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Bowen Boys #2
Heavy Issues
Steering clear of relationships has never been difficult for demolitions expert Cole Bowen, but now, with his brother's engagement sending the female population into full-blown hysterics and the town of Alden's month-long festivities helping along, he finds himself in hell. When he discovers Alden's new resident and the object of all his wet dreams, Christine Sheridan, has sworn off relationships and is going to hire a gigolo to get professionally laid, he decides to kill two birds with one stone.
Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange of fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.
Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.
Christy is so not drinking again. Thanks to José Cuervo she has her friends signing her up for stud conventions and Cole frigging Bowen offering sex in exchange of fake dates, which is so out of the question it isn't even funny. She knows the domineering man will push her boundaries, and after battling all her life with self-esteem issues, she isn't ready for that. Too bad he won't take no for an answer.
Cole is determined to strip away all of her defenses but refuses to lower his ever-present walls, so when Christy realizes she wants more, she's left with only two options; walk away or crack his shield and risk her heart in the process.
251 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2012
About the author
Elle Aycart
15 books1,902 followersAfter a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.
Keep up with Elle by subscribing to her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c9QHLX
Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com
Keep up with Elle by subscribing to her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c9QHLX
Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
January 12, 2013
This was just a sizzling, sexy read with a great romance to go along with all the seriously hot action!!
After reading More Than Meets The Ink, I just knew this was going to be good. Elle Aycart is a fantastic erotic romance writer and, despite my reservations about the heroine in the first book, I felt pretty sure that the second book was going to blow me away. And, I wasn’t wrong.
This is SIZZLING hot – Cole certainly knows how the set his girl on fire and I burned with her that’s for sure!!
Christy, our heroine, has recently moved to Alden after a bad break up and swears, very loudly, that she just needs a stud for sex and nothing else. Cole overhears and offers to be that stud as the town’s female population has gone into overdrive to get themselves a Bowen Brother after James’ recent engagement. He promises Christy really hot sex in exchange for ‘fake dates’ to keep the she-wolves at bay and he most definitely delivers on that promise.
Christy is such a sweet heroine – she really broke my heart. She’s got some pretty destructive low self-esteem issues. She’s been obese after using food as a comfort blanket most of her life but has kicked her addiction to the kerb and is now a normal weight but the pull of sugar and empty calories is never far away. She never believes that a man like Cole, who is 6ft 4inches of almost perfect male, could possibly be seriously interested in her. She takes him up on his offer of no-strings but mind-blowing orgasmic sex and they start a ‘fake-date’ relationship.
Cole is not without issues either. He’s commitment phobic after his mother walked out on him when he was just ten years old. He doesn’t trust women, has built up a wall around his heart and never lets them close. He loves having sex with them but never allows them to penetrate that steely facade and allow them to get close to him. He’s had his eye on Christy since she walked into Alden, always a little at half mast every time he sees her. He can’t understand his visceral response to her and assumes it’s just heady lust but is he wrong? Is there more to it than that?
This was a wonderful romance – it was just so captivating to watch the growing feelings between Cole and Christy even though I wanted to bang their heads together on more than one occasion when they were frustrating me by not opening their eyes and seeing what was building between them. Cole is a drool-worthy hero to die for. He’s absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and constantly reprimands Christy when she puts herself down. She is beautiful to him and he won’t have it when she won’t accept this and brushes off his compliments.
The whole time I was reading this, I kept hearing Christina Aguilera singing in my head and this has to be the theme song for Christy – the words could have been written for her.
So, despite my reservations about Tate in the first book, Elle Aycart has quite literally burst onto my horizon and is now one of my favourite erotica writers. She’s got a stable of hunks just waiting to find that sinfully sexy HEA and I really can’t wait to read more from her.
4.5 stars erotic romance
ARC courtesy of Elle Aycart
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
After reading More Than Meets The Ink, I just knew this was going to be good. Elle Aycart is a fantastic erotic romance writer and, despite my reservations about the heroine in the first book, I felt pretty sure that the second book was going to blow me away. And, I wasn’t wrong.
This is SIZZLING hot – Cole certainly knows how the set his girl on fire and I burned with her that’s for sure!!
Christy, our heroine, has recently moved to Alden after a bad break up and swears, very loudly, that she just needs a stud for sex and nothing else. Cole overhears and offers to be that stud as the town’s female population has gone into overdrive to get themselves a Bowen Brother after James’ recent engagement. He promises Christy really hot sex in exchange for ‘fake dates’ to keep the she-wolves at bay and he most definitely delivers on that promise.
Christy is such a sweet heroine – she really broke my heart. She’s got some pretty destructive low self-esteem issues. She’s been obese after using food as a comfort blanket most of her life but has kicked her addiction to the kerb and is now a normal weight but the pull of sugar and empty calories is never far away. She never believes that a man like Cole, who is 6ft 4inches of almost perfect male, could possibly be seriously interested in her. She takes him up on his offer of no-strings but mind-blowing orgasmic sex and they start a ‘fake-date’ relationship.
Cole is not without issues either. He’s commitment phobic after his mother walked out on him when he was just ten years old. He doesn’t trust women, has built up a wall around his heart and never lets them close. He loves having sex with them but never allows them to penetrate that steely facade and allow them to get close to him. He’s had his eye on Christy since she walked into Alden, always a little at half mast every time he sees her. He can’t understand his visceral response to her and assumes it’s just heady lust but is he wrong? Is there more to it than that?
This was a wonderful romance – it was just so captivating to watch the growing feelings between Cole and Christy even though I wanted to bang their heads together on more than one occasion when they were frustrating me by not opening their eyes and seeing what was building between them. Cole is a drool-worthy hero to die for. He’s absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and constantly reprimands Christy when she puts herself down. She is beautiful to him and he won’t have it when she won’t accept this and brushes off his compliments.
The whole time I was reading this, I kept hearing Christina Aguilera singing in my head and this has to be the theme song for Christy – the words could have been written for her.
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down, oh, no
So don't you bring me down today...
So, despite my reservations about Tate in the first book, Elle Aycart has quite literally burst onto my horizon and is now one of my favourite erotica writers. She’s got a stable of hunks just waiting to find that sinfully sexy HEA and I really can’t wait to read more from her.
4.5 stars erotic romance
ARC courtesy of Elle Aycart
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
June 14, 2012
This book was on a hot tamale train to my "Favourites" folder from page one. I started reading it on a bus and laughed so much while reading the first chapter that everyone around me thought I was crazy. Heavy Issues simply has it all - witty and realistic dialogues, loveable characters, a beautiful love story of self-acceptance and lowering one’s defences when the right person comes along. It is not JUST a steamy love story - the focus is, of course, on the relationship between the two main characters, Cole and Christy, but it is equally a story about learning to love and accept oneself and allowing others to love us. I really liked how Ms Aycart dealt with Christy’s issues of warped body image and lowered self-esteem. Her imagined “ugliness” was so believable to me as a reader that I couldn’t decide whether I felt like hugging her or beating some sense into her head. But then there was Cole … *taking a moment to wipe off drool* … and his perfect possessive macho suck-it-up-princess way of dealing with Christy’s issues. He accepted them but never allowed her to get away with her need to hide her body from him or obsess about her flaws. I just FELT their connection, really believed it and got invested in it. I loved their love story so much but I also loved their own personal journeys. I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone looking for a truly enjoyable well-written read.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
June 14, 2012
Heavy Issues is the second Bowen brothers book and in this one we get ♥♥Cole's♥♥ story. Before I start I want to do a bit of gushing!! I am so excited to have found Elle Aycart!! She completely hooked me with More than Meets the Ink which gave us James(♥sigh♥)& Tate's story but now with Heavy Issues she has completely cemented a place as one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more of her work!! E. Aycart can certainly write one amazing Fab-U-Licious yummy, funny and heart breaking story that's for sure. I cannot recommend her or this series highly enough..It's a MUST READ !!
Heavy Issues is so REAL, funny, and well written. Yes, it has A LOT of steamy yumminess in it but it is ultimately a beautiful love story that highlights the importance of self-acceptance and giving ALL of yourself to the right person when he or she comes along. Some serious issues were dealt with by E. Aycart but in a very well written and sensitive manner in between the hilarious banter and dialogue!!
This story has two damaged people who have grown to be who they are due to issues in their pasts. They have both erected thick walls around themselves in fear of getting hurt and to avoid disappointment and showing vulnerability.
We have Cole who's Mum deserted him and his family when he was a young child leaving him literally begging on his knees for her to stay. This heartbreaking moment affected him deeply and left him with a very negative view of relationships and women:
"Women left. That's what they did, that's who they were..." - Cole
Cole was extremely intense..it was all about control (not always necessarily in a good way but wow also in a very yummy way ;0).
"Haven't you figured it out already babe?..When it comes to sex, I like to run the show. I'm a control freak" - Cole
The reason for his need to always have the upper hand and needing to assert distance is made clear and is completely understandable. Let me tell you though..Cole..well he is(despite his issues and his blunt sometimes rude remarks) perfection personified!! How on earth does it get better than him and his no nonsense and very dirty mouth!! A highly sexual possessive alpha male yet funny and so attentive and understanding of Christy's negative body image...
"You had some issues and you learned how to deal with them. I'm ok with that. I don't see why what you told me should in any way change my mind about f**king you" - Cole (yep he doesn't mince his words!! LOL..)
So yeah I am lost for words because E. Aycart sure knows how to write a good man what with James and now Cole..as readers we have been spoilt!!!
Christy comes with her own issues too, that again stem from her messed up relationship with her Mum and her childhood. She was absolutely adorable, very intelligent yet psychologically damaged by her emotional eating problem. Her self-esteem is virtually non-existent! She drove me crazy at times, it was almost too much..but I completely got it and wanted to pick her out my kindle and cuddle her to pieces!!
So...Cole and Christy's journey begins when he overhears her drunken chants to her friends on how she needs a man but purely for sex after a disastrous engagement to an ex she caught cheating. Without spoiling anything, Cole volunteers himself in exchange for a "pretend dating" arrangement...heaven forbid anyone should use the term "relationship"..(See there's only 2 available Bowen brothers left and the women of Alden circle them like crazy wanting to be the next chosen one).
"I'm very attracted to you so it won't be a burden to f*ck you. Not by a long shot" - Cole
Now, Cole is very demanding and as established earlier a control freak so he lays down the ground rules for this "arrangement", to the letter...in a hilarious way at times..all I'll say here is "ladyscaping"!!
Cole and Christy's relationship was off the charts in intensity!! Their journey of letting go of the past, opening up to another person wholeheartedly and realizing how to say "I love you" well it was pretty amazing and HOT!!
"You are safe with me" - Christy♥♥
"Yeah I am baby" - Cole♥♥
Heavy Issues is so REAL, funny, and well written. Yes, it has A LOT of steamy yumminess in it but it is ultimately a beautiful love story that highlights the importance of self-acceptance and giving ALL of yourself to the right person when he or she comes along. Some serious issues were dealt with by E. Aycart but in a very well written and sensitive manner in between the hilarious banter and dialogue!!
This story has two damaged people who have grown to be who they are due to issues in their pasts. They have both erected thick walls around themselves in fear of getting hurt and to avoid disappointment and showing vulnerability.
We have Cole who's Mum deserted him and his family when he was a young child leaving him literally begging on his knees for her to stay. This heartbreaking moment affected him deeply and left him with a very negative view of relationships and women:
"Women left. That's what they did, that's who they were..." - Cole
Cole was extremely intense..it was all about control (not always necessarily in a good way but wow also in a very yummy way ;0).
"Haven't you figured it out already babe?..When it comes to sex, I like to run the show. I'm a control freak" - Cole
The reason for his need to always have the upper hand and needing to assert distance is made clear and is completely understandable. Let me tell you though..Cole..well he is(despite his issues and his blunt sometimes rude remarks) perfection personified!! How on earth does it get better than him and his no nonsense and very dirty mouth!! A highly sexual possessive alpha male yet funny and so attentive and understanding of Christy's negative body image...
"You had some issues and you learned how to deal with them. I'm ok with that. I don't see why what you told me should in any way change my mind about f**king you" - Cole (yep he doesn't mince his words!! LOL..)
So yeah I am lost for words because E. Aycart sure knows how to write a good man what with James and now Cole..as readers we have been spoilt!!!
Christy comes with her own issues too, that again stem from her messed up relationship with her Mum and her childhood. She was absolutely adorable, very intelligent yet psychologically damaged by her emotional eating problem. Her self-esteem is virtually non-existent! She drove me crazy at times, it was almost too much..but I completely got it and wanted to pick her out my kindle and cuddle her to pieces!!
So...Cole and Christy's journey begins when he overhears her drunken chants to her friends on how she needs a man but purely for sex after a disastrous engagement to an ex she caught cheating. Without spoiling anything, Cole volunteers himself in exchange for a "pretend dating" arrangement...heaven forbid anyone should use the term "relationship"..(See there's only 2 available Bowen brothers left and the women of Alden circle them like crazy wanting to be the next chosen one).
"I'm very attracted to you so it won't be a burden to f*ck you. Not by a long shot" - Cole
Now, Cole is very demanding and as established earlier a control freak so he lays down the ground rules for this "arrangement", to the letter...in a hilarious way at times..all I'll say here is "ladyscaping"!!
Cole and Christy's relationship was off the charts in intensity!! Their journey of letting go of the past, opening up to another person wholeheartedly and realizing how to say "I love you" well it was pretty amazing and HOT!!
"You are safe with me" - Christy♥♥
"Yeah I am baby" - Cole♥♥
September 2, 2016
Gah, this was a fantastic read! What a real, raw storyline. Touching upon obesity, overeating and addiction, not to mention the addition of the trauma experienced by a soldier and an abandoned child, was brave and sensitive to say the least... but Aycart did a sterling job, tackling some seriously difficult issues, issues that so many women will be able to relate to. Here is my breakdown...
Plot - Strong, realistic, emotional.
Characters - Loved both Cole and Christy! Cole is just gorgeous and his vulnerability adds to that, and Christy isn't a supermodel thin perfect Goddess, she's a real woman with real hang ups, making her impossible not to love and empathise with.
Steaminess - Hot hot hot. Well written, adundant and racy sex scenes
Angst - There were two instances when I wanted to scream at Cole and Christy, but no complete heart attacks in this book.
Ending - Happy happy happy! :)
Favourite Quotes -
"You know it's within everyone's own reach to get what they want out of live. It's just a matter of attitude and positive affirmations."
"You don't believe in second chances, Cole,"
"But you do, and I think we've already established you're the smart one here."
"I want the right to spend time with you, not only fuck you. I want the right to stay for breakfast. And I want you bareback."
"Ah so this all boils down to sex."
"Everything boils down to sex, honey. Always. My drive to fuck you is huge, don't be mistaken, but this is more."
"More?"
He nodded but didn't reply.
Read
July 14, 2012Here you have an excerpt of Heavy Issues. Enjoy!
http://elleaycart.blogspot.com.es/p/e...
http://elleaycart.blogspot.com.es/p/e...
April 17, 2013
What in hell is my problem? WHY?! WHY?! WHY did I wait so long to read this book?!!!
What do you get when you take a hot, dirty-talking commitment phobic Alpha male with mommy issues and an insecure, quirky female with issue of her own just looking for a few good orgasms? A FANTASTIC F-in book, that's what!
Cole
First, let me just say that this book had some of the best dirty-talk I have read in some time. I kid you not. There were chapters that after I was through reading them, I felt like I needed a cigarette, a cold shower, or a drink...at times all 3.
Moving on!
I've been a fan for Elle Aycart since I first read
More than Meets the Ink. While this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the 1st since many characters were first introduced in it and because it's a great book.
At first I though I wouldn't like Christine and her body issues would grate on me and be repetitive but it wasn't even close to it. She was quirky, and endearing, and I found myself liking her more and more with every page. She doesn't take Cole's BS or anyone else's.
The chemistry between Cole and Christy was burn-through-the-pages hot, and that's not even touching on the actual sex scenes because MY.GOD! They both had issues and I loved how they helped each other deal with them. I especially loved how Cole approached Christy's issues with food and her body.
I also really liked the way that Christy dealt with a few issues that came up at the end It was refreshing to read a heroine that faces these problems head on and doesn't just run for the hills.
I didn't think it was possible for me to like this book more than the 1st, but I did. Now I need Max's story.
What do you get when you take a hot, dirty-talking commitment phobic Alpha male with mommy issues and an insecure, quirky female with issue of her own just looking for a few good orgasms? A FANTASTIC F-in book, that's what!
Cole
First, let me just say that this book had some of the best dirty-talk I have read in some time. I kid you not. There were chapters that after I was through reading them, I felt like I needed a cigarette, a cold shower, or a drink...at times all 3.
Moving on!
I've been a fan for Elle Aycart since I first read
More than Meets the Ink. While this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the 1st since many characters were first introduced in it and because it's a great book.
At first I though I wouldn't like Christine and her body issues would grate on me and be repetitive but it wasn't even close to it. She was quirky, and endearing, and I found myself liking her more and more with every page. She doesn't take Cole's BS or anyone else's.
The chemistry between Cole and Christy was burn-through-the-pages hot, and that's not even touching on the actual sex scenes because MY.GOD! They both had issues and I loved how they helped each other deal with them. I especially loved how Cole approached Christy's issues with food and her body.
I also really liked the way that Christy dealt with a few issues that came up at the end It was refreshing to read a heroine that faces these problems head on and doesn't just run for the hills.
I didn't think it was possible for me to like this book more than the 1st, but I did. Now I need Max's story.
June 27, 2017
3.5
This should be called Pound Town 2 - Cole because he pounds the beejeepers out of Christy.
Her ladygarden took a beating, I tell ya. And other orifices.
In the bedroom.
In the kitchen.
In the living room.
At his office.
In the library.
They hijacked someone else's apartment once.
In an alley.
And he's a bossy, toppy mofo during the bangity banging and a lil bit kinky too!
Somehow, somewhere amidst all the trips to the Bone Zone there was actually some relationship development. I'm always excited by the fake relationship trope and that's how theirs starts off but it's plain to see they're both more invested than they're willing to admit. Their relationship took a quick trip around Nuttersville there toward the end and I could've done without all the dramatics, but I forgot about all that by the time they went to Pound Town again. It's a predictable story but hot like burning and there were even a couple of hilarious moments.
They both have baggage. Hers the weight/body image issues kind and his abandonment both of which I thought were handled well and not in a trite way. They have a couple bumbling moments but they FINALLY used their words and talked their shit out and got their HEA.
I'm invested enough to backtrack and read Pound Town 1 - James.
This should be called Pound Town 2 - Cole because he pounds the beejeepers out of Christy.
Her ladygarden took a beating, I tell ya. And other orifices.
In the bedroom.
In the kitchen.
In the living room.
At his office.
In the library.
They hijacked someone else's apartment once.
In an alley.
And he's a bossy, toppy mofo during the bangity banging and a lil bit kinky too!
Somehow, somewhere amidst all the trips to the Bone Zone there was actually some relationship development. I'm always excited by the fake relationship trope and that's how theirs starts off but it's plain to see they're both more invested than they're willing to admit. Their relationship took a quick trip around Nuttersville there toward the end and I could've done without all the dramatics, but I forgot about all that by the time they went to Pound Town again. It's a predictable story but hot like burning and there were even a couple of hilarious moments.
They both have baggage. Hers the weight/body image issues kind and his abandonment both of which I thought were handled well and not in a trite way. They have a couple bumbling moments but they FINALLY used their words and talked their shit out and got their HEA.
I'm invested enough to backtrack and read Pound Town 1 - James.
June 16, 2012
I couldn't wait for this book to come out after devouring and loving More Than Meets the Ink, and this book did not disappoint at all.
If anything, I'm finding it hard to decide which book I liked the best and I just can't decide.
In Heavy Issues we meet the gorgeous Christy Sheridan who has an emotional eating problem and past weight issues that make her question her worth and her choices until a night of one too many tequila's has her sprouting her plans for having great sex in the future.
Enter Cole Bowen, extremely hot brother of the extremely hot James Bowen from More Than Meets the Ink. Cole is a confirmed bachelor. He has past issues that relate back to when his mother walked out on the family when he was very young and because of this Cole has vowed to love 'em and leave 'em and have amazing sex along the way, with no attachments whatsoever.
He meets Christy and the sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts. She is a good match for Cole. Een though Christy has her issues, she pretty much lays her feelings out and her and Cole are amazing together.
The angst in this book isn't at all annoying. Everything adds to the story and the developing relationship these two is just wonderful, and the sex is very hot!
Cole is very bossy especially in the bedroom and very firm on how he wants a woman to behave, and I loved him. He was hot as hell and took care of Christy, never belittling her and helping her to combat her issues.
The emotional problems dealt with in this book are so real and I found this a more emotional read than the first one and just loved every page. I couldn't put it down.
I don't know how I'll last until the next one comes out!
If anything, I'm finding it hard to decide which book I liked the best and I just can't decide.
In Heavy Issues we meet the gorgeous Christy Sheridan who has an emotional eating problem and past weight issues that make her question her worth and her choices until a night of one too many tequila's has her sprouting her plans for having great sex in the future.
Enter Cole Bowen, extremely hot brother of the extremely hot James Bowen from More Than Meets the Ink. Cole is a confirmed bachelor. He has past issues that relate back to when his mother walked out on the family when he was very young and because of this Cole has vowed to love 'em and leave 'em and have amazing sex along the way, with no attachments whatsoever.
He meets Christy and the sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts. She is a good match for Cole. Een though Christy has her issues, she pretty much lays her feelings out and her and Cole are amazing together.
The angst in this book isn't at all annoying. Everything adds to the story and the developing relationship these two is just wonderful, and the sex is very hot!
Cole is very bossy especially in the bedroom and very firm on how he wants a woman to behave, and I loved him. He was hot as hell and took care of Christy, never belittling her and helping her to combat her issues.
The emotional problems dealt with in this book are so real and I found this a more emotional read than the first one and just loved every page. I couldn't put it down.
I don't know how I'll last until the next one comes out!
January 20, 2013
You know you are going to have fun with a book when it's opening chapter starts with "it's decided, ladies. I'm taking the sex-for-hire route."
This story for me is the best kind of escape , I love it when a story has me all kinds of wrapped up with excitement. It is Romance and chemistry at its best, this author created a story that had me staying up all hours to finish.
Two fabulous characters, plenty of fun and smile inducing lines, a story with plenty of heart and soul, great depth, chemistry that will make any reader swoon and a touch of heartache and history that made me applaud the author for a well written put together story.
This is a book you don't want to miss.
5 massive stars and a humongous recommendation from me.
This story for me is the best kind of escape , I love it when a story has me all kinds of wrapped up with excitement. It is Romance and chemistry at its best, this author created a story that had me staying up all hours to finish.
Two fabulous characters, plenty of fun and smile inducing lines, a story with plenty of heart and soul, great depth, chemistry that will make any reader swoon and a touch of heartache and history that made me applaud the author for a well written put together story.
This is a book you don't want to miss.
5 massive stars and a humongous recommendation from me.
December 20, 2012
This book was super hot and steamy! Loved Cole and Christy!
Christy moved from LA to a smaller town where one of her best friends lives after a bad breakup. She decides she is done with relationships. She just wants a man to satisfy her needs. Who better than Cole Bowen? Cole is yummy for lack of a better word. Wow- a fine alpha male. Cole has some commitment issues, Christy has some body issues. Their arrangement works well for a while, but then those pesky things called 'feelings' get in the way.
Good story, loved the characters. Funny at times, but mostly straight up HOT!
Christy moved from LA to a smaller town where one of her best friends lives after a bad breakup. She decides she is done with relationships. She just wants a man to satisfy her needs. Who better than Cole Bowen? Cole is yummy for lack of a better word. Wow- a fine alpha male. Cole has some commitment issues, Christy has some body issues. Their arrangement works well for a while, but then those pesky things called 'feelings' get in the way.
Good story, loved the characters. Funny at times, but mostly straight up HOT!
November 23, 2014
This was another really good book. I honestly can’t say if I prefer this rather than the first. They’re both just so good!
So, in this book we get to meet Cole, James older brother, the only one who really remembers the leaving of their mother when they were kids and that caused him to develop serious trust issues and he can’t let anyone him. So that’s why he doesn’t do relationships, too complicated and too much trouble.
Unfortunately, his traitor of a brother decided to get engaged and since he and his brothers are the town golden boys, every girl wants to be the next Mrs. Bowen and he’s sick of all the attention of women trying to seduce him.
He has a huge attraction on Christy since she came into town and one night he hears her screaming, completely drunk during a night with her friends, that she does not need a man, just need good sex. And he thinks that, well, he’s the man for that.
So in a moment of pure luminosity he makes a deal with her: Good sex in exchange of fake dates. She gets the sex, he pretends to be in a relationship so the women don’t nag him anymore.
What he does not expect is Christy having problems of her own, too. She has a food addiction and in the past she had a really bad weight problem that she only recovered from trough sponsors and a very strict meal plan. But her trust in herself, her confidence, her self-love… that she never recovered anymore.
So when they get to know each other better, the fake relationship doesn’t look so fake anymore and when their traumas start to get in the way, things start to become complicated and far from the simple sexual relationship they wanted in the beginning.
Again, this book was really funny , has the really good steam we got in the first book and the sweet romance. Another sexy alpha-male. Really, what is it with these brothers??
A very sweet and simple story line, very fast to read. Another page-turner and another great book in a series you really should not miss! ;)
So, in this book we get to meet Cole, James older brother, the only one who really remembers the leaving of their mother when they were kids and that caused him to develop serious trust issues and he can’t let anyone him. So that’s why he doesn’t do relationships, too complicated and too much trouble.
Unfortunately, his traitor of a brother decided to get engaged and since he and his brothers are the town golden boys, every girl wants to be the next Mrs. Bowen and he’s sick of all the attention of women trying to seduce him.
He has a huge attraction on Christy since she came into town and one night he hears her screaming, completely drunk during a night with her friends, that she does not need a man, just need good sex. And he thinks that, well, he’s the man for that.
So in a moment of pure luminosity he makes a deal with her: Good sex in exchange of fake dates. She gets the sex, he pretends to be in a relationship so the women don’t nag him anymore.
What he does not expect is Christy having problems of her own, too. She has a food addiction and in the past she had a really bad weight problem that she only recovered from trough sponsors and a very strict meal plan. But her trust in herself, her confidence, her self-love… that she never recovered anymore.
So when they get to know each other better, the fake relationship doesn’t look so fake anymore and when their traumas start to get in the way, things start to become complicated and far from the simple sexual relationship they wanted in the beginning.
Again, this book was really funny , has the really good steam we got in the first book and the sweet romance. Another sexy alpha-male. Really, what is it with these brothers??
A very sweet and simple story line, very fast to read. Another page-turner and another great book in a series you really should not miss! ;)
March 4, 2013
This book was simply excellent, and I loved it from start to end. I thought it was going to be just an erotic story and instead it was a passionate, romantic and emotional erotic story. The heroine, one of my favorite heroines to date, used to be really fat but the depth and origins of her hangouts felt realistic, without the whining which was a plus. The hero seemed too dominant at first but the reasons were very well developed, and he transformed into a wonderful hero, another plus. But the best thing was the writing, very funny when it had to be, deep when it had to be, passionate love scenes, superb dialog, original all the way. This author is now on my target list.
HERO is a Leader, private, intense, ex-marine that now runs the family construction company. His mother abandonment has marked him and although he’s unwilling to be available emotionally for anyone, his huge attraction to the newly hired librarian can’t keep him away from her.
SCENES/CONTENT: many/erotic
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/mixed
LENGTH: 328 pages
HERO is a Leader, private, intense, ex-marine that now runs the family construction company. His mother abandonment has marked him and although he’s unwilling to be available emotionally for anyone, his huge attraction to the newly hired librarian can’t keep him away from her.
SCENES/CONTENT: many/erotic
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/mixed
LENGTH: 328 pages
August 29, 2012
My only complaint about this one was mean girl Rose and her high school like antics. Seriously? That's something a high school girl would do, not a grown woman in or near her 30s!
I would have also liked to have seen Christy form a more healthy relationship with food. I'd like her to KNOW she is loved, and to know she can have a slice of freaking birthday cake without going out and buying out the whole bakery. Sure, she's a healthy weight now, but I still don't think she has a healthy relationship with food, she just avoids all bad things at all cost.
Plus, if she's been eating as MUCH as she had for as LONG as she has, she would have topped out at way more than 200 pounds. Sure, 200 pounds is a bit heavy, but the way she talked about how she ate, she would have been much more than that, IMO.
I would have also liked to have seen Christy form a more healthy relationship with food. I'd like her to KNOW she is loved, and to know she can have a slice of freaking birthday cake without going out and buying out the whole bakery. Sure, she's a healthy weight now, but I still don't think she has a healthy relationship with food, she just avoids all bad things at all cost.
Plus, if she's been eating as MUCH as she had for as LONG as she has, she would have topped out at way more than 200 pounds. Sure, 200 pounds is a bit heavy, but the way she talked about how she ate, she would have been much more than that, IMO.
June 2, 2014
Holy Crap I loved this!! This one was really so so good... and had a good message to it to. I admit at one point I was a little aggravated at Christy's constant issue with food and I almost felt distracted by it.. but her insecurities were such an important part of this book and the further along I read, the more invested I became in her HEA.. and Heaven help me lets not forget the amazing gift of Cole..that man.. dang. That man had me from go. They were so hot.... and Cole was beyond amazing in helping Christy realize how beautiful she was.... I loved this.. love love loved!
June 3, 2012
I missed your writing Ms Aycart!!!! After reading and promptly being BLOWN AWAY by More than Meets the Ink, i DESPERATELY looked for other books by her...ALAS, there was none... so y'all can imagine how ECSTATIC i was when i saw that she had written the second Bowen brothers book and it was about to be released by Loose ID!! Well... i was on it, the MOMENT it went live and having finished it, can i just say *SQUEAL*!!!! I LOVED Cole!!! He was so different from James (his brother from More than Meets the Ink) but i LOVED everything about him! From his straight talking dirty mouth to his totally ALPHA, DOMINANT personality!!! And i seriously CANNOT WAIT for the third book in this series about Max, the last Bowen brother!! A bloody brilliant 5 star read! You are an awesome writer Ms Aycart, so please keep churning the stories out!
July 18, 2012
5 sizzlingly hot stars!!!!
I loved the first book in this series so much that I thought there was no way to top it but boy was I wrong this book was absolutely my favorite in the series!!
Let's start with Christy!! She was amazing, so relatable, sweet and easy to love! Out of all of the female leads I have read about she was someone that I could completely related to! A lot of women have body issues and that really pulled at my heart. She sucked you in and you felt all of her emotions and struggles. Then we have Cole who is a alpha male and is so hot he literally makes your heart stop! He's controlling and possessive and has women issues but is just as lovable as Christy! This book is steamy, steamy good!! Its so sizzling that it makes your heart race. I have no words to express how hot Cole is, the way that he is with Christy in bed is awesome!!!! Ugh I don't know this book is just amazing.... All I can say is Read it, live it and love it!! It's definitely made it to my favorites list!!!!
I loved the first book in this series so much that I thought there was no way to top it but boy was I wrong this book was absolutely my favorite in the series!!
Let's start with Christy!! She was amazing, so relatable, sweet and easy to love! Out of all of the female leads I have read about she was someone that I could completely related to! A lot of women have body issues and that really pulled at my heart. She sucked you in and you felt all of her emotions and struggles. Then we have Cole who is a alpha male and is so hot he literally makes your heart stop! He's controlling and possessive and has women issues but is just as lovable as Christy! This book is steamy, steamy good!! Its so sizzling that it makes your heart race. I have no words to express how hot Cole is, the way that he is with Christy in bed is awesome!!!! Ugh I don't know this book is just amazing.... All I can say is Read it, live it and love it!! It's definitely made it to my favorites list!!!!
July 6, 2015
Re-read 7/5/15 After reading Heavy Secrets, I couldn't resist re-visiting Cole and Christy's original story.
Still as good as it was the first time, loved Cole and Christy's relationship. Both leads are very likeable, the sex is very hot and the story is really well done, I'd highly recommend.
************************************************************
Strong story, hot love scenes, both the H/h have believable "heavy issues." Cole is total alpha, rude and crude and if that's not your thing, this isn't the book for you, but I loved him. Christy is neurotic but I loved how the author really showed, through actions and exposition, why she's that way and it never interfered with my liking her. Cole was patient and wonderful with her, which made him even sexier. I waited a long time to read this book and now I'm wondering why I did wait - it was great.
Still as good as it was the first time, loved Cole and Christy's relationship. Both leads are very likeable, the sex is very hot and the story is really well done, I'd highly recommend.
************************************************************
Strong story, hot love scenes, both the H/h have believable "heavy issues." Cole is total alpha, rude and crude and if that's not your thing, this isn't the book for you, but I loved him. Christy is neurotic but I loved how the author really showed, through actions and exposition, why she's that way and it never interfered with my liking her. Cole was patient and wonderful with her, which made him even sexier. I waited a long time to read this book and now I'm wondering why I did wait - it was great.
March 29, 2016
“I’ll get you properly laid, and in exchange you’ll pretend to be going out with me.”
“What?” Again she had that stupefied look on her face.
“Sex for fake dates.”
Christine believes a relationship and love is out of her reach, so she’ll settle for hot orgasms. But never in a million years did she think they would come from sexy Cole Bowen.
Cole has been craving Christine since the first moment he saw her, and when he overhears her telling her friends she’s going to hire a gigolo to get laid, he decides that this is the perfect solution to get Christine out of his system, and getting the relentless women of his town of his back. He doesn’t do relationships, and never will, but ever since his brother’s en-gagement, he’s been the target of many pursuits.
“My body is covered in marks, Cole.”
Big deal. “Mine too, sweetheart.”
She snorted. “Yours are war scars.”
“Yours too, Christy. I waged war with others while you waged war with yourself. It’s the same. It’s just life; there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We both survived. This body tells its own story, and it’s an amazing story. You are amazing.”
I don’t read a lot of erotica. Mostly be-cause they usually are very low on plot, and high on the erotic. But I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Both Cole and Christine have their very real issues: Christine with her body-image and food issues, and Cole with his abandonment issues. Neither think that a relationship and love are in the cards for them. I loved watching these two climb each other’s walls, slowly breaking it down, and admitting to the intensity of the feelings they have for each other.
The author did a brilliant job at portraying the struggle Christine has with her food addiction. There are a lot of people with body issues, and food addictions. Anorexia and bulimia are not small matters, and definitely not something you can really cure. It’s an illness that the person has to live with all their lives. I love how Cole took Christine’s worries seriously, and had no problem showing her that her beliefs about her-self and her body was wrong, that she was beautiful and sexy.
Of course the sexy times was scorching. Really HOT. Cole is very dominating, more than I usually prefer, and my kindle was aflame many times.
This was my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last.
June 7, 2012
Oh, for the love of all that is holy, Elle Aycart can write the heck out of a steamy scene!!!! I'm talking pulse-racing, mind-numbing, need a cold shower SCORCHING!!!! And she outdid herself in Heavy Issues with Cole, Mr. "I need sex every other scene because I can't stop from being turned on by you" Bowen!!!!
What I loved about this book:
-Ummmm, I think it's pretty obvious, but yeah, this story was almost too hot to touch! The things Cole thinks and does to Christine were just *bites knuckles* making me weak at the knees!
-Cole was very Christian Grey, which of course is always a WELCOME treat
-we get to see more of James and Tate!!!
-the humor Aycart throws into some of the scenes had me LOL!
What I didn't like so much:
-Christine has self-esteem issues; I get it. It just started to annoy me a bit when she went on and on and on about it in detail to Cole. No guy wants to hear ALL that, so it just became a bit of an eye-rolling moment for me.
-some of the parts dragged a bit and I admit I skimmed; wish maybe more of Todd and her mom were brought into play or something to make some more drama.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm once again VERY impressed by Aycart's ability to find so much originality when she writes her steamy scenes!! Definitely recommend this to any romance novel fans!!
What I loved about this book:
-Ummmm, I think it's pretty obvious, but yeah, this story was almost too hot to touch! The things Cole thinks and does to Christine were just *bites knuckles* making me weak at the knees!
-Cole was very Christian Grey, which of course is always a WELCOME treat
-we get to see more of James and Tate!!!
-the humor Aycart throws into some of the scenes had me LOL!
What I didn't like so much:
-Christine has self-esteem issues; I get it. It just started to annoy me a bit when she went on and on and on about it in detail to Cole. No guy wants to hear ALL that, so it just became a bit of an eye-rolling moment for me.
-some of the parts dragged a bit and I admit I skimmed; wish maybe more of Todd and her mom were brought into play or something to make some more drama.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm once again VERY impressed by Aycart's ability to find so much originality when she writes her steamy scenes!! Definitely recommend this to any romance novel fans!!
April 1, 2016
Great connexion between the MCs and great writing. The main problem was that there was a little too much self-esteem issues... I know how much girls can be insecure, believe me, and I feel for Christy, I really do... but no need to mention that she doesn't like herself every 3 pages. WE GOT IT
June 4, 2012
Well I think Elle Aycart topped herself when she wrote this one.
I loved More than Meets the Ink, but I think I loved Heavy Issues even more!
Both Christy and Cole have plenty of baggage! These two had heavy issues, pun intended! They end up together as part of a no-strings-attached, sex-only bargain that ends up being so much more. Turns out when they took away the pressure of a regular relationship, they freed themselves up to caring and trusting each other. They confided their deepest, darkest secrets and in the process they formed a relationship. Something neither one of them wanted or thought they needed.
I really loved Christy. She struggles so much with her demons in the past and was ashamed of her problems but she continued fighting and never gave back in. Cole helps Christy work through her insecurities and find some self-esteem. Christy, in turn, helps Cole deal with his abandonment issues getting him to open up more emotionally.
Of course all of this started with the sex! Let me tell you, this was one of the steamiest reads I have ever read! It rivaled Fifty Shades of Gray, in my opinion! Cole was possessive, bossy, intense, demanding and ran the show! Very alpha-male.
I'm officially an Elle Aycart fan-girl and can't wait to read the next Bowen brother's story. Max is going to be a difficult one to tame!
I loved More than Meets the Ink, but I think I loved Heavy Issues even more!
Both Christy and Cole have plenty of baggage! These two had heavy issues, pun intended! They end up together as part of a no-strings-attached, sex-only bargain that ends up being so much more. Turns out when they took away the pressure of a regular relationship, they freed themselves up to caring and trusting each other. They confided their deepest, darkest secrets and in the process they formed a relationship. Something neither one of them wanted or thought they needed.
I really loved Christy. She struggles so much with her demons in the past and was ashamed of her problems but she continued fighting and never gave back in. Cole helps Christy work through her insecurities and find some self-esteem. Christy, in turn, helps Cole deal with his abandonment issues getting him to open up more emotionally.
Of course all of this started with the sex! Let me tell you, this was one of the steamiest reads I have ever read! It rivaled Fifty Shades of Gray, in my opinion! Cole was possessive, bossy, intense, demanding and ran the show! Very alpha-male.
I'm officially an Elle Aycart fan-girl and can't wait to read the next Bowen brother's story. Max is going to be a difficult one to tame!
June 5, 2012
This book should probably come with a warning. It was seriously off the charts spicy. I wasn't sure Elle could top More than Meets the Ink, but I was mistaken.
Cole was a sexy and intense alpha, and I loved him. Christy, although dealing with major demons, was a strong and likeable character. Both having issues in their past to overcome in order to realize they could have a happy future together. Their love was so intense at some points it took my breath away.
I'm thrilled to learn this author will add two more books to this 'saga', and I can't wait to get my hands on them!
Cole was a sexy and intense alpha, and I loved him. Christy, although dealing with major demons, was a strong and likeable character. Both having issues in their past to overcome in order to realize they could have a happy future together. Their love was so intense at some points it took my breath away.
I'm thrilled to learn this author will add two more books to this 'saga', and I can't wait to get my hands on them!
August 26, 2016
This was a great story. Well developed plot and characters. Not to mention smoking hot! The thing with the engagement ring at the beginning had me laughing. I loved Christy's gang of girlfriends. Always nice to see real relationships.
And then there was the evil troll who pissed me off. I HATED Rose. Ugh. What a ho. What she did to Christy was awful. Glad that Christy doled out some justice.
I loved how far Cole and Christy had both come by the end of the book. A very sweet story!
And then there was the evil troll who pissed me off. I HATED Rose. Ugh. What a ho. What she did to Christy was awful. Glad that Christy doled out some justice.
I loved how far Cole and Christy had both come by the end of the book. A very sweet story!
June 24, 2014
Christy:
Cole says:
I say:
The plot:
Cole says:
I say:
The plot:
June 5, 2012
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of an alpha male and Cole was every bit of alpha. This book was full of heat and a good story. I am glad I read it. If you are interested in a steamy romance check this book out.
May 9, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
Issues!
Everyone's got them. (And if you don't you're lying so boom! automatic issue. ;P) And Christy and Cole Bowen, the heroine and hero of Heavy Issues, they got quite a few of them. Their main issue: mommy issues which led to mold them into the people they are today. Christy's metamorphosed into an eating disorder. Cole's? He pushes everyone away, forms no attachments other than his current family (mother not included) and wants no relationship.
Now before I discuss my opinion of the story, let me just get out my BBW rating. It is because once you are a BBW, no matter if you lose the weight, yo-yo it on and off or keep it off, you will always be a BBW to me. And no one else other than another BBW would understand the rating. So yes, Christy is curvy in the book and has maintained weight loss but to me and I'm sure to her, she's a BBW.
Now onto the story, overall, I totally enjoyed it. Do I think it's better than book #1, More Than Meets the Ink? In some ways yes and some ways no.
Why yes? Christy is not Tate (She's not a fave with a lot of readers but I thought James handled her fairly well. She was tolerable to me). Christy acted like a grown ass woman and I respected that. She was upfront with her issues (they are quite a few especially with food and her body image- a long hard struggle that continues to be one on a daily basis), told Cole about them when necessary and didn't beat around the bush. It was refreshing. Cole and Christy started as a friends with benefits deal int eh beginning. He told her he wasn't looking for a relationship or attachments.
And Christy RESPECTED HIS BOUNDARIES! Granted the story is a romance so feelings are bound to be felt. But when she felt herself caring more deeply for Cole. She didn't play head games - she told him. And maybe you like the little girl BS games some of the other authors add to their stories for angst (I won't name names but I'm sure you might know a few) But I enjoyed the adult-ness of it all.
Now Cole...he's a Bowen. And if you are not familiar with this series or the family, picture, sexy ass men who are possessive and might have some control issues, protective of their ladies and are sex gods. Cole is the eldest brother, ex-marine (hubba hubba!) and has major control issues. I can work with that.
Now is he my fave Bowen? *shakes head* It still is James. (Now I read quite a bit, but James is one of my favorite heroes of all time. Imagine the vast number of book heroes I've read, I still remember his full name and everything. If I could stalk a book hero - James Bowen is on that list. It's that serious.) But Cole makes for a good second. (I have a feeling though that Max, the baby brother, might usurp Cole's status once his book comes out)
But Cole, he did the bonehead move in the book, not Christy. That was different. Instead of listening, he did what he always did. But grovelling was involved and HEA was the outcome so all was right in my world. (Though I wanted to smack him in the back of the head a time or three)
Things I didn't like so much:
-Calling lady...juices as lube. It threw me off just because I'm an avid MM romance reader, so referring to Christy's vadge wetness as lube? I always thought it was a backdoor scene (which this book has BTW and actual lube was involved-go figure!) Eh but it's a minor issue, more mine than others maybe?
-Rose. The resident villain. Um. No. It felt like an adult version of Mean Girls every time this skank made herself present in the book. Christy was overweight, key word was. Isn't that what all the shallow skinny people tell fat people to do all the time? Just lose weight? So if Christy actually did follow the simpletons' edict, why would it be such a big issue? And what she did to Christy went way past immature and petty and moved onto Reprehensible Street. I was happy Rose got a black eye but upset the scene wasn't fully described, just mentioned. And if someone maybe stomped her in the face a few times...I wouldn't have balked. Just saying. I'm on the fence about the need of Rose for the story because she brought it down to grade school levels of meanness. Evil bitch.
Excluding those items, you still have one great story of two adults falling for one another, having hot ass sex (it's scorching, remember I mentioned the backdoor action), dealing with their issues (they are not solved overnight- smile) and even a couple of laughs are thrown in.
I like my characters to feel realistic, don't you?
Oh you do?
Read this book. Try this series.
Issues!
Everyone's got them. (And if you don't you're lying so boom! automatic issue. ;P) And Christy and Cole Bowen, the heroine and hero of Heavy Issues, they got quite a few of them. Their main issue: mommy issues which led to mold them into the people they are today. Christy's metamorphosed into an eating disorder. Cole's? He pushes everyone away, forms no attachments other than his current family (mother not included) and wants no relationship.
Now before I discuss my opinion of the story, let me just get out my BBW rating. It is because once you are a BBW, no matter if you lose the weight, yo-yo it on and off or keep it off, you will always be a BBW to me. And no one else other than another BBW would understand the rating. So yes, Christy is curvy in the book and has maintained weight loss but to me and I'm sure to her, she's a BBW.
Now onto the story, overall, I totally enjoyed it. Do I think it's better than book #1, More Than Meets the Ink? In some ways yes and some ways no.
Why yes? Christy is not Tate (She's not a fave with a lot of readers but I thought James handled her fairly well. She was tolerable to me). Christy acted like a grown ass woman and I respected that. She was upfront with her issues (they are quite a few especially with food and her body image- a long hard struggle that continues to be one on a daily basis), told Cole about them when necessary and didn't beat around the bush. It was refreshing. Cole and Christy started as a friends with benefits deal int eh beginning. He told her he wasn't looking for a relationship or attachments.
And Christy RESPECTED HIS BOUNDARIES! Granted the story is a romance so feelings are bound to be felt. But when she felt herself caring more deeply for Cole. She didn't play head games - she told him. And maybe you like the little girl BS games some of the other authors add to their stories for angst (I won't name names but I'm sure you might know a few) But I enjoyed the adult-ness of it all.
Now Cole...he's a Bowen. And if you are not familiar with this series or the family, picture, sexy ass men who are possessive and might have some control issues, protective of their ladies and are sex gods. Cole is the eldest brother, ex-marine (hubba hubba!) and has major control issues. I can work with that.
Now is he my fave Bowen? *shakes head* It still is James. (Now I read quite a bit, but James is one of my favorite heroes of all time. Imagine the vast number of book heroes I've read, I still remember his full name and everything. If I could stalk a book hero - James Bowen is on that list. It's that serious.) But Cole makes for a good second. (I have a feeling though that Max, the baby brother, might usurp Cole's status once his book comes out)
But Cole, he did the bonehead move in the book, not Christy. That was different. Instead of listening, he did what he always did. But grovelling was involved and HEA was the outcome so all was right in my world. (Though I wanted to smack him in the back of the head a time or three)
Things I didn't like so much:
-Calling lady...juices as lube. It threw me off just because I'm an avid MM romance reader, so referring to Christy's vadge wetness as lube? I always thought it was a backdoor scene (which this book has BTW and actual lube was involved-go figure!) Eh but it's a minor issue, more mine than others maybe?
-Rose. The resident villain. Um. No. It felt like an adult version of Mean Girls every time this skank made herself present in the book. Christy was overweight, key word was. Isn't that what all the shallow skinny people tell fat people to do all the time? Just lose weight? So if Christy actually did follow the simpletons' edict, why would it be such a big issue? And what she did to Christy went way past immature and petty and moved onto Reprehensible Street. I was happy Rose got a black eye but upset the scene wasn't fully described, just mentioned. And if someone maybe stomped her in the face a few times...I wouldn't have balked. Just saying. I'm on the fence about the need of Rose for the story because she brought it down to grade school levels of meanness. Evil bitch.
Excluding those items, you still have one great story of two adults falling for one another, having hot ass sex (it's scorching, remember I mentioned the backdoor action), dealing with their issues (they are not solved overnight- smile) and even a couple of laughs are thrown in.
I like my characters to feel realistic, don't you?
Oh you do?
Read this book. Try this series.
January 24, 2013
A special thanks to Elle Aycart for providing this book.
For more of this review and others visit
http://www.thebookwranglers.com/#!the...
No Spoilers
Synopsis:
This story went straight to all my tingly parts. In the second installation of Bowen we get a closer look at the super serious Cole Bowen. Known for his killer yet rugged looks, dominant personality, and strong family ties, Cole runs his family on a tight rope. With a past for plagued with untrustworthy woman, he steers clear of any serious relationships demolishing any woman that attempts to get close. At the peak of his brother James’ engagement and Alden’s summer filled with festivities in the community, Cole and his baby brother Max have been fighting women off more than usual. He can’t think of anything more depressing and irritating then having to continuously dodge the frenzy of woman that are doing any and everything to capture his attention.
Christine Sheridan, AKA Christy has had a pretty interesting year so far. Leaving her home and recently sorry-excuse-for-a-fiance in California after finding him with her neighbor, she’s only interested in relaxing, updating Alden’s ancient library and STAYING CLEAR OF ALL MEN. A night out with her girlfriends and a bottle of Cuervo Christy change Christy’s life for good, as she yells to the sky that she’s sworn off relationships and will soon be searching for own male gigolo to get properly laid.
When Cole over hears Christy’s pledge he can’t believe the woman that has been making spotlight appearances in his dreams is now available. Determined to strike a deal that will land Christy in his bed and not a gigolo, Cole agrees to offer sex in exchange for a few fake dates that should hopefully kill most if not all of the traffic (woman) coming around. Against all of Christy’s uptight feelings–Cole’s too sexy, too domineering, too many women around–she decides this is the best opportunity she’s had ever and has to accept.
What they get in exchange for this little agreement? Well a hella-of-a-lot-of-SEX, some really fun dates, and comfortable companionship without strings until the tables begin to turn. Slowly but surely their encounters become anything but ‘JUST SEX’, as Cole attempts to tear down Christy’s barriers, lowering her defenses. For the first time ever Cole wants more than just a romp in the sheets. He can’t believe all of the baggage that Christy is carrying around –her severely dysfunctional mother and her own self worth/self-image–that seems to be plaguing what they have and what he wants. Yet, Cole can’t deny that everything he’s been feeling is so much more than we they agreed on, it goes against everything he’s ever wanted and strives for.
Cole has so much to figure out. The closer he gets to Christy the more she sees (despite his hot-and-cold play on sharing his past with her). He’s worked so hard at getting Christy to open up and believe the things he tells her, yet when she challenges him to do the same he shuts down. As Cole searches for the words to solidify what they have Christy has to be willing and able to accept her true self, understand and be patient with Cole’s baggage, and fight like hell to keep what she really wants.
The Best Thing:
What wasn’t great about this book? The story flowed nicely and I fell right in with the characters. I love how Cole and Christy have real issues and real problems; it makes them extremely relatable (although I haven’t experienced what either of them have). The heat between these two was unbelievable!!! I wish there was more to the story just so I could read more about them and their new relationship. I even loved the fact that neither wanted a relationship but somehow found themselves in exactly that, but because it was working so well they didn’t even realize it;)
But to add a serious touch to the story, I really loved how Cole and Christy dealt with their issues. Elle did an excellent job writing characters that have depth with real personalities. I absolutely can’t wait to read more. PLEASE ELLE HURRY UP AND FINISH WRITING THE OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES!
The Worse Thing:
I don’t know if the worse thing about this story is really a flaw in the book itself (very doubtful) or just my supreme hatred for certain characters. I really despise those that act superior over another person and go out of their way to humiliate them. With that said I reserve my hatred for Rose and gang of vultures. Again, great work Elle!
For more of this review and others visit
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No Spoilers
Synopsis:
This story went straight to all my tingly parts. In the second installation of Bowen we get a closer look at the super serious Cole Bowen. Known for his killer yet rugged looks, dominant personality, and strong family ties, Cole runs his family on a tight rope. With a past for plagued with untrustworthy woman, he steers clear of any serious relationships demolishing any woman that attempts to get close. At the peak of his brother James’ engagement and Alden’s summer filled with festivities in the community, Cole and his baby brother Max have been fighting women off more than usual. He can’t think of anything more depressing and irritating then having to continuously dodge the frenzy of woman that are doing any and everything to capture his attention.
Christine Sheridan, AKA Christy has had a pretty interesting year so far. Leaving her home and recently sorry-excuse-for-a-fiance in California after finding him with her neighbor, she’s only interested in relaxing, updating Alden’s ancient library and STAYING CLEAR OF ALL MEN. A night out with her girlfriends and a bottle of Cuervo Christy change Christy’s life for good, as she yells to the sky that she’s sworn off relationships and will soon be searching for own male gigolo to get properly laid.
When Cole over hears Christy’s pledge he can’t believe the woman that has been making spotlight appearances in his dreams is now available. Determined to strike a deal that will land Christy in his bed and not a gigolo, Cole agrees to offer sex in exchange for a few fake dates that should hopefully kill most if not all of the traffic (woman) coming around. Against all of Christy’s uptight feelings–Cole’s too sexy, too domineering, too many women around–she decides this is the best opportunity she’s had ever and has to accept.
What they get in exchange for this little agreement? Well a hella-of-a-lot-of-SEX, some really fun dates, and comfortable companionship without strings until the tables begin to turn. Slowly but surely their encounters become anything but ‘JUST SEX’, as Cole attempts to tear down Christy’s barriers, lowering her defenses. For the first time ever Cole wants more than just a romp in the sheets. He can’t believe all of the baggage that Christy is carrying around –her severely dysfunctional mother and her own self worth/self-image–that seems to be plaguing what they have and what he wants. Yet, Cole can’t deny that everything he’s been feeling is so much more than we they agreed on, it goes against everything he’s ever wanted and strives for.
Cole has so much to figure out. The closer he gets to Christy the more she sees (despite his hot-and-cold play on sharing his past with her). He’s worked so hard at getting Christy to open up and believe the things he tells her, yet when she challenges him to do the same he shuts down. As Cole searches for the words to solidify what they have Christy has to be willing and able to accept her true self, understand and be patient with Cole’s baggage, and fight like hell to keep what she really wants.
The Best Thing:
What wasn’t great about this book? The story flowed nicely and I fell right in with the characters. I love how Cole and Christy have real issues and real problems; it makes them extremely relatable (although I haven’t experienced what either of them have). The heat between these two was unbelievable!!! I wish there was more to the story just so I could read more about them and their new relationship. I even loved the fact that neither wanted a relationship but somehow found themselves in exactly that, but because it was working so well they didn’t even realize it;)
But to add a serious touch to the story, I really loved how Cole and Christy dealt with their issues. Elle did an excellent job writing characters that have depth with real personalities. I absolutely can’t wait to read more. PLEASE ELLE HURRY UP AND FINISH WRITING THE OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES!
The Worse Thing:
I don’t know if the worse thing about this story is really a flaw in the book itself (very doubtful) or just my supreme hatred for certain characters. I really despise those that act superior over another person and go out of their way to humiliate them. With that said I reserve my hatred for Rose and gang of vultures. Again, great work Elle!
November 27, 2017
I think "Heavy issues" is a pretty accurate name for this book. It did have some pretty heavy issues going on.
My issue in particular was the "hot" macho man that was manhandling the heroine the whole time.
Being confident is one thing but being downright rude and possessive is a whole thing entirely. And Cole Bowen is both of those things.
For starters, not even 50 pages in to the book and before even sleeping together, Cole was very possessive towards Cristine in an unhealthy way. One of the things he said to her that made me want to punch him in the face was:
"I want this pretty pussy waxed. Bare for my tongue. Wax it, or I won’t fuck you. And you want me to fuck you, sweetheart."
Oh, get over yourself big man. I wouldn't want you to fuck me after you spoke to me like that. Douchebag.
Also, he was very old fashioned for his age. I don't particularly like old fashioned people because they tend to be judgemental and offer their opinions about things that don't affect them. I know that's not always the case but Cole said some things that enforced my opinion. Like:
"I'm old-fashioned: no tattoos, no piercings, no earrings. A man should look like a man, not a Christmas tree."
He even went so far as to think that a small tattoo Christine had on her inner wrist was unnatractive to him. Especially because she is a woman.
No one asked your opinion Cole. Especially women.
Christine was not a great heroine but not awful either. She was some blah generic chic with a great face that the male lead character fell in love with because...reasons. He doesn't even know why. He is just unnaturally attracted to her for no reason at all.
On the bright side, the sex scenes were pretty good. I give props to the author for that, at least.
And the storyline didn't drag. I actually read it quite easily.
I just didn't like the personalities of the lead characters. Especially Cole. It happens.
My issue in particular was the "hot" macho man that was manhandling the heroine the whole time.
Being confident is one thing but being downright rude and possessive is a whole thing entirely. And Cole Bowen is both of those things.
For starters, not even 50 pages in to the book and before even sleeping together, Cole was very possessive towards Cristine in an unhealthy way. One of the things he said to her that made me want to punch him in the face was:
"I want this pretty pussy waxed. Bare for my tongue. Wax it, or I won’t fuck you. And you want me to fuck you, sweetheart."
Oh, get over yourself big man. I wouldn't want you to fuck me after you spoke to me like that. Douchebag.
Also, he was very old fashioned for his age. I don't particularly like old fashioned people because they tend to be judgemental and offer their opinions about things that don't affect them. I know that's not always the case but Cole said some things that enforced my opinion. Like:
"I'm old-fashioned: no tattoos, no piercings, no earrings. A man should look like a man, not a Christmas tree."
He even went so far as to think that a small tattoo Christine had on her inner wrist was unnatractive to him. Especially because she is a woman.
No one asked your opinion Cole. Especially women.
Christine was not a great heroine but not awful either. She was some blah generic chic with a great face that the male lead character fell in love with because...reasons. He doesn't even know why. He is just unnaturally attracted to her for no reason at all.
On the bright side, the sex scenes were pretty good. I give props to the author for that, at least.
And the storyline didn't drag. I actually read it quite easily.
I just didn't like the personalities of the lead characters. Especially Cole. It happens.
October 27, 2012
This was my first book by this author and it was a kick ass surprise! I loved the way she wrote these two characters, how real their emotions felt, how natural their interactions with each other were. Both of their roadblock to a decent relationship issues felt realistic (have I mentioned how realistic these charcters are?)instead of manufactured for the sake of drama and I found myself rooting for both of them. And the sex was HAWT! I also appreciate the way the author wrote Christy's character in general. Instead of making her a prim, shy and too sweet for words thing, she's a normal 34 year old woman. She curses, she's sarcastic and she doesn't let the somewhat typical hot alpha walk all over her just because she's finally getting what she needs in the bedroom. And on the kitchen counter. And a supply closet at the library.
My only real complaint was the lack of a decent smackdown for any of the villains. Rose needed to be run out of town after everything her and her group of "still acting like we're in high school even though we're in our 30's" friends tried to do. Are there really women that age that make it their entire life's mission to humiliate another woman simply because she's dating a hot guy? I suppose those women exist, but this town seemed to have way too many bitches and a sorry lack of hot men. Rose deserved more than a punch in the face from Christy and a public reprimand, neither of which the reader gets to witness. Even Christy's somewhat psycho mom and her cheating fiance got off easy.
When all's said and done I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I have the first book in this series buried somewhere deep in my kindle and I suspect I'll be hunting it down in the next couple of weeks.
My only real complaint was the lack of a decent smackdown for any of the villains. Rose needed to be run out of town after everything her and her group of "still acting like we're in high school even though we're in our 30's" friends tried to do. Are there really women that age that make it their entire life's mission to humiliate another woman simply because she's dating a hot guy? I suppose those women exist, but this town seemed to have way too many bitches and a sorry lack of hot men. Rose deserved more than a punch in the face from Christy and a public reprimand, neither of which the reader gets to witness. Even Christy's somewhat psycho mom and her cheating fiance got off easy.
When all's said and done I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I have the first book in this series buried somewhere deep in my kindle and I suspect I'll be hunting it down in the next couple of weeks.
May 4, 2015
I am actually in favor of Christy, despite the negative reviews about her obsession with food. Yes at times she was overreacting, but the bigger issue here is Cole and his unpleasant coldness. I felt that in some parts the reader got the impression that Cole was forced to confront his true feelings towards Christy and it did not looked as natural as I would want it to be for my liking. He was too cynical about the relationship with women and at times I was really angry with him by denying his feelings for Christy for far too long and he was suppose to be working on their relationship more convincingly as he did admitted he had feelings for her but still keep rejecting her and she was the one who keeps forgiving him! She really was a sweetheart and her patient to him should be appreciated more by Cole, but instead was taken for granted I was suffering with her when Cole said to her some unpleasant things. needless to say, he was honest with her from the very start about his non commitment relationship and accepted her imperfections. Christy was really very likable heroin and I liked her to be a little more resented towards Cole at the very end so he could suffer a little bit more to overdue my dissatisfaction with the brutal way he spoke to Christy.
Overall, the book had potential, but lacked in depth and I was not emotionally invested as I would like. But I liked both H/h POV's it helpers to understand both sides.
Overall, the book had potential, but lacked in depth and I was not emotionally invested as I would like. But I liked both H/h POV's it helpers to understand both sides.
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