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Hunk for the Holidays #2
Ring in the Holidays
THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions. Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
38 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Katie Lane
59 books578 followersKatie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas, Hunk for the Holidays, Overnight Billionaires, Tender Heart Texas, Bad Boy Ranch, Kingman Ranch, Holiday Ranch series. Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and cuddling with her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier, Roo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 6, 2018
Ellie Simpson is trying to build a medical practice. She's a psychologist who specialize in relationship counseling and sex therapy. What would her clients think if they knew that she's a virgin ?
Convinced that she need a vacation after Ellie's break-up, her best friend booked them a trip to Las Vegas for Christmas. After learning that her ex cheated on her, Ellie is pissed and hurt, and she then decide that there's nothing stopping her from having fun and forgetting the bastard, even if it mean losing her virginity with a one-night stand.
Matthew is a lawyer for M&M Construction, his father's company. An eternal bachelor with the reputation of a player, but lately everything bore him. Ellie is certainly not his type. But for a reason he can't explain, one night was not enough for him. Could it be because for the first time in his life he wasn't the one to leave the room the night after ? Well, he's gonna have to wait a year for his answer and to meet with Ellie again.
Here's the story of two people who weren't ready to fall in love.
It took me half the book before I began to enjoy this story and the main reason was the hero. I didn't like him. He seemed and sounded immature, douche at time, too arrogant and he just got on my nerves too much. And I really don't like wondering and not knowing if someone is joking or not when they're talking and with Matthew, it was like that all the time. To be honest, I considered giving up (a first since it's the first time I didn't appreciate a book by this author), but I continued for the other characters and I'm glad I did because they made not only the second half bearable but they also made me enjoy my reading tremendously. I read almost all of this author's series and she always give us a great cast of characters but I love the McPherson's family more and more with each books. Like I said, reading about them saved the book for me, whether it was the great-aunt Wheezie, the bickering between Matthew and his brother Patrick, their parent's squabble or their pregnant sister who jumped to conclusions or the women at the shelter where Mrs. McPherson give some of her time. I must say that while I like the originality of the romance, I wasn't completely sold on it too. A little bit too much antagonizing that felt mean sometimes.
In short, Katie Lane's amazing writing style was still at work and this book was full of great ideas, but it felt short for the first half because of the hero's attitude and personality.
Convinced that she need a vacation after Ellie's break-up, her best friend booked them a trip to Las Vegas for Christmas. After learning that her ex cheated on her, Ellie is pissed and hurt, and she then decide that there's nothing stopping her from having fun and forgetting the bastard, even if it mean losing her virginity with a one-night stand.
Matthew is a lawyer for M&M Construction, his father's company. An eternal bachelor with the reputation of a player, but lately everything bore him. Ellie is certainly not his type. But for a reason he can't explain, one night was not enough for him. Could it be because for the first time in his life he wasn't the one to leave the room the night after ? Well, he's gonna have to wait a year for his answer and to meet with Ellie again.
Here's the story of two people who weren't ready to fall in love.
It took me half the book before I began to enjoy this story and the main reason was the hero. I didn't like him. He seemed and sounded immature, douche at time, too arrogant and he just got on my nerves too much. And I really don't like wondering and not knowing if someone is joking or not when they're talking and with Matthew, it was like that all the time. To be honest, I considered giving up (a first since it's the first time I didn't appreciate a book by this author), but I continued for the other characters and I'm glad I did because they made not only the second half bearable but they also made me enjoy my reading tremendously. I read almost all of this author's series and she always give us a great cast of characters but I love the McPherson's family more and more with each books. Like I said, reading about them saved the book for me, whether it was the great-aunt Wheezie, the bickering between Matthew and his brother Patrick, their parent's squabble or their pregnant sister who jumped to conclusions or the women at the shelter where Mrs. McPherson give some of her time. I must say that while I like the originality of the romance, I wasn't completely sold on it too. A little bit too much antagonizing that felt mean sometimes.
In short, Katie Lane's amazing writing style was still at work and this book was full of great ideas, but it felt short for the first half because of the hero's attitude and personality.
May 30, 2015
3.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Ring in the Holidays is the 2nd book of the Hunk for the Holidays series by one of my favorite authors Katie Lane. Although, this book wasn't my favorite of hers I enjoyed it quite a bit and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a story that will give you a little bit of everything. Ms. Lane gives us a fun story with a bit more depth than is offered by some contemporary romance books. The characters are well-developed and real.
Matthew McPherson has been able to talk his way into and out of any situation pretty much his whole life. But, there is just something about Ellie that makes him forget his charm and brings out his worst. He had an off-the-charts night with her in Vegas and if he's being honest with himself that's what scares him the most. He can't get her out of his mind and that's never happened to him when it comes to a woman.
Ellie Simpson has just found out that her ex-fiance didn't just break up with her because he was unhappy in their relationship. It seems he cheated on her. This is a particular kick in the teeth considering she has been saving herself for their wedding night and he seemed on board with this. Well, she's in Vegas now and what better place to let loose and be someone she's not? One hot, anonymous night with a super hot guy was exactly what she needed. Except that one night was a night that she not only can't forget, but seems to be coming back to haunt her. She's moved to a new town to start her own Psych practice and ride out the success of her newly released best-selling self-help book. She's not sure what's more of a problem coming face-to-face with her biggest fantasy again or seeing how much her book is affecting the relationships of so many couples.
Matthew drove me crazy in so many parts. I loved his heat and passion, but his inability to let go of the past and get to know Ellie for who she is and not who he thought she was made me want to smack him at times. He came through in the end, though. The secondary characters, other than Ellie's best-friend, who I thought was not a very supportive and loyal person, were what made the book. I am very interested in reading more of this family and hearing their stories.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. This loan did not influence my review in any way.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Ring in the Holidays is the 2nd book of the Hunk for the Holidays series by one of my favorite authors Katie Lane. Although, this book wasn't my favorite of hers I enjoyed it quite a bit and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a story that will give you a little bit of everything. Ms. Lane gives us a fun story with a bit more depth than is offered by some contemporary romance books. The characters are well-developed and real.
Matthew McPherson has been able to talk his way into and out of any situation pretty much his whole life. But, there is just something about Ellie that makes him forget his charm and brings out his worst. He had an off-the-charts night with her in Vegas and if he's being honest with himself that's what scares him the most. He can't get her out of his mind and that's never happened to him when it comes to a woman.
Ellie Simpson has just found out that her ex-fiance didn't just break up with her because he was unhappy in their relationship. It seems he cheated on her. This is a particular kick in the teeth considering she has been saving herself for their wedding night and he seemed on board with this. Well, she's in Vegas now and what better place to let loose and be someone she's not? One hot, anonymous night with a super hot guy was exactly what she needed. Except that one night was a night that she not only can't forget, but seems to be coming back to haunt her. She's moved to a new town to start her own Psych practice and ride out the success of her newly released best-selling self-help book. She's not sure what's more of a problem coming face-to-face with her biggest fantasy again or seeing how much her book is affecting the relationships of so many couples.
Matthew drove me crazy in so many parts. I loved his heat and passion, but his inability to let go of the past and get to know Ellie for who she is and not who he thought she was made me want to smack him at times. He came through in the end, though. The secondary characters, other than Ellie's best-friend, who I thought was not a very supportive and loyal person, were what made the book. I am very interested in reading more of this family and hearing their stories.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. This loan did not influence my review in any way.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
January 22, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ri...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
What can I say but….HOT’ish! It was a well-crafted, easy to read story. The premise is that Ellie Simpson, psychologist (and author of a book on the virtues of abstinence in a relationship), has saved herself for marriage to her fiancée Riley but is devastated when she finds out Riley has been with other woman physically since they became engaged. So to assist Ellie in getting over her heartbreak, her best friend Sidney takes her to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve. And the most out of character thing happens….Ellie ends up hooking up with a guy for a night of debauchery. Now I must say… this is where I found the plot a bit far-fetched. If a woman has waited her whole life, why would she then break this vow to herself to a veritable stranger? Can’t really see it happening…but this is fiction after all.
Now the reader will quickly learn that Ellie feels she is average looking. What she is …is a petite woman with a BAD haircut and a smokin’ body. And men just ogle her “big rack”. So hooking up in Vegas was not a problem. In comes Matthew….the smokin’ hot guy of the story. Matthew has NEVER had a problem with his love ‘em and leave ‘em lifestyle but for some reason…after a HOT evening with Ellie, he does not want to move on with anyone else. The two of them essentially had a night together and did not exchange names, etc. Luckily for Matthew, Ellie did right her name on his butt cheek :)
They both go their own way…back to Denver or New York and life goes on. Except that both Ellie and Matthew cannot get the other out of their mind. As life is difficult living in New York with Riley trying to re-pursue Ellie, she decides to up and move and both she and Sidney move to Denver. During a book signing, Ellie runs across Matthew again and the attraction is still there. Needless to say, many funny, quirky and entertaining things happen as the two try to navigate the road back to each other (if that is even possible).
Aunt Wheezie is Matthew’s aunt and the family match maker. She insists that all the grandkids need to get settled before she leaves this earth. So she sets her sites on getting Matthew to re-connect with Ellie. The lengths she goes to is just priceless.
I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of Matthew’s character. He was not nearly as shallow as he was portrayed in the early part of the book. His connection to his family is heart-warming and showed that he was possibly ready to put the playboy lifestyle behind him. Of course – the journey is fraught with hiccups and misunderstandings, but the journey was enjoyable, funny, heart-warming and entertaining. An easy read which will supply the reader with laughs as well as potential tears (depending on your personal interpretation of the “mushy” sections).
Overall, a pleasant afternoon read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
What can I say but….HOT’ish! It was a well-crafted, easy to read story. The premise is that Ellie Simpson, psychologist (and author of a book on the virtues of abstinence in a relationship), has saved herself for marriage to her fiancée Riley but is devastated when she finds out Riley has been with other woman physically since they became engaged. So to assist Ellie in getting over her heartbreak, her best friend Sidney takes her to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve. And the most out of character thing happens….Ellie ends up hooking up with a guy for a night of debauchery. Now I must say… this is where I found the plot a bit far-fetched. If a woman has waited her whole life, why would she then break this vow to herself to a veritable stranger? Can’t really see it happening…but this is fiction after all.
Now the reader will quickly learn that Ellie feels she is average looking. What she is …is a petite woman with a BAD haircut and a smokin’ body. And men just ogle her “big rack”. So hooking up in Vegas was not a problem. In comes Matthew….the smokin’ hot guy of the story. Matthew has NEVER had a problem with his love ‘em and leave ‘em lifestyle but for some reason…after a HOT evening with Ellie, he does not want to move on with anyone else. The two of them essentially had a night together and did not exchange names, etc. Luckily for Matthew, Ellie did right her name on his butt cheek :)
They both go their own way…back to Denver or New York and life goes on. Except that both Ellie and Matthew cannot get the other out of their mind. As life is difficult living in New York with Riley trying to re-pursue Ellie, she decides to up and move and both she and Sidney move to Denver. During a book signing, Ellie runs across Matthew again and the attraction is still there. Needless to say, many funny, quirky and entertaining things happen as the two try to navigate the road back to each other (if that is even possible).
Aunt Wheezie is Matthew’s aunt and the family match maker. She insists that all the grandkids need to get settled before she leaves this earth. So she sets her sites on getting Matthew to re-connect with Ellie. The lengths she goes to is just priceless.
I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of Matthew’s character. He was not nearly as shallow as he was portrayed in the early part of the book. His connection to his family is heart-warming and showed that he was possibly ready to put the playboy lifestyle behind him. Of course – the journey is fraught with hiccups and misunderstandings, but the journey was enjoyable, funny, heart-warming and entertaining. An easy read which will supply the reader with laughs as well as potential tears (depending on your personal interpretation of the “mushy” sections).
Overall, a pleasant afternoon read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 27, 2015
Ellie, a virgin sex therapist meets Matt (Cassie's brother from book 1) in Vegas on New Years Eve and they have a one night stand. 11 months later they meet up again. Matt is mad that she took off, Ellie is wary of his player ways.Can they form a truce? Hook up again? Be friends? Matt's family figures prominently in this book. His parents who have marital problems of their own, Cassie who thinks James is cheating on her, and Aunt Wheasie is back at it playing matchmaker again. I love this series. I love Katie Lanes writing style. Great holiday read.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this fun book! Psychologist Ellie Simpson is a thirty year old virgin. She left her cheating boyfriend and headed to Vegas with her best friend for New Year's eve. Having a few drinks and a sexy stranger gives her a night she'll never forget! Matthew McPherson is a playboy through and through! One night with Ellie cramps his gameplay! They never exchanged names and months later they meet each other again. And they can't stand each other! This book makes you laugh, cry and get into the Christmas spirit!
Read
May 21, 2015review to come
November 29, 2014
4.25 stars. funny sweet sexy and heartbreaking... full review coming soon to the blog
October 20, 2015
It was a little better than okay!
November 28, 2017
Ring in the Holidays kicks off in Las Vegas, the anti-Christmas-spirit capital of the United States. Clinical psychologist Ellie Simpson had an unfortunate encounter with a dull razor, her dissertation isn’t quite finished, and her fiancé broke off their engagement. Best friend Sidney has the perfect solution. According to her BFF/assistant, there can’t be a better environment which in to move on than smoky, sexually charged, and salacious Vegas. Her response to Ellie’s complaints about the Vegas atmosphere is dead on: “At the rate you’re going, you’ll live to be a hundred. A hundred-year-old, unhappy, nonsmoking, tee-totaling virgin.”
But waiting in the wings is Mr. Right aka attorney Matthew McPherson. He sweeps Ellie off her feet and on to the crowded dance floor.
Suddenly, sexual attraction became something more than just a definition in a textbook. Like iron filings to a magnet, every cell in her body shifted toward the man. Her heart thumped like crazy, her breath paused, and the pit of her stomach felt as if she had just reached the peak of the highest roller coaster.
Matthew and Ellie decide to sashay their way out of the cocktail lounge into his suite which is “decorated entirely in various shades of red” and is known as The Heat Suite. Ellie is sophisticated and witty, quipping that the burgundy red room is “very feng shui” and eventually getting into a heated discussion with a complacent, satiated Matthew about the probabilities of having female orgasms solely through penetration. Ellie makes up for lost sexual time, shimming down the shiny brass stripper pole, racking up some impressive orgasms through outer and inner penetration, before finally slipping away in the wee hours. Why isn’t Matthew happy about being left alone with fabulous memories and a permanent pen heart drawn on his sexy butt? He thinks, “she’d given him exactly what every guy dreamed about: no-strings-attached-sex.”
Because Christmas romances are closely related to wish-fulfillment fairytales, we know that Matthew and Ellie are fated to meet again. Eleven months later Ellie has upended her life, writing a book and moving to snowy Denver. A month before Christmas, she’s at a book store table, signing copies of her bestseller Virgin Love, a paean to the joys of abstinence within and without sexual relationships, when the man from the Heat Suite smiles down at her.
“So who can I make it this out to?” She picked up the pen. The question caused his smile to wilt and both eyebrows to lift.
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already.”
Bring on the cat and mouse sexual sparring, culminating, after Ellie simply signs her name, with Matthew’s riposte,
“That’s it? I was hoping for something a little more personal. Something like . . . I’ll always cherish the night we had in Vegas. Love, Ellie the Virgin.” He flashed her a smile, “With a heart around Ellie, of course.”
Neither Ellie nor Matthew can forget their anonymous and sexually charged night in Vegas, because it was joyful, intimate, and life-changing. Matthew may have been her first and still her only but eleven months later, Ellie is the last woman with whom Matthew has been intimate. Even though he’s aggrieved that Ellie walked out on him in Vegas, he has to admit that he has a fatal “emotional connection” with the woman he refuses to let slip away again. The magic of the season, the loving interference of friends and family, and most importantly, the love that grows between them, make their relationship a war of the sexes that culminates in a passionate win/win.
But waiting in the wings is Mr. Right aka attorney Matthew McPherson. He sweeps Ellie off her feet and on to the crowded dance floor.
Suddenly, sexual attraction became something more than just a definition in a textbook. Like iron filings to a magnet, every cell in her body shifted toward the man. Her heart thumped like crazy, her breath paused, and the pit of her stomach felt as if she had just reached the peak of the highest roller coaster.
Matthew and Ellie decide to sashay their way out of the cocktail lounge into his suite which is “decorated entirely in various shades of red” and is known as The Heat Suite. Ellie is sophisticated and witty, quipping that the burgundy red room is “very feng shui” and eventually getting into a heated discussion with a complacent, satiated Matthew about the probabilities of having female orgasms solely through penetration. Ellie makes up for lost sexual time, shimming down the shiny brass stripper pole, racking up some impressive orgasms through outer and inner penetration, before finally slipping away in the wee hours. Why isn’t Matthew happy about being left alone with fabulous memories and a permanent pen heart drawn on his sexy butt? He thinks, “she’d given him exactly what every guy dreamed about: no-strings-attached-sex.”
Because Christmas romances are closely related to wish-fulfillment fairytales, we know that Matthew and Ellie are fated to meet again. Eleven months later Ellie has upended her life, writing a book and moving to snowy Denver. A month before Christmas, she’s at a book store table, signing copies of her bestseller Virgin Love, a paean to the joys of abstinence within and without sexual relationships, when the man from the Heat Suite smiles down at her.
“So who can I make it this out to?” She picked up the pen. The question caused his smile to wilt and both eyebrows to lift.
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already.”
Bring on the cat and mouse sexual sparring, culminating, after Ellie simply signs her name, with Matthew’s riposte,
“That’s it? I was hoping for something a little more personal. Something like . . . I’ll always cherish the night we had in Vegas. Love, Ellie the Virgin.” He flashed her a smile, “With a heart around Ellie, of course.”
Neither Ellie nor Matthew can forget their anonymous and sexually charged night in Vegas, because it was joyful, intimate, and life-changing. Matthew may have been her first and still her only but eleven months later, Ellie is the last woman with whom Matthew has been intimate. Even though he’s aggrieved that Ellie walked out on him in Vegas, he has to admit that he has a fatal “emotional connection” with the woman he refuses to let slip away again. The magic of the season, the loving interference of friends and family, and most importantly, the love that grows between them, make their relationship a war of the sexes that culminates in a passionate win/win.
December 28, 2017
Great story
This was such a great story. I love how the story focuses on Mattie and Ellie but also manages to paint a full picture of the entire McPherson family. The writing is fantastic and I feel like this entire cast of amazing characters are my friends. A great read for the holidays without being too holiday focused.
This was such a great story. I love how the story focuses on Mattie and Ellie but also manages to paint a full picture of the entire McPherson family. The writing is fantastic and I feel like this entire cast of amazing characters are my friends. A great read for the holidays without being too holiday focused.
February 4, 2022
Oh my, this story... it was something that held my breath, something that made my cheeks flush with anticipation. It was seriously good and interesting, but I had a feeling that in the end it was a bit... quick? Which is not something I wanted after waiting for so long for THAT MOMENT to happen...
July 13, 2017
Love Katie's books!
July 27, 2018
Steamy
Nice and steamy virgin romance. I love the stories where the guy is the one most convinced that they should be together.
Nice and steamy virgin romance. I love the stories where the guy is the one most convinced that they should be together.
July 30, 2018
Love the twists n turns of this love story n unfortunate moments with the mcpherson family. Wheezie the scheming aunty classic n really has her work cut out for her this time.
December 13, 2018
25% et je sens que cela ne va pas le faire ... mais pas du tout!!
December 17, 2014
Ellie is a very confused woman. She preaches that people should practice abstinence but can't seem to keep her clothes on when she meets Matthew. For poor Matthew, meeting Ellie is going to change his life forever. Until Ellie came along he was quite the ladies man but after one night with Ellie he just can't get interested in anyone else. Ellie runs after their night together and the two of them spend nearly a year apart. Fate intervenes and forces them back together and then relationship building ensues. And it's all about love!
I liked that Ellie has drawn a line at no sex because she believes that couples should have an emotional relationship. Ellie's beliefs seem to come from a very real, very hurt place. I liked that her father was shown as both a cheater and a good man. I like that Ellie tried to see Matthew as being like her dad but she could never quite make it work. Matthew assumes that Ellie is as much a player as he is after their night together. He acts like a little boy trying to get her attention by doing all of the wrong things. They are very cute together.
I liked the abused women subplot. I liked how strong Matthew's mother was and how the subplot allowed Matthew to introduce his love of art. I did not like the scene where Matthew shows up at the shelter unannounced and the women are all so happy to see him. Um, abused women live at the shelter. With their kids. And then Matthew befriends one of the teens and no one questions him spending time alone with her. What?
I didn't like that the reader never got to see Ellie tell her mother that she will never get back together with her cheating former fiancé. I felt like it was a lost opportunity for Ellie to have an aha moment. I was also disappointed that many of the side characters were sketches instead of complete people. For instance, Matthew's brother Patrick likes to dress casual and pick on his brother. Ok, but he is an adult and I would think there is more to him than that.
Now to the insta-love. I enjoyed the immediate attraction when Ellie and Matthew first meet. She's a little drunk. He is only fulfilling a bet with his buddies. Nice setup. They both pine for each other. That was a nice touch to have them living very separate lives. I enjoyed the she likes him, they are going to be friends, can they become more dynamic. It was a bit light weight but enjoyable. I was not thrilled with the conclusion. It was a bit fast for my taste. It felt like the book had reached it's maximum number of pages so here's the end!
So why 4 stars? I found myself wanting to read the book. I genuinely enjoyed it. I thought is was well written and edited. And honestly, I liked the main characters even if I didn't love everything about the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance with touches of humor. This book can be read without reading the first book in the series. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for action or tension. It's not that kind of story.
Quotes:
Taking a deep breath, Ellie tried to remember that anger was just a by-product of much deeper emotions. Usually pain. She was hurt. Not only at the thought of riley having sex with Valerie, but also because he'd been doing it the entire time he was calling her his sweet little virgin. page 7
"Welcome to Casa McPherson, Dr. Simpson," he said as he lifted up two pizza boxes. "Where men run around naked and pizza gets delivered straight to your door." page 190
copy won from
I liked that Ellie has drawn a line at no sex because she believes that couples should have an emotional relationship. Ellie's beliefs seem to come from a very real, very hurt place. I liked that her father was shown as both a cheater and a good man. I like that Ellie tried to see Matthew as being like her dad but she could never quite make it work. Matthew assumes that Ellie is as much a player as he is after their night together. He acts like a little boy trying to get her attention by doing all of the wrong things. They are very cute together.
I liked the abused women subplot. I liked how strong Matthew's mother was and how the subplot allowed Matthew to introduce his love of art. I did not like the scene where Matthew shows up at the shelter unannounced and the women are all so happy to see him. Um, abused women live at the shelter. With their kids. And then Matthew befriends one of the teens and no one questions him spending time alone with her. What?
I didn't like that the reader never got to see Ellie tell her mother that she will never get back together with her cheating former fiancé. I felt like it was a lost opportunity for Ellie to have an aha moment. I was also disappointed that many of the side characters were sketches instead of complete people. For instance, Matthew's brother Patrick likes to dress casual and pick on his brother. Ok, but he is an adult and I would think there is more to him than that.
Now to the insta-love. I enjoyed the immediate attraction when Ellie and Matthew first meet. She's a little drunk. He is only fulfilling a bet with his buddies. Nice setup. They both pine for each other. That was a nice touch to have them living very separate lives. I enjoyed the she likes him, they are going to be friends, can they become more dynamic. It was a bit light weight but enjoyable. I was not thrilled with the conclusion. It was a bit fast for my taste. It felt like the book had reached it's maximum number of pages so here's the end!
So why 4 stars? I found myself wanting to read the book. I genuinely enjoyed it. I thought is was well written and edited. And honestly, I liked the main characters even if I didn't love everything about the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance with touches of humor. This book can be read without reading the first book in the series. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for action or tension. It's not that kind of story.
Quotes:
Taking a deep breath, Ellie tried to remember that anger was just a by-product of much deeper emotions. Usually pain. She was hurt. Not only at the thought of riley having sex with Valerie, but also because he'd been doing it the entire time he was calling her his sweet little virgin. page 7
"Welcome to Casa McPherson, Dr. Simpson," he said as he lifted up two pizza boxes. "Where men run around naked and pizza gets delivered straight to your door." page 190
copy won from
August 28, 2014
Title: Ring in the Holidays
Author: Katie Lane
Publisher: Forever
Series: Hunk for the Holidays #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"Ring in the Holidays" by Katie Lane
Book Description...
"THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER
Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.
Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there."
Why I Read This Book:
I liked the book cover
What I like about this novel:
It was a good entertaining holiday read that will keep your attention from the start to finish. This author really knows how to give the reader a interesting romance. Who knew when this heroine (Elle) would meet up with this hero (Matthew) in Vegas and it seemed to be the right time for each of these two. Why was that? It seems like Ellie was at her lowest point when her life wasn't going the way she thought it should go especially after her boyfriend had dropped her. Now, she had a night with a hot man in Vegas thinking that what happens in Vegas stays...well this wasn't what happened. It was after Ellie's book tour was over when she and her best friend Sidney decides to move to the same city that this guy she had met in Vegas lived. But what chance would they ever meet? Well from her book that this heroine Dr. Ellie Simpson has written....'Virginal Love: Separating Lust from True Emotions' who would have thought this would bring the hero Matthew McPherson and his family altogether in a really emotional dramatic romantic read. This author really worked her magic with the characters in her story as you will see that they are all richly developed where each one comes alive on the pages along being so well developed, engaging, depicted, memorable, well portrayed and most of all giving the reader a believable good read.
What I Also Like:
The humor that this author brings out in this read from the character Louis McPherson Douglas...known as Wheezie was really amazing! I will say this one character had me laughing so hard in several interesting scenes.
Be ready for the interesting read from "Ring in the Holiday" where you just may find... that from their meeting of the two in Vegas ...then on to Chicago...meeting the hero again...the crazy friend with some ideas for a new novel...seeing Matthew and meeting his family... and that interesting aunt with a agenda of her own....Ellie's mom's visit finally facing her problem head on and on to the end that will answer the question. Again, you will have to pick up "Ring in the Holiday" to see if Ellie and Matthew will have a future together.
My overall impression:
This was a good humorous heartwarming romance that would be a perfect holiday read that I would definitely recommend to you.
Author: Katie Lane
Publisher: Forever
Series: Hunk for the Holidays #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"Ring in the Holidays" by Katie Lane
Book Description...
"THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER
Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.
Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there."
Why I Read This Book:
I liked the book cover
What I like about this novel:
It was a good entertaining holiday read that will keep your attention from the start to finish. This author really knows how to give the reader a interesting romance. Who knew when this heroine (Elle) would meet up with this hero (Matthew) in Vegas and it seemed to be the right time for each of these two. Why was that? It seems like Ellie was at her lowest point when her life wasn't going the way she thought it should go especially after her boyfriend had dropped her. Now, she had a night with a hot man in Vegas thinking that what happens in Vegas stays...well this wasn't what happened. It was after Ellie's book tour was over when she and her best friend Sidney decides to move to the same city that this guy she had met in Vegas lived. But what chance would they ever meet? Well from her book that this heroine Dr. Ellie Simpson has written....'Virginal Love: Separating Lust from True Emotions' who would have thought this would bring the hero Matthew McPherson and his family altogether in a really emotional dramatic romantic read. This author really worked her magic with the characters in her story as you will see that they are all richly developed where each one comes alive on the pages along being so well developed, engaging, depicted, memorable, well portrayed and most of all giving the reader a believable good read.
What I Also Like:
The humor that this author brings out in this read from the character Louis McPherson Douglas...known as Wheezie was really amazing! I will say this one character had me laughing so hard in several interesting scenes.
Be ready for the interesting read from "Ring in the Holiday" where you just may find... that from their meeting of the two in Vegas ...then on to Chicago...meeting the hero again...the crazy friend with some ideas for a new novel...seeing Matthew and meeting his family... and that interesting aunt with a agenda of her own....Ellie's mom's visit finally facing her problem head on and on to the end that will answer the question. Again, you will have to pick up "Ring in the Holiday" to see if Ellie and Matthew will have a future together.
My overall impression:
This was a good humorous heartwarming romance that would be a perfect holiday read that I would definitely recommend to you.
December 16, 2014
Ring In The Holidays
By Katie Lane
Dr. Ellie Simpson is a sex therapist who believes "that sex and love are separate things and should be treated that way. Abstinence is a way to create that separation. to see whether or not you're compatible outside the bedroom." She also doesn't believe in one night stands. Oh, and she is a thirty year old virgin. Her best seller book on this theory creates quite a stir. Ellie also practices this theory. As a result, her fiancé cheats on her. To help her get over her cheating ex-fiancé, Ellie heads to Las Vegas with her best friend Sidney for a vacation. Sidney tries to convince Ellie to let loose.
Matthew McPherson, the youngest son of Big Al McPherson who owned M & M Construction, was the company's top corporate lawyer. He was young, single, had money and everything he could want, yet he was bored. Matthew could have any woman that he wanted at any time. But it was getting old. He wanted something else. He makes a bet with his friends and is surprised by the result.
After a little bit of liquid courage, Ellie ends up in Matthew's room, getting rid of her virginity and breaking one of her rules, no one night stands. During their time together, they are very honest and open with each other, due to the fact that they are strangers, it is only one night and no names have been exchanged. But there is something different here. Ellie leaves the next morning without waking Matthew afraid of what she is feeling.
Ellie decides to start over in a new city and chooses Denver. During a book signing, her nameless prince charming shows up. Ellie doesn't know how to handle it. She finds out who Matthew is, a rich lady's man who she believes only wants sex from women and couldn't commit to any one person. Matthew's goal is to prove to Ellie that is not who he really is, despite his reputation. Ellie's book has created quite a disruption between many men and women, including Matthew's parents. During all of this, his great aunt Wheezie's goal is to have all of her family married off before she dies. She is very busy with her matchmaking efforts. Before Ellie can find any happiness, she has to get over her past and learn to trust Matthew. Matthew has to learn that he too must make changes in order to find the happiness he seeks.
Once again, Katie Lane does not disappoint. I loved her last holiday book, A Hunk For The Holidays and couldn't wait for the next story. The secondary characters are fantastic. Matthew's mother Mary Kay runs a shelter for abused women, and shares the love she has for family with the women and children living there. Big Al, the patriarch, is a workaholic which causes an issue in the family especially with Mary Kay. His sister Cassandra and James are awaiting the birth of another child and are having issues themselves, while Matt's brother Patrick prefers to spend time by himself and dodge Wheezie's matchmaking efforts.. His great aunt Louise, who goes by Wheezie is a riot. She lives to match make. Eventually Ellie and Matthew realize what is coming between them to prevent their relationship from moving forward and they both must learn to trust each other to make it work. This is an excellent book. Ms Lane addresses many issues with her characters in this book, trust, commitment, communication, abuse and most importantly, love of family. I look forward to her next book in this series. I highly recommend this book
By Katie Lane
Dr. Ellie Simpson is a sex therapist who believes "that sex and love are separate things and should be treated that way. Abstinence is a way to create that separation. to see whether or not you're compatible outside the bedroom." She also doesn't believe in one night stands. Oh, and she is a thirty year old virgin. Her best seller book on this theory creates quite a stir. Ellie also practices this theory. As a result, her fiancé cheats on her. To help her get over her cheating ex-fiancé, Ellie heads to Las Vegas with her best friend Sidney for a vacation. Sidney tries to convince Ellie to let loose.
Matthew McPherson, the youngest son of Big Al McPherson who owned M & M Construction, was the company's top corporate lawyer. He was young, single, had money and everything he could want, yet he was bored. Matthew could have any woman that he wanted at any time. But it was getting old. He wanted something else. He makes a bet with his friends and is surprised by the result.
After a little bit of liquid courage, Ellie ends up in Matthew's room, getting rid of her virginity and breaking one of her rules, no one night stands. During their time together, they are very honest and open with each other, due to the fact that they are strangers, it is only one night and no names have been exchanged. But there is something different here. Ellie leaves the next morning without waking Matthew afraid of what she is feeling.
Ellie decides to start over in a new city and chooses Denver. During a book signing, her nameless prince charming shows up. Ellie doesn't know how to handle it. She finds out who Matthew is, a rich lady's man who she believes only wants sex from women and couldn't commit to any one person. Matthew's goal is to prove to Ellie that is not who he really is, despite his reputation. Ellie's book has created quite a disruption between many men and women, including Matthew's parents. During all of this, his great aunt Wheezie's goal is to have all of her family married off before she dies. She is very busy with her matchmaking efforts. Before Ellie can find any happiness, she has to get over her past and learn to trust Matthew. Matthew has to learn that he too must make changes in order to find the happiness he seeks.
Once again, Katie Lane does not disappoint. I loved her last holiday book, A Hunk For The Holidays and couldn't wait for the next story. The secondary characters are fantastic. Matthew's mother Mary Kay runs a shelter for abused women, and shares the love she has for family with the women and children living there. Big Al, the patriarch, is a workaholic which causes an issue in the family especially with Mary Kay. His sister Cassandra and James are awaiting the birth of another child and are having issues themselves, while Matt's brother Patrick prefers to spend time by himself and dodge Wheezie's matchmaking efforts.. His great aunt Louise, who goes by Wheezie is a riot. She lives to match make. Eventually Ellie and Matthew realize what is coming between them to prevent their relationship from moving forward and they both must learn to trust each other to make it work. This is an excellent book. Ms Lane addresses many issues with her characters in this book, trust, commitment, communication, abuse and most importantly, love of family. I look forward to her next book in this series. I highly recommend this book
September 30, 2014
My Review:
This book was so much more than what I expected. It takes place over the course of a year, but starts with New Year's Eve and a one-night Las Vegas hook-up. A hook up that didn't include names so the two had no way to get hold of each other again although they both did try. But in the interim of that year, Ellie, who's a sex therapist, released a self-help book that's become a huge best-seller...all about how sometimes relationships need abstinence to focus on the emotions rather than the sex for success. That message has gotten a bit lost to most the readers so most men now hate Ellie and most women are working on that abstinence thing.
It was a fun premise. When Ellie and Matthew hooked up he was a serious player. He's good looking and charming and most women are more than willing to hook-up with him. He's gotten a bit sick of the monotony of it, but his friends are giving him a hard time about how easy he has it with him, so meeting Ellie is based on a bet with his buddies. Ellie has just had her heart broken by her fiance. At 30, she's a virgin and thought he was too. They were saving that for their marriage and then came to find out that he'd been sleeping around.
So not cool and so Ellie is in Vegas.... a bit drunk, looking for revenge, and then overwhelmed by the extremely sexy and masculine Matthew. The night is amazing, but Ellie doesn't stick around for the morning after and Matthew has no way to trace her until his mother has her book.
The entire set-up of this book was fun. Ellie is a virginal sex therapist. Matthew is a man-whore who's changed his ways since their one hot night together. There's a meddling great aunt who sees herself as a matchmaker and Matthew's wonderful, interfering, loving family who both love him and drive him crazy. The whole family is in the book throughout the story with their secret santa games and a lot of sub-plots that kept the book fun and interesting. There's also Ellie's best friend who has extremely different and jaded views on love and sex than Ellie does. There is tons of marriage drama and family drama, but at the heart of the story is the fact that every relationship, no matter how good, takes TONS of work from both parties to make it happy in the end. There were also visits to a woman's shelter that's a good reminder, especially through the holidays, that there are so many out there who struggle.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and although I received a copy for review, plan to buy a print copy for my keeper shelf. This is the kind of holiday story that I like to re-read every year! I definitely recommend it...just a small warning...go into it knowing that although Ellie is supposed to be a sex therapist, she does have small moments of high naivety which were a little unbelievable. My single (tiny) complaint about the book that was easily overlooked with the strengths of the rest of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this in return for an honest review.
This book was so much more than what I expected. It takes place over the course of a year, but starts with New Year's Eve and a one-night Las Vegas hook-up. A hook up that didn't include names so the two had no way to get hold of each other again although they both did try. But in the interim of that year, Ellie, who's a sex therapist, released a self-help book that's become a huge best-seller...all about how sometimes relationships need abstinence to focus on the emotions rather than the sex for success. That message has gotten a bit lost to most the readers so most men now hate Ellie and most women are working on that abstinence thing.
It was a fun premise. When Ellie and Matthew hooked up he was a serious player. He's good looking and charming and most women are more than willing to hook-up with him. He's gotten a bit sick of the monotony of it, but his friends are giving him a hard time about how easy he has it with him, so meeting Ellie is based on a bet with his buddies. Ellie has just had her heart broken by her fiance. At 30, she's a virgin and thought he was too. They were saving that for their marriage and then came to find out that he'd been sleeping around.
So not cool and so Ellie is in Vegas.... a bit drunk, looking for revenge, and then overwhelmed by the extremely sexy and masculine Matthew. The night is amazing, but Ellie doesn't stick around for the morning after and Matthew has no way to trace her until his mother has her book.
The entire set-up of this book was fun. Ellie is a virginal sex therapist. Matthew is a man-whore who's changed his ways since their one hot night together. There's a meddling great aunt who sees herself as a matchmaker and Matthew's wonderful, interfering, loving family who both love him and drive him crazy. The whole family is in the book throughout the story with their secret santa games and a lot of sub-plots that kept the book fun and interesting. There's also Ellie's best friend who has extremely different and jaded views on love and sex than Ellie does. There is tons of marriage drama and family drama, but at the heart of the story is the fact that every relationship, no matter how good, takes TONS of work from both parties to make it happy in the end. There were also visits to a woman's shelter that's a good reminder, especially through the holidays, that there are so many out there who struggle.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and although I received a copy for review, plan to buy a print copy for my keeper shelf. This is the kind of holiday story that I like to re-read every year! I definitely recommend it...just a small warning...go into it knowing that although Ellie is supposed to be a sex therapist, she does have small moments of high naivety which were a little unbelievable. My single (tiny) complaint about the book that was easily overlooked with the strengths of the rest of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2017
Reviewed by Gemini
Ring in the Holidays is the second book in Katie Lane’s Hunk for the Holidays Series. The series is about the wealthy and successful McPherson siblings finding love. The first book, Hunk for the Holidays, was about the only sister. This one is about the youngest brother, Matthew “Matt” McPherson and the Sex Therapist that he meets in Las Vegas named Dr. Ellie Simpson.
While ringing in the new year with his friends, very eligible Matt McPherson makes a bet with his friends that lead him to proposition the very sexy but virginal Dr. Ellie Simpson. This proposition leads to a unforgettable one night stand where neither person knows the other’s name but wish that they had. The craziest thing about it all is that Matt has slept with over a hundred women while Ellie had just now had sex for the first time. Fast forward eleven months later and neither one has forgotten about the other nor had sex with anyone else. They both lived in different parts of the country until Ellie and her best friend/assistant Sidney decide to move to Denver where Matt also happens to live. However, what brings them together again is the book about abstinence that Matt’s mother gives to his sister. Ellie wrote the book and Matt sees her picture which allows him to find her at a book signing. Sadly, Ellie has a lot of baggage due to her father’s sex addiction that makes her opposed to having any future contact with Matt who she puts in the same category as her father. Luckily for Matt, Ellie is intrigued by his sexual background so she agrees to be his therapist while she secretly uses him as material for a new book.
I don’t want to give too much away so I will just say that everything that happens from start to finish in Ring in the Holidays is entertaining. The dialogue is witty and intelligent. Ellie and Matt have plenty of sexual chemistry but they are also good together in other areas. In addition, the McPherson family is just as intriguing. Their Aunt Wheezie is the ultimate matchmaker so she finds a way to meddle in her family’s lives and they don’t even know that they are being manipulated. She’s the smartest old lady that you will ever see. Nothing in the book was predictable except for the happily ever after which was very refreshing.
*Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.*
Ring in the Holidays is the second book in Katie Lane’s Hunk for the Holidays Series. The series is about the wealthy and successful McPherson siblings finding love. The first book, Hunk for the Holidays, was about the only sister. This one is about the youngest brother, Matthew “Matt” McPherson and the Sex Therapist that he meets in Las Vegas named Dr. Ellie Simpson.
While ringing in the new year with his friends, very eligible Matt McPherson makes a bet with his friends that lead him to proposition the very sexy but virginal Dr. Ellie Simpson. This proposition leads to a unforgettable one night stand where neither person knows the other’s name but wish that they had. The craziest thing about it all is that Matt has slept with over a hundred women while Ellie had just now had sex for the first time. Fast forward eleven months later and neither one has forgotten about the other nor had sex with anyone else. They both lived in different parts of the country until Ellie and her best friend/assistant Sidney decide to move to Denver where Matt also happens to live. However, what brings them together again is the book about abstinence that Matt’s mother gives to his sister. Ellie wrote the book and Matt sees her picture which allows him to find her at a book signing. Sadly, Ellie has a lot of baggage due to her father’s sex addiction that makes her opposed to having any future contact with Matt who she puts in the same category as her father. Luckily for Matt, Ellie is intrigued by his sexual background so she agrees to be his therapist while she secretly uses him as material for a new book.
I don’t want to give too much away so I will just say that everything that happens from start to finish in Ring in the Holidays is entertaining. The dialogue is witty and intelligent. Ellie and Matt have plenty of sexual chemistry but they are also good together in other areas. In addition, the McPherson family is just as intriguing. Their Aunt Wheezie is the ultimate matchmaker so she finds a way to meddle in her family’s lives and they don’t even know that they are being manipulated. She’s the smartest old lady that you will ever see. Nothing in the book was predictable except for the happily ever after which was very refreshing.
*Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.*
November 30, 2014
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I really had a good time reading “Ring in the Holidays”. Matt was sexy and Ellie was a virginal psychologist preaching abstinence! New Year’s brought them together, circumstances threw them in the same circles. What starts off as a fling to lose her virginity turns into so much more.
As I laughed my way through this wonderful book by Katie Lane I became enamored with all the characters and the McPherson clan. Loud, boisterous … loved, loved, loved Aunt Wheezie and her meddling ways. She was laugh out loud funny but really knew what her family needed. She will see all of them married off before she dies and will stop at nothing to make sure everyone is happy.
Matthew thought he was off of Aunt Wheezie’s radar but a book, a beautiful woman and some big mouths put him smack in the middle of her matchmaking. Of course, push really didn’t need to come to shove when it came to Ellie and the way he could not stop thinking about her.
Ellie never thought that she would end up in Vegas on New Year’s Eve and celebrating with the hottest man that she has ever seen. Ellie never thought that she would find out the truth about her ex-fiancee in the way that she did. Ellie never thought that losing her virginity would be so much fun. But, Ellie didn’t ever imagine that said loss of virginity would lead to reevaluating her thoughts, her feelings and her way of life.
As all hell breaks out in both Matt and Ellie’s life, Aunt Wheezie steps in and a wonderful Christmas Secret Santa game turns into some of the most glorious Christmas miracles.
So, a touch of love, a touch of sex …. a fabulous New Year and some great matchmaking had me reading at a snail’s pace because I didn’t want to miss anything in “Ring in the Holiday’s”. Again, Katie Lane wrote a sensual, hot book bringing together the reason for the season with love, laughter and a little suspense.
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I really had a good time reading “Ring in the Holidays”. Matt was sexy and Ellie was a virginal psychologist preaching abstinence! New Year’s brought them together, circumstances threw them in the same circles. What starts off as a fling to lose her virginity turns into so much more.
As I laughed my way through this wonderful book by Katie Lane I became enamored with all the characters and the McPherson clan. Loud, boisterous … loved, loved, loved Aunt Wheezie and her meddling ways. She was laugh out loud funny but really knew what her family needed. She will see all of them married off before she dies and will stop at nothing to make sure everyone is happy.
Matthew thought he was off of Aunt Wheezie’s radar but a book, a beautiful woman and some big mouths put him smack in the middle of her matchmaking. Of course, push really didn’t need to come to shove when it came to Ellie and the way he could not stop thinking about her.
Ellie never thought that she would end up in Vegas on New Year’s Eve and celebrating with the hottest man that she has ever seen. Ellie never thought that she would find out the truth about her ex-fiancee in the way that she did. Ellie never thought that losing her virginity would be so much fun. But, Ellie didn’t ever imagine that said loss of virginity would lead to reevaluating her thoughts, her feelings and her way of life.
As all hell breaks out in both Matt and Ellie’s life, Aunt Wheezie steps in and a wonderful Christmas Secret Santa game turns into some of the most glorious Christmas miracles.
So, a touch of love, a touch of sex …. a fabulous New Year and some great matchmaking had me reading at a snail’s pace because I didn’t want to miss anything in “Ring in the Holiday’s”. Again, Katie Lane wrote a sensual, hot book bringing together the reason for the season with love, laughter and a little suspense.
March 4, 2017
On the rebound from a cheating boyfriend, 30 year old virgin, Ellie Simpson heads to Vegas with her friend and ends up turning in the V-card with Matthew McPherson, a playboy who she thinks she'll never see again. But then, after her book about using abstinence to establish an emotional connection in a relationship is published, she moves to Denver for a change of scene. Thens he finds out she's moved to the same town as Matthew, who doesn't agree with her theories and wants her back in bed.
On the whole, I liked the story and I liked the extended family. The characters were never boring, that's for sure. I was engaged and kept reading. I definitely appreciate the fact that although Ellie is a virgin, she is not a complete innocent. She loves her vibrator, enjoys her orgasms (and has had them...a rarity in romancelandia), knows quite a lot about sex and isn't a prude.
But in retrospect, I have to question whether I liked either Ellie or Matthew. Both were rather juvenile with each other and often times outright mean. At one point, Matthew tells himself that he liked Ellie just fine, until she spoke. And Ellie comes across as a nagging shrew. These two spend more time sniping at each other and trying to hurt the other than they do coming to appreciate each other. Unfortunately, the time in which they become "friends" is told, rather than shown, so we don't get to see the journey. So they go from kind of hating each other to really liking each other. Also, I'm not sure I fully believe that Ellie, who had these theories about sex and who was willing to wait as long as she did for the right guy would just have sex with a complete stranger just as a reaction to some news about her ex-boyfriend's infidelities. A bit of an over-reaction actually. It was just an okay story, I'd probably want to read the first one and see if those two characters were a little less annoying.
On the whole, I liked the story and I liked the extended family. The characters were never boring, that's for sure. I was engaged and kept reading. I definitely appreciate the fact that although Ellie is a virgin, she is not a complete innocent. She loves her vibrator, enjoys her orgasms (and has had them...a rarity in romancelandia), knows quite a lot about sex and isn't a prude.
But in retrospect, I have to question whether I liked either Ellie or Matthew. Both were rather juvenile with each other and often times outright mean. At one point, Matthew tells himself that he liked Ellie just fine, until she spoke. And Ellie comes across as a nagging shrew. These two spend more time sniping at each other and trying to hurt the other than they do coming to appreciate each other. Unfortunately, the time in which they become "friends" is told, rather than shown, so we don't get to see the journey. So they go from kind of hating each other to really liking each other. Also, I'm not sure I fully believe that Ellie, who had these theories about sex and who was willing to wait as long as she did for the right guy would just have sex with a complete stranger just as a reaction to some news about her ex-boyfriend's infidelities. A bit of an over-reaction actually. It was just an okay story, I'd probably want to read the first one and see if those two characters were a little less annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed my interest from the start with a Vegas fling between two unlikely matched people. The characters are introduced as events unfold in sin city, and eventually part without knowing the other's name. Soon after Vegas, the reader is introduced to the real Dr Ellie Simpson, psychologist, sex therapist, author if a book called Virgin Love which promotes abstinence. She is trying to recover from a bad breakup, and along with her assistant / best friend, they go on a book tour and move to a new city. Ellie has to do some serious re-evaluating on her views given that abstinence only led to a cheating boyfriend, and her romp in Vegas added a new twist to her viewpoint. They land in a new town where we are finally re-introduced to the real Matthew. This is one aspect of the book I really loved. That is getting to know Matthew's family. Ellie's book makes its way into his family and once he sees the back cover of the book, he finally has the answer as to who his mystery Vegas woman is. He pursues her on her book tour and their reacquaintance is rocky at best. Along the way we meet Matthew's mother who is focused on her volunteer work, tired of a work-aholic husband who she fights with. Also, his brother Patrick who the lovable, and interferring, Aunt Wheezie is trying to marry off, and his sister Cassie who is very pregnant, but suspects her husband of cheating. Definately will be fun to explore the other books about this family. I missed Cassie's story, but I can tell you that this book stands alone as a wonderful read. I definately recommend this as a fun contemporary romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads program. I have read the book and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads program. I have read the book and this is my honest review.
December 2, 2014
*I will try to avoid spoilers.
Ring in the Holidays by Katie Lane
Ellie Simpson was a sex therapist who lived her life by her book. Until, she learned the truth about her ex fiancee Riley.
It was in that moment she decided for once in her life she would drink up, live it up and hit the dance floor.
After the New year countdown a mind blowing sexy hot man looked right at her like he wanted to say something. However, when the music started back up she was bumped from behind and stumbled.
The mysterious sexy stranger caught her and whispered something in her ear, with her senses overwhelmed she had no idea what she was nodding her head yes to.
Matthew McPherson was an attorney and the youngest son of Big Al McPherson who owned a construction company. Matthew was used to women fawning over him. Yet, he took notice of more than their appearance.
During a conversation with his friend, Matthew insisted that studying a woman and knowing how to use the information is the key. His friend however believed Matthews appearance was the reason he did not strike out with women.
Which, is what led him to reluctantly accept a bet.
His friend bet him a hundred dollars that if Matthew straight out asked if he could touch the breast of the woman they took notice of at the club she would let him.
What Matthew had not expected was for the woman who was not his "type" to bring him to life.
Ellie had expected what happened in Vegas to stay in Vegas, not seep out to the real world. After all, they did not even tell each other their names.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Not only did this book SNAP, CRACKLE and POP. it was very well written HILARIOUS FUN!!
*Checkout and follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com
Ring in the Holidays by Katie Lane
Ellie Simpson was a sex therapist who lived her life by her book. Until, she learned the truth about her ex fiancee Riley.
It was in that moment she decided for once in her life she would drink up, live it up and hit the dance floor.
After the New year countdown a mind blowing sexy hot man looked right at her like he wanted to say something. However, when the music started back up she was bumped from behind and stumbled.
The mysterious sexy stranger caught her and whispered something in her ear, with her senses overwhelmed she had no idea what she was nodding her head yes to.
Matthew McPherson was an attorney and the youngest son of Big Al McPherson who owned a construction company. Matthew was used to women fawning over him. Yet, he took notice of more than their appearance.
During a conversation with his friend, Matthew insisted that studying a woman and knowing how to use the information is the key. His friend however believed Matthews appearance was the reason he did not strike out with women.
Which, is what led him to reluctantly accept a bet.
His friend bet him a hundred dollars that if Matthew straight out asked if he could touch the breast of the woman they took notice of at the club she would let him.
What Matthew had not expected was for the woman who was not his "type" to bring him to life.
Ellie had expected what happened in Vegas to stay in Vegas, not seep out to the real world. After all, they did not even tell each other their names.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Not only did this book SNAP, CRACKLE and POP. it was very well written HILARIOUS FUN!!
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October 7, 2014
Witty and Charming
I have loved all the books I have read by Katie Lane; there is always something to laugh about, something to cry over, something to sigh over, and make you read without putting the book down until you've read it from cover to cover. The story in this book is rather unique, a sex therapist who is 31 and still a virgin, on top of that she has written a book on abstinence. New Year's Eve in Las Vegas, she meets a rich playboy, who picks her because of a dare to cop a feel of her well endowed chest. Eleven months they meet again. He's finally found who she is and finds it funny that the woman who wrote a book titled Virginal Love when he knows she isn't a virgin, at least he didn't think she was a virgin before she met him. She finds out that not only is this guy she knew was a player but didn't know is rich is rich and probably even a bigger player than she originally thought. It gets even better after that but I don't want to tell you more because I think you should read it yourself and find out if and how they find their HEA. I truly read this in about three hours with as few of interruption as I could and I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope Katie gives Patrick his own story and Sydney her own story or maybe she could give them a story together, I think they could an interesting and fun couple too.
I have loved all the books I have read by Katie Lane; there is always something to laugh about, something to cry over, something to sigh over, and make you read without putting the book down until you've read it from cover to cover. The story in this book is rather unique, a sex therapist who is 31 and still a virgin, on top of that she has written a book on abstinence. New Year's Eve in Las Vegas, she meets a rich playboy, who picks her because of a dare to cop a feel of her well endowed chest. Eleven months they meet again. He's finally found who she is and finds it funny that the woman who wrote a book titled Virginal Love when he knows she isn't a virgin, at least he didn't think she was a virgin before she met him. She finds out that not only is this guy she knew was a player but didn't know is rich is rich and probably even a bigger player than she originally thought. It gets even better after that but I don't want to tell you more because I think you should read it yourself and find out if and how they find their HEA. I truly read this in about three hours with as few of interruption as I could and I enjoyed every bit of it. I hope Katie gives Patrick his own story and Sydney her own story or maybe she could give them a story together, I think they could an interesting and fun couple too.
October 4, 2014
Aunt Wheezie does it again! But she's not a matchmaker. Oh no - she's a soul matcher. In Ring in the Holidays Aunt Wheezie sets her sights on seeing her nephew, Matthew get together with his soul mate. And his soul mate just happens to be a fresh from a disastrous relationship sex therapist who writes a book about sexual abstinence. A soul mate who somehow ignores her own advice and goes wild in Vegas with a complete stranger, none other than Matthew McPherson. Too bad Matthew's soul mate, Ellie Simpson isn't cooperating.
Author Katie Lane totally entertains her readers with well written quirky and fun characters, a well developed plot complete with lots of laughs and romance and always a beautiful HEA. This is the second book in the series, the first being, Hunk For the Holidays. You will want to read both stories as the adventures and "finding love" escapades of all the McPhersons will tickle your funny bone and have you looking for more.
Do yourself a big favor and treat yourself to Katie Lane's Ring in the Holidays. You will be thanking me for this recommendation for sure.
Author Katie Lane totally entertains her readers with well written quirky and fun characters, a well developed plot complete with lots of laughs and romance and always a beautiful HEA. This is the second book in the series, the first being, Hunk For the Holidays. You will want to read both stories as the adventures and "finding love" escapades of all the McPhersons will tickle your funny bone and have you looking for more.
Do yourself a big favor and treat yourself to Katie Lane's Ring in the Holidays. You will be thanking me for this recommendation for sure.
May 31, 2015
I can't even.....like putting into words how much I love Katie Lane books is a near impossibility.
This book is the second of the Hunk for the Holiday series and youngest brother Matthew McPherson takes center stage. As the man who can get (and sleep) with any girl, he runs up against sex psychologist Ellie Simpson and has a hot night in Vegas on New Years Eve. Ellie was a virgin, due to growing up with a father that continually cheated on her mother and her mindset was stuck on the idea that a relationship could only grow if sex is only done after the emotional closeness has formed.
I have to say I was so entertained, not only by the concept and how strongly both characters felt in their particular stance on this issue but by their interactions - with each other and their respective family and friends. Katie Lane has some of the best character exchanges and they often tend to make me laugh out loud....or cry in the case of their HEA.
Much love this series and I really can't wait for Patrick's book and what Wheezie has in store for him!
This book is the second of the Hunk for the Holiday series and youngest brother Matthew McPherson takes center stage. As the man who can get (and sleep) with any girl, he runs up against sex psychologist Ellie Simpson and has a hot night in Vegas on New Years Eve. Ellie was a virgin, due to growing up with a father that continually cheated on her mother and her mindset was stuck on the idea that a relationship could only grow if sex is only done after the emotional closeness has formed.
I have to say I was so entertained, not only by the concept and how strongly both characters felt in their particular stance on this issue but by their interactions - with each other and their respective family and friends. Katie Lane has some of the best character exchanges and they often tend to make me laugh out loud....or cry in the case of their HEA.
Much love this series and I really can't wait for Patrick's book and what Wheezie has in store for him!
November 2, 2014
I have to admit the beginning of the book just didn’t do it for me. Not exactly sure why, but I actually thought for a moment there that this might become a DNF. Then all of a sudden I found myself unable to put it down. I grew too really like Ellie and I had to know how Matthew and her ended up.
Ellie rings in the New Years with a man she had just met. This isn’t something she normally does; in fact it is quite the opposite. The next morning Matthew wakes up to find her gone and his only clue to who she is well she wrote her name on him. Back home is Chicago he can’t stop thinking about her. One day he sees her picture on a book and he is now looking forward to their next encounter…
Ring in the Holidays is the second book in the Hunk for the Holidays series. This is a book that totally be enjoyed as a standalone. I know because I haven’t read the first book myself and I completely enjoyed it. In fact, I bought the first book since I enjoyed this one so much. Now I can’t wait to fins the time to read it as well!
Ellie rings in the New Years with a man she had just met. This isn’t something she normally does; in fact it is quite the opposite. The next morning Matthew wakes up to find her gone and his only clue to who she is well she wrote her name on him. Back home is Chicago he can’t stop thinking about her. One day he sees her picture on a book and he is now looking forward to their next encounter…
Ring in the Holidays is the second book in the Hunk for the Holidays series. This is a book that totally be enjoyed as a standalone. I know because I haven’t read the first book myself and I completely enjoyed it. In fact, I bought the first book since I enjoyed this one so much. Now I can’t wait to fins the time to read it as well!
December 22, 2014
I kept wanting to like this book and did enjoy some aspects of the humor involved with the extended family of characters. Some of the writing and plot turns were creative. But it all came down to an inconsistent, not very likeable heroine and a couple that fought a lot and was downright awful to each other at times. The good times they shared--the first night in vegas, their week of developing friendship--were glossed over and mostly told in flashback form, giving us very little positive interaction between Ellie and Matt. The story seemed unbelievable too--Matt wouldn't have been able to tell that it was ellie's first time?? All of a sudden the couple with little chemistry (the whole book had a very low heat factor) was best friends? Ellie leaves an intimate moment with matt and decides to try out kissing another guy her roommate's boyfriend brings along to an party? Huh?! This was my first book by Katie Lane, and it showed some promise, but not enough for me to rush out and read her other books.
September 13, 2014
***I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion***
I absolutely loved this story! The story of Ellie and Matthew is a sweet one. After an interesting encounter in Las Vegas on New Year's Day, its very hard for them both to forget about each other. By chance they are reunited a year later and the attraction has not faded. They are both attracted to each other but they both have issues with relationships. They hit some bumps in the road but you can't true love!
I fell in love with the wonderful McPherson family! Including the meddling aunt Wheezie. She's a riot! You gotta love her and her meddling ways. She only wants to see her family living happily ever after. I liked how you get bits and pieces of the other family members stories. I would enjoy reading more about the other family members.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend reading it. You would not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this story! The story of Ellie and Matthew is a sweet one. After an interesting encounter in Las Vegas on New Year's Day, its very hard for them both to forget about each other. By chance they are reunited a year later and the attraction has not faded. They are both attracted to each other but they both have issues with relationships. They hit some bumps in the road but you can't true love!
I fell in love with the wonderful McPherson family! Including the meddling aunt Wheezie. She's a riot! You gotta love her and her meddling ways. She only wants to see her family living happily ever after. I liked how you get bits and pieces of the other family members stories. I would enjoy reading more about the other family members.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend reading it. You would not be disappointed.
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