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She's Got It Bad
Twelve years ago Zoe Ford let Liam Masters break her heart. But now? There's not a chance. Zoe is as tough and wild as they come. So when Liam shows up at her tattoo parlor, she's more than ready to take him on again. That's not going to be a hardship, since he's hotter than he ever was.
This time she's staying in charge. And she's not going to consider their score settled until he's hot, bothered and begging for more! Then she'll move on as callously as he left her. Unless all that deliciously bad sex is just too good to give up….
This time she's staying in charge. And she's not going to consider their score settled until he's hot, bothered and begging for more! Then she'll move on as callously as he left her. Unless all that deliciously bad sex is just too good to give up….
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Sarah Mayberry
162 books1,153 followersSarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 18, 2010
This book made me angry and sad. To think that a woman valued herself so lowly, and did unconventional things to shock others and to make herself feel strong, instead of because that was her personality. I was angry that she let a man control her life so much. In a way she did. When Liam left her, she did something really reckless, that had a permanent effect on her life.
I was mad when Liam decided he needed to save her because she clearly (at least in his way of thinking) needed his help. It struck me as very arrogant on his part. Maybe some good came out of it, but it had me frustrated, like he could look down in judgment on her.
I wasn't too fond of Liam for most of this book. I didn't like his arrogance in thinking he could fix her because she had to be acting out (even if he was right) or his blindness to the fact that he loved Zoe, and that's why couldn't stop meddling in her life. I was annoyed at Zoe for continuing to give him power over her. I didn't like the vulnerability that she showed to him, when he didn't seem like he was willing to do the same for her.
I guess I have an issue with heroines who think they are in charge of their lives because they call the shots sexually. That's really not being in charge, in my opinion. On one hand, I could see why Zoe had developed this attitude after being rejected by men in relationships because of what had happened to her and the consequences for the future. But it didn't make a determination to indulge in casual flings the right decision.
I have mixed feelings about this story. It was good and well-written, but it annoyed me so much, so I can't say I really enjoyed it. I had this pit of pain and rage in my chest as I read it. I'd give it four stars for the fact that I think the writing is good, and I cared about the characters. I came to like Liam eventually, as I realized that he wore a facade just as much as Zoe did. He was really hurt from what his father did to him, and it crippled him emotionally. I felt sorry for him because of that. But he still annoyed me that he feels that he had the right to judge her for her lifestyle, when his was probably the male equivalent.
I'm not a big fan of Blaze novels, because I don't agree with the casual sexuality that is a big part of their typical storylines. According to the world and modern views represented in Blaze and television, movies, etc., it seems like a woman is stronger and more independent if she chooses to have casual sex. I'll never agree with that. So, by and large, I avoid this line of books. I decided to read this one because it received a lot of good reviews for the strong plotline and emotional elements. Also, I do like unconventional and tormented heroines. Zoe was definitely that. I liked that she was tough, and a tattoo artist and a rock music singer. I liked that she was a survivor. However, I hurt for her that she gave herself away so lightly. Although it was made clear that Zoe wasn't easy, and she didn't come off that way, casual flings to me are giving oneself away lightly. She was worth more than that. There were good guys who would treat her right and have a committed relationship with her, despite what she felt she couldn't offer them for the future as far as a family. I don't have an issue with women being sexually loose because I judge them. My issue is more that I feel that each woman is of value and too valuable to throw herself away on a guy who doesn't care enough about her, just for a good time in bed. Yeah, she might enjoy it, and think it's enough for her. But, most of the time, I don't think it is enough. That's my opinion, and what I feel deep inside. I can't put that aside when I read these books, so I usually end up wincing the majority of the time when I read these books. Thus, they tend to be avoided.
Well, I know I'm in the minority, and that's okay. Since my reviews reflect my feelings on what I read, I'm going to be honest. This is just how I feel. In the end, She's Got It Bad was a good book, but a painful read for me.
I was mad when Liam decided he needed to save her because she clearly (at least in his way of thinking) needed his help. It struck me as very arrogant on his part. Maybe some good came out of it, but it had me frustrated, like he could look down in judgment on her.
I wasn't too fond of Liam for most of this book. I didn't like his arrogance in thinking he could fix her because she had to be acting out (even if he was right) or his blindness to the fact that he loved Zoe, and that's why couldn't stop meddling in her life. I was annoyed at Zoe for continuing to give him power over her. I didn't like the vulnerability that she showed to him, when he didn't seem like he was willing to do the same for her.
I guess I have an issue with heroines who think they are in charge of their lives because they call the shots sexually. That's really not being in charge, in my opinion. On one hand, I could see why Zoe had developed this attitude after being rejected by men in relationships because of what had happened to her and the consequences for the future. But it didn't make a determination to indulge in casual flings the right decision.
I have mixed feelings about this story. It was good and well-written, but it annoyed me so much, so I can't say I really enjoyed it. I had this pit of pain and rage in my chest as I read it. I'd give it four stars for the fact that I think the writing is good, and I cared about the characters. I came to like Liam eventually, as I realized that he wore a facade just as much as Zoe did. He was really hurt from what his father did to him, and it crippled him emotionally. I felt sorry for him because of that. But he still annoyed me that he feels that he had the right to judge her for her lifestyle, when his was probably the male equivalent.
I'm not a big fan of Blaze novels, because I don't agree with the casual sexuality that is a big part of their typical storylines. According to the world and modern views represented in Blaze and television, movies, etc., it seems like a woman is stronger and more independent if she chooses to have casual sex. I'll never agree with that. So, by and large, I avoid this line of books. I decided to read this one because it received a lot of good reviews for the strong plotline and emotional elements. Also, I do like unconventional and tormented heroines. Zoe was definitely that. I liked that she was tough, and a tattoo artist and a rock music singer. I liked that she was a survivor. However, I hurt for her that she gave herself away so lightly. Although it was made clear that Zoe wasn't easy, and she didn't come off that way, casual flings to me are giving oneself away lightly. She was worth more than that. There were good guys who would treat her right and have a committed relationship with her, despite what she felt she couldn't offer them for the future as far as a family. I don't have an issue with women being sexually loose because I judge them. My issue is more that I feel that each woman is of value and too valuable to throw herself away on a guy who doesn't care enough about her, just for a good time in bed. Yeah, she might enjoy it, and think it's enough for her. But, most of the time, I don't think it is enough. That's my opinion, and what I feel deep inside. I can't put that aside when I read these books, so I usually end up wincing the majority of the time when I read these books. Thus, they tend to be avoided.
Well, I know I'm in the minority, and that's okay. Since my reviews reflect my feelings on what I read, I'm going to be honest. This is just how I feel. In the end, She's Got It Bad was a good book, but a painful read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2009
5 stars – Contemporary Romance
This is an emotional, drama-heavy contemporary romance with a reunited lovers theme about two damaged characters, neither of whom thinks they’re good enough for the other, who waste a lot of time and energy fighting their intrinsic, deep connection and mutual attraction, yet somehow manage to ultimately find healing, acceptance, forgiveness, and of course, love. This is my second HQ Blaze read by Sarah Mayberry, and I’ve been impressed both times with the level of emotional intensity and depth she manages to portray in her characters and overall storyline for such short reads. And she also delivers the right dose of steamy love scenes that we crave from our Blaze romance. It’s a very moving story and one of the best Blaze books that I’ve read.
This is an emotional, drama-heavy contemporary romance with a reunited lovers theme about two damaged characters, neither of whom thinks they’re good enough for the other, who waste a lot of time and energy fighting their intrinsic, deep connection and mutual attraction, yet somehow manage to ultimately find healing, acceptance, forgiveness, and of course, love. This is my second HQ Blaze read by Sarah Mayberry, and I’ve been impressed both times with the level of emotional intensity and depth she manages to portray in her characters and overall storyline for such short reads. And she also delivers the right dose of steamy love scenes that we crave from our Blaze romance. It’s a very moving story and one of the best Blaze books that I’ve read.
February 4, 2012
I had to stop reading this because it just irked me so.
At first, when I began reading this, I was so pleased to learn that the heroine wasn't your average starry-eyed innocent. She was tattoo artist, a thrash club performer, openly sexual, and dressed the part. YAY!
Then I realized that she was meant to be SAVED from all that. The premise of the story is that h/h knew each other as kids, but he left her for her own good. She was SO sweet and innocent! When he saw her 12 years later (you know, all trashy and stuff) he wanted to know what happened to her and he wanted to save her. Because now he is a multi-million dolloar owner of a custom bikes shop and he has the cash to do some savin'. Why is a custom bike shop so much more respectable than what the heroine did? Probably because he was so much richer. Nice.
So anyway, he offers her a job airbrushing custom bikes as his way to SAVE her. To get her back to her artistic calling. ARGH! Why is THAT better than the tattoo parlour? Why?
Then, when discussing heroine's "problems" with the brother, the brother asks hero "are you single?" As if getting together with him was the BIG ANSWER to heroine's problems.
THEN, AGAIN, heroine says something like "what if I want to be more than friends?" Hero replies to both the brother and the heroine "I don't have what you need."
WHY does she need a relationship with that guy to be whole? Why? This book gives me indigestion.
I don't normally read category romances, but over the last few weeks I've developed a taste for the shorter, simpler storylines and I especially enjoy Sarah Mayberry. However, this particular book epitomizes the reasons that I gave up cat. roms. decades ago.
At first, when I began reading this, I was so pleased to learn that the heroine wasn't your average starry-eyed innocent. She was tattoo artist, a thrash club performer, openly sexual, and dressed the part. YAY!
Then I realized that she was meant to be SAVED from all that. The premise of the story is that h/h knew each other as kids, but he left her for her own good. She was SO sweet and innocent! When he saw her 12 years later (you know, all trashy and stuff) he wanted to know what happened to her and he wanted to save her. Because now he is a multi-million dolloar owner of a custom bikes shop and he has the cash to do some savin'. Why is a custom bike shop so much more respectable than what the heroine did? Probably because he was so much richer. Nice.
So anyway, he offers her a job airbrushing custom bikes as his way to SAVE her. To get her back to her artistic calling. ARGH! Why is THAT better than the tattoo parlour? Why?
Then, when discussing heroine's "problems" with the brother, the brother asks hero "are you single?" As if getting together with him was the BIG ANSWER to heroine's problems.
THEN, AGAIN, heroine says something like "what if I want to be more than friends?" Hero replies to both the brother and the heroine "I don't have what you need."
WHY does she need a relationship with that guy to be whole? Why? This book gives me indigestion.
I don't normally read category romances, but over the last few weeks I've developed a taste for the shorter, simpler storylines and I especially enjoy Sarah Mayberry. However, this particular book epitomizes the reasons that I gave up cat. roms. decades ago.
June 17, 2020
Bad girl tattoo artist/grunge rock singer/artist heroine. Custom-motorcycle builder hero.
They met as teenagers when hero fostered with heroine’s family. They fell in love, but heroine was only 15 and he left before they could have sex. Heroine was devastated at his rejection and from there her life took a downward trajectory.
Fast forward 12 years later and hero sees a nude painting of the heroine. He is still wracked with guilt over rejecting the heroine and he is worried she is in a bad way.
He tracks her down at A tattoo parlor and she is horrible to him.
Then he follows her to her singing gig and they end up having angry sex in her dressing room.
He returns for a tattoo.
Then he tracks down her brother.
He offers her a job at his shop coming up for a design for a motorcycle contest.
He arranges a meeting with a gallery owner so heroine can have a showing of her paintings.
As you can see, this is a great hero.
She fights him all the way.
Heroine’s defensiveness got annoying, but she redeemed herself when she helped the hero overcome his childhood trauma.
The H/h were an intense couple with intense sex scenes. Not my usual fare but I enjoyed it.
They met as teenagers when hero fostered with heroine’s family. They fell in love, but heroine was only 15 and he left before they could have sex. Heroine was devastated at his rejection and from there her life took a downward trajectory.
Fast forward 12 years later and hero sees a nude painting of the heroine. He is still wracked with guilt over rejecting the heroine and he is worried she is in a bad way.
He tracks her down at A tattoo parlor and she is horrible to him.
Then he follows her to her singing gig and they end up having angry sex in her dressing room.
He returns for a tattoo.
Then he tracks down her brother.
He offers her a job at his shop coming up for a design for a motorcycle contest.
He arranges a meeting with a gallery owner so heroine can have a showing of her paintings.
As you can see, this is a great hero.
She fights him all the way.
Heroine’s defensiveness got annoying, but she redeemed herself when she helped the hero overcome his childhood trauma.
The H/h were an intense couple with intense sex scenes. Not my usual fare but I enjoyed it.
September 15, 2012
1.5/5; 2 stars; C-
I probably would not have finished this book if it hadn't been an audiobook and I was listening to it while up a ladder painting...for hours. What a disappointment. The specific thing that bugged me about the book requires a spoiler to explain so don't read on if you don't like spoilers.
In a few of the Mayberry books I've read, she had strong, but damaged men who have come from an abusive past and don't feel like they can have normal relationships. In this book she took that idea too far in my opinion and inflicted that trope on both main characters with a too heavy hand.
I probably would not have finished this book if it hadn't been an audiobook and I was listening to it while up a ladder painting...for hours. What a disappointment. The specific thing that bugged me about the book requires a spoiler to explain so don't read on if you don't like spoilers.
In a few of the Mayberry books I've read, she had strong, but damaged men who have come from an abusive past and don't feel like they can have normal relationships. In this book she took that idea too far in my opinion and inflicted that trope on both main characters with a too heavy hand.
April 23, 2020
Something bad happened to Zoe when she was young and instead if growing up she chose to remain a pouty-things-didn't-go-my-way-so-going-to-punish-everyone-including myself trashy, drunken child that needed saving. But hey once the guy comes into her life all is good and in the end she's able to save him. I did NOT like this chick. After 12 yrs she's still so fixated on & mad about the past she barely sees/talks with her brother and she hasn't spoken with her divorced parents in a year. Not to mention the drinking, the being late to work & the quitting without warning. She was an irresponsible brat determined to punish herself & everyone around her cause things didn't go her way. Only one good thing about this book...it ended.
February 9, 2013
She's Got It Bad, Sarah Mayberry (B-) - This was my first Mayberry book and one that I've wanted to read given the positive reviews of it. I had some mixed feelings and despite my sense of Mayberry as a potentially strong writer, the gender politics here are troubling.
The heroine, Zoe, becomes self-destructive as a teen when the hero, Liam (age 17) leaves her rather than risk tarnishing her with his bad boy reputation and dangerous "nature". She subsequently makes some bad decisions as a result of their breakup which leads to a downward spiral of promiscuity and partying. All in all I could understand the trauma of young love lost but questioned the reality of someone's life nearly destroyed as a result of a teenage breakup. Anyway, having accepted that somewhat implausible plot, I quickly found myself questioning the hero's motives as the story jumps ahead 12 years and Liam discovers Zoe living nearby working as a tattoo artist and singing as a thrash club performer. This all sounded interesting until I realized that Zoe apparently needs to be saved from her life of sin. Liam on the other hand is a custom bike shop owner but that is apparently much more respectable. Liam is rich and Zoe isn't, which seemed to translate into moral superiority for him. Zoe is brave and plucky though and uses her sexuality to maintain some sort of equity in their relationship, but that too struck a nerve and made me wish that female sexual liberation not be equated with power over a man. I have to say too that I was a little troubled by Liam's actions after he interferes in Zoe's life and gives her a job. While proclaiming repeatedly that he's her friend and just needs to help her, he continues to have sex with her (over and over), all while maintaining that he can't offer her a future and doesn't "have what she needs." I wanted to like this book more; it is sweet and touching at times. I'm willing to read another book by Mayberry but in the end felt this one has some troubling implications for women and ones that took me too much out of my enjoyment zone.
The heroine, Zoe, becomes self-destructive as a teen when the hero, Liam (age 17) leaves her rather than risk tarnishing her with his bad boy reputation and dangerous "nature". She subsequently makes some bad decisions as a result of their breakup which leads to a downward spiral of promiscuity and partying. All in all I could understand the trauma of young love lost but questioned the reality of someone's life nearly destroyed as a result of a teenage breakup. Anyway, having accepted that somewhat implausible plot, I quickly found myself questioning the hero's motives as the story jumps ahead 12 years and Liam discovers Zoe living nearby working as a tattoo artist and singing as a thrash club performer. This all sounded interesting until I realized that Zoe apparently needs to be saved from her life of sin. Liam on the other hand is a custom bike shop owner but that is apparently much more respectable. Liam is rich and Zoe isn't, which seemed to translate into moral superiority for him. Zoe is brave and plucky though and uses her sexuality to maintain some sort of equity in their relationship, but that too struck a nerve and made me wish that female sexual liberation not be equated with power over a man. I have to say too that I was a little troubled by Liam's actions after he interferes in Zoe's life and gives her a job. While proclaiming repeatedly that he's her friend and just needs to help her, he continues to have sex with her (over and over), all while maintaining that he can't offer her a future and doesn't "have what she needs." I wanted to like this book more; it is sweet and touching at times. I'm willing to read another book by Mayberry but in the end felt this one has some troubling implications for women and ones that took me too much out of my enjoyment zone.
January 13, 2010
I saved this as "Free Book Friday!" and never actually downloaded it. I have a paperback copy of it now, and I read it last weekend. I'm undecided on whether or not I liked it. The story was good, and it tied together well in the end. I had the same reservations I've seen in romance review blogs: the heroine wasn't a true badass, she was just hiding her insecurities in slutty clothes and an unconventional job. But while most readers were okay with the hero being a douche (he was just looking out for her! he got better in the end!), I wanted him to be arrested at the end of every chapter. He was manipulative, he stalked her, he controlled her, and he went behind her back to change her life without her consent. If I wanted to read about Edward Cullen, I would read Breaking Dawn again; at least there were sparkling demon babies...
So, 5 stars for the story, 1 star for the characters. I can settle for 3 stars.
So, 5 stars for the story, 1 star for the characters. I can settle for 3 stars.
April 21, 2010
Geebus what a load of baggage these two lovers have. Liam Masters takes the noble coward's way out by leaving his sweetheart Zoe Ford behind after a mistaken amorous evening fumbling, which leaves horrid consequences for both of them. It takes twelve years of wonder and angst to bring the couple back together. Despite my frustration at their self-pity and uncertainty, it's utterly endearing to see them evolve from the remnants of their younger selves and emerge stronger for it.
This is my first Sarah Mayberry; I got really intrigued once I realised she was a Melburnian, like me! It was awfully comforting to see familiar suburbs used as backdrops: St. Kilda, North Melbourne, Essendon, even Footscray (poor dingy, marginalised, grungy Footscray, I heart you). But this is aimed at the American market, and I was disgruntled at the use of American vernacular in places, anyhow that's my problem, and doesn't affect the beauty of this narrative.
This is my first Sarah Mayberry; I got really intrigued once I realised she was a Melburnian, like me! It was awfully comforting to see familiar suburbs used as backdrops: St. Kilda, North Melbourne, Essendon, even Footscray (poor dingy, marginalised, grungy Footscray, I heart you). But this is aimed at the American market, and I was disgruntled at the use of American vernacular in places, anyhow that's my problem, and doesn't affect the beauty of this narrative.
May 8, 2012
Hero and heroine knew each other when they were kids. The heroine was in love with the hero and at fifteen she wanted to give him her virginity. The hero almost gave in but loved her enough to take off and leave. When the hero left, the heroines life fell apart and she made some huge mistakes, then she turned it around. When the hero saw he again, he was shocked. When he learned about her and realized he still loved her, he wasn't going to give up until one incident changed everything.
It was a decent read but terribly sad overall. There was so much time wasted between the hero and heroine, bad decision made, etc.
It was a decent read but terribly sad overall. There was so much time wasted between the hero and heroine, bad decision made, etc.
October 22, 2017
Quite an emotional book compared to her others. I felt bad foe the main characters, both went through some bad times before they found each other again. The Hero has had a traumatic childhood and thinks he's not good enough for the heroine. The heroine, after being rejected by the Hero, does a stupid thing, that has repercussions for the rest of her life. Its a sad tale. They did love each other but fought against it.
October 4, 2017
Heads up on this one for domestic violence, child abuse, body horror(?), and a questionable double entendre on the title.
He builds motorbikes and she does tattoos and is a multitalented artist. Footscray is referenced! The crowning moment of relationship happens at !
He builds motorbikes and she does tattoos and is a multitalented artist. Footscray is referenced! The crowning moment of relationship happens at !
March 20, 2014
I always loved a romance between a girl and her older brother's best friend. :)
I actually own this book for a long time in my ereader, but I haven't read it until now. I'm surprised because it's good! I loved the plot, I loved how its author developed the chemistry and the way she writes is suit me perfectly.
Liam and Zoe's in love with each other for a long time, since they're just teenagers to be exact. But Liam had his own hang ups and he didn't want to drag Zoe along with him, so he left. He didn't know that his departures broke Zoe, big time. 12 years later they meet again and Liam surprised to see how different Zoe now. He wants to make amend. Boy, he got a lot of work to do..
Overall I enjoyed it because there was angst going on, a thick one. I loved it. Wish there would be more 'hurt', but then again I loved it just the way it is. I liked Zoe, she's kind of fierce.
Definitely looking forward to read this author's work.
I actually own this book for a long time in my ereader, but I haven't read it until now. I'm surprised because it's good! I loved the plot, I loved how its author developed the chemistry and the way she writes is suit me perfectly.
Liam and Zoe's in love with each other for a long time, since they're just teenagers to be exact. But Liam had his own hang ups and he didn't want to drag Zoe along with him, so he left. He didn't know that his departures broke Zoe, big time. 12 years later they meet again and Liam surprised to see how different Zoe now. He wants to make amend. Boy, he got a lot of work to do..
Overall I enjoyed it because there was angst going on, a thick one. I loved it. Wish there would be more 'hurt', but then again I loved it just the way it is. I liked Zoe, she's kind of fierce.
Definitely looking forward to read this author's work.
July 3, 2012
This was on my nook so I couldn't throw it against the wall but I was tempted to several times. The hero is patronizing, all-knowing and a tortured knight: trying to rescue the heroine but save her from himself, because he obviously knows what is best for her. The heroine seems fantastic, but the all-knowing hero can "see" that it's just a facade and inside she's really a mess that only he can fix.
I wanted to like it for so many reasons: she's a tattoo artist and sings in a thrash band, it's set in Australia, he builds customer motorcycles. Ultimately, I didn't like either of them because he felt that he had to "fix" her and she agreed.
I wanted to like it for so many reasons: she's a tattoo artist and sings in a thrash band, it's set in Australia, he builds customer motorcycles. Ultimately, I didn't like either of them because he felt that he had to "fix" her and she agreed.
September 25, 2013
I usually really like Sarah Mayberry, but this one missed the mark for me. I think this is the one instance where I wish that I had read the book instead of listening to it on audio because the narrator really destroyed this story. I mean truly, it was awful. I really feel bad for the author because that narrator really messed up her book.
Narration aside, I would have given three stars. It was a decent Harlequin Romance but, I really had to stretch the imagination a bit. I almost forgot that this was set in Melbourne Australia because the narrator didn't do not one Aussie accent. NOT.ONE!
Narration aside, I would have given three stars. It was a decent Harlequin Romance but, I really had to stretch the imagination a bit. I almost forgot that this was set in Melbourne Australia because the narrator didn't do not one Aussie accent. NOT.ONE!
March 23, 2010
One of the few Blaze books I've actually read versus listened to, and I just couldn't get into it. I think it was the whole tattoo thing...which is so not my thing. I also thought the story a bit contrived in parts (although, it is a Blaze title, right??). I did appreciate the bittersweet back story. That was a real tearjerker btw. Borrow it from the library or a friend. Maybe I'll re-read it in a year or so.
July 20, 2009
Fun read, two wounded characters, but very realistic motivation, both fought the attraction, couldn't resist, than fought it again. Nice tension, even with the sex, it was still really tense up to the end.
May 1, 2009
Very unconventional heroine. I enjoyed the overall story and was surprised at the depth of the characters. I'll be reading more from Mayberry in the future.
July 15, 2011
Liam is an idiot. That is it. I cannot believe it took him so much time to understand Zoe...
I adore Sarah Mayberry, but I just did not feel this one.
I adore Sarah Mayberry, but I just did not feel this one.
July 3, 2012
I wanted more from the characters in this book, but they both just wound up being self-involved and annoying and I wanted to smack the both of them around. Ultimately very disappointing.
June 6, 2013
The writing was good, but I didn't like the characters. The heroine was a drama queen and the hero was her to-be saviour. I didn't buy their love in the end.
September 22, 2023
La primera que leí de Sarah Mayberry. Si te gustan los harlequines sexis y de calidad, ya lo dije en mi blog, ésta puede ser una historia para ti.
Zoe (27), una artista que justo ahora no es la mejor versión de sí misma, se reencontrará con Liam (29) de quien estuvo enamoradísima hace doce años. Entre los dos saltan chispas. La atracción sexual entre ellos es más intensa que nunca, y no tardarán en dedicarse a ello. El conflicto lo llevan por dentro: ninguno de los dos cree que es capaz de una relación estable.
Novela ideal para cuando quieres algo cortito y bien contado, con personajes y ambientación interesantes (se sitúa en Australia) y escenas sexualmente explícitas y muy bien escritas. Cuando la gente se burla del género romántico, creo que no es consciente de lo difícil que es escribir escenas sexuales, no hay más que ver lo acartonadas que resultan, normalmente, las que meten en ficción literaria.
Zoe (27), una artista que justo ahora no es la mejor versión de sí misma, se reencontrará con Liam (29) de quien estuvo enamoradísima hace doce años. Entre los dos saltan chispas. La atracción sexual entre ellos es más intensa que nunca, y no tardarán en dedicarse a ello. El conflicto lo llevan por dentro: ninguno de los dos cree que es capaz de una relación estable.
Novela ideal para cuando quieres algo cortito y bien contado, con personajes y ambientación interesantes (se sitúa en Australia) y escenas sexualmente explícitas y muy bien escritas. Cuando la gente se burla del género romántico, creo que no es consciente de lo difícil que es escribir escenas sexuales, no hay más que ver lo acartonadas que resultan, normalmente, las que meten en ficción literaria.
June 6, 2018
Kaip dažnai pasitaiko šią knygą perskaityti sugundė forumuose rasti atsiliepimai. Pradžia atrodo visai įdomi, jauna beprotiškai įsimylėjusi mergaitė, vaikinukas, kuris bando būti vyru atstumdamas ją ir susitikimas po daugelio metų, kai paaiškėja, kad aistra niekur nepradingo.
Deja, galutinė nuomonė - knyga visai nepatiko. Mano skoniui pagrindinė veikėja pernelyg tiesmukiška, be to niekad nesižavėjau romanais, kuriuose mergina atkakliai ir be jokių skrupulų siūlosi vyrui. Lijamo charakteris daug įdomesnis, bet ir jis neišgelbėja istorijos, kurioje žaidžiamas klasikinis pasimylėjom, bet tai nieko nereiškia, žaidimas.
Sekso scenų daug, bet jos skubotos, man pritrūko paprasčiausio flirto ir romantikos, tačiau knyga patiks mėgstantiems aštresnes ir atviresnes istorijas.
Deja, galutinė nuomonė - knyga visai nepatiko. Mano skoniui pagrindinė veikėja pernelyg tiesmukiška, be to niekad nesižavėjau romanais, kuriuose mergina atkakliai ir be jokių skrupulų siūlosi vyrui. Lijamo charakteris daug įdomesnis, bet ir jis neišgelbėja istorijos, kurioje žaidžiamas klasikinis pasimylėjom, bet tai nieko nereiškia, žaidimas.
Sekso scenų daug, bet jos skubotos, man pritrūko paprasčiausio flirto ir romantikos, tačiau knyga patiks mėgstantiems aštresnes ir atviresnes istorijas.
September 26, 2023
Wanna hug her and tell everything gonna be alright 😭
October 8, 2024
This was really good. I enjoyed the story.
February 20, 2010
Sarah Mayberry is my favorite category author, and She's Got it Bad is now my favorite Mayberry!
I really liked Zoe, who was a very unique romance heroine. She's a tattoo artist and frontperson for an edgy band, she's the antithesis of a shrinking violet virgin heroine. However, that doesn't mean that she's hard or bitchy. She's just done a lot of living in her 27 years, and has her share of regrets and baggage.
Liam, too, has his own issues, and some considerable history with Zoe. When he re-connects with her, he rushes in playing the Alpha trying to "fix" her. I love that she fights him when he oversteps, but doesn't turn down genuine help (like a job) that she really needs, when he makes a reasonable offer.
Sarah Mayberry packs a lot into the relatively short format of a Blaze catergory. Yet, the development of Zoe's and Liam's relationship never feels rushed or contrived.
When they do work through their issues and head toward their HEA, I was left happy and satisfied.
My only complaint is that while the audiobook narrator, Zoe Hunter (who coincidentally has the same first name as the heroine) did an OK job, it was sort of jarring for her to have an American accent when the book was so clearly located in Melbourne, Australia. Especially when an obvious piece of slang cropped up in the dialog.
However, even this minor distraction did not take away from my overall enjoyment of this book!
I really liked Zoe, who was a very unique romance heroine. She's a tattoo artist and frontperson for an edgy band, she's the antithesis of a shrinking violet virgin heroine. However, that doesn't mean that she's hard or bitchy. She's just done a lot of living in her 27 years, and has her share of regrets and baggage.
Liam, too, has his own issues, and some considerable history with Zoe. When he re-connects with her, he rushes in playing the Alpha trying to "fix" her. I love that she fights him when he oversteps, but doesn't turn down genuine help (like a job) that she really needs, when he makes a reasonable offer.
Sarah Mayberry packs a lot into the relatively short format of a Blaze catergory. Yet, the development of Zoe's and Liam's relationship never feels rushed or contrived.
When they do work through their issues and head toward their HEA, I was left happy and satisfied.
My only complaint is that while the audiobook narrator, Zoe Hunter (who coincidentally has the same first name as the heroine) did an OK job, it was sort of jarring for her to have an American accent when the book was so clearly located in Melbourne, Australia. Especially when an obvious piece of slang cropped up in the dialog.
However, even this minor distraction did not take away from my overall enjoyment of this book!
August 29, 2014
I’m not a huge fan of the Blaze imprint. As much as I like badonga donga in real life, I find reading to many explicit scenes gets tiresome and I just skim or skip through them. I am a huge fan of Sarah Mayberry, however, so decided to try this one out and am so glad I did. The characters were grittier than one typically encounters in a Mayberry novel, but that made the story all the more intriguing.
Our hero Liam has transformed from a lost soul/bad boy to a successful business man who owns a custom motorcycle business though he’s not lost some of the grittier edge to his personality. He’s got a friends with benefits relationships with an art dealer. At a show she hosts, he sees a nude painting and recognizes the model as his high school sweetheart, Zoe so he tracks her down. She’s not the innocent high schooler he left behind without explanation. She’s a tattoo artist and lead singer in a punk band who appears on stage like a dominatrix. Liam sees this and he instantly wants to protect her and sleep with her at the same time.
This book was just intriguing. Zoe was hurt and forever changed by incidents precipitated by Liam’s sudden departure back in high school. Liam is so worried he ruined her, but she owns who she is.
Really enjoyed this book, but wish I’d reviewed it sooner so that I could provide more detail. The publisher’s description doesn’t do it justice and makes it seem hokey. But Ms. Mayberry has done it again!
Our hero Liam has transformed from a lost soul/bad boy to a successful business man who owns a custom motorcycle business though he’s not lost some of the grittier edge to his personality. He’s got a friends with benefits relationships with an art dealer. At a show she hosts, he sees a nude painting and recognizes the model as his high school sweetheart, Zoe so he tracks her down. She’s not the innocent high schooler he left behind without explanation. She’s a tattoo artist and lead singer in a punk band who appears on stage like a dominatrix. Liam sees this and he instantly wants to protect her and sleep with her at the same time.
This book was just intriguing. Zoe was hurt and forever changed by incidents precipitated by Liam’s sudden departure back in high school. Liam is so worried he ruined her, but she owns who she is.
Really enjoyed this book, but wish I’d reviewed it sooner so that I could provide more detail. The publisher’s description doesn’t do it justice and makes it seem hokey. But Ms. Mayberry has done it again!
September 2, 2012
*sigh* So, in preparation for my imminent trip to the land of Oz, I decided to reread a bunch of books by one of my favourite authors ever, Ms Mayberry. And just as I remembered, she did not disappoint. I was telling my husband (in all my fan-girl glory) about contacting her like the freak I am, and then trying to describe this book...and eventually said "her books don't have a formula, except awesomeness". He has since decided that should be her new catch phrase.
Every book she writes is unique. Unique in characters, unique in situations, unique in circumstances. Usually I gravitate to just a couple "types" of heros/heroines. But Ms Mayberry draws you into the heart and humanity of every type of person out there. This book is no exception. Even through all the struggles that Zoe and Liam go through, you don't get frustrated with them...their reactions always make sense...and even if they're being silly or insecure, it doesn't last forever...they learn and they grow. So refreshing.
Zoe is badass...with a side of vulnerability. And Liam...*sigh* Such a great heart.
As for the steam factor...OMG....right from the prologue in this one.
So if you're looking for a story that is HOT, intelligent, and has a LOT of heart, I highly recommend.
Every book she writes is unique. Unique in characters, unique in situations, unique in circumstances. Usually I gravitate to just a couple "types" of heros/heroines. But Ms Mayberry draws you into the heart and humanity of every type of person out there. This book is no exception. Even through all the struggles that Zoe and Liam go through, you don't get frustrated with them...their reactions always make sense...and even if they're being silly or insecure, it doesn't last forever...they learn and they grow. So refreshing.
Zoe is badass...with a side of vulnerability. And Liam...*sigh* Such a great heart.
As for the steam factor...OMG....right from the prologue in this one.
So if you're looking for a story that is HOT, intelligent, and has a LOT of heart, I highly recommend.
March 23, 2016
3.75 Stars - The synopsis of this book makes the issue sound so simple but there is so much more to it.
*** SPOILERS ***
Zoe has loved Liam since they were kids. Liam felt the same about her the first time he saw her but she was 15, two years younger than him, he was living above her parents garage, and he felt he was no good for someone as pure as Zoe. Afraid he'll sleep with her, he runs away. Twelve years later he sees a nude painting of her at his casual lover's art gallery. Disbelieving sweet Zoe would do such a thing, he traces her to the tattoo parlor where she works. Zoe is tough, brave, oozes sex appeal and is somewhat brittle. Liam wants to help her assuming she must be in a tough spot. With all of his interfering, the tension gets high and they have sex, attempting to keep it to that only. Liam eventually learns that after he left all those years ago, Zoe was heartbroken and felt rejected so she rebelled big time. She got pregnant but it was an ectopic and had to have a hysterectomy. The pain and bitterness made her who she is today. Liam and Zoe's feelings for each other blossom again but Liam is certain he is his father's son, in that his father was abusive and he would be too. Eventually they resolve their problems.
*** SPOILERS ***
Zoe has loved Liam since they were kids. Liam felt the same about her the first time he saw her but she was 15, two years younger than him, he was living above her parents garage, and he felt he was no good for someone as pure as Zoe. Afraid he'll sleep with her, he runs away. Twelve years later he sees a nude painting of her at his casual lover's art gallery. Disbelieving sweet Zoe would do such a thing, he traces her to the tattoo parlor where she works. Zoe is tough, brave, oozes sex appeal and is somewhat brittle. Liam wants to help her assuming she must be in a tough spot. With all of his interfering, the tension gets high and they have sex, attempting to keep it to that only. Liam eventually learns that after he left all those years ago, Zoe was heartbroken and felt rejected so she rebelled big time. She got pregnant but it was an ectopic and had to have a hysterectomy. The pain and bitterness made her who she is today. Liam and Zoe's feelings for each other blossom again but Liam is certain he is his father's son, in that his father was abusive and he would be too. Eventually they resolve their problems.
April 27, 2010
I heard about the free Audible copy of this via a friend on Facebook. I'd never used Audible before, and it took me a while to figure it out -- but as this isn't a review on Audible, we'll skip that!
The first audio book I've listened to in a long while, and being a Blaze, I knew it would be pretty decent, and hot. And that it was. But what I loved about it was the clever way Sarah Mayberry managed to portray the ups and downs of the relationship. I didn't appreciate the mispronunciation of Brisbane and a few other words. And I was drooling when they went down to the beach to get chips from the Chip Shop (I miss Chip Shops, Brit and Oz style!)
I will say, though, the beginning threw me, and I thought it was going to be a story about underage sex. Thank god I gave it a chance and listened beyond chapter one.
Overall, a super sexy rollercoaster of a romance between a hot biker dude and a sazzy tattoo artist.
The first audio book I've listened to in a long while, and being a Blaze, I knew it would be pretty decent, and hot. And that it was. But what I loved about it was the clever way Sarah Mayberry managed to portray the ups and downs of the relationship. I didn't appreciate the mispronunciation of Brisbane and a few other words. And I was drooling when they went down to the beach to get chips from the Chip Shop (I miss Chip Shops, Brit and Oz style!)
I will say, though, the beginning threw me, and I thought it was going to be a story about underage sex. Thank god I gave it a chance and listened beyond chapter one.
Overall, a super sexy rollercoaster of a romance between a hot biker dude and a sazzy tattoo artist.
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