Something to Talk About (Plum Orchard, #2) by Dakota Cassidy

May 08, 2014 Christy LoveOfBooks rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-galley, e-book, read-in-2014

I am loving the Plum Orchard series! I read Talk Dirty to Me not too long ago and loved it, so I was eager to read the next book, Something to Talk About . I’m happy to say that it was also a wonderful read.

Something to Talk About is told in alternating POVs and picks up about three months later. This time when we visit the fine folks (and jerk faces) of Plum Orchard, we get Emmelines story. I loved her friendship with Dixie in the first book and thought she was a great character. Aft ...more

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Mar 16, 2014 Christi Snow rated it really liked it

My Review:
Two months ago, Jax and Em had a moment that was then interrupted by the single most horrifying event in Em's life...and Jax was front and center to her humiliation. Now he's back in town and just as hot as before...and that's something Em needs...someone hot and sexy in her life. She's been with one man her entire life since Em has always been the good girl, but she thinks she's earned a bit of bad now...so she makes Jax a deal he can't say no to.

I liked this book and felt for both t My Review:
Two months ago, Jax and Em had a moment that was then interrupted by the single most horrifying event in Em's life...and Jax was front and center to her humiliation. Now he's back in town and just as hot as before...and that's something Em needs...someone hot and sexy in her life. She's been with one man her entire life since Em has always been the good girl, but she thinks she's earned a bit of bad now...so she makes Jax a deal he can't say no to.

I liked this book and felt for both the characters. While this book didn't rate up there quite as high as the others in this series, I still really enjoyed it. Em & Jax are both great characters with complex backgrounds and that made their situation all the more emotional. But neither one of them is looking for a relationship so they make a deal...hot sex when they can manage it since they are both single parents...and it is hot!

There were lots of little things about this book that I really loved:
*first and foremost...Jax & Em...I enjoyed both their characters and liked the banter between them. They were both characters that I could get behind and root for.
*I liked the meeting spot they had with the air mattress and the aches and pains that caused. It was a fun bit of realism about their situation that made it a bit more heartwarming.
*Jax with his two brothers and all their relationship with Maizy. That entire dynamic melted my heart every single time that family was on the page. I love all three of those guys and am waiting for Gage and Tag to get their stories.
*Louella....I don't love her or even like her, but there's something there that makes me curious. What's in her background to make her as vicious as she is? I have a feeling more is going to come out there...and this is based on nothing from this story, but there has to be something more to her...It would take a lot for me to love her as a main character but there are twinges there that say it might happen someday.
*The twist at the end in Em's story. No spoilers, but OMG, I loved that!! LOVE!

I continue to enjoy this series and can't wait to read the next story....which, whoohoo, does feature one of Jax's brothers...Tag. This boy has some issues which will make his story delectable!
...more

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Jan 02, 2014 L.A. Williams rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Contemporary Romance Readers, Chick-Lit Readers

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Emmaline Amos is going through changes. She wants to break free from her ex-husband's assertions that she's dull and prissy. Now that she's General Manager of Call Girls, (a quite respectable phone-sex business, bless her heart!) it seems that the changes she wants to make are going to come easier. After all, who can be prissy with all that pretend spanking and heavy breathing going on; especially after having several drinks during a girls-night-out!? Em decides she can be as saucy as the best o Emmaline Amos is going through changes. She wants to break free from her ex-husband's assertions that she's dull and prissy. Now that she's General Manager of Call Girls, (a quite respectable phone-sex business, bless her heart!) it seems that the changes she wants to make are going to come easier. After all, who can be prissy with all that pretend spanking and heavy breathing going on; especially after having several drinks during a girls-night-out!? Em decides she can be as saucy as the best of them and picks up the phone to prove it. But instead of a lonely man on the other end, it's a sweet little girl – with a really angry father.

Jax Hawthorn has his dander up over his daughter getting through Call Girls' phone screening and actually ending up on the phone with a phone sex operator. Em has to set him straight about his daughter trying to help him by calling the “girlfriend store.” Jax graciously acknowledges her criticism and has to admit, if he was looking for someone, Em would be on his shopping list. But past hurts have made him much more careful, and he's not buying.

Em wants to break free from the labels others have stuck to her. And Jax is just the person she'd like to peel them off. A blurted proposition to have a friends-with-benefits affair (secretly-of course) gets Em what she wants. No relationship, no risk, right? It may not be that easy...

“You heard me. I want to talk dirty. Bring it on.”

Another funny, touching gem of a story – you'll laugh and cry.

Something to Talk About is the second full-length story in Dakota Cassidy's Plum Orchard contemporary romance series. It is preceded by a novella, Talk This Way, and the first book, Talk Dirty to Me. The main character Emmaline, is a pivotal character in Talk Dirty to Me, and the reader gets to know some very important things about her in that story. However, through minimal exposition, the reader could jump into the series with this book, and be caught up. That's not an easy task, as these books are not overly long, but it is done well through dialogue and a little introspection by Em.

Emmaline's character follows a similar arc to the heroine of the previous book, Dixie. By no means are the stories cookie-cutter copies, though. Rather, it seems as if there's a cascade effect brought on by a character named Landon, who is introduced in the novella. His actions in that book caused changes in many of the lives of the people around him. As their lives changed, so do they.

While Dixie is blatantly sexy, Emmaline is “librarian sexy”. Her longing to break free from the hurt caused by her ex-husband leads her to push herself out of her own comfort zone. She does things that seem to be uncharacteristic for her, but in reality are just parts of herself she'd let lie dormant. She wasn't really changing, she was showing more of who she really was.

Jax's development was just as strong as Em's. He's wonderfully inept with tools, which is a lovely serendipitous balance to Em's handiness. A big strong man that needed home-repair help from a woman, was charming. Aside from charm, he's got some great depth. At first, it seems as though he's just being a protective parent and brother. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that his fears aren't just affecting his own life.

Once again, the satellite characters are fully fleshed out. They have vital impact on the plot and the main characters. More than that, they help create a realism to the story and world-building.

The plot moves along at a good pace. Em's hesitance over a relationship does battle with her attraction to Jax, and her solution to get what she wants aligns well with her character. The end of the book bears some surprises, which was a real treat.

While not quite as moving as the previous story, Something to Talk About is an excellent read. So far, Cassidy is 3 for 3 in the series, and I cannot wait for Talking After Midnight. ...more

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Nov 12, 2020 Sarah {The Bookish Knitter} rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, contemporary-romance, 2020

3 Stars

I read the first book in this series almost three years ago and I remember enjoying it. I also wasn't lost at all coming into the 2nd book so much later. I did remember most of the story, plus a lot of it is explained at the beginning of this book.

This book was fun and cute. Very 'adult' (they do run a very adult type business) but not super memorable.

There is one more book I have to read for this series and I hope to get to it soon.

Challenges:
CCC: Year of Seasonal and Holiday Fun: Level ...more

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May 09, 2014 Jennifer rated it really liked it

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

Something To Talk About is the second (or third if you count the prequel) installment to the new Plum Orchard series by Dakota Cassidy. The main character Emmaline Amos is introduced in the previous book, Talk Dirty To Me.

I was very excited to find out it was her story, I really dug her in Talk Dirty To Me, and she stole all the scenes she was in. We learn that Em used to be (and usually still is) a pushover, who was more concerned with not ma I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

Something To Talk About is the second (or third if you count the prequel) installment to the new Plum Orchard series by Dakota Cassidy. The main character Emmaline Amos is introduced in the previous book, Talk Dirty To Me.

I was very excited to find out it was her story, I really dug her in Talk Dirty To Me, and she stole all the scenes she was in. We learn that Em used to be (and usually still is) a pushover, who was more concerned with not making a scene than standing up for herself and those she loved. I think the combination of her divorce and the cause behind it, and the dread of having to interact and be cordial to former mean girl Dixie was the catalyst for Em's change in attitude. Something To Talk About picks up right in the middle of Em's change.

Though I was very excited to read Em's story, I must admit I was a bit disappointed. I think Em makes a better secondary character than main character. I wasn't fond of her internal monologues - very wishy washy in nature and I think her thoughts made me like her a little less. As a secondary character we're not privy to those thoughts so we only get the dialogue from her and we can create our own inner monologues. I guess I had created her a little differently in my mind.

I still enjoyed the story as a whole. A lot more explicit sex than the other stories, which also took me by surprise seeing as this was uptight Em, but the scenes were hot, and they do vary from tame to sizzling. I will give you guys a heads up, the story is slow at first. The first 40 pages or so I had a hard time getting into; a lot of things getting set up for the real story. But trust me, things get interesting after that. And can I just tease and say there's a BIG secret that gets revealed in this story. Well, there's a few secrets, but I kinda saw all of them coming, except for one. This one dropped me on my ass!

And now for some random comments:

1. Lusty goo - *giggle* eww that sounds so wrong! Don't ever use that again, Dakota!
2. Oh my god, that first kiss!!! That scene was amazing! If there had been a guy around, I would have just grabbed him and kissed the shit outta him. That's how inspiring (and hot) that scene was.
3. "Your couch is awful. My back will never be the same." Neither will my vagina. - Oh my god, I almost died laughing!
4. Jax has a whole conversation with Jake in his mind - schizophrenic much? LOL.
5. "Did we just have angry sex?" Hahaha gotta love Em!

Overall a nice story, but I will admit I did not cry, I didn't even get teary eyed, and that's a little disappointing considering the amount of tissues I've already used up on this series. ...more

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May 28, 2014 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews added it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-rhayne

Rhayne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review

Something to Talk About is book two in the Plum Orchard series. With each new story in this series, these characters just sink further into my heart.
This story really has several layers. We follow Em and her children down a bumpy road as she tries to rebuild her life and pick up the pieces after her divorce. We meet Jax and his adorable daughter Maizy. Then we get to trail along their path of f Rhayne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review

Something to Talk About is book two in the Plum Orchard series. With each new story in this series, these characters just sink further into my heart.
This story really has several layers. We follow Em and her children down a bumpy road as she tries to rebuild her life and pick up the pieces after her divorce. We meet Jax and his adorable daughter Maizy. Then we get to trail along their path of finding, accepting, and ultimately claiming new love and happiness.
If there was one common theme delivered in this book it was growth. Em has lived under her mother’s microscope and is plagued by gossip that surrounds this small town. She lets everyone dictate how she needs to behave and how she deals with every situation. She has had a lot of dirt thrown at her and watching her gain internal strength and courage to fight back was amazing. Jax is living with immense guilt for how he handled a bad situation years ago. I really don’t want to get too far into his story because it takes a major twist that you need to experience while reading. However, he finally gets to a place where he is able to face the past, accept his actions, and let go.
Jax and Em start off in a sex-only, no commitment relationship. Neither is allowed to ask questions about the others’ lives, and no one is to know about them being together. The lengths they go to keep it under wraps were hilarious. It becomes apparent that in Plum Orchard there is no such thing as a secret. It also becomes apparent that a “just sex” relationship between the two is never going to work out. There is no way to keep the emotions and the actions separate. They have a lot of issues to work through and their story just pulls you in deep and keeps you rooting for a happy ending.
Em really took a stand for herself in this book and it was fantastic to see her evolve. She put her mother in her place, she doused out Louella, who is only around to cause hurt and humiliation to anyone she chooses to target, and opened up to her ex-husband about his actions and how they have impacted her and the children’s lives. Seeing who she has become from book one to book two is exhilarating. She is finally able to live the life she chooses and she isn’t afraid to claim what she wants.
If you haven’t grabbed hold of this series and lost yourself in this small town full of love, friendship, and caring, with a side of gossip, secrets, and betrayal you are missing out. It includes all the ingredients to make an exciting, sexy intriguing book. ...more

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Mar 11, 2014 Aliaa El-Nashar rated it really liked it

The main reason I wanted to read this book was because I was intrigued by the idea of a small town good girl working in a phone-sex company.
Em has gone through a lot, and it doesn't help that everyone is against her and her whole life is in shambles. Her mother is an awful woman who disapproves of everything she does, her husband left her because he didn't think she could handle him being a cross dresser, her sons are being bullied at school, and the town's Elite, The Mags, are out to get her fo The main reason I wanted to read this book was because I was intrigued by the idea of a small town good girl working in a phone-sex company.
Em has gone through a lot, and it doesn't help that everyone is against her and her whole life is in shambles. Her mother is an awful woman who disapproves of everything she does, her husband left her because he didn't think she could handle him being a cross dresser, her sons are being bullied at school, and the town's Elite, The Mags, are out to get her for siding with Dixie and working in Call Girls. So when she finally has a close friend in Dixie and is asked to be a general manager of her company, she says yes. Even if the whole town ostracizes her in the process. She knows where her friendships lie, and it's not like she's actually taking the calls herself.
Of course things go a little bit insane when she gets drunk one night and answers a call to find a little girl on the other line, and a very angry father replying. It doesn't help that said father is the very gorgeous Jax she can't stop to think of. But her life is already a mess, she doesn't need Jax in it to make it worse. Even if she can't resist his charm or his love for his little girl.

This book was definitely not what I was expecting, the story didn't go the way I wanted it to, but I still enjoyed it very much, especially Em's personal growth throughout the book. The main thing that bugged me in both books one and two is how they dealt with Louella, the bitchiest and most bitter woman in town who's been turning both Em and Dixie's life into hell, just because ten years ago Dixie won Caine, when she couldn't. I mean, I'm all for not solving everything with your fists, but Louella seems to get only worse, no one stops her, and talking about it doesn't help one bit. Their lives are turned into hell and all she gets is a very private but not so great set down? Yeah, I didn't like that.
I'm assuming there will be more books in this series, hopefully in the next one she gets what she deserves? Pretty please Dakota? I want her brought down, publicly humiliated, dropped down from her ever so high pedestal, please? ...more

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Jun 14, 2014 Nora-adrienne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: comedic-romance

Dakota Cassidy has dragged the truth behind Southern living and given it to us in the fictitious town of Plum Orchard. Em, Dixie and the girls of Call Girl's Inc. are pulling back the curtains an baring all the dirty little secrets even better then the Bitch's of the Magnolia's ever did. It's a knock down drag out fight for truth, justice and the ability to live free from criticism.

Beg, borrow or steal a copy. You won't regret it for a minute.

FTC information. I borrowed this book from the loca ...more

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Apr 23, 2014 Kimberly Wade rated it it was amazing

Received this ARC for honest review:
Dakota Cassidy is on a hot roll with this series. I chuckled, and it also brought tears to my eyes. The call girl series is highly addictive. I loved seeing Em come into her own and face her demons. I cheered for her threw the whole book. Jax and her were sexy together. This is way worthy of buying. I give this 5 dog ears!! Dakota is hotter than Hades with her books these past few months!! You go girl!!

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Jun 02, 2014 Allison rated it it was amazing

Dakota does it again. I am loving everything about Plum Orchard and this series. Of course when you hear the words "phone sex company" and "Dakota Cassidy" you know it won't be anything but a good time. Book 2 is about Em and Jax, and what it takes to move on from your past. This book was full of twists and turns, there were a couple things I definitely didn't see coming. It's heartwarming and funny, and will leave you waiting for the next! Can't wait for more of this series! ...more

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Jan 06, 2014 June rated it liked it

Shelves: new-author-to-try, 2014-books

Rating: 3,5♥
I think the book was pretty cute. I love the scene where little Maisy called Call Girls so she could shop a girlfriend for her daddy. Aww... it was adorable. I wish there are more interactions between Maisy and Em and Jax and Em's boys, instead we got some sex scenes which unfortunately I find tacky. ...more

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May 30, 2018 Claire Mc Partlin rated it really liked it

Shelves: ab-read

NARRATOR: Scarlet Chase
A great addition to this very funny series mainly set in a phone-sex company in a quite conservative Southern town, although as the previous books it's not as risque as you may think as it's not so much about the phone-sex company but more about the characters and just very amusing.

This book is about Em (Emeline) who is now the General Manager of 'Call Girls'. Her ex-husband ran off to follow his dreams after admitting he was a cross-dresser called Trixie, but left Em and ...more

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Dec 26, 2018 Tina rated it really liked it

Characters - 4
Story - 4
Pace - 4
Cover & Blurb - 5
Narration - 4
Overall - 4.2
Standalone: Yes, it can be read that way.

At first, I wasn't really feeling this story. (Probably 3 stars). Not that it was bad, more like it wasn't "WOW! Amazing!". I think I had a little book hangover. But the second half of the book I noticed I was very hooked and glad I picked it up to read. On to the next. ...more

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Jul 03, 2014 Heidi rated it liked it

Three and half stars: A return to Plum Orchard, but this time with the quiet, more demure Em.

Emmaline Amos is all about keeping her head down and avoiding gossip, but she is finding it harder and harder to do that these days. Since her ex husband's big secret was exposed to the entire town by the meddling Louella Palmer, Em has been doing her best to protect her reputation and shield her boys. Unfortunately, when the gorgeous Jax moves from her daydreams to real life, she is unwilling to involve ...more

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Apr 14, 2019 Jennifer Leslie rated it it was amazing

I love how Dakota Cassidy is able to bring out the accent of the location in both behaviour and words as they are read off the page.

The characters are well rounded and there is a good amount of humor.

Something to Talk About is the first book I read of the series.

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May 08, 2017 Aimee rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I ADORED this book. I'd taken a peek at the reviews but kept an open mind. I also love when someone FINALLY finds his or her voice. ...more

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Feb 14, 2019 Brandon rated it liked it

Shelves: rom-br, adult, read-women-2019, 2019-books

3-1/2 stars

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Sep 30, 2019 Lorena rated it liked it

I did not like the "Heroine" of this book so much, now the guy oh yeah! ...more

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Jun 22, 2020 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sexy-reads, my-2020-reading-challenge

Storyline was good and believable. Erotic scenes were hot.

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Jan 19, 2021 Cherie Clark rated it it was amazing

This series just keeps getting better and better. 🔥⭐🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥⭐

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May 21, 2014 Bree T rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle-version, arc, romance, netgalley, series

Emmeline Amos has had to deal with being seen as prissy her whole life. Her mother has always kept a very tight rein on her, making sure that Em was a good girl brought up with Christian values. No engaging in any behaviour that might be seen as unseemly and attract the attention of the gossips in their small southern town. Recently Em has thrown all caution to the wind: she’s quit her job as a lawyer’s assistant and has taken a job managing a phone sex company, working for her best friend Dixie Emmeline Amos has had to deal with being seen as prissy her whole life. Her mother has always kept a very tight rein on her, making sure that Em was a good girl brought up with Christian values. No engaging in any behaviour that might be seen as unseemly and attract the attention of the gossips in their small southern town. Recently Em has thrown all caution to the wind: she’s quit her job as a lawyer’s assistant and has taken a job managing a phone sex company, working for her best friend Dixie. Ever since Em’s soon-to-be ex-husband’s proclivities were made public recently, Em has been struggling to keep herself and her two young boys from being gossip fodder. Working for a sex company isn’t the best way to do that but Em needs the money and it pays well. She never takes calls…

Until she is dared to on a rare girl’s night out. Em takes a call but to her surprise, it’s a 6yo girl on the other end of the phone, wondering if this is where she can help her father find a girlfriend. Em gently counsels the girl that this probably isn’t the best place but then the irate single dad gets on the line, giving Em an earful for talking to a child. It’s even worse when Em finds out that the dad is none other than Jax Hawthorne – she shared one, long blazing look with him just before her ex-husband was outed in front of most of the town.

When they meet again, there’s no denying that the chemistry from that look is still there. But Em’s dealing with her ex-husband and her boys are her first priority and Jax has his own problems. They make a bargain to indulge in a purely physical affair, sneaking off when they can to somewhere isolated. Em only knows what’ll happen if word gets out that she’s entertaining a man and Jax has his daughter to consider as well. But what starts as purely physical….is quite hard to keep that way. But with both of them assuming the other is happy with their arrangement, it’s going to be difficult to take it to that next level.

Something To Talk About is the second novel in the Plum Orchard series following on from Dixie’s story in Talk Dirty To Me. Readers were introduced to Em in Dixie’s book and got a very good handle on her character through her growing friendship with Dixie and then her humiliation when an enemy announced to the town in general just what her husband liked to get up to in his private time. Em now works for Dixie managing the phone sex company, which is very profitable although she doesn’t take calls. The other girls rib her good naturedly about her prissiness and tired of being seen that way, Em vows to take a call. It kind of backfires on her though but at the same time, it puts events in motion that lead to her and Jax making their arrangement.

Wow this town bugs the crap out of me. I’ve heard plenty about small Southern towns and this one seems to play on every rumour and stereotype. Busybodies who don’t know how to mind their own business, overt religious and social pressure and the whole “Southern belle” thing taken to extremes. I like reading about characters like Dixie and Em who do their best to buck the trend and live their lives without trying to conform. Although Dixie wasn’t always likable, she’s more palatable as a supporting role in this book. At times Em is too pure-sounding good to be true but she has her moments of flashy feistiness. I loved the chemistry between her and Jax (even in their brief encounter in the previous book it was white hot) and I loved Jax’s backstory. I found it really interesting and it did a lot to flesh him out as a person. I loved the inclusion of his brothers which is good as one of them is the “hero” in the third novel, Talking After Midnight. That was the book I originally wanted to read before I knew it was #3 in a series and I read the first 2 just so I could read that one. I think I made the right choice because this is a world that grows and evolves and it’s very connected so previous characters are always going to play a role. I can’t wait to learn more about Marybell.

I feel as though this one is an improvement on the first book, perhaps because I liked both of the characters a lot more. In the first I found both Dixie and Caine irritating at times but Jax and Em were quite different. I sympathised with both of them, single parents in unusual situations and trying to do the best they can but also wanting something for themselves. I felt so sorry for Em’s kids and thought that most of the town needed a good smack for encouraging the sort of gossip that led to 8 and 5yo boys being picked on and beaten up. Even Em’s own mother says terrible things about her in front of her children, something that should be utterly unforgivable, especially as they’re not even true. I’m not sure what comes out in the end is a good excuse and Em does take her to task over it but it does seem a bit too little too late. ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 Jackie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-e-book, e-book-edition-for-review, read-in-2014, arc-galley-copy, read-for-review-2014, contemporary-romance, bullies, netgalley, plum-orchard, second-book-in-series

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: May 27th 2014 by Harlequin MIRA
original title Something to Talk About
ISBN 0778316270 (ISBN13: 9780778316275)
edition language English
series Plum Orchard #2
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sexy is as sexy does. And in Plum Orchard, sugar, it does!

Emmeline Amos is sick of her ex saying she's boring and prissy. After all, she works for a phone-sex company ...more

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Jul 09, 2014 MBR rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: scarred-hero, endearing-heroine, hot-as-sin-hero, part-of-a-series, small-town-setting, divorced-heroine, single-father-hero, in-the-car-smexing, good-for-nothing-ex-husband, haunted-by-the-past-hero

Something to Talk About by Dakota Cassidy is my very first read from the author. Book number 2 in the Plum Orchards series invited me from the very first page to enter into the world of Emmaline Amos (Em) and make myself right at home. Dakota’s easy style of writing and the spark that practically set the pages afire made this a book worth sinking myself into.

36 year old single mother Em is almost bursting at the seams to break out of the conservative shell that she has been placed in by everyone Something to Talk About by Dakota Cassidy is my very first read from the author. Book number 2 in the Plum Orchards series invited me from the very first page to enter into the world of Emmaline Amos (Em) and make myself right at home. Dakota’s easy style of writing and the spark that practically set the pages afire made this a book worth sinking myself into.

36 year old single mother Em is almost bursting at the seams to break out of the conservative shell that she has been placed in by everyone that knows her. Working as the manager of a phone sex company itself is a big achievement for someone whose ex-husband had called her prissy and boring, the emotional scars of which still taunts her even a year after the divorce. Her group of friends and her two young boys are what keeps her going. And even though Em craves for sultry nights with a man who can set her whole body on fire, the only thing that she has plans on setting fire to is just her imagination. That is until Jackson Hawthorne (Jax) walks into her life.

Em and Jax meet under interesting circumstances; when Jax’s sweet little daughter calls Call Girls Inc. looking for a girlfriend for her beloved daddy. Things take a mirthful turn when Jax misunderstands the situation and Em stares in the face of the man with whom she had shared an electrifying moment with a while back. Though Em might not like it or want it, Jax sets her engines revving unlike any man she has ever been with (not that she has been with anyone except for her ex-husband) and from the moment these two lip-lock, sparks that rivals that of the 4th of July lights up the story!

Jax and Em both have emotional scars that they would equally like to forget and move on from. And entanglement and putting their emotional lives in jeopardy is hardly what either of them wants. Thus Em proposes the easiest and least messy solution. They’d be sex partners, nothing more nothing less. No emotional entanglements for them. No sirree! But then we all know how life can throw the curveballs that shows you that all your grand planning is for naught. And love? Oh the sneaky emotion called love definitely loves to play when a man as sweet, manly and oh so sexy comes calling and can set your body humming like it has never ever before!

I loved Something to Talk About pretty much. There was so much goodness, emotional and otherwise in the story that you can’t help but fall a little bit more in love as you turn one page to the next. Jax Hawthorne, the man himself is reason enough for a girl to abandon everything and indulge in the story. From his name to his body to his personality, everything screams sexy and capable. And the way Jax takes care of his little girl? Well, that ought to charm you right out of your socks if nothing else.

Em herself turned out to be a pretty swell character. Her emotional scars are so real, the emotional punch that Dakota delivers along with it is enough to make you suck your breathe in and just ride out the roller coaster of a ride. I’d say that the insecurities that both Jax and Em have, individually and together is what touched me the most about the story. And Em coming out of her shell and facing her demons, well, that was just the icing on the cake that made this story a winner! Recommended.

Rating = 4/5

Caliber SEAL: GREAT READ!

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Apr 04, 2014 Kathy rated it really liked it

4.5 stars.

Something to Talk About is another über entertaining and scrumptiously steamy installment in Dakota Cassidy's marvelous Plum Orchard series. In this outing, Emmeline "Em" Amos finally learns to stand up for herself while Jax Hawthorne puts the ghosts of his past to rest.

Em is still struggling to find her footing following her (now) ex-husband's shocking revelations and their subsequent divorce. A single mom with two young boys, she is working as the General Manager of Call Girls, her 4.5 stars.

Something to Talk About is another über entertaining and scrumptiously steamy installment in Dakota Cassidy's marvelous Plum Orchard series. In this outing, Emmeline "Em" Amos finally learns to stand up for herself while Jax Hawthorne puts the ghosts of his past to rest.

Em is still struggling to find her footing following her (now) ex-husband's shocking revelations and their subsequent divorce. A single mom with two young boys, she is working as the General Manager of Call Girls, her good friend Dixie's phone sex business. Trying to shed her good girl image, Em accepts a drunken dare to answer a call, but wouldn't you know it, the next caller is really a little girl who is trying to find her dad a girlfriend. Jax is not amused to discover his daughter Maizy chatting it up with a phone sex operator and he lets loose with an angry tirade. Unfortunately for Em, Jax is an old college friend of Dixie's boyfriend, Caine, and their paths are soon going to cross on a daily basis when Jax begins working at Call Girls as a computer programmer.

Em is the town sweetheart which is just a really nice way of saying she is a pushover. She is genuinely caring and thoughtful, but she will go to any lengths to avoid confrontation. However all of this begins to change when Em maintains her unlikely friendships with Dixie and the other women at Call Girls despite everyone's obvious disapproval. She loves her newfound independence but she is still she overcoming the habits of a lifetime drilled into her by her unhappy mother. When malicious gossip begins continues to adversely affect her sons and her ex-husband issues a surprising threat, Em's response to all of these challenges shocks everyone, including herself.

Jax is a roguishly charming character with a surprising amount of depth. There is a a lot of heartache in this devoted dad's past, but it takes most of novel to unlock all of his secrets. Jax
wants a real relationship with Em, but since she is insistent that she does not want a serious entanglement, he agrees to her no strings fling proposal. However they do get to know each on a more personal level when he convinces her to help him decorate his house.

Em is really not cut out for a casual affair and she has as much difficulty keeping her emotions out of their relationship as Jax does. There is plenty of heat between them and their sex scenes are highly sensual. In and out of the bedroom, their exchanges are meaningful and laced with humor.

While there is plenty of internal conflict as Em and Jax deal with their respective issues, there is also some external conflict as well. Jax's brothers Gage and Tag are extremely supportive but he and Tag butt heads occasionally. Chief troublemaker Louella Palmer is in fine form as she dredges up a long-buried secret. Em's mother is a huge help but that assistance comes with a high price tag when her negativity causes problems for Em.

Something to Talk About is a heartwarming novel with a well-developed cast of multi-faceted characters. The plot is well-written and beautifully executed. Unexpected revelations keep the story fresh while Dakota Cassidy's tantalizing glimpses of secondary characters Marybell Lyman and Tag Hawthorne leave readers eagerly anticipating the next novel in the Plum Orchard series. ...more

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May 04, 2014 Elizabeth H. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-author, beautiful-love-story, laugh-out-loud-funny, amazing, contemporary-romance, smokin-hot-erotica, harlequin

I am falling hard for the people of Plum Orchard, Georgia. I’m totally loving this character-driven series and watching this small town with its small mind mentality slowly changing before my eyes. The way things have always been done in Plum Orchard is being upset by the newer generation bucking the system and challenging how the stereotypical Southern lady should act. I’m looking forward to more upsets of the apple cart and bigger changes in the minds of this small Georgia community.

Em is my t I am falling hard for the people of Plum Orchard, Georgia. I’m totally loving this character-driven series and watching this small town with its small mind mentality slowly changing before my eyes. The way things have always been done in Plum Orchard is being upset by the newer generation bucking the system and challenging how the stereotypical Southern lady should act. I’m looking forward to more upsets of the apple cart and bigger changes in the minds of this small Georgia community.

Em is my total hero. She was raised to be a gentile Southern lady and to uphold the Southern values her mama so thoroughly and viciously drummed into her skull. However, her journey to find the “real” Emmeline challenges those beliefs and everything she’s known as true and “right.” Jax Hawthorne is one of those challenges and gives Em a run for her money. He, as well as Dixie and the rest of the gang at Call Girls, gave Em the courage and the strength to stand up for herself and claim her happiness for the first time in forever.

I didn’t believe for one minute that Em and Jax could keep their feelings out of the “no strings” relationship. Em and Jax had some steamy eye contact in the last book and their passionate connection was even more intense in this one. The heat factor is volcanic and their chemistry is palpable.

Jax…*sigh* he is so dreamy and such a wonderful dad. I absolutely fell in love with him. He loved and respected Em and absolutely loved his daughter and cared for Em’s children. I wanted him all to myself! Jax went through some issues in the story as well, but he had a wonderful support system and was able to put some past demons to rest and concentrate on his future. Jax also has two equally ruggedly sexy single brothers that I’m looking forward to reading more about.

The characters are realistic and easily relatable and the storyline was intricately laced with Southern drawls, witty commentary and scandalous secrets. You will not believe the amount of earth-shattering secrets hidden away in this small Southern town. And I have a feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg! I’m looking forward to reading all the books in this series!

What I loved most about this series was the snarky dialogue. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. I’m thankful that this book wasn’t as emotionally draining as the last book, but no less brilliant. Dakota Cassidy captures small-town Southern living so clearly. It is a complete joy to read these books and I recommend them to anyone who loves small town stories with life-changing moments and where love, laughter and best friends are the cure-all for any ailment.

***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
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Mar 02, 2014 Roz ~ My Written Romance rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, 2014-reading-challenge

You can read my other reviews at My Written Romance.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Harlequin MIRA via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 out of 5

You have that moment, you’ve connected with that hot guy from across a crowded floor - staring at each other, thinking all the dirty thoughts. Then some nasty pastie decides this is the right moment to exact epic public humiliation upon you. The moment is broken.

This is what confronts Emmaline Amos in Dakota Cassidy’s ever-sassy You can read my other reviews at My Written Romance.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Harlequin MIRA via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 out of 5

You have that moment, you’ve connected with that hot guy from across a crowded floor - staring at each other, thinking all the dirty thoughts. Then some nasty pastie decides this is the right moment to exact epic public humiliation upon you. The moment is broken.

This is what confronts Emmaline Amos in Dakota Cassidy’s ever-sassy June release, Something to Talk About. This is the second full-length novel in the Plum Orchard series.

I read and reviewed the previous title, Talk Dirty to Me back in May, and really enjoyed it. I had this title to review already, so I was pretty excited to jump back into the lives of the Call Girls ladies and the town of Plum Orchard.

....

I loved Em in this and in the first book – she’s not only dealing with the end of her marriage and the secrets that emerge as a result, but with the reactions of the town to it all. Despite all this, she’s loyal, strong and feisty (even if she doesn’t always see it in herself). I loved watching her discover her bad self.

Jax sure melted my heart with his relationship with Maizy – nothing much sexier than a man who’s there like he is for his babies.

These two sure aren’t planning on getting involved in anything too serious – but the minute things get steamy in a Jeep, I knew this would fly right out the window. The trope of “let’s just get freaky for a bit…oh no, I might actually like you….dear lord, I love you” is one of my favourites – and Em & Jax coming to terms with their growing attraction and feelings for one another is really great reading.

Now, I just love the other relationships in this book – Em with Dixie, Jax with his brothers. Dakota Cassidy does this so well, and seeing all these characters interacting with each other was like sitting in a room with people you know. I am in the middle of Tag’s story at the moment, and I am really hoping there is something on its way for Gage as well.

Oh, that Louella just makes me punchy. I don’t know what has gone on in her past to make her that way, but she sure does shoot flames of bitch from her eyes. I’m not sure what Dakota has planned for her, but I am certain it will be interesting.

And I did NOT see that little plot twist coming either, Ms Cassidy! I loved it, but wow! You’ll know what I am referring to when you read the book for yourselves – it did make me happy!

Another wonderfully funny and saucy romance, with real and authentic characters – I definitely recommend this spirited Southern series, and this read in particular! ...more

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May 28, 2014 Rhayne rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-for-guilty-pleasures

Something to Talk About is book two in the Plum Orchard series. With each new story in this series, these characters just sink further into my heart.

This story really has several layers. We follow Em and her children down a bumpy road as she tries to rebuild her life and pick up the pieces after her divorce. We meet Jax and his adorable daughter Maizy. Then we get to trail along their path of finding, accepting, and ultimately claiming new love and happiness.

If there was one common theme deliver

Something to Talk About is book two in the Plum Orchard series. With each new story in this series, these characters just sink further into my heart.

This story really has several layers. We follow Em and her children down a bumpy road as she tries to rebuild her life and pick up the pieces after her divorce. We meet Jax and his adorable daughter Maizy. Then we get to trail along their path of finding, accepting, and ultimately claiming new love and happiness.

If there was one common theme delivered in this book it was growth. Em has lived under her mother’s microscope and is plagued by gossip that surrounds this small town. She lets everyone dictate how she needs to behave and how she deals with every situation. She has had a lot of dirt thrown at her and watching her gain internal strength and courage to fight back was amazing. Jax is living with immense guilt for how he handled a bad situation years ago. I really don’t want to get too far into his story because it takes a major twist that you need to experience while reading. However, he finally gets to a place where he is able to face the past, accept his actions, and let go.

Jax and Em start off in a sex-only, no commitment relationship. Neither is allowed to ask questions about the others’ lives, and no one is to know about them being together. The lengths they go to keep it under wraps were hilarious. It becomes apparent that in Plum Orchard there is no such thing as a secret. It also becomes apparent that a “just sex” relationship between the two is never going to work out. There is no way to keep the emotions and the actions separate. They have a lot of issues to work through and their story just pulls you in deep and keeps you rooting for a happy ending.

Em really took a stand for herself in this book and it was fantastic to see her evolve. She put her mother in her place, she doused out Louella, who is only around to cause hurt and humiliation to anyone she chooses to target, and opened up to her ex-husband about his actions and how they have impacted her and the children’s lives. Seeing who she has become from book one to book two is exhilarating. She is finally able to live the life she chooses and she isn’t afraid to claim what she wants.

If you haven’t grabbed hold of this series and lost yourself in this small town full of love, friendship, and caring, with a side of gossip, secrets, and betrayal you are missing out. It includes all the ingredients to make an exciting, sexy intriguing book.

Review also posted here: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews... ...more

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Jun 27, 2014 Bitch With A Book rated it really liked it

Okay, remember when I said Talk Dirty To Me was a solid summer read…..well forget that. Talk Dirty To Me is a total set up for the much better (I mean the first book was fine, just not the best I’d ever read) sequel Something To Talk About.

First, be ready for nearly two solid chapters of hardcore summarizing from the first book. Totally annoying, but well worth the wait. It’s been two months since we left Plum Orchard, and Emmaline Amos’s life has not improved. Her boys are getting bullied daily Okay, remember when I said Talk Dirty To Me was a solid summer read…..well forget that. Talk Dirty To Me is a total set up for the much better (I mean the first book was fine, just not the best I’d ever read) sequel Something To Talk About.

First, be ready for nearly two solid chapters of hardcore summarizing from the first book. Totally annoying, but well worth the wait. It’s been two months since we left Plum Orchard, and Emmaline Amos’s life has not improved. Her boys are getting bullied daily for their father’s sexuality. That father is all but non-existent when it comes to fiscally or emotionally supporting his sons. The whole town is talking about Em like she’s a hussy since she works for Call Girls. To make matters worse, Em thinks she might actually be a hussy because she really wants to get laid. Enter Jax Hawthorne. They shared a sexy stare right before Em lived the most embarrassing moment of her life. Now they’re coworkers at a phone sex company. Awkward. Still, Jax makes all the right moves. Em eventually falls for his charms, but she insists on sex with no strings. Being a single dad, Jax can live with that. Unfortunately, it’s hard to keep it simply sexual, when both Em and Jax need each other for much more.

I loved Emmaline from the first book. She was a chronic scene stealer. I am so happy she has her own book. Jax is super hot, and the good dad in him makes him super hotter. I loved his relationship with Maizy. His fierce protectiveness is endearing. Seriously, you’ll fall in love with Jax at first read. Em’s life is complicated, at least for her. She is testing out her new life as an independent, single woman. My heart broke for her as she tried to deal with her boys problems. Luckily Jax and the amazing Maizy go to bat for Em and her boys. Bottom line, this book seems like a pretty cut and dried romance, but the hero and the heroine have lots of growing to do and lots of secrets to unravel. The sex was fantastic, way more believable than the last book (these two characters at least like each other), and there’s way more of it. Em’s final confrontation with the awful Louella is totally kickass. I’m interested to see where she goes next as a villain. The super surprise at the end with Dixie is equally fab, if contrived. I may love a romance, but I adore the story of best friends falling deeper in love with each other. Dixie and Em forever!

Now I’m onto the third installment where Marybell (I always think of her as a punk rock Tinkerbell character) finds her handsome man while her past catches up to her.

spoilers at www.bitchwithabook.com ...more

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Nov 23, 2014 Heidi rated it really liked it

In the previous book, Emmeline Amos suffered the most humiliating moment of her life. To as insult to injure, it was witnessed by Jax Hawthorne. Em thought that she's blown her chance with this sexy, mysterious man. Fast forward a couple months, and the chaos in her life is starting to die down. Em's friends have decided to help her break out of her shell. After her divorce, she also felt that it's time to reinvent herself. One night, her friends have her field one of the Call Girls' calls, that In the previous book, Emmeline Amos suffered the most humiliating moment of her life. To as insult to injure, it was witnessed by Jax Hawthorne. Em thought that she's blown her chance with this sexy, mysterious man. Fast forward a couple months, and the chaos in her life is starting to die down. Em's friends have decided to help her break out of her shell. After her divorce, she also felt that it's time to reinvent herself. One night, her friends have her field one of the Call Girls' calls, that would change her entire life.

This story is about second chances and finding love. I really enjoyed watching Em's journey from a shy, quiet girl to a sexy, self assured women. Em and Jax brought out the best in each other. I liked that these two weren't looking for love, but found it anyway. And I loved that these two were able to blend their families so easily. Jax's daughter needed a women in her life, and Em's boys needed a man in their lifer. It was such a beautiful story.

I'm completly falling in love with this series! It has a sense of humor. It's sexy. It has well thought out characters. And most of all, it has super smart dialog. It really stands out in a sea of sub-standard, fluffy contemporary romance. Dakota Cassidy's writing is absolutely a step above the rest. I also loved that she kicked the heat level up another notch in this book! I also never saw the big secret that was revealed towards the end of the story. Well played Dakota!

Scarlet Chase is an excellent fit for this series. Her slightly sweet, honeyed southern accent is the perfect accompaniment to this series. She has a way with dialogue and pacing, that she puts most narrators to shame. Every character had their very own distinct voice, even the men. It's always wonderful, when a narrator show great range when it comes to narrating a character of the opposite gender. She's was the biggest reason that I got completely caught up in this audiobook, and couldn't put it down. She's quickly becoming a must-listen narrator!

I love this books heart! And while it's both sexy and serious in a lot of places, this book was really funny. It made for a very smart, hot read for me. I fell in love with Em in the last book, and grew to love Jax as well. I flew through this audiobook, and couldn't wait to download the next. The ladies of Call Girls' have truly stolen my heart, and I can't wait to see what the have in store for us in the next book. If you're looking for a new contemporary romance series, this is a must read!

***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review*** ...more

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Apr 10, 2014 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

This story follows town sweetheart (and doormat) Emmaline Amos in her continued quest for independence. Em has been through so much (as we discovered in the previous book) that she doesn't quite believe in love anymore. Determined to maintain her independence and provide for her boys, Em takes her duties as GM at Call Girls, Inc. seriously. When she sees Jax at a town picnic (see previous book), the looks that they share are hot enough to set a room on fire. Em doesn't want to be tied down and l This story follows town sweetheart (and doormat) Emmaline Amos in her continued quest for independence. Em has been through so much (as we discovered in the previous book) that she doesn't quite believe in love anymore. Determined to maintain her independence and provide for her boys, Em takes her duties as GM at Call Girls, Inc. seriously. When she sees Jax at a town picnic (see previous book), the looks that they share are hot enough to set a room on fire. Em doesn't want to be tied down and lose any ground on her newfound independence, and she doesn't believe that a hottie like Jax would be interested in a humiliated, single mother like her.

New to town, single dad Jax is working through heartache of his own. When the opportunity arises to take ownership of his Aunt Jessalyn's home in Plum Orchard arises, he takes it. He's also been offered a job to write a security program for his buddy Caine. The chance to give his daughter Maisy the stability that a small town provides is incentive enough.

Eventually, Jax and Em formally meet. After all, they both are working for the same company. In spite of Em's attempts to avoid the super hottie, their worlds collide. It is hot, sweet, sexy, and magical. Will these two be able to get past the baggage they carry from previous relationships?

I was so happy to read Em's story! She's treated horribly by the Mags AND every person that she thought she could depend on. Without the strength of Dixie's friendship, I don't think that Em would be able to deal with everything that's been thrown her way. She's kind, loving, strong, and (newly) independent. There is so much sadness in this story that the humor and snark of a Dakota Cassidy book is needed. Em has really transformed and it's incredibly inspiring. Jax has been through his own mess but manages to be a great dad. It was the scenes with and about his daughter that truly endeared me to him (especially after we find out the WTF?? near the end). The continued remembrance of Landon made me tear up a bit while reading. He was such a great positive influence on so many people. I have suspicions about the next books and my fingers are crossed (Jax's brothers?).

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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