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Fraternizing #1
Fraternizing
Intended for 18+. Strong sexual content, violence and vulgarity. Sometimes rules must be broken. Sometimes your beliefs are challenged. Other times... you just have to follow your heart. For Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Cruz, the Corps' rules and regulations have served as a blueprint for how he should live his life. In his mind, the way to maintaining proper conduct and order relied heavily on the ability of the individual to follow orders without question. Alex was that individual. Until... Pfc. Cassie Bennett. She is brand new to the Corps, looking to cement a place in the world for herself after breaking free from the oppressive life she's lived with her mother. Making it in the Corps is her way of showing her mother that she is more than she thinks she is, while also proving to herself she can survive one of life's biggest challenges. Both Alex and Cassie are tested when an intensely strong attraction develops between them. They feel it, they want it, but one thing stands in their way... The Marine Corps order on Fraternizing. Their lust filled thoughts, their strong and aching cravings for one another, and their conflicted minds lead them on a roller coaster of emotions and feelings that neither can ignore, no matter how hard they try. Loyalties will be tested, hearts will be broken, and careers will hang in the balance. Can Alex and Cassie keep their forbidden relationship a secret, or will they lose it all by Fraternizing?
566 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2013
43 people are currently reading
3072 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Brown
7 books604 followersJust a book reading, writing loving, mommy and USMC wife! :)
I love to write, even if it isn't what is conventional and makes everyone feel giddy inside. I usually pull from dreams, or ideas that just thrust themselves into my head. I have what some would describe as a dry sense of humor, and I think its conveyed in my writing. I like to think I am a kick ass chick, but I can also be sensitive. I'm learning to grow thick skin, and in this field, it is definitely needed!
I won't put anything out that I am not absolutely proud of, but like E.L. James said, "I can't own people's reactions to it." Thanks for reading my work... I do appreciate it!
I love to write, even if it isn't what is conventional and makes everyone feel giddy inside. I usually pull from dreams, or ideas that just thrust themselves into my head. I have what some would describe as a dry sense of humor, and I think its conveyed in my writing. I like to think I am a kick ass chick, but I can also be sensitive. I'm learning to grow thick skin, and in this field, it is definitely needed!
I won't put anything out that I am not absolutely proud of, but like E.L. James said, "I can't own people's reactions to it." Thanks for reading my work... I do appreciate it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
December 12, 2013
EDIT 12/11/13: I was in a horny mood so tried again. And DNF again.
DNF
This has the same generic plot: meet at bar, find out they can't be together, see other people and get jealous, hide relationship. And I find it odd that since they're supposed to be in the military, one a highly trained officer and the other in-training, that the only thing trending on their minds is sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex. And more sex. It seems impractical and unbelievable that an experienced and seasoned man like Alex would suddenly lose his head over a woman he just met in a bar. And in Chapter 1! Sad. I was really looking forward to this book, as it boasts one of the most unique blurbs.
DNF at 19%. Maybe I'll come back to it when I'm in a horny mood.
October 10, 2013
3.5 stars
Smokin’ hot, full of sparks, sexual tension and amazing sex, Fraternizing is a book that will make you burn! So be ready to change into flames or human torch and meet a Marine that will melt your panties.
Let’s talk about Marines. Sexy, drool worthy men in uniforms. Every woman loves them, right? There’s just something enticing and extremely hooottt in them. I don’t understand why, but my ovaries, seem to go crazy when someone mention a Marine, so after reading the blurb I was a goner. I had to read this book!
So, our main character Sgt. Alex Cruz is a wet dream coming true. Dominant alpha male that is so intense I couldn’t think stright. He’s an instructor, that has only few months more to get a promotion, that is really important for him and his career. So when he’s celebrating aka drinking till passing out in local bar with other Marines, pretty, little blondie caught his attention. They went pretty hot and heavy on the dance floor, but something came up and Alex had to leave her. Next day, Sgt. Cruz sees his Blondie in the crowd of his students.
Pfc. Cassie Bennett is shocked when she saw the man, her ovaries go crazy for as her instructor.
Now, both of them have to fight against sexual need that overpowers them… Especially because Marines have rule against Fraternization, that could make them both, lose their careers and more.
Scorching hot scenes made Marines’ world exciting and really stimulating, I can say I enjoyed most of this book, but the unnecessary length, made me want to skip some pages (which I did). Alson the crazy cliffhanger made me angry. I thought it was stand alone and the length of this book nearly confirmed it, but the last few pages made an U-turn, that shocked me. I wasn’t very happy about it.
Overall, Fraternizing is enticing, absolutely sexy and beautifully written story about breaking the rules just to find happiness. I adored almost every aspect of this book, because it’s fast paced, realistic and so, so hot!. This intense and evocative romance is really nice read, but the cliffhanger made me want to throw my Kindle or hurt somebody.
October 7, 2013
Meet the Marine, Sgt. Alex Cruz, who can't seem to follow the rules, on October 4, 2013
Alex and Cassie are my favorite characters to date. I loved writing them! Hope you love reading about them. :)
Alex and Cassie are my favorite characters to date. I loved writing them! Hope you love reading about them. :)
October 16, 2013
Sometimes rules must be broken.
Sometimes your beliefs are challenged.
Other times... you just have to follow your heart.
Fraternizing is a story of forbidden love. It's about a love that can never be, for the Marine Corps has strict orders against Fraternizing. Not only is being fellow marines holding them back, but Cassie and Alex also have another problem to contend with...Sgt. Alex Cruz also happens to be her teacher.
Their lust filled thoughts, their strong and aching cravings for one another, and their conflicted minds lead them on a roller coaster of emotions and feelings that neither can ignore, no matter how hard they try.
Loyalties will be tested, hearts will be broken, and careers will hang in the balance. Can Alex and Cassie keep their forbidden relationship a secret, or will they lose everything they've worked so hard for by Fraternizing?
"He was the drug to satisfy my craving, my need, my intense want. But what about my career?"
I loved the forbidden aspect of the story. I feel that forbidden love really does taste the sweetest, and it made the story much more enjoyable than it would have been if the circumstances were different.
"He opened the box and pulled out a sparkling pair of silver dog tags. My hand went to my chest as a tear rolled down my cheek. For a Marine, and especially Alex, this was significant. Dog tags meant something, and the fact that he was passing his over to me solidified our standing as a couple. “I can’t take these—“ “Yes you can,” he interrupted. “My regular pair are tied to my boot strings. These are my first pair. I want them around your neck. Over your heart"
Sadly, this book was a disappointment for me. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. It was so-so. I hard a really hard time connecting with the characters in the beginning. They were easier to connect to as the story goes on, but for the longest time I had a really hard time getting into this story. Another thing was the repetitive wording. I found some words, like sweat, to be re-used around 150 times.
The second half of the story seemed like a totally different book. I felt more of a connection to the characters, the writing was more poetic, and I felt that the dialogue was better, plus the characters seemed more well rounded.
Overall Frantenizing was a 3 star read for me. It was steamy and forbidden, so those are the definite pluses for this book when considering if you want to pick this one up!
"I got this tattoo of a very pretty butterfly I saw flying one day. I watched that butterfly all day. The freedom it possessed to fly anywhere it wanted to, whenever it wanted to. It was like a faraway dream for me, and one that I couldn't see myself ever getting the chance to follow. But when I enlisted in the Corps, I went and got that tattoo. It’s a constant reminder that I’m free and that I’m chasing my own dreams."
*** I might recommend this novel to others ***
October 13, 2013
http://katfenton56.booklikes.com/post... and others also posted here)
Admittedly the cover is what drew me to this book in the first place, then sitting down and reading it, it became all about the story, I've never read anything military based before so was definitely out of my usual comfort zone..But am glad I took that leap in giving this a chance
I think why I didn't give this a rating of 5 stars wasn't anything to do with the story itself because I think it was beautifully written. It just felt like it didn't need to be so long, seemed too drawn out..
But in saying that I still really enjoyed this book and will definitely read something else by this author..It was definitely unique, and had panty melting moments of over the top scorching hotness!! And you have to admit any alpha male in uniform is HOT!! This book was no exception!! Alex in this book is definitely swoon worthy material..
Admittedly the cover is what drew me to this book in the first place, then sitting down and reading it, it became all about the story, I've never read anything military based before so was definitely out of my usual comfort zone..But am glad I took that leap in giving this a chance
I think why I didn't give this a rating of 5 stars wasn't anything to do with the story itself because I think it was beautifully written. It just felt like it didn't need to be so long, seemed too drawn out..
But in saying that I still really enjoyed this book and will definitely read something else by this author..It was definitely unique, and had panty melting moments of over the top scorching hotness!! And you have to admit any alpha male in uniform is HOT!! This book was no exception!! Alex in this book is definitely swoon worthy material..
November 15, 2015
I'm just going to DNF this one. I've been trying to read this book for over two years now. The premises of it are good, but the story drags on forever. A lot of talking and not much happening. The inner dialogues - yawn. Such a shame. The story has the potential. Hot bookcover, the book, not so much.
dnf
April 28, 2014The scenes promise to be hot but I'm struggling to buy into the story line. I'm willing to suspend belief a lot for a good tale, but that combined with the cattiness and outright c$&t behavior of all other female characters aside from the main one sealed the dnf deal for me on this one.
October 2, 2013
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. SON of A B****!!! Whoooooweeee! Let me catch my breath here. First off this is my first ever military read and can I just say "WTF is wrong with me??? Where have I been?????" This book had so much action packed drama, romance, drama and some serious hot alpha male character going on!!!! Alex and Cassie are exactly the kind of characters I love to read. Intense with passion and no dumb girl acts. All the characters were well written and gave they story so much more real life feeling to it. I absolutely LOVE this book!!!! Start recommending it now! MUST read !!!
October 23, 2013
3.5 intense, sweet and sexy forbidden love STARS.
The second half was much better than the first one and I need the sequel like NOW!
Review to come ~
October 24, 2013
Not even the military man fantasy could get more stars for this book. I finished it - but was bored.
October 8, 2013
4.5 stars
I am a big fan of C.C.'s writing and when I read the blurb of Fraternizing I knew this one was going to be amazing. This is the story of Cassie and Alex who are both Marines. Alex is intense and even with a no fraternizing rule in the Marines he still pursues Cassie. If you love alpha males this is a must read:) great storyline and well written characters.
I am a big fan of C.C.'s writing and when I read the blurb of Fraternizing I knew this one was going to be amazing. This is the story of Cassie and Alex who are both Marines. Alex is intense and even with a no fraternizing rule in the Marines he still pursues Cassie. If you love alpha males this is a must read:) great storyline and well written characters.
October 28, 2013
Marines??? YES!!!
Teacher/Student affair??? YES!!!
That is all I need!
Now I just have to get my hands on Book 2!!!!!
Teacher/Student affair??? YES!!!
That is all I need!
Now I just have to get my hands on Book 2!!!!!
dnf
May 18, 2014 Warning: this review contains spoilers and cursing!!!
I wanted to finish this book, I really did. But it was just impossible task to me. There is few things which I hate in books. And guess what? This one has it all.
Stupid, doormat and immature h with parents who hate her + the biggest $$hole and sob H I’ve read so far + cheating + relationship based only on sex = the biggest disappointment of the year + bitter aftertaste
The H in this book is the perfect picture of everything I hate in men. I know, I know, not everything in romances need to be sweet and perfect and if I have to be honest I prefer dark and drama over sweet and flowers. And you know what, I think there is a small chance that I could like him if I hadn’t read his POV. Boy, I swear each time I’ve read his POV I realized more and more how bad person he his. And yes, I didn’t use word jack$$ or idiot or $$hole. Because despite that I think H is all that mentioned earlier, he is just bad person for me.
This book doesn’t let me feel anything beside disgust, disappointment, aggravation and emotional exhaustion.
And my ‘best’ moments of the book:
(H with OW)
‘She quickly switched to sloppy sucks, the sounds of her tongue lapping up my shaft barreling into my ears, annoying the f… out of me.
"Suck," I commanded, needing her to take all of my frustrations away. She obeyed, returning to the sucks that had left me speechless. I shoved my cock farther into her mouth, but the sound of her g*g stopped me from going as far as I wanted to go. In that moment, Cassie came back to mind, and her impressive ability to deep throat without so much as the slightest gag.’
Yeah, you lucky sob, your girl, which by the way you are cheating at the moment, can really good deep throat you. That’s seriously good reason to be with someone. Thumbs up.
(h with her gay friend- I know, cliché, right?)
‘“Yeah. He says he was wrong, he admits that. He wants me to leave with him this weekend and make things right.”
“Are you gonna go?”
“I don’t know. I was so pissed off at him. I don’t know if I want to just take off with him.”
“Can I throw my two cents in?”
“Don’t you always?” I replied, grinning at him.
“True. But anyway, I think you should go. He f….. up, but the fact that he admitted to it, even the shit you didn’t know about, says something. I don’t know him well, but I see what kind of hold he has on you, and apparently you have the same hold on him. You two crazy $$es stand to lose so much if this gets out, and yet you can’t stay away from each other. I think you already know what your answer is to his request, but you want to play tough $$. I say suck it up and go. If he’s to burn for you, with everything he has on the line, are you willing to do it too?”
“I get what you’re saying, but the Castillo thing—“
“It sucks. And you probably need to scrub his d… before you get anywhere near it, but people make mistakes, and thankfully he didn’t fuck her. So you have to ask yourself if you want to overlook it or not. It’s simple. Yes, or no.”’
A good advice from best friend. Thank God I don’t have such a friends or I wouldn’t get far in my life. Seriously I hate that kind of advices. Your guy cheated on you and your best friend should have your best interest in mind. And what killed me ‘…and thankfully he didn’t fuck her’. I’m sorry but the last time I checked oral sex is …umm… SEX. I don’t get it. So I can give some random guy a head and that means I won’t be cheating on my boyfriend because it wasn’t sex? W.T.F?
And guess what? Yes, you are right, h forgave H after few days.
What a #s!!k&//hu*$sd#!!!@_fu*& bullshit.
DNF at about 40%.
I wanted to finish this book, I really did. But it was just impossible task to me. There is few things which I hate in books. And guess what? This one has it all.
Stupid, doormat and immature h with parents who hate her + the biggest $$hole and sob H I’ve read so far + cheating + relationship based only on sex = the biggest disappointment of the year + bitter aftertaste
The H in this book is the perfect picture of everything I hate in men. I know, I know, not everything in romances need to be sweet and perfect and if I have to be honest I prefer dark and drama over sweet and flowers. And you know what, I think there is a small chance that I could like him if I hadn’t read his POV. Boy, I swear each time I’ve read his POV I realized more and more how bad person he his. And yes, I didn’t use word jack$$ or idiot or $$hole. Because despite that I think H is all that mentioned earlier, he is just bad person for me.
This book doesn’t let me feel anything beside disgust, disappointment, aggravation and emotional exhaustion.
And my ‘best’ moments of the book:
(H with OW)
‘She quickly switched to sloppy sucks, the sounds of her tongue lapping up my shaft barreling into my ears, annoying the f… out of me.
"Suck," I commanded, needing her to take all of my frustrations away. She obeyed, returning to the sucks that had left me speechless. I shoved my cock farther into her mouth, but the sound of her g*g stopped me from going as far as I wanted to go. In that moment, Cassie came back to mind, and her impressive ability to deep throat without so much as the slightest gag.’
Yeah, you lucky sob, your girl, which by the way you are cheating at the moment, can really good deep throat you. That’s seriously good reason to be with someone. Thumbs up.
(h with her gay friend- I know, cliché, right?)
‘“Yeah. He says he was wrong, he admits that. He wants me to leave with him this weekend and make things right.”
“Are you gonna go?”
“I don’t know. I was so pissed off at him. I don’t know if I want to just take off with him.”
“Can I throw my two cents in?”
“Don’t you always?” I replied, grinning at him.
“True. But anyway, I think you should go. He f….. up, but the fact that he admitted to it, even the shit you didn’t know about, says something. I don’t know him well, but I see what kind of hold he has on you, and apparently you have the same hold on him. You two crazy $$es stand to lose so much if this gets out, and yet you can’t stay away from each other. I think you already know what your answer is to his request, but you want to play tough $$. I say suck it up and go. If he’s to burn for you, with everything he has on the line, are you willing to do it too?”
“I get what you’re saying, but the Castillo thing—“
“It sucks. And you probably need to scrub his d… before you get anywhere near it, but people make mistakes, and thankfully he didn’t fuck her. So you have to ask yourself if you want to overlook it or not. It’s simple. Yes, or no.”’
A good advice from best friend. Thank God I don’t have such a friends or I wouldn’t get far in my life. Seriously I hate that kind of advices. Your guy cheated on you and your best friend should have your best interest in mind. And what killed me ‘…and thankfully he didn’t fuck her’. I’m sorry but the last time I checked oral sex is …umm… SEX. I don’t get it. So I can give some random guy a head and that means I won’t be cheating on my boyfriend because it wasn’t sex? W.T.F?
And guess what? Yes, you are right, h forgave H after few days.
What a #s!!k&//hu*$sd#!!!@_fu*& bullshit.
DNF at about 40%.
dnf
March 23, 2014DNF
I am so bummed. I really thought I would like this- I waited months for the second book to come out so I could read them together and I can't bring myself to finish it. Their "relationship" is putting both their hard earned careers and possibly their freedom at risk and I'm not seeing anything between them but mega lust and obsession. They don't know anything about each other. They just stare at each other and make out/have sex/fight. *sigh* Just not for me.
I am so bummed. I really thought I would like this- I waited months for the second book to come out so I could read them together and I can't bring myself to finish it. Their "relationship" is putting both their hard earned careers and possibly their freedom at risk and I'm not seeing anything between them but mega lust and obsession. They don't know anything about each other. They just stare at each other and make out/have sex/fight. *sigh* Just not for me.
Want to read
August 26, 2013I WANT THIS BOOK NOW! I'm an ex Navy veteran and can't believe I didn't think of this story line first! :-(
February 23, 2015
Wow this book was emotional and fantastic. This book had me interested and hooked from the very first page. I can't wait to download the next book. Added this book to my favorites.
October 9, 2013
err.. SAY WHAT!?!
I totally thought this was a stand-alone $%^S$DHJB(@%^#^$&*@ !!!!
Nope. Its a freakin series. And it'll feel like a bazillion years before i get Book #2 - "Compromising"
alrightys.. on with it..
Any book involving men in uniform i'm all for it.
So basically i was sucked in from the blurb.
I liked the characters.
Alex was intense and your typical alpha-male and then some. Cassie oozed innocence, but really she was just a badass behind that pretty face.
I loved the minor characters too - especially Riley. He was awesome.
I liked the story.. but it seemed to drag - even the sex scenes :o In my head i was chanting "come on, come on.. hurry it up" lol
Some parts i found unnecessary.. like the day by day events.
I would have just liked for it to be summed up in a few paragraphs instead of chapters.
Around 66% i started skimming pages.. trying to find the - interesting parts - dialogues. Not a good sign.
The ending kinda had me pissed. I mean, W.T.F!
I had my fingers - even toes - crossed that everything will get summed up in last %'s & they can finally finally get their HEA. But uhhh... nope. Alex & Cassie's story contunies. I was beyond frustrated. How the hell was i suppose to know it was gonna be a series!! The waiting game kills i tell ya!
I'll probably read Book #2 whenever it's released. Hopefully it's soon-ish, while this story is fresh in my mind *fingers crossed* otherwise.. it may just sit my TBR list for abit...
All in all i give this a 3.5 star rating!
October 17, 2013
Fraternizing is the begging of the story of two Marines, Alex and Cassie. The story begins on a Friday night in a bar called Coyotes, where Alex is celebrating a upcoming promotion with friends. That same night Cassie and her roommate Ruiz went out for a girls night. Alex meets Cassie on a dance floor and they share a seductive dance that gets interrupted and Alex and Cassie don’t get the opportunity to introduce each other. The following Monday during a military training course Cassie and Alex meet again, only Alex is Cassie’s instructor and the Marine’s has a very strict No Fraternizing policy.
We all know what this means, Ladies, No Fraternizing is the story of forbidden love.
The things I liked: Alex es muy caliente and while he fumbles and kind of pissed me off for a few brief moments, there is some alpha in him that made me hootin’ and hollerin’ in a good way. Surprisingly, Cassie is a strong person. She’s a PFC in the Marines so Cassie would have to be strong in order for the book to work.
Some things I didn’t like: While written well there were a few editing issues, namely a couple places where a word went missing. Also, some of the book dragged a bit however I pushed through. On a personal note, I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers and rarely end up hooked to a second book (this has been the case in the past year or two, I prefer stand alones even in a series) however I would like to note to you that the cliffy doesn’t leave the relationship hanging to torment the readers, rather leaves us awaiting what will happen next.
My rating: 3.5 stars mainly because the book dragged and Alex made a few mistakes that just ticked me off.
We all know what this means, Ladies, No Fraternizing is the story of forbidden love.
The things I liked: Alex es muy caliente and while he fumbles and kind of pissed me off for a few brief moments, there is some alpha in him that made me hootin’ and hollerin’ in a good way. Surprisingly, Cassie is a strong person. She’s a PFC in the Marines so Cassie would have to be strong in order for the book to work.
Some things I didn’t like: While written well there were a few editing issues, namely a couple places where a word went missing. Also, some of the book dragged a bit however I pushed through. On a personal note, I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers and rarely end up hooked to a second book (this has been the case in the past year or two, I prefer stand alones even in a series) however I would like to note to you that the cliffy doesn’t leave the relationship hanging to torment the readers, rather leaves us awaiting what will happen next.
My rating: 3.5 stars mainly because the book dragged and Alex made a few mistakes that just ticked me off.
August 24, 2022
I've fallen in love with this story since when I read its blurb for the first time. I didn't know what to expect but my expectations were high and kept getting higher with every excerpt, teaser and snippet I read. The wait was killing me but now I can say WOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWW. It's more than what I hoped it to be!!! This book is a jem in my opinion. I'm not familiar with the Marine Corps rules and regulations and in particular with the not fraternization policy. Anyway it was easy to understand all the mechanisms and repercussions behind and the author is good in making it easy to get. Alex and Cassie are an amazing couple, we have lust, desire, fear, sex, sensuality and love all in a great package! Even the secondary characters were well developed. Since the moment I started reading "Fraternizing" I couldn't put it down not even for a second...and since I'm very critical about what I read I don't hesitate to put books aside if not engrossed by them. This is not the case. I devoured the story and started reading it again when I finished. Yeah, it's that good! The way the characters act, react and behave is realistic and I'd have done the same. Alex is an Alpha male but he knows how to be romantic, caring, tender and funny. Cassie is sweet but has claws when necessary.
Now I can't wait for the sequel!
Now I can't wait for the sequel!
October 18, 2013
I wasn't sure was I was getting into when I purchased this book. Yes I knew it was about a hot marine who apparently had something for this girl he meet whom he soon finds out is a student of his but I was not prepared for the wow factor it had.
This book was consuming me even when I couldn't read I was wondering what was going to happen next. I was dying to open it back up and devour every single thing in it. First two people went against something they knew was wrong, well that gets your blood pumping. The sneaking around was nerve wrecking. The chemistry these two had was incinerating and the sheer possessive, alpha male that Alex was well that was frigging HOT!!!! Oh let's not forget the panty melting no the panty combustible sex scenes, heck I wasn't sure what to do. I needed a drink of water, followed by a very ice cold shower.
No matter how hard they fought to do what was expected of them and to stay away from one another it wasn't possible. They were like moths to a flame. The sheer determination of the two to be together was exhilarating. Understanding the consequences for their actions they still pursued the relationship because love was enough no matter what they faced ahead as long as they were together.
This is a awesome story and I soo cannot wait for the next. I need to know more like now.
Amazing writing to the author. Thank you!!!!!
This book was consuming me even when I couldn't read I was wondering what was going to happen next. I was dying to open it back up and devour every single thing in it. First two people went against something they knew was wrong, well that gets your blood pumping. The sneaking around was nerve wrecking. The chemistry these two had was incinerating and the sheer possessive, alpha male that Alex was well that was frigging HOT!!!! Oh let's not forget the panty melting no the panty combustible sex scenes, heck I wasn't sure what to do. I needed a drink of water, followed by a very ice cold shower.
No matter how hard they fought to do what was expected of them and to stay away from one another it wasn't possible. They were like moths to a flame. The sheer determination of the two to be together was exhilarating. Understanding the consequences for their actions they still pursued the relationship because love was enough no matter what they faced ahead as long as they were together.
This is a awesome story and I soo cannot wait for the next. I need to know more like now.
Amazing writing to the author. Thank you!!!!!
October 7, 2013
I had been looking for a romance / NA book that is little bit different to a lot of the books out there at the moment and I can say, WOW have I ever found one! Fraternizing is a fantastic read!
Without giving too much away, a short review:
I loved the story of Cassie and Alex. It was exciting and at times had me on edge and nervous about what was going to happen next. There was plenty of angst and anguish, but also lots of sweet moments and of course a lot of sexual tension! For me it was just the right mix of everything, the story really drew me in and left me wanting more!
I do want to mention, that I really liked seeing the conflicts between the main characters and the people / friends around them (not the usual "rainbows and unicorns for everyone" you often seem to get in romance books).
Whilst the book didn't have a massive cliffhanger per se - it certainly leaves you wanting more and I really, really (!!) hope it won't be too long of a wait before we can read what happens next for Cassie and Alex!!
Without giving too much away, a short review:
I loved the story of Cassie and Alex. It was exciting and at times had me on edge and nervous about what was going to happen next. There was plenty of angst and anguish, but also lots of sweet moments and of course a lot of sexual tension! For me it was just the right mix of everything, the story really drew me in and left me wanting more!
I do want to mention, that I really liked seeing the conflicts between the main characters and the people / friends around them (not the usual "rainbows and unicorns for everyone" you often seem to get in romance books).
Whilst the book didn't have a massive cliffhanger per se - it certainly leaves you wanting more and I really, really (!!) hope it won't be too long of a wait before we can read what happens next for Cassie and Alex!!
October 10, 2013
**CHRISTINA'S REVIEW**
Fraternization is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Definition of Fraternize:
frat·er·nize
/ˈfratərˌnīz/
verb
gerund or present participle: fraternizing
1. associate or form a friendship with someone, esp. when one is not supposed to.
SGT Cruz is an outstanding Marine Corps Member and Instructor. He has just found out he has been selected to make the rank of Staff Sergeant. Celebrating him and his friends hit the local bar. Dancing and enjoying his night with a beautiful blonde bombshell. When a friend comes up to Cruz they have to leave quickly due to a fight in the bar he turns around and the girls Is gone. But the feelings he has start to take over. shaking it off he heads out and prepares for the next group of students that start Monday.
PFC Cassie Bennett is excited to be at Twentynine Palms. New to the Marine Corps she is ready to get this new career off the ground and prove to family she CAN do it. She has spent a great first weekend getting settled and shaking it up at the club with a hot guy that she can't get out of her head. But now it is time to focus on school and meet the instructors, and that is where things start to go awry.
"My heart sank and a heavy, throbbing lump lodged in my throat, making me stifle a choke as I immediately remembered that Cruz-- now that I knew his name-- was my bump and grind, tongue twirling, lip smacking partner from that excitement filled night."
What happens when you are hit unexpectedly with feelings that are not allowed in the RULES? Rules that have been ingrained into you for years. Rules that you live your every breath for.
"I can't think when she's around me" "How do you think I'll make it through six weeks of having to look at her every "freaking" day?"
"Your Career means more than some chick who knows nothing about the Corps and everything it's done for you."
Sgt. Cruz and PFC Bennett are in for a world of ups and downs. Can they keep their love a secret or will the rules keep them apart?
Being a military wife I was excited to read this book. I hear stories all the time of Fraternization and I wondered how accurate the Author would be. Let me tell you it surpassed all my expectations. I loved being on this journey with Cruz and Bennett. I felt the pain of having to follow all the rules. I felt the pull they had towards each other. Jealousy, hate, lust, passion, pain, heartache, it is all in this book. Sometimes you have to risk it all for the love of your life. Sometimes risking it all isn't enough to keep them safe. My heart was aching by the end of this book. I can not wait to have book 2 in my hands. Yes this book does have a cliff hanger but it really isn't one you can't live with. Well plaid Mrs. Brown.. well played!
***Cuss words in quotes have been changed for this review so that it can be placed on various review sites that won't allow them***
Fraternization is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Definition of Fraternize:
frat·er·nize
/ˈfratərˌnīz/
verb
gerund or present participle: fraternizing
1. associate or form a friendship with someone, esp. when one is not supposed to.
SGT Cruz is an outstanding Marine Corps Member and Instructor. He has just found out he has been selected to make the rank of Staff Sergeant. Celebrating him and his friends hit the local bar. Dancing and enjoying his night with a beautiful blonde bombshell. When a friend comes up to Cruz they have to leave quickly due to a fight in the bar he turns around and the girls Is gone. But the feelings he has start to take over. shaking it off he heads out and prepares for the next group of students that start Monday.
PFC Cassie Bennett is excited to be at Twentynine Palms. New to the Marine Corps she is ready to get this new career off the ground and prove to family she CAN do it. She has spent a great first weekend getting settled and shaking it up at the club with a hot guy that she can't get out of her head. But now it is time to focus on school and meet the instructors, and that is where things start to go awry.
"My heart sank and a heavy, throbbing lump lodged in my throat, making me stifle a choke as I immediately remembered that Cruz-- now that I knew his name-- was my bump and grind, tongue twirling, lip smacking partner from that excitement filled night."
What happens when you are hit unexpectedly with feelings that are not allowed in the RULES? Rules that have been ingrained into you for years. Rules that you live your every breath for.
"I can't think when she's around me" "How do you think I'll make it through six weeks of having to look at her every "freaking" day?"
"Your Career means more than some chick who knows nothing about the Corps and everything it's done for you."
Sgt. Cruz and PFC Bennett are in for a world of ups and downs. Can they keep their love a secret or will the rules keep them apart?
Being a military wife I was excited to read this book. I hear stories all the time of Fraternization and I wondered how accurate the Author would be. Let me tell you it surpassed all my expectations. I loved being on this journey with Cruz and Bennett. I felt the pain of having to follow all the rules. I felt the pull they had towards each other. Jealousy, hate, lust, passion, pain, heartache, it is all in this book. Sometimes you have to risk it all for the love of your life. Sometimes risking it all isn't enough to keep them safe. My heart was aching by the end of this book. I can not wait to have book 2 in my hands. Yes this book does have a cliff hanger but it really isn't one you can't live with. Well plaid Mrs. Brown.. well played!
***Cuss words in quotes have been changed for this review so that it can be placed on various review sites that won't allow them***
July 20, 2016
Fraternizing is a story of forbidden love. Alex Cruz is a Marine Corps Sgt. For Alex, the Marines was literally his saving grace and brought structure and discipline into his life. Cassie is a new Marine who is trying to prove that she can succeed after a horrible home life.
Alex and Cassie meet one night at a bar and the sexual attraction is immediate. They share some steamy unforgettable moments on the dance floor. This is when things get interesting. Alex Cruz is an instructor at the Comm School and Cassie ends up being his student. This revelation happens immediately and causes quite a problem due to the Marines strict policy against fraternizing. Alex and Cassie have a serious case of "insta love." They are drawn to each other and know the risks of pursuing a personal relationship.
What drew me into this story was the forbidden love military angle. Who doesn't like a man in uniform especially a Marine? Alex is your true arrogant Alpha male - but with some serious sex appeal. He's also Latin which in my opinion makes him even hotter. Alex is normally very disciplined and follows the strict Marine code. This made it a little difficult to believe that he was just ready to throw all that way for Cassie whom he just met.
Since the attraction between Alex and Cassie happened very quickly I wasn't able to connect with them well in the beginning. However, as the story goes on and more background is revealed about the two, things picked up very nicely and I was hooked.
Alex and Cassie follow their feelings and things between the two of them certainly heat up! While Alex and Cassie hide their relationship more people discover the secret which threatens each of their careers.
I did enjoy this story. As the plot advances it really takes off and I was taken in by these two. There are some intense moments, along with a heart wrenching scene that were great additions to the story. The book ends in a cliffhanger - it wasn't bad though in my opinion.
Alex and Cassie meet one night at a bar and the sexual attraction is immediate. They share some steamy unforgettable moments on the dance floor. This is when things get interesting. Alex Cruz is an instructor at the Comm School and Cassie ends up being his student. This revelation happens immediately and causes quite a problem due to the Marines strict policy against fraternizing. Alex and Cassie have a serious case of "insta love." They are drawn to each other and know the risks of pursuing a personal relationship.
What drew me into this story was the forbidden love military angle. Who doesn't like a man in uniform especially a Marine? Alex is your true arrogant Alpha male - but with some serious sex appeal. He's also Latin which in my opinion makes him even hotter. Alex is normally very disciplined and follows the strict Marine code. This made it a little difficult to believe that he was just ready to throw all that way for Cassie whom he just met.
Since the attraction between Alex and Cassie happened very quickly I wasn't able to connect with them well in the beginning. However, as the story goes on and more background is revealed about the two, things picked up very nicely and I was hooked.
Alex and Cassie follow their feelings and things between the two of them certainly heat up! While Alex and Cassie hide their relationship more people discover the secret which threatens each of their careers.
I did enjoy this story. As the plot advances it really takes off and I was taken in by these two. There are some intense moments, along with a heart wrenching scene that were great additions to the story. The book ends in a cliffhanger - it wasn't bad though in my opinion.
April 10, 2014
I was looking forward to finally reading this book since the next in the series out soon. It seemed like a relatively fresh take on the whole student/teacher genre given the military setting. However, there was just too much unnecessary drama, too much sex (yes, I said that), too much frustrating crap. Did I mention that there was just too much drama? After a while I just ended up skimming to see how it was going to end. I just had to see what else was going to happen, because I knew something was and I was willing to give the extra half star just because of it.
I was right by the way.
I do want to say that I appreciate the fact that the author did know what she was talking about. One of my biggest pet peeves with books is when the author writes about something that they know nothing about and they do not do enough research to make what they are writing about work. This author is obviously affiliated with the military and you could tell. Well, I could anyway.
To cut to the point, this was just not my scene. I can see where people would dig it, but it was just too overwhelmingly frustrating for me.
I was right by the way.
I do want to say that I appreciate the fact that the author did know what she was talking about. One of my biggest pet peeves with books is when the author writes about something that they know nothing about and they do not do enough research to make what they are writing about work. This author is obviously affiliated with the military and you could tell. Well, I could anyway.
To cut to the point, this was just not my scene. I can see where people would dig it, but it was just too overwhelmingly frustrating for me.
March 25, 2014
Let me say that Sgt Cruz is one HOT MARINE. Serious HOT. He definitely made Cassie one happy Marine even though its forbidden for the both of them to be in a relationship.
I enjoyed the read but at times I felt like they should just get caught and then everything will be okay. Yet everything is not okay...
Cruz and Cassie's story continues...
I enjoyed the read but at times I felt like they should just get caught and then everything will be okay. Yet everything is not okay...
Cruz and Cassie's story continues...
November 5, 2023
A page turning military romance!
I've read this book no less than 5 times and it NEVER gets old. The heat is strong. Alex and Cassie have a magnetic pull to each other and I love the dynamics of their relationship! The frustrations of the circumstances that surround them kept me turning the pages!
On to book 2!
I've read this book no less than 5 times and it NEVER gets old. The heat is strong. Alex and Cassie have a magnetic pull to each other and I love the dynamics of their relationship! The frustrations of the circumstances that surround them kept me turning the pages!
On to book 2!
avoid
August 20, 2021He cheats.
January 18, 2018
Cruz meets Cassie at the bar. They kiss. Next time they meet he’s her superior and they are both marines and it’s a couple days later I think. They fight it. But get together. Both careers are in jeopardy because of the no fraternization rule. He sleeps with h then ignores her to save his job and then gets the bj from another marine who hates Cassie and picks on her. He stops her because he can’t finish it because of thoughts of Cassie. She finds out and freezes him out and he apologizes and says he was wrong. There is a lot of drama and it’s a cliffy. This is angsty but it was a good read, not epic but the series was good as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2013
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
On ne compte plus les romances qui confrontent un professeur à son élève, les amours interdites qui e découlent car aux Etats-Unis, il n’est pas vraiment admis qu’une personne ayant autorité fréquente un étudiant ou un élève. Et il y a un domaine où c’est encore pire : l’armée. C.C. Brown la connaît bien, vit avec un Marine et a sans doute fréquenté bien des bases américaines. Ca se sent et l’immersion est complète. En plus, elle signe une superbe romance, prévisible, certes, dans son déroulement mais d’une efficacité redoutable.
Cassie arrive dans une base de la Californie, en plein désert pour y parfaire sa formation en tant que marine. Elle vient d’être affectée à une formation de communication. La veille de l’incorporation, elle va passer une soirée dans un bar et avoir un flirt poussé avec un homme qui se révèle être un de ses instructeurs le lendemain. La règle est très claire et très stricte : pas de fraternisation entre soldat et instructeur. Bien qu’ignorant tout l’un de l’autre, leur soirée pose déjà un problème. Et ce n’est que le début...
Racontée alternativement, chapitre, par chapitre par Cassie et Alex, l’histoire est un pur et long délice. L’auteure a pris son temps d’autant plus qu’il ne s’agit que d’une première partie. Et oui, les dernières lignes laissent augurer des moments difficiles à venir et nous trépignons déjà d’impatience à lire la suite. En attendant, Cassie et Alex vont passer par tous les stades attendus dans ce genre de romance. Leur attirance est foudroyante, immédiate et irrésistible. Ce n’est peut-être pas le plus réussi car nos deux héros passent quelques chapitres à nous décrire longuement les effets physiques qu’ils ont l’un sur l’autre. L’auteure a un style simple, efficace et ne fait pas toujours dans la dentelle. Cela créé une immédiate tension sexuelle qu’elle fait passer de 0 à 90 degrés en quelques lignes. C’est très réussi.
Le reste a le charme de ses amours interdites, de ces rencontres secrètes, de baisers volés. Cassie et Alex se brûlent l’un à l’autre et s’exposent de plus en plus. Le lecteur ne peut que lire en tournant les pages en attendant l’inévitable catastrophe. C.C. Brown nous y emmène somptueusement, faisant partager de plus en plus à ces personnages. C’est d’une sensualité plus brûlante que le désert de Californie avec des scènes de plus en plus osées, très bien écrites qui font basculer le roman dans la catégorie érotique. Nous ne dirons qu’une chose, Alex a une tendance à dominer dans ce genre de situation ! Mais il y a aussi l’amour, la tendresse, ’l’attention qu’ils se portent qui emportent totalement l’adhésion.
Le tout se déroule dans un contexte militaire parfaitement crédible. Peu à peu, l’esprit qui anime ces Marines totalement dévoués à leur tâche et abdiquant leur liberté et leurs émotions sans trop se poser de question est remis en cause. La critique est subtile mais bien réelle. La misogynie de ce milieu, son rôle aussi pour redonner de l’espoir à des jeunes en déshérence, tout cela est évoqué et donne vraiment l’impression d’avoir pénétrer dans le même monde que les deux héros.
Ce roman se lit d’une traite malgré sa longueur et peut-être même son aspect prévisible. Cette intrigue est très efficace et le milieu militaire très bien évoqué est un vrai plus. Il ne reste plus qu’à attendre avec patience que l’auteure conclut cette histoire car elle a parfaitement réussi son coup.
On ne compte plus les romances qui confrontent un professeur à son élève, les amours interdites qui e découlent car aux Etats-Unis, il n’est pas vraiment admis qu’une personne ayant autorité fréquente un étudiant ou un élève. Et il y a un domaine où c’est encore pire : l’armée. C.C. Brown la connaît bien, vit avec un Marine et a sans doute fréquenté bien des bases américaines. Ca se sent et l’immersion est complète. En plus, elle signe une superbe romance, prévisible, certes, dans son déroulement mais d’une efficacité redoutable.
Cassie arrive dans une base de la Californie, en plein désert pour y parfaire sa formation en tant que marine. Elle vient d’être affectée à une formation de communication. La veille de l’incorporation, elle va passer une soirée dans un bar et avoir un flirt poussé avec un homme qui se révèle être un de ses instructeurs le lendemain. La règle est très claire et très stricte : pas de fraternisation entre soldat et instructeur. Bien qu’ignorant tout l’un de l’autre, leur soirée pose déjà un problème. Et ce n’est que le début...
Racontée alternativement, chapitre, par chapitre par Cassie et Alex, l’histoire est un pur et long délice. L’auteure a pris son temps d’autant plus qu’il ne s’agit que d’une première partie. Et oui, les dernières lignes laissent augurer des moments difficiles à venir et nous trépignons déjà d’impatience à lire la suite. En attendant, Cassie et Alex vont passer par tous les stades attendus dans ce genre de romance. Leur attirance est foudroyante, immédiate et irrésistible. Ce n’est peut-être pas le plus réussi car nos deux héros passent quelques chapitres à nous décrire longuement les effets physiques qu’ils ont l’un sur l’autre. L’auteure a un style simple, efficace et ne fait pas toujours dans la dentelle. Cela créé une immédiate tension sexuelle qu’elle fait passer de 0 à 90 degrés en quelques lignes. C’est très réussi.
Le reste a le charme de ses amours interdites, de ces rencontres secrètes, de baisers volés. Cassie et Alex se brûlent l’un à l’autre et s’exposent de plus en plus. Le lecteur ne peut que lire en tournant les pages en attendant l’inévitable catastrophe. C.C. Brown nous y emmène somptueusement, faisant partager de plus en plus à ces personnages. C’est d’une sensualité plus brûlante que le désert de Californie avec des scènes de plus en plus osées, très bien écrites qui font basculer le roman dans la catégorie érotique. Nous ne dirons qu’une chose, Alex a une tendance à dominer dans ce genre de situation ! Mais il y a aussi l’amour, la tendresse, ’l’attention qu’ils se portent qui emportent totalement l’adhésion.
Le tout se déroule dans un contexte militaire parfaitement crédible. Peu à peu, l’esprit qui anime ces Marines totalement dévoués à leur tâche et abdiquant leur liberté et leurs émotions sans trop se poser de question est remis en cause. La critique est subtile mais bien réelle. La misogynie de ce milieu, son rôle aussi pour redonner de l’espoir à des jeunes en déshérence, tout cela est évoqué et donne vraiment l’impression d’avoir pénétrer dans le même monde que les deux héros.
Ce roman se lit d’une traite malgré sa longueur et peut-être même son aspect prévisible. Cette intrigue est très efficace et le milieu militaire très bien évoqué est un vrai plus. Il ne reste plus qu’à attendre avec patience que l’auteure conclut cette histoire car elle a parfaitement réussi son coup.
June 28, 2015
Talk about a fantastic lust filled, sexual tension overloaded read. This book was a great read that kept you turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
It starts in a bar.
A sexy, incredibly hot alpha male marine out with his buddies celebrating a promotion. Alex Cruz exudes testosterone and is a real mans man. A career marine who lives by the code, never wavering from the rules that he has always followed.
A brief chance encounter in a bar with a gorgeous girl.
Cassie Bennett wants to make something of herself, she wants to prove her mother wrong. She is strong, beautiful, hard working and a student marine.
Fate steps in and things get crazy when it turns out that Alex is in fact Cassie's instructor. Their chemistry sizzles and the lust and sexual tension bouncing off these two is like a volcano getting ready to erupt.... And erupt it does.
Alex has never broken the marine code, his colleagues hold him on a pedestal but that all changes when Cassie is thrust into his life. He tries to deny his feelings, his moods change constantly but in the end the pull to her is inescapable.
I loved these characters and their forbidden relationship and feelings. They are risking everything by being together and the suspense of waiting to see if they get caught whilst having their secret encounters kept me on the edge of my seat.
The story line moved so effortlessly and kept you turning the pages, wanting to see what happened next. The secondary characters I both loved and hated, with some being loyal and supportive whilst others where hell bent on trying to find proof of their fraternization and tearing them apart. It isn't until an major incident occurs that their cover in blown when Alex acts out as Cassie's boyfriend rather than her instructor and things get complicated.
It was great getting an insight into the lives of marines and I thought that Cindy did her research well. Her writing style flows and ensures an easy read, making it a really enjoyable experience.
In my opinion the story didn't leave off in a cliff hanger, so much as there being so much more of it to tell. I can't wait for the next instalment, so we can find out what is to become of Alex and Cassie and the consequences of their Fraternization.
A MUST read!
It starts in a bar.
A sexy, incredibly hot alpha male marine out with his buddies celebrating a promotion. Alex Cruz exudes testosterone and is a real mans man. A career marine who lives by the code, never wavering from the rules that he has always followed.
A brief chance encounter in a bar with a gorgeous girl.
Cassie Bennett wants to make something of herself, she wants to prove her mother wrong. She is strong, beautiful, hard working and a student marine.
Fate steps in and things get crazy when it turns out that Alex is in fact Cassie's instructor. Their chemistry sizzles and the lust and sexual tension bouncing off these two is like a volcano getting ready to erupt.... And erupt it does.
Alex has never broken the marine code, his colleagues hold him on a pedestal but that all changes when Cassie is thrust into his life. He tries to deny his feelings, his moods change constantly but in the end the pull to her is inescapable.
I loved these characters and their forbidden relationship and feelings. They are risking everything by being together and the suspense of waiting to see if they get caught whilst having their secret encounters kept me on the edge of my seat.
The story line moved so effortlessly and kept you turning the pages, wanting to see what happened next. The secondary characters I both loved and hated, with some being loyal and supportive whilst others where hell bent on trying to find proof of their fraternization and tearing them apart. It isn't until an major incident occurs that their cover in blown when Alex acts out as Cassie's boyfriend rather than her instructor and things get complicated.
It was great getting an insight into the lives of marines and I thought that Cindy did her research well. Her writing style flows and ensures an easy read, making it a really enjoyable experience.
In my opinion the story didn't leave off in a cliff hanger, so much as there being so much more of it to tell. I can't wait for the next instalment, so we can find out what is to become of Alex and Cassie and the consequences of their Fraternization.
A MUST read!
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