Chelsea & Jessica Get Brazen! Falling for the Marine by Samanthe Beck

Hey guys! So happy it's time to get Brazen again! This week we read Falling For the Marine by Samanthe Beck!

Pretending to be in love has never felt so sexy.

USMC helicopter pilot Michael McCade has two goals: Get his damn back into alignment and keep his nose clean until his commanding officer clears him to fly again. The doctor-recommended massage therapy seems like a necessary step toward returning to the cockpit, but when his too-hot-to-handle neighbor, Chloe Kincaid, turns out to be his masseuse, he strays from the straight and narrow in a major way.

Chloe Kincaid is looking for a simple, no strings attached, ego-boosting hook up. But when her positively panty-melting neighbor, USMC Major Michael McCade, (aka Major Hottie), shows up on her massage table, she lets desire get the better of professionalism. Now theyre pretending to be engaged to avoid a whole lot of unanticipated consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment. But can a girl who avoids attachments at all costs fake an engagement to a straight-arrow soldier without falling hard?

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Our heroine finds herself in a very awkward position at the beginning of the novel- what is the most awkward thing that's happened to you in front of the opposite sex?

Jessica: Oh, wow. This is a hard question. Why can't I think of anything? I'm sure I have had some, but I've probably repressed them! All I can recall is Military Ball freshmen year. I had the biggest crush on a sophomore in my Spanish class, but we never really talked all that much. I went with a friend to the dance and some friends knew I was crushing on him, so they got him to ask me to dance, and we danced for like 2 seconds and he was like who are you here with? I told him and he led me over to him and was like, so you should be dancing with him. OMG. I was horrified. And so so embarrassed. The bright spot of the evening was a guy in my ROTC class and I danced and confessed he was too afraid to ask me to go and I was like, I wanted you to ask me! Sadly, we never started dating, but it was validating to know there was a guy who actually wanted to go with me, but was too chicken shit to ask.

Chelsea: That is such a cute story Jess! I had a hard time thinking of one myself though I'm sure there are tons of them. Coincidentally, today I was playing in a softball game and while running into home plate, I tripped over my feet and ate dirt hard. Everyone thought I was sliding but it looked so ungraceful. There were plenty of men at the game to witness my embarrassing plunge to the ground!

What is your favorite sexy scene in this one?

Chelsea:  I'm gonna have to go with the scene at the massage parlor. Not only was that super HOT but I was biting my nails with nerves waiting to see if they would get caught.

Jessica: The car scene! I do love a good car scene and the one at the bluffs overlooking the ocean? Holy hotness!

Jess- you've met all 3 McCade Brothers. Which one is your favorite?

Jessica: That is so hard! I do love them all. I think I'd have to say Trevor though. I just loved his and Kylie's story and his protectiveness of her is really sweet.

Chelsea- out of Trevor and Michael, which one do you prefer?

Chelsea:  I did love Trevor but I think I'm gonna have to go with Michael. I loved his playfulness and the way he stole Chloe's heart 

If you could have a traveling job of sorts, what would it be?

Jessica: Landscape photographer! I love taking photos, so that would definitely take me to all parts of the globe!

 Chelsea: Ooh, that's a good one! I think I'd want to be food journalist. I would love to travel the world, sampling food from different cultures and talking about it. 

Chloe & Michael have a very sexy moment at her work place. Do you think you'd ever be able to have workplace sex?

Chelsea: I'm not gonna lie, I think it would be kind of hot to push all the papers off my desk and get a little naughty in my office. Of course, I am super paranoid and would probably be too worried about getting caught to actually do it but it's fun to think about!

Jessica: *cringe* That gives a whole new meaning to Hot For Teacher, doesn't it? I don't think I could. If I worked in an office, maybe. But my classroom? That would just be weird. And entirely too dangerous! I'm not adventurous, I know.

What did you think about the "fake dating" in the plot?

Chelsea:  Fake relationships are one of my favorite types of plots so I really liked it. It is always fun to see 2 characters build something real out of something that started out to be pretend.

Jessica: I liked it! I think it's always such a fun twist because I love seeing them struggle with their feelings and trying to figure out what's real and what's pretend!

It's been a while since Jess and I have been able to sit down and read a Brazen together but when we finally got a chance, we knew we needed to meet another McKade brother. I'm so glad we did! This book was incredible and I was hooked from beginning to end. I seriously did not want to put this one down. It was a quick read but it also had a well developed plot and some very intriguing characters. Oh, and it was STEAMY!!

Chloe has been through a tough heartbreak which has left her jaded on relationships. She always wanted the white picket fences but when it all falls apart, she decides freedom is the only way to go. As a traveling masseuse, she's just moved into her new assignment when she finds herself in a little predicament. Lucky for her, the sexy marine next door comes to her rescue. I liked Chloe. She is funny, smart and full of spunk. She is insanely attracted to Michael but she is also scared. She tried the relationship thing once and it was an epic fail.

Michael is an injured Marine and right now he wants nothing more than to get back to duty. That is until he meets his sexy neighbor, Chloe. He is definitely intrigued by her and certainly attracted. He offers to help Chloe out when she's in a bind and they end up fake engaged. I really liked Michael a lot. He is sexy, masculine and a real gentleman. He is so sweet with Chloe and I liked the way he helped her out and treated her.

This book was fun, sexy, heartwarming and an incredible read. The chemistry between Chloe and Michael was smokin' hot and I love a good fake relationship plot. Of course they are physically attracted to each other but as they get to know each other, they develop so much stronger feelings. Michael wants to develop these but Chloe is scared. I loved seeing Michael try to break down her walls and convince her how good they could be together. Chloe was a tough nut to crack and sometimes I wanted to strangle her for not seeing what was right in front of her. However, considering her past, understand her reservations and I was glad to see her finally open her heart to him.

I just adore Samanthe Beck! She is definitely one of my favorite Brazen authors and she NEVER disappoints! Her books are always so good and SO sexy! Not only does she create a sexy, steamy book, she also develops characters that you will really love and enjoy!

I absolutely LOVE how Michael and Chloe meet. It is so awkwardly hilarious! All I'll tell you is that it involved some handcuffs, a bed, and no key. Hah! The two are neighbors and Michael helps Chloe out after a failed seduction attempt on her part. They are both definitely attracted to one another, and end up meeting again, as she is a massage therapist and Michael has really messed up his back. Attraction runs rampant with these two and they find they can't keep their hands off one another.... no matter WHERE they might be. This obviously causes problems for Chloe, and Michael, being one of the most honorable men I've read about, offers to let her stay with him. The one tiny string that comes with this offer? They must pretend they are engaged, as his CO really looks down on cohabitation. Now, Michael and Chloe find themselves caught in a charade that is escalating rather quickly. What feels like an act starts to feel like a hell of a lot more....

Chloe is a pretty strong-willed character. Having been tied down to a husband that cheated on her, she now wants nothing more than to be a free spirit. No strings, no attachments... She hasn't been with anyone else since the divorce and now fate would bring Major Hottie Michael McCade to her doorstep. She always said she would never date a military man because of how her father always put the Corps first and never his family. Staying away from Michael proves to be quite the undertaking... he is patient, kind, encouraging and he is looking for more stability in his life. He wants a home, a family.... He's never been in that all-consuming love before, but he wants it and I love that he isn't afraid to admit it.

Getting to know each other becomes so much more than just a game. Chloe finds herself falling hard for Michael and is desperate to get away. She is afraid of what being in love again will mean and she can't handle Michael growing bored and cheating on her like her ex-husband did. She thinks running away will keep her heart intact, but little does she know she's already lost it....

You're in for a fun, sweet, sexy ride with Falling For the Marine! There are a few scenes I couldn't help but laugh out loud and there were others I felt myself get a bit misty-eyed. I definitely recommend this to my fellow romance lovers!

Chelsea & Jessica Get Brazen! Private Practice by Samanthe Beck

Hey guys! So happy it's time to get Brazen again! This week we read Private Practice by Samanthe Beck!

He’ll teach her how to bring a man to his knees…

Dr. Ellie Swan has a plan: open her practice in tiny Bluelick, Kentucky, so she can keep an eye on her diabetic father, and make hometown golden-boy Roger Reynolds fall in love with her. But Ellie has a problem. Roger seeks a skilled, sexually adventurous partner, and bookish Ellie doesn’t qualify.

Tyler Longfoot only cares about three things: shaking his bad boy image, qualifying for the loan his company needs to rehab a piece of Bluelick’s history, and convincing Ellie to keep quiet about the “incident” that lands him on her doorstep at two a.m. with a bullet in his behind.

The adorable Dr. Swan drives a mean bargain, though. If sex-on-a-stick Tyler will teach Ellie how to bring a man to his knees, she’ll forget about the bullet. Armed with The Wild Woman’s Guide to Sex and Tyler’s lessons, Ellie is confident she can become what Roger needs…if she doesn’t fall for Tyler first.

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An incredibly hot guy stumbles into your house at 2 in the morning with a bullet in his ass. Do you: a) freak out?  b) die laughing?   c) seek medical help 

Jessica: Where's D: all of the above? Because I would freak if someone (hot or not) showed up outside my house at 2AM. I would die laughing if I saw that someone wasn't in life threating pain because hello? Bullet in the ass? REALLY? And then I'd seek medical help. Because I'm not a doctor.

Chelsea: Haha! Love your answer Jess. There should definitely be an option D. I am definitely going to have to say that I would freak out first because I think every single girl who lives alone would assume an intruder is up to no good on their doorstep at 2AM.

Do you have any stupid nicknames from high school?

Chelsea: LOL, I was actually called "Superstar" but not because they thought that's what I was. When I was a freshman, some of the hot senior guys thought I looked like Molly Shannon and they were constantly calling me that and asking me to do the superstar move from the movie. 

Jessica: Ugh. Yes. I don't even really know how they came up with it, but a couple of guys starting calling me Worm one day in elementary school. And it stuck. There's nothing worse than being in high school and having those guys (who were actually quite cute) yelling 'Worm' down the hallway when they saw me.  


What did you think of Ellie's character?

Jessica: I liked her. She cracked me up because of how she approached the whole situation with Tyler and just how her obsessive personality wouldn't just let her go with the flow when it came to sex.

Chelsea: I really liked Ellie a lot. She is very type A personality and while I wanted to strangle her a few times for being a little too meticulous, I think she was really strong and brave. 

What would you do if you ran into someone you knew at a sex shop?

Jessica: Probably die of mortification. I get embarrassed easily, so I would probably turn tail and run.

Chelsea: Umm.... I may be recognizable at Lovers by the girl who works behind the counter so I wouldn't be embarrassed at all. 

Motorcycles: Yay or Nay?

Jessica: A big fat YAY. I love them. I love riding on the back of them and there's just this rush of freedom that I love. I definitely want a man with a Harley.

Chelsea: Me too! I think motorcycles are dead sexy and I love the thrill being on the back of one.

What did you think of the 'Mistress Ellie' scene?

Jessica: I was DYING of laughter. That was hilarious. It was sexy and fun at the same time! I would never have been able to keep a straight face. It just goes to show how comfortable she was with Tyler already and I really liked that.

Chelsea: That scene was hilarious! I loved how brazen Ellie was and the way she dominated Tyler so easily. This was definitely a time when her need to control came in handy.

The first Brazen feature Jessica and I did was a Samanthe Beck book and I loved it so when we had the opportunity to read Private Practice for this week, I was super excited. This book was funny, sexy, sweet and romantic. I genuinely loved everything about this book, especially Tyler and Ellie.

Ellie has just come back to her small hometown to open her own medical practice and look after her father, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She also has another agenda; to win over her childhood crush and build the dream life she's always wanted. However, she hears that good ol' Roger likes his sex a little wild and little miss Ellie has no idea what wild sex is. When the town sex God, Tyler, shows up on her doorstep, she makes and arrangement with him to teach her everything she needs to know. What she doesn't anticipate is the feelings she develops for Tyler.

I really liked Ellie a lot. She is smart, brave, caring, loyal and she cracked me up with her obsessive attitude. It is clear from the beginning that her relationship with her dad has always been strained and it has definitely shaped her views for the future. She has this idea of a perfect life with a big loving family in her head and she thinks that Roger is the man to provide that. While I liked Ellie, I wanted to shake her a few times for being so obsesses with a life she built up her head with Roger and not seeing what was right in front of her with Tyler.

I freaking loved Tyler, like I need a Tyler in my life. He is sexy, smoldering and mysterious. However, he is also sweet, smart, hard working and a really good guy. I liked that he was the town bad boy but he really made something of himself and became successful all on his own despite his upbringing. He is immediately taken by Ellie and she really makes him want and feel things that he's never wanted before. I liked that he took the opportunity that Ellie gave him so that he could prove that he could be the guy for her. 

Ellie and Tyler together was phenomenal. They have that chemistry that really jumps off the pages and makes you want to keep reading. I liked the way Tyler handled Ellie's obsessive nature and the way he opened her up and brought some spontaneity in her life. I was cracking up at some of the scenes with them between the sheets. It is just so easy with Tyler and I could see that Ellie was falling for him long before she realized it. Beyond the sexy times, I loved how protective Tyler was with Ellie and the way he made her feel okay about the life she was dealt and the relationship with her father. He understood her like no one else could. I also liked how supportive Ellie was of Tyler's dream and how encouraging she was with his business. No other woman had cared or shown interest before and not many people believed he could be the success he was but Ellie was 100% in his corner.

I also really liked the side characters including Melody, who became a really good friend to Ellie. She was everything Ellie wasn't in high school but she wasn't a mean girls. She was sweet and kind and I really liked her. While Roger wasn't the guy for Ellie, he was still a nice guy and I liked him too. Overall, this was such a great read and I loved the characters and the writing and the plot. It had me swooning one minute and laughing the next. It was a true romantic comedy and definitely one that I would re-read. 

Woooo! Another 5 star read! I'm on FIRE! I adored this book so much! Beck blended the perfect amount of steam and romance, which made for a really enjoyable read. I'll admit this did have some predictability to it and the storyline wasn't one I haven't read before, but that is all irrelevant. Beck's added humor and her characters will draw you in and leave you smiling for hours.

Pacing: I felt it was really well-paced. I love how fast Brazens are to read. I do wish we would have had a bit more at the end. I actually am one of those people who like epilogues because I need good closure.

Storyline: As I stated, it's pretty predictable and one that's been done before, but that's a non-issue for me. I loved that Ellie was brazen enough to proposition Tyler the way she did. The girl has guts! I liked the added humor that Samanthe added to the story too. Ellie was such a great heroine.  Having just returned to her hometown to help take care of her less than pleasant diabetic father and open her new practice, she has just heard the news that her long time crush Roger is no longer engaged to his glamorous girlfriend Melody. She overhears a conversation between Melody and a friend about how Melody just wasn't adventurous enough sexually for Roger. This really gets Ellie's brain turning. If SHE could be sexually adventurous enough, maybe then she'd be the one to snag Roger's heart. She enlists the help of Tyler Longfoot, a sexy, dark-haired, guy she remembers from high school. He was a few years older than her, but his reputation certainly precedes him. However, things start to really escalate as Tyler and Ellie realize they are attracted to one another.

Characters:  Ellie is just one of those heroines you have to laugh at. She is determined and willful, but she also looks at things from a very analytical perspective. She is very literal, so it's hard not to laugh at how insistent she is her and Tyler go by this Wild Woman guide she bought to help make her more adventurous in bed. She has everything planned out, so naturally she gets frustrated when Tyler tries to get her to loosen up and just FEEL. I felt bad for Ellie. This guide is all about how to pleasure a man, but what about HER pleasure? She is so wrapped up on how to rock Roger's world that she doesn't even pause to consider her own needs. Thank goodness Tyler is not a selfish lover!

I really loved Tyler. He's not the same guy he once was and he is really getting his life on track and what he wants out of it. He's not interested in being the playboy anymore and is looking for something real. Ellie is using him to be better for someone else and feelings for her or not, that's got to be a hit to the ego. Tyler is determined though. The more time he spends with Ellie, the more he realizes he actually likes her... and he's going not letting her go without a fight. I liked how he stood up for her and how he thought her Wild Woman guide was ridiculous. She knows how to take care of a man and he really does a great job of making her feel beautiful and sexy as is.

Final Thoughts: I highly recommend this one if you're in the mood for a short, sexy, fun read. I really didn't see the Roger twist coming until I read one scene in particular and then I was laughing because... really, Ellie? You didn't figure that one out? I love that she's a little naïve, because it really makes her that much more endearing as a character. I loved watching her struggle with what she thinks she wants versus what she actually needs...

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Join us next time as we discuss Laura Kaye's One Night with a Hero!

Chelsea & Jessica Get Brazen! His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey

Hey guys! So happy it's time to get Brazen again! This week we read His Risk To Take by Tessa Bailey! Hello steamy goodness!

The greater the risk, the hotter the reward…

Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control—until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into O’Hanlon’s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her—risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

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Hot damn! Tessa Bailey knows how to write one dirty-talking alpha! What did you think of Troy?

Jessica: She sure does! There were some parts my mouth was literally hanging out in shock because of the things that came out of Troy Bennett's sexy mouth!

Chelsea: Umm... Holy hotness! Troy was probably one of the more dirty mouth men I've met in these Brazens and I loved it!

How would you describe Ruby in 5 words or less?

Chelsea: Stubborn. Brave. Cautious. Smart.

Jessica: Feisty. Fierce. Determined. Sweet.


We met Derek in the previous Line of Duty book and now Troy in this one. Which do you prefer?

Jessica: As much as I liked Troy, I think my heart belongs to Derek. 

Chelsea: I am going to have to agree with Jess. While I certainly liked Troy, Derek is a little more my speed.

Ruby specialized at hustling in pool. What would you specialize in to earn some fast cash?

Chelsea: Haha! Well I don't have many "hustling" talents but I think I could make some fast cash at Trivia. I have an excellent memory and I always blow people out of water with the insane things I remember.

Jessica: Hmm. If this were 10 years ago, I'd say basketball. No one ever expected me to be as good as I was because I was so short. Since it was harder for me to get inside, I used to shoot three pointers and everyone would be like WTF?! LOL.

Who do you see as Troy Bennett?

Jessica: Sandra from Goodreads posted a picture of this guy and I definitely agree.

Chelsea: I definitely picture Tyler Hoechlin as Troy. He has this sexy broodiness that I imagine Troy would have.

Here are two things I know about Tessa Baily. She loves dominant men and she has one dirty mind. And I think it’s awesome! She definitely brings the steam in His Risk to Take and even I blushed a few times more than usual.

Troy Bennett is a New York detective who just transferred from Chicago after losing his partner in a raid. He meets Ruby in a bar one night, where she’s there hustling at pool. He is instantly attracted to her and he isn’t shy about letting her know what he wants to do to her. She’s got a bit of a past and doesn’t normally trust cops but there’s something about Troy that draws her in. She is inadvertently put in danger when a case that Troy is working on overlaps with her past. Troy doesn’t want to lose another person he cares about and tries to protect Ruby. However, she has been protecting herself for a long time and she won’t sit back quietly while Troy is in danger.

God damn Troy is hot and while I don’t like to be told what to do, I may just let him boss me around. When he sets him mind to something or someone, he goes after it and doesn’t back down. He is loyal, fierce and determined and I liked how instantly protective he was of Ruby. She has trust issues and he was able to break down those walls and open her up. I liked how headstrong Ruby was. She didn’t want to sit back and be protected. She wanted to take control of the situation and do her part to help. However, she was a bit reckless and she could have gotten herself killed. She and Troy are so perfect for one another because he is very dominant and Ruby pushes back. This makes for some very hot and steamy sex.

I enjoyed His Risk to Take and found it to be a quick and fun read. It doesn’t have a lot of plot depth but I really liked the characters and I am a fan of Tessa Bailey’s writing. If a Brazen makes me blush, that means it’s doing its job.

His Risk to Take was another steamy addition to Tessa's Line of Duty series. While it felt shorter than the first, I still enjoyed it. I did feel this one wasn't as in depth plot wise, but no worries- the steam factor more than made up for it! Mmm! This is one of those reads you pick up when you just need a sexy escape from the real world. 

Ruby is a really fun female lead. She has confidence and I love how take charge she is. She has had to grow up fast and her no-nonsense attitude shows immediately. When Ruby enters the bar Troy is drinking at, all bets are off. Ruby may come across as demure and innocent, but the girl knows how to play the game! Having concealed her pool cue in a yoga mat, Ruby comes across as knowing less than she does. Girl is a straight up hustler! She knows what she's doing and that is one of the things that attracts Troy from the get-go.

Tessa has created another dirty-talking alpha male in Troy Bennett and the things he says to Ruby is enough to make any girl blush! The two of them are incredibly stubborn and butt heads quite often, but that is one of the things that makes their relationship so hot! Ruby isn't a submissive who is just going to do what Troy says. Troy is new to New York, having escaped some demons that haunt him from his past, and he is turn very protective of Ruby. I felt bad for Troy, because while he feels like what happened in Chicago is his fault, when it really wasn't. He carries that guilt with him to New York and has to make amends with the past before he can move forward with his life.

While Derek still holds my heart, I really did enjoy meeting Troy and I loved seeing him and Ruby together!

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Join us next week when we discuss Private Practice by Samanthe Beck

Chelsea & Jessica Get Brazen! Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn

Hey guys! So happy it's time to get Brazen again! This week we read Tempting the Best Man by J.Lynn! That woman KNOWS how to bring it swoon! WHEW! 

Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

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Are you into the whole wedding thing? Do you see yourself having one? Or is eloping more your style?

Jessica: Assuming I get married one day (I'm still waiting for my Chase Gamble to show up!), I always planned to get married somewhere in the Caribbean. I've never wanted the stress of planning a wedding and dealing with all that crap. 

Chelsea: I am with you! I am all about eloping. Weddings are expensive, high stress and not worth it! I would love to just get married on a beach somewhere with a few close friends and family.

How would you describe Chase in 5 words or less?

Chelsea: Smart. Successful. Sexy. 

Jessica: Sexy. Stubborn. Loyal. Determined.


Do you feel the whole playboy denying his feelings for the sweet girl because he's not good enough for her is a bit cliched? Or does it not bother you when done right?

Chelsea: I am definitely over it. The first time I read this book, I hadn't been reading many in this genre so it didn't bother me but re-reading it, I definitely noticed it more.

Jessica: I definitely think it's overdone in the contemporary romance genre. However, as long as the author can make it original and put their own spin on it, I am okay with it. 

If you could be locked in a wine cellar with anyone- who would it be?

Chelsea: I am a Chris Pine fan girl! He can feel me up in a wine cellar any day. Don't you want to be stuck with this? :-)

Jessica: Greyston Holt. HANDS DOWN. Here. Let me show you.

What is your favorite sexy scene in the book?

Jessica: You know I'm a sucker for a bath scene! :)

Chelsea: Me Too!! Honestly, hands down my favorite scene. 


How would you describe the book overall in 5 words or less?


Chelsea: Entertaining. Romantic. STEAMY!

Jessica: Sexy, heartbreaking, fun, and HAWT! 

What is your favorite Chase line?

Jessica: “When he spoke, his lips brushed hers. “I want you. Bad. Right now. Against the wall. On my bed. The floor and maybe in the bathroom later. I have a shower stall and a Jacuzzi we could put to really good use. I know you’d like it.”  Mmhmm. Chase Gamble is sex on a stick!
 
Chelsea: "There is no one else-- there's never been anyone else for me but you. You're it, Maddie."

Tempting the Best Man is the first Brazen that I ever read and I fell in love with the series instantly. I was due for a re-read and since I knew Jess hadn’t read it yet, I was psyched to pull it out again this week. It is just as fun, sexy and entertaining the second time as it was when I read it the first time. It might even be better the second time because I know what’s going to happen and I’m eagerly awaiting the moments Madison and Chase share.

Chase is best friends with Madison’s brother, Mitch, and she has been in love with him since as long as she can remember. He’s sexy, smart, and successful and he has always been kind and protective of her. Unfortunately, she feels like he only sees her as a little sister and after one drunken night a few years ago, things haven’t been the same between them. Now her brother is getting married, she has to walk the aisle with Chase and to top it all off, they’re stuck in a room together for 2 days. Things are about to heat up!

I really like Madison and how she handles Chase. She isn’t afraid to confront him and call him on his shit. She also does a pretty good job of holding herself together when he is hot and cold with her. She definitely wants him to see her as more and she works really hard to break down his walls and get him to see how good they could be together. Chase has some serious commitment issues that mostly stem from his father. His dad was a philandering prick who really hurt their mother and Chase and all his brothers are really afraid of becoming like him. Because of that Chase doesn’t do major commitments and he also doesn’t think he is good enough for Madison. I respected Chase for thinking of Madison and respecting her enough to not want to hurt her but what a bunch of bullshit. Why do men always think they know what’s best? As if a woman can’t decide whether someone is good enough or not themselves? He definitely didn’t see Madison as a little sister and he had a really hard time controlling himself when he was with her.

Seriously, Chase and Madison have some really excellent chemistry and some very sexy and steamy scenes. Despite Chase’s insecurities and constantly pushing Madison away, he can’t help but feel the same electric pull that she does and he isn’t very good at resisting it either. After one incredible night, Chase finally realizes his feelings for Madison but he causes a huge misunderstanding that sends her fleeing and he may lose her for good. I felt like Madison really over-reacted to the misunderstanding with Chase and had she talked to him instead of running, she would have saved herself a lot of heart ache. Thankfully Chase is a smart man and he doesn’t give up easily. I was happy to see that he fought to get her back and proved to her that he loved her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I felt like the plot lacked some development but it was well written and fun so it didn’t really detract from the enjoyment. The characters are really fun and they have such great interactions. Also, the steamy scenes are definitely a major plus!

I really loved Tempting the Best Man! I read Chad's story first, but I have to say I loved this one a bit more. I love the older brother's best friend trope and this is what we have here. Maddie has always been the tag-a-long to Chase and her older brother Mitch. She has loved Chase forever and has never outgrown that love for him. One night changed everything between them her junior year in college and ever since no other guy even comes close to comparing to Chase Gamble.

I really liked Maddie's character. She's sweet and fun, but she's not a pushover either. My heart really hurt for her because she doesn't want anyone besides Chase. Yet, she can't keep letting her heart get broken by him either and I admire her for one of her choices she made towards the end.

Chase, Chase, Chase. My heart hurt for him too. His parents did not set a good example for their boys on what it was like to be in a loving relationship. Their father is an alcoholic and a skirt-chaser, while their mom sank into depression for loving her husband too much. All 3 Gamble boys are affected by this, hence their bachelor status. Chase may seem like a playboy, but he's really not. That's Chad, for sure. Chase cares about Maddie, but doesn't feel he could ever live up to be the man she deserves. He is so afraid of turning out just like his father, when everyone around him sees otherwise. They see what a good man Chase is, but he is terrified of treating Maddie like his mother was by his father.

These two have such chemistry together. Chase knows it's wrong to want Maddie like he does, so he comes up with a typical guy solution that does not go over well at all. I definitely wanted to kick him in the junk and tell him to quit being an idiot. Because they have been friends for so long and have a history, it's fun to see their back and forth banter as they reminisce about when they were younger. Chase loves to tease and remind Maddie of things she did and get a rise out of her.

I loved Maddie's family. Her parents are hilarious and quirky and I loved that about them. She has a close relationship with her older brother and I'm glad he was supportive of her and Chase. I've already read Chad's book, but I am so ready for Chandler's! I have a feeling he is going to be the darkest and sexiest!

Overall, this is a quick, steamy read filled with delicious sexual tension. If you're a fan of romance and aren't over the whole 'I can't be with you and love you like you deserve because I'm not good enough and I'm afraid I'll hurt you' cliche, then you need to pick this one up. Cliches aside- it's J.Lynn. She doesn't disappoint.

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Thanks for joining us for another Brazen feature this week! Come back next week as we get Brazen with His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey!

Chelsea & Jessica Get Blissed! Her Summer With the Marine by Susan Meier

Hi everyone! Chelsea and Jessica here! Instead of getting Brazen this week, we are getting Blissed! We love Entangled's Bliss line in addition to their Brazen one, so we decided to change it up on you this week! This week we are meeting ex- marine Finn Donovan in Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier.

Their competition has never been so irresistible

The last person Ellie McDermott wanted to run into after returning to her hometown is Finn Donovan, her high school nemesis and the guy she crossed the line from enemies to lovers with one night years ago. Now ex-military, tattooed, and still sexy as hell, Finn is a complication Ellie doesn’t need—she needs to concentrate on saving her family business.

Finn’s entire life, Ellie was there, going head-to-head with him in every class, bee, and test. So it’s no surprise she’d show up just as he was about to take over her father's struggling business. It is a surprise, though, that his attraction to her is even more explosive than it had been. Acting on their attraction is one thing, but Finn has to turn a profit to save his own family, and nothing—not even love—will get in his way.

Finn and Ellie have been fierce competitors since they were kids and it fuels their attraction to one another. What did you think of the chemistry between them?

Chelsea: Honestly, I had a hard time connecting with Finn and Ellie as a couple. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. It was obvious they were attracted to each other but the connection just didn't capture me. What about you Jess?

Jessica: I felt the same way! I really struggled with them as a couple just because they almost seemed so harsh on each other for a good while. I didn't SEE them falling for one another again. They had some pent up lust after 9 years that's for sure though.

Finn and Ellie compete in a dunk the clown contest to raise money for charity. If there was one person you could dunk in a tank of water, who would it be?

Chelsea: Oooh, that's a tough one! Honestly, I would have to pick my college calculus professor. I would have loved to see her plummet into a tank of water.

Jessica: Bahaha! I want to know more about this woman and what she did to piss you off! Well, as most everyone knows I'm a teacher, so this list is literally ENDLESS. But I guess I can figure out how to narrow it down a bit. I'm not going to name any names, but there is one person in particular that springs to mind. He's pretty infuriating and a know-it-all and I don't like those 'holier than thou' types and he fits the bill. I'd dunk his ass in a heartbeat. (No- it's NOT an ex-boyfriend, either. LOL)

Ellie decides to keep the family mortuary business for her father instead of selling out to Finn. Do you think she made the right decision? 

Chelsea: I think that Ellie just wanted to honor her father, which is commendable, but her really wasn't in it and I think her father would have understood if she sold it. I think she let her need to compete with Finn get in the way of making the best decision for her and the business. I don't know much about the mortuary business but I can't imagine she could make enough to keep her father in the expensive long term care facility, especially with a competing business in a small town.

Jessica: Great answer, girl. I agree 100%. I definitely understood her wanting to help her father and keep his legacy going, but it just didn't seem very plausible long term. I know what it's like to work a job where your heart really isn't in it, but you feel like it's what you're supposed to do because it's what everyone expects of you. It's not a very good feeling.

What is your favorite scene in the book?

Chelsea: I really liked Ellie's talk with her dad in the hospital when he was lucid. Watching him disintegrate was really hard for her and it was great to see her have a real conversation with him and know that he loved her and was proud of her.

Jessica: I really liked that scene too. I think my favorite has to be the fundraiser with the dunking booth. I loved seeing Ellie and Finn compete against one another, but more than that they just had a really great time, laughing and enjoying each other too.

What did you think of Finn’s relationship with his father and the situation that he was in?

Chelsea: I really liked the way Finn handled his dad. It would have been so easy for him to strike out or go after his dad but that wouldn't have helped his mom and in such a small town, it would have ruined his reputation and his business.

Jessica: Finn's situation with his father was heartbreakingly hard. I hated that he had to endure years of what he did, but most of all watching his mother succumb to this man. It just wasn't right. I agree- he handled his father in the best way he knew how and while I don't know I would have had the same restraint, I'm glad Finn is level-headed and not a hothead. 

When Jess and I saw Her Summer with the Marine up for review, we knew we needed to jump on this one and give it a shot. That being said, this week we’re getting Blissed instead of Brazen. Like how we did that? ;-) This was definitely an easy and relatively quick read. However, I did have a somewhat difficult time really getting into the plot and the interactions with the characters.

Ellie is a big shot marketing executive in Pittsburg but when her dad gets sick, she has to go back to her small hometown to take care of him and figure out the family mortuary business. When she gets back, she runs into her old nemesis, Finn, whom she spent her childhood competing against and who she also lost her virginity to. Finn is now in the mortuary business and he wants to buy out Ellie’s family business. However, she wants to keep it going for her dad. Let the competition and rivalry begin again!

It’s obvious that Ellie and Finn are attracted to each other but I wasn’t really feeling their connection. They didn’t really have the chemistry that normally draws me in and it just didn’t feel real to me. I definitely felt the rivalry way more than the sexual tension. I did like the interactions between them when they were competing and I felt like the chemistry heated up a little more after then carnival fundraiser. I think they both realized that each of them are going through some real shit in their lives and that they can somewhat relate to one another. While their situations are different, they definitely both know what it’s like to feel helpless and a little lost.

I really felt for Ellie and her situation with her dad. She doesn’t have any other family and her she is all her dad has too. I couldn’t imagine having a parent go through Alzheimer’s and not remembering who I am. Watching her dad suffer through this disease was definitely heartbreaking for Ellie and I liked how Finn stepped in to be a friend and comfort her even though they were competitors. Finn has had a rough go too and his dad is a real piece of work. I liked how he stepped up for his mom and the way he handled the situation with his dad. His brothers were a huge support too and he was lucky he had them to help. I also liked how supportive and comforting Ellie was for him too. This is a burden he has carried for a long time and she was always someone he felt he could turn too, even when they are fiercely competing.

One thing that I just couldn’t get into in this book was the plot surrounding the funeral homes. Ellie’s family business is a mortuary and Finn has decided to open his own in their small town. I just felt that it was a little unbelievable that of all the things, Finn would want to go back to his hometown to open a mortuary, especially when he knew there was already an established one and it is a tiny town. Also, the whole competing for dead people’s business and pre-paid funeral packages was kind of weird for me. I did like the competitive nature between Ellie and Finn and the way it fueled their fire and their relationship. The big question is who will succeed and who will fail? Will one of them buy the other out or will they merge? I’m not going to tell you that. You’ll just have to read it to find out.

Overall, I did enjoy this book, even though there were a few elements that got to me a little bit. I still think that the writing was nicely done and the plot did flow well together. When the chemistry increased between the characters, I definitely felt more of a connection. Let’s be honest; funerals kind of creep me out so that could play a role in why I struggled at times with this one. In the end, I did enjoy it though.

Let's face it folks. I'm a sucker for anything having to do with a sexy marine. Oh come on- can you blame me?!  I am also a sucker for a little competition! Her Summer With the Marine definitely had its cute, fun moments, and I admire both Ellie and Finn for doing what they both thought was best for their families. 

However, I really struggled to see the connection between Ellie and Finn. I think the sexual tension between them was a bit lacking and I didn't feel it was quite drawn out enough to make an impression. That's not to say they didn't have some hot scenes together, because OH BOY did they ever! Whew! I am going to LOVE this Red Hot Bliss line! They definitely had the physical connection, but I really didn't see much of an emotional one. I almost think their initial meetings and interactions were a bit harsh and harder than I would have liked. 

Ellie left her small town behind to escape the rumors and gossip surrounding her mother, but now she has returned to help her father who is suffering from Alzheimer's. First of all- gosh. I can't even imagine how hard it must be on a person to watch someone you love deteriorate right in front of you. Ellie feels coming home to help her father is the right thing to do, and while I appreciate her good intentions, I feel she wasn't being fair to herself. She knows nothing about running a funeral home, but because it is father's wishes for her to continue on the legacy, she does so. However, Ellie isn't the only one running the mortuary show in town. Former HS rival Finn Donovan is also in the mortuary business and is Ellie's biggest competition. These two have been competing since they were kids and it seems things haven't changed one bit. Ellie spends a lot of the book battling between what she thinks is right and wrong when it comes to Finn. She knows she's attracted to him still and she thinks he's attracted to her, but she has a hard time getting a read on him. She is still confused as to why he didn't contact her after the night they spent together in HS and thought she was being played. 

Finn on the other hand knows Ellie is his competition and shouldn't mix business with pleasure. However, he's having a difficult time getting his lust under control when it comes to her. Seeing them at each other's throats one minute and then practically devouring each other the next was quite amusing and I liked seeing them give in to that pent up passion they've been harboring for years. Finn has had a difficult home life and because of this, has a hard time believing in love or the institution of marriage. I understand his reservations, after seeing his mother endure a situation she never should have and is just now seeking her sons' help to break free. It was never his intention to hurt Ellie as a kid, but being in the position he was in, he simply didn't know what to do. 

Aside from not feeling Ellie and Finn's connection, I really struggled with the setting of this book. To be honest, I just wasn't feeling the mortuary business. It was cool that Meier dared to be different and gave readers a completely unique scenario, and I definitely commend her for that. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out so well for me. In fact, it was kind of strange to see these two young, vibrant individuals competing over which funeral home would get the business. I do want to mention that I felt Meier's plot was well thought out and I feel she did a good job with her pacing. She didn't get too hung up on any one scene, but rather they seamlessly flowed one into another.

While I didn't love this one, I was still able to enjoy it. She wrote some fun, catchy scenes and I really loved the one about the dunking booth. Seeing Ellie and Finn let loose and truly enjoy having fun with one another put a huge grin on my face. I also really liked they had so much lust and longing for one another that they literally couldn't take it anymore. Because those scenes were totally hot. And I do love my sexy scenes! 

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That's it for us! We'll be back next week getting Brazen with Tempting the Best Man by J.Lynn!