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The Sex on the Beach Book Club
She's a sharp-tongued, rebel P.I. who eats idiots for breakfast. He's a sexy bookstore owner who may or may not be a womanizing killer. Then again, nobody's perfect. . .
Holly Hillbay is a kick-ass rule breaker with an 80's jacket-sized chip on her sexy shoulder. Want a piece of her? Get in line, pal. What Holly loves most is her job as a P.I. Bringing in pond scum who cheat on their wives makes her day. Like this guy, Wes Brockman, owner of Books on the Beach. Apparently, he's slipping between the covers with another man's wife. Joining Wes's cozy book club is the perfect way to get close to him and expose him for the lying, cheating, pseudo-intellectual creep that he is. He probably wears a turtleneck and a beret. Or not. . .
Problem numero Wes Brockman is one seriously sexy hunk of man who fires up Holly's dormant libido faster than she can say, "I'll take this in hardcover." The guy should come in a home game version. Plus, he's made it clear that Holly's in-your-face attitude is a total turn on. Gulp. Holly doesn't think Wes is having an affair--not yet, at least (note to bikini wax. . .)--but she's pretty sure the mysterious, dangerous vibe he gives off is no act. He's hiding something, and she intends to find out exactly what it is. . .especially when one of the book club members is found dead in the store's meeting room.
Now, with a page opened to secret identities, blackmail, betrayal, murder, and sex on the beach (the drink) and, well, sex on the beach (not the drink), Holly's into a case that is anything but by-the-book and one that's riskier, hotter, and more delicious than she ever dreamed possible. . .
Holly Hillbay is a kick-ass rule breaker with an 80's jacket-sized chip on her sexy shoulder. Want a piece of her? Get in line, pal. What Holly loves most is her job as a P.I. Bringing in pond scum who cheat on their wives makes her day. Like this guy, Wes Brockman, owner of Books on the Beach. Apparently, he's slipping between the covers with another man's wife. Joining Wes's cozy book club is the perfect way to get close to him and expose him for the lying, cheating, pseudo-intellectual creep that he is. He probably wears a turtleneck and a beret. Or not. . .
Problem numero Wes Brockman is one seriously sexy hunk of man who fires up Holly's dormant libido faster than she can say, "I'll take this in hardcover." The guy should come in a home game version. Plus, he's made it clear that Holly's in-your-face attitude is a total turn on. Gulp. Holly doesn't think Wes is having an affair--not yet, at least (note to bikini wax. . .)--but she's pretty sure the mysterious, dangerous vibe he gives off is no act. He's hiding something, and she intends to find out exactly what it is. . .especially when one of the book club members is found dead in the store's meeting room.
Now, with a page opened to secret identities, blackmail, betrayal, murder, and sex on the beach (the drink) and, well, sex on the beach (not the drink), Holly's into a case that is anything but by-the-book and one that's riskier, hotter, and more delicious than she ever dreamed possible. . .
310 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2005
About the author
Jennifer Lyon
25 books1,378 followersJennifer Lyon is the pseudonym for USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Apodaca. Jen has published more than twenty books and novellas, including a fun and sexy mystery series and a variety of contemporary romances under the name Jennifer Apodaca. As Jennifer Lyon she created the dark, sizzling, paranormal Wing Slayer Hunter Series, the emotionally sensual adult contemporary Plus Once Chronicles Series, and the passionately beautiful Savaged Illusions Trilogy. Jen has won numerous awards, hit bestseller lists on several sites, and had her books translated into multiple languages.
Jen lives in Southern California with her husband. Together, they raised three amazing sons, welcomed three lovely daughters-in-law and an adorable grandson. Jen loves reading, vacations at the beach or wine tasting, and making friends with any dog she meets. But her passion is writing about characters who must surmount impossible odds and make tough choices to prove themselves worthy of love. In the evening, her husband lures her away from the computer with a glass of wine and the company of the man who is her happily ever after.
Jen lives in Southern California with her husband. Together, they raised three amazing sons, welcomed three lovely daughters-in-law and an adorable grandson. Jen loves reading, vacations at the beach or wine tasting, and making friends with any dog she meets. But her passion is writing about characters who must surmount impossible odds and make tough choices to prove themselves worthy of love. In the evening, her husband lures her away from the computer with a glass of wine and the company of the man who is her happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 21, 2017
This book is so much more than a simple romance! It surprised me in a very good way. It's a medium length romantic PI story about a prickly female PI and a very HOT bookstore owner. I am looking forward to her next rom/susp story because this was way better than the stories we get on TV. In fact I would love to see it made into a TV movie for sure. It kept me guessing, took sideways turns and kept the action up while developing the characters into a very hot team. LOVED IT!
Holly Hillbay is a female PI who used to work on the police force, from a family of cops. She was raised from the age of 7 by her Dad and brothers, all cops. She has an ex, "Brad the Cad" who believe me earned his title. She's determined to make her PI business successful alone. She doesn't do partners. She's working on a cheating spouse case when we meet her at the beach bookstore's book club. Wes Brockman is the gorgeous bookstore owner who is in charge of the book club that Holly thinks her client's wife is cheating with. She quickly figures out it's not him but Cullen who's messing with all the ladies at the club. The story begins when Cullen is murdered in the locked bookstore that night. Wes hires Holly to figure out who killed Cullen while keeping his past life a secret from everyone. Holly is too good a PI to leave any stone unturned. Wes finds in Holly a reason to want to live again and Holly finds Wes too much of an understanding loyal man to resist. I loved the peeling of the layers of each one of them as love wins over defenses and fear.
Excellent job Jennifer! Thank you for the opportunity to read your NetGalley ARC of this book. Please keep me in mind again!
Holly Hillbay is a female PI who used to work on the police force, from a family of cops. She was raised from the age of 7 by her Dad and brothers, all cops. She has an ex, "Brad the Cad" who believe me earned his title. She's determined to make her PI business successful alone. She doesn't do partners. She's working on a cheating spouse case when we meet her at the beach bookstore's book club. Wes Brockman is the gorgeous bookstore owner who is in charge of the book club that Holly thinks her client's wife is cheating with. She quickly figures out it's not him but Cullen who's messing with all the ladies at the club. The story begins when Cullen is murdered in the locked bookstore that night. Wes hires Holly to figure out who killed Cullen while keeping his past life a secret from everyone. Holly is too good a PI to leave any stone unturned. Wes finds in Holly a reason to want to live again and Holly finds Wes too much of an understanding loyal man to resist. I loved the peeling of the layers of each one of them as love wins over defenses and fear.
Excellent job Jennifer! Thank you for the opportunity to read your NetGalley ARC of this book. Please keep me in mind again!
July 4, 2014
Okay, because some government agency says I have to, let me begin by saying I didn't pay for this book. I won it through a Facebook contest the author held. There was no expectation of a good review. Heck, there were no expectations of a review period. Anyway, there it is. Take it for what you think it's worth. At any rate, I don't give good reviews in exchange for free books. It's not how I roll.
Having said all that, let me start out by saying I love everything Jennifer Apodaca (or her other name Jennifer Lyon) has ever written. I just haven't gotten to all of her backlist yet. Hence my joy at finding out I'd won this early published work of hers. It was AWESOME. And from reading her more current works, I could totally see how she's grown as an author while still finding all the things I love about her work. The hot hero with his own demons, the gutsy but damaged heroine. She even peppered the story with loveable secondary characters and a cuter than cute pup. Add in the intrigue and the mystery, and she had me from the get-go.
Definitely a five-star read in my opinion.
Having said all that, let me start out by saying I love everything Jennifer Apodaca (or her other name Jennifer Lyon) has ever written. I just haven't gotten to all of her backlist yet. Hence my joy at finding out I'd won this early published work of hers. It was AWESOME. And from reading her more current works, I could totally see how she's grown as an author while still finding all the things I love about her work. The hot hero with his own demons, the gutsy but damaged heroine. She even peppered the story with loveable secondary characters and a cuter than cute pup. Add in the intrigue and the mystery, and she had me from the get-go.
Definitely a five-star read in my opinion.
April 1, 2017
I read this book in its original incarnation. It's even better now. I loved Holly and Wes. Separately and together. I loved the backstory and the romance. I loved the suspense running through it all. I really wanted Brad the Cad to get more of what he deserved, though, but that's the evil in me. ;o)
If you've read this before when it was published under Jennifer Apodaca, read it now. It's worth it. If you haven't read it before, get yourself a copy. I inhaled it today.
If you've read this before when it was published under Jennifer Apodaca, read it now. It's worth it. If you haven't read it before, get yourself a copy. I inhaled it today.
March 29, 2017
I love Jennifer Lyon/Apodaca, when I get one of her books I always know I am in for a great read and The Sex On The Beach Book Club is no exception. I loved this romantic suspense, from the character dynamics to the sass and sexiness I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
April 15, 2013
I liked it, strong woman, sexy man, murder mystery and a cute dog...what more could you want?
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July 20, 2015“If you like Stephanie Plum you’ll like P.I. Holly Hillbay.”
—Loretta at KDL’s Wyoming Branch
—Loretta at KDL’s Wyoming Branch
July 29, 2019
The story and characters were very interesting but were interrupted constantly by the sex scenes which hit over the head like a sledgehammer and which seemed to be thrown in gratuitously. I don't mind if they flow with the story but these just interrupted the story line and were very crudely presented.
June 11, 2022
never read this author, was pleasantly surprised. very good story, well written, interesting, held my interest. a little too much sex for my taste, but even that was very well written, amazing details! fun story, good summer read.
March 24, 2017
I loved this book and i adored Holly and Wes.This was a fantastic read it had a super storyline and held my interest all the way through.A well written book with super characters just loved it.
March 19, 2017
The title didn't have me expecting much but I went with this book because I had hope with the description. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised as it was much better than I expected. It was go go go most of the time. A real mix of characters and a great storyline that kept twisting and turning and had me wondering what the outcome was going to be. A real good suspenseful book with a touch of romance and some sizzling sex, totally entertaining read.
March 14, 2017
netgalley
an ok read. like the new cover.
an ok read. like the new cover.
January 13, 2011
Holly Hillbay, PI and ex-cop from a family of cops has joined a book club at at store owned by Wes Brockman. She is there because a client says his wife is having an affair the Wes but Holly soon finds out that it is not Wes she is having the affair with.
Wes Brockman is living a pretend life, he left his other one under mysterious circumstances, he suspects there is more to Holly that she is letting on and when one of the book club members is murdered at the Book Store Wes hires Holly to find the murderer.
Along the way we find out that someone is after Wes and it is probably someone from his other life the question who it is and why are they after him? That's for Holly to find out.
There was times this story was good and at other times it was lacking, the mystery was a little iffy and didn't ring true all the way but it was a good read and I did like Wes and Holly.
Wes Brockman is living a pretend life, he left his other one under mysterious circumstances, he suspects there is more to Holly that she is letting on and when one of the book club members is murdered at the Book Store Wes hires Holly to find the murderer.
Along the way we find out that someone is after Wes and it is probably someone from his other life the question who it is and why are they after him? That's for Holly to find out.
There was times this story was good and at other times it was lacking, the mystery was a little iffy and didn't ring true all the way but it was a good read and I did like Wes and Holly.
July 5, 2011
A light and somewhat steamy read, this is a mystery and a romance. I liked the steamy part alot, but the dialogue felt just a little stilted at times. Also, the heroine and hero were both a little too good to be true.
Also, I really liked that writer included blogging and podcasts and such in the storyline, but sometimes I thought she was reaching beyond her true comfort level with the technology. I give her credit for including it and being creative with it.
Also, I really liked that writer included blogging and podcasts and such in the storyline, but sometimes I thought she was reaching beyond her true comfort level with the technology. I give her credit for including it and being creative with it.
December 24, 2012
There is no build-up when starting Sex on the Beach Club. The story plunged directly into action. Unfortunately, the story felt frenzied.
It was exhausting bouncing from one plot to the next even though everything was tied together. The story just moved a little too fast for me and it made me bewildered. I did like that Holly was frank and unapologetic. Wes' nickname for Holly did become annoying, though.
It was exhausting bouncing from one plot to the next even though everything was tied together. The story just moved a little too fast for me and it made me bewildered. I did like that Holly was frank and unapologetic. Wes' nickname for Holly did become annoying, though.
September 14, 2009
I would have given it a 4 or 5 stars if she hadn't had so much sex. The plot was well written, the important characters were well developed, the mystery kept you trying to figure it out. I think if she didn't put so much trash in the book it would have been on the best seller list. Instead, it just rates as a romance. too bad.
March 2, 2010
This was my second Jennifer Apodaca book. I didn't like this one quite as much as the first one I read but it was alright. It was pretty good with all it's twists and turns. She did say the phrase "hard-a$$" and "chip on your shoulder" waaaaay too often. Anyway...it was okay but I had no problem putting it down when something else was going on around me.
February 5, 2012
New authors are always intriguing as I learn their writing style and how they work through a story line. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, took a bit to get into, but before long I found that I didn't want to put it down! The characters are very down to earth and sexy! Good story line - will read more of her books in the future!
March 27, 2017
Loved the tough as nails female heroine in this book. This is not your typical romance. The murder mystery side is a story onto itself with wonder twists and turns in the plot. It has nice character development allowing the Main female character to grow. Toss in the romance and sex scenes and it's a really good read.
April 25, 2013
Good summer reading revolving around a murder of a book club member and the bookstore owner with the mysterious past. All the characters have pasts, including the private investigator, and the way the characters are integrated is enjoyable.
Warning: Explicit sexual content...
Warning: Explicit sexual content...
July 6, 2013
This is my first book by this author. I like the balance of sex, romance and mystery. Very predictable but I would put it in the beach book category, which is what beach books are. I would read her again.
November 11, 2007
read 06.06.07
July 27, 2008
Cute book, lots of sexual scenes and some bad language
June 29, 2010
Don't judge me! I needed a book with a beach scene on the cover for the summer reading challenge I'm doing, and......Fine! I wanted a trashy beach book to get in the mood for my cruise!
March 22, 2011
Couldn't get past a few pages...I was looking for something light but I just couldn't read this one!
June 18, 2012
What a hoot! Great premise, can't go wrong with murder on 1. a beach and 2. in a book club. LOL, pretty much like Evanovich, but I liked it a tad better. Of course I've only read 1 Evanovich ...
August 20, 2013
A fun read - light and perfect little mystery romance for the summer.
November 6, 2014
ewrw
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2008
JUST A FUN READ
March 29, 2017
I love Jennifer Lyon/Apodaca when I get one of her books I always know I am in for a great read and The Sex On The Beach Book Club is no exception. I loved this romantic suspense, from the character dynamics to the sass and sexiness I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
April 24, 2017
This book surprise me, there is a lot going on, its definitely more than just a romance. I like Holly right away, she strong, independent and doesn't need a man to complete her, but she does have a soft, emotional side that she fight, she doesn't want to be vulnerable. Wes came off yummy, it took me a while to like him, he didn't come off the alpha type until the end, But he was there for Holly all the way and prove he wasn't going to leave. I like how he went toe to toe with Holly. There was suspense throughout the whole book. Overall it was a good book that kept you on the edge of your seat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews