Favorite Quote: “This is the last second,” he whispered, “that I will ever not have been inside you.”
It’s hard for Lydia Waverly to interview for jobsFavorite Quote: “This is the last second,” he whispered, “that I will ever not have been inside you.”
It’s hard for Lydia Waverly to interview for jobs, mostly because people stare at her bright pink hair, rather than take her seriously. But she is in need of money, so she marches forward. She finds herself at a university interviewing for a librarian position. Before she can even get into the interview, a very handsome, older man barges in.
Dr. Spencer Flynn, professor of Applied Mathematics, needs help translating short-hand notes for an upcoming lecture. And guess who is proficient in that skill? Lydia offers to help him, in hopes that this will give her an advantage to securing this job. As she translates his notes, she finds herself staring at this very attractive man and this confuses her. She assumes he is a stuffy older man (he is 42) while she herself is a young 23. But she also notices he can’t stop looking at her either.
Spencer likes to have everything in order and an answer for everything. A reason he pursued his math career. The spunky, teasing, potty-mouthed Lydia is chaos, and he doesn’t understand what draws her to him. But after a kiss that surpasses all expectations, they realize they can’t get enough of each other. But soon, their casual fling will have start to have serious bumps along the road.
Plus One is the first book I have read by Scarlett Parrish and I really love her voice. The first half of the book is SO GOOD. Take this more awkward, mature math professor and pair him with a very mouthy (but not annoying) young adult who is also very nervous at this blooming romance, and their sex scenes just make me shiver. They are so well done – they are very dirty, and very erotic, but the actual characters themselves are so shy and nervous, that it is a great combination. Plus, this is a quote for Smexy if I have ever read one:
If he had a five o’clock shadow, presumably after shaving that morning, and dark hairs on his forearms, then surely his chest, too, must…..
I bit my lip, shifted in my seat as I typed.
Set in England, when Lydia hangs with her group of friends to gossip about Spencer or life in general, it very much reminds me of Bridget Jones Diary, and her friends in a pub scene. They are all foul-mouthed (which I love) and had me cracking up in every scene. They love to tease her by calling Spencer Granddad and making as many jokes about old people as possible.
So this book sounds fab, yes? Smokin’ sex and funny friends! It is, until the second half. James starts acting just a bit too controlling for me. Now, there is a big twist towards the end, which does account for some of his behavior. But – his apology, or I should say his attempt at apology fell totally flat for me. And actually his actions were just not controlling (telling her not to drink so much, or that she should dye her hair) but just kind of creepy. And I don’t know if you can forgive creepy. Plus they have this whole I hate you but let’s have sex, and then as soon as the sex is done they part ways. I’m not a fan of that scenario. And like I said, when the book ended, I was not satisfied by James’ redemption. At all.
So – the first half of the book, is an easy B+. Second half of the book, made me frown. So for that reason, I’m dropping my rating down to a C+. I still recommend this book, because there are some great scenes. I definitely like Scarlett Parrish’s voice and will be seeking out more of her books.
Rating: C+
Merged review:
Favorite Quote: “This is the last second,” he whispered, “that I will ever not have been inside you.”
It’s hard for Lydia Waverly to interview for jobs, mostly because people stare at her bright pink hair, rather than take her seriously. But she is in need of money, so she marches forward. She finds herself at a university interviewing for a librarian position. Before she can even get into the interview, a very handsome, older man barges in.
Dr. Spencer Flynn, professor of Applied Mathematics, needs help translating short-hand notes for an upcoming lecture. And guess who is proficient in that skill? Lydia offers to help him, in hopes that this will give her an advantage to securing this job. As she translates his notes, she finds herself staring at this very attractive man and this confuses her. She assumes he is a stuffy older man (he is 42) while she herself is a young 23. But she also notices he can’t stop looking at her either.
Spencer likes to have everything in order and an answer for everything. A reason he pursued his math career. The spunky, teasing, potty-mouthed Lydia is chaos, and he doesn’t understand what draws her to him. But after a kiss that surpasses all expectations, they realize they can’t get enough of each other. But soon, their casual fling will have start to have serious bumps along the road.
Plus One is the first book I have read by Scarlett Parrish and I really love her voice. The first half of the book is SO GOOD. Take this more awkward, mature math professor and pair him with a very mouthy (but not annoying) young adult who is also very nervous at this blooming romance, and their sex scenes just make me shiver. They are so well done – they are very dirty, and very erotic, but the actual characters themselves are so shy and nervous, that it is a great combination. Plus, this is a quote for Smexy if I have ever read one:
If he had a five o’clock shadow, presumably after shaving that morning, and dark hairs on his forearms, then surely his chest, too, must…..
I bit my lip, shifted in my seat as I typed.
Set in England, when Lydia hangs with her group of friends to gossip about Spencer or life in general, it very much reminds me of Bridget Jones Diary, and her friends in a pub scene. They are all foul-mouthed (which I love) and had me cracking up in every scene. They love to tease her by calling Spencer Granddad and making as many jokes about old people as possible.
So this book sounds fab, yes? Smokin’ sex and funny friends! It is, until the second half. James starts acting just a bit too controlling for me. Now, there is a big twist towards the end, which does account for some of his behavior. But – his apology, or I should say his attempt at apology fell totally flat for me. And actually his actions were just not controlling (telling her not to drink so much, or that she should dye her hair) but just kind of creepy. And I don’t know if you can forgive creepy. Plus they have this whole I hate you but let’s have sex, and then as soon as the sex is done they part ways. I’m not a fan of that scenario. And like I said, when the book ended, I was not satisfied by James’ redemption. At all.
So – the first half of the book, is an easy B+. Second half of the book, made me frown. So for that reason, I’m dropping my rating down to a C+. I still recommend this book, because there are some great scenes. I definitely like Scarlett Parrish’s voice and will be seeking out more of her books.
Cute story that takes place over one night. Short - would have loved to have a full length with this couple, but what we get works well. Hero is a detCute story that takes place over one night. Short - would have loved to have a full length with this couple, but what we get works well. Hero is a detective whose bimbo NYE date steals a pack of gum. Heroine has car broken down at the gas station where the gum theft takes place. Hero offers heroine ride home where fun things ensue. Story made me LOL and it's also pretty steamy.
Merged review:
Cute story that takes place over one night. Short - would have loved to have a full length with this couple, but what we get works well. Hero is a detective whose bimbo NYE date steals a pack of gum. Heroine has car broken down at the gas station where the gum theft takes place. Hero offers heroine ride home where fun things ensue. Story made me LOL and it's also pretty steamy....more
REALLY enjoyed this one. The hero bullies the heroine through high school (and after) but the way it plays out is done so well. He turns out to be theREALLY enjoyed this one. The hero bullies the heroine through high school (and after) but the way it plays out is done so well. He turns out to be the nicest guy!!! Such a good guy hero. I loved her too. Highly rec...more
I like that we get Diana's story - she was a side character in Wall of Winnipeg. A super slow burn again. I really do enjoy this author's style of wriI like that we get Diana's story - she was a side character in Wall of Winnipeg. A super slow burn again. I really do enjoy this author's style of writing. She really takes her time to let her character's develop and to just....show their life.
There is A LOT of time spent with her kids in this one. The kids are written well but I wanted more time with them gone LOL
I liked this one. The hero needed to REALLY redeem himself and I liked that it takes a long while for that to happen. It is a bit over the top - the rI liked this one. The hero needed to REALLY redeem himself and I liked that it takes a long while for that to happen. It is a bit over the top - the reason he married her etc... it was a bit cracky and fun. ...more
I liked this one a lot. Hank is a VERY grumpy hero - but it's fueled by anxiety. I think it's portrayed quite well. I would have liked to spend a littI liked this one a lot. Hank is a VERY grumpy hero - but it's fueled by anxiety. I think it's portrayed quite well. I would have liked to spend a little more time with these two - I felt like we were just getting started. I like this author's voice a lot....more
I adore this town and these characters. The first book in this series made my heart happy and also broke it at times as well.
This one was good, but noI adore this town and these characters. The first book in this series made my heart happy and also broke it at times as well.
This one was good, but not nearly as deep as the previous books. I wanted to get more in depth with Lorna and Saif. We were told thing s about them but just skimmed the surface. Same with Fintan and Joel.
Still, will always think of this series so fondly....more
I think this is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It's a slow burn - I actually feared it was headed straight into womeI think this is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It's a slow burn - I actually feared it was headed straight into women's fiction at first - just the way it came across. But we definitely get a swoony romance in this one. Reid is all business - intense, quiet, direct, awkward. Meg fascinated me. I loved her artistic profession - the letters, the images, the signs. I wanted to read about that all day. She really makes NYC a part of the story and allows the reader to take a minute and imagine what Meg is drawing. Her falling out with her best friend and the stark loneliness that overcomes her is so well done.
The big event at the end and all the drama - not my favorite part, but overall a really nice romantic read. ...more
Novella-length - This starts out really well but it's too short for their to be a true build-up/romance. Or maybe it goes from showing us to eventuallNovella-length - This starts out really well but it's too short for their to be a true build-up/romance. Or maybe it goes from showing us to eventually just telling us. I have enjoyed this author in the past. This one didn't work as well for me. Review to come...more
This was a cute, quick read. I was in the mood for a hockey romance and decided to try this one but I'm pretty sure I had read it previously ;) This was a cute, quick read. I was in the mood for a hockey romance and decided to try this one but I'm pretty sure I had read it previously ;) ...more
Gah - I can't stop reading this author. She writes gritty books with tragic things and a hopeful romance that keeps me hooked! This is another duet soGah - I can't stop reading this author. She writes gritty books with tragic things and a hopeful romance that keeps me hooked! This is another duet so nothing gets resolved until book two - which I'm starting now. I loved both the hero and heroine. I'm really enjoying this author's voice. I love how honest her characters are when faced with tragedy, grief and just horrible circumstances. ...more
I loooved book one - and while I knew the big twist was coming at the end - I didn't like it. It made me resent the heroine to start book two for someI loooved book one - and while I knew the big twist was coming at the end - I didn't like it. It made me resent the heroine to start book two for some reason. Where I felt like the mix of intense emotions were so well executed in book one, in book two they made me mad.
Still love this author's voice and I'm off to start another of hers.......more
This book deals with really dark subject matter but the author's voice - the way she portrays grief - romance - loneliness - despair - hope - is so weThis book deals with really dark subject matter but the author's voice - the way she portrays grief - romance - loneliness - despair - hope - is so well done. The romance is done well too. I LOVED Porter and Charlotte's journey. Their chemistry and courtship is done so well.
Does it have a crazy end??? YES (also a cliffie to be resolved in book 2) I knew the ending twist was coming but still not sure how I feel about it. We'll see how book 2 goes.
Please note - child kidnapping, very sick child, suicide....more
I can't say enough good things about this series (I would def read in order)
Everyone is adorable but there is also heartbreak and heavy things. I wantI can't say enough good things about this series (I would def read in order)
Everyone is adorable but there is also heartbreak and heavy things. I want to live in Mure basically, and have all of these characters be my BFF. And maybe shove Lorna aside, so I can have Saif to myself?? ;)
I could also listen to Agot talk all day - which is huge since I normally don't love kids in books.
This is an easy holiday read – not too angsty, not too crazy – just two people who seem like opposites from the outside, falling in love.
Jinx is a barThis is an easy holiday read – not too angsty, not too crazy – just two people who seem like opposites from the outside, falling in love.
Jinx is a bartender who flees her drug-dealing ex, and takes money from him that he owes her. She escapes without him knowing, jumps on her motorcycle and plans to start over in New Orleans. She makes it to Holiday, Texas when her motorcycle breaks down. Guess who finds her on the side of the road? If you said our hero, you are a winner.
Cash is a sheriff’s deputy in Holiday, with a young daughter named Kenzie. His wife abandoned them both years ago, and he is a single dad trying to do his best. He has a large, noisy family who are always there to help. When he sees Jinx on the side of the road, he offers to help her. She has blue hair, one side of her head shaved and many piercings. From first glance, he isn’t sure about her, but he can’t leave her stranded on the side of the road. Jinx takes up as a bartender at his sister’s bar, and ends up becoming very friendly with Cash and his daughter.
Jinx still keeps all her secrets close to her chest. She never shares much about her personal life and can get very defensive if it feels like she is being attacked. Cash’s loud family makes her uncomfortable and she isn’t used to kids, but tries her best with Kenzie. The author takes her time with building up their relationship. Kenize, Cash’s daughter is in the book A LOT. I think she sounded and acted like a second-grader but I got tired of her being in almost every scene. The kid needed to go to sleep away camp or something so that Cash and Jinx could have a moment to them selves! How dare Cash be such an involved father?!
I would have liked a little more courtship between Jinx and Cash. A little less Kenzie and an ending that wasn’t so dramatic. But Jinx and Cash are very likable. I enjoyed Jinx’s more standoffish behavior – it worked well for me. I enjoyed Cash’s worry about his kid and his extended family. It was a happy, feel good read.