Slow Grind (Men of Mornington, #1) by Ashley Suzanne

Jun 03, 2016 Sabrina rated it really liked it

Shelves: brothers-best-friend, hanging-from-a-cliffy

NOW LIVE!!!
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*

Aubrey had the biggest crush on her brothers best friend when she was younger. Her young heart thought they were perfect together and that he would soon realize they belonged together. But then she moved to the states with her dad and didn't get to see him anymore. Now, she's all grown up and going back home to help her brother who just got the devastating news that his cancer has returned.

Drew is left feeling helpless when his best friend has gotten some of the ...more

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Jun 15, 2016 Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, emotional, hot, dual-pov, forbidden-love, friends-to-lovers, romance, aussie

****4 Stars****

****ARC kindly provided by authors Eva Spencer in exchange for an honest review****

"Only the good die young. It’s a phrase I wish never existed.”

description

“Slow Grind” was such a pleasant surprise. I was honoured to be asked review this by the two amazing authors Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne, who write under the pen name Eva Spencer. I went into the book quite blind and not knowing much and it was actually the first book I have read by either of these two authors. I found it such a d ...more

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Jun 12, 2016 Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ rated it liked it

Shelves: arcs-2016, arcs-from-authors-net-galley

3 You're you and I'm me" Stars

What happens when your childhood best friend faces one of the most earth shattering diesase and there's nothing you could do to help him? You find a way. Even if that means putting yourself out there. LITERALLY. This is the story about four friends who were willing to do anything to save one of their own no matter what.

Max has been battling cancer off and on since he was a teenager. This time around, his prognosis is not looking too well. Having his family and frie 3 You're you and I'm me" Stars

What happens when your childhood best friend faces one of the most earth shattering diesase and there's nothing you could do to help him? You find a way. Even if that means putting yourself out there. LITERALLY. This is the story about four friends who were willing to do anything to save one of their own no matter what.

Max has been battling cancer off and on since he was a teenager. This time around, his prognosis is not looking too well. Having his family and friends around him and being constant supporters, Max has the one thing that someone else in his situation wouldn't have. And that is Hope. After his sister Aubrey moves back to their birthplace in Australia to be near him, Max couldn't be any more happier.

For the past nine years, Aubrey has had a pretty good life living in America. She has a wonderful best friend, and is weeks away from graduating College. But that all changes when she gets a phone call about her brother's health and life as she knows it is about ro change.

Drew has always been there for his best friend Max whenever he's needed him. Considering him as his brother, there's nothing that he wouldnt do to try and save his friend. So when everyone come up with the plan to be male strippers and raise momey for his friend's treatment, he was all in. What he wasn't comfortable with was the choreographer being his best friend's little sister. Only Aubrey isn't so little anymore and the temptation to be with her, is getting louder and louder by the minute.

Will Aubrey and Drew cross the line?

I loved the concept of this story so much. Drew and Aubrey's dedication to helping Max was awe inspirinng and I loved how they never gave up on him. Unfortuantely there were some things that felt off for me and I couldn't fully connect with some of the characters. Something was missing and towards the end, the story felt rushed and it had me doing a double take. Was I expecting that? No. I truly feel that if the storyline went a little bit more deeper, I would've enjoyed the story alot more. If you love strippers that strip for a cause, then this one is for you.

* Arc kindly provided in exchange forcan honest review. ...more

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Jun 11, 2016 Linda ❤️ Sassy, Classy && a Little Bit of Nasty rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1st-person-pov, arc, best-book-boyfriends, bitch-mom, cliffy, cute, forbidden, friends-to-lovers, funny, hot

4 "Strip For a Cure" Stars!

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Wait, what was I doing?

Oh right. Review. *ahem*

So....

This is another rendition of best friend's forbidden younger sister. I found myself actually loving the story concept.

We have:
- Aubrey: the younger sister; secretly in love with her brother's best friend; young and naive
- Max: the older protective brother; afflicted with cancer :( - huge heart
- Andrew(Drew): Max's best mate and Aubrey's childhood crush; manslut; manslut; and manslut

With Max not ...more

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Jun 10, 2016 Claire Robinson rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: shit-hot-series

3 - "We got this." Stars.

This is one of those classic 'didn’t love it, didn’t hate it' books, I think Slow Grind actually had the potential to be more than it was, in that there is so much erroneous drama going on in it that it actually detracted from what would have been a really great story if the time had been taken to give the important tropes more depth and emotion.

"You’re pushing buttons you don’t want to push..."

The premise for Slow Grind was really good, who doesn’t love a hot guy, and a ...more

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Jun 10, 2016 Snow rated it really liked it

Shelves: funny, light, na, romance

4 "damn the misunderstanding" stars

This was such a pleasant surprise, first time I am reading smth from this author and if they continue on this road it can only get better and better. Congrats!

Anyway, the story was fresh in writing and it just flew, the characters were likable, sassy heroine, reluctant to love/player yet irresistable hero gave enough angst to keep your heart stirring but there was a solid portion of everything - drama, romance, humor, sadness...all that hold the pieces of a moz ...more

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Jun 13, 2016 Michelle rated it liked it

Shelves: 2016, june-2016, contemporary, start-of-a-series

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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If you are familiar with my reviews then you are all aware that I am sucker for best friend’s little sister romance trope. There is something about the forbidden and temptation factor that makes this kind of trope so compelling, fun, and sexy. And in Eva Spencer’s Slow Grind, the authors have decided to take a fun spin on this trope but also include a theme of friendship and emotions.

“I might be in love with him, but he’s never going to b ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

If you are familiar with my reviews then you are all aware that I am sucker for best friend’s little sister romance trope. There is something about the forbidden and temptation factor that makes this kind of trope so compelling, fun, and sexy. And in Eva Spencer’s Slow Grind, the authors have decided to take a fun spin on this trope but also include a theme of friendship and emotions.

“I might be in love with him, but he’s never going to be in love with me.”

While this book may have the undertones of romance, the main emphasis of this story is the deep connection and bonds of friendship. How far will you go for a friend? Would you even go so far as to stripping to earn a few bucks so you can help cover the medical expenses for a friend with cancer? And so Eva Spencer presents a story of a group of guys who are willing to do that for their friend and with the help of their best friend’s little sister, anything is possible to achieve that goal. But along the way into teaching these guys to be the next Magic Mike of Australia, romance begins to brew between Andrew and his best friend’s little sister, Aubrey.

While I like the concept of this book, I felt the book fell flat into developing the characters and details. I wished the author went into more depth with the story line so readers like myself could connect with the characters especially with Max and his friends. And as for some of the secondary characters, there were times I felt there was no need to bring up. For example, Emma and her sexuality since it played no bearing to the story line. There are some great scenes in the book but other than that there was nothing that really stood out for me as memorable. Overall, this book was just an okay read and I hope the next book of the series will focus more on the characters and keep the focus on them while bringing forth romance, emotions and depth.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Eva Spencer ...more

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Jun 09, 2016 Michelle Rene rated it it was amazing

Knowing the authors that make up Eva Spencer, I knew there was no way I wouldn't love this book.

Slow Grind is more than a romance novel, it's about friendship. Even more so, it's about the lengths some will go to, to prove their friendship when one of them is in need. Just when I was on the verge of tears, I found myself laughing out loud. I loved every character, and if an author (or two) can accomplish that then they have an amazing book on their hands.

Slow Grind is book one in the Men of Mo ...more

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Jun 03, 2016 Carmen Rae rated it really liked it

Shelves: a-rr-review, friends-first, must-read-author, na

Oh my god that was just mean ladies. You lure me in with sexy strippers, get me all invested in Drew and Aubs & then bam where the hell is the rest of the book? I mean seriously when the hell am I getting the next book?

I absolutely love brother’s best friend romances but from the blurb of this I was nervous I was going to be a blubbering mess for most of this book. I knew it was book one of the Men of Mornington but I thought it was going to be a set of standalones of each of the men. So wh ...more

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Jun 10, 2016 Denise rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016-read, romance, contemporary, humor-funny, author-arc, arc-r2r

Absolutely enjoyed this little gem!
So I kind of forgot to upload my review on this one... (Bad, Denise)

But I will say that this book was such a fun read. What else could be better when you have a group of friends trying to help out their best friend from their current health diagnosis? A mix of-- yes, Magic Mike meets Thunder from Down Under.

The story was funny, cute, and heartwarming. With book two on the horizon, I cannot wait what this journey has in store for these men and the women that th ...more

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Jun 14, 2016 Desire rated it it was amazing

So, I will start by saying I didn't put this book down until it was finished. I swear at times my heart was breaking right along with the characters, and a few times I felt like I might have to swear at the author. I love it though, it made me laugh, almost made me cry, and most definitely made me get all girly inside. I grew up a lot like Aubrey, I was madly in love with my brothers best friend from the time I was 11 well into my early 20's, but a lot like Max and Drew, my real life brother and ...more

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Jun 14, 2016 Nancy Huddleston rated it really liked it

Oh my ! Slow Grind, Men of Mornington Novel ,by Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson was freaking fantastic. The storyline broke my heart and yet gave me hope. Well do! I loved all the characters. Aubrey and Drew make you smile and cry. From a childhood crush to a second chance love. They are brought back together because of an ugly, nasty reason. I adore the Men of Mornington and how they will do anything for a friend. Be warned! You will want more!

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Oct 24, 2016 Melanie (mells_view) rated it liked it

Ok so I'll start off by saying that I really liked the concept of this book, and where it sort of went. It is a younger sister in love with her older brothers best friend trope. Which I don't flock to, but I also don't mind. Max was in remission from cancer he had when he was a teenager. Unfortunately during that time his parents were also divorced and his father and little sister moved to the United States while he stayed in Australia with his mother.

Aubrey is Max's little sister and after livi Ok so I'll start off by saying that I really liked the concept of this book, and where it sort of went. It is a younger sister in love with her older brothers best friend trope. Which I don't flock to, but I also don't mind. Max was in remission from cancer he had when he was a teenager. Unfortunately during that time his parents were also divorced and his father and little sister moved to the United States while he stayed in Australia with his mother.

Aubrey is Max's little sister and after living in the US with her dad for the last seven or eight years, she is going back to Australia because her brother is terminal. She doesn't count on running into her old crush, Drew, but she does and she's instantly attracted to him again. She knows she should be worried about Max, but she can't help the feelings she has coming back to life.

Drew, and Max's really close group of friends want to do anything they can to help Max. Sam, one of the friends, happens upon some experimental treatments that Max is a really good candidate for. It's very expensive so in order to raise the funds they put together a strip team with the help of Aubrey.

Problem is the more time spent with Aubrey isn't good for Drew. He can't help but notice how grown up she is. He doesn't want to disappoint Max by going after Aubrey and plus he's been hurt before. How will all this turn out?

What I liked.
- the stripping concept
- the friendship between all of the guys
- one of the couch scene between Aubrey and Drew, but it was just a tease but it was still hot.

What I didn't like.
- I didn't feel a connection between Aubrey and Drew it was very shallow
- her mom kept hinting there was more to their angsty past, but it never was explained
- they kept hinting about him being hurt before but never went into it
- there was a cliffhanger, and I suppose it was for leading into the next book purposes but I felt there could have been a more HFN instead of an unsure for now.

I was intrigued by the Jacey, Nash and Em possibility. I don't know. I was more interested in Sam than Nash though.

This story wasn't BAD and I liked the concept it was just missing a few things for me. It felt incomplete beyond the cliffhanger haha, because obviously. Like is the next book still going to be their story or will it be someone else? Hmm I guess we shall see! I'll definitely keep my eye out for book two!

*ARC provided by IndieSage PR*
...more

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Jun 12, 2016 Romance Readers Retreat rated it liked it

I am the biggest fan of Missy Johnson so when I saw that she was teaming up with Ashley Suzanne as Eva Spencer I jumped at the chance to read this. Slow Grind ended up being one of those books where I didn't exactly love it but I didn't exactly hate it either. I definitely saw the potential but I feel like there was too much unnecessary drama that detracted from the overall story.

While this book is considered a romance, the main emphasis is on the deep bonds between friends. Eva Spencer present I am the biggest fan of Missy Johnson so when I saw that she was teaming up with Ashley Suzanne as Eva Spencer I jumped at the chance to read this. Slow Grind ended up being one of those books where I didn't exactly love it but I didn't exactly hate it either. I definitely saw the potential but I feel like there was too much unnecessary drama that detracted from the overall story.

While this book is considered a romance, the main emphasis is on the deep bonds between friends. Eva Spencer presents a story of a group of guys who will do anything to help their friend Max get the best treatment for his cancer, even going so far as stripping for a cure, with the help of their friend's younger sister, Aubrey. While teaching them to be the next Magic Mikes of Australia, the sparks start flying between Andrew and his best friend's little sister, Aubrey.

You are also introduced to a plethora of supporting characters like Nash, Cam, and Sam who all take part in stripping for Max's cure, as well as Emma who is supposedly Aubrey's BFF even though they haven't really spoken in the past decade. Then we have Jacey, the new BFF, who shows up at the end, as well as the desperate ex, Nate, just in time for the big cliffhanger.

While I liked the premise of the book, I felt like the book fell flat when it came to character development and the details. I didn't really find myself connecting to the characters all that much. I felt that Max's illness and the guys stripping for a cure took a backseat to all the unnecessary drama that the authors decided to throw in such as the horny mother, the desperate ex, the sex starved neighbor and the total lack of communication between Andrew and Aubrey. The authors seemed to jump around a lot and the book didn't really seem to naturally flow. It was a very busy drama filled book that seemed to lack the flow and connections I needed to feel.

On that note, Slow Grind does end on a cliffhanger in more ways than one. Although I struggled with this book and didn't exactly love it I would definitely read the next book in the series just to see what happens with the storyline. ...more

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Jun 19, 2016 Lynda rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

I was not expecting a somewhat cliffhanger, personally I don't like them but wow do I need the rest of this story. I think what helps me come to terms with being left hanging is we will get the last of the 4 books in October, so the wait isn't to painful. I do hope they go beyond Drew and Aubrey, obviously they will all involve all the characters and max is a central character but I'm hoping there's love for the other boys to.

Drew was always Max's friend and Audrey has crushed on him s ...more

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Oct 24, 2016 Jan rated it liked it

Shelves: childhood-to-adulthood-love, great-characters, humour, part-1

A promising start to a series.

I love a friends to lovers romance and Slow grind had all that and more.

Aubrey has had a crush on her brothers best friend since she was a little girl. Moving away from home due to her parents divorce also meant Aubrey had to move away from her brother Max who chose stay with their mother and Andrew.

Aubrey has never gotten along with her mother so moving away to America from Australia was her decision but she missed Max and Andrew.

Now 21 due to her brothers il ...more

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Jun 29, 2016 Tina Todd shobe rated it really liked it

Audrey moved to America with her dad after her parents divorce. Her brother Max stayed in Australia with their mother. Audrey comes back to Australia after she gets notified that Max's cancer has come back and his prognosis is not good.

Max's friends are not giving up and have found an experimental treatment that is in Europe. They are brainstorming ways to come up with the money. They decided to 'Strip for a Cure' with Audrey putting together their choreography and teaching them how to dance.

You ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Amazeballs Book Addicts rated it it was amazing

Slow Grind is an awesome read. I was hooked right from the beginning. Aubrey has been living in the US but when she finds out her brother, Max, is sick she goes back to Australia. I loved Aubrey and her love for her brother. Back in Australia, she not only gets to see her brother but also his friends. She had a childhood crush on his friend Drew. Now that they are both older the sparks are there.

I was scared that this one might make me cry. I didn't cry but it's definitely a heart string puller ...more

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Jun 08, 2016 Hayley rated it it was amazing

The two authors that have come together to write this book and my word have they blown it out the water here.

When your faced with a life altering condition everything had to take its place and when Aubery is faced with this she has to return home after years of being away from everyone she knows and the feelings she has kept hidden.

Max is diagnosed with cancer but surviving it in his teenage years and know it's come back he is relying on his family and his closest brothers.

This is a tear jerker ...more

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Jun 17, 2016 Lorie Glowania rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Aubrey moved from Australia to the USA to become a dancer and to start her life out fresh. She receives a call from her mother that her brother Max is sick and not doing well. She heads back to Australia were she sees her childhood crush Drew. Having to deal with helping her brother and seeing him all the time both of them realize they have feelings for each other. But Max doesn't want to see his sister get hurt and tells Drew to stay away. But can he? Can she? Will one of the get hurt and can M ...more

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Jun 12, 2016 Tracy Wilkin rated it it was amazing

This book totally sucked me in. It also made me cry, laugh and frustrated as hell. It was extremely hard to put down, so I didn't. A fantastic book, in what I am sure is going to be a thrilling, heartbreaking and humerous series. I can not wait for the next book as this one has left me hanging.

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Jun 11, 2016 Paula Genereau rated it it was amazing

Oh my!!! This book was awesome. I loved it. Hot Aussies stripping their way to raise money for a cure for a friend. Hello!!! Hotness. Great book

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Jun 11, 2016 Thai Holman Pure and Dark book blog rated it it was amazing

Great read. I found myself lost in this book. It gave me all the right feels. Its well written amazing characters. Just all around what you look for in a book 5*.

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Jun 20, 2016 Jolene OBrien rated it really liked it

***ARC provided by author for an honest review***

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Jun 22, 2016 Abbey rated it it was amazing

* arc review *

Wow!

Where do I start?
I bloody loved this book!
It made me all gooey and girly inside, I laughed, I cried, I silently cursed the authors ;).

I can't wait for book 2 !!

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Nov 08, 2016 Jody rated it really liked it

Shelves: cliffhanger, contemporary, friends-to-lovers, new-adult, recurring-series, strippers, life-threatening-illness

A schoolgirl's crush becomes a young woman's lifeline in this tale depicting the tight bonds of friendship and how far you'll go to save the life of a friend. It's a charming story dealing with mortality that doesn't shy away from the ravages of cancer while looking death in the eye. Despite the vivid depictions of illness it still puts a smile on your face through witty banter and heartwarming interactions amongst friends. It's a story that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride righ A schoolgirl's crush becomes a young woman's lifeline in this tale depicting the tight bonds of friendship and how far you'll go to save the life of a friend. It's a charming story dealing with mortality that doesn't shy away from the ravages of cancer while looking death in the eye. Despite the vivid depictions of illness it still puts a smile on your face through witty banter and heartwarming interactions amongst friends. It's a story that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride right alongside its immensely appealing characters in a romance that had me turning the pages furiously to see what would happen next.

Aubrey and her brother Max have always been close with each of them very protective of the other. His youthful fight against cancer made her even more protective and united their group of friends as part of his army in his fight against the disease. Their tight bond soon became the only thing they could count on as their mother's numerous affairs ended in divorce and the two of them separated on opposite sides of the world. She made a new life for herself in the US, trying to put her youthful attraction to Max's best friend Drew behind her, but he was never far from her thoughts as a painful relationship left her scarred and doubtful of true love. With Max's cancer returned she finds herself back home coping with the hurtful feelings her mother engenders in her while warring with her traitorous heart over seeing Drew once again. Knowing she'll do anything to make Max healthy means getting close to Drew in a sexy plan to get money for an experimental treatment. Close quarters has him seeing her as the woman she's become while she sees a softer more honorable side to the man who's always been a player. Aubrey's immensely likable and easy to relate to. She's caring and loyal to her brother but never smothering. Her two girlfriends, Emma and Jacey, couldn't be more different but her interactions with them are fun loving and playful in their talks of men. Their scenes bring a bit of levity when things get a bit dark for Max which is greatly appreciated. She's always been enamored of Drew but knew he saw her only as a child, knew too that Max would never let them get together. These facts still play a role in their uncertain romance but luckily aren't dwelled on for long as they have a crackling connection teeming with sexual tension that was a reprieve from the darkness of Max's health.

Drew was just one member of a close-knit group of young men growing up. The five boys all had unique personalities but had a connection that nothing could break...not even cancer. Aubrey was always a part of their group and therefore he saw her as nothing more than Max's dorky little sister. The passage of time has changed how he sees her though and it throws him for a loop. He's always been a player, flitting from one meaningless encounter to the next as he too doesn't believe in relationships after his own parent's divorce. Seeing the grown-up Aubrey though inspires lots of naughty thoughts, thoughts that he knows Max wouldn't approve of. With her teaching him and his friends how to strip to earn money to help Max, their burgeoning feelings ultimately combust in scorching encounters that leave them uncertain of the future. He and Aubrey are delightful to see together as their banter is witty and flirty. He's thrown into a tail spin upon seeing her grown-up body and I enjoyed seeing the normally in control player so flustered. Overall Drew's a carefree charmer, funny and snarky, who's unabashed when it comes to his intimate encounters. He's a bit of a braggart when it comes to sex but has one encounter that shames him and that could cause a riff if it ever comes to light. When Max's cancer returns though he shows a deeply caring and serious side that brought a tear to my eye. He took charge in rallying the boys to carry out their sexy and unconventional plan which endeared him to me even more.

Along with this immensely likable main couple comes a large cast of equally appealing secondary characters who laid the groundwork for many more enticing tales to come. The Men of Mornington are a sexy bunch of Aussies whose interactions are playful yet brotherly with a bond that has them willing to do anything for each other. Cam and Sam are twins who couldn't be more opposite in looks and temperament, while Nash is quiet and thoughtful, with the final member being Max whose life has been full of battles over his health as well as issues with his mother over her alcoholism and numerous affairs with younger men. Max is the heart of this story, binding his friends together and sending Aubrey into Drew's arms, which is why readers will become so invested in his outcome. He's very likable and charming and no matter how sick he is he never lets it show. He's brave in the face of his mortality and I'm left counting down the days until the next installment as his health is left hanging in the balance. That's not the only thread left hanging as Drew and Aubrey have distance weighing on their burgeoning relationship which gives promise for the future but no guarantee which might anger some readers. I for one don't mind their HFN as it adds to the story's overall realism and leaves me clamoring for more, as does seeing the other Men of Mornington on the cusp of finding their own HEAs! ...more

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May 26, 2017 Kitten Blue rated it did not like it

Shelves: did-not-finish

I can't get into this one since I'm one-third of the way in and a whole lot of nothing has happened.

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Jun 23, 2016 Michelle Austin rated it really liked it

Shelves: alpha-book-club-reviews

Title: Slow Grind
Author:Eva Spencer
Series:Men of Mornington #1
Publisher:Eva Spencer
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-28-16
Genre(s):Romance
Page Count:204
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Only the good die young.
It’s a phrase I wish never existed.
Best mates shouldn’t get cancer, especially terminal at twenty-seven.
And experimental treatments shouldn’t cost a hundred grand. But sometimes life just effing sucked.
Then I got an idea to raise the cash. If a woman could strip

...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Natalie Williams (LifeandLoveofaBibliophile) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

Okay, first let me say this book totally caught my attention because it had the words 'Male strippers' in the blurb. So i thought fuck yeah, i love me some strippers. So i signed myself up.
One of my favourite books to read is the 'My brothers best friend'. So obviously this book was right up my street.

This book was so much more than i thought it'd be. I absolutely LOVE the relationships between everyone in this story. Wether it be brother and sister or best friend to best friend the connection Okay, first let me say this book totally caught my attention because it had the words 'Male strippers' in the blurb. So i thought fuck yeah, i love me some strippers. So i signed myself up.
One of my favourite books to read is the 'My brothers best friend'. So obviously this book was right up my street.

This book was so much more than i thought it'd be. I absolutely LOVE the relationships between everyone in this story. Wether it be brother and sister or best friend to best friend the connections between them are so real, their bonds are absolutely amazing.

Aubrey was the twelve year old girl with a crush on her big brothers best friend, wanting nothing more for him to notice her but knowing its never gonna happen. I mean she's just to young and she's only Max' little sister. So when the chance arises to move to away with her father she takes it, fresh start and all that.

“I might be in love with him, but he’s never going to be in love with me"

Drew is Max' best friend, kind of a manwhore and the man Aubreys been in love with since forever. He hasn't seen little Aubs in 8 years, she's not the little girl he once knew. Hell he didnt expect her to be so grown up.

Aubrey has to return home when she learns the sad news about her brother, As soon as she see's Drew all her feelings come flooding back. When she realises Drew is finally noticing her for more than a little girl she grabs the chance she has with both hands. All whilst trying to find a way to save her older brother.

“But Max can’t die. He’s Max. He’s my person. My lifeline. My piece of home when I start to miss Melbourne, my old friends and my childhood bedroom. He’s the one person I know will always be there for me. No matter what. He’s mine"

So when Drew finds a way to raise the money they need for Max, he recruits Sam, Cam and Nash and they create The Men of Mornington with Aubreys help with the choreography they grow closer and well we all know the kind of sexual tension there would be.

So this story is so much more than a bunch of Aussie men taking their clothes off for a bunch of rowdy women. Its well written, the characters are brilliant, i loved the secondary characters just as much as the main.
Its a story about one mans very fierce and loyal friends that are determined to do anything they can for him. It was such a refreshing, fun but somewhat emotional read. Its a story of love, support, suffering and hope, a story that proves there is no limit of what you'd do to support someone you love.

These authors are no doubt talented, i can't wait to read more from them. Im sitting waiting, not so patiently for the next men of mornington installment. ...more

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Jun 10, 2016 Shanny rated it really liked it

Review to come....

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Jun 27, 2016 Alicia Norton rated it really liked it

Slow Grind (Men of Mornington #1)
Eva Spencer
4 Stars

I am new to the work of Eva Spencer, and the description of the book had me intrigued. Forbidden love, seems so sexy and fun. Who wouldn’t be interested in that right? But the book description also included a theme of lifelong friendship and deep emotions.
The main emphasis of this story is the deep connection of the best mates, and what they would do for a friend needing help to cover some huge medical expenses while battling cancer. While they ...more

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Jun 27, 2016 Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks rated it it was amazing

What? Why do you gotta be so mean? haha We bump and grind until we get to the end. You left me swearing at the end of this book. I think I swore louder than Drew haha. Can we have the next book now please with a cherry on top?

Aubrey has had the biggest crush on Drew when they were longer. A turn of events has her leaving with her dad to the US and leaving her brother, Max and mom in Aussie. Ten years later, she returns as her brother who has battled cancer since he was a young one, learns it th What? Why do you gotta be so mean? haha We bump and grind until we get to the end. You left me swearing at the end of this book. I think I swore louder than Drew haha. Can we have the next book now please with a cherry on top?

Aubrey has had the biggest crush on Drew when they were longer. A turn of events has her leaving with her dad to the US and leaving her brother, Max and mom in Aussie. Ten years later, she returns as her brother who has battled cancer since he was a young one, learns it the "devil" has returned. Max is so strong and while no one should have to go through this, I hope he can pull through this one again with the experiment drug.

Drew was in a shock when he realized that Aubs was no longer a little pig-tailed girl and she is all grown up. He made a promise to Max that he wouldn't touch her, but her little choreographing routine would make any men think twice. haha loved how the boys played right into that as well.

The close knit boys of Mornington are no longer boys and will now be known as the Men of Mornington when it is decided that they will be doing a strip for the cure fundraiser to get Max the funds needed to help him survive. All I can say is this is so much better than "Magic Mike". Well played on Aubrey and the icing would have been Em and Aubs twisting the choreographing on the men.

Can't wait to find out on the progress with Max, see more on Jacey and what transpires between Aubs and Drew with that ending. A must read even though you will have tears reading some of this you will still be laughing the next moment with these characters.

You may not know it, but this is the work of both Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson (they are the Eva Spencer). If you have read their books, you will love this book. If not, you will still enjoy this book and will then be heading to read their books. They are awesome authors and a must read without reading the description of the books for me. I'm impatiently waiting for the next one. Beyond a five star read. ...more

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Jun 21, 2016 Jennifer Lessard rated it really liked it

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the blurb for this book I jumped on the chance to receive an ARC to read in exchange of an honest review because I was immediately intrigued with it! Well it was definitely well worth reading! I totally loved the whole storyline. I am a huge sucker for the whole taboo/best friend's little sister romance and I was definitely able to connect with most of the characters in the story. One character that was confusing an ...more

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Jun 27, 2016 Sue Galuska rated it really liked it

Aubrey has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Drew since she was 12. Unfortunately he only sees her as Max's little sister. Fast forward 10 years....Aubrey is living in the United States with her father and her brother and mom are still in Australia. Aubrey is days away from finishing college and gets the news that Max's cancer has come back and he isn't doing very well. Aubrey drops everything and heads back to Australia. While she is there she sees Drew and it's like she never left. The ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life rated it really liked it

Male strippers? Yes, please!!

Slow Grind is more than male strippers, it's about a group of friends that have been friends for a lifetime coming together to support one in need. And that makes these guys extremely sexy, in my own personal opinion. Men that would do anything for their mate is exceedingly endearing.

Max, Aubrey's brother, is fighting for his... again. Only this time the cancer seems to winning. There's an experimental trial that he can get into, but it's going to cost a pretty penny ...more

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Jun 14, 2016 Heather rated it it was amazing

I loved it! Draws ya in right from the very beginning.

Aussie men who are best mates and stand by each other no matter what... even when Max's cancer returns. Max's sister, Aubrey, returns to Australia from America, where she's lived with her father for the past 10 years since their parents divorce. Max didn't want to worry her before her college finals, so he didn't want to tell her he was sick again and she finally hears it from their mother when the chemo treatments aren't working this time.
Au ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Ashley Jasper rated it really liked it

I am a big fan of both Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson and when I saw they were teaming up as Eva Spencer I knew I had to get my greedy eyes on what was sure to be something wonderful. There are a lot of words that come to mind when I think back on what I read in Slow Grind...Sexy. Forbidden. Original. Heartbreaking. Family. Australian Accents (HOT). Hope. Funny. Stupid Cancer. Love...The list is truly endless.

I adored Aubrey. She is strong willed and has a heart of gold that pines for her bro ...more

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Jun 24, 2016 Kathryn Linke rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars
I was originally drawn to this book because of the concept of the forbidden best friends younger sister, I love this genre. But this book was so much more it explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, mate-ship and family. Aubrey has been in love with her older brother Max's best friend Andrew since she was a little girl. When it is discovered Max has cancer she returns to Australia, to help care for him and spend time with him. When one of his friends discovers an experimental treatm ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 Tash rated it really liked it

Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review

I liked the previous novel that I have read by this duo but I didn’t love it as I found the emotional connection lacking however this time I didn’t find it so . It had plenty of emotions and tensions running high. . Slow Grind may be the first under their new name Eva Spencer but these two are experienced and it showed.

I knew these two were releasing a new book and I signed up curious to s ...more

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Jun 28, 2016 LLEP Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Let me start off by saying that I was a little mad when I was reading this book. Not because of the quality of the book or that the book was bad, just certain aspects of the book made me sad and almost made me cry. But, like any good author, Eva Spencer gave me hope and made me believe in something better for her characters. Then I was thoroughly enjoying Slow Grind no holds barred.

Aubrey made me laugh so many times in this book. My laughter with Aubrey's character outweighed the pain I was fee ...more

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Jun 16, 2016 Christina Concus (Midnight Reads) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2016-read

**Arc provide for an honest review**

I couldn't put this book down, because I had to see what happened between the Aubrey and Drew. As well as to see what happens to Max.

Not really sure how to put into words everything I feel about this book and that's not a bad thing.

The authors were able to capture many emotions in their story. They were also able so many types of relationship from lovers to true friendships and even people that can't get the hint.

Without giving yo much away a group of best ...more

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Jun 15, 2016 Caroline F rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, dual-pov, cliffhanger

“I’ve kissed so many women in my day, this quick kiss shouldn’t have been anything special, but it was different on so many levels.”

At 12 years old, Aubrey had a massive crush on Andrew who was 18 and her brother, Max’s best friend. After her parents divorced, Aubrey left Australia for America with her dad, and Max stayed behind with their mum.

Ten years later, Aubrey is back in Oz as Max is seriously ill and Andrew (now known as Drew) finds that she’s no longer the little tomboy he remembers. Sh ...more

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Jun 26, 2016 CDBW rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-arc

4 Crazy Ass Stars!!!

What a great start to what is going to next addictive read!!! And damn that cliffy! UGH! When is the next one due out? I need it like yesterday.

Ok, tantrum over...

Seriously, I enjoyed reading this. I loved the Magic Mike-esqueness (yeah, I made that up) of it all. The storyline was a good twist on the brother's best friend/best friend's little sister forbidden romance.

It did start out a little slow for me but once I got through the beginning, I was eager to swipe pages to s ...more

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Jun 26, 2016 Lisa rated it really liked it

The idea of this one pulled me int and had me eagerly delving into it. For the most part it delivered on its promise. but I felt frustrated with the ending for more than one reason. Also a little more of the men in stripping action would have been appreciated *winks*.

Andrew is Aubrey's brother's best friend and Aubrey is off limits to him. But hey, she is just a kid, right? Wrong: Aubrey has grown up and has more curves than the last time he saw her. Aubrey's return home has a tinge of sadness ...more

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Jun 08, 2016 Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) rated it it was amazing

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment I read the blurb, I just knew I had to get my greedy little hands on Slow Grind. I was immediately drawn to and had to know everything that there is to know about Andrew and Aubrey and of course all of Andrews mates and their gyrating hips. What's not to love? A friends to lover romance and men stripping for a good cause. From the moment I read the first chapter, I was a big fan and am absolutely ecstatic to read more. Andrew and I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

From the moment I read the blurb, I just knew I had to get my greedy little hands on Slow Grind. I was immediately drawn to and had to know everything that there is to know about Andrew and Aubrey and of course all of Andrews mates and their gyrating hips. What's not to love? A friends to lover romance and men stripping for a good cause. From the moment I read the first chapter, I was a big fan and am absolutely ecstatic to read more. Andrew and Aubrey are summed up in a big heart, oodles of sexual tension and out of this world chemistry...what more could a reader want?

Aubrey Rosewood is Aussie at heart but has been living in the US since she was twelve when she packed up her belongings and left her childhood home and crush behind to live with her father. Now that her brother Max, her favorite person, is sick with cancer again, she must return and face her mother and the man who never thought of her as anything but his best friend's pesky little sister. Can she go back and show her support for Max and not have her heart broken all over again by Andrew? I absolutely loved Aubrey's feisty attitude, caring heart, and her sexy moves that left Andrew with mouth agape and his tongue hanging out. I couldn't wait to see her show Andrew that she wasn't a little girl anymore but a gorgeous woman to be reckoned with.

Andrew Ditner's world is crumbling all around him at the thought of losing his life long friend Max. When Max's little sister Aubrey shows up with curves in all the right places, he is intrigued by her crazy idea to save Max that involves choreography and g strings. I fell for Andrew's loyalty to Max and couldn't help but laugh at his resistance to his growing attraction to Aubrey. He was done for from the moment she sashayed into the room to visit her brother and he locked eyes on her.

Eva Spencer, which is actually a pen name for two fabulous authors, delivers an emotionally filled read that leaves you hanging in the balance waiting for Andrew and Aubrey's ending. As much as I don't care for cliff hangers, their beginning is sweet, funny, and hot, hot, hot! Slow Grind is to good to miss out on with all of it's hip pumping heat, soul searching sweetness, and long time friendships that come together and are willing to do anything to save a life that has come to mean the world to them. I highly recommend for a love story that has it all and takes you on an emotional ride that you wouldn't expect. I cannot wait to indulge in another book written by these two amazing authors and visit Andrew, Aubrey and the sexy Aussie Men of Mornington again...with or without their clothes on. ...more

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Jun 19, 2016 Amber rated it it was amazing

I don't even know where to start with this book except that it's intense and hot like seriously once I started I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. The tension between Drew and Aubrey was oh so hot! I hated the way it ended mostly because I needed so much more, I felt like I hit a brick wall at the end because I needed so much more. In so excited to see what's to come next, I need to find out what's going to happen to Max and I need to know where Drew and Aubrey go from here and why the ...more

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