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Tropical Trysts #1
Mai Tai For Two
Julie's Hawaiian Vacay Itinerary!
You and your “work husband” have just won an all–expenses–paid vacation in Oahu. Now the fun begins…
1.Get lei'd. (With flowers, obvi.)2.Settle into your gorgeous ocean–side cabin. Contemplate living in Hawaii forever.3.Become overwhelmed with hideous unexplained jealousy when your bestie decides to make sexy moves on your work–husband, Alan.4.Dismiss jealousy. After all, you're not interested in Alan “that” way… are you?5.Avoid joyous dancing when bestie's ex arrives, and sweeps her off her feet–leaving Alan completely and totally available.6.Now you're alone with Alan. Alone. In paradise. Take a deep breath, have a mai tai–or two–and (gulp!) make your move. Be classy.7."Accidentally" let Alan peek under your grass skirt.8.Take off grass skirt.9. Do Incredibly Naughty And Sexy Things everywhere.10.And do not think about what happens when you and your work husband go back to reality...
You and your “work husband” have just won an all–expenses–paid vacation in Oahu. Now the fun begins…
1.Get lei'd. (With flowers, obvi.)2.Settle into your gorgeous ocean–side cabin. Contemplate living in Hawaii forever.3.Become overwhelmed with hideous unexplained jealousy when your bestie decides to make sexy moves on your work–husband, Alan.4.Dismiss jealousy. After all, you're not interested in Alan “that” way… are you?5.Avoid joyous dancing when bestie's ex arrives, and sweeps her off her feet–leaving Alan completely and totally available.6.Now you're alone with Alan. Alone. In paradise. Take a deep breath, have a mai tai–or two–and (gulp!) make your move. Be classy.7."Accidentally" let Alan peek under your grass skirt.8.Take off grass skirt.9. Do Incredibly Naughty And Sexy Things everywhere.10.And do not think about what happens when you and your work husband go back to reality...
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Delphine Dryden
38 books369 followersI write contemporary and erotic romance, and sometimes steampunk romance! To contact me, go to my website or find me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 28, 2017
Mistaken identity
What did Harlequin, in the guise of Cosmo Red Hot Reads, do to the edgy and brilliant and singularly original Delphine Dryden that I know and love?
What did Harlequin, in the guise of Cosmo Red Hot Reads, do to the edgy and brilliant and singularly original Delphine Dryden that I know and love?
June 11, 2014
Julie never wins anything. So when she and her ‘work husband’ win a door prize at a motivational event for their work, she cannot believe it. Four days and three nights in Hawaii for two, no less. Julie decides to bring along her best friend and vows that she’s going to let loose. It’s been far too long since her last romantic interlude and she’s sure the perfect setting and a few cocktails makes for a great holiday casual fling.
Her work husband Alan, one of her best friends, chooses to come alone rather than bring someone else and Julie is surprised to feel a little jealousy when her friend looks like she might be hitting on him. Thankfully Amanda’s ex-fiance turns up to woo her back and that leaves Julie and Alan alone. Having been best friends and co-workers for several years, both have at some stage, been curious about what it would be like to go that step further, Alan especially. Julie wasn’t quite sure how she felt about Alan until it looked like someone else might want him. Now she knows.
A few drinks and a few dances together and they’re ready to take it to the next level. Julie was looking for a holiday fling but she’s not sure that’s going to be possible with Alan. The sex is incredible for both of them but they also have a friendship to preserve. Can they go back to the way things were or will they be able to successfully negotiate moving to the next level and developing a proper relationship?
So lately I’ve been immersed in the Song of Ice and Fire books by George R.R. Martin and they are fantastic. But in between those I also need something a bit lighter, a bit more fun where people aren’t dying and having horrible things happening to them on just about every other page. So I nabbed this one for one of those breaks. I’d seen it earlier on NetGalley and I thought it sounded really fun. I love the friends-to-lovers trope and the added complication of them working together sounded like there was great potential for a really clever and fresh story here.
Julie and Alan have worked together for several years and have become very close friends during that time. A few years ago, Julie tried to set Alan up with her best friend Amanda but it fizzled out after a few dates. That same best friend is coming to Hawaii with Julie and she also has indicated that she’s up for a fling after breaking off her engagement recently. And the man she is eyeing off is none other than Alan, making a jealousy she didn’t know she had rise up in Julie. Meanwhile Alan is trying hard not to fantasise about the one he really wants….which is Julie. It has the possibility for love-triangle complications but thankfully her ex-fiance turns up to spirit Amanda away which leaves Alan and Julie alone. Once that happens it takes no time at all for the two of them to lower their inhibitions and basically go for it.
This book had so much potential but I really feel that the execution lets it down. Whilst we’re told that Julie and Alan know each other so well, there’s not really enough background fleshing out of their relationship to give the reader enough of a grasp on their closeness. And although we got a few glimpses of Alan’s thoughts about how attractive he found Julie, her attraction towards him seemed to be sparked by a jealousy that he might want to sleep with her best friend rather than her, which was a little bit weird. I think the chemistry needed to be more present, I’d have loved to see more lust and have the initial attraction drawn out a bit longer rather than have them fall into bed with each other two seconds after a ‘moment’. Some of the sex scenes aren’t bad but the one scene that I thought was the hottest to begin with went off on a bit of an odd tangent when Julie checked out mentally and started to overthink the act she was doing which led to the whole thing becoming rather awkward and pretty much the opposite of hot. Then the story began to get bogged down in both of the character’s insecurities about the other’s feelings towards them and it seemed to really take the edge off the light, holiday-style story. I know they had things to sort out but it seemed to go on quite long and really I just wanted the two of them to actually talk to each other. So much is made of them being best friends, but yet they can’t figure out each other’s feelings or screw up the courage to take the leap of faith. It lowered the fun, sexy tone that I think was aimed for quite a bit.
This one didn’t really hit the mark for me – it had some bright spots and as I mentioned, a lot of potential. But I found both the characters a little immature and the chemistry quite underdeveloped. To be honest, I was more interested about what was happening with Amanda and her ex-fiance.
Her work husband Alan, one of her best friends, chooses to come alone rather than bring someone else and Julie is surprised to feel a little jealousy when her friend looks like she might be hitting on him. Thankfully Amanda’s ex-fiance turns up to woo her back and that leaves Julie and Alan alone. Having been best friends and co-workers for several years, both have at some stage, been curious about what it would be like to go that step further, Alan especially. Julie wasn’t quite sure how she felt about Alan until it looked like someone else might want him. Now she knows.
A few drinks and a few dances together and they’re ready to take it to the next level. Julie was looking for a holiday fling but she’s not sure that’s going to be possible with Alan. The sex is incredible for both of them but they also have a friendship to preserve. Can they go back to the way things were or will they be able to successfully negotiate moving to the next level and developing a proper relationship?
So lately I’ve been immersed in the Song of Ice and Fire books by George R.R. Martin and they are fantastic. But in between those I also need something a bit lighter, a bit more fun where people aren’t dying and having horrible things happening to them on just about every other page. So I nabbed this one for one of those breaks. I’d seen it earlier on NetGalley and I thought it sounded really fun. I love the friends-to-lovers trope and the added complication of them working together sounded like there was great potential for a really clever and fresh story here.
Julie and Alan have worked together for several years and have become very close friends during that time. A few years ago, Julie tried to set Alan up with her best friend Amanda but it fizzled out after a few dates. That same best friend is coming to Hawaii with Julie and she also has indicated that she’s up for a fling after breaking off her engagement recently. And the man she is eyeing off is none other than Alan, making a jealousy she didn’t know she had rise up in Julie. Meanwhile Alan is trying hard not to fantasise about the one he really wants….which is Julie. It has the possibility for love-triangle complications but thankfully her ex-fiance turns up to spirit Amanda away which leaves Alan and Julie alone. Once that happens it takes no time at all for the two of them to lower their inhibitions and basically go for it.
This book had so much potential but I really feel that the execution lets it down. Whilst we’re told that Julie and Alan know each other so well, there’s not really enough background fleshing out of their relationship to give the reader enough of a grasp on their closeness. And although we got a few glimpses of Alan’s thoughts about how attractive he found Julie, her attraction towards him seemed to be sparked by a jealousy that he might want to sleep with her best friend rather than her, which was a little bit weird. I think the chemistry needed to be more present, I’d have loved to see more lust and have the initial attraction drawn out a bit longer rather than have them fall into bed with each other two seconds after a ‘moment’. Some of the sex scenes aren’t bad but the one scene that I thought was the hottest to begin with went off on a bit of an odd tangent when Julie checked out mentally and started to overthink the act she was doing which led to the whole thing becoming rather awkward and pretty much the opposite of hot. Then the story began to get bogged down in both of the character’s insecurities about the other’s feelings towards them and it seemed to really take the edge off the light, holiday-style story. I know they had things to sort out but it seemed to go on quite long and really I just wanted the two of them to actually talk to each other. So much is made of them being best friends, but yet they can’t figure out each other’s feelings or screw up the courage to take the leap of faith. It lowered the fun, sexy tone that I think was aimed for quite a bit.
This one didn’t really hit the mark for me – it had some bright spots and as I mentioned, a lot of potential. But I found both the characters a little immature and the chemistry quite underdeveloped. To be honest, I was more interested about what was happening with Amanda and her ex-fiance.
April 1, 2020
This was a sweet read, I liked how the MCs always saw each other as something more than friends and over the years it slowly built up, coming to a head during the trip
May 14, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Books like Mai Tai for Two when two people who have wanted each other for some time finally stop being stupid and do something about it always intrigue me. In this case a “work husband” and “work wife” both win an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii and wind up letting their guard down and getting “lei’d” in more ways than one.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, the story was entertaining, and the characters while a little odd at times, likeable. As they’ve known each other for three years and both have harbored feelings for some time especially after a Christmas party kiss, they move pretty quickly into a physical relationship and that didn’t bother me. What did bother me though was the fact that they did know each other so well but failed to really talk to each other about what they were thinking and feeling. They profess to be great friends yet neither one felt they could share their concerns about finally acting on their mutual attraction. I hated all the inward second guessing and worry when they were in a beautiful setting and should have been enjoying it and each other. I very much enjoyed the way they were able to make each other feel comfortable when things got awkward, their just between them sayings, and how just a look or a touch could comfort the other.
While not a perfect story, Mai Tai for Two was still quite enjoyable. It is perfect for a pool side or beach read; it’s short, humorous, sexy, and takes place in a tropical paradise.
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Books like Mai Tai for Two when two people who have wanted each other for some time finally stop being stupid and do something about it always intrigue me. In this case a “work husband” and “work wife” both win an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii and wind up letting their guard down and getting “lei’d” in more ways than one.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, the story was entertaining, and the characters while a little odd at times, likeable. As they’ve known each other for three years and both have harbored feelings for some time especially after a Christmas party kiss, they move pretty quickly into a physical relationship and that didn’t bother me. What did bother me though was the fact that they did know each other so well but failed to really talk to each other about what they were thinking and feeling. They profess to be great friends yet neither one felt they could share their concerns about finally acting on their mutual attraction. I hated all the inward second guessing and worry when they were in a beautiful setting and should have been enjoying it and each other. I very much enjoyed the way they were able to make each other feel comfortable when things got awkward, their just between them sayings, and how just a look or a touch could comfort the other.
While not a perfect story, Mai Tai for Two was still quite enjoyable. It is perfect for a pool side or beach read; it’s short, humorous, sexy, and takes place in a tropical paradise.
April 22, 2014
These two leads had the greatest dialogue! However, for two people who knew each other so well, their insecurities about the others feelings' for them was way too stupid.
July 15, 2020
Decent plot, fairly straightforward characters. I would have enjoyed just a little more conflict and subsequent resolution, though I think this book was not intended to do anything other than what it did.
March 14, 2017
This novella was all over the place. Not a big fan at all.
May 5, 2014
Book Info
ebook, 0 pages
Expected publication: May 13th 2014 by Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin
ISBN 139781488740077
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Julie’s Hawaiian Vacay Itinerary!
You and your “work husband” have just won an all-expenses-paid vacation in Oahu. Now the fun begins…
1.Get lei’d. (With flowers, obvi.)
2.Settle into your gorgeous ocean-side cabin. Contemplate living in Hawaii forever.
3.Become overwhelmed with hideous unexplained jealousy when your bestie decides to make sexy moves on your work-husband, Alan.
4.Dismiss jealousy. After all, you’re not interested in Alan “that” way… are you?
5.Avoid joyous dancing when bestie’s ex arrives, and sweeps her off her feet—leaving Alan completely and totally available.
6.Now you're alone with Alan. Alone. In paradise. Take a deep breath, have a mai tai—or two—and (gulp!) make your move. Be classy.
7."Accidentally" let Alan peek under your grass skirt.
8.Take off grass skirt.
9. Do Incredibly Naughty And Sexy Things everywhere.
10.And do not think about what happens when you and your work husband go back to reality...
First let me just say that friends to lovers romance is one of my favorite formulas, in this case it is also one that worked well because Alan and Julie really had a good vibe together and it made their vacation hookup believable as well as totally fun to watch unfold.
Working together for years has left Alan and Julie comfortable with each other, their ability to compartmentalize their feelings for one another has made the office relationship one of easy friendship without the complication of physical attraction causing friction between them. However now having both won a tropical vacation to Hawaii both Alan and Julie find themselves responding to each other as more than just friends, the romantic ambiance of the hotel combined with the potent alcoholic beverages break down the defenses both have erected and the sparks fly fast and hot!
Throughout this story there are cutesy references and jokes that in some ways are juvenile but fit the characters of Alan and Julie even though they are old enough that some of the exchanges could have fallen flat. I personally enjoyed their banter when things became a bit awkward between the two, it helped to defuse the tension and lighten up some otherwise deal breaking moments of friction.
This is not a very long book but in the amount of time devoted to reading it the story unfolds easily, really there will be times when you want to tell the main characters to get on with it already and act on their feelings rather than analyzing them to death!
A fast, fun romance that despite the fact it only takes place over a matter of a few days works out nicely because of the years that Alan and Julie have known each other as co-workers and friends.
ebook, 0 pages
Expected publication: May 13th 2014 by Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin
ISBN 139781488740077
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Julie’s Hawaiian Vacay Itinerary!
You and your “work husband” have just won an all-expenses-paid vacation in Oahu. Now the fun begins…
1.Get lei’d. (With flowers, obvi.)
2.Settle into your gorgeous ocean-side cabin. Contemplate living in Hawaii forever.
3.Become overwhelmed with hideous unexplained jealousy when your bestie decides to make sexy moves on your work-husband, Alan.
4.Dismiss jealousy. After all, you’re not interested in Alan “that” way… are you?
5.Avoid joyous dancing when bestie’s ex arrives, and sweeps her off her feet—leaving Alan completely and totally available.
6.Now you're alone with Alan. Alone. In paradise. Take a deep breath, have a mai tai—or two—and (gulp!) make your move. Be classy.
7."Accidentally" let Alan peek under your grass skirt.
8.Take off grass skirt.
9. Do Incredibly Naughty And Sexy Things everywhere.
10.And do not think about what happens when you and your work husband go back to reality...
My Thoughts
First let me just say that friends to lovers romance is one of my favorite formulas, in this case it is also one that worked well because Alan and Julie really had a good vibe together and it made their vacation hookup believable as well as totally fun to watch unfold.
Working together for years has left Alan and Julie comfortable with each other, their ability to compartmentalize their feelings for one another has made the office relationship one of easy friendship without the complication of physical attraction causing friction between them. However now having both won a tropical vacation to Hawaii both Alan and Julie find themselves responding to each other as more than just friends, the romantic ambiance of the hotel combined with the potent alcoholic beverages break down the defenses both have erected and the sparks fly fast and hot!
Throughout this story there are cutesy references and jokes that in some ways are juvenile but fit the characters of Alan and Julie even though they are old enough that some of the exchanges could have fallen flat. I personally enjoyed their banter when things became a bit awkward between the two, it helped to defuse the tension and lighten up some otherwise deal breaking moments of friction.
This is not a very long book but in the amount of time devoted to reading it the story unfolds easily, really there will be times when you want to tell the main characters to get on with it already and act on their feelings rather than analyzing them to death!
A fast, fun romance that despite the fact it only takes place over a matter of a few days works out nicely because of the years that Alan and Julie have known each other as co-workers and friends.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
September 12, 2014
Delphine Dryden is a writer I probably should have discovered a long time ago, but somehow didn't. I mean, she writes for Wonkomance, she's in frequent conversation with a lot of my other favorite writers on Twitter (like Cara McKenna, Ruthie Knox and Charlotte Stein) and, well, she's a nerd. How could it have taken me this long to find her books?
So at some point a couple of weeks ago, I decided to rectify my unfortunate oversight and Read All The Things. Yep, I promptly devoured her entire backlist, especially the very nerdy Science of Temptation BDSM books. In fact, I had to put myself on Kindle restriction the next day just to get stuff done. I was sad when I finished all her books a few days later. Lucky for me, Dryden then released a new book: Mai Tai for Two.
Mai Tai for Two was a total departure from the rest of what I've read by Dryden. Mainly, it's not at all kinky or edgy. The plot premise is of a friends-become-lovers nature and both the Hawaiian setting and the characters' relationship are very sweet. In fact, the sweetness seduced me into thinking that this was a very simple "beach read" kind of book. I breezed through it the morning it appeared, pronounced it good and then moved on.
Then in preparation for this review, I read it a second time. And on second examination, it's not so simple. Alan and Julie, the hero and heroine, have a wonderful back-slapping jovial chemistry as friends and the dialogue is just as clever, nerdy and snappy as in the other books I've read by Dryden. There's a line that references motherfucking turtles that was funny the first time, but took me by surprise when it was just as funny the second time. And the friendly banter carries through the book, even as Alan and Julie start using it as a crutch for the more difficult conversations they have yet to have. It makes for a wonderful counterpoint, where what's happening on the surface is different than what's happening underneath. They're both aware of it, but they haven't learned how to communicate on this new level yet.
Which points to what I loved most about this book: the charming awkwardness. Moving from friends to lovers is really graceless in a way that people who haven't experienced it might discount. And since I married a man who was first my best friend, I know of what I speak. A lot of things that might be hard in a traditional dating scenario are easy, but things that don't matter when you're just friends suddenly take on a grave importance when you're looking at someone in a new light. The best moments in Mai Tai for Two are when we get inside the characters' heads as they sort all of this out. The actual stumbling blocks are different than what I experienced, but Dryden just nails the emotion of it all.
Mai Tai for Two is a good, quick read, but don't let the sweetness fool you. There's more to Alan and Julie than first appears.
For a recipe inspired by Mai Tai for Two, visit Cooking Up Romance: http://www.cooking-up-romance.com/201...
So at some point a couple of weeks ago, I decided to rectify my unfortunate oversight and Read All The Things. Yep, I promptly devoured her entire backlist, especially the very nerdy Science of Temptation BDSM books. In fact, I had to put myself on Kindle restriction the next day just to get stuff done. I was sad when I finished all her books a few days later. Lucky for me, Dryden then released a new book: Mai Tai for Two.
Mai Tai for Two was a total departure from the rest of what I've read by Dryden. Mainly, it's not at all kinky or edgy. The plot premise is of a friends-become-lovers nature and both the Hawaiian setting and the characters' relationship are very sweet. In fact, the sweetness seduced me into thinking that this was a very simple "beach read" kind of book. I breezed through it the morning it appeared, pronounced it good and then moved on.
Then in preparation for this review, I read it a second time. And on second examination, it's not so simple. Alan and Julie, the hero and heroine, have a wonderful back-slapping jovial chemistry as friends and the dialogue is just as clever, nerdy and snappy as in the other books I've read by Dryden. There's a line that references motherfucking turtles that was funny the first time, but took me by surprise when it was just as funny the second time. And the friendly banter carries through the book, even as Alan and Julie start using it as a crutch for the more difficult conversations they have yet to have. It makes for a wonderful counterpoint, where what's happening on the surface is different than what's happening underneath. They're both aware of it, but they haven't learned how to communicate on this new level yet.
Which points to what I loved most about this book: the charming awkwardness. Moving from friends to lovers is really graceless in a way that people who haven't experienced it might discount. And since I married a man who was first my best friend, I know of what I speak. A lot of things that might be hard in a traditional dating scenario are easy, but things that don't matter when you're just friends suddenly take on a grave importance when you're looking at someone in a new light. The best moments in Mai Tai for Two are when we get inside the characters' heads as they sort all of this out. The actual stumbling blocks are different than what I experienced, but Dryden just nails the emotion of it all.
Mai Tai for Two is a good, quick read, but don't let the sweetness fool you. There's more to Alan and Julie than first appears.
For a recipe inspired by Mai Tai for Two, visit Cooking Up Romance: http://www.cooking-up-romance.com/201...
April 22, 2014
At her company’s motivational conference, Julie Perfetto and her “work husband”, Alan Cortese are stunned when they each win an all-expense paid vacation for two to Hawaii. Julie intends to ask her best friend Amanda to accompany her, while Alan plans to give his trip to his parents.
Julie is going to make the best of her good fortune. She is going to find a hot guy and have no strings attached sex. Alan’s plans go awry when his parents turn down his gift and he goes on the trip himself. Julie wonders if this is a chance for Amanda and Alan to rekindle their past romance, but when another one of Amanda’s ex-boyfriends shows up, Amanda has no time for Alan. Julie finds herself only too happy with these turn of events.
After all these years of working together, Julie finally admits to herself that she just might have more feelings for Alan than she’s been letting on. Alan has his own feelings to deal with and what better place to do that than in Hawaii?
This is a short, sexy romance. The story has quite a bit of potential but I felt it fell short. The characters acted more like teens than twenty-something year olds. I didn’t really feel their motivation for their actions. They overreacted to the silliest things.
I was very interested in the secondary characters, Amanda and her ex Jeremy. That’s the problem with short reads, there isn’t enough time to delve into the secondary storyline possibilities. However, there’s always a chance that Amanda and Jeremy will have a story of their own. This might not have been my favorite book, but I’d be interested in reading a sequel with Amanda and Jeremy’s story.
I love the Hawaii setting. The author made me feel like I was going to Hawaii, too, and it’s the perfect setting for a romantic vacation.
I was looking forward to trying the Cosmo Red Hot Reads line and I was a bit disappointed with this one, but I’ll try another one. It’s an “ok” read, but nothing more than that for me. I do enjoy reading a shorter length book sometimes.
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Julie is going to make the best of her good fortune. She is going to find a hot guy and have no strings attached sex. Alan’s plans go awry when his parents turn down his gift and he goes on the trip himself. Julie wonders if this is a chance for Amanda and Alan to rekindle their past romance, but when another one of Amanda’s ex-boyfriends shows up, Amanda has no time for Alan. Julie finds herself only too happy with these turn of events.
After all these years of working together, Julie finally admits to herself that she just might have more feelings for Alan than she’s been letting on. Alan has his own feelings to deal with and what better place to do that than in Hawaii?
This is a short, sexy romance. The story has quite a bit of potential but I felt it fell short. The characters acted more like teens than twenty-something year olds. I didn’t really feel their motivation for their actions. They overreacted to the silliest things.
I was very interested in the secondary characters, Amanda and her ex Jeremy. That’s the problem with short reads, there isn’t enough time to delve into the secondary storyline possibilities. However, there’s always a chance that Amanda and Jeremy will have a story of their own. This might not have been my favorite book, but I’d be interested in reading a sequel with Amanda and Jeremy’s story.
I love the Hawaii setting. The author made me feel like I was going to Hawaii, too, and it’s the perfect setting for a romantic vacation.
I was looking forward to trying the Cosmo Red Hot Reads line and I was a bit disappointed with this one, but I’ll try another one. It’s an “ok” read, but nothing more than that for me. I do enjoy reading a shorter length book sometimes.
FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 19, 2014
I've been loving the Cosmo Red-Hot Reads. They're a great way to introduce yourself to great authors you may not have got around to reading yet. They're short, hot, fun, and cheap. Killer. So, I've wanted to read Delphine Dryden for a while but just haven't got around to it yet. Enter Mai Tai for Two, my excuse for doing so. And hey, geeks on a beach! How fun is that?
Julie and her work husband Alan both win free vacations in Hawaii. Julie takes her best friend, who flirts with Alan a bit, but not too much, and all of a sudden Julie's inexplicably jealous. She's never thought of Alan that way, and he hasn't thought of her that way, but after the friend's ex shows up and Julie's alone with Alan, things progress rather quickly. But Julie holds back her heart, since things are bound to go back to normal once the vacation is over. Because Alan doesn't think of her that way. She thinks.
This book was okay. It had very adorable moments, but it had a lot of angst too. Which is fine, and in some moments it was really affecting (and occurred in some very unexpected moments) -- strange for such a short book. Much of the time I was just wishing they'd learn to communicate.
Also, I had a hard time figuring out whose POV I was following when. It shifts back and forth between Julie and Alan, and it was easy to lose track of who was talking or thinking at times. Especially thinking -- I totally got stuck on transitions to internal dialogue, for some reason. This wasn't helped by the fact that the reflections that interrupt the dialogue are sometimes really long, and you have to go back to make sense of it. So, I had problems following along.
But I loved the awkward conversations, the vacation attitude, and the idea of finding love right under your nose with your best friend. I've had work husbands. I miss them. Not in that way, but I loved the concept of this book. I just had a hard time following and enjoying the vacation.
Props for referencing the Bechdel test, though.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by Harlequin/Cosmo Red-Hot Reads May 13, 2014.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com.
Julie and her work husband Alan both win free vacations in Hawaii. Julie takes her best friend, who flirts with Alan a bit, but not too much, and all of a sudden Julie's inexplicably jealous. She's never thought of Alan that way, and he hasn't thought of her that way, but after the friend's ex shows up and Julie's alone with Alan, things progress rather quickly. But Julie holds back her heart, since things are bound to go back to normal once the vacation is over. Because Alan doesn't think of her that way. She thinks.
This book was okay. It had very adorable moments, but it had a lot of angst too. Which is fine, and in some moments it was really affecting (and occurred in some very unexpected moments) -- strange for such a short book. Much of the time I was just wishing they'd learn to communicate.
Also, I had a hard time figuring out whose POV I was following when. It shifts back and forth between Julie and Alan, and it was easy to lose track of who was talking or thinking at times. Especially thinking -- I totally got stuck on transitions to internal dialogue, for some reason. This wasn't helped by the fact that the reflections that interrupt the dialogue are sometimes really long, and you have to go back to make sense of it. So, I had problems following along.
But I loved the awkward conversations, the vacation attitude, and the idea of finding love right under your nose with your best friend. I've had work husbands. I miss them. Not in that way, but I loved the concept of this book. I just had a hard time following and enjoying the vacation.
Props for referencing the Bechdel test, though.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by Harlequin/Cosmo Red-Hot Reads May 13, 2014.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com.
May 29, 2024
Really 2.5 Stars
FTC : I requested this for a fair and honest review.
I have been loving this series so far and, although I thought this book was a fun read, it was my least favourite of the line so far. The characters were great, the setting was fabulous but the barriers to the romance were slightly annoying. I’m not a fan of the not-communicating conflict plot and, with these two being so close, it just didn’t work for me.
The chemistry between Alan and Julie was incredibly well written. Work friends, they have firmly put each other into the “off-limits” category even though they fancy the pants off each other. Once they win the trip to Hawaii, all bet’s are off as they let their hair down. I loved the set-up; I love the friends to lovers trope and this seemed like the perfect setting. Then the tone of the romance changed and I started to lose interest. The insecurities they both showed, along with the lack of communication between them, made me feel like I was reading about a fledgling relationship between two acquaintances, rather than the development of a love story between two very close friends. I just couldn’t understand their motivations or actions and it affected how much I enjoyed it.
The one thing that really stands out for me in this book was the sex scenes. When they are not experiencing lots of internal angst, these two have incredible chemistry. The sex was hot, emotional and inventive; it was definitely worth reading this just for this.
This book did make me want to read some more of Delphine Dryden’s erotic contemporaries. Although this story didn’t work for me, the writing did so I will be adding some more of her work to my TR list.
Overall, a sexy, short read that failed to hit the mark for me.
FTC : I requested this for a fair and honest review.
I have been loving this series so far and, although I thought this book was a fun read, it was my least favourite of the line so far. The characters were great, the setting was fabulous but the barriers to the romance were slightly annoying. I’m not a fan of the not-communicating conflict plot and, with these two being so close, it just didn’t work for me.
The chemistry between Alan and Julie was incredibly well written. Work friends, they have firmly put each other into the “off-limits” category even though they fancy the pants off each other. Once they win the trip to Hawaii, all bet’s are off as they let their hair down. I loved the set-up; I love the friends to lovers trope and this seemed like the perfect setting. Then the tone of the romance changed and I started to lose interest. The insecurities they both showed, along with the lack of communication between them, made me feel like I was reading about a fledgling relationship between two acquaintances, rather than the development of a love story between two very close friends. I just couldn’t understand their motivations or actions and it affected how much I enjoyed it.
The one thing that really stands out for me in this book was the sex scenes. When they are not experiencing lots of internal angst, these two have incredible chemistry. The sex was hot, emotional and inventive; it was definitely worth reading this just for this.
This book did make me want to read some more of Delphine Dryden’s erotic contemporaries. Although this story didn’t work for me, the writing did so I will be adding some more of her work to my TR list.
Overall, a sexy, short read that failed to hit the mark for me.
May 9, 2014
I struck out with the Red-Hot Reads novellas for May. I didn't dislike Mai Tai for Two as much as I did Perfect 10, but it still didn't work for me as much as some of the other Red-Hot Reads.
In the end I think it came down to how much tension and anxiety was in the book. I want my novellas to be fun and while this one had it's fun moments, it was also pretty tense. Alan and Julie are coworkers who are close, like work husband and wife and neither of them has been lusting after the other one or anything, but they see each other as attractive. They win all expense paid trips to Hawaii and plan on just relaxing and having a good time. Then, the first night there, they end up hooking up and even though they both are afraid of damaging their friendship and ruining their working relationship they keep hooking up.
I liked Julie and Alan as a couple, they were both kind of geeky, but sweet and obviously they got along really well. But all of the talk and thoughts about ruining a friendship and being inappropriate at work wore me down. I mean, it's a novella and I figured everything would be ok in the end, but it still made me nervous and stopped me from really having fun with the story. But, it was still entertaining and a quick read with good characters so I'm not going to try to talk you out of reading it.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
In the end I think it came down to how much tension and anxiety was in the book. I want my novellas to be fun and while this one had it's fun moments, it was also pretty tense. Alan and Julie are coworkers who are close, like work husband and wife and neither of them has been lusting after the other one or anything, but they see each other as attractive. They win all expense paid trips to Hawaii and plan on just relaxing and having a good time. Then, the first night there, they end up hooking up and even though they both are afraid of damaging their friendship and ruining their working relationship they keep hooking up.
I liked Julie and Alan as a couple, they were both kind of geeky, but sweet and obviously they got along really well. But all of the talk and thoughts about ruining a friendship and being inappropriate at work wore me down. I mean, it's a novella and I figured everything would be ok in the end, but it still made me nervous and stopped me from really having fun with the story. But, it was still entertaining and a quick read with good characters so I'm not going to try to talk you out of reading it.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2014
This is another friends to lovers story where both have had feelings for each other for years but not done or said anything about it to the other.
Both work in the other and, with the amount of times that they have been each others plus one, they have been named as work husband and wife.
After having won tickets to Hawaii and are able to take a plus one, Julie takes her best friend Amanda, and after offering his tickets to his parents who decline, Alan ends up going by himself.
However even on the first day things take a dramatic turn. Amanda who has been flirting with Alan finds her ex-fiance has turned up to win her back leaving Julie and Alan together alone in paradise.
Of course after being flirted with by another man, this is where three years of pent up emotions turn Julie and Alan's first night of the holiday into what they believe at first to be a holiday fling.
Both struggle a little with the changes, their emotions and their own heads clouding their judgement, but eventually they both realise that this is a forever thing and that they have been wooing each other since the beginning without knowing it.
A fantastic short beach read.
Both work in the other and, with the amount of times that they have been each others plus one, they have been named as work husband and wife.
After having won tickets to Hawaii and are able to take a plus one, Julie takes her best friend Amanda, and after offering his tickets to his parents who decline, Alan ends up going by himself.
However even on the first day things take a dramatic turn. Amanda who has been flirting with Alan finds her ex-fiance has turned up to win her back leaving Julie and Alan together alone in paradise.
Of course after being flirted with by another man, this is where three years of pent up emotions turn Julie and Alan's first night of the holiday into what they believe at first to be a holiday fling.
Both struggle a little with the changes, their emotions and their own heads clouding their judgement, but eventually they both realise that this is a forever thing and that they have been wooing each other since the beginning without knowing it.
A fantastic short beach read.
July 3, 2014
‘He kissed her, lingering. It was more affectionate than passionate, and tears pricked her eyes as she thought again how she’d miss it if they screwed this up.’
Mai Tai For Two was a rollicking tropical romp of a novella, featuring best friends who have secretly been crushing on each other for a long time. Bring on the sun & fun!
Could there be a more romantic setting than Hawaii for a story like this? I can’t think of too many. An island getaway was the perfect backdrop for friends Julie and Alan to finally give in to their feelings. And give in, they did. To say there were sparks between them is an understatement. I thought they were a very cute couple–once they decided to see where things took them. Julie and Alan were always laughing and teasing. They had a wonderful connection that they both, understandably, worried about losing if their romance didn’t work out.
See my complete review here:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-mai...
Mai Tai For Two was a rollicking tropical romp of a novella, featuring best friends who have secretly been crushing on each other for a long time. Bring on the sun & fun!
Could there be a more romantic setting than Hawaii for a story like this? I can’t think of too many. An island getaway was the perfect backdrop for friends Julie and Alan to finally give in to their feelings. And give in, they did. To say there were sparks between them is an understatement. I thought they were a very cute couple–once they decided to see where things took them. Julie and Alan were always laughing and teasing. They had a wonderful connection that they both, understandably, worried about losing if their romance didn’t work out.
See my complete review here:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-mai...
April 23, 2014
Julie and her "work husband" Alan both won a trip to Hawaii. When the friend Julie brought with her starts flirting with Alan, Julie is jealous. When Alan sees Julie talking with a local guy, he gets jealous. They decide a vacation fling might be in order.
This book was just ok for me. It gets bonus points for some geek references and some funny jokes, but overall it was just ok. Julie gets upset when Alan does something she asked him to do, and that's one of the mail conflicts in the book. It made Julie seem immature to me. Actually, the whole book just made me feel old. So that's it, I'm throwing in the towel on COSMO Red Hot Reads. I'm not the target audience. And even when one of my favorite authors writes, it doesn't work for me. (Well, ok, Lauren Dane worked just fine, but my odds are not good here.)
This book was just ok for me. It gets bonus points for some geek references and some funny jokes, but overall it was just ok. Julie gets upset when Alan does something she asked him to do, and that's one of the mail conflicts in the book. It made Julie seem immature to me. Actually, the whole book just made me feel old. So that's it, I'm throwing in the towel on COSMO Red Hot Reads. I'm not the target audience. And even when one of my favorite authors writes, it doesn't work for me. (Well, ok, Lauren Dane worked just fine, but my odds are not good here.)
May 9, 2014
Best friends for the last three years, Alan and Julie finds out that they like each other more than just friends but is finding it difficult to jump into the next step. What happens next is an unexpectedly funny and cute friends to lovers story with great pacing, a lighthearted often funny tone and two well developed leads that just sizzles despite the ordinariness of their lives, Mai Tai for Two will have you turning the pages trying to find out what other shenanigans Alan and Julie have gotten themselves into. A definite read for fans of contemporary romance.
*ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
*ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
April 19, 2014
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
Trying to be nice I will say this was just not a good story and the writing was even worse. I have read books by Dryden before and while youthful without being YA it has never been like this book. I can’t imagine anyone talking like these people did. I mean really what near thirty year olds say “I like like you not just like you”? The story was cliche’ as well. Just not one I would recommend even as a short read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Trying to be nice I will say this was just not a good story and the writing was even worse. I have read books by Dryden before and while youthful without being YA it has never been like this book. I can’t imagine anyone talking like these people did. I mean really what near thirty year olds say “I like like you not just like you”? The story was cliche’ as well. Just not one I would recommend even as a short read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2016
A quick, cute and somewhat predictable romantic romp about 2 people who finally admit to their feelings for each other after being in the 'friend zone' for way too long. Reading this was a good way to wile away a couple of hours and dream about Oahu and romance!
August 23, 2014
2.5 Stars
This was a short but pretty hot read....I love a good friends to lovers story, but this one was just okay for me....I did not enjoy it as much as I have some of the other "Cosmo Red Hot Reads".
Book provided by Author/Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
This was a short but pretty hot read....I love a good friends to lovers story, but this one was just okay for me....I did not enjoy it as much as I have some of the other "Cosmo Red Hot Reads".
Book provided by Author/Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
Want to read
April 3, 2014*NETGALLEY*
April 26, 2014
Fun, swoon-worthy novella. Great read for a day at the beach.
June 4, 2014
Funny, sexy, and earnest. Dryden writes dialogue that is quick and smart, but completely believable. I highly recommend this one.
June 3, 2014
Check out my review here: http://bit.ly/Ta7K3n
May 22, 2014
3.5 stars
June 16, 2014
Sweet and funny couple. So many funny lines. I felt like Ms. Dryden was trying too hard, borderline annoying. I love Ms. Dryden’s stories, this one was a little over the top.
Bought from kobo.
Bought from kobo.
Read
March 13, 2016Rating and review to come.
August 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews