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Tulle and Tulips #3
Handcuffed in Housewares
Some couples just click. Others require a hard hat and a stud finder.
Tulle and Tulips, Book 3
Monday mornings have a reputation for sucking, and today is no different for Burton Anderson. One year ago, his “perfect” life full of prestige, money, success and travel crumbled in the glaring light of betrayal.
This morning? This close to making his new construction business a success, a date gone awry has left him handcuffed to a toilet in a housewares store. Naked. And the first customer of the day is coming down his aisle.
Planning and shopping for other couples’ Big Day is about as wild and crazy as buttoned-up Leigh Schyuler gets. Until she gets an eyeful of Hearth and Home’s daily special. He’s definitely a “designer” temptation while she’s “off the rack”.
But there are risks, and then there are risks. Burton isn’t sure he can once again trust his heart to a woman who holds the power to ruin him. And Leigh discovers too late that indulging in a little no-strings sex is tying her dream of Devoted Love into hopeless knots…
Contains a hard-hatted, hard-bodied hero who’s good with his hands, and a woman who’d like him to build a bridge over her sexual boundaries. Nuts and bolts never had it so good.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
76 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Duncan
37 books112 followersMeet Nikki Duncan, Author of Small-Town Romance and Second Chance Love
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 23, 2013
Burton Anderson is left in an extremely compromising position. Who wants to be handcuffed in housewares where anyone can see you (all of you)? He is lucky he's found by someone who is willing to help him escape with his reputation and his modesty intact. That person is Leigh Schyuler who is not a risk taker. She is dedicated to her work and to becoming a success in her business, Tulle and Tulips Designer Weddings. That one meeting should be their only contact but fate and sexual attraction have other plans. Will Leigh take more chances and will Burton be more careful? Will they find their HEA? You have to read this charming novella to find out. Nikki Duncan has written a humorous story that will make you smile. Her characters are humorous and sexy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's short and so sweet. A perfect afternoon delight.
July 9, 2018
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-handcu...
As a shopper for Tulle and Tulips Leigh Schyuler helps couples shop and register for their wedding gifts, but the last thing she expects to see while doing a walk through of a home goods store is a naked man cuffed to a commode. A buff, good-looking naked man who happens to be discreetly trying to call her over to help with his little “problem”. So what’s a respectable girl to do in a situation like this? Well, pry the handcuff off with a kabob skewer and drop a robe in his lap so he can cover up all his bits.
Burton Anderson is having one hell of a morning. After a date gone wrong he’s stuck in a sticky situation and if he gets caught his burgeoning construction business could be in trouble. He’s saved by a buttoned up, sexy woman who even several days later he can’t seem to get off his mind. So when they have a chance meeting in the very same home goods store his first instinct is to ask her out and try to get to know her better. But after a night out bowling with all her friends these two just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. The question is, can a man clearly ready for some adventure in his romantic interludes make it work with a conservative lady content with the blinds closed?
Handcuffed in Housewares was a cute story. At only 104 pages it was a nice romance with some fun moments that I was able to read in one evening. It’s not angsty, overly emotional or dramatic. The romance develops rather quickly as there is limited page time, but I did feel the chemistry between the couple was portrayed well. I was kind of amused with Burton’s character. He goes from meeting a woman while being handcuffed naked to a bathroom display to catching her interest, so where does he decide to take her on their first date? What big night out does he plan for them? Hmmmm? Bowling. With her friends. I don’t know why this struck me as funny, but it did.
There are quite a few secondary characters to get to know, since this is the third book in the series I’m pretty sure if I had read the previous two I wouldn’t have had such a hard time remembering everyone. I kept having to remind myself who was who. I do know there was one particular character (Tabatha) who I wished about halfway through would just shut up already and go jump off a cliff. Her repeated attempts to catch the heroes attention and flirt with him while he was obviously interested in someone else was annoying.
After the initial sex scene, and one more getting to know you scene, time jumps and the romance has developed into love. This didn’t necessarily bother me as I understood that it was novella sized and there wouldn’t be a deep delving into this relationship. Sometimes it’s nice to read something quick and easy. All in all, a sweet romance Final Grade- C
Favorite Quote:
As a shopper for Tulle and Tulips Leigh Schyuler helps couples shop and register for their wedding gifts, but the last thing she expects to see while doing a walk through of a home goods store is a naked man cuffed to a commode. A buff, good-looking naked man who happens to be discreetly trying to call her over to help with his little “problem”. So what’s a respectable girl to do in a situation like this? Well, pry the handcuff off with a kabob skewer and drop a robe in his lap so he can cover up all his bits.
Burton Anderson is having one hell of a morning. After a date gone wrong he’s stuck in a sticky situation and if he gets caught his burgeoning construction business could be in trouble. He’s saved by a buttoned up, sexy woman who even several days later he can’t seem to get off his mind. So when they have a chance meeting in the very same home goods store his first instinct is to ask her out and try to get to know her better. But after a night out bowling with all her friends these two just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. The question is, can a man clearly ready for some adventure in his romantic interludes make it work with a conservative lady content with the blinds closed?
Handcuffed in Housewares was a cute story. At only 104 pages it was a nice romance with some fun moments that I was able to read in one evening. It’s not angsty, overly emotional or dramatic. The romance develops rather quickly as there is limited page time, but I did feel the chemistry between the couple was portrayed well. I was kind of amused with Burton’s character. He goes from meeting a woman while being handcuffed naked to a bathroom display to catching her interest, so where does he decide to take her on their first date? What big night out does he plan for them? Hmmmm? Bowling. With her friends. I don’t know why this struck me as funny, but it did.
There are quite a few secondary characters to get to know, since this is the third book in the series I’m pretty sure if I had read the previous two I wouldn’t have had such a hard time remembering everyone. I kept having to remind myself who was who. I do know there was one particular character (Tabatha) who I wished about halfway through would just shut up already and go jump off a cliff. Her repeated attempts to catch the heroes attention and flirt with him while he was obviously interested in someone else was annoying.
After the initial sex scene, and one more getting to know you scene, time jumps and the romance has developed into love. This didn’t necessarily bother me as I understood that it was novella sized and there wouldn’t be a deep delving into this relationship. Sometimes it’s nice to read something quick and easy. All in all, a sweet romance Final Grade- C
Favorite Quote:
“Why was he naked in a business that’s not open yet?” Trevor asked. Thank God somebody was being logical.
“He’s working on the build-out. There was an issue with the plumbing last night that he went to fix.”
“Seems natural,” Jenny said. “I’m always naked when I get my plumbing snaked.”
August 22, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so I had no doubt I’d enjoy this one as well but Handcuffed In Housewares had a little bit different feel to me. It wasn’t quite as heavy, it was more light-hearted and dare I say more fun. Of course when the hero and heroine meet because he’s naked and chained to a toilet in an upscale home furnishings store, you know this isn’t going to be a typical love story!
Burton Anderson thought just thought his life was getting back to normal when his date handcuffs him to a toilet and leaves him there naked. There’s a really good story why that happens but I won’t reveal it because you just need to read this book and find out for yourself. It just so happens that designer Leigh Schyuler was getting an early morning wall through by the store’s owner when he’s called away and she discovers Burton. After she helps him they part ways but she’s finding it hard to forget him and when a friend needs a contractor he’s the first person she thinks of. A chance meeting in a hardware store leads to a date with her friends followed by hot as hell sex on a desk.
Being this is a novella, the story progresses at a rapid pace but I still couldn’t help but love every minute of it. Both Burton and Leigh have some trust issues because of previous relationships gone bad but thankfully she has some good friends who make her see reason. I like that she confronts him and that he realizes his fears were irrational.
There was so much to like about this book; I loved seeing the characters from the previous books as well as the rest of the Tulle & Tulips crew, the dialog was witty and entertaining, the characters though damaged were willing to put themselves out there, and because this is a Nikki Duncan book the sex was sizzling. For a quick, hot, and fun read don’t miss Handcuffed In Housewares, you won’t be disappointed!
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so I had no doubt I’d enjoy this one as well but Handcuffed In Housewares had a little bit different feel to me. It wasn’t quite as heavy, it was more light-hearted and dare I say more fun. Of course when the hero and heroine meet because he’s naked and chained to a toilet in an upscale home furnishings store, you know this isn’t going to be a typical love story!
Burton Anderson thought just thought his life was getting back to normal when his date handcuffs him to a toilet and leaves him there naked. There’s a really good story why that happens but I won’t reveal it because you just need to read this book and find out for yourself. It just so happens that designer Leigh Schyuler was getting an early morning wall through by the store’s owner when he’s called away and she discovers Burton. After she helps him they part ways but she’s finding it hard to forget him and when a friend needs a contractor he’s the first person she thinks of. A chance meeting in a hardware store leads to a date with her friends followed by hot as hell sex on a desk.
Being this is a novella, the story progresses at a rapid pace but I still couldn’t help but love every minute of it. Both Burton and Leigh have some trust issues because of previous relationships gone bad but thankfully she has some good friends who make her see reason. I like that she confronts him and that he realizes his fears were irrational.
There was so much to like about this book; I loved seeing the characters from the previous books as well as the rest of the Tulle & Tulips crew, the dialog was witty and entertaining, the characters though damaged were willing to put themselves out there, and because this is a Nikki Duncan book the sex was sizzling. For a quick, hot, and fun read don’t miss Handcuffed In Housewares, you won’t be disappointed!
November 26, 2014
This is a cute short story. Leigh is very conservative and isn't looking for any crazy one night stands, which is exactly what she stumbles upon when she finds a guy naked and handcuffed to a toilet while in a hardware store. She's kind enough to assist him in his escape but she never dreams that that first encounter will blossom into a romance. After all, she's done the whole "bad boy" thing and it's not something she wants to repeat.
This is a short story, so the romance flourishes at a rapid pace. This can be read as a stand alone but I think I would have enjoyed the story even more had I read the previous two books before diving into this one. You see, the previous main characters are in this story a lot. So I think there would have been more of a bond had I read the previous books. Considering after one night with her friends, Burton is envisioning playing poker with her male friends while her and her female friends go out and shop with their children. Like I said, everything moves at a fast pace since it's a short story and sometimes for me, that's just hard for me to wrap my head around.
I liked the way the author thought outside the box to bring these two characters together. There really isn't any conflict in this story which is okay with me. I hate when there is unnecessary drama. This is just a cute short romantic story that involves a toilet and handcuffs. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in the story and then I will re-read this to see how it all ties together.
This is a short story, so the romance flourishes at a rapid pace. This can be read as a stand alone but I think I would have enjoyed the story even more had I read the previous two books before diving into this one. You see, the previous main characters are in this story a lot. So I think there would have been more of a bond had I read the previous books. Considering after one night with her friends, Burton is envisioning playing poker with her male friends while her and her female friends go out and shop with their children. Like I said, everything moves at a fast pace since it's a short story and sometimes for me, that's just hard for me to wrap my head around.
I liked the way the author thought outside the box to bring these two characters together. There really isn't any conflict in this story which is okay with me. I hate when there is unnecessary drama. This is just a cute short romantic story that involves a toilet and handcuffs. I will definitely be going back to read the previous books in the story and then I will re-read this to see how it all ties together.
August 19, 2013
Read for Review (Author)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.50
First Thought when Finished: LOVED the ending! So gosh darn naughty sweet--it was perfect for them!
Story Thoughts: First: I have to admit that this is the first one in this series that I have read. Second: After reading this one, I just know that I will like the first two so I am going to get them pronto. Handcuffed in Housewares was fun, emotional, romantic, and smexy. The story was strong! The romance was lovely. The smexy was SMEXY!
Character Thoughts: Blue collar men are my favorite kind of romantic leads. Burton fit my swoon-worthy scale to a tee: hard working, flawed, and guarded. I need my men to work through something or they are just to perfect. Leigh was great for Burton. She had her own issues to work through but was very true to herself. Plus, I think she represented the everyday gal well and that doesn't happen very often. What I LOVED was that they figured out how to make things work for them as a couple without it being all about one or the other.
Final Thoughts: This was just a great afternoon in the pool kind of read for me.
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.50
First Thought when Finished: LOVED the ending! So gosh darn naughty sweet--it was perfect for them!
Story Thoughts: First: I have to admit that this is the first one in this series that I have read. Second: After reading this one, I just know that I will like the first two so I am going to get them pronto. Handcuffed in Housewares was fun, emotional, romantic, and smexy. The story was strong! The romance was lovely. The smexy was SMEXY!
Character Thoughts: Blue collar men are my favorite kind of romantic leads. Burton fit my swoon-worthy scale to a tee: hard working, flawed, and guarded. I need my men to work through something or they are just to perfect. Leigh was great for Burton. She had her own issues to work through but was very true to herself. Plus, I think she represented the everyday gal well and that doesn't happen very often. What I LOVED was that they figured out how to make things work for them as a couple without it being all about one or the other.
Final Thoughts: This was just a great afternoon in the pool kind of read for me.
June 18, 2015
Burton Anderson finds himself in a bit of a sticky situation. He awakens handcuffed to a toilet in his current employer’s store. If he plans to keep his job he must rely on the good will of a beautiful woman.
The last thing Leigh Schyuler expected to find when shopping for another couple’s wedding day was a naked man…a sexy naked man. Not usually one to indulge in wildness, Burton tempts her to acts of whimsy. No strings sex is just what the doctor ordered but at the end of the day will these two love and leave or find that happiness begins in housewares?
Nikki Duncan continues her Tulle and Tulips series nicely with Handcuffed in Housewares. Burton and Leigh have a wonderful chemistry that is not only sexy but fun. The first books in the series dealt with some heavy issues and it was nice to have some laughs in this installment. Handcuffed in Housewares still deals with substantial emotions as both Burton and Leigh try to overcome their own issues to find and believe in love but there are plenty of laughs to go around.
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
The last thing Leigh Schyuler expected to find when shopping for another couple’s wedding day was a naked man…a sexy naked man. Not usually one to indulge in wildness, Burton tempts her to acts of whimsy. No strings sex is just what the doctor ordered but at the end of the day will these two love and leave or find that happiness begins in housewares?
Nikki Duncan continues her Tulle and Tulips series nicely with Handcuffed in Housewares. Burton and Leigh have a wonderful chemistry that is not only sexy but fun. The first books in the series dealt with some heavy issues and it was nice to have some laughs in this installment. Handcuffed in Housewares still deals with substantial emotions as both Burton and Leigh try to overcome their own issues to find and believe in love but there are plenty of laughs to go around.
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
August 20, 2013
Handcuffed in Housewares by Nikki Duncan
Leigh Schyuler and Lori Mullins owned and ran Tulle and Tulips Designer Weddings shop.
She had just saved him: his life, his career in more ways than one Burton Anderson. With her business and clients she had a job he could do for her.
After they go bowling with another couple they head to his office so he can hear all the plans she has for the job.
They learn about one another in more detail also as she tours his house and lends suggestions as to what to do with the rooms. He's told her he's not keeping the house, gonna fix it up and sell it.
While he sanded the floor he had images of her there waiting for him. He called her for a date but the doorbell rang...She has a few hangups about things but after they talk a bit more they start enjoying one another.
Lots of erotic hot sex scenes add to this story. Book also includes excerpts from the author's other works.
Gift registry has a new meaning now ...
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Leigh Schyuler and Lori Mullins owned and ran Tulle and Tulips Designer Weddings shop.
She had just saved him: his life, his career in more ways than one Burton Anderson. With her business and clients she had a job he could do for her.
After they go bowling with another couple they head to his office so he can hear all the plans she has for the job.
They learn about one another in more detail also as she tours his house and lends suggestions as to what to do with the rooms. He's told her he's not keeping the house, gonna fix it up and sell it.
While he sanded the floor he had images of her there waiting for him. He called her for a date but the doorbell rang...She has a few hangups about things but after they talk a bit more they start enjoying one another.
Lots of erotic hot sex scenes add to this story. Book also includes excerpts from the author's other works.
Gift registry has a new meaning now ...
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2013
This book has one of the best first scenes in a romance novel - how awesome would it be to get to say you met the love of your life when you stumbled upon him handcuffed to a toilet in a home improvement store? Oh, did I mention he was completely naked, too? And who better to find Burton, than prim and proper Leigh. Or so we think. Burton turns out to be a big softie - whom I just wanted to hug, and Leigh turns out to be just a bit naughtier than she shows the world. It was a fun, quick read, but due to its short length, it felt just a little bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen their romance drawn out just a bit more. Still, a great, fun "beach" read. I'm looking forward to the rest in this series.
September 17, 2013
I like this series more for the overall concept and story arc than for the individual couples at the moment, and if all the new characters introduced in this one are anything to go by, the series may have a longer run than I was expecting. It's interesting to see just how many different sub-ventures can be supported by what started off as quite a small wedding planning business and I'm going to keep going for now because the concept keeps drawing me in for some odd reason.
August 14, 2013
I thought this blurb was so cute - the hero gets caught by heroine handcuffed to a toilet! I couldn't wait to giggle. But I'm still waiting. When the heroine finds him she has NO reaction.
The dialogue is very wooden and rigid in this book. No emotions. No funnies. Didn't work for me.
The dialogue is very wooden and rigid in this book. No emotions. No funnies. Didn't work for me.
August 1, 2013
I loved this peek into Leigh & Burton's romance. Burton is so sweet & loving, but with just a hint of that bad boy every girl is looking for.
I can't wait to read books 1 & 2 since their characters played a large part in this story!
I can't wait to read books 1 & 2 since their characters played a large part in this story!
August 7, 2013
Fun Fun Fun! I can't think of anything I'd like more than to find a hot naked man handcuffed and at my mercy HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
a really good part of the Tulle and Tulips world but totally stands on it's own as well!!
a really good part of the Tulle and Tulips world but totally stands on it's own as well!!
September 19, 2013
I didn't feel like I got to know the characters at all in this book. They were pleasant, it was a sweet story, but I never felt any connection.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews