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Provoke Me (Unveiled #2)

by Cari Quinn (Goodreads Author)

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 251 ratings · 32 reviews

Book Two in the Unveiled series.

Sometimes extreme provocation can lead to exactly what you need…

Attracted.

Kelly's focus is the bookstore she manages. Sex is relegated to a list of candidates on her PDA. Only one man pushes all her buttons―her boss.

Fascinated.

Spencer is determined to fight his desire for Kelly. For years they’ve bumped heads over the store they both love....more

ebook, 262 pages

Published by Ellora's Cave (first published June 22nd 2011)

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Jul 15, 2011 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: content-coworkers-turned-lovers, setting-sex-or-bdsm-club, sexual-mix-mf, sub-theme-vouyerism, tone-erotic, zz-reviewed, 2011-read-in, a-rrr-in-holiday-party, a-series

"Either her panties melted off her body or he ripped them away..."

Yes, PROVOKE ME is that hot! So, just a fair warning to wear your least favorite undies while reading this one because they are bound to self destruct with the heat Cari Quinn is bringing to this deliciously sexy read!

The Book Nook bookstore is just too small for both Kelly and Spencer AND all the sexual chemistry they have going on. Kelly is headstrong and outspoken. Spencer is a straight-laced businessman and has no time for rom...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2read2, favorites

“He was brilliant, ruthlessly so. An amazing boss. And his ass was a thing of beauty.”

Take a sexy, alpha male like that along with every reader’s dream job of being surrounded by books and the immediate question is…Where do I apply? Answer: Provoke Me, the second installment of the Unveiled series by Cari Quinn.

Spencer Galvin, regional manager of The Book Nook, is devoted to one thing – his job. He lives and breathes the bookstore because he’s given up on the possibility of love or the desire fo...more
“He was brilliant, ruthlessly so. An amazing boss. And his ass was a thing of beauty.”

Take a sexy, alpha male like that along with every reader’s dream job of being surrounded by books and the immediate question is…Where do I apply? Answer: Provoke Me, the second installment of the Unveiled series by Cari Quinn.

Spencer Galvin, regional manager of The Book Nook, is devoted to one thing – his job. He lives and breathes the bookstore because he’s given up on the possibility of love or the desire for a serious relationship. Driven, stubborn and wound tight as a drum, Spencer is hiding one major flaw. Underneath the professional, straight-laced persona, he is a man who is sexually frustrated by one woman who also happens to be his employee.

Brazen, straight forward Kelly Crossman has lusted after Spencer since she started working at the bookstore three years ago. She knows that hooking up with Spencer is an unrealistic fantasy even though he is at the top of her list of sexual conquests. But, whatever lust Kelly feels toward Spencer is only a taste of the overwhelming desire he feels for her. As her boss, Spencer is convinced he must maintain a constant reign on his libido, remaining professional in all matters. Since his regular workouts are not even taking the edge off the sexual tension he has for Kelly, he decides to revisit the sex club, Kink, hoping to find some relief. What Spencer doesn’t bank on is finding Kelly watching him in a sexually-charged moment. Spencer’s rational thoughts move from one head to the other, and he knows the night will not end before he has her. Thinking that a few nights of passion with Kelly will get her out of his system is Spencer’s first mistake which leads to new feelings he can’t control and doesn’t want to face.

Although Spencer is the ultimate sexy and insatiable man, he is also a true “bonehead” as well. His heart is in the right place, but his focus in trying to hide his true nature and remain in control ultimately results in major missteps that made me want to slap him senseless! And Kelly had her flaws as well. While she had an honest, loving heart, her brassiness and brutal honesty could be intimidating for most men…except for Spencer. She rattled, infuriated and consumed him. She could fluster him senseless and center his world in the same breath. What Kelly didn’t realize is the profound effect she had on him. She stirred feelings and desires that exposed a vulnerability he didn’t want to recognize. Never the less, they were tuned into each others emotions and desires which proved to be stimulating and terrifying for both. Without a doubt, the heat ignited by this passionate couple, had a primal edge that had me feeling like a voyeur watching every scene and aching for more.

It’s always exhilarating for a reader to discover an author whose style and voice combine to create a thoroughly satisfying read. Cari Quinn fits the bill and then some. The erotic genre is often stereotyped by readers as nothing but a mindless screwfest. Ms. Quinn is one of a handful of authors I have found who defy the stereotype. She delivers a solid storyline with strong, multi-dimensional characters that are endearing in their flaws and honest with their emotions. Also, witty dialogue and genuine chemistry made the pairing more credible and engaging. That said, Ms. Quinn does not skimp on the passion. Possessive whispers and feather light kisses lead to sizzling hot, up against the wall, all-consuming sex.

With all the elements of the best erotic reading, Provoke Me has this reader eagerly waiting for the next installment of the Unveiled series. In the meantime, if Ms. Quinn would only deliver Spencer to my bed!

Favorite Quotes: There were just too many to list but here are two.

“God, she couldn’t get into his car. She’d ruin his seats. Then again, she couldn’t not get in his car. Up-against-the-wall orgasm aside, she was so freaking horny she’d die if she didn’t get her hands on him. His leather interior wasn’t her problem.”

“He got to her apartment before she did, which made her grin. Apparently erection difficulties were a thing of the past. Hell, she liked being his Cialis. She’d happily take on that role for the rest of her life.”

Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/07/r... (less)

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Jun 27, 2011 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's not news that I love all the books I have read by Cari Quinn but this has got to be my favorite book she has written. With Provoke Me she ha honestly topped herself.

Spencer Galvin runs a bookstore. He isn't only easy on the eyes but he is driven, focused and very controlled. Spencer now lives by the rules and one rule he will not break again is mixing business with pleasure, but this 35 year old now has a problem. Kelly is tempting him beyond his belief.

Kelly loves her job and has wanted...more

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Jul 13, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 stars all the way! This was a FABULOUS book!! Full review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog....

My Review:
Hot, sexy romance set in a bookstore? Yep, this book made me a happy reader. Kelly & Spencer... they have worked together at the bookstore for three years. He's her boss and they have a highly confrontational relationship for most of the time. All of that confrontation though, covers the fact that they are incredibly drawn to one another although neither one is aware of the ot...more 5 stars all the way! This was a FABULOUS book!! Full review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog....

My Review:
Hot, sexy romance set in a bookstore? Yep, this book made me a happy reader. Kelly & Spencer... they have worked together at the bookstore for three years. He's her boss and they have a highly confrontational relationship for most of the time. All of that confrontation though, covers the fact that they are incredibly drawn to one another although neither one is aware of the other's feelings. Until someone leaves Kelly's PDA on Spencer's desk opened to her file of the men that she would like to have sex with...Spencer has the #10 spot on the list.

Hoping to burn off some sexual frustration after a day spent stewing over the PDA and Kelly, Spencer heads to Kink, the local sex club. Unknown to him, Kelly is also headed there with her friend Alana (this is where Reveal Me & Provoke Me story lines overlap- very cool to see the events through another character's eyes.) Kelly recognizes Spencer's car in the parking lot and immediately starts to search him out. Things steam up really quickly from there.

This book had everything... heartbreaking twists, hot trysts, subterfuge, corporate politics, a hot sex club, and the best setting for it all... a wonderful bookstore.

I really liked Kelly's character. She was a cross between all-American nice girl and sexy vixen depending on her mood and how hot Spencer got her. I liked that, no matter what, she told it just like it was- no games, no doubts. She didn't let her pride stand in the way of her honesty. I really liked how she dealt with Spencer even when he was at his lowest point. She didn't hide anything behind emotion- just put it out there and then if she needed to, she fell apart later. She stayed so strong in the face of adversity (but it's okay, I was crying enough for both of us.)

Spencer is a totally straight-laced corporate type. He makes no secret that he is married to the bookstore and that it is his total focus. His completely controlled persona is what makes it so outstanding to read when he loses control...a lot of the time around Kelly. He gets so emotional about, around, and for her...it's a beautiful thing!

A really gorgeous love story. I love both Kelly & Spencer and cannot wait to see more of them in the future additions to this wonderful series. I hear that there's going to be 4 more books (at least) based around the bookstore. Yippeee!!!(less)

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Jul 12, 2011 Nikki Brandyberry rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book has got to be the hottest…the naughtiest….the best wrote erotic romance I have read to date. Hot damn this book was yummy! I don’t even know what more to say. Honestly. No clue. I was first introduced to this world in the novella, Reveal Me. I loved that quickie and I love how this one was a full length novel.

Kelly and Spencer work together at The Book Nook, both 100% committed to their jobs. Being the boss, Spencer attempts to keep Kelly in line but usually he fails…miserably. Kelly i...more This book has got to be the hottest…the naughtiest….the best wrote erotic romance I have read to date. Hot damn this book was yummy! I don’t even know what more to say. Honestly. No clue. I was first introduced to this world in the novella, Reveal Me. I loved that quickie and I love how this one was a full length novel.

Kelly and Spencer work together at The Book Nook, both 100% committed to their jobs. Being the boss, Spencer attempts to keep Kelly in line but usually he fails…miserably. Kelly is unlike most of the women he’s ever known. Strong and vocal but slightly insecure with herself. Imagine his surprise when he not only finds her PDA with her list of sexual conquests, but also his office security tape has a very raunchy video of Kelly riding solo on his couch. Now the girl with the bright ideas that is as innovative has she is sexy has caught his attention.

Kelly isn’t used to being sexually open. She certainly isn’t used to the sex club, Kink, her friend has drug her to. What surprises her most though is seeing her sexually frustrating boss, Spencer hooking up some some random chick in the steam room. Spencer is the man she has lusted after for years. If she has to open her mind to the idea of voyeuristic sex, well she will give it everything she has.

Wow, just wow. This book was so incredibly hot. Every scene just a bit hotter then the last. Through it all though is a great story. Who hasn’t fantasized about a boss at some point in their life? Being taken on a desk in the boss mans office, is just…achingly sextastic. It’s erotic. And the ways Spencer takes Kelly. Alone…with some helpful hands at the Kink club….awesome.Yes, there are a few scenes that involve additional players…so beware.

Spencer was great. So stoic and in control. Watching his control shatter again and again was…..well it was….fantastic. He is a man haunted by his past mistakes and unable to deny himself of Kelly over and over again. She is everything that is missing in his life. Loving, sexual and just a great partner.

Kelly is a strong woman. Her tongue is quick to attack both verbally and sexually. She is the kind of person any girl would want in her court and any man would trip over to get to. Loyal and devoted to her job as well his her smoking hot boss.

Spencer doesn’t know any other life away from The Book Nook. It’s his calling in life. Nothing can derail him from his position in Virginia. Yes it means moving for a year at least but the benefits outweigh the sacrifice. Until Kelly shows him that his job isn’t everything. That life can be worth so much more.

I give Provoke Me by Cari Quinn 5 stars!(less)

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Jun 17, 2011 Taryn Elliott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-fave

Spencer + Kelly = Explosive.

I read this badboy in ONE night. The equivalent of about 280 pages-ish. (kindle)
yeah...it's one of THOSE books. A truly must read for the Cari Quinn fan. The pace is so fast, the angst and passion run neck and neck between these characters. It's hard to pull off a book with 2 strong main chars but Cari does it pretty much every time.

Spencer's control issues bashing heads with Kelly's ability to slot people into certain personal goals and move on is carefully and seaml...more

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Aug 14, 2011 MaggieReadsRom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, contemporary, erotic-romance, requests, menage

4.5 stars!

Memorable Scenes:
- Kelly and Spence's first meet in the club > I just overdosed on raw sexual heat and tension. Am I still breathing? I think Cari just killed me...
- the scene working late at the Book Nook > sweet and hot at the same time
- the scene at the club with Paul > *fans self* but it's not helping at all!!

Kelly Crossman is a day manager at one of the Book Nook bookstores.
She’s sweet and giving, yet she knows what she wants and goes for it. Kelly is also smart-mouthed,...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, romance, contemporary

Reviewed By~Ashleigh
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
Reader Advisory: In a couple of scenes, Kelly and Spencer test “the more the merrier” theory.

Review: For Kelly Crossman, The Book Nook is her whole life, until she meets Spencer Galvin. While he is her boss and that should mean off limits to anyone who wants to keep their job, Kelly just can’t seem to stop lusting after him. After an interlude in his office after hours, Kelly is beyond tied to him in ways that she never thought possible. But w...more

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Jan 18, 2012 KatiD rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

Kelly Crossman has had a thing for her boss for more than three years. She manifests that attraction by arguing with him. Alot. Spencer Galvin is a brilliant merchandiser and boss, the fact that he has a terrific ass is a nice side benefit. Unbeknownst to Kelly, Spencer's attraction to her is very mutual. But due to a checkered past getting involved with a married woman he worked with, Spencer is bound and determined to avoid getting involved with Kelly, no matter how hot he finds her.

All of tha...more Kelly Crossman has had a thing for her boss for more than three years. She manifests that attraction by arguing with him. Alot. Spencer Galvin is a brilliant merchandiser and boss, the fact that he has a terrific ass is a nice side benefit. Unbeknownst to Kelly, Spencer's attraction to her is very mutual. But due to a checkered past getting involved with a married woman he worked with, Spencer is bound and determined to avoid getting involved with Kelly, no matter how hot he finds her.

All of that changes when he catches Kelly at Kink, the sex club that he frequents. Unfortunately, before anything can really heat up, he and Kelly have to flee as the police have raided the club, which is not exactly on the up and up. While in the car, Kelly makes a wholly unexpected move on him, and he reacts like a bolt of lightening. Their chemistry is incendiary and if he was attracted before, he's pretty much blinded by lust now. Soon Kelly and Spencer are having extremely hot sex. But Spencer has no intention of getting closer. despite being really impressed by Kelly's intelligence and unbelievably challenged and attracted by her "gamesmanship". The two of them spend a lot of time dancing around their feelings and being all, "this is just sex." But Spencer knows that Kelly is getting more serious and he hasn't told her about his promotion, which will take him to a different state.

I have mixed feeling about this book. I really enjoyed the couple's chemistry, and the sex scenes are hot, inventive and work really well. But honestly, I was a bit befuddled about why Kelly was so attracted to Spencer. I felt that he often was a butthead to her, being dismissive of her feelings and generally ugly to her. I just didn't fully understand why she couldn't let him go. Particularly when he makes it very clear to her that their relationship isn't exclusive (he comes to her smelling of another woman -- unlike any other woman on the planet, this makes her hot and she engages in a sex act with him). While Spencer's issues are explained, I didn't understand why Kelly made so many allowances for his behavior, particularly when he refused to explain them to her. All of that being said, I think that this author has a really terrific voice and her writing style shows a confidence and ease with her craft. This makes me think that I will try another Cari Quinn book. My problems with this one had more to do with a hero who didn't work for me, than anything to do with the author's writing style.

Final grade: C+(less)

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Sep 04, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, contemporary, fetish, m-f, m-f-m, menage, voyeurism

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Slightly geeky and extremely sexy Spencer Galvin has a problem named Kelly Crossman. His attraction to his employee makes him want to break all his personal rules about inter-office relationships. He resists her, even after catching her in a hot solo session in his office, until a chance meeting at a sex club turns into a night where passion rules.

This book is chock-full of passionate love scenes that move the plot forward, although...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Sparklybearsy rated it 4 of 5 stars

rated 4.5 out of 5

From past reviews, you know that i think Cari Quinn's writing skills is up there with awesome. She writes some of the most evocative, sexy, down right delicious tales of love and romance with a modern twist of Naughty. I truly have enjoyed everything she's written so was a little (a lot) excited to receive Provoke Me for review.

Second in the Unveiled series I first encountered this series with Reveal Me. And ohMy did Cari Quinn pack a lot of heat into that short tale. It lef...more

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Jul 05, 2011 Harlie Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Take one emotionally detached, unavailable man and one woman determined to break through his walls and what do you get? Provoke Me is what you get. Kelly and Spencer are two of the most stubborn, sexy, hard to figure out characters that I have read in a very long time. They intrigued me from the first page and still linger with me today.

I'll be honest though, I read the book twice before writing this review. Yes, it took me twice to get all the little details, emotions and characterizations in m...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cari-quinn, contemporary-romance, part-of-a-series, office-romance, erotica, against-the-car-smexing, against-the-door-smexing, against-the-wall-smexing, brooding-hero, commitment-phobic-hero, desk-smexing, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, explosive-passion, favorites, favorite-heroines, good-for-nothing-ex-girlfriend, haunted-by-the-past-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, hottest-first-kiss, hottest-sex-scenes-ever, in-the-car-smexing, inside-the-car-smexing, intense-connection-between-hh, loner-hero, opposites-attract, one-night-stand, sizzling-sexual-tension, voyeurism, review-requests, favorite-alpha-heroes

Provoke Me is a title that lives up to its name. It draws the reader in, refuses to let go and provokes all sorts of emotions from the reader and I absolutely loved it. Cari Quinn can certainly do no wrong with her sensational novels, and yes I say sensational because she pens a novel that is nothing less than perfection and Provoke Me is no exception to this rule.

The second book in the series Unveiled, Provoke Me tells the story of how the utterly controlled and focused Spencer Galvin finds in...more

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Apr 30, 2012 A.R. Von rated it 5 of 5 stars

Intriguingly fun, hot, steamy, erotic and emotional (I could go on). I loved this book! It explores many fantasies (and realities) that remain untouched, forbidden, unexplored and hidden by many.

Kelly has worked at the Book Nook for three years. In that time the store has become her life and she has harbored an immense crush for her boss, Spencer. Everything changes for her after somehow her PDA goes M.I.A. Knowing it holds revealing information about her 'list' and the 'who' that is on it does...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Between the Bind rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was H-O-T HOT! Holy moly!

So here's the run down...Spencer, a sexy, controlling, workaholic, has had the hots for his sarcastic, modestly sexy, employee, Kelly from her first day at the Book Nook three years ago.

Since college, Kelly has wanted to break away from her inner good girl and made a list of her top ten men to, uhhh, "cuddle," to help her do just that. Once she meets Spencer, she immediately makes him her number one - and if she can't have him...she can at least fantasize abo...more This book was H-O-T HOT! Holy moly!

So here's the run down...Spencer, a sexy, controlling, workaholic, has had the hots for his sarcastic, modestly sexy, employee, Kelly from her first day at the Book Nook three years ago.

Since college, Kelly has wanted to break away from her inner good girl and made a list of her top ten men to, uhhh, "cuddle," to help her do just that. Once she meets Spencer, she immediately makes him her number one - and if she can't have him...she can at least fantasize about him...on the couch in his office. ;)

I really...REALLY enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little bit typical - boy likes girl, girl likes boy and everybody but the two of them are aware of it. But in true Cari Quinn style, we soon get wrapped into a delicious, sexy, moving relationship between two real characters.

Kelly is my type of chick - we would totally be cool. First of all, she a book enthusiast who has a knack for design and I love the quirkiness of her character. She's oober sarcastic and literally made me laugh out loud multiple times with her needling of Spencer. Moreover, I appreciated the control she had over her feelings. Kelly isn't a cry-about-it kinda gal, and man, I LOVE it! Even when she does get emotional, it's in the right places, showing natural openness and honesty.

Spencer's made some choices that have shaped his life and influenced his work ethic but still were necessary, as are all cruddy choices, for his growth. I loved how callus Spencer was. It really fit and made sense not only in his relationship with Kelly, but with his familial relationships as well.

The sex club was prevalent in the beginning of the book (and boy was it steamy!) continuing occasionally throughout but the one-on-ones between Spencer and Kelly were just as tantalizing, allowing us to make sense of a how this world could REALLY work - although most of us only fantasize about it.

As the issues arise in their relationship, the reader can definitely see where Quinn is leading us, it's the waiting to get there that caused so much angst for me. I literally cried on and off throughout the last four chapters - which was super awkward because the UPS guy came and knocked on the door with my newest book purchase...and here I am, wiping tears, sniffling, signing for another book while the puppies are freaking because they can't see who's outside.

Anywho, I would most DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy, real-life romance with real flaws, honest writing, and heart-catching characterization.

**Special thank you to Cari for sending me this incredible book. It was a true pleasure to read.**(less)

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Aug 12, 2011 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, contemporary

Kelly Crossman works in a small, independent bookstore chain. She loves her job, and she's good at it. She gets along pretty well with her co-workers, but her boss - oh! He's the stuff of fantasy. And she fantasizes quite a bit ;)

Spencer Galvin lives and breathes the bookstore. He got his position through dubious means, but he's good at what he does and he has big plans for his career by maintaining his professionalism and continuing to do an outstanding job. That includes ignoring the hotness t...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Heather in FL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: z-from-elloras-cave, a-i-own-it, elements-erotic-smut, elements-romance, elements-exhibitionism

I'm not sure what I can say about this book that others haven't. I cried. I rarely cry from a book, but I was so invested in the characters that I CRIED!!! Thankfully, I knew there was still book left, so there was time to eek out a HEA. And I'm glad it didn't happen "cleanly". I mean it wasn't easy on the person who had the groveling to do. It wasn't as hard as it could have been, but it wasn't easy.

I loved how Kelly saw right through Spencer. I hated how "clinical" Spencer seemed -- how he wa...more

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Mar 31, 2013 ~Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure~ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Voyeur/Exhibition Readers

Shelves: a-ebook, a-ee-author, a-read-in-2013-ereader, ee-2013-a-z-challenge, ee-2013-rrrt-challenge, a-length-151-399-pages, a-series, character-boss-to-lover, character-business-wo-man, content-humor, from-i-won-it, from-the-author, genre-contemporary, outcome-hea, sex-good-and-smutty, sex-my-naughty-fantasies, sexcontent-bareback, sexcontent-masturbation, sexcontent-menage-scene, sexcontent-oral-play-sex, sexcontent-public-sex, sexcontent-rough, sexcontent-voyeur-exhibitionism, sexual-mix-m-f, sexual-mix-m-f-m

I rarely read mf stories unless they have something special I like and this one fit the bill to the t. I love voyeur/exhibition books and yowza, this one was hot. I didn't read

The Book Nook isn't big enough for Kelly and Spencer who have been lusting after each other for the last three years and it wasn't until they both went to Kink, a sex club, that the real fireworks started. They're both control freaks for different reasons and he's a voyeur and she's adventurous. They really did have a lo...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: smut, review, read-in-2011

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/07/13/...

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: eARC from author

I’ve always heard such great things about Quinn, but had only read her short story in the Undercover Lovers Anthology. Let me tell ya, when Quinn has more pages to work with, she really steams them up!!

Kelly has lived and breathed the bookstore, and loves everything about her job, especially her sexy as sin boss. But Spencer doesn’t seem to not...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/07/13/...

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: eARC from author

I’ve always heard such great things about Quinn, but had only read her short story in the Undercover Lovers Anthology. Let me tell ya, when Quinn has more pages to work with, she really steams them up!!

Kelly has lived and breathed the bookstore, and loves everything about her job, especially her sexy as sin boss. But Spencer doesn’t seem to notice or even really like her most days. That doesn’t stop her from having him star in all her fantasies, or topping her list of men she dreams of having.

Spencer can’t get involved in another scandal with an employee, so no matter how attracted he is to Kelly, she is off limits. But when he finds her PDA and his name on her list, he finds it harder and harder to get her off his mind. Once they run into each other at an underground sex club, Spencer finds that his possessiveness is stronger than he ever thought. But when someone from Spencer’s past shows up, he will have to decide what he wants more: a life with Kelly, or to follow what he thought was his dream.

Let me just start by saying that Quinn writes some really, really sexy stuff. I’m not new to books that involve most of the plot being done at a sex club, and this one didn’t feel seedy or gross or anything. For those of you who know me, I’m not keen on menage books, and although Kelly and Spencer do have a few times when they invite others to join them, it never really felt like a menage to me. For that I really enjoyed those moments, they were sexy and hot, but not crossing into anything uncomfortable.

I enjoyed Kelly’s character a lot. She was vulnerable and honest and a little uncertain in her own skin. She was a nerd and had some serious self-esteem issues. I found a lot of myself in her (minus the kinky tendencies *grin*), and for that I really took a lot of Spencer’s BS personal. There were times I didn’t really like him much, and couldn’t see what exactly Kelly saw in him. At times I even thought that she put up with a lot more than she probably should have.

While I didn’t want to like Spencer, and through most of the time I didn’t, I did understand many of his hang-ups. I got why he didn’t want to have a relationship with another co-worker, didn’t want another scandal at work. But at the same time I thought that he went a little too far withholding himself from her, and many of his actions were pure a-hole things to do. But, in the end, he did do a good job of redeeming himself in both my eyes and Kelly’s.

All in all, I enjoyed this Quinn read. While the hero grated on my nerves, he did find a way to atone for his foolish ways, and win over the heroine in a way that was believable to me. The sexy times were super duper smokin’ hot and fun to read.

I give Provoke Me a B-(less)

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Sep 06, 2011 Monique rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-forbidden-bookshelf

Originally reviewed at The Forbidden Bookshelf

Kelly Crossman has had a big crush on her boss ever since she started working for The Book Nook three years ago. She hasn’t acted on her feelings because Spencer is known to have a strict policy against dating his employees. But she can dream & fantasize and she does during a masturbation scene in her boss’ office that is caught on tape. Then she loses her PDA which contains a list of all the men she wants to have sex with and Spencer is #10 on t...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Marquetta (LoveToReadForFun) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, for-review

I discovered Cari Quinn when I won one of her books in a contest. After reading that book, Ex Appeal, I knew I needed to read more. Cari Quinn is genius at writing hot, steamy sex scenes. With each book that I read, I go in thinking, "there's no way she can top the last one." And every time I am wrong, wrong, wrong!

We met Kelly in book one, Reveal Me, where her friend Alana drags her to a sex club called Kink. In Provoke Me, Kelly works at a bookstore called the Book Nook. She loves her job and...more I discovered Cari Quinn when I won one of her books in a contest. After reading that book, Ex Appeal, I knew I needed to read more. Cari Quinn is genius at writing hot, steamy sex scenes. With each book that I read, I go in thinking, "there's no way she can top the last one." And every time I am wrong, wrong, wrong!

We met Kelly in book one, Reveal Me, where her friend Alana drags her to a sex club called Kink. In Provoke Me, Kelly works at a bookstore called the Book Nook. She loves her job and has the serious hots for her boss, Spencer Galvin. Spence has mixed with business with pleasure in the past and it came back and bit him in his ass. Lesson learned, he has a strict rule of not getting sexually involved with anyone he works with. It proves hard to stick to his own policy because Spence is equally attracted to Kelly. It isn't until Spence and Kelly run into each other at Kink that Spence throw his rules out the window and gives in to his attraction to Kelly.

Spence is a tough man to crack. He is very controlled and guarded. It took a long time for me to warm up to him. Other than their love of the book store and their physical attraction, I couldn't understand why Kelly kept coming back for more when Spence clearly was trying to push her away. Kelly wasn't in denial about the type of man that Spence is but whenever there was a small crack in Spence's stoic veneer, he immediately closed it back up and in the process, hurting Kelly.

Spence and Kelly are on fire when they are together. Even though Kink isn't Kelly's scene, she's not afraid to try new things. At one point, I felt that she was going to Kink and participating in sexual activities there in order to please Spence. And maybe to prove that she is more than good enough to be with him and can go toe-to-toe with him sexually. I felt that she wasn't all the way comfortable with the exhibitionism and sexual activity that she participated in at Kink.

Provoke Me is a very hot, very sexy, very steamy read. I had issues with Spence throughout the book but he redeemed himself at the end (like all good heroes do). Even though there's a lot of sex in Provoke Me, it does not deter from the overall story. Spence and Kelly are both stumbling through the relationship, making mistakes and hurting each (although Spence does most of the hurting). Kelly wants to take a chance on making the relationship work. Spence is afraid to let Kelly in and let go of his controlled demeanor.

I highly recommend Provoke Me and every book that Cari Quinn has written. If you're in the mood for a great story with lots of sexy goodness, I suggest you check it out.
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Aug 13, 2012 Lesley (My keeper shelf) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: after-fifty

Have you ever dreamt of meeting a gorgeous hot man who also happens to be the regional manager of a chain of book shops? Yeah, that's my dream too (although please don't tell Mr Keeper Shelf) you could of course just settle meanwhile and read Provoke Me instead.

Kelly Crossman works at the Book Nook and has been lusting after her boss Spencer for three years she's even listed him as number 10 on her list of men she wants to have sex with. However, her list has gone missing and turns up on Spencer...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Amanda Ryan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Redonk Nutshell: Sexual tension explodes between a bookstore employee and the straight-laced manager

I picked this up on a whim after hearing some chatter on Twitter over its hawtness. Glad I did - I really enjoyed it.

Provoke Me is the story of Kelly and Spencer, two people that are constants in each other's lives as employer (Spencer) and employee (Kelly) at a small family owned bookstore. Their relationship has always been professional and friendly, though they've both secretly shared a mutual...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Laura Kaye rated it 5 of 5 stars

I devoured this non-stop in an afternoon, hooked as much by the characters as by the incredible sexual tension that runs the entire book through. What made this book especially compelling was that the emotional intensity was as prominent as the sexual chemistry. I liked the characters, even when they behaved in ways I knew were going to end up destructive, and that made me root for them and want to know what would happen. Greatly enjoyed. Onto my next Cari Quinn book...

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Oct 24, 2011 Michele ~ la Smoocherina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-male, character-asshole-for-a-time, good-dirty-talk-or-phone-sex, requires-release-upon-reading, romantica, hysterically-funny, hot-as-hell, bdsm-with-love, bdsm-without-love

I liked this book. I thought the author did a good job of getting me to invest in the characters. I thought the sex club added an interesting element, in that it wasn't BDSM, just a sex club. I was upset when Kelly was going to seduce him when she could smell the perfume of another woman on Spencer. But I also thought it was very real. Her desperation was palpable. I'd love to see a book about Paul, her ex.

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Aug 15, 2011 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Steamy sexy and incredibly unputdownable! Kelly and Spencer scorch the pages of Provoke me from start to finish. Cari Quinn does an excellent job of keeping the relationship real without losing any of that sensuous wow factor that makes Provoke Me a real page turner.

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Jul 29, 2011 Mandi Schreiner added it

Shelves: contemporary

I'm dnfing this one at 30%. I really don't like the hero nor the heroine. Also not a fan of the sex club in this one. I really don't find their attraction to each other sexy. At least at the point I stopped.

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Feb 02, 2013 ★Jennifer★ aka PHER rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Now, this one I really, really, really liked. I would even give it 4.5 stars. It had two great characters, a good story and some hot as Hell love!

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Mar 17, 2013 idoublelove rated it 5 of 5 stars

I drank this book up in just a day. Yummy story and oh so steamy sex!!

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Feb 13, 2012 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012, fun-but-forgettable

H.O.T.
Provocative

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About Cari Quinn

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. She attempted her first romance in junior high, long before she'd ever read one. Writing what she knew always took a backseat to what she wanted to know, and that still holds tru...more

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