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Compromise Me #2
Hard Compromise
Laurie Peterson assumes her impulsive one-night stand with sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan Booker is the biggest surprise of the year…until her bakery burns down while she’s basking in the afterglow. It looks like her dreams are up in smoke, but then Ethan proposes a deal too tempting to resist.
Ethan has no intention of settling for a one-night stand with Laurie. Nor does he want anything to do with the women his wealthy family wants him to meet. Not when he’s waited ten years for his chance to make his move. His deal might have strings—and Laurie may not know the stakes—but nothing will stop this sexy cop from staking a real claim on her body and her heart.
Each book in the Compromise Me series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2016
100 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Samanthe Beck
29 books1,329 followersWine lover, sleep fanatic, and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy contemporary romance novels, Samanthe Beck lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her long-suffering husband, Charles, and their turbo-son, Hud. Throw in a furry ninja assassin named Gander, a few hundred Nerf blasters, one electric guitar, (with amp!), and…well…you get the picture.
When not dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks ways to get her characters to happy-ever-after, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with ASMR podcasts.
When not dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks ways to get her characters to happy-ever-after, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with ASMR podcasts.
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August 10, 2017
RATING 4.5 STARS
Hard Compromise is book two in the Compromise Me series by Samanthe Beck. I loved the first book of this series so was so excited to get Chelsea’s best friend, Laurie’s story, and the man who wanted her heart, Ethan Booker.
Laurie Peterson was raised by a woman whose best friend was alcohol. Having a daughter was merely an inconvenience. Laurie grew up in Montenido, California with Chelsea being her only real friend. At age sixteen, Laurie would have done just about anything to gain some attention, which is how she first met then rookie cop, Ethan Booker. He saved her from herself on that beach ten years ago. Over the following ten years, Ethan looked out for Laurie, mostly without her knowledge. But Ethan has waited long enough. He is the sheriff now and Laurie owns her own bakery. It’s time to claim what he’s waited what feels like a life time for.
Laurie keeps people at a distance, except for her best friend. She can’t afford to let anyone in to her inner crazy life. A life where her mother could turn up at any time and reek havoc, which she often does. So on that New Year’s Eve when Ethan showed up at her New Year’s Eve party and showed her just exactly how he wanted to celebrate, she was all in. But it would only be the one time. Then she’d kick him out just like she always did. What Laurie didn’t realize is that Ethan had other plans altogether.
“Laurie Peterson didn’t lean on anyone. She gave out advice. She supplied a shoulder to cry on, not vice versa. Chelsea was the only possible exception.”
“You belong to yourself. You look after yourself.”
Laurie’s New Year’s Day, though, didn’t have a very good start. First, one of those surprise visits from her mother. And then, her beloved bakery that she had scrimped and saved to get it off it’s feet, burned to the ground. But Booker stood by her and pledged his support. He said he would have her back. But Laurie knew that wouldn’t happen. Not if he knew what her life was really like.
I have to admit that at first, I didn’t warm to Ethan right away. He was so…is abrupt the right word? He was very methodical about the way he pursued Laurie. But the more I got to know him, the more I got to know Laurie, I realized that he had to do things that way. She was scared to death, ready to run at any time. So I have to give Ethan credit for knowing her more than she knew herself. He found ways to keep her tied to him, to keep her in his bed, until her heart would finally realize that he could be part of her life, that she could trust and depend on him. That she didn’t have to keep running.
“She could stuff her own feelings into a box and lock them away where they couldn’t do any damage - hardly any. She’d practiced the skill her entire life. But this? Nothing had prepared her for this.”
I do have to admit that this one kind of broke my heart. I mean, Laurie’s life, her mom, really was awful. And I am in love with Ethan’s family. His mom is a hoot! I am in love with the ending of this. I actually swooned. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series, Arden and the sexy Dr. Nick get their story in Compromised in Paradise. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to read this series and get to know Samanthe’s work. I’m just loving it.
Hard Compromise is book two in the Compromise Me series by Samanthe Beck. I loved the first book of this series so was so excited to get Chelsea’s best friend, Laurie’s story, and the man who wanted her heart, Ethan Booker.
Laurie Peterson was raised by a woman whose best friend was alcohol. Having a daughter was merely an inconvenience. Laurie grew up in Montenido, California with Chelsea being her only real friend. At age sixteen, Laurie would have done just about anything to gain some attention, which is how she first met then rookie cop, Ethan Booker. He saved her from herself on that beach ten years ago. Over the following ten years, Ethan looked out for Laurie, mostly without her knowledge. But Ethan has waited long enough. He is the sheriff now and Laurie owns her own bakery. It’s time to claim what he’s waited what feels like a life time for.
Laurie keeps people at a distance, except for her best friend. She can’t afford to let anyone in to her inner crazy life. A life where her mother could turn up at any time and reek havoc, which she often does. So on that New Year’s Eve when Ethan showed up at her New Year’s Eve party and showed her just exactly how he wanted to celebrate, she was all in. But it would only be the one time. Then she’d kick him out just like she always did. What Laurie didn’t realize is that Ethan had other plans altogether.
“Laurie Peterson didn’t lean on anyone. She gave out advice. She supplied a shoulder to cry on, not vice versa. Chelsea was the only possible exception.”
“You belong to yourself. You look after yourself.”
Laurie’s New Year’s Day, though, didn’t have a very good start. First, one of those surprise visits from her mother. And then, her beloved bakery that she had scrimped and saved to get it off it’s feet, burned to the ground. But Booker stood by her and pledged his support. He said he would have her back. But Laurie knew that wouldn’t happen. Not if he knew what her life was really like.
I have to admit that at first, I didn’t warm to Ethan right away. He was so…is abrupt the right word? He was very methodical about the way he pursued Laurie. But the more I got to know him, the more I got to know Laurie, I realized that he had to do things that way. She was scared to death, ready to run at any time. So I have to give Ethan credit for knowing her more than she knew herself. He found ways to keep her tied to him, to keep her in his bed, until her heart would finally realize that he could be part of her life, that she could trust and depend on him. That she didn’t have to keep running.
“She could stuff her own feelings into a box and lock them away where they couldn’t do any damage - hardly any. She’d practiced the skill her entire life. But this? Nothing had prepared her for this.”
I do have to admit that this one kind of broke my heart. I mean, Laurie’s life, her mom, really was awful. And I am in love with Ethan’s family. His mom is a hoot! I am in love with the ending of this. I actually swooned. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series, Arden and the sexy Dr. Nick get their story in Compromised in Paradise. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to read this series and get to know Samanthe’s work. I’m just loving it.
November 23, 2016
4 STARS
Bad girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Good boy from the town's richest family.
Ten years of repressed longings and lust.
What does that all equal? One spicy little read!
I do believe that this may have been my favorite book that I've read from this author to date. I loved everything about it.
Dirty talking sheriff?
CHECK!
Sassy heroine? Check
CHECK!
Insanely hot sexy times? Check and freaking check!
Ethan Booker has been lusting after Laurie Peterson for years. He's known her since he busted her for underage drinking as a wild child sixteen year old girl. But now Laurie is all woman, and she's kept her wild child ways that guarantee that no man gets a repeat performance from her. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks made Laurie rely on no one but herself, especially not her good for nothing mother that only shows up when she needs something from her. Now the town's sheriff and son of the richest and most influential family in their little town is determined to make her stick around long enough to form an attachment, even if it means a compromise between them. She'll pretend to be his girlfriend for his sister's wedding to get his meddling, match making mother off his back, and he'll pay her the six grand she needs to put her business back on the ground after a fire burns her dreams down. But what's a good compromise without some very bad fun?
This book was so much fun to read. I loved Laurie. She was all sass and vulnerability. She's determined to push Ethan away and Ethan is determined to break down all her walls. I loved the two of them together. The story was sweet, sexy, and the perfect read to warm you up on a cold winter's night. Me likey!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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He could already picture her, breathless and ready as he braced her against the nearest surface and unleashed half a decade’s worth of repressed longings. Fuck her so thoroughly she’d have no standing to dismiss the event as a heat-of-the-moment hookup. He was coming for her. Her, dammit, and he hadn’t waited this long only to be shown the door after one energetic encounter.
Bad girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Good boy from the town's richest family.
Ten years of repressed longings and lust.
What does that all equal? One spicy little read!
I do believe that this may have been my favorite book that I've read from this author to date. I loved everything about it.
Dirty talking sheriff?
CHECK!
Sassy heroine? Check
CHECK!
Insanely hot sexy times? Check and freaking check!
Ethan Booker has been lusting after Laurie Peterson for years. He's known her since he busted her for underage drinking as a wild child sixteen year old girl. But now Laurie is all woman, and she's kept her wild child ways that guarantee that no man gets a repeat performance from her. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks made Laurie rely on no one but herself, especially not her good for nothing mother that only shows up when she needs something from her. Now the town's sheriff and son of the richest and most influential family in their little town is determined to make her stick around long enough to form an attachment, even if it means a compromise between them. She'll pretend to be his girlfriend for his sister's wedding to get his meddling, match making mother off his back, and he'll pay her the six grand she needs to put her business back on the ground after a fire burns her dreams down. But what's a good compromise without some very bad fun?
This book was so much fun to read. I loved Laurie. She was all sass and vulnerability. She's determined to push Ethan away and Ethan is determined to break down all her walls. I loved the two of them together. The story was sweet, sexy, and the perfect read to warm you up on a cold winter's night. Me likey!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 29, 2017
What a great book Hard Compromise turned out to be ! This is my first story by Samanthe Beck and I can easily say it won't be my last. Her writing is hot, stimulating, emotion evoking and provocative and I enjoyed this trope a lot ! This story truly grabbed me from page one and held on until the very end.
Ten years prior on New Year's Eve sixteen-years-old Lauralie Peterson alias Laurie is having fun at a beach party trown by vacationing frat brothers, when she’s busted underage drinking among other things by twenty-two-years old rookie Deputy Ethan Booker.
Booker gave her then a fair warning, sent her home and told Laurie after her failed attempt to seduce him, they can revisit the topic in ten years.
“Jailbait, this is your one and only free pass. I told you we’d consider tonight a warning, so listen up, because here it comes. I’m going to be watching you from now on. If you stray over the line in any way, shape, or form I’m going to bust your little ass so hard your head will spin. Understand?”
Fast forward a decade later, Laurie is now an independent and beautiful woman, a pastry chef and the proud owner of a sucessful bakery in town. Sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan has been patiently waiting for ten long years to make his move. He’s done lusting after Laurie from afar and determined to win her over.
Ethan and Laurie come from very different worlds. Laurie is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and her alcoholic, neglectful and manipulative mother is a real piece of work. Ethan comes from a wealthy, respected and high profile family in the little town of Montenido.
Due to her painful childhood, Laurie doesn't do relationships, she doesn't believe in forever and doesn’t lean on anyone. A one-night stand is all she’s willing to give Ethan. This one night was all it took for sparks to fly and ignite this raw desire that was brewing between them for so long.
“I’m not big on ‘next time,’ Booker. Whatever’s on your to-do list, you ought to get it done tonight.”
“We’ll have a next time.” The utter certainty in his voice tripped up her pulse. “And a time after that, and then another thousand next times. You want to know why?” He slid his fingers into her heat, and she nearly levitated. “W-why?” “Because I’ve got a thousand ways to please you. You’re going to get addicted to the way I make you come. You already are, and I haven’t even been inside you yet.”
Despite the strong connection and sizzling chemistry they share, Laurie is determined to keep Ethan at arms length and keep it all about a sexual relationship. But Ethan has other ideas about where their future is headed and he’s not going to make it that easy for her. And when the perfect opportunity arises in the form of Laurie's livelihood gone up in smoke, Ethan intends to take full advantage of it and will stop at nothing to convince stubborn and feisty Laurie that they are meant to be.
But for Laurie there's more at stake than her burned up dream or her mother who continued to find ways to bleed her - she has no control over Ethan and he made her want too much saying things that knocked her off balance but hell had a better chance of freezing over before Lauralie Peterson left herself emotionally vulnerable to anyone.
This was a fun, sweet and steamy well-written romance with a bit of fun and light drama - all set for a good time. Ethan and Laurie’s story is full of heat and passion, and this author has a real talent in bringing scorching scenes alive. I did enjoyed the setting, the characters and their banter was almost as hot as their sexy time.
“Booker, don’t confuse me with one of your well-bred, easily -shocked, country-club girls. I’m not well-bred and nothing shocks me. My only rules are fast, hard, and so filthy dirty it leaves a stain on your soul.”
“Try to have a little patience, Jailbait. There’s a two hundred pound man attached to that cock you’ve got your eye on, and I sincerely doubt you want me tangled in my pants.”
ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Ten years prior on New Year's Eve sixteen-years-old Lauralie Peterson alias Laurie is having fun at a beach party trown by vacationing frat brothers, when she’s busted underage drinking among other things by twenty-two-years old rookie Deputy Ethan Booker.
Booker gave her then a fair warning, sent her home and told Laurie after her failed attempt to seduce him, they can revisit the topic in ten years.
“Jailbait, this is your one and only free pass. I told you we’d consider tonight a warning, so listen up, because here it comes. I’m going to be watching you from now on. If you stray over the line in any way, shape, or form I’m going to bust your little ass so hard your head will spin. Understand?”
Fast forward a decade later, Laurie is now an independent and beautiful woman, a pastry chef and the proud owner of a sucessful bakery in town. Sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan has been patiently waiting for ten long years to make his move. He’s done lusting after Laurie from afar and determined to win her over.
Ethan and Laurie come from very different worlds. Laurie is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and her alcoholic, neglectful and manipulative mother is a real piece of work. Ethan comes from a wealthy, respected and high profile family in the little town of Montenido.
Due to her painful childhood, Laurie doesn't do relationships, she doesn't believe in forever and doesn’t lean on anyone. A one-night stand is all she’s willing to give Ethan. This one night was all it took for sparks to fly and ignite this raw desire that was brewing between them for so long.
“I’m not big on ‘next time,’ Booker. Whatever’s on your to-do list, you ought to get it done tonight.”
“We’ll have a next time.” The utter certainty in his voice tripped up her pulse. “And a time after that, and then another thousand next times. You want to know why?” He slid his fingers into her heat, and she nearly levitated. “W-why?” “Because I’ve got a thousand ways to please you. You’re going to get addicted to the way I make you come. You already are, and I haven’t even been inside you yet.”
Despite the strong connection and sizzling chemistry they share, Laurie is determined to keep Ethan at arms length and keep it all about a sexual relationship. But Ethan has other ideas about where their future is headed and he’s not going to make it that easy for her. And when the perfect opportunity arises in the form of Laurie's livelihood gone up in smoke, Ethan intends to take full advantage of it and will stop at nothing to convince stubborn and feisty Laurie that they are meant to be.
But for Laurie there's more at stake than her burned up dream or her mother who continued to find ways to bleed her - she has no control over Ethan and he made her want too much saying things that knocked her off balance but hell had a better chance of freezing over before Lauralie Peterson left herself emotionally vulnerable to anyone.
This was a fun, sweet and steamy well-written romance with a bit of fun and light drama - all set for a good time. Ethan and Laurie’s story is full of heat and passion, and this author has a real talent in bringing scorching scenes alive. I did enjoyed the setting, the characters and their banter was almost as hot as their sexy time.
“Booker, don’t confuse me with one of your well-bred, easily -shocked, country-club girls. I’m not well-bred and nothing shocks me. My only rules are fast, hard, and so filthy dirty it leaves a stain on your soul.”
“Try to have a little patience, Jailbait. There’s a two hundred pound man attached to that cock you’ve got your eye on, and I sincerely doubt you want me tangled in my pants.”
ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2016
4 Babycakes Stars
“Booker, don’t confuse me with one of your well-bred, easily -shocked, country-club girls. I’m not well-bred and nothing shocks me. My only rules are fast, hard, and so filthy dirty it leaves a stain on your soul.”
Well then.
Laurie and Ethan both grew up in the wealthy beach community of Montenido, but that's where the similarities end. While Ethan was born into privilege and wealth, Laurie was taught early on to fend for and take care of herself. Though not in each other's orbit on a regular basis, as a sheriff deputy Ethan kept an eye on wild child Laurie and learned to bide his time. Fast forward ten years and Ethan Booker is D-U-N done waiting.
“We’ll have a next time.” The utter certainty in his voice tripped up her pulse. “And a time after that, and then another thousand next times. You want to know why?” He slid his fingers into her heat, and she nearly levitated.
“W-why?”
“Because I’ve got a thousand ways to please you. You’re going to get addicted to the way I make you come. You already are, and I haven’t even been inside you yet.”
It'll come as a surprise to absolutely no one this book is hot as hell! The first scene between grown up Booker and Laurie almost caused me to spontaneously combust. Entangled Brazen books always bring the heat but Samanthe Beck went above and beyond the call of duty when she wrote these two.
I also appreciate the time taken to delve into both Laurie and Booker's family drama. Given the short length of the book, that extra aspect helped flesh out the story. Laurie's pervasive insecurities as far as her upbringing were also handled deftly.
My only complaint was Ethan's alpha inspired need for Laurie. Say what? I wasn't quite sure why that need persisted for as long as it did and why it overwhelmed him the way it did, but it made for some sexy fun nonetheless.
My first Samanthe Beck book did not disappoint. Fingers crossed we get to read about a certain hotel heiress next.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
“Booker, don’t confuse me with one of your well-bred, easily -shocked, country-club girls. I’m not well-bred and nothing shocks me. My only rules are fast, hard, and so filthy dirty it leaves a stain on your soul.”
Well then.
Laurie and Ethan both grew up in the wealthy beach community of Montenido, but that's where the similarities end. While Ethan was born into privilege and wealth, Laurie was taught early on to fend for and take care of herself. Though not in each other's orbit on a regular basis, as a sheriff deputy Ethan kept an eye on wild child Laurie and learned to bide his time. Fast forward ten years and Ethan Booker is D-U-N done waiting.
“We’ll have a next time.” The utter certainty in his voice tripped up her pulse. “And a time after that, and then another thousand next times. You want to know why?” He slid his fingers into her heat, and she nearly levitated.
“W-why?”
“Because I’ve got a thousand ways to please you. You’re going to get addicted to the way I make you come. You already are, and I haven’t even been inside you yet.”
It'll come as a surprise to absolutely no one this book is hot as hell! The first scene between grown up Booker and Laurie almost caused me to spontaneously combust. Entangled Brazen books always bring the heat but Samanthe Beck went above and beyond the call of duty when she wrote these two.
I also appreciate the time taken to delve into both Laurie and Booker's family drama. Given the short length of the book, that extra aspect helped flesh out the story. Laurie's pervasive insecurities as far as her upbringing were also handled deftly.
My only complaint was Ethan's alpha inspired need for Laurie. Say what? I wasn't quite sure why that need persisted for as long as it did and why it overwhelmed him the way it did, but it made for some sexy fun nonetheless.
My first Samanthe Beck book did not disappoint. Fingers crossed we get to read about a certain hotel heiress next.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2016
Do you know how hard it is to give a book a great review when you can't stand one of its main characters. It's hard. Very, very hard. Laurie aggravated me. No, I was beyond just aggravated. I wanted to shoot her in the face. Badly. Smack her upside the head at the very least. She needed a lesson in freaking manners. There's a difference between being saucy... or spicy... or sassy... and being a bitch. It may be subtle, but it's there. Most woman are able to identify the nuances. Guess which category Laurie fell into???
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!
Okay, I'm calm now.
Ethan had the patience of a saint because Laurie took stubborn and prideful to the extreme. But he had waited long enough for her (10 freaking years) and nothing, not even Laurie herself, was going to deter them from their HEA.
I must say that this story was entertaining and sexy as hell. These two characters shared an explosive chemistry and the author captured it beautifully. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting and it was impossible not to fall a bit in love with Ethan myself with the way he dealt with everything. He was definitely book boyfriend material!
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!
Okay, I'm calm now.
Ethan had the patience of a saint because Laurie took stubborn and prideful to the extreme. But he had waited long enough for her (10 freaking years) and nothing, not even Laurie herself, was going to deter them from their HEA.
I must say that this story was entertaining and sexy as hell. These two characters shared an explosive chemistry and the author captured it beautifully. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting and it was impossible not to fall a bit in love with Ethan myself with the way he dealt with everything. He was definitely book boyfriend material!
December 29, 2016
Review to come soon :)
December 3, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Hard Compromise by Samanthe Beck
Book Two of the Compromise Me series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: November 21, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Laurie Peterson assumes her impulsive one-night stand with sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan Booker is the biggest surprise of the year…until her bakery burns down while she’s basking in the afterglow. It looks like her dreams are up in smoke, but then Ethan proposes a deal too tempting to resist.
Ethan has no intention of settling for a one-night stand with Laurie. Nor does he want anything to do with the women his wealthy family wants him to meet. Not when he’s waited ten years for his chance to make his move. His deal might have strings—and Laurie may not know the stakes—but nothing will stop this sexy cop from staking a real claim on her body and her heart.
What I Liked:
Okay. I was not disappointed, folks. Brazen's recent novels have been rather lackluster, but I had high hopes for this novel. Samanthe Beck's books are so swoony, sexy, steamy, and sweet, and this one was no exception. I adore her books, and this series especially!
Ethan Booker has waited ten years for a chance to be with wild Laurie Peterson, and he isn't letting the chance go to waste. Sure, he comes from a rich family and she comes from a much more "disgraceful" background. But he knows what - who - he wants, and it's Laurie. Laurie is an impulsive commitment-phobe, and she wants Ethan as badly as he wants her. But she knows she's not good enough for him, especially with their different backgrounds. But Ethan isn't a guy to back down, and his deal that he offers her is temporary at first, but hopefully for life.
You'd think I wouldn't enjoy this book, because Laurie, on paper, is not the type of heroine that I like. She's wild and impulsive, slightly irrational and a total commitment-phobe. She avoids commitments like they are rashes, so she has a lot of hook-ups but no real relationships. She is hot and cold with Ethan Booker, pushing and pulling, throwing herself at him and then running away. Theoretically, *I* shouldn't like her.
But I did. I understood her. Sure, she has a lengthy sexual history, a ridiculous outlook on commitment, and more in common with her tramp mother than she wants to admit. But Laurie is also a hard worker, a tough lady, and someone who doesn't like to ask for help. I felt for her, even if I wanted to push her at Ethan and make her stay there.
Ethan... woah. Holy alpha male. He's an alpha male but not a crazy overprotective one. He's sweet and genuine and alpha all at once - it's hard to describe. This is something that I love about Beck's heroes - they're sexy alphas, but they're also sweet, considerate, and decidedly more real than most alpha males in romance novels. Like, I could see Ethan being an actual guy in real life, and not because he's a hot sheriff.
Ethan is a sweetheart as much as he is a sexy guy. I like how he is patient with Laurie, but he's also firm and goes after what he wants. He waits for her, but then he also goes in for what he wants. It's a good balance of letting Laurie be but also satisfying them both. Ethan looks out for Laurie and wants the best for her, but he doesn't try to solve all of her problems.
Have I mentioned how hot the chemistry between these two is? The romance in the book is well-developed and meaningful, but the chemistry, the chemistry is scorching hot. These two have been waiting to paw at each other for ten years (you'll have to read the book to find out why), and when it happens... *fans self* Samanthe Beck always has steamy romance novels, but this one is really really hot. I'm impressed!
The pair strike a deal, in which Ethan will loan her money (her bakery burned down) if she attends his sister's wedding as his date, to keep his mother off his back. I wasn't expecting to like Ethan's mother, but I actually did! She's not overbearing and nosy like I would have expected. I like how Ethan's mother takes to Laurie and really likes her, despite Laurie thinking that she isn't good enough for Ethan. Ethan's mother is a smart lady and one of the reasons why Laurie fights for Ethan.
Which brings me to the climax and end of the story! I despise it when the female screws up and for some reason, it's the male that has to beg and grovel. In this book, Laurie is the one that pushes Ethan away, and he walks away, telling her that she needs to decide even though he'll always love her. The best part about the ending is that Laurie picks herself up and goes to Ethan - and not the opposite. Ethan leaves the ball firmly in her court, and Laurie isn't stupid; she goes after him. I LOVE THIS.
Overall, this is a really great addition to the Compromise Me series, and an awesome book by Samanthe Beck! It pulls me out of the small Brazen funk that I've been in.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific from me!
Would I Recommend It:
I recommend this one! I feel like it's been a while since I solidly recommended a new Brazen novel - even my regulars Katee Robert and Tessa Bailey have let me down recently. Samanthe Beck hasn't though! I'm excited that this one was really solid.
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I hope the next book follows Rafe's sister Arden! (Rafe is the hero of Compromising Her Position, the equally sexy and enjoyable predecessor of this book.)
Hard Compromise by Samanthe Beck
Book Two of the Compromise Me series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: November 21, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Laurie Peterson assumes her impulsive one-night stand with sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan Booker is the biggest surprise of the year…until her bakery burns down while she’s basking in the afterglow. It looks like her dreams are up in smoke, but then Ethan proposes a deal too tempting to resist.
Ethan has no intention of settling for a one-night stand with Laurie. Nor does he want anything to do with the women his wealthy family wants him to meet. Not when he’s waited ten years for his chance to make his move. His deal might have strings—and Laurie may not know the stakes—but nothing will stop this sexy cop from staking a real claim on her body and her heart.
What I Liked:
Okay. I was not disappointed, folks. Brazen's recent novels have been rather lackluster, but I had high hopes for this novel. Samanthe Beck's books are so swoony, sexy, steamy, and sweet, and this one was no exception. I adore her books, and this series especially!
Ethan Booker has waited ten years for a chance to be with wild Laurie Peterson, and he isn't letting the chance go to waste. Sure, he comes from a rich family and she comes from a much more "disgraceful" background. But he knows what - who - he wants, and it's Laurie. Laurie is an impulsive commitment-phobe, and she wants Ethan as badly as he wants her. But she knows she's not good enough for him, especially with their different backgrounds. But Ethan isn't a guy to back down, and his deal that he offers her is temporary at first, but hopefully for life.
You'd think I wouldn't enjoy this book, because Laurie, on paper, is not the type of heroine that I like. She's wild and impulsive, slightly irrational and a total commitment-phobe. She avoids commitments like they are rashes, so she has a lot of hook-ups but no real relationships. She is hot and cold with Ethan Booker, pushing and pulling, throwing herself at him and then running away. Theoretically, *I* shouldn't like her.
But I did. I understood her. Sure, she has a lengthy sexual history, a ridiculous outlook on commitment, and more in common with her tramp mother than she wants to admit. But Laurie is also a hard worker, a tough lady, and someone who doesn't like to ask for help. I felt for her, even if I wanted to push her at Ethan and make her stay there.
Ethan... woah. Holy alpha male. He's an alpha male but not a crazy overprotective one. He's sweet and genuine and alpha all at once - it's hard to describe. This is something that I love about Beck's heroes - they're sexy alphas, but they're also sweet, considerate, and decidedly more real than most alpha males in romance novels. Like, I could see Ethan being an actual guy in real life, and not because he's a hot sheriff.
Ethan is a sweetheart as much as he is a sexy guy. I like how he is patient with Laurie, but he's also firm and goes after what he wants. He waits for her, but then he also goes in for what he wants. It's a good balance of letting Laurie be but also satisfying them both. Ethan looks out for Laurie and wants the best for her, but he doesn't try to solve all of her problems.
Have I mentioned how hot the chemistry between these two is? The romance in the book is well-developed and meaningful, but the chemistry, the chemistry is scorching hot. These two have been waiting to paw at each other for ten years (you'll have to read the book to find out why), and when it happens... *fans self* Samanthe Beck always has steamy romance novels, but this one is really really hot. I'm impressed!
The pair strike a deal, in which Ethan will loan her money (her bakery burned down) if she attends his sister's wedding as his date, to keep his mother off his back. I wasn't expecting to like Ethan's mother, but I actually did! She's not overbearing and nosy like I would have expected. I like how Ethan's mother takes to Laurie and really likes her, despite Laurie thinking that she isn't good enough for Ethan. Ethan's mother is a smart lady and one of the reasons why Laurie fights for Ethan.
Which brings me to the climax and end of the story! I despise it when the female screws up and for some reason, it's the male that has to beg and grovel. In this book, Laurie is the one that pushes Ethan away, and he walks away, telling her that she needs to decide even though he'll always love her. The best part about the ending is that Laurie picks herself up and goes to Ethan - and not the opposite. Ethan leaves the ball firmly in her court, and Laurie isn't stupid; she goes after him. I LOVE THIS.
Overall, this is a really great addition to the Compromise Me series, and an awesome book by Samanthe Beck! It pulls me out of the small Brazen funk that I've been in.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific from me!
Would I Recommend It:
I recommend this one! I feel like it's been a while since I solidly recommended a new Brazen novel - even my regulars Katee Robert and Tessa Bailey have let me down recently. Samanthe Beck hasn't though! I'm excited that this one was really solid.
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I hope the next book follows Rafe's sister Arden! (Rafe is the hero of Compromising Her Position, the equally sexy and enjoyable predecessor of this book.)
November 24, 2016
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Samanthe Beck has whipped up a sweet, sexy and emotionally charged romance that was an absolute treat. Hard Compromise was the perfect kind of romantic read to keep you warm this Holiday Season.
It’s no secret that I am a big sucker and fan when it comes to Brazen novels. And so when I read the blurb of Hard Compromise, I was sold. Emotionally flawed heroine that was sassy. Check! Sweet and sexy alpha hero. Check! A beautiful love story that will give you the warm fuzzy feeling. Double Check!
Ethan Booker made a promise ten years ago to sixteen year old Laurie Peterson. Fast forward to the present and Sheriff Ethan Booker is ready to check up on his favorite jailbait. Ethan has been lusting and loving Laurie for ten years and has been patiently waiting till she was ready for him emotionally and physically.
Laurie grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She has learned the hard way that she had to only rely on herself since her mother was selfish and didn’t care for her at all. As a successful baker and owner of Babycakes shop, Laurie should be happy but something is missing. LOVE. Well, it was something that she never thought she would experience until Ethan Booker reappeared back in her life and demanded that this thing between them is real.
While Laurie tries to keep her feelings for Booker in check, her mother decides to reappear back in her life demanding money. Laurie just wants to get rid of her mother and her blackmailing ways and so she caves in. But what happens when her mother comes back demanding for more money? Will Laurie’s past and fears push her away from moving forward with Booker, who grew up with a silver spoon? Can the girl from the wrong side finally see that there is no wrong side when it comes to love? And how far will Ethan go to help Laurie to see that there is nothing wrong in asking for a helping hand?
Hard Compromise is a very sweet and sexy read but most importantly it has that emotional undertone to pull you in. I love and adore both Ethan and Laurie since the author was able to showcase their raw vulnerabilities. I especially love how Ethan helped filled in the missing pieces in Laurie. So if you are looking for a love story that is brimming with so much love, understanding, truth, compassion, and beauty then this book is for you.
Samanthe Beck
Samanthe Beck has whipped up a sweet, sexy and emotionally charged romance that was an absolute treat. Hard Compromise was the perfect kind of romantic read to keep you warm this Holiday Season.
It’s no secret that I am a big sucker and fan when it comes to Brazen novels. And so when I read the blurb of Hard Compromise, I was sold. Emotionally flawed heroine that was sassy. Check! Sweet and sexy alpha hero. Check! A beautiful love story that will give you the warm fuzzy feeling. Double Check!
Ethan Booker made a promise ten years ago to sixteen year old Laurie Peterson. Fast forward to the present and Sheriff Ethan Booker is ready to check up on his favorite jailbait. Ethan has been lusting and loving Laurie for ten years and has been patiently waiting till she was ready for him emotionally and physically.
Laurie grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She has learned the hard way that she had to only rely on herself since her mother was selfish and didn’t care for her at all. As a successful baker and owner of Babycakes shop, Laurie should be happy but something is missing. LOVE. Well, it was something that she never thought she would experience until Ethan Booker reappeared back in her life and demanded that this thing between them is real.
While Laurie tries to keep her feelings for Booker in check, her mother decides to reappear back in her life demanding money. Laurie just wants to get rid of her mother and her blackmailing ways and so she caves in. But what happens when her mother comes back demanding for more money? Will Laurie’s past and fears push her away from moving forward with Booker, who grew up with a silver spoon? Can the girl from the wrong side finally see that there is no wrong side when it comes to love? And how far will Ethan go to help Laurie to see that there is nothing wrong in asking for a helping hand?
Hard Compromise is a very sweet and sexy read but most importantly it has that emotional undertone to pull you in. I love and adore both Ethan and Laurie since the author was able to showcase their raw vulnerabilities. I especially love how Ethan helped filled in the missing pieces in Laurie. So if you are looking for a love story that is brimming with so much love, understanding, truth, compassion, and beauty then this book is for you.
Samanthe Beck
November 21, 2016
Ethan Booker makes this story 5 stars all on his own! I adored the fact that he protected and watched out for Laurie for ten years. When he realized his feelings were more, he bided his time for the right moment. I have to say, his way of telling her her one night stands were over was hot! Laurie took a little longer to love but she had a pretty big chip on her shoulder put there by her mom, but Booker tore those walls right down. I loved how the author didn't linger too long on issues and kept the pace of the story flowing smoothly. Great read! ARC provided by NetGalley.
November 17, 2016
OMG!
I loved this book! I read the first in the series and enjoyed it. But let me tell you, Samanthe Beck stepped it up a huge notch with this smoking hot read.
From page one, you are hooked. Hot and super sexy, you will not want to put this down. OMG. I need Booker in my life! Dreamy and very alpha! Yummmm
This is a complete stand-alone so grab it and enjoy!
I loved this book! I read the first in the series and enjoyed it. But let me tell you, Samanthe Beck stepped it up a huge notch with this smoking hot read.
From page one, you are hooked. Hot and super sexy, you will not want to put this down. OMG. I need Booker in my life! Dreamy and very alpha! Yummmm
This is a complete stand-alone so grab it and enjoy!
March 23, 2017
Laurie Peterson’s first brush with Deputy Ethan Booker at sixteen had already marked her for his, or so he thought. But that only comes into play a decade later, when Laurie has finally long grown up and holds everyone else at arm’s length as Ethan finds ways and means to punch through those walls through any manipulative scheme he can find, be it through sex-with-no-strings or a fake-girlfriend deal. Of course, her livelihood going up in smoke, tragically helps his case.
As the girl from the wrong side of the tracks manipulated by her mother, Laurie constantly struggles with a self-esteem issue especially when it comes to mingling with Ethan Booker’s upper class family. This emerges on a fairly repetitive basis throughout, and builds towards a climax based on Laurie’s small-mindedness and inability to trust Ethan as her mother played her strings. Yet Laurie, in her attempt to stay independent, seemed to have become a carbon-copy of her mother’s actions and most of the time, I felt as though I was reading about a chase that wouldn’t go anywhere unless Ethan kept proving himself over and over that he was trustworthy…until something breaks and he has to walk away before Laurie finally realises what she has lost.
The story is predictable, the pacing decent and Samanthe Beck’s writing is stellar enough to keep the pages turning. My frustrations with the story however, lie clearly with my own issues with reunion or second chance-type plot lines and the emotional pull required to lure me in just wasn’t there at all. The reason I could not feel invested in this couple is the lack of believability of a pairing that waited 10 years to come to fruition because Ethan waited too long (why the bloody wait if he truly had the balls to go for what he wanted?) for Laurie to grow up—as they sampled other people in the meantime—before ‘claiming’ her. It’s too much of a contradiction for me to find any plausibility in it, even with a happy ending that left me in disbelief when the trite-sounding confession of ‘it has always been you’ felt like a weak premise to start a HEA based on lust that was apparently love all along.
*ARC by netgalley
(always, ever grateful, mind)
As the girl from the wrong side of the tracks manipulated by her mother, Laurie constantly struggles with a self-esteem issue especially when it comes to mingling with Ethan Booker’s upper class family. This emerges on a fairly repetitive basis throughout, and builds towards a climax based on Laurie’s small-mindedness and inability to trust Ethan as her mother played her strings. Yet Laurie, in her attempt to stay independent, seemed to have become a carbon-copy of her mother’s actions and most of the time, I felt as though I was reading about a chase that wouldn’t go anywhere unless Ethan kept proving himself over and over that he was trustworthy…until something breaks and he has to walk away before Laurie finally realises what she has lost.
The story is predictable, the pacing decent and Samanthe Beck’s writing is stellar enough to keep the pages turning. My frustrations with the story however, lie clearly with my own issues with reunion or second chance-type plot lines and the emotional pull required to lure me in just wasn’t there at all. The reason I could not feel invested in this couple is the lack of believability of a pairing that waited 10 years to come to fruition because Ethan waited too long (why the bloody wait if he truly had the balls to go for what he wanted?) for Laurie to grow up—as they sampled other people in the meantime—before ‘claiming’ her. It’s too much of a contradiction for me to find any plausibility in it, even with a happy ending that left me in disbelief when the trite-sounding confession of ‘it has always been you’ felt like a weak premise to start a HEA based on lust that was apparently love all along.
*ARC by netgalley
(always, ever grateful, mind)
December 1, 2016
*ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*
Outside of this Samanthe book, I've only read Compromising Her Position, the first stand-alone book in this series. With that book, I knew she will be one of those authors I can return to for my Brazen reads. So here I am again, and yup, Samanthe is definitely a repeater for me☺
Not that this has to do with anything, but I just thought I’d mention it. If you’ve read the first book, you’d have met Laurie briefly. Call me slow, I actually didn’t put 2 and 2 together until almost halfway thru that this is the same Laurie. HAH! I forgot, ok? The friend who I thought showed spunk now gets her own story, yay!
Laurie and Booker’s first meeting occurred when Laurie was just 16. It was brief but memorable enough for both that a promise, sort of, was uttered inadvertently. Fast forward 10 years later, from that first meeting, intent was then delivered.
Booker is just too delish for words! With the dirty-talkin’ mouth of his, he def knows how to setme Laurie on fire. He’s so protective of Laurie and just really down-to-earth when it comes to his values. Laurie, has a lot of sharp edges due to her upbringing. Can’t really blame the gal now, can ya? And she did her best to be more aware of her triggers. But she’s a good person.
While this is not necessarily a new story and while I totally didn't get the pull from that one meeting 10 years ago which set them on this path, I was more than ok with it. I really liked this, and by this, I mean primarily Booker hehe... Laurie and Booker together done Brazen way with Samanthe signature means SMOKIN'!!! I'll leave it at that*g*
Outside of this Samanthe book, I've only read Compromising Her Position, the first stand-alone book in this series. With that book, I knew she will be one of those authors I can return to for my Brazen reads. So here I am again, and yup, Samanthe is definitely a repeater for me☺
Not that this has to do with anything, but I just thought I’d mention it. If you’ve read the first book, you’d have met Laurie briefly. Call me slow, I actually didn’t put 2 and 2 together until almost halfway thru that this is the same Laurie. HAH! I forgot, ok? The friend who I thought showed spunk now gets her own story, yay!
Laurie and Booker’s first meeting occurred when Laurie was just 16. It was brief but memorable enough for both that a promise, sort of, was uttered inadvertently. Fast forward 10 years later, from that first meeting, intent was then delivered.
Booker is just too delish for words! With the dirty-talkin’ mouth of his, he def knows how to set
While this is not necessarily a new story and while I totally didn't get the pull from that one meeting 10 years ago which set them on this path, I was more than ok with it. I really liked this, and by this, I mean primarily Booker hehe... Laurie and Booker together done Brazen way with Samanthe signature means SMOKIN'!!! I'll leave it at that*g*
December 1, 2016
Ehh, not bad but not that great either. I am just sick of reading about these heroines who can't fucking commit cause of a shitty childhood/parenting, it's way too overdone. I also wish they had both stayed celibate during the separation but that's asking quite a lot these days. I'm just glad the h had a healthy sex life and wasn't a nun while the H was out playing the field. I also didn't really like how they both stayed in the same town and the H was just biding his time and wanted her all along but was with other women in the meantime, not my type of ideal H. You don't really hear/see about it though, just a passing comment in the beginning.
hell-fucking-no
December 1, 2016Definitely not safe
November 28, 2016
4 stars
Hard Compromise was a well written and very entertaining heartfelt read.
The storyline captured my attention from the get go, I found myself turning the pages late into the night as I didn't want to put it down!
Laurie and Ethan/Booker were great characters, I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
They had a strong connection/attraction that you could feel through their words and actions.
They made me laugh with their banter and stubbornness, they also frustrated me with said stubbornness lol
And the chemistry between them was smoking hot!
*fans self*
But most of all they made me swoon with their love, these two truly earned their happily everafter.
Author Samanthe Beck writes with passion and once again she's delivered a beautiful, emotional and smoking hot read in Hard Compromise.
This is the second book in the Compromise Me series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both!
Purchase Links -
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Compromis...
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-...
*Thank you to Entangled Brazen via Netgalley for the advance copy*
Hard Compromise was a well written and very entertaining heartfelt read.
The storyline captured my attention from the get go, I found myself turning the pages late into the night as I didn't want to put it down!
Laurie and Ethan/Booker were great characters, I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
They had a strong connection/attraction that you could feel through their words and actions.
They made me laugh with their banter and stubbornness, they also frustrated me with said stubbornness lol
And the chemistry between them was smoking hot!
*fans self*
But most of all they made me swoon with their love, these two truly earned their happily everafter.
Author Samanthe Beck writes with passion and once again she's delivered a beautiful, emotional and smoking hot read in Hard Compromise.
This is the second book in the Compromise Me series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both!
Purchase Links -
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Compromis...
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-...
*Thank you to Entangled Brazen via Netgalley for the advance copy*
November 14, 2016
I really love Samanthe Beck and was so excited to see another in the Compromise Me Series arrive!
Laurie Peterson is finally making something of herself. Her bakery is finally making a name for itself and she is working hard to keep her past behind her… including her mother. She and Sheriff Ethan Booker have floated around each other for the last ten years, him always keeping her out of the trouble that seems to surround her and she denying any kind of attraction she might have for him.
But after ten years, Ethan has waited long enough and he has no intention of letting Laurie treat him like every other guy she’s been with… he won’t settle for just one night. But Laurie isn’t one to commit to anyone, and despite the attraction between them, she and Ethan come from very different backgrounds and the appearance of her mother just reinforces how different they are.
When the unimaginable happens to Laurie’s bakery and she needs cash, Ethan is there to bail her out, but she won’t just take money from him so he offers her a deal… one that will definitely have strings attached and as much as Laurie fights it, she finds she just can’t.
Beck creates amazing chemistry in her stories, and this is no exception. These two are so sexy together and I loved watching Ethan break down Laurie’s walls. I also really loved Ethan’s family and his mom is hilarious.
It was also nice to get a glimpse of Chelsea and Rafe in this one!
If you’re looking for hot and sexy then look no further and grab this one from Samanthe Beck! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
Laurie Peterson is finally making something of herself. Her bakery is finally making a name for itself and she is working hard to keep her past behind her… including her mother. She and Sheriff Ethan Booker have floated around each other for the last ten years, him always keeping her out of the trouble that seems to surround her and she denying any kind of attraction she might have for him.
But after ten years, Ethan has waited long enough and he has no intention of letting Laurie treat him like every other guy she’s been with… he won’t settle for just one night. But Laurie isn’t one to commit to anyone, and despite the attraction between them, she and Ethan come from very different backgrounds and the appearance of her mother just reinforces how different they are.
When the unimaginable happens to Laurie’s bakery and she needs cash, Ethan is there to bail her out, but she won’t just take money from him so he offers her a deal… one that will definitely have strings attached and as much as Laurie fights it, she finds she just can’t.
Beck creates amazing chemistry in her stories, and this is no exception. These two are so sexy together and I loved watching Ethan break down Laurie’s walls. I also really loved Ethan’s family and his mom is hilarious.
It was also nice to get a glimpse of Chelsea and Rafe in this one!
If you’re looking for hot and sexy then look no further and grab this one from Samanthe Beck! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
December 27, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
This one starts off hot and stays scorching through the entire story. Ethan's first meeting, in the "now" with Laurie is amazing, hot, and gives you an idea exactly how the story is going to go. And, it works because the author gives you the connection between them, and the attraction, and lets you know that...for Ethan at least...this is him keeping a promise from 10 years ago.
The pacing was strong and it allowed the characters and their emotions to develop and allowed the reader to be along for the ride. I loved the twist that he and his family had money, as it is usually the rich female involved with a police officer story that you see, so the difference in this one was enjoyable and appealing.
The writing was strong and as expected the sex was hot and there was a lot of it...but, that is why you read a book that leans toward the erotic romance genre, for the focus on the heat between them.
This was a fun read and I recommend it.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
This one starts off hot and stays scorching through the entire story. Ethan's first meeting, in the "now" with Laurie is amazing, hot, and gives you an idea exactly how the story is going to go. And, it works because the author gives you the connection between them, and the attraction, and lets you know that...for Ethan at least...this is him keeping a promise from 10 years ago.
The pacing was strong and it allowed the characters and their emotions to develop and allowed the reader to be along for the ride. I loved the twist that he and his family had money, as it is usually the rich female involved with a police officer story that you see, so the difference in this one was enjoyable and appealing.
The writing was strong and as expected the sex was hot and there was a lot of it...but, that is why you read a book that leans toward the erotic romance genre, for the focus on the heat between them.
This was a fun read and I recommend it.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
February 26, 2018
Dieser Sheriff weiß, was für eine Frau er will
Laurie war nie ein braves Mädchen, denn als Tochter ihrer Mutter ist sie immer etwas anders behandelt worden. Sie ist es gewohnt, mit anderen Augen gesehen zu werden und erwartet gar nicht, eines Tages auf Mr. Right zu treffen.
Doch Ethan Brooker wartet seit zehn Jahren auf sie und will sie nun nicht mehr gehen lassen, auch wenn das Laurie so gar nicht passt. Nach einer Nacht sollte er ihrer Meinung nach verschwinden, aber ein Brand zerstört ihre Bäckerei und plötzlich steht alles auf der Kippe. Da bietet Ethan ihr einen Deal an: Sechs Dates und er rettet sie aus der finanziellen Not ...
Protagonisten
Laurie hat Komplexe und immer wieder Probleme wegen ihrer Mutter. Sie hatte manchmal eine schwierige Kindheit und dann eine wilde Jugend und jetzt mit 26, als junge Erwachsene, hat sie mit ihrer Bäckerei große Verantwortung übernommen und wirkt dadurch viel selbstständiger. Das macht sie auch für Ethan, im Buch fast immer Brooker genannt, viel interessanter. Der Sheriff findet sie schon seit Jahren sehr anziehend, näherte ihr sich aber nicht, weil sie nicht bereit war für einen Mann wie ihn. Er wollte nicht zu früh da sein, um dann abserviert zu werden. Diese Leidenschaft nach all dieser Wartezeit wirkte schon sehr überzeugend und ich konnte Ethans Standpunkt sehr gut verstehen. Er wirkte durch seine Einstellung sehr vernünftig und erwachsen.
Laurie ist inzwischen eben nicht mehr so naiv und unvernünftig, wie sie es früher war, aber sie hat schon viel dazugelernt. Sie hält sich nicht für beziehungsfähig und glaubt auch nicht, dass jemals irgendjemand sie in dieser Hinsicht wollen könnte, aber Ethan sieht das nunmal anders. Und er ist überzeugend! Denn zumindest in körperlicher Hinsicht kann sie nicht widerstehen, und das nutzt er aus.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Es war tatsächlich ein bisschen anders als ich gedacht habe. Ich kenne ja den Vorgänger, der ungefähr parallel hierzu spielt, und daher dachte ich, ich wüsste paar Dinge mehr, aber das Geld, das Ethan ihr anbietet, und das Geld, das Chelsea ihr verspricht, dienen unterschiedlichen Zwecken. Dadurch gab es auch Unterschiede zu der Geschichte, die ich erwartet habe. Wenn beide für das Gleiche gewesen wären, hätte Laurie schließlich einen Rückzug machen können, wenn es bei Chelsea gut aussieht. Dann wäre sie nicht mehr auf Ethan angewiesen gewesen und es wäre eben anders gelaufen.
Das Tempo war manchmal seltsam. Der erste Tag dauerte recht lange, sodass ich mir sicher war, dass das Ende vor der geplanten Zeit eintreffen würde, denn das Buch ist ja auch nicht allzu lang. Letztendlich fand ich es dann aber doch sehr gut, weil so manche Dinge mehr Zeit hatten, ohne dass man sie zu lange durchkauen musste.
Fazit
"Hot Cop" hat mir ganz gut gefallen. Der erwachsene Sheriff Ethan Brooker weiß genau, was er will, und die junge Bäckerin Laurie Clark musste sich einfach der Leidenschaft und dem Glück fügen.
Laurie war nie ein braves Mädchen, denn als Tochter ihrer Mutter ist sie immer etwas anders behandelt worden. Sie ist es gewohnt, mit anderen Augen gesehen zu werden und erwartet gar nicht, eines Tages auf Mr. Right zu treffen.
Doch Ethan Brooker wartet seit zehn Jahren auf sie und will sie nun nicht mehr gehen lassen, auch wenn das Laurie so gar nicht passt. Nach einer Nacht sollte er ihrer Meinung nach verschwinden, aber ein Brand zerstört ihre Bäckerei und plötzlich steht alles auf der Kippe. Da bietet Ethan ihr einen Deal an: Sechs Dates und er rettet sie aus der finanziellen Not ...
Protagonisten
Laurie hat Komplexe und immer wieder Probleme wegen ihrer Mutter. Sie hatte manchmal eine schwierige Kindheit und dann eine wilde Jugend und jetzt mit 26, als junge Erwachsene, hat sie mit ihrer Bäckerei große Verantwortung übernommen und wirkt dadurch viel selbstständiger. Das macht sie auch für Ethan, im Buch fast immer Brooker genannt, viel interessanter. Der Sheriff findet sie schon seit Jahren sehr anziehend, näherte ihr sich aber nicht, weil sie nicht bereit war für einen Mann wie ihn. Er wollte nicht zu früh da sein, um dann abserviert zu werden. Diese Leidenschaft nach all dieser Wartezeit wirkte schon sehr überzeugend und ich konnte Ethans Standpunkt sehr gut verstehen. Er wirkte durch seine Einstellung sehr vernünftig und erwachsen.
Laurie ist inzwischen eben nicht mehr so naiv und unvernünftig, wie sie es früher war, aber sie hat schon viel dazugelernt. Sie hält sich nicht für beziehungsfähig und glaubt auch nicht, dass jemals irgendjemand sie in dieser Hinsicht wollen könnte, aber Ethan sieht das nunmal anders. Und er ist überzeugend! Denn zumindest in körperlicher Hinsicht kann sie nicht widerstehen, und das nutzt er aus.
Handlung und Schreibstil
Es war tatsächlich ein bisschen anders als ich gedacht habe. Ich kenne ja den Vorgänger, der ungefähr parallel hierzu spielt, und daher dachte ich, ich wüsste paar Dinge mehr, aber das Geld, das Ethan ihr anbietet, und das Geld, das Chelsea ihr verspricht, dienen unterschiedlichen Zwecken. Dadurch gab es auch Unterschiede zu der Geschichte, die ich erwartet habe. Wenn beide für das Gleiche gewesen wären, hätte Laurie schließlich einen Rückzug machen können, wenn es bei Chelsea gut aussieht. Dann wäre sie nicht mehr auf Ethan angewiesen gewesen und es wäre eben anders gelaufen.
Das Tempo war manchmal seltsam. Der erste Tag dauerte recht lange, sodass ich mir sicher war, dass das Ende vor der geplanten Zeit eintreffen würde, denn das Buch ist ja auch nicht allzu lang. Letztendlich fand ich es dann aber doch sehr gut, weil so manche Dinge mehr Zeit hatten, ohne dass man sie zu lange durchkauen musste.
Fazit
"Hot Cop" hat mir ganz gut gefallen. Der erwachsene Sheriff Ethan Brooker weiß genau, was er will, und die junge Bäckerin Laurie Clark musste sich einfach der Leidenschaft und dem Glück fügen.
October 11, 2018
I loved the hero in this one, he was bossy without being overbearing. I've lost a bit of love for Entangled novels, but this one was good. I'm interested in checking out the other books in the series, the secondary characters were very likable.
3.75 Stars
3.75 Stars
January 4, 2017
Autry's review:
Hard Compromise sounded so promising, sexy as sin sheriff not willing to back away from a challenge. Bakery owner is helpless as her bakery goes up in flames while she’s having a one-night stand with before mentioned sheriff. So promising…I feel so disappointed! The characters feel so flat; I never felt any type of emotional charge between them. Laurie was unlikable, very wishy-washy, and hard to imagine the amount of drama she created for herself in this story. Booker was an ok male lead, I found him more relatable than Laurie, and it appears his profession has given him heaps of experience in dealing with dramatic women.
The secondary cast of character was distracting to the plot, at times it left me thinking more so with a what just happened thought. Booker’s family took up a big majority of characters that were over the top, in-your-face personalities. It’s really awkward when your meeting your “boyfriends” parents for the first time and his mother pulls you aside to give you a bag filled with sex toys?!?!
Overall I could not recommend this book to anyone, it left me feeling very unsatisfied with the plot development and characters. I found myself reread pages to try and find where the author had moved onto, it did not flow well. Twelve percent of the book was the first sexual encounter…. it very well could have been condensed. The use of the word “jailbait” was a bit excessive. As a reader, I never want to not recommend a book or at least be able to find some positive part within the novel. Hard Compromise sounded so intense and passionate, filled with a suspenseful investigation, I only wish it had fulfilled it’s promise.
Review copy provided with no expectations.
Hard Compromise sounded so promising, sexy as sin sheriff not willing to back away from a challenge. Bakery owner is helpless as her bakery goes up in flames while she’s having a one-night stand with before mentioned sheriff. So promising…I feel so disappointed! The characters feel so flat; I never felt any type of emotional charge between them. Laurie was unlikable, very wishy-washy, and hard to imagine the amount of drama she created for herself in this story. Booker was an ok male lead, I found him more relatable than Laurie, and it appears his profession has given him heaps of experience in dealing with dramatic women.
The secondary cast of character was distracting to the plot, at times it left me thinking more so with a what just happened thought. Booker’s family took up a big majority of characters that were over the top, in-your-face personalities. It’s really awkward when your meeting your “boyfriends” parents for the first time and his mother pulls you aside to give you a bag filled with sex toys?!?!
Overall I could not recommend this book to anyone, it left me feeling very unsatisfied with the plot development and characters. I found myself reread pages to try and find where the author had moved onto, it did not flow well. Twelve percent of the book was the first sexual encounter…. it very well could have been condensed. The use of the word “jailbait” was a bit excessive. As a reader, I never want to not recommend a book or at least be able to find some positive part within the novel. Hard Compromise sounded so intense and passionate, filled with a suspenseful investigation, I only wish it had fulfilled it’s promise.
Review copy provided with no expectations.
November 21, 2016
I am in love with this book. I adore all of Samanthe's books, but this one especially hit the mark for me for one main reason: Booker. Oh, how I loved him. He's the whole package, people, from the second he's on the page. Add in a fiesty, relatable heroine who I want to be friends with, awesome secondary characters (love Booker's mom!) and a storyline that kept me turning the pages, and I wish I could give this story more than five stars. I'd like to request a follow-up novella from Ms. Beck because I need more Booker and Laurie. How about a Compromise Wedding? Pretty please?
November 21, 2016
This second story in the Compromise Me series delivers a sassy, sexy romance about a woman who's beat the odds and a man who has been watching from the sidelines and is ready to make his move.
Laurie's first meeting with Ethan Booker is definitely one she'd rather forget. As a sixteen year old rebelling at a New Year's Eve party, she's picked up by the newly minted young cop for under age drinking and given a warning. He's concerned about her, especially with her very unfavorable home life, and vows to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays out of trouble. Fast forward ten years, and Laurie is all grown up. Booker, having developed an attraction to her after she turned 21, has seen her go through all sorts of men as she's gained her sense of self, and made a name for herself too with her new bakery. When he'd told her at their first meeting that he'd see her again ten years later, he meant it. He's determined to show her how a real man would treat her, and shows up on her doorstep as promised on New Year's Eve when she is 26. Laurie can admit that as she's gotten older, Sheriff Booker hasn't entirely left her thoughts either, and with the opportunity for a one night stand with him, she's willing to give him a chance to show her what she's been missing. But things get complicated when a fire at her bakery and blackmail by her mother conspire to seriously deplete her funds, an event that Booker is happy to take advantage of. If she'll pretend to be his girlfriend for some strategic family occasions, thus keeping his matchmaking mother off his back, he'll front her the loan money she needs. But for how long will Laurie be able to resist the man who wants to make their relationship real?
I really enjoyed this story! Samanthe Beck is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors and whenever she has a new release upcoming, I make sure it gets on my review list. I've waited a while for this series to continue, but am happy to say that it was worth the wait! Booker is one of those good guy heroes right from the start. He treats Laurie with compassion when he first meets her (and there is no hint that there is anything not above board in their meeting with their ages) and knows that her home circumstances are the reason she's making some poor choices. His decision to let her off easy leads to her making better choices in her life, including taking her baking skills and making her own way. She's definitely hesitant to rely on anyone after the experiences she's had with her less than stellar mother and works hard to stay independent. She's had several lovers but none that have ever stuck. But when Booker makes his move she's definitely not going to say no, though she'll guard her heart. The result is some super steamy sexy scenes between them, and an emotional connection that Booker knows is real even while Laurie tries to chalk it up to lust and not love. Laurie has lots of insecurity when it comes to Booker's wealthy family and status but Booker won't let that stop them from being together. I loved that he was persistent, understood her concerns, and never stopped believing that they should be together even when Laurie made some questionable decisions. This is a fun, sexy story with some emotional moments and a truly happy ending. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Laurie's first meeting with Ethan Booker is definitely one she'd rather forget. As a sixteen year old rebelling at a New Year's Eve party, she's picked up by the newly minted young cop for under age drinking and given a warning. He's concerned about her, especially with her very unfavorable home life, and vows to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays out of trouble. Fast forward ten years, and Laurie is all grown up. Booker, having developed an attraction to her after she turned 21, has seen her go through all sorts of men as she's gained her sense of self, and made a name for herself too with her new bakery. When he'd told her at their first meeting that he'd see her again ten years later, he meant it. He's determined to show her how a real man would treat her, and shows up on her doorstep as promised on New Year's Eve when she is 26. Laurie can admit that as she's gotten older, Sheriff Booker hasn't entirely left her thoughts either, and with the opportunity for a one night stand with him, she's willing to give him a chance to show her what she's been missing. But things get complicated when a fire at her bakery and blackmail by her mother conspire to seriously deplete her funds, an event that Booker is happy to take advantage of. If she'll pretend to be his girlfriend for some strategic family occasions, thus keeping his matchmaking mother off his back, he'll front her the loan money she needs. But for how long will Laurie be able to resist the man who wants to make their relationship real?
I really enjoyed this story! Samanthe Beck is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors and whenever she has a new release upcoming, I make sure it gets on my review list. I've waited a while for this series to continue, but am happy to say that it was worth the wait! Booker is one of those good guy heroes right from the start. He treats Laurie with compassion when he first meets her (and there is no hint that there is anything not above board in their meeting with their ages) and knows that her home circumstances are the reason she's making some poor choices. His decision to let her off easy leads to her making better choices in her life, including taking her baking skills and making her own way. She's definitely hesitant to rely on anyone after the experiences she's had with her less than stellar mother and works hard to stay independent. She's had several lovers but none that have ever stuck. But when Booker makes his move she's definitely not going to say no, though she'll guard her heart. The result is some super steamy sexy scenes between them, and an emotional connection that Booker knows is real even while Laurie tries to chalk it up to lust and not love. Laurie has lots of insecurity when it comes to Booker's wealthy family and status but Booker won't let that stop them from being together. I loved that he was persistent, understood her concerns, and never stopped believing that they should be together even when Laurie made some questionable decisions. This is a fun, sexy story with some emotional moments and a truly happy ending. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
June 26, 2017
Cuffs and Cakes is a Hard Compromise...
Laurie Peterson is introduced in Compromising Her Position as Chelsea's best friend. There's a glimpse of her wit and charm that is so easy to fall in love with. Ethan Booker is the city's sheriff. While many believe he's had a charmed life, they fail to see that everything he has, he's earned. Primarily, his love interest. Who's had it difficult since day one.
Hard Compromise had plenty of heated sexy scenes. The sexual chemistry between Laurie and Booker is explosive. But there's more than just skin and sheets. Under those covers, there is history. There is pride. There is a heart that needs to be tamed.
If I can add more stars to this book, I totally would. That's how much I enjoyed a story that made it difficult to put it down. Without a question, Samanthe Beck, has delivered yet another EPIC story. Don't just take my word, read it.
Laurie Peterson is introduced in Compromising Her Position as Chelsea's best friend. There's a glimpse of her wit and charm that is so easy to fall in love with. Ethan Booker is the city's sheriff. While many believe he's had a charmed life, they fail to see that everything he has, he's earned. Primarily, his love interest. Who's had it difficult since day one.
Hard Compromise had plenty of heated sexy scenes. The sexual chemistry between Laurie and Booker is explosive. But there's more than just skin and sheets. Under those covers, there is history. There is pride. There is a heart that needs to be tamed.
If I can add more stars to this book, I totally would. That's how much I enjoyed a story that made it difficult to put it down. Without a question, Samanthe Beck, has delivered yet another EPIC story. Don't just take my word, read it.
August 30, 2018
It should come as no surprise that this book ooooooooozes sexy. Like ridiculously so. LOOK AT THAT COVER PEOPLE!!! And I will admit, that's what drew me to it. I just knew Ethan was gonna turn my girlie parts inside out and BOY did he turn them! **swoon** I am SO glad I read this with not a soul around because seriously,
holy filthy mouth and fingers and tongue and just .... everything
:)
Samanthe Beck hit everything out of the park with this one. Laurie and Booker were very well developed in the present and also their past. Their family and upbringing was very well unfolded and nicely placed where it needed to be placed. This story isn't new, but these two made it spark. They were ridiculously compatible. For such a short amount of pages, I was very pleased with how well they both developed into a HEA. And again .... scorching frikking hot (I cannot state this enough lol). You will NOT be able to put this book down once you pick it up! #TRUST
Copy provided for blog tour
Samanthe Beck hit everything out of the park with this one. Laurie and Booker were very well developed in the present and also their past. Their family and upbringing was very well unfolded and nicely placed where it needed to be placed. This story isn't new, but these two made it spark. They were ridiculously compatible. For such a short amount of pages, I was very pleased with how well they both developed into a HEA. And again .... scorching frikking hot (I cannot state this enough lol). You will NOT be able to put this book down once you pick it up! #TRUST
Copy provided for blog tour
November 30, 2016
This night was one super-hot scorcher to remember. Unfortunately, it was not just for the impulsive one nightery of mindless passion with hot as sin Ethan Booker. On top of the internal glow, she was melting at the fact that the one thing in the world she worked so hard for was taken away from her in one night. Burned to the ground. Now Ethan, might I say again, sexy as sin Sheriff has a proposal for her that she may just want to take him up on.
I had a good time reading this one. I was all ready for a sexy, sinfully delicious sheriff. Oh yes, I got that. Then I also got Laurie. These two have waited a long time to act on feeling, desires, impulses. Whatever you want to call them. To have someone else want to step in a make a mess of it all. It was sweet, sassy, sexy, and just plain delightful.
There was enough of the read to get enjoyment, not feel confused, have questions answered, and get a good feel for both Ethan and Laurie. What’s next in the Compromise Me series?
I had a good time reading this one. I was all ready for a sexy, sinfully delicious sheriff. Oh yes, I got that. Then I also got Laurie. These two have waited a long time to act on feeling, desires, impulses. Whatever you want to call them. To have someone else want to step in a make a mess of it all. It was sweet, sassy, sexy, and just plain delightful.
There was enough of the read to get enjoyment, not feel confused, have questions answered, and get a good feel for both Ethan and Laurie. What’s next in the Compromise Me series?
October 25, 2016
I really liked Booker, I liked he we t that extra mile to make sure his woman got what she needed, “uh-uh. We’re not done. I know it wasn’t easy for you to swallow your pride and come here, but you needed me.” He parted her thighs wider to expose the source of the need. “Now it’s my responsibility to see to your needs—each and every one of them— and I take my responsibility very seriously. But my ***k requires a few minutes of recovery time before it’s of any further use. Luckily, I have other ways to take care of you.” I really loved this book, Booker was quite the dominant man and I loved that.
March 3, 2018
3.5
"Hot Cop" ist der zweite Teil der "Compromise me" Reihe, kann aber unabhängig von "Sexy Santa" gelesen werden.
Laurelin und Ethan kennen sich seit 10 Jahren. Ich finde es immer schwierig, wenn sich die Charaktere schon lange Zeit kennen und sich in der Zwischenzeit Gefühle aufgebaut haben, die man als Leser nicht mitverfolgen konnte. Da geht für mich leider immer ein wenig Chemie verloren, so auch zwischen Ethan und Laurelin.
Ich mochte die beiden zwar sehr gerne, aber bis auf sexuell war zwischen den beiden nur wenig Anziehungskraft.
Dennoch hatte das Buch durch seinen Humor einen hohen Unterhaltungswert. Ich habe das Buch gerne gelesen und hatte jede Menge Spaß mit den beiden. Gut fand ich auch, dass sich die Dramatik in Grenzen hielt.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder sehr angenehm und flüssig zu lesen. Aufgefallen sind mir nur ein paar mir unbekannte und seltsame Formulierung, wie z.B. verschossene (ausgeblichene) Shorts.
"Hot Cop" ist der zweite Teil der "Compromise me" Reihe, kann aber unabhängig von "Sexy Santa" gelesen werden.
Laurelin und Ethan kennen sich seit 10 Jahren. Ich finde es immer schwierig, wenn sich die Charaktere schon lange Zeit kennen und sich in der Zwischenzeit Gefühle aufgebaut haben, die man als Leser nicht mitverfolgen konnte. Da geht für mich leider immer ein wenig Chemie verloren, so auch zwischen Ethan und Laurelin.
Ich mochte die beiden zwar sehr gerne, aber bis auf sexuell war zwischen den beiden nur wenig Anziehungskraft.
Dennoch hatte das Buch durch seinen Humor einen hohen Unterhaltungswert. Ich habe das Buch gerne gelesen und hatte jede Menge Spaß mit den beiden. Gut fand ich auch, dass sich die Dramatik in Grenzen hielt.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder sehr angenehm und flüssig zu lesen. Aufgefallen sind mir nur ein paar mir unbekannte und seltsame Formulierung, wie z.B. verschossene (ausgeblichene) Shorts.
May 24, 2017
There was something about this book that tipped it into "just ok" territory. The introduction to the characters was alright, but a little weird. It implies that the hero spent ten years pining for the heroine because she was too young/not mature enough for him and then boom, suddenly she's good enough and "he's tired of waiting". Gross.
The characters were ok. I usually like alpha males as authority figures so I thought this would be up my alley, but Booker wasn't that hunky of a lead. I felt let down. Lauralie had a troubled past and this was a central part of the storyline. In my opinion the story would have been better had the author toned this down. It was a little over the top in a "Girl, you have issues and need therapy" kind of way. I suppose they worked, I just never really felt a connection or chemistry between them. They were just... there.
The characters were ok. I usually like alpha males as authority figures so I thought this would be up my alley, but Booker wasn't that hunky of a lead. I felt let down. Lauralie had a troubled past and this was a central part of the storyline. In my opinion the story would have been better had the author toned this down. It was a little over the top in a "Girl, you have issues and need therapy" kind of way. I suppose they worked, I just never really felt a connection or chemistry between them. They were just... there.
November 9, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Samanthe Beck. She writes an amazing story and this one is no exception. I loved this story. It opens with a 16 year old Laurie, out on her own drinking at the beach party with college students, trying hard to loose her V card on New Years Eve and she hooks a live one. That is until the local Sheriff and his deputy Ethan Booker show up to break up the party and bust the guys chops and Ethan takes Laurie home with a stern lecture about being safe and she's only 16 and of course her mother is no where around. This story in part is the Bookers who are wealthy and have it all and Laurie is the girl from absolutely nothing. Raising herself, her mother a drunk among other things. We fast forward 10 years, Laurie owns a successful bakery in town. She loves to bake, business is booming and it's New Years Eve, Booker decides to make his move after watching her for 10 long years. He's now Sheriff and he does work for a living. He's out with his brother in law to be and makes a plan to carefully disrupt Laurie's New Years Eve party and start the New Year out right with her. Trouble is Ethan wants it all, Laurie is known for her no strings. She knows vulnerable, vulnerable is too risky and will get you hurt or worse. Ethan and Laurie are finally alone. Things escalate and oh good grief, I had to fan the steam off the pages. Laurie has a no bed rule which Ethan breaks, Ethan knows her so well and that bothers Laurie that he's so perceptive. They end up spending the night together, another rule she has. (Lots of rules this one) and then of course after a long absence her mother shows up drunk, threatening Laurie. As always she wants money. Laurie does her best to deter her, but finally caves and takes her to her bakery, cleans out her safe and takes her to the bus station with the promise she won't return. All the while Ethan is asleep in her bed, until he wakes up and finds her gone and the note she left. Within the hour an alarm goes out, there's a fire, Ethan is called and it' s Laurie's bakery. Everything she worked for is gone. And now she has no money. Ethan makes her a deal. One that it wasn't real happy about because unlike the rest of their communication, Ethan isn't exactly clear on what he's doing and why. Nonetheless, it serves a purpose, Laurie agrees to be his date for his sisters wedding festivities and he'll pay her. Not something she's comfortable with but she's doing it. She has to. She's in the hole, her insurance is in limbo and she needs to start her business back asap. She and Booker are from two different worlds and Laurie points that out a lot. Booker seems to take it in stride until he doesn't. His family embraces her, his Mother loves her and she comes to Laurie with a little advice. I melted a couple times during this story. Ethan is what every girl needs. Laurie could be anyone with a dysfunctional
family.
I loved book 1, book 2 I think tops it. This is a great story about the past meeting the present. Add in lots of steam and sass and you've got a great story.
Great story Samanthe!! I definitely recommend this one.
*arc from Net Galley and Entangled** in exchange for a fair review.
family.
I loved book 1, book 2 I think tops it. This is a great story about the past meeting the present. Add in lots of steam and sass and you've got a great story.
Great story Samanthe!! I definitely recommend this one.
*arc from Net Galley and Entangled** in exchange for a fair review.
November 16, 2016
I loved this story!! I loved that it was a little opposite of typical, with the heroine being the one who never gets involved, and the Hero being the one who's all in. It was sweet, and sexy, and a complete delight!
In the prologue, we see their first meeting. Lauralie Peterson is 16, and a hot mess. Ethan Booker is a sheriff's deputy, and he's in his early 20s. He helps her out on New Year's Eve, and promises to look after her in the future. She hits on him, and he tells her they can revisit it in 10 years. 10 years comes and goes and he decides New Year's Eve is his night to show her what they can have together.
Laurie owns a successful bakery called Babycakes. (Her best friend Chelsea was the heroine from Book 1 in the series!) She's a love 'em and leave 'em type of woman. Her family life growing up was horrible, and her mom was an alcoholic train wreck. She learned never to rely on anyone for anything. She and Booker have circled each other for years, but in her mind, he always still sees her as the drunk, hot mess 16-year-old in their past. She's wrong.
Ethan Booker is the Sheriff, and he comes from a wealthy and influential family. He's wanted Laurie (he always uses her full name Lauralie), for years. Booker has decided his time has come, and he's going to pursue her. They have a great night together, but then something terrible happens to her in her professional life, and to try to help her, he backs himself into a corner regarding his real feelings for her. He has to be very careful not to scare her into running.
Laurie and Booker's chemistry was off the charts explosive! Their interactions were funny, as well as sweet, hot, and steamy! I really loved the way they cared for each other, in their own ways. Sometimes I wanted to smack them both, and yell at them to just be honest about their feelings, but it was so fun to watch it all play out.
I really loved many of the side characters too. Booker's family was great! I'd love to see more of the back story of his sister and her husband. Also, I assume Rafe's (the Hero from Book 1) sister, Arden, will be the heroine of Book 3, and I can't wait!! This was a fantastic story, and I am anxiously awaiting more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
In the prologue, we see their first meeting. Lauralie Peterson is 16, and a hot mess. Ethan Booker is a sheriff's deputy, and he's in his early 20s. He helps her out on New Year's Eve, and promises to look after her in the future. She hits on him, and he tells her they can revisit it in 10 years. 10 years comes and goes and he decides New Year's Eve is his night to show her what they can have together.
Laurie owns a successful bakery called Babycakes. (Her best friend Chelsea was the heroine from Book 1 in the series!) She's a love 'em and leave 'em type of woman. Her family life growing up was horrible, and her mom was an alcoholic train wreck. She learned never to rely on anyone for anything. She and Booker have circled each other for years, but in her mind, he always still sees her as the drunk, hot mess 16-year-old in their past. She's wrong.
Ethan Booker is the Sheriff, and he comes from a wealthy and influential family. He's wanted Laurie (he always uses her full name Lauralie), for years. Booker has decided his time has come, and he's going to pursue her. They have a great night together, but then something terrible happens to her in her professional life, and to try to help her, he backs himself into a corner regarding his real feelings for her. He has to be very careful not to scare her into running.
Laurie and Booker's chemistry was off the charts explosive! Their interactions were funny, as well as sweet, hot, and steamy! I really loved the way they cared for each other, in their own ways. Sometimes I wanted to smack them both, and yell at them to just be honest about their feelings, but it was so fun to watch it all play out.
I really loved many of the side characters too. Booker's family was great! I'd love to see more of the back story of his sister and her husband. Also, I assume Rafe's (the Hero from Book 1) sister, Arden, will be the heroine of Book 3, and I can't wait!! This was a fantastic story, and I am anxiously awaiting more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
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