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The Kincaids #3
Asking for Trouble
Sometimes you go looking for trouble. And sometimes, trouble finds you.
Alyssa Kincaid knows she needs to make some big changes. A move to San Francisco is the first step. Now it's time to get serious, and to get the rest of her life on track. If only her messy life would cooperate. And if only it had Joe Hartman in it.
Joe knows one thing for sure: Making a move on his best friend's little sister, the beloved youngest sibling in the closest thing to a family he's got, would be asking for trouble. Unfortunately, Alyssa always does seem to be asking for trouble. And it's getting harder and harder for Joe to resist answering.
Note: Despite the fog, San Francisco does get pretty hot at times. If you prefer your romance without steam, this may not be the book for you.
Alyssa Kincaid knows she needs to make some big changes. A move to San Francisco is the first step. Now it's time to get serious, and to get the rest of her life on track. If only her messy life would cooperate. And if only it had Joe Hartman in it.
Joe knows one thing for sure: Making a move on his best friend's little sister, the beloved youngest sibling in the closest thing to a family he's got, would be asking for trouble. Unfortunately, Alyssa always does seem to be asking for trouble. And it's getting harder and harder for Joe to resist answering.
Note: Despite the fog, San Francisco does get pretty hot at times. If you prefer your romance without steam, this may not be the book for you.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2014
323 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
56 books1,215 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 7, 2014
A brief response, but I really liked this story. I liked how fully the characters, Alyssa and Joe, were developed. They felt complete. "Asking for Trouble" had a strong undercurrent of melancholy, and for me that made the story even fuller, made the sweet sweeter, more special, like the 1/2 tsp of salt used when making cookies.
I love this series, "The Kincaids." I've loved reading it for sundry reasons, but one of my favorite parts is that in all three the author doesn't use that ridiculous and trite Tension in the relationship ~75% into the book, where the characters have a misunderstanding and are too puerile to discuss it as real adults would. I love how relatable that and that alone makes the characters, let alone all the other wonderful pieces of these books!
Alyssa, thirty, comes from an intact, functional, healthy family: her parents are still happily married, and her older twin brothers (Gabe from "Welcome to Paradise" and Alec from "Nothing Personal") are happy and very successful in both their personal and professional lives. Alyssa, while independent, hasn't attained the same level of success, either personally or professionally, as her brothers. She's struggling to find her footing at work, partly because she hasn't found her passion, and also partly because of bad luck (no one asks for a misogynistic, harassing boss). Alyssa seems closer to Alec than Gabe, and while he clearly adores his younger sister, he also treats her as a child, belittling her and refusing to understand that his interference and comments hurt and do damage. (It is to the author's credit that even though Alec annoys, we the reader never lose our affection for him -- we are able to see this as thickheaded older sibling syndrome).
Joe, Alec's best friend / partner in business / former college roommate, has had the opposite experience, and it's sad. It's actually tragic, and, unfortunately for all of us, his history is also not uncommon. Joe is evidently gifted with his engineering and lucky that as a freshman he was paired with Alec, as together they've made programming magic. Professionally, Joe is on top of the world.
Joe and Alyssa met when Joe accompanied Alec home to Chico (from Palo Alto) his freshman year; Alyssa was also a freshman, but in high school. Because of Joe's close relationship to Alec's family (esp his parents), he's always felt as if Alyssa were off-limits. It takes a good portion of the book but they navigate their way through their fifteen year friendship to find an adult, romantic relationship, and it's work for both of them.
While in the previous two books of this series it was the female characters who had the angtsy back stories, in this it is both Alyssa and Joe who bring complicated dishes to the table. Because the author did such a fine job (though totally without bathos) showing us (vice telling us) Alyssa's and Joe's individual interiors, every little piece makes sense. At least, I don't recall every thinking "oh you have got to be kidding me!" and throwing my hands up in disgust. (There was one "are you kidding me?" involving Alyssa's San Francisco boss which did elicit an eye roll, but that is such a minor nit and not as important because it doesn't affect the legitimacy of Alyssa and Joe's relationship.)
Ultimately, a lovely, adult story about two people who love each other and want to love each other: they actively work and work hard on their relationship and on their own personal issues.
I am not unbiased: I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read by this author (both her "Escape to New Zealand" and "The Kincaids" series), and I think the more she writes the more she comes into her own as a storyteller. If I see she's coming out with a book I don't even think once, let alone twice about purchasing it on the spot. Hers are romances for readers like me (+ you): worldly, smart, strong.
I love this series, "The Kincaids." I've loved reading it for sundry reasons, but one of my favorite parts is that in all three the author doesn't use that ridiculous and trite Tension in the relationship ~75% into the book, where the characters have a misunderstanding and are too puerile to discuss it as real adults would. I love how relatable that and that alone makes the characters, let alone all the other wonderful pieces of these books!
Alyssa, thirty, comes from an intact, functional, healthy family: her parents are still happily married, and her older twin brothers (Gabe from "Welcome to Paradise" and Alec from "Nothing Personal") are happy and very successful in both their personal and professional lives. Alyssa, while independent, hasn't attained the same level of success, either personally or professionally, as her brothers. She's struggling to find her footing at work, partly because she hasn't found her passion, and also partly because of bad luck (no one asks for a misogynistic, harassing boss). Alyssa seems closer to Alec than Gabe, and while he clearly adores his younger sister, he also treats her as a child, belittling her and refusing to understand that his interference and comments hurt and do damage. (It is to the author's credit that even though Alec annoys, we the reader never lose our affection for him -- we are able to see this as thickheaded older sibling syndrome).
Joe, Alec's best friend / partner in business / former college roommate, has had the opposite experience, and it's sad. It's actually tragic, and, unfortunately for all of us, his history is also not uncommon. Joe is evidently gifted with his engineering and lucky that as a freshman he was paired with Alec, as together they've made programming magic. Professionally, Joe is on top of the world.
Joe and Alyssa met when Joe accompanied Alec home to Chico (from Palo Alto) his freshman year; Alyssa was also a freshman, but in high school. Because of Joe's close relationship to Alec's family (esp his parents), he's always felt as if Alyssa were off-limits. It takes a good portion of the book but they navigate their way through their fifteen year friendship to find an adult, romantic relationship, and it's work for both of them.
While in the previous two books of this series it was the female characters who had the angtsy back stories, in this it is both Alyssa and Joe who bring complicated dishes to the table. Because the author did such a fine job (though totally without bathos) showing us (vice telling us) Alyssa's and Joe's individual interiors, every little piece makes sense. At least, I don't recall every thinking "oh you have got to be kidding me!" and throwing my hands up in disgust. (There was one "are you kidding me?" involving Alyssa's San Francisco boss which did elicit an eye roll, but that is such a minor nit and not as important because it doesn't affect the legitimacy of Alyssa and Joe's relationship.)
Ultimately, a lovely, adult story about two people who love each other and want to love each other: they actively work and work hard on their relationship and on their own personal issues.
I am not unbiased: I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read by this author (both her "Escape to New Zealand" and "The Kincaids" series), and I think the more she writes the more she comes into her own as a storyteller. If I see she's coming out with a book I don't even think once, let alone twice about purchasing it on the spot. Hers are romances for readers like me (+ you): worldly, smart, strong.
February 10, 2014
I LOVED this book; I love all Rosalind’s books! I love that she writes about grown-ups, I get so tired of reading about 28 year olds who act like they’re 18. This is the third book in the Kincaids series and they are all excellent I highly recommend them all. This book does stand alone but reading the whole series does give you a better perspective of the characters.
Alyssa and Joe’s story has so many great elements to it. First off I love the Best Friend’s Forbidden Sibling trope (though there was no “you touch my baby sister you die” moment it still had a bit of that feel to it). Add to that the starting from nothing and with hard work making something of yourself story line and there was just so many uplifting things happening in this book.
I don’t want to re-tell you the story (you just have to read it yourself) and the synopsis does just fine pulling you in on its own. I do want to tell you that this book embodies everything I have come to expect from Rosalind James’ work: characters who are grown-ups who rarely act in childish ways; characters who while not without baggage want to work on themselves and move forward; and people who communicate. I love how the characters can communicate their problems, issues, and feelings, not bottle them up for stupid reasons or blow every comment completely out of proportion and break-up over stupid things.
Again, I loved this book! I highly recommend it to any fan of the romance genre, and if you’re not a fan of romance I would recommend you give these a try anyway, you just might find you like it after all. I know I can always count on Rosalind James for a read that will leave me satisfied and happy when I’m finished and like the rest of her books this one will find itself on my re-read shelf.
Alyssa and Joe’s story has so many great elements to it. First off I love the Best Friend’s Forbidden Sibling trope (though there was no “you touch my baby sister you die” moment it still had a bit of that feel to it). Add to that the starting from nothing and with hard work making something of yourself story line and there was just so many uplifting things happening in this book.
I don’t want to re-tell you the story (you just have to read it yourself) and the synopsis does just fine pulling you in on its own. I do want to tell you that this book embodies everything I have come to expect from Rosalind James’ work: characters who are grown-ups who rarely act in childish ways; characters who while not without baggage want to work on themselves and move forward; and people who communicate. I love how the characters can communicate their problems, issues, and feelings, not bottle them up for stupid reasons or blow every comment completely out of proportion and break-up over stupid things.
Again, I loved this book! I highly recommend it to any fan of the romance genre, and if you’re not a fan of romance I would recommend you give these a try anyway, you just might find you like it after all. I know I can always count on Rosalind James for a read that will leave me satisfied and happy when I’m finished and like the rest of her books this one will find itself on my re-read shelf.
February 5, 2014
I got the sample for this one and did an impulse buy because I'm a complete sucker for childhood sweethearts/been secretly in love forever romances. And it started off pretty cute. But it was sort of a disappointment to me. It kept shifting from present to past and I had a hard time deciphering which was which. I did love the attention to the foster care system. And I loved Joe's backstory (well, I mean, I felt so badly for him - but proud that he came through it!). But it frustrated me that it took SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long for he and Alyssa to get their act together. We had to wait a MIGHTY LONG TIME for even a kiss. A touch. Anything! The last third of the book was better than the first 2/3, in my opinion. And I highlighted the crud out of the last few chapters, because once Joe finally started talking - he was so sweet!!!
February 18, 2014
Rosalind James writes powerful characters! I wanted to read it as fast as I could, and yet I wanted to read slowly so it wouldn't end. There are very very few writers who make me feel so involved with the characters and their stories. Ms James has a way of showing how we're all products of our past experiences and how that influences how we react to current events and situations and people.
I hope readers will read the series in order for what I think is the best experience, but no, it's not "required." ;). It will, however, give the reader more insight into the subordinate characters, Alec and Gabe and their wives.
I hope Ms James is hard at work on her computer with another series. She's earned gold medals from me with both the Escape to New Zealand series and with the Kincaids.
I hope readers will read the series in order for what I think is the best experience, but no, it's not "required." ;). It will, however, give the reader more insight into the subordinate characters, Alec and Gabe and their wives.
I hope Ms James is hard at work on her computer with another series. She's earned gold medals from me with both the Escape to New Zealand series and with the Kincaids.
April 15, 2014
Much better than #2! I think that the best romances are the ones that make you think "I want that" and this book did that for me. Rosalind James returned to what makes her stories work for me - realistic, imperfect people and relationships that are a bit more than love/lust at first sight. The unrelenting perfection of Alec and Rae in Book #2 irked me. Alyssa was a human I could relate to and Joe...well Joe is yummy.
December 19, 2021
Alyssa Kincaid has always felt like a loser compared to her high-achieving big brothers. After quitting her job in medical sales when her boss told her to push the most expensive, not the best, drugs and do whatever it takes to get a sale and dumping her boyfriend when he was not only unsympathetic but also selfish she is stuck in San Francisco with no job, no home and no boyfriend.
Then her brother's wife suggests Alyssa's sales experience would be a great fit for a role in the charity to which her brother's foundation has just made its first big donation, Project Second Chance. The charity is close to her brother's best friend and business partner Joe Hartman's heart as he was kicked out of home by his mom's boyfriend and spent his teenage years in a bad situation. Luckily he got a full-ride scholarship to Stanford where he met Alyssa's brother Alex.
For fifteen years Joe has been spending the holidays with the Kincaids, treated like a member of the family (although as Joe rightly points out, they might say that but he still has to be on his bets behaviour, no temper tantrums for him), and for all that time he has had a massive crush on Alex's baby sister Alyssa. At first she was too young, then it was bro-code, now he just feels despite his millions (yuck, yuck), he's not good enough for the preacher's daughter.
Alyssa has always wanted Joe, but he's always treated her as a kid sister, it doesn't help that he and her brothers are all so successful while she fails time and again, needing bail-outs and nepotism to get a job.
This book is seven years old and I think time is beginning to tell. Joe's backstory is sooo familiar, seems like the plot to every angsty NA/YA book ever written, and the spanking scene was just too cringe-y for words.
There were some redeeming features. First Joe's reaction/comments on the spanking, hurrah. Second, Joe and Alyssa really had each other's backs 100% and there wasn't that awful moment where one person decides they must part for the good of the other (yawn).
Overall, my score might have been higher if I wasn't in a Grinch-worthy mood about the sex scenes.
Then her brother's wife suggests Alyssa's sales experience would be a great fit for a role in the charity to which her brother's foundation has just made its first big donation, Project Second Chance. The charity is close to her brother's best friend and business partner Joe Hartman's heart as he was kicked out of home by his mom's boyfriend and spent his teenage years in a bad situation. Luckily he got a full-ride scholarship to Stanford where he met Alyssa's brother Alex.
For fifteen years Joe has been spending the holidays with the Kincaids, treated like a member of the family (although as Joe rightly points out, they might say that but he still has to be on his bets behaviour, no temper tantrums for him), and for all that time he has had a massive crush on Alex's baby sister Alyssa. At first she was too young, then it was bro-code, now he just feels despite his millions (yuck, yuck), he's not good enough for the preacher's daughter.
Alyssa has always wanted Joe, but he's always treated her as a kid sister, it doesn't help that he and her brothers are all so successful while she fails time and again, needing bail-outs and nepotism to get a job.
This book is seven years old and I think time is beginning to tell. Joe's backstory is sooo familiar, seems like the plot to every angsty NA/YA book ever written, and the spanking scene was just too cringe-y for words.
There were some redeeming features. First Joe's reaction/comments on the spanking, hurrah. Second, Joe and Alyssa really had each other's backs 100% and there wasn't that awful moment where one person decides they must part for the good of the other (yawn).
Overall, my score might have been higher if I wasn't in a Grinch-worthy mood about the sex scenes.
December 31, 2015
This was a great read and I quite enjoyed it. The main characters are really good and very likable and there are several other ones that, while not main characters, are also well written and add more interest to the story.
The main characters are great. I especially like Joe, who just might be one of the more complicated and multi-faceted characters that Rosalind has created so far. He is such a sweet guy and I wasn't very far into the book before I was hoping so very much that he got the happy ending that he definitely deserved.
It also touches on the characters from the previous two books, which I loved. It's always nice to revisit other characters that I have enjoyed. However, even if you've not read the first two books, this can be enjoyed as a standalone book and you will not be lost.
If you're looking for a sweet love story, this definitely fits the bill. It is a great and easy read. You won't be disappointed!
The main characters are great. I especially like Joe, who just might be one of the more complicated and multi-faceted characters that Rosalind has created so far. He is such a sweet guy and I wasn't very far into the book before I was hoping so very much that he got the happy ending that he definitely deserved.
It also touches on the characters from the previous two books, which I loved. It's always nice to revisit other characters that I have enjoyed. However, even if you've not read the first two books, this can be enjoyed as a standalone book and you will not be lost.
If you're looking for a sweet love story, this definitely fits the bill. It is a great and easy read. You won't be disappointed!
February 4, 2014
It was good overall. I like 1 & 2 better, but only for one reason. I was interested in Joe's story enough, as he's pretty much a Kincaid, and of course, Alyssa is, even though you don't know much about her in the first two books. And it was a good story for her & Joe to end up together, but I didn't like the dominance with the intimacy. It really wasn't necessary & it just didn't suit them.
January 26, 2015
Not awful but not great
The writing needs definite editing. I liked it ok up until Alyssa went out and ground up on and danced with other guys because Joe was late for their date. I understood her being upset. I would have even been ok with her going out for a drink with friends including guys...but dirty dancing on other guys to get back at your boyfriend?!? Not cool.
The writing needs definite editing. I liked it ok up until Alyssa went out and ground up on and danced with other guys because Joe was late for their date. I understood her being upset. I would have even been ok with her going out for a drink with friends including guys...but dirty dancing on other guys to get back at your boyfriend?!? Not cool.
June 5, 2017
As the youngest sibling in my family, and as a woman who struggled for years with What I Wanted To Do When I Grew Up, I found the heroine Alyssa easy to relate to. Her successes always seem small when compared to those of her twin older brothers (Gabe and Alec from books 1 + 2) and her failures seem bigger. She starts the book suddenly without either a job or a relationship, trying to find something to do with herself that matters.
And finding herself in close proximity to our hero, Joe. This romance works two tropes pretty successfully--the childhood crush (she's known Joe since she was a teenager) and the sibling's best friend (Joe was one of Alec's roommates in college and is currently his business partner.) So tension abounds, and for good reason.
What I liked best about this story is that that tension never felt false or forced. Joe is a classic workaholic introvert who is big and tough physically, and stoic to cover up a surprisingly vulnerable heart underneath. I praised Gabe in book 1 for being thoughtful, a trait I value highly in my own relationships, but Joe's lack of awareness of what Alyssa expects of him feels genuine, and is something he learns to overcome.
The conflict points in the relationship make sense, and the two actually talk about them instead of letting them fester. Something I desperately wish more romances did instead of relying on blatantly fixable misunderstandings to create tension.
I like this final book in the Kincaids series best of the three, and I look forward to starting James' Escape to New Zealand series soon, of which I have the first three books in a bundle pack. Despite my qualms about some of the things in the previous book, overall James has proved to be a solidly realistic writer with a smooth narrative style which doesn't rely on lazy tropes to move her stories forward. The romance world needs more like her.
And finding herself in close proximity to our hero, Joe. This romance works two tropes pretty successfully--the childhood crush (she's known Joe since she was a teenager) and the sibling's best friend (Joe was one of Alec's roommates in college and is currently his business partner.) So tension abounds, and for good reason.
What I liked best about this story is that that tension never felt false or forced. Joe is a classic workaholic introvert who is big and tough physically, and stoic to cover up a surprisingly vulnerable heart underneath. I praised Gabe in book 1 for being thoughtful, a trait I value highly in my own relationships, but Joe's lack of awareness of what Alyssa expects of him feels genuine, and is something he learns to overcome.
The conflict points in the relationship make sense, and the two actually talk about them instead of letting them fester. Something I desperately wish more romances did instead of relying on blatantly fixable misunderstandings to create tension.
I like this final book in the Kincaids series best of the three, and I look forward to starting James' Escape to New Zealand series soon, of which I have the first three books in a bundle pack. Despite my qualms about some of the things in the previous book, overall James has proved to be a solidly realistic writer with a smooth narrative style which doesn't rely on lazy tropes to move her stories forward. The romance world needs more like her.
May 11, 2024
Eye rolling awful
When I get 2/3 of the way through a novel and the initial mild annoyance I feel toward one of the two main characters turns to active dislike, it’s time to throw in the towel. The male protagonist, Joe, is reasonably likable and sensitively written as a former foster kid dealing with the trauma of abandonment, loss, and rejection. He has the misfortune of being attracted to Alyssa, the sister of his best friend and business partner.
Alyssa has no real excuse for what I believe to be vacuous, self-pitying behavior. She grew up in a stable, loving home, but feels ‘less than’ because she has two successful older brothers. She comes off as a shallow, excuse-making tease who consciously pushes Joe to extremes to prove to herself that he really cares for her. I will never know if the author ever redeems this behavior because Alyssa bored the heck out of me and caused muscle strain for all the eye rolling I was doing. I quit reading at the aforementioned 2/3 mark.
This is the third and worst of the books in this mediocre series. It’s also the only of Ms. James’ books that I’ve given just a one star review.
When I get 2/3 of the way through a novel and the initial mild annoyance I feel toward one of the two main characters turns to active dislike, it’s time to throw in the towel. The male protagonist, Joe, is reasonably likable and sensitively written as a former foster kid dealing with the trauma of abandonment, loss, and rejection. He has the misfortune of being attracted to Alyssa, the sister of his best friend and business partner.
Alyssa has no real excuse for what I believe to be vacuous, self-pitying behavior. She grew up in a stable, loving home, but feels ‘less than’ because she has two successful older brothers. She comes off as a shallow, excuse-making tease who consciously pushes Joe to extremes to prove to herself that he really cares for her. I will never know if the author ever redeems this behavior because Alyssa bored the heck out of me and caused muscle strain for all the eye rolling I was doing. I quit reading at the aforementioned 2/3 mark.
This is the third and worst of the books in this mediocre series. It’s also the only of Ms. James’ books that I’ve given just a one star review.
October 3, 2019
This story is about Alec and Gabe's ( from the first 2 books in the series) little sister, Alyssa, and Alec's long time friend and partner Joe. Joe has been in love/lust with Alyssa since he first met her at 15. But he couldn't make a move on his best friends sister. Could he? Alyssa has been in love with Joe for the same number of years. She's 30 now, has bounced around between jobs and boyfriends and she's decided to finally make her move. I like the fact there's no sneaking around in this story. Joe was upfront with Alec and upfront with her parents, much to her chagrine. I must admit I shed a few tears for Joe over his past. No child deserves that. A good read again book.
March 8, 2024
Not RJ's best...
I'd read and have read everything Ms. James has written. This one slipped by me though. She's a fantastic author. This one- not so much.
Joe, the MMC, was the only reason I finished. His character gave power to the story while Alyssa, the FMC, drove me right over the cliff. Spoiled brat at age 30. Joe deserved so much more. I really hated her character. Ms James writes great stuff and her characters move me. However, not every story will make me happy, I suppose. Alyssa just ruined this one for me. Glad it wasn't the first one of RJ'S I had read.
I'd read and have read everything Ms. James has written. This one slipped by me though. She's a fantastic author. This one- not so much.
Joe, the MMC, was the only reason I finished. His character gave power to the story while Alyssa, the FMC, drove me right over the cliff. Spoiled brat at age 30. Joe deserved so much more. I really hated her character. Ms James writes great stuff and her characters move me. However, not every story will make me happy, I suppose. Alyssa just ruined this one for me. Glad it wasn't the first one of RJ'S I had read.
January 18, 2022
All the feels
The third book in The Kincaids Series is my favorite. It is a stand alone book, but I did read (actually re-read) it after the first 2 books. Joe’s story touches my heart. There’s just something about a big man being moved to tears. Rosalind shows Joe’s journey, learning to forgive himself. and the people who have let him down. We see Alyssa grow up and stop acting like the baby of the family. And we see them finally admit their feelings, after 15 years of friendship. You will cry, but will ultimately be uplifted.
The third book in The Kincaids Series is my favorite. It is a stand alone book, but I did read (actually re-read) it after the first 2 books. Joe’s story touches my heart. There’s just something about a big man being moved to tears. Rosalind shows Joe’s journey, learning to forgive himself. and the people who have let him down. We see Alyssa grow up and stop acting like the baby of the family. And we see them finally admit their feelings, after 15 years of friendship. You will cry, but will ultimately be uplifted.
November 5, 2018
Loved the entire trilogy
I wished there were more Kincaids. What wonderful stories of real life drama, romance, issues, connections, traumas, survival, adapting, transitioning..... and I can go on. Rosalind James is a gifted writer. She keeps a very good balance for the reader between just enough details and taking the journey with her characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. James.
I wished there were more Kincaids. What wonderful stories of real life drama, romance, issues, connections, traumas, survival, adapting, transitioning..... and I can go on. Rosalind James is a gifted writer. She keeps a very good balance for the reader between just enough details and taking the journey with her characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. James.
October 18, 2022
Alyssa Kincaid first met her brother's BFF when he brought Joe Hartman home for Christmas during their first year at Stanford. The mutual attraction was immediate, but she was 15 and he was 19 so of course he didn't act on it. Now it is 15 years later, and they get to know each other on a different level.
August 17, 2020
Family keeps getting bigger.
As good as the other 2 books. This is quite a family. Wonder if there will be another book when the twins are born, or when Rae and Alyssa have their children. Very good story.
As good as the other 2 books. This is quite a family. Wonder if there will be another book when the twins are born, or when Rae and Alyssa have their children. Very good story.
July 12, 2017
Best one yet!
Joe is by far my favorite! This book had depth. I loved book one and two but this one had so much more.
Joe is by far my favorite! This book had depth. I loved book one and two but this one had so much more.
June 16, 2018
Liked the story a lot , not as strong as the first two Kincaids books but still worth reading.
April 24, 2019
Great book
Really enjoyed reading this book. Read all three actually. Great storyline and characters. Nice continuity between all the books. Definitely recommending
Really enjoyed reading this book. Read all three actually. Great storyline and characters. Nice continuity between all the books. Definitely recommending
February 22, 2020
Thank you for another excellent series. I've been reading you out of order, but enjoying it all.
November 29, 2020
Great way to wrap up the series. The twins younger sister gets her HEA.
December 26, 2020
Sweet series
I really enjoyed this series and book three did not disappoint. It was a sweet story and I love how all the characters were used throughout!
I really enjoyed this series and book three did not disappoint. It was a sweet story and I love how all the characters were used throughout!
December 27, 2021
Misfiring powerful
Kept me hooked could put it down, wondering if things work out or fall apart. But truly heartfelt and intriguing story.
Kept me hooked could put it down, wondering if things work out or fall apart. But truly heartfelt and intriguing story.
March 13, 2017
I loved Joe and his storyline. He was tough, quiet, and so in love with Alyssa. Friends-to-lovers/brother's best friend may be one of my favorite tropes :) Alyssa kind of annoyed me at times - she didn't really feel like a 30-year old to me. But I did love this book. Solid 4*
October 13, 2014
Asking for Trouble is the third book in the Kincaid Series by Rosalind James. It is probably the least strong book in the series. It was easy to stop and put it down for a while whereas the others were hard to put down. It didn’t have the excitement and drama of the others. However, it was still a good book and well worth recommending.
Alyssa Kincaid just can’t get things right. She is always taking a job and quitting when things got rough. She runs away from her problems instead of facing them. Of course, this last job that she quit was different. She could have handled it as a sexual harassment suit; but was her word against her boss and she was so disgusted with him that she quit. Now she will also have to give up her beautiful apartment as she will never find a job that pays enough to keep it. The Kincaids have to talk it to death at Christmas with Joe Harper sitting there. It makes her look like a flake and she isn’t. She just hasn’t found the job that stirs her passion.
Rae, Alec’s wife, has an idea. She knows of a job opening in a fundraising position for Second Chance, an organization that helps foster children and homeless children. Alyssa is intrigued by the notion of raising money. She has been involved with that through their Father’s church for years. Rather than having Alec or Rae give her a recommendation and pull in the Kincaid name, Joe puts in a good word for her which at least gets her an interview. The rest is up to her.
Alyssa gets the job and loves it except that Sharon, her boss, is leaving and someone else will be taking over. This upsets Alyssa. What if the new boss doesn’t like her? Will they clash and cause Alyssa to lose her temper? Alyssa gets this news on the first day of her new job. What a downer. Joe happens to stop by just when she gets home to see how things went. Alyssa is completely bombed out. He tells her to take a shower and get into something comfortable while he goes and gets dinner. He then makes sure she eats.
Joe has been in the background since Alyssa was fifteen. She has always had a crush on him. But, he is her brother’s partner and he is older than she is. What she doesn’t know is Joe has had a crush on her as well. With them now in the same town, what will happen?
Alyssa Kincaid just can’t get things right. She is always taking a job and quitting when things got rough. She runs away from her problems instead of facing them. Of course, this last job that she quit was different. She could have handled it as a sexual harassment suit; but was her word against her boss and she was so disgusted with him that she quit. Now she will also have to give up her beautiful apartment as she will never find a job that pays enough to keep it. The Kincaids have to talk it to death at Christmas with Joe Harper sitting there. It makes her look like a flake and she isn’t. She just hasn’t found the job that stirs her passion.
Rae, Alec’s wife, has an idea. She knows of a job opening in a fundraising position for Second Chance, an organization that helps foster children and homeless children. Alyssa is intrigued by the notion of raising money. She has been involved with that through their Father’s church for years. Rather than having Alec or Rae give her a recommendation and pull in the Kincaid name, Joe puts in a good word for her which at least gets her an interview. The rest is up to her.
Alyssa gets the job and loves it except that Sharon, her boss, is leaving and someone else will be taking over. This upsets Alyssa. What if the new boss doesn’t like her? Will they clash and cause Alyssa to lose her temper? Alyssa gets this news on the first day of her new job. What a downer. Joe happens to stop by just when she gets home to see how things went. Alyssa is completely bombed out. He tells her to take a shower and get into something comfortable while he goes and gets dinner. He then makes sure she eats.
Joe has been in the background since Alyssa was fifteen. She has always had a crush on him. But, he is her brother’s partner and he is older than she is. What she doesn’t know is Joe has had a crush on her as well. With them now in the same town, what will happen?
May 28, 2015
Asking For Trouble by Rosalind James is Book 3 in the author’s The Kincaids series. Is it ideal to listen or read them in order? Probably. Is it necessary, absolutely not! Whether you are listening/reading to this first, second, or third, you are in for a great romantic story. I won’t summarize the premise here; the description for the book takes care of that. I will say that the characters are very realistic (aside a couple being pretty rich, but that is just fun in this case), Alyssa in particularly reminds me of people that I have known over the years. The romantic build up for the characters, and in extension, us the listeners, is deftly done and the anticipation enjoyable. As a pair their chemistry is fantastic and really makes the story great. The description mentions steam, and it is a steamy story. If this is not of interest to you, I will say it is a book you could fast-forward through the steam and still have a substantial story worth your money and time.
Their separate backgrounds are interesting and Joe’s in particular is not overdone. I think Alyssa will particularly appeal to listeners/readers who are going through or have been through transitional times like moving to a new city or starting down a new career path. In short most, if not all, of us. Joe is a protagonist who is his own man. He has some demons but they veer into melodrama territory and they are explored in a realistic way. Joe is also a man who can take charge both in life and in a relationship, again without ever overstepping. James also creates fun and suspenseful settings throughout the book. Additionally, the author creates interesting minor characters and work subplots.
This book is one I will definitely returning to so I can return to these characters and their story and I wholeheartedly recommend you give Asking For Trouble a try.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Their separate backgrounds are interesting and Joe’s in particular is not overdone. I think Alyssa will particularly appeal to listeners/readers who are going through or have been through transitional times like moving to a new city or starting down a new career path. In short most, if not all, of us. Joe is a protagonist who is his own man. He has some demons but they veer into melodrama territory and they are explored in a realistic way. Joe is also a man who can take charge both in life and in a relationship, again without ever overstepping. James also creates fun and suspenseful settings throughout the book. Additionally, the author creates interesting minor characters and work subplots.
This book is one I will definitely returning to so I can return to these characters and their story and I wholeheartedly recommend you give Asking For Trouble a try.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
October 18, 2014
In this third Kincaid story 'little' sister Alyssa gets her HEA with Joe, the long time friend and business partner to her brother Alec. They've both secretly had feelings for each other for ages and when Alyssa takes her life in a new direction that moves her to the San Fran area where Alec and Joe's business is, they finally get a chance to interact outside of the holiday visits with the Kincaid family. And with a little push from Alec's wife Rae to put them in even closer proximity, Joe finally acts on the feelings he's had for so long.
I like "in love with the best friend's sister " as a trope and it was done especially well here, there is none of that tedious big brother warning the hero to stay away and no hiding the relationship from the family once they've become lovers. I also liked the development of the leads, Joe had a heartbreaking backstory that he had risen above and with some advice from Alyssa's dad and his own sister he managed to make peace with his past - and with Alyssa's support he realizes that the man he's become is one that would have made his father proud . I also liked the growth in Alyssa and that she confronts things that would have made her run before.
I had only one nit with the steamy portion of the story and that was an intimate scene between the leads that had a 'punishment' for 'bad girl' Alyssa. I had issues with that for multiple reasons outside of it being not at all my thing- it didn't fit with the characters and it shifted focus to Alyssa's reaction from Joe's action when the discussion that went before was more line with who they were.
Still, I really enjoyed this story and am sort of sad that I am completely caught up with both of author James' series - I am only an occasional contemporary romance reader but she is one of my very few go-to authors for the times when I am looking for love that does have any paranormal elements.
I like "in love with the best friend's sister " as a trope and it was done especially well here, there is none of that tedious big brother warning the hero to stay away and no hiding the relationship from the family once they've become lovers. I also liked the development of the leads, Joe had a heartbreaking backstory that he had risen above and with some advice from Alyssa's dad and his own sister he managed to make peace with his past - and with Alyssa's support he realizes that the man he's become is one that would have made his father proud . I also liked the growth in Alyssa and that she confronts things that would have made her run before.
I had only one nit with the steamy portion of the story and that was an intimate scene between the leads that had a 'punishment' for 'bad girl' Alyssa. I had issues with that for multiple reasons outside of it being not at all my thing- it didn't fit with the characters and it shifted focus to Alyssa's reaction from Joe's action when the discussion that went before was more line with who they were.
Still, I really enjoyed this story and am sort of sad that I am completely caught up with both of author James' series - I am only an occasional contemporary romance reader but she is one of my very few go-to authors for the times when I am looking for love that does have any paranormal elements.
October 26, 2016
Really 4.5 stars. The dialog between Joe and Alyssa at times really took my breath away at times. Like when Joe explained what it was like to grow up in foster homes and not hope for anything good so he wouldn't be disappointed. When Alyssa blew up at Alec after his comments on how much brown sugar she put on her oat meal. She lays out a clear case of food and female shaming. Then she goes into being the little sister to two really smart big brothers that she will never catch up with. Rosalind writes with so much honesty at times, it is why I love her books.
Kindle Lending Library
=====================
Sometimes you go looking for trouble. And sometimes, trouble finds you.
Alyssa Kincaid knows she needs to make some big changes. A move to San Francisco is the first step. Now it's time to get serious, and to get the rest of her life on track. If only her messy life would cooperate. And if only it had Joe Hartman in it.
Joe knows one thing for sure: Making a move on his best friend's little sister, the beloved youngest sibling in the closest thing to a family he's got, would be asking for trouble. Unfortunately, Alyssa always does seem to be asking for trouble. And it's getting harder and harder for Joe to resist answering.
Note: Despite the fog, San Francisco does get pretty hot at times. If you prefer your romance without steam, this may not be the book for you.
Kindle Lending Library
=====================
Sometimes you go looking for trouble. And sometimes, trouble finds you.
Alyssa Kincaid knows she needs to make some big changes. A move to San Francisco is the first step. Now it's time to get serious, and to get the rest of her life on track. If only her messy life would cooperate. And if only it had Joe Hartman in it.
Joe knows one thing for sure: Making a move on his best friend's little sister, the beloved youngest sibling in the closest thing to a family he's got, would be asking for trouble. Unfortunately, Alyssa always does seem to be asking for trouble. And it's getting harder and harder for Joe to resist answering.
Note: Despite the fog, San Francisco does get pretty hot at times. If you prefer your romance without steam, this may not be the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2014
An enjoyable conclusion to the stories of the Kincaids. I really liked Joe in this book, and while Alyssa initially came across a little princessey, she grew up through the course of the story. It was enjoyable having more contact with the other siblings in this story, particularly Alec and Desiree, to see how they're doing. (Gabe and Mira appear briefly a few times, but less intrinsically to the plot.)
One thing that I enjoyed was the obvious familiarity of the author (or someone she consulted) with the Air Force and military brat life, even if it was complicated in this specific instance. As well, the portrayal of Vegas in the vicinity of Nellis AFB was done with the touch of familiarity. I always enjoy going over "my old stomping grounds" in fiction, if it's clear that the author has an idea what they're talking about.
There was a minor subplot with a bad boss, but for the most part the real struggle of the characters was with the past, with old hurts and the need to forgive both themselves and the people who hurt them when they were growing up. And it worked -- it was a great payoff at the end to see both of the people involved in the romance learning to trust and lean on one another.
One thing that I enjoyed was the obvious familiarity of the author (or someone she consulted) with the Air Force and military brat life, even if it was complicated in this specific instance. As well, the portrayal of Vegas in the vicinity of Nellis AFB was done with the touch of familiarity. I always enjoy going over "my old stomping grounds" in fiction, if it's clear that the author has an idea what they're talking about.
There was a minor subplot with a bad boss, but for the most part the real struggle of the characters was with the past, with old hurts and the need to forgive both themselves and the people who hurt them when they were growing up. And it worked -- it was a great payoff at the end to see both of the people involved in the romance learning to trust and lean on one another.
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