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Vegas Billionaire #1
Stripped Bare
They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . . .
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off.
Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets.
Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off.
Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets.
Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
97 books6,972 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
February 9, 2017
A story with potential to the outside world when it comes down to the idea of a perfect someone, and second chances…
Macey, a single mother to a ten year old has the capability of any other to continue her motherhood steps and keep a positive future for her daughter. Even with the type of job she may have that would question her status and relationship she has with others. I find her attitude towards her stripping career as such a comedic aspect about her because she does not care about people judging her. At the end of the day she is doing it all for her daughter, Morgan. You can tell how poor she is when it comes down to her financial status, but also poor in the aspect of not knowing how to be a mother for her child. She feels that she has a certain level of responsibility she needs to be to achieve that status of a good mother, when in reality, her TRYING is simply the best way to be a mother. She is sacrificing the person she is to be the best for her daughter and give her what she could not have when SHE was a child.
Something that is rather refreshing to read it the way Heidi transitions her characters. When you finish the chapter with Macey’s perspective, you can feel her sadness. When it comes down to the transition of Finn’s perspective side of the story, you can feel and sense the difference in character and arrogance. He is powerful and rich, making him the cliche definition of a womanizer billionaire. Also definitely the definition of a cocky son of a bitch…
When Finn sees Macey for the second time, after their past’s history of knowing each other after that one night stand after high school, he explains everything that he needs from her. He finds her attractive in a way that he cannot describe how honest she may be to him, even when he does not deserve it. To him though, the aspect of being emotionally attached to a woman is something that does not appeal to him.
”Kissing means emotions and emotions are something I don’t do. I don’t want the complications…"
Even though Finn is giving her the money she needs, she is gaining something out of all of this when it comes down to the end of her fantasy. She is taking this opportunity with Finn and turning it into something that guarantees her happiness, even if it’s for a short amount of time.
At the end of the day, this story leads to a plot twist that I saw coming from afar. Stories like this one are very common and cliche in every aspect, but there is definitely something different about this one. Though grammatical mistakes are found every so often, making it quite a bit difficult for me to catch on with eh story, it was still straightforward with its story plot.
➳Hero rating: 3.0
➳Heroine rating: 4.0
➳Sexual tension rating: 4.0
➳Sex scenes rating: 3.5
➳Sex scenes frequency: 3.0
➳Plot rating: 3.0
➳Dialogue rating: 4.0
➳Storytelling rating: 3.0
➳Story ending rating: 4.0
ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review…
Macey, a single mother to a ten year old has the capability of any other to continue her motherhood steps and keep a positive future for her daughter. Even with the type of job she may have that would question her status and relationship she has with others. I find her attitude towards her stripping career as such a comedic aspect about her because she does not care about people judging her. At the end of the day she is doing it all for her daughter, Morgan. You can tell how poor she is when it comes down to her financial status, but also poor in the aspect of not knowing how to be a mother for her child. She feels that she has a certain level of responsibility she needs to be to achieve that status of a good mother, when in reality, her TRYING is simply the best way to be a mother. She is sacrificing the person she is to be the best for her daughter and give her what she could not have when SHE was a child.
Something that is rather refreshing to read it the way Heidi transitions her characters. When you finish the chapter with Macey’s perspective, you can feel her sadness. When it comes down to the transition of Finn’s perspective side of the story, you can feel and sense the difference in character and arrogance. He is powerful and rich, making him the cliche definition of a womanizer billionaire. Also definitely the definition of a cocky son of a bitch…
When Finn sees Macey for the second time, after their past’s history of knowing each other after that one night stand after high school, he explains everything that he needs from her. He finds her attractive in a way that he cannot describe how honest she may be to him, even when he does not deserve it. To him though, the aspect of being emotionally attached to a woman is something that does not appeal to him.
”Kissing means emotions and emotions are something I don’t do. I don’t want the complications…"
Even though Finn is giving her the money she needs, she is gaining something out of all of this when it comes down to the end of her fantasy. She is taking this opportunity with Finn and turning it into something that guarantees her happiness, even if it’s for a short amount of time.
At the end of the day, this story leads to a plot twist that I saw coming from afar. Stories like this one are very common and cliche in every aspect, but there is definitely something different about this one. Though grammatical mistakes are found every so often, making it quite a bit difficult for me to catch on with eh story, it was still straightforward with its story plot.
➳Hero rating: 3.0
➳Heroine rating: 4.0
➳Sexual tension rating: 4.0
➳Sex scenes rating: 3.5
➳Sex scenes frequency: 3.0
➳Plot rating: 3.0
➳Dialogue rating: 4.0
➳Storytelling rating: 3.0
➳Story ending rating: 4.0
ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review…
March 13, 2017
This cover like the book isn't that great. Sure the guy is hot, but it's boring and uninspiring. Like someone just slapped a half-naked man on the cover and called it a day. I will say I do like the typography of the title.
OMG...I enjoyed nothing about this book. First Fin was nothing but an asshole for the majority of the book. He doesn't even remember the heroine's name or that he slept with her ten years prior. Macey wasn't much better. She is trying to give her daughter a better life (for ten years she has been trying.) Yet when she goes to Vegas and earns enough money to move out of the ghetto and away from her drunk prostitute of a mother (who she has allowed around her kid. Often leaving her ALONE with her...she has to hide in closets when her grandma "entertains") she gambles it away in one go?!
Of course, Finn sees her and goes all "PRETTY WOMAN" on her ass. Pretty much insulting her or thinking hurtful things. Like after they have sex for the first time he thinks "maybe his dick will rot off" because she sleeps around. This whole book was a hot mess for me. So much so I don't even feel inspired enough to make any graphics for this review...
March 30, 2017
I received an ARC from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so sorry but this book isn’t for me. I have no complains on the writing style, it’s just that the characters annoyed the crap out of me.
Life is tough for Macey Webster. She’s a single mother with a 10 year old daughter – Morgan and works as a waitress by day and a stripper by night. In the small town she lives, her earnings are not enough and she wants a bright future and a comfortable life. Her co-worker encouraged her to go to Las Vegas for a week because the pay / salary and tips are twice better. Things are good in Vegas until she lost all her money due to gambling and timely saved by an arrogant, rich guy Finn McCormick when he hired her as his beck and call. She didn’t expect to see her long time crush after all these years since high school. As much as possible she didn’t want this kind of job but she’ll do it for her daughter and her dreams. Hopefully, she’ll find a prince charming who will cherish and love her. The problem is, he’s not into relationships and she doesn’t know how to tell him the truth after their last encounter.
I may be slightly irritated with Macey for gambling her money (I won’t take that risk if I were her.) but I applaud her sacrifices, perseverance and being a selfless mother. I ABSOLUTELY HATE FINN TO THE MOON AND BACK. He’s a pompous jerk and I cannot stand his insults on Macey. He made her feel cheap which I find disrespectful. How dare he belittle her for being a stripper and assume she sleeps around men? That hit below the belt to me and I don’t find any redeeming qualities on him. Macey deserves better than him.
(Full review posted)
I’m so sorry but this book isn’t for me. I have no complains on the writing style, it’s just that the characters annoyed the crap out of me.
Life is tough for Macey Webster. She’s a single mother with a 10 year old daughter – Morgan and works as a waitress by day and a stripper by night. In the small town she lives, her earnings are not enough and she wants a bright future and a comfortable life. Her co-worker encouraged her to go to Las Vegas for a week because the pay / salary and tips are twice better. Things are good in Vegas until she lost all her money due to gambling and timely saved by an arrogant, rich guy Finn McCormick when he hired her as his beck and call. She didn’t expect to see her long time crush after all these years since high school. As much as possible she didn’t want this kind of job but she’ll do it for her daughter and her dreams. Hopefully, she’ll find a prince charming who will cherish and love her. The problem is, he’s not into relationships and she doesn’t know how to tell him the truth after their last encounter.
I may be slightly irritated with Macey for gambling her money (I won’t take that risk if I were her.) but I applaud her sacrifices, perseverance and being a selfless mother. I ABSOLUTELY HATE FINN TO THE MOON AND BACK. He’s a pompous jerk and I cannot stand his insults on Macey. He made her feel cheap which I find disrespectful. How dare he belittle her for being a stripper and assume she sleeps around men? That hit below the belt to me and I don’t find any redeeming qualities on him. Macey deserves better than him.
(Full review posted)
July 22, 2017
Full disclosure:
While I enjoyed this story for the most part, I did have some issues with it and if you read on, you'll discover exactly what those issues were.
Ever read a book where you liked the story, at least its premise, but couldn't stand the characters?
For me, Stripped Bare was one of those books. Every time one of the characters had something to say... I... just... couldn't... deal.
It could just be me. Maybe it is. Who knows? I have a low tolerance for a-holes and dingbats so that could be it.
Fin was/is a manwhore, greedy, cold, calculating, rude, and prides himself on being respectful and considerate while being incorrigible and inconsiderate. This man was a walking talking mass of contradictions. I scrounged each page looking for something about him to like and it wasn't until I got to the end of the story... the freaking end!! ... that I found his one redeeming moment.
As for Macey, I dug deep to find a modicum of affection for her. She was a huge disappointment. I neither liked or respected her but I didn't hate her either. It just bothered me that she created the situation she was in and how she dealt with it. Being a single mom isn't the end of the world and it doesn't stop most of us for reaching for the sky. I pulled up my bootstraps and found myself an edu-ma-cation in order to provide my children with the best possible life I could. I did it all on my own and I still do it all on my own. So when a fictional character can't find it within herself to achieve or aspire to be more than a minimum wage earning contribution to her child's life, my sympathies are pretty thin. I'm not saying there aren't circumstances that prevent some moms from moving mountains, but this fictional character had no excuse. But that's just my opinion. Anyhow, her daughter's unconditional love for her is what got me through.
Overall, this was a hot and steamy second chance romance between a man with a closed-off heart and a woman with a hopeful soul. If you can get past the negative qualities of the characters, then more power to you and I hope you enjoy the heck out of this story!!
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance - 2nd chance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Vegas Billionaire series
Ever read a book where you liked the story, at least its premise, but couldn't stand the characters?
For me, Stripped Bare was one of those books. Every time one of the characters had something to say... I... just... couldn't... deal.
It could just be me. Maybe it is. Who knows? I have a low tolerance for a-holes and dingbats so that could be it.
Fin was/is a manwhore, greedy, cold, calculating, rude, and prides himself on being respectful and considerate while being incorrigible and inconsiderate. This man was a walking talking mass of contradictions. I scrounged each page looking for something about him to like and it wasn't until I got to the end of the story... the freaking end!! ... that I found his one redeeming moment.
As for Macey, I dug deep to find a modicum of affection for her. She was a huge disappointment. I neither liked or respected her but I didn't hate her either. It just bothered me that she created the situation she was in and how she dealt with it. Being a single mom isn't the end of the world and it doesn't stop most of us for reaching for the sky. I pulled up my bootstraps and found myself an edu-ma-cation in order to provide my children with the best possible life I could. I did it all on my own and I still do it all on my own. So when a fictional character can't find it within herself to achieve or aspire to be more than a minimum wage earning contribution to her child's life, my sympathies are pretty thin. I'm not saying there aren't circumstances that prevent some moms from moving mountains, but this fictional character had no excuse. But that's just my opinion. Anyhow, her daughter's unconditional love for her is what got me through.
Overall, this was a hot and steamy second chance romance between a man with a closed-off heart and a woman with a hopeful soul. If you can get past the negative qualities of the characters, then more power to you and I hope you enjoy the heck out of this story!!
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance - 2nd chance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Vegas Billionaire series
April 1, 2017
Macey has been struggling to get by these past 10 years after she became pregnant in her last year of high school. She is doing the best she can and has been quite reliant on her friends and mother to support her. Lately, however, her mother has become even less reliable and she is reluctant to leave her daughter alone with her.
Tired of living in poverty and worrying about her future, Macey decides to spend a week in Vegas freelance stripping. She is no stranger to this profession, it's one of her part time jobs that she has been doing to support herself and daughter Morgan. It's time she got out of her mother's home and made moves to enrol herself in college but to do this she needs money. One week in Vegas collecting much better tips will give her the opportunity to finance these changes she desperately needs.
Macey is glad she took a chance on Vegas, within days she has just about all the money she needs, until she makes a silly decision and finds herself back where she started. Even worse than that though is that it was in front of a guy she used to know from her home town. Finn. How humiliating to be hitting rock bottom in front of a guy she used to crush on, who is now a successful millionaire.
Finn recognises Macey from his old home town, can't remember her name but he can see she needs help so he makes her a proposition that will help him out and give her the money she needs. This is why Macey spends another week in Vegas, she feels so much guilt over leaving her daughter for so long but she has to do this if they are ever to have a chance at a different life.
The week that Macey spends with Finn is like nothing she could of imagined, it was like living in a bubble - complete escapism and bucket loads incredible sex. On Macey's side though there was also a hell of a lot of feelings involved, confusing feelings of falling for someone she knew she could never keep - a life she could never have. If would be fair to say that her experience with Finn was life changing.
In a split second your life can be tipped upside down, Finn discovers that when Macey leaves and Macey faces it too when Finn comes knocking on her door in her home town. It's time for some truths to come out....
Tired of living in poverty and worrying about her future, Macey decides to spend a week in Vegas freelance stripping. She is no stranger to this profession, it's one of her part time jobs that she has been doing to support herself and daughter Morgan. It's time she got out of her mother's home and made moves to enrol herself in college but to do this she needs money. One week in Vegas collecting much better tips will give her the opportunity to finance these changes she desperately needs.
Macey is glad she took a chance on Vegas, within days she has just about all the money she needs, until she makes a silly decision and finds herself back where she started. Even worse than that though is that it was in front of a guy she used to know from her home town. Finn. How humiliating to be hitting rock bottom in front of a guy she used to crush on, who is now a successful millionaire.
Finn recognises Macey from his old home town, can't remember her name but he can see she needs help so he makes her a proposition that will help him out and give her the money she needs. This is why Macey spends another week in Vegas, she feels so much guilt over leaving her daughter for so long but she has to do this if they are ever to have a chance at a different life.
The week that Macey spends with Finn is like nothing she could of imagined, it was like living in a bubble - complete escapism and bucket loads incredible sex. On Macey's side though there was also a hell of a lot of feelings involved, confusing feelings of falling for someone she knew she could never keep - a life she could never have. If would be fair to say that her experience with Finn was life changing.
In a split second your life can be tipped upside down, Finn discovers that when Macey leaves and Macey faces it too when Finn comes knocking on her door in her home town. It's time for some truths to come out....
December 17, 2016
Hmmmm...not bad, but had a few issues with it...
The hero was an ass for much of the book, so this annoyed me. The stripper/single mom heroine....I had some moments where I liked her, but she let her body rule her head for much of the book. I wish she would've stood up for herself more, and not succumb to the hero's physical charm and prowess in bed. This guy really needed to grovel! She made things entirely too easy for him.
And his reasons for never wanting to commit/fall in love/get married? Hogwash.
Also, way too many grammatical errors that annoyed me, but I'll let it slide since it's an ARC.
Good premise, but characters needed to be more likable. But I finished it in one day, so an extra half star for that.
3.5 stars
*ARC provided by Netglley in exchange for an honest review
The hero was an ass for much of the book, so this annoyed me. The stripper/single mom heroine....I had some moments where I liked her, but she let her body rule her head for much of the book. I wish she would've stood up for herself more, and not succumb to the hero's physical charm and prowess in bed. This guy really needed to grovel! She made things entirely too easy for him.
And his reasons for never wanting to commit/fall in love/get married? Hogwash.
Also, way too many grammatical errors that annoyed me, but I'll let it slide since it's an ARC.
Good premise, but characters needed to be more likable. But I finished it in one day, so an extra half star for that.
3.5 stars
*ARC provided by Netglley in exchange for an honest review
December 12, 2016
Holy crap was this book amazing.
Macey Webster grew up on the "wrong" side of the tracks. She a beautiful girl, and catches the eye of the guy she has a huge crush on Fin McCormick. Fin is an arrogant ass back in his high school days. When he finds out Macey has a crush on him he thinks BOOM I'm getting laid.
10 years later their lives haven't really changed at all. You know the old saying the rich get rich, well in Fin's case that's true. He is now a powerful casino and hotel owner in Las Vegas.
Macey's life didn't turn out as well. She's a waitress by day and a stripper by night. And she's holding a secret that not even her best friend doesn't know. What is that secret. Read this book.
It is amazing and I can promise that you will not be disappointed. Just like with blow, Heidi stepped out of the box and really did an amazing job
Macey Webster grew up on the "wrong" side of the tracks. She a beautiful girl, and catches the eye of the guy she has a huge crush on Fin McCormick. Fin is an arrogant ass back in his high school days. When he finds out Macey has a crush on him he thinks BOOM I'm getting laid.
10 years later their lives haven't really changed at all. You know the old saying the rich get rich, well in Fin's case that's true. He is now a powerful casino and hotel owner in Las Vegas.
Macey's life didn't turn out as well. She's a waitress by day and a stripper by night. And she's holding a secret that not even her best friend doesn't know. What is that secret. Read this book.
It is amazing and I can promise that you will not be disappointed. Just like with blow, Heidi stepped out of the box and really did an amazing job
June 1, 2019
*** 1.5 Y porque soy buena gente STARS ***
No sé en qué momento mi mente dijo se ve buena la sinopsis LEÉLO.
Este libro no es malo es MALÍSIMO.
Tiene la misma premisa que Pretty Woman que es una de mis pelis favoritas de la vida un clásico de clásicos. Hasta el desarrollo era muy parecido y no estuvo mal pero ahí les va lo que estuvo al en este libro El PROTAGONISTA Finn McCormick que tiene apellido de marca de mayonesa y cada vez que lo nombraban por su apellido no podía tomarlo en serio.
Dejando de al lado su nombre, su personalidad es HORRIBLE sus pensamientos sus acciones me erizaban los vellos y no de la mejor manera.
Humilló y rebajó a la protagonista no sé cuántas veces y nunca le pidió perdón porque como él decía era suya por una semana le pagó. Y cuando sabía que la había cagado todo lo quería arreglar con sexo.
Y yo Edward Lewis enséñale a este hombre POR EL AMOR DE DIOR!!!!
Por eso me desilusión mucho este libro porque pensé que el prota sería como Edward y pss nanais.
No sé por qué la autora se imaginó que este tipo de protagonistas están bien
Le dejaré las dos estrellas porque tengo un alma bondadosa.
No sé en qué momento mi mente dijo se ve buena la sinopsis LEÉLO.
Este libro no es malo es MALÍSIMO.
Tiene la misma premisa que Pretty Woman que es una de mis pelis favoritas de la vida un clásico de clásicos. Hasta el desarrollo era muy parecido y no estuvo mal pero ahí les va lo que estuvo al en este libro El PROTAGONISTA Finn McCormick que tiene apellido de marca de mayonesa y cada vez que lo nombraban por su apellido no podía tomarlo en serio.
Dejando de al lado su nombre, su personalidad es HORRIBLE sus pensamientos sus acciones me erizaban los vellos y no de la mejor manera.
Humilló y rebajó a la protagonista no sé cuántas veces y nunca le pidió perdón porque como él decía era suya por una semana le pagó. Y cuando sabía que la había cagado todo lo quería arreglar con sexo.
Y yo Edward Lewis enséñale a este hombre POR EL AMOR DE DIOR!!!!
Por eso me desilusión mucho este libro porque pensé que el prota sería como Edward y pss nanais.
No sé por qué la autora se imaginó que este tipo de protagonistas están bien
Le dejaré las dos estrellas porque tengo un alma bondadosa.
March 28, 2017
Stripped Bare (Vegas Billionaire #1) by Heidi McLaughlin
3.5 stars!!!
Stripped Bare is a classic take on the film Pretty Woman with the added twist of a second chance romance of sorts, if you count a one night stand ten years prior. This was a cute read with little angst and drama but does contain a hero that needed a good slap in the first instance, but once you got to know him, you couldn’t help but adore him.
Finn McCormick is a self-made millionaire who lives in Vegas. Finn comes from a well-off family but wanted to make it on his own two feet and has worked hard for what he has. Finn owns hotels and casinos and lives the playboy lifestyle with his best friends, he has a revolving door of women, his heart is definitely guarded and he definitely doesn’t do relationships.
Macey comes from Spokane, from the wrong side of the tracks and her life was derailed when she found out she was pregnant while still at school. Her mother was a waste of space when she was growing up and remains the same to this day leaving Macey to work all the hour’s god sends just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Waitress by day and stripper by night, Macey is struggling, desperate to leave the hell hole she calls home and frantically saving so that she and her daughter can leave her mums.
When one of her fellow strippers mentions a gig in Vegas that could solve all her money worries, Macey is hesitant, mainly because she doesn’t want to leave her daughter behind even though it is only a week but also because she doesn’t do a full strip or sleep with patrons. Reassured that you only go as far as you want, Macey heads to Vegas to earn a quick buck to enable her to take the first steps of a life she has dreamed about for over a decade.
I will say, some of Macey’s decision making does leave a lot to be desired but I understand that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. The result of one of her foolish mistakes leads her straight into the path of Finn and while he was her ultimate school crush back in the day, to him she was only ever a one night stand.
As I said, this does have that Pretty Woman vibe and if anyone deserved the knight in shining armour it was definitely Macey. While I could see the plot a million miles away, even though I knew what was coming I still loved reading the journey to get there and Heidi McLaughlin did a great job in taming the playboy. Finn’s attitude in the beginning was a little hard to swallow and a lot of his misconceptions could have been avoided if he actually took time to ask questions, but it did make for some hot action between the sheets and one dirty mouthed millionaire.
Yes, it was predictable, but it was a sweet, cute read that left me with the warm and fuzzies at the end. I was glad that we got to see the real Finn and that he did have the balls to stand up when needed. Overall, a quick, easy read that quenched that insufferable hopeless romantic that resides inside me.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!!
“Finn, I do believe you’ve met your match…”
Stripped Bare is a classic take on the film Pretty Woman with the added twist of a second chance romance of sorts, if you count a one night stand ten years prior. This was a cute read with little angst and drama but does contain a hero that needed a good slap in the first instance, but once you got to know him, you couldn’t help but adore him.
Finn McCormick is a self-made millionaire who lives in Vegas. Finn comes from a well-off family but wanted to make it on his own two feet and has worked hard for what he has. Finn owns hotels and casinos and lives the playboy lifestyle with his best friends, he has a revolving door of women, his heart is definitely guarded and he definitely doesn’t do relationships.
Macey comes from Spokane, from the wrong side of the tracks and her life was derailed when she found out she was pregnant while still at school. Her mother was a waste of space when she was growing up and remains the same to this day leaving Macey to work all the hour’s god sends just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Waitress by day and stripper by night, Macey is struggling, desperate to leave the hell hole she calls home and frantically saving so that she and her daughter can leave her mums.
When one of her fellow strippers mentions a gig in Vegas that could solve all her money worries, Macey is hesitant, mainly because she doesn’t want to leave her daughter behind even though it is only a week but also because she doesn’t do a full strip or sleep with patrons. Reassured that you only go as far as you want, Macey heads to Vegas to earn a quick buck to enable her to take the first steps of a life she has dreamed about for over a decade.
“I’m far from jaded. You assume I have a habit of ‘buying’ people. I can assure you that I don’t mess with human trafficking or prostitution. Like I said earlier I’m a busy man and this week I need a woman by my side to do my bidding. No strings attached, we both walk away at the end of the week. If I wanted the phone calls, text messages and the whiney bullshit that comes with dating, you wouldn’t be in my car right now.”
I will say, some of Macey’s decision making does leave a lot to be desired but I understand that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. The result of one of her foolish mistakes leads her straight into the path of Finn and while he was her ultimate school crush back in the day, to him she was only ever a one night stand.
As I said, this does have that Pretty Woman vibe and if anyone deserved the knight in shining armour it was definitely Macey. While I could see the plot a million miles away, even though I knew what was coming I still loved reading the journey to get there and Heidi McLaughlin did a great job in taming the playboy. Finn’s attitude in the beginning was a little hard to swallow and a lot of his misconceptions could have been avoided if he actually took time to ask questions, but it did make for some hot action between the sheets and one dirty mouthed millionaire.
“Macey, when it comes to you I have a 24/7 hard-on. My dick is addicted to your pussy, my mouth to your tits and my hands to your body.”
Yes, it was predictable, but it was a sweet, cute read that left me with the warm and fuzzies at the end. I was glad that we got to see the real Finn and that he did have the balls to stand up when needed. Overall, a quick, easy read that quenched that insufferable hopeless romantic that resides inside me.
www.theromancecover.com
November 22, 2017
The movie Pretty woman and the movie Striptease had a one night stand!
The result was this book!!!
The result was this book!!!
March 28, 2017
The giddy delight I get when I meet a new or new-to-me author’s words is BOOKWORM BLISS! That rush during that initial read is off-the-charts incredible! I finally popped my Heidi McLaughlin book cherry, and oh was it an explosion! Sultry and sweet, Stripped Bare blazes with fire and feels in a modern-day Pretty Woman fairy tale!
I fell in INSTANT LOVE with Stripped Bare, an achingly addictive love story that held me hard, heating my body…hijacking my heart…HIJACKING ME. The enticing and emotional writing was raw and the characters felt real. The Vegas setting in Sin City was sexy as were the hero and heroine. This book BURNED—so blazing HOT—where I melted into molten lava! Bold banter throughout this book made me blush, sizzling sex singed my body from head to toe and had me seeing stars.
Finn is an over-the-top alpha billionaire, a playboy and dominant man known along the Vegas strip. He commands attention everywhere from his icy blue eyes, dark hair, and tall and chiseled physique to his take-no-prisoners demeanor. He is a power player, and Finn plays for keeps. The one play he did not mastermind is the one where his high school fling walks into his casino looking like a stripper, making him want to play with her like he’s the predator and Macey’s the prey.
One proposition is all it takes for Macey to fold to Finn…
“You’re mine. I will not share, Macey.”
These words…PURE POWER! I LOVED THIS ALL-ALPHA!!! Finn made me flame with heat, his possessive words possessing me, stripping me bare indeed.
Finn leans forward and rubs his tongue across my lower lip, causing my insides to ache. He’s feasted on me repeatedly. Bringing me to the brink, over and over again until the ache is too much to bare.
Finn made me melt like molten lava. He is a power player in the office and in the bedroom…an expert in every way. The chemistry between Finn and Macey was combustible, electric everywhere. What starts as pure pleasure, smoldering sex, becomes more!
That SPARK is one Finn and Macey can’t deny. Finn doesn’t put all of his chips in one basket, he plays with many pawns or women. One woman may make his cash in all of his chips and fold, as Macey may be the one holding the cards after all.
"I have no doubt she's going to test me, give me a run for my money, but it's going to be worth it."
If you want a heart-stopping story with smoldering sex, a possessive alpha and sassy heroine, characters with chemistry and history, and an explosive storyline, then Stripped Bare is the perfect romance to bare itself to you. This Cinderella story seduces and scorches Sin City style! Stripped Bare is ALIVE like the Vegas nightlife, a hot love affair of words, where you will experience each one like a fantasy come true. Stripped Bare was my fantasy, and I want to bask in this fairytale a little longer. ❤
4 sultry kisses
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December 14, 2016
This book is fun and sexy and will totally tug at your heartstrings. Macey wants more than anything to give her daughter the life she deserves. She goes to Vegas with high hopes that she will finally earn the money she needs to get away from her drunken mother and to give her daughter a better home and life. When she loses her money in an effort to double it at cards (as one does in Vegas) she runs into someone from her past and he offers to "buy" her for one week. He is filthy rich, she is everything but and there is one week that starts something that will change their lives forever.
I loved how much Macey loves her daughter enough to have two jobs, one being a stripper and desperately wants to give her daughter a better life. I also love how Finn respects Macey and really wants to help her out once he sees her at her worst. They have their problems which are all very realistic and reasonable so seeing them work through everything together in the end was so sweet and absolutely lovely.
I definitely enjoyed this quick read and recommend this to those who love a love story in Sin City.
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how much Macey loves her daughter enough to have two jobs, one being a stripper and desperately wants to give her daughter a better life. I also love how Finn respects Macey and really wants to help her out once he sees her at her worst. They have their problems which are all very realistic and reasonable so seeing them work through everything together in the end was so sweet and absolutely lovely.
I definitely enjoyed this quick read and recommend this to those who love a love story in Sin City.
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
Wow, Heidi McLaughlin wrote one down and dirty story with Stripped Bare! An Arrogant Billionaire and Stripper.
Now, believe it or not, I am probably the only person in the world that has never seen the movie Pretty Woman. But, I do know the premise of it. Heidi McLaughlin put an interesting spin to it and turned a hard-hearted, cocky male into a beautiful man.
Macey and Finn. Explosive. In and out of bed. Macey has had a hard life and it trying, desperately to make ends meet and make a life for her daughter. When she finds out the amount of money that she can make in Vegas, she has no choice but to take off so that her daughter could have somewhat of a normal upbringing. But, just as things are going great, she decides to try to double her money. The tragedy that befalls her is truly the beginning of the end for her especially when Finn shows himself. There is no way that she is about to tell him what’s going on or why she was so desperate.
Finn … does not believe in kissing … does not believe in love. There’s no way that he could when he watched his father just move on after his mother passed away. He’s convinced that love doesn’t last and that power and money are what rules the world. He’s built an empire in Vegas and does not need or want a woman to complicate things. They are good for one thing and one thing only. So, as he watches a girl from his past lose it all, a plan forms that allows him to keep his commitments, help her out and get a taste of Macey. He knows that it will be one only one week but he has no qualms about it, at all. Until she leaves. Until the truth is disclosed.
I was really drawn into Stripped Bare. Heidi McLaughlin knows how to keep you interested in a story, how to move it along and how to melt your heart with just one kiss. It was a fun story at times, it was a heart-breaking story at times. Not too much angst but enough to keep you wondering how things were going to go for the two of them. I loved watching Finn evolve into a loving and caring man. I loved watching Macey grow from a caring, loving mother into the woman she was meant to be. It was a huge undertaking but Heidi McLaughlin handled it with class and style.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Shelved as 'not-interested'
October 17, 2017I thought this stripper trope was thing of past. Resurrecting from the oldies. Eye rolling. It wasn't my cuppa then.. still is not.
💯or. Que tédio. Ressuscitando trama.
I knew it couldn't be something new. Lol
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
💯or. Que tédio. Ressuscitando trama.
I knew it couldn't be something new. Lol
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 14, 2017
1.5 stars- I couldn’t see past the characters
I had a host of issues with Stripped Bare but they all boil down to the fact that I really didn’t care for the hero and heroine. As my dislike grew for Macey and Finn, I became more critical of other aspects and it compounded for the bulk of the book. The plot is similar to Pretty Woman and the blurb sounded promising, but my inability to click with the characters eliminated my enjoyment.
When the book opens, we meet Macey. She’s had a difficult life and willing to try just about anything to make things better for her young daughter. I never had a hard time with her motivations and I could empathize with most of her choices, but a few felt really incongruent with her role as a struggling single mother. The author addressed some of these, but as they piled up it was increasingly hard to dismiss. I also felt she was underdeveloped. She came off as brittle and angry for a good majority of the book. That attitude made sense given her life experiences, but I needed the softer sides too and I never got more than glimpses. The lack of balance and some of her behaviors made it difficult to like her even if I felt for her. While I could forgive Macey’s anger and rough exterior, I couldn’t cut Finn much slack. His haughty, egotistical, self-indulgent attitude made him unappealing. It was almost as if the stereotype the author was striving for got overblown. Though there’s no doubt there are people like that in the world, I don’t see them as heroes. He contradicted himself too often, saying he respected Macey, then cutting her down a page later. I’m all for the reformed playboy, but I need to see a lot of change or character development throughout the book, rather than just the end. In the latter half of the story, Macey talks about all the ways Finn makes her feel that enabled her to see beyond his brash words and actions. It was nice and you could understand why she wanted more, but the reader never sees those sides or moments. And I certainly never felt them.
Unfortunately, my difficulty with the characters extended to the other aspects of the story. The writing was okay, but it didn’t flow as well as I expected from this author. There was a lot of telling of emotions in the story, making it a bit stiff. The romance was largely lust-driven, and while that made sense initially, it also ensured I didn’t connect with the story or characters much. I was happy there wasn’t insta-love involved, but the relationship didn’t develop much beyond having physical chemistry even toward the end. I liked the hints we got that both characters felt more or appreciated aspects of each other’s personality, but it never went beyond brief flashes and I never felt their love.
Overall, I think this was a case of too far gone for me. The plot and conflicts held promise, and the execution and resolutions were solid, but it felt uninspired. I love stories featuring character redemption and growth, but in Stripped Bare the reader was just told it happened or it was casually dismissed. I wanted to see that. I wanted those tender moments where the reader sees the walls come down explored in detail. There were a few, but it wasn’t convincing enough to draw me back in. By the time there’s a shift, my walls were up and my feelings for the characters colored the remainder of the story. I found myself reading to see how it ended rather than enjoying the journey itself.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I had a host of issues with Stripped Bare but they all boil down to the fact that I really didn’t care for the hero and heroine. As my dislike grew for Macey and Finn, I became more critical of other aspects and it compounded for the bulk of the book. The plot is similar to Pretty Woman and the blurb sounded promising, but my inability to click with the characters eliminated my enjoyment.
When the book opens, we meet Macey. She’s had a difficult life and willing to try just about anything to make things better for her young daughter. I never had a hard time with her motivations and I could empathize with most of her choices, but a few felt really incongruent with her role as a struggling single mother. The author addressed some of these, but as they piled up it was increasingly hard to dismiss. I also felt she was underdeveloped. She came off as brittle and angry for a good majority of the book. That attitude made sense given her life experiences, but I needed the softer sides too and I never got more than glimpses. The lack of balance and some of her behaviors made it difficult to like her even if I felt for her. While I could forgive Macey’s anger and rough exterior, I couldn’t cut Finn much slack. His haughty, egotistical, self-indulgent attitude made him unappealing. It was almost as if the stereotype the author was striving for got overblown. Though there’s no doubt there are people like that in the world, I don’t see them as heroes. He contradicted himself too often, saying he respected Macey, then cutting her down a page later. I’m all for the reformed playboy, but I need to see a lot of change or character development throughout the book, rather than just the end. In the latter half of the story, Macey talks about all the ways Finn makes her feel that enabled her to see beyond his brash words and actions. It was nice and you could understand why she wanted more, but the reader never sees those sides or moments. And I certainly never felt them.
Unfortunately, my difficulty with the characters extended to the other aspects of the story. The writing was okay, but it didn’t flow as well as I expected from this author. There was a lot of telling of emotions in the story, making it a bit stiff. The romance was largely lust-driven, and while that made sense initially, it also ensured I didn’t connect with the story or characters much. I was happy there wasn’t insta-love involved, but the relationship didn’t develop much beyond having physical chemistry even toward the end. I liked the hints we got that both characters felt more or appreciated aspects of each other’s personality, but it never went beyond brief flashes and I never felt their love.
Overall, I think this was a case of too far gone for me. The plot and conflicts held promise, and the execution and resolutions were solid, but it felt uninspired. I love stories featuring character redemption and growth, but in Stripped Bare the reader was just told it happened or it was casually dismissed. I wanted to see that. I wanted those tender moments where the reader sees the walls come down explored in detail. There were a few, but it wasn’t convincing enough to draw me back in. By the time there’s a shift, my walls were up and my feelings for the characters colored the remainder of the story. I found myself reading to see how it ended rather than enjoying the journey itself.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
February 6, 2017
Just as a heads up ... this is going to be a rough review. I'm going to try to keep everything constructive ... try being the operative word because I'm a little irritated. Maybe more than a little and it feels almost irrational. Which doesn't translate into anything good.
Without giving anything away that isn't in other reviews ... yes, this is a modern-day retelling of Pretty Woman. And by "retelling" I mean that it is pretty freaking close to the movie. Too close. There are some iconic scenes in that movie that were not a retelling. It was the same darn thing. In my readers-mind, I want a retelling to kind of pay homage to the original but not try to BE it with a few twists added.
There were a couple of times when our lead character, Heidi, told Finn (our dashing young wannabe Richard Gere) to not insinuate that she was a prostitute and of course, after him telling her that he wouldn't, you guessed it ... he did. Just like the movie. Then there was the creepy old dude that is a work associate of Finns and yep! You guessed it again ... skeezy old dude hit on her.
I think that all of that would have been a little bit more okay if the book hadn't been predictable and the characters bland. Does our hero, Finn, (the strapping young gentleman that should have made me swoon) stand out in my mind? No. All I could think about is how Richard Gere could beat his ass. I didn't really like Finn as a person and that's probably because I felt like I didn't know him at all.
Same goes for Heidi. This woman came across as a doormat. I don't want to read about that! Not in a romance novel! I want to read about a woman who started out as a doormat and then she clawed her way to the top of that horribly deep hole, conquered her self esteem and flipped the bird to anyone that had ever put her down and made her feel like crap. That's not what I got here.
And there's this twist at the ending ... it just irritated me. Not only because I guessed it at the very beginning but because it was simultaneously made a huge deal out of and swept under the rug. Basically, not the book for me. I'm not too sure how I feel about this author. Does she write other retelling-esque novels? Are they all going to irritate me like this one did? Think I might keep a distance for the time being.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
February 18, 2018
The book started in the right (-ish) way, but in the end, it felt me with a sense of cheapness and a half-baked work. After finishing the book, I couldn't help but cringe and laugh at the same time because I was remembering Finn saying how mediocre and kind of forgettable the sex was between them. Also doesn't think highly of her for a long time. To be honest I am not sure if I think highly of Macey. I would have expected her to have done something more to make sure her daughter was living in better conditions. I feel like the ten year old was more mature than her mother and Finn. Steph is the most mature person there and the only voice of reason. She appears too briefly if you ask me.
The book had some moments where I thought things were going to change for something good and they would overcome the bad, but that change never happened.
In the end, for me, Finn is a hypocritical, little immature boy and Macey a weak person, even if she tried to change her life. The two main characters sucked, so the book wasn't a good experience for me. We barely got to see Finn or Macey's friends. Finn's friends didn't seem like good people. I don't understand hoe Brady was OK with Finn sleeping with his sister, Brandy. And yes. Brandy and Brady are siblings. I guess their parents didn't have any imagination when they named them.
I could have said a hundred more things about the things I didn't like in the book, but I will just drop the mic here.
The book had some moments where I thought things were going to change for something good and they would overcome the bad, but that change never happened.
In the end, for me, Finn is a hypocritical, little immature boy and Macey a weak person, even if she tried to change her life. The two main characters sucked, so the book wasn't a good experience for me. We barely got to see Finn or Macey's friends. Finn's friends didn't seem like good people. I don't understand hoe Brady was OK with Finn sleeping with his sister, Brandy. And yes. Brandy and Brady are siblings. I guess their parents didn't have any imagination when they named them.
I could have said a hundred more things about the things I didn't like in the book, but I will just drop the mic here.
December 24, 2016
Pretty Woman Vegas style
I liked Stripped Bare which is very much like the movie Pretty Woman, with a different spin on it however there are a few references similar to the movie & I prefer originality.
Macey Webster, single mom, waitress and stripper in desperation takes a trip to vegas to make some money for herself and her daughter who have lived in poverty for 10 years.
Finn, billionaire hotel owner was Maceys one night stand that didn't look back, now a sought after bachelor, rich,cocky, a self confessed comitmentphobe, hes also a bossy alpha male and owns it.
When Finn sees Macey he makes her an offer she can't refuse, one that will give Macey and her daughter food on the table, clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads, security.
Brilliant characters I was really championing Macey to get a happily ever after
A good plot, told in dual pov's, well written with hotness in all the right places.
A heartwarming romance were Cinderella gets her well deserved prince.
Arc gratefully recieved for review
Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I liked Stripped Bare which is very much like the movie Pretty Woman, with a different spin on it however there are a few references similar to the movie & I prefer originality.
Macey Webster, single mom, waitress and stripper in desperation takes a trip to vegas to make some money for herself and her daughter who have lived in poverty for 10 years.
Finn, billionaire hotel owner was Maceys one night stand that didn't look back, now a sought after bachelor, rich,cocky, a self confessed comitmentphobe, hes also a bossy alpha male and owns it.
When Finn sees Macey he makes her an offer she can't refuse, one that will give Macey and her daughter food on the table, clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads, security.
Brilliant characters I was really championing Macey to get a happily ever after
A good plot, told in dual pov's, well written with hotness in all the right places.
A heartwarming romance were Cinderella gets her well deserved prince.
Arc gratefully recieved for review
Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
March 18, 2017
Not for me :/
Review to come
Review to come
March 26, 2017
Squeeze!!!! Stripped Bare is like Pretty Woman all over again for me, except with a twist (and I really loved Pretty Woman).
Macey is a single mother to her 10 year-old daughter. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, pregnant at the age of 17 with no one to lean on. For the past 10 years, she tried her best to make ends meet waitressing during the day and stripping at night. She is desperate to give her daughter a better life but it’s hard in the small town. Macey took a chance heading to Vegas for a week working in a club, hoping she can make big enough money to get out of the hell hole back home. She makes the money but after one bad mistake and she loses it all. Down and out, Macey runs into her childhood crush turned hot billionaire hotel owner Finn. He makes a proposition that is difficult to turn down – another week in Vegas with him in exchange for enough cash so she could set herself up with a better apartment at home. Macey and Finn’s chemistry and attraction for each other is undeniable. They have no problem burning up the sheets. The problem is Macey’s feelings for her old friend have not changed – she wants more but unfortunately Finn is not a one lady kind of guy. The line of ladies waiting for an engagement ring is quite long and he is not the least interested. What will happen though when Finn finds out the truth about Macey and her past?
I love Finn – he is acting like a cocky bastard half the time but he has a big heart. I know this in the way he treats his employees, family, and his friends. Macey is a good mother – I can understand her profession because as a mother I would not hesitate to accept any job in order to take care of my kids. No judge here!!! I feel saddened for Macey’s situation and she deserves to be happy, cared for, and loved.
This was such a heartwarming, sweet and beautiful love story. Quick read. Low drama, high on sexiness, swoony, and awesome banters. I know this is a Billionaire series but I am hoping for a story on Lamar. He seems gentle, kind, loyal - I'm kind of intrigued by him.
4.5 sexy stars!
Macey is a single mother to her 10 year-old daughter. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, pregnant at the age of 17 with no one to lean on. For the past 10 years, she tried her best to make ends meet waitressing during the day and stripping at night. She is desperate to give her daughter a better life but it’s hard in the small town. Macey took a chance heading to Vegas for a week working in a club, hoping she can make big enough money to get out of the hell hole back home. She makes the money but after one bad mistake and she loses it all. Down and out, Macey runs into her childhood crush turned hot billionaire hotel owner Finn. He makes a proposition that is difficult to turn down – another week in Vegas with him in exchange for enough cash so she could set herself up with a better apartment at home. Macey and Finn’s chemistry and attraction for each other is undeniable. They have no problem burning up the sheets. The problem is Macey’s feelings for her old friend have not changed – she wants more but unfortunately Finn is not a one lady kind of guy. The line of ladies waiting for an engagement ring is quite long and he is not the least interested. What will happen though when Finn finds out the truth about Macey and her past?
I love Finn – he is acting like a cocky bastard half the time but he has a big heart. I know this in the way he treats his employees, family, and his friends. Macey is a good mother – I can understand her profession because as a mother I would not hesitate to accept any job in order to take care of my kids. No judge here!!! I feel saddened for Macey’s situation and she deserves to be happy, cared for, and loved.
This was such a heartwarming, sweet and beautiful love story. Quick read. Low drama, high on sexiness, swoony, and awesome banters. I know this is a Billionaire series but I am hoping for a story on Lamar. He seems gentle, kind, loyal - I'm kind of intrigued by him.
4.5 sexy stars!
April 20, 2017
Macey Webster is single mom and just trying to make enough money to get away from her alcoholic mother and make a better life for her daughter. Waiting tables during the day and stripping at night, is barely feeding them, no less helping them get out of the slums. So when one of the stripper at her club tells her about stripping in Vegas and how much money she can make… Macey is all in.
But once she gets to Vegas, it ends up being not as easy as her friend told her. She has one week to try and make as much money as she can and then head home. So on the last day, not having made as much as she wanted, Macey takes a gamble and ends up losing in the the worst way. Now broke once again, she doesn’t know what to do.
Finn McCormick is Mr. Vegas. One of the youngest casino owners, he could rule Vegas. He never expected to run into Macey Webster (although he couldn’t remember her name.) from back home. It had been years since he last saw her. Watching her lose over 10K at one of his tables, he goes down to talk to her. He’s able to recognize that she’s a stripper by the way she’s dressed and surprises him. But she’s just the person he needs for this next week, so he may be able to help her out.
Think “Pretty Woman” but as a second chance romance. Heidi has a way of making characters that grab a hold of you, in both good and bad ways — always making you fall in love and want more from them. Another great story from Heidi!
But once she gets to Vegas, it ends up being not as easy as her friend told her. She has one week to try and make as much money as she can and then head home. So on the last day, not having made as much as she wanted, Macey takes a gamble and ends up losing in the the worst way. Now broke once again, she doesn’t know what to do.
Finn McCormick is Mr. Vegas. One of the youngest casino owners, he could rule Vegas. He never expected to run into Macey Webster (although he couldn’t remember her name.) from back home. It had been years since he last saw her. Watching her lose over 10K at one of his tables, he goes down to talk to her. He’s able to recognize that she’s a stripper by the way she’s dressed and surprises him. But she’s just the person he needs for this next week, so he may be able to help her out.
Think “Pretty Woman” but as a second chance romance. Heidi has a way of making characters that grab a hold of you, in both good and bad ways — always making you fall in love and want more from them. Another great story from Heidi!
February 22, 2017
PDL's Rating: 4 'Bare' Stars (Liked)
Stripped Bare reminded me a lot of one of my favorite movies – Pretty Woman! I read Stripped Bare in one sitting, which I did not plan to at all. It was a really quick read; one of those reads that you just need to know what will happen next. It’s not suspenseful in any way, since it is predictable. However, the characters were a bit unpredictable to me. In turn, it intrigued me and made me want to know more.
From the blurb, I didn’t expect the story to unfold the way it did and it was a welcome surprise. The characters were truly likable except they had a few faults that didn’t appeal to me personally so I didn’t fall in love with them.
Finn was a bit of an asshole. Don’t get me wrong, I typically don’t mind a bit of this flaw in my leading man but at times it almost came off too douchebag-like for me. The other thing that threw me off was that Macey’s character is strong and independent and she truly was, but she was also portrayed as extremely weak when it came to her body with Finn. Because of this, I couldn’t help but feel like she is not as strong as she was written to be. This could all very well be due to my having this strong belief in – you may not have control over how you feel but you have full control over your actions. And Macey pretty much let her emotions control her actions completely. It just wasn’t a good balance for me personally.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this story so if you are looking for a quick, cute and well written book – give Stripped Bare a chance.
Stripped Bare reminded me a lot of one of my favorite movies – Pretty Woman! I read Stripped Bare in one sitting, which I did not plan to at all. It was a really quick read; one of those reads that you just need to know what will happen next. It’s not suspenseful in any way, since it is predictable. However, the characters were a bit unpredictable to me. In turn, it intrigued me and made me want to know more.
From the blurb, I didn’t expect the story to unfold the way it did and it was a welcome surprise. The characters were truly likable except they had a few faults that didn’t appeal to me personally so I didn’t fall in love with them.
Finn was a bit of an asshole. Don’t get me wrong, I typically don’t mind a bit of this flaw in my leading man but at times it almost came off too douchebag-like for me. The other thing that threw me off was that Macey’s character is strong and independent and she truly was, but she was also portrayed as extremely weak when it came to her body with Finn. Because of this, I couldn’t help but feel like she is not as strong as she was written to be. This could all very well be due to my having this strong belief in – you may not have control over how you feel but you have full control over your actions. And Macey pretty much let her emotions control her actions completely. It just wasn’t a good balance for me personally.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this story so if you are looking for a quick, cute and well written book – give Stripped Bare a chance.
March 27, 2017
3.5 stars---
About the book: Release Date March 28,2017
They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . . .
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off.
Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets.
Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.
••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars----STRIPPED BARE is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult VEGAS BILLIONAIRE erotic, romance series. This is Vegas billionaire/hotel owner Finn McCormick, and exotic dancer/ single mother Macey Webster’s story line.
Told from dual first person points of view (Finn and Macey) STRIPPED BARE is a second chance romance between former high school class-mates Finn McCormick, and Macey Webster. Finn and Macey hooked up back in high school but college was just around the corner and Finn never looked back. Fast forward to present day wherein Finn finds Macey down on her luck, losing big in his casino, and makes her an offer she cannot refuse-one week at his beck and call, and he would pay her three times what she lost. What ensues is a familiar story line ala Pretty Woman in that Macey will fall in love with a man who demands everything but offers only money in return.
Macey is a struggling single mom; a young woman who has resorted to stripping in Vegas to pay the bills but Macey only intended to stay in Vegas for a limited amount of time. Losing all of her money meant Macey was going home broke without the satisfaction of money in her pocket. Finn McCormick is about to open his third casino and hotel but coming face to face with his high school fling, a woman whose name he doesn’t remember, stirs a possessiveness in Finn from deep within. But Finn’s arrangement and contract with Macey is a one week, all inclusive for anything our hero wants making Macey feel more like a well paid whore than a woman down on her luck.
The relationship between Macey and Finn is one of an arranged business contract. Macey and Finn’s past relationship never enters into the story until Finn discovers the secret that Macey was desperate to hide. While Finn struggles to gain financial backing for his latest venture, a threat of another sort takes our hero by surprise. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense. Finn’s treatment of Macey is questionable at times especially when her emotional frailty and financial circumstance forces a choice she is reluctant to commit making our heroine see herself as nothing more than a well paid whore.
We are introduced to Finn’s PA Hannah and right hand man Lamar, as well as Finn’s friend Brady, and his sister Brandy who is trying to force Finn into a permanent relationship. Macey’s ten year old daughter Morgan is a breath of fresh air.
STRIPPED BARE has many similarities to Pretty Woman including a man who refuses to kiss; shopping for respectable clothes; the friends whose treatment of our heroine is questionable; and in the end treating our heroine like a whore for his taking. Macey’s point of view is heartbreaking knowing that her time with Finn is strictly a business arrangement but she is a mother desperate to make a life for her daughter as they struggle to pay the bills. The premise is familiar; the characters are controversial but colorful; the romance struggles with the hero’s treatment of the woman with whom he will fall in love. I had a difficult time with the romance aspect of the story line. Although the heroine fell in love I didn’t feel the connection from the hero’s point of view.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the book: Release Date March 28,2017
They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . . .
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off.
Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets.
Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.
••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars----STRIPPED BARE is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult VEGAS BILLIONAIRE erotic, romance series. This is Vegas billionaire/hotel owner Finn McCormick, and exotic dancer/ single mother Macey Webster’s story line.
Told from dual first person points of view (Finn and Macey) STRIPPED BARE is a second chance romance between former high school class-mates Finn McCormick, and Macey Webster. Finn and Macey hooked up back in high school but college was just around the corner and Finn never looked back. Fast forward to present day wherein Finn finds Macey down on her luck, losing big in his casino, and makes her an offer she cannot refuse-one week at his beck and call, and he would pay her three times what she lost. What ensues is a familiar story line ala Pretty Woman in that Macey will fall in love with a man who demands everything but offers only money in return.
Macey is a struggling single mom; a young woman who has resorted to stripping in Vegas to pay the bills but Macey only intended to stay in Vegas for a limited amount of time. Losing all of her money meant Macey was going home broke without the satisfaction of money in her pocket. Finn McCormick is about to open his third casino and hotel but coming face to face with his high school fling, a woman whose name he doesn’t remember, stirs a possessiveness in Finn from deep within. But Finn’s arrangement and contract with Macey is a one week, all inclusive for anything our hero wants making Macey feel more like a well paid whore than a woman down on her luck.
The relationship between Macey and Finn is one of an arranged business contract. Macey and Finn’s past relationship never enters into the story until Finn discovers the secret that Macey was desperate to hide. While Finn struggles to gain financial backing for his latest venture, a threat of another sort takes our hero by surprise. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense. Finn’s treatment of Macey is questionable at times especially when her emotional frailty and financial circumstance forces a choice she is reluctant to commit making our heroine see herself as nothing more than a well paid whore.
We are introduced to Finn’s PA Hannah and right hand man Lamar, as well as Finn’s friend Brady, and his sister Brandy who is trying to force Finn into a permanent relationship. Macey’s ten year old daughter Morgan is a breath of fresh air.
STRIPPED BARE has many similarities to Pretty Woman including a man who refuses to kiss; shopping for respectable clothes; the friends whose treatment of our heroine is questionable; and in the end treating our heroine like a whore for his taking. Macey’s point of view is heartbreaking knowing that her time with Finn is strictly a business arrangement but she is a mother desperate to make a life for her daughter as they struggle to pay the bills. The premise is familiar; the characters are controversial but colorful; the romance struggles with the hero’s treatment of the woman with whom he will fall in love. I had a difficult time with the romance aspect of the story line. Although the heroine fell in love I didn’t feel the connection from the hero’s point of view.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 8, 2017
2.5 Stars
Stripped Bare is the first book in the Vegas Billionaire series (as mentioned above) and while I usually avoid novels with the word 'billionaire' in the name of the book or series (especially series), I gave this one a try because I've previously read and liked books by this author.
And though my experience with this book was better than the previous billionaire book, it wasn't great. This wasn't Heidi McLaughlin's best work. For one, the male protagonist, Finn McCormick, was a total dick most of the time. And the female protagonist, Macey, didn't have the best introduction either.
You see, Macey is a stripper. But she doesn't want to be doing that her whole life and wants a good life for her daughter, so she goes to Vegas for a week because working there might help. And it helps. She earns a lot of money. And then she gambles it all away. Right then, I didn't like her. And that was disregarding the fact that she'd been trying for a better life for ten years and accomplished absolutely nothing. She was right where she started. I really think that, if not for Finn, she would still be stripping and trying to save enough to move out of her mother's apartment, ten years later.
As for Finn himself, his motivation for helping her was kinda weak. He was a millionaire, hotel owner and he got a bleeding heart over an old, not-so-memorable, one-night-stand? It was hard to believe. But since he did have other reasons, I'll allow it.
What I won't allow is him being a dick. Sure it made his character more believable, but he insulted Macey's profession, had his foot in his mouth, a few too many time for it to be okay. So even though he had some moments where he was a decent guy, or even sweet, it was overtaken by me being driven to think, 'Why are you such a dick?' every few chapters.
The plot of the story wasn't anything original. The characters being so flawed might have actually been the only thing that made it stand out from so many other similar novels. So even though I wasn't particularly fond of either of the main characters, I find myself being okay with them because they felt more real than they would have if they'd been all polite acceptance and tragic backstories? The question mark, by the way, is because I'm still undecided on the whole thing.
Overall, this wasn't a great read. The writing was fine but I've read better from Heidi. I liked some parts, disliked others. It was a readable book. And since I'm undecided on how I feel about it exactly, I can't say whether or not I recommend it. Try it yourself? That's all I can say.
Review copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2017
Macey Webster does what she has to in order to give her daughter, Morgan, a better life.
While in Vegas for a week to earn money (as a stripper), she comes face-to-face with a man from her past. In Pretty Woman style, he offers her money to be his escort for a week with the relationship ending after that week is over.
Can you care about someone in the course of a week, and if so, can you turn your feelings off when you leave? If/when you leave, are you taking your secret with you?
This was a fun read for me and I enjoyed the cast of characters, Macey, Finn and Morgan.
While in Vegas for a week to earn money (as a stripper), she comes face-to-face with a man from her past. In Pretty Woman style, he offers her money to be his escort for a week with the relationship ending after that week is over.
Can you care about someone in the course of a week, and if so, can you turn your feelings off when you leave? If/when you leave, are you taking your secret with you?
This was a fun read for me and I enjoyed the cast of characters, Macey, Finn and Morgan.
April 1, 2017
Macey has been raising her ten-year-old daughter, Morgan, under very difficult circumstances, and doing the best she can. Needing to get her away from her dysfunctional mother, she takes a stripping gig in Vegas to make a chunk of cash and in doing so she crosses paths with her old highschool crush, Finn McCormick. Finn is a very successful casino and hotel owner who watches Macey lose big on the table and decides on a whim to proposition her.
Macey was an admirable character and her love for her daughter shines throughout this story. Morgan was a little sweetheart who wormed her way into my heart without difficulty. Finn is your typical asshole alpha with commitment issues to start off with but he was compassionate behind the rough exterior.
Brandy was an annoying whiny ex who I couldn't stand.
The romance plays out quite predictably and the plot twist isn't a surprise but from the way it's written I guess that the author intended it to be so. It didn't in any way dent my enjoyment because I really enjoyed reading this book. Initially, I was attracted to read this one as I'd read a similar story with the same title previously and enjoyed it so I had a feeling I would like this one too, plus I've read some of Heidi's other work and I know she's an accomplished author so I knew the writing would be stellar, and it was.
This is quite a quick read and the pace is consistently fast. No filler. Character development is decent and I loved the dual POV. The romantic/sex scenes were hot and the chemistry very believable.
The only thing I didn't like is how we're expected to believe Macey wouldn't seek financial support from the father given her dire circumstances, but, hey, it's fiction so I gave it a pass.
In summary, this was a great, entertaining second chance romance with a happy ending and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Good job, Heidi, and thanks for the great read.
Actual rating: 4.5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for supplying an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I have voluntarily reviewed same.
Macey was an admirable character and her love for her daughter shines throughout this story. Morgan was a little sweetheart who wormed her way into my heart without difficulty. Finn is your typical asshole alpha with commitment issues to start off with but he was compassionate behind the rough exterior.
Brandy was an annoying whiny ex who I couldn't stand.
The romance plays out quite predictably and the plot twist isn't a surprise but from the way it's written I guess that the author intended it to be so. It didn't in any way dent my enjoyment because I really enjoyed reading this book. Initially, I was attracted to read this one as I'd read a similar story with the same title previously and enjoyed it so I had a feeling I would like this one too, plus I've read some of Heidi's other work and I know she's an accomplished author so I knew the writing would be stellar, and it was.
This is quite a quick read and the pace is consistently fast. No filler. Character development is decent and I loved the dual POV. The romantic/sex scenes were hot and the chemistry very believable.
The only thing I didn't like is how we're expected to believe Macey wouldn't seek financial support from the father given her dire circumstances, but, hey, it's fiction so I gave it a pass.
In summary, this was a great, entertaining second chance romance with a happy ending and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Good job, Heidi, and thanks for the great read.
Actual rating: 4.5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for supplying an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I have voluntarily reviewed same.
April 23, 2017
3.5 stars
November 21, 2021
You know you’ve read too many books when you figure out a plot twist early on - even though it hasn’t been hinted at ad nauseam. So kudos to the author for that!
But the rest of the story was just as predictable as you’d expect.
But the rest of the story was just as predictable as you’d expect.
February 28, 2017
Oh I am completely in love with this book. For me this was a Pretty Woman story but with some twists and ones that make this book unique on its own.
Macey is barely making ends meet resorting to stripping and waiting tables to provide for herself and her daughter Morgan. She finds herself in Vegas attempting to make some quick money and runs into Finn a blast from her past who also happens to be a super rich wealthy casino owner.
Finn has a proposition for her, one that could help with some of her financial woes.
Finn was a little bit of an ass I will say but it was so fitting for his character as you find out about his life. As the story goes on his douchebag persona is slowly chipped away by Macey. Macey is tough, determined, focused and willing to do what it takes to provide for Morgan. I absolutely loved her and she didn't back down from Finn nor did she put up with his mood swings.
I loved their interaction, the banter back and forth between the two. Macey certainly challenged Finn at every turn. The sex is off the charts hawt and the chemistry between the two will have you fanning yourself. As their time comes to end, my heart was racing a bit wondering whether he would keep her or let her walk away. Some surprises are revealed that will leave you with some anxiety, some drama unfolds that will have you cursing and wanting to slap someone and there are some moments that will make your heart melt.
I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend to those that are looking for a love story with some elements of hotness, drama, surprises and swoon.
Macey is barely making ends meet resorting to stripping and waiting tables to provide for herself and her daughter Morgan. She finds herself in Vegas attempting to make some quick money and runs into Finn a blast from her past who also happens to be a super rich wealthy casino owner.
Finn has a proposition for her, one that could help with some of her financial woes.
Finn was a little bit of an ass I will say but it was so fitting for his character as you find out about his life. As the story goes on his douchebag persona is slowly chipped away by Macey. Macey is tough, determined, focused and willing to do what it takes to provide for Morgan. I absolutely loved her and she didn't back down from Finn nor did she put up with his mood swings.
I loved their interaction, the banter back and forth between the two. Macey certainly challenged Finn at every turn. The sex is off the charts hawt and the chemistry between the two will have you fanning yourself. As their time comes to end, my heart was racing a bit wondering whether he would keep her or let her walk away. Some surprises are revealed that will leave you with some anxiety, some drama unfolds that will have you cursing and wanting to slap someone and there are some moments that will make your heart melt.
I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend to those that are looking for a love story with some elements of hotness, drama, surprises and swoon.
December 29, 2016
**I received a copy through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Macey is a single Mom who is working two jobs just trying to make ends meet for her daughter. She works at a diner during the day and has resorted to stripping in the evenings, where the money is decent. At the suggestion of a co-worker, Macey heads to Vegas for a one week stripping gig to earn as much money as possible in hopes to change her and her daughter Morgan's life. Her week in Vegas takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself face to face with Finn McCormick and a proposition she can't afford to refuse. Finn is Vegas's newest hotel owner and millionaire. He's just as cocky and sure of himself as she remembered him from when they were in high school...
You will enjoy the journey that these two go on together and the luxury and opulence that belongs to the wealthy in Las Vegas! From the fancy cars, penthouse suites, extravagant meals and shopping sprees! The story has a Pretty Woman feel to it, but their situation soon becomes extremely complicated. There are majorly hot sex scenes, heartbreak, jealousy and regret all piled into this book. A very entertaining read!
Macey is a single Mom who is working two jobs just trying to make ends meet for her daughter. She works at a diner during the day and has resorted to stripping in the evenings, where the money is decent. At the suggestion of a co-worker, Macey heads to Vegas for a one week stripping gig to earn as much money as possible in hopes to change her and her daughter Morgan's life. Her week in Vegas takes an unexpected turn and she finds herself face to face with Finn McCormick and a proposition she can't afford to refuse. Finn is Vegas's newest hotel owner and millionaire. He's just as cocky and sure of himself as she remembered him from when they were in high school...
You will enjoy the journey that these two go on together and the luxury and opulence that belongs to the wealthy in Las Vegas! From the fancy cars, penthouse suites, extravagant meals and shopping sprees! The story has a Pretty Woman feel to it, but their situation soon becomes extremely complicated. There are majorly hot sex scenes, heartbreak, jealousy and regret all piled into this book. A very entertaining read!
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