Hi, lovely people! Today's, I'm posting four "mini-reviews" (we'll see how mini they really are, ha!). I've never done this before (mini-reviews, or so many reviews all in one post), so hopefully I don't overwhelm everyone! Anyway, I love a good adult romance novel, and no one does it better than Brazen, when it comes to adult contemporary romance! So, here are four of many more (I have soooo many Brazen reviews to write!) of some of the Brazen novels I've been reading recently!
One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy
Book One of the After Hours series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: August 4, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.
Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.
As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skyler’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.
What I Liked:
Super short review coming your way! Well, shorter than my usual review length. This book is quite short, so it is only fitting! I really, really enjoyed this book. I've not read anything by Elle Kennedy before (though I know she has a very popular New Adult series published - The Deal?), but I'm really happy with the first book I've read by her! This one was AMAZING!
Skyler and Gage meet in a nightclub, a nightclub that Gage owns in part. One steamy interaction leads to another, and the two of them can't keep their hands off each other. Skyler wants to keep seeing Gage, but Gage doesn't think it will work. With his dangerous past haunting him, he knows he should keep Skyler far away. But neither of them are prepared to let each other go.
This book is definitely one of my favorite Brazen books I've read. It's only a novella (sadness!), but it's one of the hottest ones I've read, with a sweet and steamy story, and likable characters. Skyler and Gage lock eyes and fall in lust, which sounds pretty typical for your average romance story. But I love how much chemistry these two have together, how they lose control, make each other crazy (in various ways), and grow to care for one another.
Skyler is a sweetie! I really could relate to her, because I feel like she and I are very similar. She isn't some sex goddess or a girl who talks dirty, but she knows what she wants and goes after it. Or, in this case, him. Gage is the silent, brooding type. He works hard at his nightclub, as well as to take care of his little brother's problems (which are pretty serious). Gage doesn't want to get close to anyone, but Skyler is persistent in a non-clingy way, and he started caring about her pretty quickly.
Bottom line - I loved the steaminess of this novel (the chemistry is off the charts), and I also loved the relationship development and growth. I really like Skyler, and I really like Gage, and I really like the two of them together. I wish this novel were longer because I LOVED the explosive chemistry and sweet relationship these two have! But it was a great novella as it was.
What I Did Not Like:
Like I said, longer! This isn't quite a complaint, because the story is perfect at its length, and isn't underdeveloped or anything. This is just me wanting more banter and steamy scenes from Skyler and Gage.
Would I Recommend It:
Of all the Brazen I've read, this one is probably the one I'd recommend the most! Also anything by Tessa Bailey. Also Down for the Count. But guys - this book! It was really good! I definitely need to read more Elle Kennedy - it would seem that all of her books promise steamy sizzling chemistry and great HEAs!
Rating:
4 stars. I really enjoyed this book! I'm curious about the next book in this series - the lead characters are so funny together (one of them pretends he doesn't like her), so I'm sure their romance will be a good one. In any case, it's clear that I need to read more Elle Kennedy!
Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Take Me If You Dare by Nina Crespo
Book One of the Birthday Dare series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: June 30, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
One decadent dare, one steamy night…
It’s been a year since Jasmine Stewart dumped her cheating ex, so when her best friend dares her to have a one-night stand during a business trip to Miami, Jasmine is all in. But just as she hits her cheesy-come-ons limit, a wickedly hot former soldier comes to her rescue.
Security specialist Ethan Worth’s instincts tell him the gorgeous woman at the bar is trouble. After a sexy dance and even sexier kiss, he knows she is. But when their scintillating night leads to more, the possibility of another long distance relationship sends Jasmine running for the door.
Until the unthinkable happens. Jasmine’s company assigns her to Bode-Wynn, the military security firm where Ethan works. Forced back together, the undeniable heat between them flares to life. But sex is all it can ever be, because taking it further goes against everything Jasmine wants…and everything Ethan fears.
What I Liked:
This novella was okay for me - I liked it, but didn't love it! As it is a novella, it is quite short, but that wasn't really an issue. This book was all kinds of steamy, especially the first encounter, but things kind of fizzled after that first encounter. Nevertheless, it was a decent novella (lol "decent"), and I liked it!
Jasmine is dared by her friend to have a steamy night with a stranger, while on a business trip. She doesn't expect to find a delicious-looking soldier who saves her in the bar from cliche pick-up lines from other men. Jasmine follows through with the dare... with Ethan. Ethan and Jasmine think it's a one-night thing, until they both find out that they're working in the same firm! Jasmine has been reassigned to the security that Ethan works for... and neither of them can deny their simmering attraction now that they see each other every day.
The first scene in the bar is so perfectly executed! I was hooked. And I love how Jasmine decides to be bold and go with Ethan to have that one-night stand... that encounter was super hawt. The chemistry between these two is practically alive. There are other steamy scenes in the book, but this initial one is the best one. I personally think the chemistry wilted a tiny bit after that explosive scene after the bar - part of the reason why this book got a middle-of-the-road rating.
I liked Ethan a lot! I felt bad for him, not necessarily Jasmine. I didn't hate or like Jasmine. But I liked Ethan. I wanted to hug him! Also soldiers are all kinds of hot. But Ethan is a nice guy, in my opinion.
The story is pretty interesting, but like I keep saying, the romance and chemistry fizzles a bit after the first scene - and so does the plot, kind of. But that's okay, this is a novella and it was short, so it didn't drag or anything!
What I Did Not Like:
Like I said above - I thought both the story and the romance and chemistry fizzled a bit after the first hawt scene after the bar. Ethan and Jasmine are super steamy together! Especially in that first scene (the one-night stand). After that, there are more steamy scenes, but not quite as steamy. And then the story - I just wasn't invested in the work story! It was kind of boring to me. I wanted more Ethan and Jasmine.
The other thing was, I didn't even really like Jasmine? I didn't hate her but didn't like her. She was definitely annoying after the one-night stand, and I felt bad for Ethan. Girl needs an attitude check! Though I can kind of see where she is coming from. If any of that made sense.
Would I Recommend It:
Ehh, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one, but if you have it, OR if it's free, I would see read it! But it's short (it's a novella) and it's not the best Brazen book I've read, so I wouldn't fall over myself trying to get to this one if I were someone else. I've been on a Brazen craze all week (as you can see) so I wanted to read as many as possible, including this one)!
Rating:
3 stars. Not too bad! I'm glad I read this novella, and I wouldn't mind reading more from this author. This particular novella wasn't my favorite thing ever, but I'll look out for more of Crespo's Brazen and romance novels!
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Caught by Clare James
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
She was hired to clean up his image. He wants nothing more than to get her dirty.
Watching sex tapes at the office is just part of PR professional Vivian Blake's job, especially when she has to clean up a celebrity's image. Except that her newest client isn't quite that easy. Racecar driver Jarod Cage is beyond hot, and his onscreen "performance" is already compromising Viv's cool professionalism.
While Jarod hasn't exactly been discreet about his personal life, he never thought his reputation could cost him both his sponsor and his racing career. Now he has to put his future in the hands of a tiny, pixie-like publicist. Which is becoming a problem, because the heat between them is about to redline. But when you go this hard and fast, putting on the brakes is the most dangerous thing you can do...
What I Liked:
This book was hot hot hot! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it, because, like Viv, I'm not really into car racing. I'm still not entirely convinced that it's a sport (to me), but I've definitely been educated a little on this, uh, sport. We'll call it a sport because that's what the world declares it (but you all know my slight skepticism. Sorry to fans/drivers!). In any case, I really, really liked the backdrop of car racing, with a scandal and a hot romance.
Vivian's new client needs his image to be cleaned up a little - Jarod Cage was taped having sex in a bathroom. His sponsors are prepared to pull his funding if he doesn't clean up his act. Upon their first meeting, Viv and Blake are anything but professional. They can't seem to keep their hands off each other, which could prove to be dangerous for both of them - and their careers.
This story was very fun to read! I don't think I've read a story featuring a race-car driver/car racing. So I learned a lot about of car racing and the "sport" of it. I guarantee you, I'd probably throw up everywhere if I went in a car with a driver during a race. Anyway, I was happy for the unique backdrop of this story. The story revolves around racing - Jarod's racing life, personal life, what he has to do to impress his sponsors (and racing fans).
This book is extremely hot. Jarod is one of those alpha, sex-on-two-legs type, and Viv is prim and proper but doesn't shy away from having a plan as to what she wants and what she thinks is best. The chemistry between these two is fiery, and there are plenty of sizzling scenes. The chemistry is constant and unpredictable throughout the book - a great thing!
This book is also very emotionally charged. There is a lot of insecurity in this book, as well as doubt, and just plain emotion. Lots of chemistry, emotions, drama. Well, not too much drama. Some drama, towards the end. It makes sense though - Jarod and Viv are an explosive pair.
Anyway! I liked this book. I liked Jarod and Viv, and I liked their pairing. The relationship starts very lusty (as most relationships in romance novels do), and continues to be lusty and sexually charged, but takes on a sweeter edge. Love!
What I Did Not Like:
There is this one scene in the book that totally bothers me - pretty much because I could never, ever see myself doing that in front of a pretty much perfect stranger, day one of having a new client. It was super bold! Bold doesn't even cover it - perhaps foolish. I can't say anything specific, but this scene was very eyebrow-raising to me! But in the end, I see the purpose of the scene, and it definitely adds to the chemistry and the story too, but woah.
Would I Recommend It:
I really enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend it - it's likely in my top ten (at least top fifteen) favorite Brazen novels. I've read a lot of Brazen novels and I've never ranked them or anything, but this one is a memorable one that I can see myself rereading. I recommend it!
Rating:
4 stars. I liked this one a lot! I hope there are companion novels to follow! I know I haven't said much specifically about the story, but there are certain secondary characters in this book that should totally be featured in their own story!
Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Wedding Dare series
Publication Date: June 9, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.
Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.
One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever...just when he realizes he can't live without her.
What I Liked:
TESSA BAILEY! Basically I will read anything she writes - her romance novels are AMAZING. One of my all-time favorite Brazen novels is an old one of hers, Officer Off Limits. It's basically a Brazen classic! Yes, it's only been out for two years. Anyway. That book is so good. I also enjoyed Bailey's Asking For Trouble. Also very good. I didn't absolutely love this novella, but I enjoyed it!
Julie is one of the bridesmaids in her friend Kady's wedding. Julie is a planner, organizer, people pleaser. She never stops buzzing around trying to help people, and so for the week of Kady and Colton's wedding celebration, all Julie is concerned about is making the week as awesome as possible. Enter Reed, one the groomsmen. He's a dirty-talking SWAT commander who wants Julie from the first sight - badly. Julie would rather be interested in the boring best man, but secretly she's really attracted to Reed. Opposites attract in this steamy novella set during a pre-wedding celebration week filled with drama!
Reed is a strange guy. He doesn't like physical touch other than sex, really. Meaning, hugs and warmy and fuzzy stuff are off limits (hehe). He doesn't want to fall in love or care about someone - he wants to have a good time. Julie wants a stable relationship with someone reliable and perfect, and that doesn't seem to be Reed. Being a perfect sorority girl, Julie thinks Reed is crass and rude and bold - but the thing is, a part of her likes his "bad-boy" nature.
The two of them are seriously hot together. The chemistry was jumping off the pages, super present and steamy. Seriously the chemistry is probably the best part of the book - I expect no less from Tessa Bailey! The sizzling scenes are well-written - and be prepared to fan yourself!
I liked Reed a lot - he's an odd guy, he acts like he has a heart of stone, but he's a good guy. Probably not a nice guy, and definitely not someone Julie saw herself falling for. I like seeing them fall for each other, though it's a bunch of drama and shenanigans. Really, Julie makes everything so complicated. I don't care for her too much.
Anyway. Overall I liked this book. I might read the rest of the novellas in this series! Each is written by a different author, which I think is pretty cool. All four authors are AMAZING!
What I Did Not Like:
I said this already, but I didn't really care for Julie. Let's explore this thought. I'm similar to Julie, in that I am a control freak, super organized, always running around trying to help everyone else. I get that. But Julie seemed a bit... fake to me. Too prissy, with a huge stick up her butt. She clearly thought she was above everyone else, especially Reed. The amount of privilege and power status rolling off of her when next to him was annoying. It was an indirect feeling I got, but I did not like it. Julie treated Reed like he had a plague, but then she burned for his touch. But then she denied that she was attracted to him. She did most of the pushing away, but of course, it's him that has to beg forgiveness in the end, and hope that she forgives him and decides to be with him. No! You hurt him too! You're the one with the stick up your butt! Ugh! This is a common theme in many romance novels - the man is always wrong/the female is always right - and the male is always the one apologizing and begging the female to stay with him, etc. Sometimes, it's totally warranted. Other times, girlfriend needs to apologize. Maybe he does too. But it's important that both parties chase back each other to make a relationship work, and not just the guy. That's only fair, right?
Would I Recommend It:
I'd give a firm maybe, in terms of recommending this book. While I loved the romance and chemistry, I really didn't like Julie. I'm well aware that this could just be a "me" tic and I could be the only one that is annoyed with Julie. But she's the only reason this book didn't get a higher rating. So. If you have this one already, read it! Otherwise, trust me, there are other Brazen novels! Three more sitting in this post, so convenient!
Rating:
3 stars. Of the four I reviewed today, this one is the one that I liked the least - and yet, I still liked it! So that's saying something about Brazen's novels. It's clear that I can't stay away! I'll definitely be looking out for more of Tessa Bailey's books - I love her work!
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