What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Style #2
Solving for Nic
Lizzie Sellers has a plan that includes finishing graduate school in theoretical math, solving one of the world's most important mathematical questions, and winning a Fields Medal all before she's thirty. Her plan does not include a happily ever after with an Italian billionaire playboy she's been crushing on since she was seventeen. When she meets him again at her brother's wedding, she decides it's the perfect time to finally get him out of her system. There's no way the real Nic Maretti can live up to the fantasy she's created over the years, is there?
Nic Maretti doesn't have a plan. He drifts through life writing checks investing in other people's future while never thinking about one of his own. He doesn't want forever or complications. He only dates women who understand he's not looking for the future Mrs. Maretti. Until he sees Lizzie Sellers again and suddenly happily ever after doesn't sound so bad. Now if he can just convince the only woman on the planet who doesn't want to be the future Mrs. Maretti that a life with him doesn't mean giving up on any of her dreams coming true.
SOLVING FOR NIC by Lexxi Callahan is a wonderful second installment of the Southern Style Series. Once again, Callahan has created a sexy, tender, and troubled couple searching for their happy ending in the southern sunshine. I love this series! – PENNY WATSON, Bestselling Author of APPLE SHOULD BE RED
Nic Maretti doesn't have a plan. He drifts through life writing checks investing in other people's future while never thinking about one of his own. He doesn't want forever or complications. He only dates women who understand he's not looking for the future Mrs. Maretti. Until he sees Lizzie Sellers again and suddenly happily ever after doesn't sound so bad. Now if he can just convince the only woman on the planet who doesn't want to be the future Mrs. Maretti that a life with him doesn't mean giving up on any of her dreams coming true.
SOLVING FOR NIC by Lexxi Callahan is a wonderful second installment of the Southern Style Series. Once again, Callahan has created a sexy, tender, and troubled couple searching for their happy ending in the southern sunshine. I love this series! – PENNY WATSON, Bestselling Author of APPLE SHOULD BE RED
233 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2014
18 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 29, 2015
I only have a few words to say about this little gem.What a simply beautiful little romance that I read today.Lizzy and Nic were the perfect match for each other.
June 12, 2015
The second book in the Southern Style series features Lizzie Sellers, the sister of the hero from Sweetened with a Kiss, and Nic Maretti, a suave billionaire family friend (well, his sister married her friend/distant relation Rogan). They met when she was seventeen and he was twenty seven. Four years later, romance happens….
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Beautiful locales: I’d read the first book in the series, Sweetened with a Kiss and I remembered enjoying it. This book builds on the cast of characters introduced in that book and expands the universe. The story begins in New Orleans at a family wedding, which I will admit brought Steel Magnolias to mind (not the location but the vibe). Something about a romance that starts at a wedding makes me all fuzzy and I settled in for a sweet read. What I got was a fabulous read took me to several different exotic locations. I loved the fact that Lizzie and Nic’s story traveled from New Orleans to Miami, Key Largo to Hong Kong. With Ms. Callahan’s writing, I easily pictured each locale, and it made me want to be there with Lizzie and Nic. Key Largo was by far my favorite, and I could picture Nic on that pier, getting his fishing trawler ready for his day trip with Lizzie. I was swept off my feet, right alongside Lizzie.
-How can you not love a mathlete?: Speaking of Lizzie, she’s a young heroine who was still figuring herself out when this story begins. I loved that she’s a brilliant mathematician. Lizzie is insecure about her intelligence, so she falls back on the cute blond, slightly ditzy thing. Her age made it easier for me to believe that she hadn’t come to the conclusion that you can be girly and smart, secure in your femininity without giving up your intelligence. Her little quirks about counting were adorable and I empathized with her, even when I wanted to shake her a little and say call your friend Jen, she’ll set you straight. Then it happened and I was happy.
-Also, billionaire heroes are always in style: Lordy. I still have Nic on that pier in my mind, so I bear with me. Nic hasn’t had a close relationship with his family, except for his sister Angie (who I still don’t like <.<), and he has walls to stop people from getting close. But I loved that when it counted, he listened to good advice and went after his woman. That he lets her into his heart and doesn’t fight it had me sighing. Plus, did I mention billionaire who can grant her every wish, and loves that she only wants him? He’s swoonworthy.
-The obstacles: This is definitely more character driven, and there wasn’t a big Mis, more like a series of little ones. For the most part, they worked for me, though I would have liked a slightly more believable obstacle other than Lizzie’s insecurity about Nic’s billionaire status. She’s lived a very comfortable existence and while not billionaire, her family is very well off. They live in a mansion, work in oil, they’re not even middle class. I didn’t have an issue with her insecurity about his experience and worldliness, but the money thing felt a little bit off. But it’s a minor quibble. Now Angie….did I mention I dislike Angie? Yeah, I’m still side-eyeing her. I know how this fed into LIzzie’s reactions,so I could get over it, even though normally, I’m not as forgiving of heroines who strap on their running shoes at the first sign of trouble.
-Standalone, for the most part: While the beginning of this story jumps right into an ongoing wedding, I do think you could read it without reading the first book, especially since there is a guide to the cast of characters at the back of the book. However, I’d read the first book...but that’s my particular OCD talking.
-Want Jared now, and that teaser excerpt? hmmm: Now, I’ve been intrigued with Jared, Jen’s best friend since the first book and I was halfway hoping he’d feature in this one. That said, I would NOT have pictured him with the heroine for the next book. At all. That alone has me signing up for the next book because I need to see how Ms. Callahan’s going to get me on her side and rooting for this heroine.
The Bottom Line (4.5 stars)
I really enjoyed it - it was the perfect “lose yourself in a lovely fantasy of a romance” kind of book that I greatly enjoyed this hazy Saturday. I’d recommend both books in this series and with that teaser, I can’t wait for the next one.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Beautiful locales: I’d read the first book in the series, Sweetened with a Kiss and I remembered enjoying it. This book builds on the cast of characters introduced in that book and expands the universe. The story begins in New Orleans at a family wedding, which I will admit brought Steel Magnolias to mind (not the location but the vibe). Something about a romance that starts at a wedding makes me all fuzzy and I settled in for a sweet read. What I got was a fabulous read took me to several different exotic locations. I loved the fact that Lizzie and Nic’s story traveled from New Orleans to Miami, Key Largo to Hong Kong. With Ms. Callahan’s writing, I easily pictured each locale, and it made me want to be there with Lizzie and Nic. Key Largo was by far my favorite, and I could picture Nic on that pier, getting his fishing trawler ready for his day trip with Lizzie. I was swept off my feet, right alongside Lizzie.
-How can you not love a mathlete?: Speaking of Lizzie, she’s a young heroine who was still figuring herself out when this story begins. I loved that she’s a brilliant mathematician. Lizzie is insecure about her intelligence, so she falls back on the cute blond, slightly ditzy thing. Her age made it easier for me to believe that she hadn’t come to the conclusion that you can be girly and smart, secure in your femininity without giving up your intelligence. Her little quirks about counting were adorable and I empathized with her, even when I wanted to shake her a little and say call your friend Jen, she’ll set you straight. Then it happened and I was happy.
-Also, billionaire heroes are always in style: Lordy. I still have Nic on that pier in my mind, so I bear with me. Nic hasn’t had a close relationship with his family, except for his sister Angie (who I still don’t like <.<), and he has walls to stop people from getting close. But I loved that when it counted, he listened to good advice and went after his woman. That he lets her into his heart and doesn’t fight it had me sighing. Plus, did I mention billionaire who can grant her every wish, and loves that she only wants him? He’s swoonworthy.
-The obstacles: This is definitely more character driven, and there wasn’t a big Mis, more like a series of little ones. For the most part, they worked for me, though I would have liked a slightly more believable obstacle other than Lizzie’s insecurity about Nic’s billionaire status. She’s lived a very comfortable existence and while not billionaire, her family is very well off. They live in a mansion, work in oil, they’re not even middle class. I didn’t have an issue with her insecurity about his experience and worldliness, but the money thing felt a little bit off. But it’s a minor quibble. Now Angie….did I mention I dislike Angie? Yeah, I’m still side-eyeing her. I know how this fed into LIzzie’s reactions,so I could get over it, even though normally, I’m not as forgiving of heroines who strap on their running shoes at the first sign of trouble.
-Standalone, for the most part: While the beginning of this story jumps right into an ongoing wedding, I do think you could read it without reading the first book, especially since there is a guide to the cast of characters at the back of the book. However, I’d read the first book...but that’s my particular OCD talking.
-Want Jared now, and that teaser excerpt? hmmm: Now, I’ve been intrigued with Jared, Jen’s best friend since the first book and I was halfway hoping he’d feature in this one. That said, I would NOT have pictured him with the heroine for the next book. At all. That alone has me signing up for the next book because I need to see how Ms. Callahan’s going to get me on her side and rooting for this heroine.
The Bottom Line (4.5 stars)
I really enjoyed it - it was the perfect “lose yourself in a lovely fantasy of a romance” kind of book that I greatly enjoyed this hazy Saturday. I’d recommend both books in this series and with that teaser, I can’t wait for the next one.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
July 16, 2016
Well that was not worth it! All this reading for nothing.
Why oh why did I even go down this hall way!
I am not reading anymore. Done!
I guess I am not a lover of the mainstream novels.
I don't care for these types of hero or heroine.
Not my cuppa.
Mildly better than the first 2.5 stars.
Some parts were really hot.
Why oh why did I even go down this hall way!
I am not reading anymore. Done!
I guess I am not a lover of the mainstream novels.
I don't care for these types of hero or heroine.
Not my cuppa.
Mildly better than the first 2.5 stars.
Some parts were really hot.
December 17, 2014
Solving for Nic is an adorably steamy and humorous small town southern romance featuring a young brilliant math geek and a ‘worldy’ slightly jaded playboy who discover that love has no definite rules. Fans of this series will remember Lizzie and Nic from book one-Sweetened With A Kiss. Too young to pursue when they first met, Nic waits until Lizzie is legal and then sweeps her off her feet. A few small misunderstandings provide some conflict but on the whole, Nic and Lizzie are intelligent, honest people who don’t allow the outside world to dictate their relationship. Callahan updates us on various other characters and I’m intrigued by the clues she will attempt redeem Madlyn. Can I add that I REALLY hope Angie does NOT get an HEA with Rogan? She’s an immature, whiny, cruel little girl who needs a few hard smacks from the reality brick.
August 23, 2015
3.5 stars
So before I start, you know that malaise that affects bookworms sometimes where you just can't concentrate on your favorite genre and it isn't the book's fault or the author's fault, it's just that your brain will not allow you to concentrate and you have to pause and do a palate cleanse with another genre before you can finish the one you're on? Yeah. That would have to happen with my first ever ARC. So, a book about WWII and an Urban Fantasy later and I was finally able to concentrate tonight. Woot!
I really enjoyed Solving for Nic. I didn't love, love, adore it the way I did with "Sweetened with a Kiss," but it was a cute read, with great characters. Nic and Lizzie have been crushing on each other for years, but Lizzie was too young and Nic had to make himself back off, while Lizzie suffers from insecurity due to her overwhelming intelligence and doesn't feel like Nic can know the real her. At the wedding of Jen and Stefan (the couple from "Sweetened with a Kiss") the two dance, combust, and retreat for a long night of nookie. Afterwards, familiar with Nic's playboy reputation and knowing that her degree needs to take precedence so a relationship would be problematic, Lizzie sneaks out. The two of them convince themselves that they have to stay away from each other (they both have big complicated reasons but the bottom line is that they're both commitment-phobes) until they can't anymore and when Nic's sister, Angie, is convinced that Lizzie's designs on her husband, Rogan, are rather un-platonic (not a word, Merriam Webster? Well it is now! I mock your demands that I use words that only appear in the English language -- ha ha ha!), Nic uses the excuse to whisk her away for another week of smexy-times.
The first half of the book was hard for me to get into. This is partly because of my aforementioned contemporary romance malaise and partly because I tend to enjoy a bit more fighting and conflict in my books and, honestly, during their week on hisyacht erm, fishing trawler, Nic and Lizzie are cute and adorable and flirty and honestly, just a little bit too mature and happy for my taste when reading a romance novel. (God, what does that say about me?) Lizzie is still hiding her crazy-smarts from Nic and Nic is privately wondering if Lizzie's only around him for his money. He makes Tony Stark look poor and she makes Tony Stark look dumb. (Come to think of it, what wretched, terrible lives these people have. #RomanceNovelProblems)
Once the two get off the boat, that's when the conflict started and that's when I really started to enjoy this book (I am a horrible, sadistic person). First let me say that Angie is an irredeemable jerk. I can't say why without a spoiler tag so...
Wow, that was quite a rant. Ahem. Suffice it to say for all who did not click on that spoiler tag that I do not like Nic's sister. I'm not overly fond that the next book seems to be about Madlyn, since she helped set Jen up for some pretty twisted goings-on in the first book, but if I remember right, she was doing it to protect her kid, so I'll give her a shot (but watch yourself, Red Queen).
The bottom line is I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to marry it and have its babies like I did with Jen and Stefan and all their soap-operatic-angsty-goodness, but to be honest, a lot of fighting and angst does not a healthy relationship make (just look at Rogan and Angie). I liked that Lizzie had crazy math-smarts, and actually stopped to think about things when she got what appeared to be a "Dear Jane" package from Nic. I liked that Nic was a commitment-phobe who had to keep fighting his own instincts in order to save his relationship instead of just giving in to his own fears and letting Lizzie go. The author put in little details that I enjoyed, such as that they took their eggs the same way and that Nic could relate to Lizzie's pickiness when it came to food. I always tend to think about what comes after the HEA at the end of the book and I honestly got the impression with these two that they would really be okay after I closed the book -- or, well, turned off the Kindle. So the book didn't blow me away, but it was a fun time and I'm definitely not sorry I picked it up.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
So before I start, you know that malaise that affects bookworms sometimes where you just can't concentrate on your favorite genre and it isn't the book's fault or the author's fault, it's just that your brain will not allow you to concentrate and you have to pause and do a palate cleanse with another genre before you can finish the one you're on? Yeah. That would have to happen with my first ever ARC. So, a book about WWII and an Urban Fantasy later and I was finally able to concentrate tonight. Woot!
I really enjoyed Solving for Nic. I didn't love, love, adore it the way I did with "Sweetened with a Kiss," but it was a cute read, with great characters. Nic and Lizzie have been crushing on each other for years, but Lizzie was too young and Nic had to make himself back off, while Lizzie suffers from insecurity due to her overwhelming intelligence and doesn't feel like Nic can know the real her. At the wedding of Jen and Stefan (the couple from "Sweetened with a Kiss") the two dance, combust, and retreat for a long night of nookie. Afterwards, familiar with Nic's playboy reputation and knowing that her degree needs to take precedence so a relationship would be problematic, Lizzie sneaks out. The two of them convince themselves that they have to stay away from each other (they both have big complicated reasons but the bottom line is that they're both commitment-phobes) until they can't anymore and when Nic's sister, Angie, is convinced that Lizzie's designs on her husband, Rogan, are rather un-platonic (not a word, Merriam Webster? Well it is now! I mock your demands that I use words that only appear in the English language -- ha ha ha!), Nic uses the excuse to whisk her away for another week of smexy-times.
The first half of the book was hard for me to get into. This is partly because of my aforementioned contemporary romance malaise and partly because I tend to enjoy a bit more fighting and conflict in my books and, honestly, during their week on his
Once the two get off the boat, that's when the conflict started and that's when I really started to enjoy this book (I am a horrible, sadistic person). First let me say that Angie is an irredeemable jerk. I can't say why without a spoiler tag so...
Wow, that was quite a rant. Ahem. Suffice it to say for all who did not click on that spoiler tag that I do not like Nic's sister. I'm not overly fond that the next book seems to be about Madlyn, since she helped set Jen up for some pretty twisted goings-on in the first book, but if I remember right, she was doing it to protect her kid, so I'll give her a shot (but watch yourself, Red Queen).
The bottom line is I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to marry it and have its babies like I did with Jen and Stefan and all their soap-operatic-angsty-goodness, but to be honest, a lot of fighting and angst does not a healthy relationship make (just look at Rogan and Angie). I liked that Lizzie had crazy math-smarts, and actually stopped to think about things when she got what appeared to be a "Dear Jane" package from Nic. I liked that Nic was a commitment-phobe who had to keep fighting his own instincts in order to save his relationship instead of just giving in to his own fears and letting Lizzie go. The author put in little details that I enjoyed, such as that they took their eggs the same way and that Nic could relate to Lizzie's pickiness when it came to food. I always tend to think about what comes after the HEA at the end of the book and I honestly got the impression with these two that they would really be okay after I closed the book -- or, well, turned off the Kindle. So the book didn't blow me away, but it was a fun time and I'm definitely not sorry I picked it up.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
November 24, 2014
What a romantic and beautiful romance. This was a very sweet romance and one filled with chemistry and sexual tension. Oh hot too!! :)
A story of Lizzie who was a smart (math genius),sweet, funny and beautiful. The hero Nic, oh my, he was incredible. Italian (need I say more) rich, sweet, alpha and knows how to get his girl. These two together where beautiful to behold.
They have known each other for years. Having met at his sisters wedding and danced one dance, they each where impacted by the other, but Lizzie was seventeen at the time. Through the years they meet again at other weddings of family/friends parties/gatherings. They always seemed to have one dance together. The story begins fours years after their first meeting,at Lizzie's friends wedding, Jen (Jen was from the previous book which I highly recommend). Lizzie has never forgotten Nic and has loved/infatuated with him since the first meeting. They dance of course and things begin from there. And this time things progress between the two because Nic has never forgotten Lizzie and she is now 21 years old. Let me say I love there relationship. It is romantic, hot and well played out. I loved the theme of family and friendship interwoven in the story (some not so great family too).
I am looking forward to Jared's book next and his brother Grant I hope gets a book too.
Highly recommend for those who want a beautiful romance with a hot Italian and a beautiful math genus.
A story of Lizzie who was a smart (math genius),sweet, funny and beautiful. The hero Nic, oh my, he was incredible. Italian (need I say more) rich, sweet, alpha and knows how to get his girl. These two together where beautiful to behold.
They have known each other for years. Having met at his sisters wedding and danced one dance, they each where impacted by the other, but Lizzie was seventeen at the time. Through the years they meet again at other weddings of family/friends parties/gatherings. They always seemed to have one dance together. The story begins fours years after their first meeting,at Lizzie's friends wedding, Jen (Jen was from the previous book which I highly recommend). Lizzie has never forgotten Nic and has loved/infatuated with him since the first meeting. They dance of course and things begin from there. And this time things progress between the two because Nic has never forgotten Lizzie and she is now 21 years old. Let me say I love there relationship. It is romantic, hot and well played out. I loved the theme of family and friendship interwoven in the story (some not so great family too).
I am looking forward to Jared's book next and his brother Grant I hope gets a book too.
Highly recommend for those who want a beautiful romance with a hot Italian and a beautiful math genus.
December 1, 2014
Great story! A smooth and sweet reading with many spices. If you've read Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1), you must remember Lizzie, she is not only Stefan's sister but also Jen's best friend. This is her story!
Lizze had a crush on her brother's friend, Nic, when she was 17 he first asked her to dance with him at Rogan and Angie's wedding.
I like: I liked the way Ms.Lexxi Callahan told story. whenever I thought, oh no, cliche was going to happen, the story line would turn the OTHER way. When Nic and Lizze's relationship became smooth, I got nervous cause I knew something bad was going to happen . . . then again, it did happen, I though this must be the kind cliche, however, their relationship once again NOT went the way I foretold.
I also liked there's NO stupid hero or heroine did sth stupid to hurt each other due to their fear of commitment. Yes, Nic and Lizze did have their struggle, but NONE of them did such things like sleep around or date others to hurt each other(u have to admit this kinds things did happen a lot in romance).
I like less: I really hated Angie . . . If you've read Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1), you must remember what a good guy Rogan was. But he married the childish Angie, but it took two to tango, so never mind, let's just hope they did have their HEA.
And from the EXCERPT, Jared must be the hero of next book, but Ms.Lexxi Callahan, plz, can the heroine not be Madlyn? She brought Jen so much pain in Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1), Angie paled in comparison with her. Jared was also a good guy, could you give him a better heroine?
This can be read as standalone cause there's introduction of characters. Besides, it's been long time since I read the first story, and I have to admit I almost don't remember Nic. But I recommend you to read Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1)first, it's a good story, too.
Thank Ms.Lexxi Callahan for sending me the copy first to give this review!
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review.
Lizze had a crush on her brother's friend, Nic, when she was 17 he first asked her to dance with him at Rogan and Angie's wedding.
I like: I liked the way Ms.Lexxi Callahan told story. whenever I thought, oh no, cliche was going to happen, the story line would turn the OTHER way. When Nic and Lizze's relationship became smooth, I got nervous cause I knew something bad was going to happen . . . then again, it did happen, I though this must be the kind cliche, however, their relationship once again NOT went the way I foretold.
I also liked there's NO stupid hero or heroine did sth stupid to hurt each other due to their fear of commitment. Yes, Nic and Lizze did have their struggle, but NONE of them did such things like sleep around or date others to hurt each other(u have to admit this kinds things did happen a lot in romance).
I like less: I really hated Angie . . . If you've read Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1), you must remember what a good guy Rogan was. But he married the childish Angie, but it took two to tango, so never mind, let's just hope they did have their HEA.
And from the EXCERPT, Jared must be the hero of next book, but Ms.Lexxi Callahan, plz, can the heroine not be Madlyn? She brought Jen so much pain in Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1), Angie paled in comparison with her. Jared was also a good guy, could you give him a better heroine?
This can be read as standalone cause there's introduction of characters. Besides, it's been long time since I read the first story, and I have to admit I almost don't remember Nic. But I recommend you to read Sweetened With a Kiss(Southern Style, #1)first, it's a good story, too.
Thank Ms.Lexxi Callahan for sending me the copy first to give this review!
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review.
November 29, 2017
2.5/5; 3 stars; C+
This was an Ok romance read. A couple of things really baffled me so it made it hard to love it. I liked the characters but really couldn't figure out why it was such a big dark secret to be a math nerd and a also how the heck anyone could put up with such cruel and immature behavior on the part of Nic's sister Angie. All in all, it came together feeling a bit 'manufactured'.
This was an Ok romance read. A couple of things really baffled me so it made it hard to love it. I liked the characters but really couldn't figure out why it was such a big dark secret to be a math nerd and a also how the heck anyone could put up with such cruel and immature behavior on the part of Nic's sister Angie. All in all, it came together feeling a bit 'manufactured'.
December 30, 2014
3.5 Stars
I always find it fascinating when you read the description of a book and the actual storyline isn't quite what the description gives you. Such is the case with Solving for Nic. Honestly, I don't think my synopsis is quite what the book is about...there's a lot going on in this book; so much so that it took my a few tries to sum it all up. Very busy storyline.
Nic Maretti has craved Lizzie Sellars for years. His first encounter with her was when she was seventeen years old but knowing she was far too young and innocent for him he stayed away. Well that and the fact that her father basically threatened to castrate him if he went near his daughter. Now, Lizzie is a grown-up twenty-one year old and Nic sees no reason he can't have what he's always wanted. Nic is your typical "alpha-male billionaire". He's a man with a reputation; he loves them and leaves them. He sees no reason for long-term relationships. To him, women are simply after his money and power so while he dates them he pampers them but when he's done, he's done. He doesn''t give them a second thought; that is until Lizzie Sellars. Lizzie is different, he's been kind of obsessed with her for years and this is strange because he's never even been out with her. He's only socialized with her at various social functions where they always share a dance. On the night of one of his business partners' wedding (who also happens to be Lizzie's brother) Nic finally gets to have Lizzie. Only problem is Lizzie disappears from him in the middle of the night. As he pursues Lizzie, Nic begins to realize that Lizzie is not at all who she appears to be.
From the first time Lizzie danced with Nic when she was seventeen she has wanted him. She's dreamed about him, fantasized about him and has used him as the standard for all other men and no one has ever come close or measured up. On the night of her brother's wedding, Lizzie's fantasies come true, she finally gets her taste of Nic Maretti but unfortunately for Lizzie's one taste isn't enough. Lizzie Sellars appears to be this wealthy social-lite that just sort of floats through life without much of a care in the world. Unknown to most, Lizzie is just the opposite. She's a mathematical genius who hides her genius to keep from appearing freakish to the rest of the world. The evening of her brother's wedding Lizzie finds herself back in the arms of her fantasy man Nic Maretti. Now that she is grown woman Lizzie has decided she is grown up enough to have Nic the way she's always wanted him.
While reading this book I wasn't quite sure what to think. I felt like it was a little choppy...like the story was jumping around, like I was coming in on the middle of a story (lately that seems to be happening quite frequently). Every time I felt like I was getting a handle on where the story was going a new twist or turn happened or a new character was mentioned that just made no sense to me. The whole time Nic is trying to win Lizzie (who is rumored to be having an affair with his brother-in-law...which she isn't) you get this whole back story with his father, who he seems to be estranged from, and his sister who I'm still not quite sure if she's a good guy or a bad guy (I think the intention is for her to be a good guy, turned bad, turned good?). While Lizzie is trying to decide if she wants to be with Nic, if she doesn't want to be with Nic, if she's normal enough for Nic, if she's too much of a freak to be with Nic you get a whole different back story on her with her friend (a musician), on of her best friends (Nic's brother-in-law) and bunch of other people who you never really quite understand what their stories or their purposes are; and this is where my struggle comes in with this story....there are too many peripheral characters. They just seemed to be kind of floating around aimlessly waiting for their stories to be told. As I mentioned before, I felt like I was being dropped in the middle of a story....Ah, I did my research and this is book two in a series by Lexxi Callahan...book one would be "Sweetened with a Kiss" this book is Stefan and Jen's story who happen to be Lizzie's brother and sister-in-law's story (the wedding that Nic and Lizzie attend). So before I could give my true views on Solving for Nic I decided to read the first book. Oooookay, now I kind of understand all of these supporting characters and I understand there positions in this book. They are all introduced in book one and you get a little bit of background on them.
When I first started I was well on my way to saying two stars but reading the first book helped me to understand and appreciate Lexxi's writing style. And now I can say.....yep, I like it. I can't quite but my finger on why exactly it's different about her style but it's different. Personally if I read a book that is a part of a series I like to start with the first book. Even if they can be read as stand alone, not all series require this...this is just my personal preference. With that being said, I think this series definitely requires being read in order. Like I said, I don't know if I managed to capture the essence of the storyline but that fact that if kept me on my toes makes me like it. So my two stars bumped up to three and a half.
I always find it fascinating when you read the description of a book and the actual storyline isn't quite what the description gives you. Such is the case with Solving for Nic. Honestly, I don't think my synopsis is quite what the book is about...there's a lot going on in this book; so much so that it took my a few tries to sum it all up. Very busy storyline.
Nic Maretti has craved Lizzie Sellars for years. His first encounter with her was when she was seventeen years old but knowing she was far too young and innocent for him he stayed away. Well that and the fact that her father basically threatened to castrate him if he went near his daughter. Now, Lizzie is a grown-up twenty-one year old and Nic sees no reason he can't have what he's always wanted. Nic is your typical "alpha-male billionaire". He's a man with a reputation; he loves them and leaves them. He sees no reason for long-term relationships. To him, women are simply after his money and power so while he dates them he pampers them but when he's done, he's done. He doesn''t give them a second thought; that is until Lizzie Sellars. Lizzie is different, he's been kind of obsessed with her for years and this is strange because he's never even been out with her. He's only socialized with her at various social functions where they always share a dance. On the night of one of his business partners' wedding (who also happens to be Lizzie's brother) Nic finally gets to have Lizzie. Only problem is Lizzie disappears from him in the middle of the night. As he pursues Lizzie, Nic begins to realize that Lizzie is not at all who she appears to be.
From the first time Lizzie danced with Nic when she was seventeen she has wanted him. She's dreamed about him, fantasized about him and has used him as the standard for all other men and no one has ever come close or measured up. On the night of her brother's wedding, Lizzie's fantasies come true, she finally gets her taste of Nic Maretti but unfortunately for Lizzie's one taste isn't enough. Lizzie Sellars appears to be this wealthy social-lite that just sort of floats through life without much of a care in the world. Unknown to most, Lizzie is just the opposite. She's a mathematical genius who hides her genius to keep from appearing freakish to the rest of the world. The evening of her brother's wedding Lizzie finds herself back in the arms of her fantasy man Nic Maretti. Now that she is grown woman Lizzie has decided she is grown up enough to have Nic the way she's always wanted him.
While reading this book I wasn't quite sure what to think. I felt like it was a little choppy...like the story was jumping around, like I was coming in on the middle of a story (lately that seems to be happening quite frequently). Every time I felt like I was getting a handle on where the story was going a new twist or turn happened or a new character was mentioned that just made no sense to me. The whole time Nic is trying to win Lizzie (who is rumored to be having an affair with his brother-in-law...which she isn't) you get this whole back story with his father, who he seems to be estranged from, and his sister who I'm still not quite sure if she's a good guy or a bad guy (I think the intention is for her to be a good guy, turned bad, turned good?). While Lizzie is trying to decide if she wants to be with Nic, if she doesn't want to be with Nic, if she's normal enough for Nic, if she's too much of a freak to be with Nic you get a whole different back story on her with her friend (a musician), on of her best friends (Nic's brother-in-law) and bunch of other people who you never really quite understand what their stories or their purposes are; and this is where my struggle comes in with this story....there are too many peripheral characters. They just seemed to be kind of floating around aimlessly waiting for their stories to be told. As I mentioned before, I felt like I was being dropped in the middle of a story....Ah, I did my research and this is book two in a series by Lexxi Callahan...book one would be "Sweetened with a Kiss" this book is Stefan and Jen's story who happen to be Lizzie's brother and sister-in-law's story (the wedding that Nic and Lizzie attend). So before I could give my true views on Solving for Nic I decided to read the first book. Oooookay, now I kind of understand all of these supporting characters and I understand there positions in this book. They are all introduced in book one and you get a little bit of background on them.
When I first started I was well on my way to saying two stars but reading the first book helped me to understand and appreciate Lexxi's writing style. And now I can say.....yep, I like it. I can't quite but my finger on why exactly it's different about her style but it's different. Personally if I read a book that is a part of a series I like to start with the first book. Even if they can be read as stand alone, not all series require this...this is just my personal preference. With that being said, I think this series definitely requires being read in order. Like I said, I don't know if I managed to capture the essence of the storyline but that fact that if kept me on my toes makes me like it. So my two stars bumped up to three and a half.
July 14, 2015
Go ahead and skip this one. I only read this book because I accidentally bought it with Amazon One Click after getting the first one in the series, Sweetened With A Kiss, for free.
The only way to describe the writing is awkward. The author stumbles brought sentences and is very distracting. She also has an obsession with borderline abusive relationships that she plays off as super romantic.
My biggest problem with this book is that the author brought back two characters from the previous novel, then completely left their storyline hanging. Why bring them back?
The only way to describe the writing is awkward. The author stumbles brought sentences and is very distracting. She also has an obsession with borderline abusive relationships that she plays off as super romantic.
My biggest problem with this book is that the author brought back two characters from the previous novel, then completely left their storyline hanging. Why bring them back?
November 24, 2014
4.5 stars, rounded up
Lexxi Callahan is a genius at creating sexual chemistry. I love the attraction between smarty-pants sweet heroine and smoky hot hero.
More later!
Lexxi Callahan is a genius at creating sexual chemistry. I love the attraction between smarty-pants sweet heroine and smoky hot hero.
More later!
January 28, 2015
*Dreamy sigh* Nicolas Maretti... I LOVE you.
Actually, Lexxi Callahan, I love this book. While I enjoyed the first book, Sweetened with A Kiss, I felt like there was more there where this author is concerned. (As in, I felt there was a lot more potential there.) Thank goodness, I was right. I truly enjoyed this tale of a super smart woman who hides the true extent of her intelligence from... pretty much everyone. Especially Nic Marietti, who she has had a mad crush on for as long as she can remember. The thing is, the feelings are totally mutual. Nic and Lizzie have been in the same social circles for years and have been dancing around each other the whole time. Nic has kept his distance due to the age difference but Lizzie is 21 now and it's on like Donkey Kong.
Lizzie is a very interesting character. She is so stinkin' smart and she continues to hide it behind a party girl facade. Now, I don't mean party girl in a Paris Hilton way, she is actually very sweet. She feels like she can't be herself within her social circle and it's kind of sad.
One dance at a wedding with Nic Maretti and the doors get blown off the mutual moratorium the two of them have in place where their feelings for each are concerned. Let me tell ya, that was a great scene.
The hand at the small of her back pressed against her before she could move away. She melted into him and tried not to think about the four hundred people she wished weren't in the room with them.
"Lizzie, relax." The gentleness in his voice made it worse.
"How?"
He leaned down, brushing his mouth across her forehead and setting off a chain reaction inside her. She would've jerked back if he hadn't tightened his hold on her again.
The hand at her back stroked her lightly. "It's okay, dance with me."
This wasn't a simple dance. Nothing was simple about being in Nic's arms. She forgot reality. The connection between them so real it was easy to forget it was an illusion.
Ha! Their connection is soooooo not an illusion. I loved the chemistry and the connection that Lizzie and Nic shared.
Nic is kind of a playboy but not in terribly obnoxious way. The women he has been with are certainly nothing like Lizzie and she certainly feels self conscious of that. She splits herself in half by living in one world where her intelligence is recognized and celebrated and another where..it is not. Giving in to Nic forces her to marry the two worlds and acknowledge her true feelings for him. After spending time with Nic, it forces him to really take a look at his life and what he wants. And guess who he wants? :)
Solving for Nic had a little bit of everything, it was funny and super sexy. Ms. Callahan does a great job of weaving family drama and dynamics into her books and I know I'm looking forward to the next book. I'm very interested to see how in the world Ms Callahan manages to persuade the reader to like the "Red Queen."
Purchase Solving for Nic:
Book 1: Sweetened with a Kiss:
Available now
This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
February 17, 2017
This steamy contemporary (bordering on erotic!) romance is the story of Lizzie and Nic. Nic's been waiting for Lizzie to turn 21 and now that she has, he wants to show her how good they can be together, something Lizzie has been dreaming about for years. But will a passionate fling be enough or will they both end up wanting more?
I loved this story! You've got a fabulous combination of sweet virginal Lizzie and suave, charming Nic -but who is really holding all the cards? One might expect it to be Nic, playboy extraordinaire, who goes after what he wants and gets it - yet he gets more than he bargained for when his feelings for Lizzie become ever so much more dangerous than the surface lust he's had for her since she was 17 and off limits. He seduces her handily, and in that is the key to the claiming of his own heart when she seduces him back with her care, understanding, patience and seductive sexual response. Sexual tension exists from the start of the story and continues throughout as Nic makes his play and Lizzie responds. But when all is said and done it's the feelings of the heart that matter and Nic's realization of his true feelings for Lizzie and vice versa make for the sweet side of this romance. I also really liked that Lizzie's intelligence isn't downplayed - she's smart and has goals and dreams that only attract Nic to her more. Family and friends add interesting tension and dynamics to the novel - they aren't all likeable characters, but that just makes for a more realistic story. Incidentally, this is the second book of the Southern Style series, and there is a glossary of characters at the end for those that haven't read book 1 (also highly recommended). Overall I found this to be a very entertaining story, sexy as all get out, character driven in the best way and just a delight to read! I'm highly anticipating the next one in the series. 5 stars!
I loved this story! You've got a fabulous combination of sweet virginal Lizzie and suave, charming Nic -but who is really holding all the cards? One might expect it to be Nic, playboy extraordinaire, who goes after what he wants and gets it - yet he gets more than he bargained for when his feelings for Lizzie become ever so much more dangerous than the surface lust he's had for her since she was 17 and off limits. He seduces her handily, and in that is the key to the claiming of his own heart when she seduces him back with her care, understanding, patience and seductive sexual response. Sexual tension exists from the start of the story and continues throughout as Nic makes his play and Lizzie responds. But when all is said and done it's the feelings of the heart that matter and Nic's realization of his true feelings for Lizzie and vice versa make for the sweet side of this romance. I also really liked that Lizzie's intelligence isn't downplayed - she's smart and has goals and dreams that only attract Nic to her more. Family and friends add interesting tension and dynamics to the novel - they aren't all likeable characters, but that just makes for a more realistic story. Incidentally, this is the second book of the Southern Style series, and there is a glossary of characters at the end for those that haven't read book 1 (also highly recommended). Overall I found this to be a very entertaining story, sexy as all get out, character driven in the best way and just a delight to read! I'm highly anticipating the next one in the series. 5 stars!
January 3, 2016
*ARC provided by Author for Honest Review*
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Lizzie): 2/5 – I liked her focus on her career but I knew, inevitably, that she would change her future plans and bow down to the H which I am not ok with
Hero (Nic): 3/5 – he reminded me of the callous Heroes in the traditional harlequin romances but he had a soft spot for the h
Plot: 2.5/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: no – although the h admits to purposefully flirting with Other Man (OM) in front of OM’s wife and Nic
HEA: yes
Triggers: none
Average score: 2.5
Best Quote: H to h “What have you been up to lately?”
Worst Quote: h’s internal dialogue after having sex with H for the first time “She hadn't expected her first time to be a religious experience” (there were quite a few bad ones in this book!)
Personal Review:
Ok so this book reminded me of the harlequin romances that I did not particularly like. Essentially there was a young immature heroine (who is supposedly smart but this wasn’t shown to us) who has a crush on an older Hero (I don’t think we ever find out his age but I’m guessing mid-30s). The H proceeds to buy her stuff and the h accepts. The H and h admit they are in love. Throw in some family drama and The End. I didn’t feel that there was anything special.
I did not like the ‘bitchiness’ feel between the lead females. I am used to reading romances where the heroines tend to get on with the other heroines in a series but this is the first that I have read books where they don’t seem to like each other which leaves me feeling unsettled.
I did not like Lizzie’s relationship with Rogan. She was purposely using the relationship to toy with the feelings of Nic and Angie.
Random Ramblings:
Did not like the drama between Angie and Rogan
Liked the pescetarian thing, it was different
Overall Feeling:
Meh – it left me feeling under-whelmed and I am not sure if I want to read the third book in the series as I do not want to DNF it but I will give it a go
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Lizzie): 2/5 – I liked her focus on her career but I knew, inevitably, that she would change her future plans and bow down to the H which I am not ok with
Hero (Nic): 3/5 – he reminded me of the callous Heroes in the traditional harlequin romances but he had a soft spot for the h
Plot: 2.5/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: no – although the h admits to purposefully flirting with Other Man (OM) in front of OM’s wife and Nic
HEA: yes
Triggers: none
Average score: 2.5
Best Quote: H to h “What have you been up to lately?”
Worst Quote: h’s internal dialogue after having sex with H for the first time “She hadn't expected her first time to be a religious experience” (there were quite a few bad ones in this book!)
Personal Review:
Ok so this book reminded me of the harlequin romances that I did not particularly like. Essentially there was a young immature heroine (who is supposedly smart but this wasn’t shown to us) who has a crush on an older Hero (I don’t think we ever find out his age but I’m guessing mid-30s). The H proceeds to buy her stuff and the h accepts. The H and h admit they are in love. Throw in some family drama and The End. I didn’t feel that there was anything special.
I did not like the ‘bitchiness’ feel between the lead females. I am used to reading romances where the heroines tend to get on with the other heroines in a series but this is the first that I have read books where they don’t seem to like each other which leaves me feeling unsettled.
I did not like Lizzie’s relationship with Rogan. She was purposely using the relationship to toy with the feelings of Nic and Angie.
Random Ramblings:
Did not like the drama between Angie and Rogan
Liked the pescetarian thing, it was different
Overall Feeling:
Meh – it left me feeling under-whelmed and I am not sure if I want to read the third book in the series as I do not want to DNF it but I will give it a go
January 11, 2015
5 romantic and beautiful stars!!. Sweet romance with chemistry and some sexual tension that ends up extremely hot!!
Lizzie who was a smart math teacher with a hint of sweet, funny, innocent and beautiful. Nic.....Italian, rich, sweet, alpha, playboy/bad boy rep and knows how to get the girl.
Their history are that they have known each other for years. Encountered at his sisters wedding and danced one dance, instantly attracted to each other but Lizzie was seventeen at the time. Later on in the years they meet again at other weddings of family/friends parties/gatherings. They always seemed to have one dance together cause Nic really truly like her a lot but due to her father threatening him, Nic keep his distance. Four years after their first meeting, at Lizzie's friends wedding, Jen (Jen was from the first book and its at must read). Lizzie has never forgotten Nic and has loved him since the first meeting. Things progress between the two because Nic has never forgotten Lizzie and she is now 21 years old. I love there relationship. It is romantic, hot, funny and well played out. Loved that the theme are family and friendship entwined in the story.
Hope Jared and Grant have their own books.
Lizzie who was a smart math teacher with a hint of sweet, funny, innocent and beautiful. Nic.....Italian, rich, sweet, alpha, playboy/bad boy rep and knows how to get the girl.
Their history are that they have known each other for years. Encountered at his sisters wedding and danced one dance, instantly attracted to each other but Lizzie was seventeen at the time. Later on in the years they meet again at other weddings of family/friends parties/gatherings. They always seemed to have one dance together cause Nic really truly like her a lot but due to her father threatening him, Nic keep his distance. Four years after their first meeting, at Lizzie's friends wedding, Jen (Jen was from the first book and its at must read). Lizzie has never forgotten Nic and has loved him since the first meeting. Things progress between the two because Nic has never forgotten Lizzie and she is now 21 years old. I love there relationship. It is romantic, hot, funny and well played out. Loved that the theme are family and friendship entwined in the story.
Hope Jared and Grant have their own books.
February 11, 2015
After reading book 1 in this series, I was really looking forward to book 2. I can't say this book was as good as the first one, it was like the author put a lot of work into the first one to get it right, but this one seemed to be all over the place. I tried to keep up, I really did, but its a busy book 2!
Here we have Nic. He's a 'love 'em and leave 'em' type guy. Seeing that Lizzie was way too young and inexperienced in book 1 to start a relationship, we learnt he held back, mind you, Lizzie's father was enough to put him off offering him castration!!!
But now Lizzie is older, she can make her mind up, Nic wants Lizzie and what Nic wants, Nic always gets.
There are times of misunderstandings, there is HOT HOT steamy scenes [watch out for your glasses steaming up]
there is angst.
I gave it a 3 star, which is still good, its just a little too busy for me to keep up.
The annoying bits was when repetativeness came into play, the gushing on HOW WONDERFUL this person was, or AMAZING or HOT. It just bored me a little.
Rounded it off though, it was a good read. But I did prefer book 1
Here we have Nic. He's a 'love 'em and leave 'em' type guy. Seeing that Lizzie was way too young and inexperienced in book 1 to start a relationship, we learnt he held back, mind you, Lizzie's father was enough to put him off offering him castration!!!
But now Lizzie is older, she can make her mind up, Nic wants Lizzie and what Nic wants, Nic always gets.
There are times of misunderstandings, there is HOT HOT steamy scenes [watch out for your glasses steaming up]
there is angst.
I gave it a 3 star, which is still good, its just a little too busy for me to keep up.
The annoying bits was when repetativeness came into play, the gushing on HOW WONDERFUL this person was, or AMAZING or HOT. It just bored me a little.
Rounded it off though, it was a good read. But I did prefer book 1
January 12, 2015
The book is the second installment in a series and I haven't read the first one. I might have liked the book better having read the first one, but I'm not sure. Lizzie is so immature, I can't understand why a billionaire playboy like Nic would be attracted to her. Yes, she's a brilliant mathematician, but she hides that side from him. While reading, my 18 month old son played with my kindle and fast forwarded me quite a bit. It took me a few chapters to realize that I missed some chapters ... not a good sign! Overall, I expected a lot more than the book actually delivered.
For more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
For more romance reviews, check out my website: https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
August 6, 2015
First book in the series was the epitome of intensity....this one of warmth...all in love. Nic was fierce and vulnerable....Lezzie loving and loyal....perfect.
Not an unbiased five star....just was in the right mood and had the right environment to enjoy this book to its full extent...or even more.
Not an unbiased five star....just was in the right mood and had the right environment to enjoy this book to its full extent...or even more.
January 14, 2015
Great book
I loved this book and will definitely recommend it to my friends. Loved Nick and really liked that it was a stand alone book. Really starting to hate all the books that are drawn out.
I loved this book and will definitely recommend it to my friends. Loved Nick and really liked that it was a stand alone book. Really starting to hate all the books that are drawn out.
November 29, 2015
Could have been much better. I wanted to see more of the h's genius; didn't really like that it was mostly an afterthought
January 11, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed this book. I was pulled in right from the beginning.
It was a nice change from what I have been reading.
I enjoyed this book. I was pulled in right from the beginning.
It was a nice change from what I have been reading.
December 17, 2014
Solving for Nic, Southern Style Series book 2, Lexxi Callahan
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Contemporary Romance.
I like books with depth, that make me think and that really get into my psyche, but sometimes I just want a fun read, one to relax with that doesn’t need too much thinking about to enjoy the story. This book was perfect for that. In fact reading it I realised I’d missed that it was the second in a series and have just downloaded the first from amazon while its free – bargain.
Its clear when reading that the books are about connected characters and Lexxi does explain the way each relate to others, some are family, some long time friends and some business acquaintances. I found after I’d finished the book that there’s a list of who’s who and how they connect at the end of the book. I have an ARC so maybe its at the front in the final version, but if not look to the back for it as it’s really useful and helps the story flow when you know how the characters connect and a bit of back story.
Nic’s the perfect hero – Rich, good-looking, obsessed by Lizzie for some years now, but good enough to step back when her father asked. Now she’s older and they meet again and this time he can’t stay away. Lizzie is the brainiac of the family – I’m not sure why, but it seems she’s been teased for many years about her maths abilities and has learned to play a “ditzy” Lizzie and hide her talent, make her fit in with everyone. She made me laugh over taking ages to add the cheese to toast because she wanted to ensure each was perfectly aligned, and the cookie dough where she measured each slice to be certain they cooked at the same time....I’m a very ad hoc cook, throw it in the bowl and hope type so Lizzie and I are total opposites. I could relate to both her and Nic though, in fact all the characters felt very real.
I loved the way the romance developed, the time they spent together was very sensual and erotic, but also there were times when they were just having fun and talking and enjoying each others company. I enjoyed seeing the problems within the family that affected them and others, we’ve all got mixed up relatives and friends.... I’d have liked the “downs” to be a bit more pronounced, for example what she thought about Xia could have been more dramatic, more prolonged, a bit sharper and slanted to give her the idea they were still together, causing deeper upset for her....but that's me- I love the sad parts, they make it so much better when all works out.
I did have issues with Nic’s accusations of her lying to him, firstly about her virginity – she just didn’t tell him, that’s not a lie to me – he didn’t ask and she didn’t tell that’s all. TBH he hardly gave her the chance did he? They went back to his place for a meal and he whisked her off to bed within moments of getting there – when would be the time to say “ ah Nic, by the way you do realise I’m a virgin?” – yeah, right...then over her maths talent, he’s cross that she hid it from him, but given how people have reacted in her past it seems pretty natural to me..it’s not as if he didn’t have secrets too.
Anyway a great fun romance, a typical hearts and flowers type ( pink roses for Lizzie!) and a quick escape from reality for me.
Stars: Four. a good solid feel-good romance.
ARC supplied by publishers
February 3, 2015
I like books about geeks and nerds. This book features Lizzie, a math genius at Princeton, and Nic, her brother’s friend who is also a totally rich real estate developer and heir to an Italian vineyard. Although Lizzie spent most of the book hiding her nerdy side and portraying a more ditzy version of herself, I still liked her.
Lizzie is about a decade younger than Nic. They met at a swanky social gathering years ago and danced together. At the time, Lizzie’s dad gave Nic that timeless, fatherly advice of “Don’t even think about it.” Nic mostly didn’t think about it. Lizzie, however, fell instantly in love and decided that she would have Nic or no one. Being a teenager, her plan to have Nic was really like this: “Step One: Daydream about Nic. Step Two: Marry Nic.” She wasn’t a girl of action, is what I’m saying.
The story opens at the wedding of Lizzie’s brother. She’s encountered Nic a few times over the years, always at parties and family functions. Lizzie has given up explaining her mathematics career to people because their eyes glaze over, so she is always a more cutesy, simplified version of herself at these gatherings. Nic has always asked her to dance, keeping her crush alive, but they haven’t done much beyond that.
Now, at the reception, Nic watches Lizzie flit from group to group, making everyone feel at ease. She’s the “polar opposite of the women he usually dated,” and he kind of suddenly really wants her. This time, when they dance, they both feel the heat. They manage to fall into bed quickly after that, Lizzie hoping to get Nic out of her system (that never works, Lizzie!), and Nic just wanting her.
The majority of the book is Nic and Lizzie at his beach house in the Florida Keys, spending a week eating, shopping, and having a lot of sex. They have a lot of sex. This book has a lot of sex, is what I’m saying. During this week, Lizzie assumes that she’s arm candy, so when Nic tells her to spend his money buying clothes, she does. When he tells her to sunbathe, she does. When he asks her to fix lunch, she tells him that she’s not allowed in a kitchen. Ha!
Nic is one of those silent, brooding types. He’s got abandonment issues from his childhood, and his father is still a jerk who wants Nic’s money, and his sister is a paranoid jealous interfering freak, kind of. He manages to tell Lizzie all of his secrets, though, which makes him happier. Lizzie doesn’t tell him that she’s secretly a math genius, though, which is dumb.
This book is the second in a series. The author notes at the beginning that it’s helpful to read the first book, because there are a lot of recurring characters. She even provides a list of characters in the back of the book. I read (and quite enjoyed) the first book (because: Stefan), but I didn’t remember everyone. I managed to catch up, though. You could read this book first, but you might be a little overwhelmed with people at times, and you would miss out on Stefan’s hot body and Jen’s baked goods, so I don’t know why you would do that.
You’ll enjoy this book if you like steamy sex, excellent scenery, smart girls, and sexy guys who dig smart girls.
Rating: B+
This review originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2015/01/review...
Review copy provided by the author
Lizzie is about a decade younger than Nic. They met at a swanky social gathering years ago and danced together. At the time, Lizzie’s dad gave Nic that timeless, fatherly advice of “Don’t even think about it.” Nic mostly didn’t think about it. Lizzie, however, fell instantly in love and decided that she would have Nic or no one. Being a teenager, her plan to have Nic was really like this: “Step One: Daydream about Nic. Step Two: Marry Nic.” She wasn’t a girl of action, is what I’m saying.
The story opens at the wedding of Lizzie’s brother. She’s encountered Nic a few times over the years, always at parties and family functions. Lizzie has given up explaining her mathematics career to people because their eyes glaze over, so she is always a more cutesy, simplified version of herself at these gatherings. Nic has always asked her to dance, keeping her crush alive, but they haven’t done much beyond that.
Now, at the reception, Nic watches Lizzie flit from group to group, making everyone feel at ease. She’s the “polar opposite of the women he usually dated,” and he kind of suddenly really wants her. This time, when they dance, they both feel the heat. They manage to fall into bed quickly after that, Lizzie hoping to get Nic out of her system (that never works, Lizzie!), and Nic just wanting her.
The majority of the book is Nic and Lizzie at his beach house in the Florida Keys, spending a week eating, shopping, and having a lot of sex. They have a lot of sex. This book has a lot of sex, is what I’m saying. During this week, Lizzie assumes that she’s arm candy, so when Nic tells her to spend his money buying clothes, she does. When he tells her to sunbathe, she does. When he asks her to fix lunch, she tells him that she’s not allowed in a kitchen. Ha!
Nic is one of those silent, brooding types. He’s got abandonment issues from his childhood, and his father is still a jerk who wants Nic’s money, and his sister is a paranoid jealous interfering freak, kind of. He manages to tell Lizzie all of his secrets, though, which makes him happier. Lizzie doesn’t tell him that she’s secretly a math genius, though, which is dumb.
This book is the second in a series. The author notes at the beginning that it’s helpful to read the first book, because there are a lot of recurring characters. She even provides a list of characters in the back of the book. I read (and quite enjoyed) the first book (because: Stefan), but I didn’t remember everyone. I managed to catch up, though. You could read this book first, but you might be a little overwhelmed with people at times, and you would miss out on Stefan’s hot body and Jen’s baked goods, so I don’t know why you would do that.
You’ll enjoy this book if you like steamy sex, excellent scenery, smart girls, and sexy guys who dig smart girls.
Rating: B+
This review originally posted on Red Hot Books at: http://redhotbooks.com/2015/01/review...
Review copy provided by the author
January 15, 2015
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This book was one of the first that I had requested on Netgalley. I love romances, where the alpha male doesn't know what hits him when he crossed paths with a strong female, who could just be 'the one'.
Honestly, speaking I never even looked at Goodreads before starting this one. It was an impulse pick late night when I was unable to sleep.
So for the first 20-30 pages, I was a little lost before realizing that this must be a sequel in a series, but that didn't really stop me from continuing on.
That's only because the author's writing is quite engaging in itself and had me hooked even though I was a little lost. The characters are quite well formed, the plot intriguing and the story just flowed.
Nic was an amazing Alpha Male. I honestly felt a kinship with him. But Lizzie, not so much! She is a genius, sassy and absolutely wonderful, yet she lacked the confidence that this should have bought out in her. And the fact that she felt her intelligence would be a deterrent and being ashamed of it, absolutely unbelieveble. The fact that her own father actually believed in her keeping her intelligence a secret, was unforgivable in my eyes. A father is supposed to be proud of his children's abilities not shun them!
That's why, I never could identify with Lizzie sadly. She showed spunk, but that was too far and few in between, and I honestly believed that she and Nic were polar opposites (though not for the same reasons as her).
Nic, though was absolutely wonderful. Even when this relationship was temporary to him, he still gave all his support and encouragement to Lizzie, without any reserve. I understood his fears and the walls that he had built around himself, but i did feel that Lizzie wasn't the one for him, till almost the end.
That's when Lizzie grew up. She came into herself and started believing that she was strong and that her intelligence would never be a deterrent because she finally faced the fact that Nic had always loved her, for who she is (Like I had from the start).
I am actually looking forward for the next book, because of the acts and a little teaser revealed, I think that would one hell of a book to read.
For more reviews, visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This book was one of the first that I had requested on Netgalley. I love romances, where the alpha male doesn't know what hits him when he crossed paths with a strong female, who could just be 'the one'.
Honestly, speaking I never even looked at Goodreads before starting this one. It was an impulse pick late night when I was unable to sleep.
So for the first 20-30 pages, I was a little lost before realizing that this must be a sequel in a series, but that didn't really stop me from continuing on.
That's only because the author's writing is quite engaging in itself and had me hooked even though I was a little lost. The characters are quite well formed, the plot intriguing and the story just flowed.
Nic was an amazing Alpha Male. I honestly felt a kinship with him. But Lizzie, not so much! She is a genius, sassy and absolutely wonderful, yet she lacked the confidence that this should have bought out in her. And the fact that she felt her intelligence would be a deterrent and being ashamed of it, absolutely unbelieveble. The fact that her own father actually believed in her keeping her intelligence a secret, was unforgivable in my eyes. A father is supposed to be proud of his children's abilities not shun them!
That's why, I never could identify with Lizzie sadly. She showed spunk, but that was too far and few in between, and I honestly believed that she and Nic were polar opposites (though not for the same reasons as her).
Nic, though was absolutely wonderful. Even when this relationship was temporary to him, he still gave all his support and encouragement to Lizzie, without any reserve. I understood his fears and the walls that he had built around himself, but i did feel that Lizzie wasn't the one for him, till almost the end.
That's when Lizzie grew up. She came into herself and started believing that she was strong and that her intelligence would never be a deterrent because she finally faced the fact that Nic had always loved her, for who she is (Like I had from the start).
I am actually looking forward for the next book, because of the acts and a little teaser revealed, I think that would one hell of a book to read.
February 26, 2015
Fairly good story but overall not a style I enjoyed. See my updates and the quotes below for info. Some parts were great but there was enough I did not like to just make this a 3 star book for me.
Dancing with Jared was the equivalent of a spin class combined with an MMA session on steroids. Actually, it was better.
She really needed to Google how to be arm candy. She had no idea what she was doing.
“Goodnight, bella.”
“Goodnight, Nic.” She started to turn away from him, then turned back.
“You know I’m going to dream about you now.”
“Try not to wake up before the good part.” He kissed her again. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Ragazza pericolosa.”
“Next time you run, bella.” He cleared his throat, his voice sounding as raspy as hers. “You run to me, not away from me."
“Will you please give it a rest?”
Everyone froze and the room went eerily silent. “Don’t bother with security. I’m leaving and I’m taking Nic with me. Get a good look because he’s mine now and I’m never letting you near him again. You don’t deserve him. You say you’re his father, but when did you ever act like one. He might have your name, but that’s the only thing he got from you. He’s one of the good guys, in spite of you.”
“Who do you think you are? You can’t talk to me like that.”
“I’m sorry, I thought I just did,” Lizzie shot back.
“You have no idea what a father is. You’re supposed to protect your children. Not manipulate their happiness for your own financial gain. You’re disgusting. No wonder my father thinks you’re a joke. You’re not even a funny joke. You’re just lame.”
Andreas went from indignant shock to outright fury. “Get her out of my sight.” Lizzie huffed, then turned back to Nic. “Seriously. Bored now. Can we go before I get stabby?”
“Don’t you dare walk out of here!” Andreas blasted.
Nic slid his arm around Lizzie. “You are trouble, Lizzie Sellers. With a capital T.”
“Yeah, but I’m your trouble.”
“All mine.”
“I’ve never had a reason to stay in one place for long. I think I’ve been running from him all this time. Then you come in and take one look at the monster from my childhood, roll your eyes and announce you’re bored and I…I think you slayed my dragon.”
She swallowed hard, turned her forehead into his chest and whispered. “He wasn’t much of a dragon. More of a lizard.”
Dancing with Jared was the equivalent of a spin class combined with an MMA session on steroids. Actually, it was better.
She really needed to Google how to be arm candy. She had no idea what she was doing.
“Goodnight, bella.”
“Goodnight, Nic.” She started to turn away from him, then turned back.
“You know I’m going to dream about you now.”
“Try not to wake up before the good part.” He kissed her again. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Ragazza pericolosa.”
“Next time you run, bella.” He cleared his throat, his voice sounding as raspy as hers. “You run to me, not away from me."
“Will you please give it a rest?”
Everyone froze and the room went eerily silent. “Don’t bother with security. I’m leaving and I’m taking Nic with me. Get a good look because he’s mine now and I’m never letting you near him again. You don’t deserve him. You say you’re his father, but when did you ever act like one. He might have your name, but that’s the only thing he got from you. He’s one of the good guys, in spite of you.”
“Who do you think you are? You can’t talk to me like that.”
“I’m sorry, I thought I just did,” Lizzie shot back.
“You have no idea what a father is. You’re supposed to protect your children. Not manipulate their happiness for your own financial gain. You’re disgusting. No wonder my father thinks you’re a joke. You’re not even a funny joke. You’re just lame.”
Andreas went from indignant shock to outright fury. “Get her out of my sight.” Lizzie huffed, then turned back to Nic. “Seriously. Bored now. Can we go before I get stabby?”
“Don’t you dare walk out of here!” Andreas blasted.
Nic slid his arm around Lizzie. “You are trouble, Lizzie Sellers. With a capital T.”
“Yeah, but I’m your trouble.”
“All mine.”
“I’ve never had a reason to stay in one place for long. I think I’ve been running from him all this time. Then you come in and take one look at the monster from my childhood, roll your eyes and announce you’re bored and I…I think you slayed my dragon.”
She swallowed hard, turned her forehead into his chest and whispered. “He wasn’t much of a dragon. More of a lizard.”
January 10, 2015
Lexxi Callahan
Just keeps getting better. I was gifted this book for an honest review.
I hadn't read the first book before I offered to read this book, so I downloaded book one....which I encourage you to do RIGH NOW......and fell in love. So, immediately after finishing book one I jumped right in to Solving for Nic, and just fell further.
When I say that, I'm saying I'm in love with this writer's style of writing. She spins pure magic with words. The detail, the wording, the images, the Frank, the subtle, the soft, the hard, the serious, the humorous......nothing is for not.
All that being said.....this series has some seriously HOT southern alpha heroes gracing the pages. Nice is pure yummy. A little lonely vulnerable boy and a whole lotto bad ass alpha. Then there is Lizzie. Brilliant, shy, vulnerable, but oh so strong for her man. These two are dynamite together, and they love to bow up. You feel the heat, the pull, the need, and the love that oozes off them. It's not in your face graphic, but oh my god, is it hot because like I said these two combust through the creative writing of Lexxi Callahan. She is really that good.
There is so much more to this story. There is definitely the romance, but there is also the deception, lies, jealousy, family ties and relationships with family that add to the love story of Nic and Lizzie. Never a dull moment or a reason to want stop and rest or for me go to sleep or eat. I read both books in less than 24 hours. They are intertwined so the characters you meet in book one are in here as well, and now I can't wait for Jared to get his book. Then hopefully we can take this even further with a few more characters I would love to see get their HEA. Just saying Lexxie, there's no rest for the seriously talented.
Just keeps getting better. I was gifted this book for an honest review.
I hadn't read the first book before I offered to read this book, so I downloaded book one....which I encourage you to do RIGH NOW......and fell in love. So, immediately after finishing book one I jumped right in to Solving for Nic, and just fell further.
When I say that, I'm saying I'm in love with this writer's style of writing. She spins pure magic with words. The detail, the wording, the images, the Frank, the subtle, the soft, the hard, the serious, the humorous......nothing is for not.
All that being said.....this series has some seriously HOT southern alpha heroes gracing the pages. Nice is pure yummy. A little lonely vulnerable boy and a whole lotto bad ass alpha. Then there is Lizzie. Brilliant, shy, vulnerable, but oh so strong for her man. These two are dynamite together, and they love to bow up. You feel the heat, the pull, the need, and the love that oozes off them. It's not in your face graphic, but oh my god, is it hot because like I said these two combust through the creative writing of Lexxi Callahan. She is really that good.
There is so much more to this story. There is definitely the romance, but there is also the deception, lies, jealousy, family ties and relationships with family that add to the love story of Nic and Lizzie. Never a dull moment or a reason to want stop and rest or for me go to sleep or eat. I read both books in less than 24 hours. They are intertwined so the characters you meet in book one are in here as well, and now I can't wait for Jared to get his book. Then hopefully we can take this even further with a few more characters I would love to see get their HEA. Just saying Lexxie, there's no rest for the seriously talented.
December 20, 2014
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Solving for Nic started off strong. I was hooked from the beginning. All that was left was for the story to reel me in until I was done for. Unfortunately, the storyline started to waver about 20% in. By 26% I was no longer on that hook. In all honesty, the h got on my last nerve. She's a confused walking contradiction that often behaved immature. Granted she's twenty-one and immaturity is expected but she's supposed to be this brilliant mathematician that in reality is level headed, goal driven, cautious and nerdy but she puts a facade of a ditzy party girl. Um, why? There really was no real purpose for that besides the flimsy reasoning of her being afraid the H will be turned off by her intelligence or won't understand/accept her intelligence. Hence the ditzy act for the majority of the book. And to make matters worse, the plot in no way supports the idea that the H will reject her for being smart or that all he is looking for is a pretty doll aka arm candy. The other thing that really bothered me was that both the H and h hardly ever followed through with their firmly set plans to act aloof or resist one another. Those plans went out the window as soon as they caught sight of each other or felt each other's touch. It annoyed me to no end when I'd read that the h "forgot she had a plan" because the H touched her. The H had the same problem because "he forgot everything he decided minutes ago" simply by looking at her. That was just too sappy for my taste. I wanted more angst in the book. More of a push and pull type of romance. In the end, this book did not make a big hit with me. It's going to be a 2 stars review.
Solving for Nic started off strong. I was hooked from the beginning. All that was left was for the story to reel me in until I was done for. Unfortunately, the storyline started to waver about 20% in. By 26% I was no longer on that hook. In all honesty, the h got on my last nerve. She's a confused walking contradiction that often behaved immature. Granted she's twenty-one and immaturity is expected but she's supposed to be this brilliant mathematician that in reality is level headed, goal driven, cautious and nerdy but she puts a facade of a ditzy party girl. Um, why? There really was no real purpose for that besides the flimsy reasoning of her being afraid the H will be turned off by her intelligence or won't understand/accept her intelligence. Hence the ditzy act for the majority of the book. And to make matters worse, the plot in no way supports the idea that the H will reject her for being smart or that all he is looking for is a pretty doll aka arm candy. The other thing that really bothered me was that both the H and h hardly ever followed through with their firmly set plans to act aloof or resist one another. Those plans went out the window as soon as they caught sight of each other or felt each other's touch. It annoyed me to no end when I'd read that the h "forgot she had a plan" because the H touched her. The H had the same problem because "he forgot everything he decided minutes ago" simply by looking at her. That was just too sappy for my taste. I wanted more angst in the book. More of a push and pull type of romance. In the end, this book did not make a big hit with me. It's going to be a 2 stars review.
December 17, 2014
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
My review is a little mixed because I liked the characters sometimes but the plot was really choppy. There were parts where my reaction was WTF?!
Lizzie was extremely immature to me. It was her first relationship so this was understandable. All she wanted was sex and stability in the relationship but she didn't want to work at it. She hid her personality from Nic because he might not like the brainy part of her. She didn't trust the guy at all and had extreme self esteem issues. She constantly thinks about how arm candy would act. It was such a turn off. She's a smart girl and you only see that intelligence at the very end or in her internal dialogue sometimes.
Nic was a good guy but he was a typical alpha-male-billionaire. "Oh I have so much money, I secretly help everyone out, and I always have a new date, I don't trust anyone except for this innocent waif." Blah blah blah... been there read that.
The writing was really choppy, I had to flip back a few pages because a conversation would abruptly end or something new would happen and I was left floundering. The whole Angie and Rogan fiasco had no basis and no real reasoning for why Angie was such a fucking idiot. Last but not least, there were so many sex scenes. They hindered the story instead of helping it along. That was my WTF moment, a part where the H&h really needed to talk instead of having sex. She thinks he cheated on her and he's pissed because she just left him, but oh instead of clearing up this misunderstanding we should have drunken sex!! You see my dilemma?
My review is a little mixed because I liked the characters sometimes but the plot was really choppy. There were parts where my reaction was WTF?!
Lizzie was extremely immature to me. It was her first relationship so this was understandable. All she wanted was sex and stability in the relationship but she didn't want to work at it. She hid her personality from Nic because he might not like the brainy part of her. She didn't trust the guy at all and had extreme self esteem issues. She constantly thinks about how arm candy would act. It was such a turn off. She's a smart girl and you only see that intelligence at the very end or in her internal dialogue sometimes.
Nic was a good guy but he was a typical alpha-male-billionaire. "Oh I have so much money, I secretly help everyone out, and I always have a new date, I don't trust anyone except for this innocent waif." Blah blah blah... been there read that.
The writing was really choppy, I had to flip back a few pages because a conversation would abruptly end or something new would happen and I was left floundering. The whole Angie and Rogan fiasco had no basis and no real reasoning for why Angie was such a fucking idiot. Last but not least, there were so many sex scenes. They hindered the story instead of helping it along. That was my WTF moment, a part where the H&h really needed to talk instead of having sex. She thinks he cheated on her and he's pissed because she just left him, but oh instead of clearing up this misunderstanding we should have drunken sex!! You see my dilemma?
December 24, 2015
Loved, loved this story!
This is the author’s second novel and I loved it just as much as the first one.
Nic Maretti is a tough, inscrutable businessman, who only completely trusts two people in his life – his PA and his head of security. He met Lizzie Sellers at a wedding when she was just 17, and he is ten years older than her. He was completely drawn to her, even though she is the polar opposite of the type of woman he normally goes for.
Lizzie fell for him at first sight. He ruined her for any other guy. They continue meeting at parties and celebrations and they always dance together. She’s now 21, fair game, and Nic can barely hold himself in check anymore, even though her father warned him off her years ago.
This was such a sexy story! The heat, attraction and anticipation gave me butterflies. I remember feeling the same when I read the first book. This author has a writing style that really speaks to me. Nic and Lizzie know that they are all wrong for each other but opposites really do attract! He’s an experienced, suave sophisticate, and she’s a genius maths geek, in spite of her Good-Ship-Lollipop looks. Lizzie bring out Nic’s softer side and brings him a peace of mind that has been missing in his life for years. Nic brings out Lizzie’s adventurous, flirty side. I enjoyed their determination to be together in spite of machinations and misunderstandings.
Such a great story! Look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the author’s second novel and I loved it just as much as the first one.
Nic Maretti is a tough, inscrutable businessman, who only completely trusts two people in his life – his PA and his head of security. He met Lizzie Sellers at a wedding when she was just 17, and he is ten years older than her. He was completely drawn to her, even though she is the polar opposite of the type of woman he normally goes for.
Lizzie fell for him at first sight. He ruined her for any other guy. They continue meeting at parties and celebrations and they always dance together. She’s now 21, fair game, and Nic can barely hold himself in check anymore, even though her father warned him off her years ago.
This was such a sexy story! The heat, attraction and anticipation gave me butterflies. I remember feeling the same when I read the first book. This author has a writing style that really speaks to me. Nic and Lizzie know that they are all wrong for each other but opposites really do attract! He’s an experienced, suave sophisticate, and she’s a genius maths geek, in spite of her Good-Ship-Lollipop looks. Lizzie bring out Nic’s softer side and brings him a peace of mind that has been missing in his life for years. Nic brings out Lizzie’s adventurous, flirty side. I enjoyed their determination to be together in spite of machinations and misunderstandings.
Such a great story! Look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 29, 2016
After reading about Jen and Stefan I was hoping to read more about about Nic and Lizzie. And I got everything I wanted.
Lizzie was the most adorable math genius you could imagine, who has been enamoured with Nic Maretti since she first laid eyes on him. Sharing only a few dances with him at family functions had sealed the deal for her and just anyone else wouldn't do. The sad part is that Nic being older, never paid her much mind. Until he did!
Nic is a brilliant business man who is hard to tie down but faith brought him to Lizzie and sparks flew left right and centre. He has always noticed Lizzie but her being so young was a barrier he never looked beyond. Now that she is "legal" he finds himself attracted.
Lizzie knows about Nic's reputation but it doesn't deter her, she decides to live a little and allow herself something that she has wanted for a very long time - Nic. Steeling herself to the fact that it won't be anything long term, Lizzie dives into a world she has only ever dreamed of. A world of Nic.
The story gets so much more interesting as feelings change and boundaries are tested. Angie does what Angie does and we get to witness them realising their feelings. I have to say I enjoyed every minute of this book. 5 stars!
Lizzie was the most adorable math genius you could imagine, who has been enamoured with Nic Maretti since she first laid eyes on him. Sharing only a few dances with him at family functions had sealed the deal for her and just anyone else wouldn't do. The sad part is that Nic being older, never paid her much mind. Until he did!
Nic is a brilliant business man who is hard to tie down but faith brought him to Lizzie and sparks flew left right and centre. He has always noticed Lizzie but her being so young was a barrier he never looked beyond. Now that she is "legal" he finds himself attracted.
Lizzie knows about Nic's reputation but it doesn't deter her, she decides to live a little and allow herself something that she has wanted for a very long time - Nic. Steeling herself to the fact that it won't be anything long term, Lizzie dives into a world she has only ever dreamed of. A world of Nic.
The story gets so much more interesting as feelings change and boundaries are tested. Angie does what Angie does and we get to witness them realising their feelings. I have to say I enjoyed every minute of this book. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews