasy. While her instincts whisper, Touch him, her mind says, Run. But since she learned that he’s dominant in the bedroom, she hasn’t been able to forget about it. She should be appalled—she knows all too well what happens when a man has too much control—but a deeper, darker part of her is fascinated...

And so is Rafe. The sexual tension between them is thick enough to touch, and damn, does he want to touch. So he suggests something that will benefit them both. Four scenes—because anything more is a relationship, and Rafe won’t go there ever again. Each scenario is designed to tease and torment. To show Courtney that with every submission comes the reward of scintillating pleasure. But once he has Courtney down on her knees, Rafe realizes that she might be the one woman capable of bringing him to his…

What I Liked:

I loved Down for the Count, book one of the Dare Me series, so when I saw that Down on Her Knees was on sale for $0.99, I knew I had to buy it! I've read other Christine Bell books and she has not disappointed me! Her Brazen romances are always so steamy and so romantic.

Courtney has always been secretly intrigued by Rafe, although she says she isn't interested in him or his adventurous bedroom activities. Rafe has always been attracted to Courtney, and he finally has her where he wants her - fascinated, and too interested to turn him down. Four scenes is all they'll do - because neither want a relationship - but will four scenes be enough?

I adored Courtney and Rafe! From the first scene, their chemistry is off the charts. Christine Bell writes sexual tension so well! In all of her books, the hot tension precluding the sexy times is almost always just as hot as the sexy times themselves. 

Courtney is a likable heroine, and Rafe is a charming and wicked hero. He's domineering but so caring and considerate. And he's a man in uniform! I have a soft spot for those types. Courtney is nervous of trying Rafe's style, but she's always very adventurous herself. I love her bravery!

Suffice it to say, I really liked the characters and their character development. I think they're a great pair together, and I enjoyed watching them grow together. They worked for their happy ending, which made me happy!

Like I said, the steamy scenes are so steamy! Christine Bell is a master when it comes to all the good stuff. No need to worry, Rafe's activities aren't terribly risque, nothing like hardcore erotica material. I really enjoyed the chemistry and tension between these two characters, and all the steamy interactions they shared!

Overall another solid (and hot) book from Christine Bell! I adore her books and will definitely be looking out for more from her in the future.

What I Did Not Like:

I hope this isn't TOO spoilery, but I really wish these two had done more scenes together! I felt like my Kindle was going to catch fire, just from reading this book. More is always better, in romance novels! (In my opinion.)

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this particular Brazen novel, especially for the $0.99 I paid! I believe it's usually $2.99 but still! Any of Christine Bell's Brazen novels are worth the money.

Rating:

4 stars. Christine Bell has yet to disappoint me! This Dare Me series is so good. Quick, steamy, and filled with really likable, realistic characters!

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Tell Me You Want Me by Joya Ryan
Book Two of the Search and Seduce series
Publisher: Entangled
Publication Date: January 4, 2016
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

She’s getting dirty with the bad boy…

Determined to find her inner badass and save her business, boutique owner Michelle Ruby signs up for a twenty-four hour survival class. Except, she’s the only person who registered, and the guide is a sex-on-a-stick G.I. Joe come to life. Between his massive muscles, smoldering blue eyes, and “there’s no crying in camping” attitude, she’s in trouble…in more ways than one.

Search and rescue squad member Dex Young never thought he’d be roped into teaching “survival skills” to pageant queens. His sole student is upper class, upper state, and sexy as hell. And he has a sneaking suspicion that beneath her tight updo and designer jeans, there’s a sex kitten waiting to claw her way out.

But Dex knows women like her. Knows they only bring guys like him home to piss off their daddies. If it’s the bad boy experience she wants, she’ll get it. And Dex? Well, he can’t wait to find out just how dirty Michelle’s willing to get…

What I Liked:

I read the first book in this series, Tell Me You Need Me, and thought it was okay. This book was also just okay! Not bad but not amazing. I LOVE the idea of this book - search and rescue hotties - but in this particular book, it felt too short and I didn't quite connect with the heroine.

Michelle comes from a very rich family in New York, but she is in Beaufort trying to make her own way. Her boutique isn't doing so well, but she's trying to be independent and adventurous. She signs up for a survival class with the Search and Rescue team, and that means spending some one-on-one time with Dex, one of the hottest squad members. Too bad Dex knows her type - rich, only looking for one night. But lucky for them both, he's the man for one night stands. But one night might not be enough for either of them...

I really, really liked Dex. Honestly I could do with my own Dex. He's such a modern-day rogue, and a lot naughty, but he's a good person. He loves being a civil servant, loves helping others. Even with all their sexy interactions together, Dex does teach Michelle about survival. 

I love Dex and Michelle together. Michelle has this whole list of sexual experiences she wants to have, and Dex, being Dex, sees the list and is intrigued. One by one, he helps her experience each of them. I actually really enjoyed this premise, because some of those experiences were pretty steamy! Michelle is more dirty-minded than she thinks.

Beyond the sexy times, I wasn't all that interested in the story. It's mostly about Michelle's struggle to remain independent from her rich parents - I guess I just wasn't that interested in Michelle. Read on! 

What I Did Not Like:

Michelle wasn't someone I connected with, honestly. She is VERY rich and despite trying to be independent, her richness and rich background totally shows. She goes into the forest with Jimmy Choo boots, for crying out loud! I think I didn't like her at first, and she never grew on me,

Like I said above, I wasn't really invested in her story beyond the sexy times with Dex. So she wants to be independent. And stay far away from her rich parents and rich controlling ex-fiance. It just didn't appeal to me! And how Dex felt about all of that (coming from the background he has) - so heartbreaking! I really felt for Dex.

This story was also VERY short. More is always good, in romance novels! More steamy scenes. More tender scenes. More... more. This story felt a little compacted, in my opinion!

Would I Recommend It:

I liked the book overall, but I don't necessarily recommend it. It's not the best Brazen novel I've read - there are a lot of really good ones! Like the Dare Me series by Christine Bell, or anything by Megan Erickson or Tessa Bailey or Jennifer Bonds.

Rating:

3 stars. Joya Ryan has me intrigued by her writing and her stories, but I haven't really LOVED one yet. I think I'll keep trying, because she definitely knows how to write some steamy encounters!

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Review: Down for the Count by Christine Bell

Down for the Count by Christine Bell

Book One of the Dare Me series

Publisher: Brazen 

Publication Date: September 20, 2012

Rating: 4 stars

Source: Bought from Amazon

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Truth or dare…or TKO?

When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she's saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?

Galen had been counting on Lacey's wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins.

What I Liked:

I read Dirty Trick, one of Christine Bell's books from another Brazen series, and mostly enjoyed it. It was pretty good, and Grace was a character that I could somewhat relate to, but I wanted more from the novel. This book, Down for the Count, was much shorter, but I liked it more. 

Lacey just got married - only to find her new husband cheating on her with her bridesmaid/second best friend, Becca. The thing is, Marty and Lacey weren't really in love; they were marrying to solidify a business merger (or something like that). Marty liked Lacey, and Lacey liked Marty, but there was no spark there. Galen, Lacey's friend Cat's brother, helps Lacey escape the wedding and takes her to his cottage. Galen and Lacey have known each other since they were kids, and Lacey always had a crush on him. When Galen convinces Lacey to still go on her honeymoon... with him as company... things get heated.

I totally FEEL for Lacey. It's pretty extreme to marry someone you don't love, or don't feel any lust or passion towards, but I understand her situation. She kind... settled for Marty. Lacey could do so much better, but she totally settled. Good thing she caught Marty before it was too late. Lacey is a total control freak, completely neurotic, reined in, polished exterior. I *get* her, because I'm totally the same way. The thing is, I always say that the boring, "controlled" ones are always the most passionate... and fabulous. Closet wild child.

Anyway. I liked Lacey a lot. I liked Galen a lot as well, though I feel like I didn't get as good a read on him as I wanted. Galen is a boxer, a fighter, so he has a lot of reined control as well. But he's much more wild, in terms of appearance. Lacey's mother doesn't quite like him. The thing is, he's a considerate person. He's not stupid or dense, and he always thinks of Lacey and what she needs (especially in that vulnerable state). While Lacey is a closet wild child, Galen is a closet sweetie.

There are sooo many sizzling scenes of hot chemistry between these two. It builds slowly, but once the wedding is over and Lacey gets over her initial shock... it's actually pretty impressive, how much built-up tension there is between Galen and Lacey. They definitely had some attraction building since childhood. 

The chemistry was not lacking, but neither was the romance. I loved watching these two fall for each other completely, despite the short length of the book. The conflict of the book comes full circle, and Lacey must face her fears and her problems. Lacey must also fight for what she wants (Galen?), and she does just that.

Overall, I liked this one a lot. I'll be keeping an eye out for more Bell books (and Brazen titles in general)!

What I Did Not Like:

Hmmm... like I said, I didn't get as good a read on Galen as I would have liked. In most Brazen books, the author alternates perspectives, between the mail and female. I feel like there was more female perspective than male perspective. Maybe they were equal, I don't know, but it feels like Galen's thoughts were less.

Would I Recommend It: 

I liked this one a lot, so I would recommend it! Not all of Brazen's books are omg-so-good, but this one is a short and steamy read. For those who love adult contemporary romance novels, you should check out Christine Bell's novels!

Rating:

4 stars. I'm glad I got this one! I really enjoy Brazen novels.

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Review: Dirty Trick by Christine Bell

Dirty Trick by Christine Bell

Book One of the Perfectly Matched series

Publisher: Brazen

Publication Date: September 23, 2013

Rating: 3 stars

Source: Copy bought from Amazon

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

This matchmaker's about to meet her match...

Grace Love is lousy with men. She can spot a match for someone else a mile away, and her balls-on instincts are why her matchmaking business is thriving, but finding her own Prince Charming? The only guy who makes her sixth sense tingle is her playboy best friend, Trick, and no way is she risking their friendship, no matter how hot she knows the sex will be.

SWAT officer Trick Mathews is a patient guy, but Grace’s inability to see what’s right in front of her is grinding on his last nerve. Yeah, he blew his shot at breaking out of the friend zone when he tamped down the urge to lick her from head to toe the day they met, but he’s got a plan that’ll change her mind. Incognito at Salem's hottest Halloween party, he’ll show her exactly how good they could be…and that he’s the man for her. 

What I Liked:

You all know how much I LOVE Brazen books. Literally every time Brazen has a publication day for any of its new titles, I have to hold myself back. I can't afford to buy all of them, but oh how I would like to... a lot of times, I buy them way on sale. Like this one - more than a year after its publication, it was free, I believe, for a day. You can't go wrong with free. I didn't love the book, but I didn't dislike it either!

Trick Matthews has been in love with his friend Grace for quite some time, but she doesn't see him that way (or so he thinks). He thinks that she only sees him as a player, a guy bouncing between different women. But that's not the case, because Trick has been in love with Grace, and won't give up. Grace, on the other hand, has been nursing her wounds as a single lady, never seeming to find the right guy. Sure, her best friend Trick is hot... but he's her best friend. Too bad she has no idea how much he wants her.

I like these types of stories - two best friends fall for each other, or are already in love, but need something to make them realize that they're not alone in their feelings. Trick finally does something, and disguises himself for a Halloween party. He and Grace do the deed... but she has no idea that it's Trick. She is totally into it, and wants more from "Catman". Little does she know!

The author definitely dials up the steamy in this book. A true Brazen novel, this one does not like in the physicality of the romance aspect. But, the love story is really there as well. I liked seeing Grace fall for "Catman", and eventually, realize her feelings for Trick.

I really like Trick. Grace is cool, but Trick is probably my favorite. He's actually super sweet, thoughtful, considerate, and extremely sexy. Obviously the ones in uniform are the good ones, right? Perhaps...

Overall, I liked the romance, and the sizzling chemistry. This type of romance - the best friend type - is one of my favorites, as long as it's developed, and there is no love triangle. None of that in this novel!

What I Did Not Like:

I think this story could have benefited from more pages. It felt very short, like there could have been more in the very beginning, between Grace and Trick. THEN there could be Grace and "Catman", and THEN she finds out. But I wanted more scenes from Grace and Trick.

Also, Grace's business with her friend - that wasn't nearly as present/significant in this book as I had thought it would be. For some reason, I thought it would have come into play at some point in the book, besides being the reason that Grace went to the party.

Finally, I think there could have been more depth to this book, more sentimentality. I didn't really feel much towards Trick besides omg-he-sounds-smoking. Grace, more so, because she had a terrible ex-boyfriend, and this is pretty significant in the novel. Maybe I just wanted more personal scenes between Grace and Trick. Maybe more in general, from the depth.

Would I Recommend It:

I liked this one, but it definitely isn't my favorite Brazen novel. I enjoyed the read!

Rating:

3 stars. I'll be looking forward to reading more Brazen books by Christine Bell!

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