What do you think?
Rate this book
68 & Climbing
This is a revised edition of one of Kate Douglas's most memorable contemporary romances, originally published by Loose Id in 2004. It will appeal to fans of Susan Andersen and Susan Mallery.
Fashion designer Annmarie Weston is working under one of the tightest and most important deadlines of her career. Just when she gets her staff sewing at the perfect pace, a construction crew moves in to remodel the building next door, distracting her girls with their hunky bodies. The worse part is that every time the temperature rises, the guys take their shirts off and pretty soon even Annmarie gets lured into the enticing view…
Determined to put an end to the distraction, Annmarie confronts contractor Nick Marone and it isn't long before the two are spending way too much time locked in each other's arms, taking them both away from what they should really be doing.
Fashion designer Annmarie Weston is working under one of the tightest and most important deadlines of her career. Just when she gets her staff sewing at the perfect pace, a construction crew moves in to remodel the building next door, distracting her girls with their hunky bodies. The worse part is that every time the temperature rises, the guys take their shirts off and pretty soon even Annmarie gets lured into the enticing view…
Determined to put an end to the distraction, Annmarie confronts contractor Nick Marone and it isn't long before the two are spending way too much time locked in each other's arms, taking them both away from what they should really be doing.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
69 people want to read
About the author
Kate Douglas
162 books838 followersSome people just seem to know they are meant to write, but it can still take a while to figure out exactly what their career will entail. Kate Douglas started out writing radio copy for a country western radio station in 1972, wrote and illustrated an educational cartoon strip for the American Mosquito Control Association for a number of years, was a newspaper reporter for a small town weekly where she covered everything from high school sports to drug busts, and then, in the mid-1980s, decided to write her first romance.
Many submissions and rejections followed.
In 1998, she sold to a small ebook publisher before anyone knew what an ebook was, but it wasn't until 2005, a full twenty years after finishing that first romance, that she signed with a New York publisher.
In January 2006, Kensington Publishing launched their Aphrodisia imprint of erotic romance with Kate's Wolf Tales, a sexy paranormal series about a lost race of shapeshifters. She went on to write 21 novels and novellas in that series, then wrote three other series for Kensington before moving to St. Martin's Press.
She has two series with SMP--The Intimate Relations series complete with three novels and one novella of romantic suspense set in California's wine country, and an erotic paranormal series, Feral Passions, set in California's Trinity Alps.
She is also continuing her Spirit Wild series, the sequel to Wolf Tales, independently.
Kate and her husband of over forty-five years have two adult children and six grandchildren. They live in the small town of Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the beautiful Sonoma County wine country.
www.katedouglas.com and www.katedouglas.com/eroticromance for full chapter excerpts of all of Kate's books.
You can find Kate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/katedouglas.authorpage or on Twitter @wolftales
Many submissions and rejections followed.
In 1998, she sold to a small ebook publisher before anyone knew what an ebook was, but it wasn't until 2005, a full twenty years after finishing that first romance, that she signed with a New York publisher.
In January 2006, Kensington Publishing launched their Aphrodisia imprint of erotic romance with Kate's Wolf Tales, a sexy paranormal series about a lost race of shapeshifters. She went on to write 21 novels and novellas in that series, then wrote three other series for Kensington before moving to St. Martin's Press.
She has two series with SMP--The Intimate Relations series complete with three novels and one novella of romantic suspense set in California's wine country, and an erotic paranormal series, Feral Passions, set in California's Trinity Alps.
She is also continuing her Spirit Wild series, the sequel to Wolf Tales, independently.
Kate and her husband of over forty-five years have two adult children and six grandchildren. They live in the small town of Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the beautiful Sonoma County wine country.
www.katedouglas.com and www.katedouglas.com/eroticromance for full chapter excerpts of all of Kate's books.
You can find Kate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/katedouglas.authorpage or on Twitter @wolftales
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 22, 2014
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The gist: Annmarie is a fashion designer. Nick is a contractor. They have enough chemistry between them to make a bomb, but they both suck at communication.
Annmarie was annoying. There's really no other way to describe her. It was pretty much just everything about her. Nick was alright, but the writing just ruined the whole story for me.
There were several issues I had with the writing, or I suppose the story itself. The dialogue was worse than any New Adult book I've read, but the characters were in their 30's. They both kept referring to their employees as kids even though all the employees were in their 20's. Annmarie's best friend is her 'assistant'. They've been friends since elementary school, but they don't seem to know each other all that well... Annmarie is 34, but she's an 'up and coming fashion designer'. The word 'gigolo' and the phrase 'stud service' were used more than once. There were several assumptions/prejudices made about their respective social classes and I found myself mildly offended for BOTH of them. It was like all rich people are snobs who think anyone who isn't wealthy is beneath them. And people who work with their hands are stupid and the men are Neanderthals who only date bimbos. It was quite appalling. I suppose I could see how their preconceived notions affected their relationship difficulties, but it was really just rude. It would be like reading a book about an interracial couple but with them being racist against each other. Annmarie is 34 but she's only had 'a couple fumbling affairs in dark rooms' and has zero experience with either giving or receiving oral sex and she's never actually seen a penis in person. That's weird and it made me roll my eyes and gag. And she had 6 year old fairy tale fantasies about sex.
Needless to say, I spent the majority of the book huffing, puffing, groaning, and rolling my eyes at all the ridiculousness. I suppose if you like super cheesy and no realistic human qualities in your contemporary romances, you might like this one. I, however, need at least SOME degree of realism in my fictional romances. (Unless it's paranormal or fantasy, of course...) I'm not a fan and with the writing issues I had, I'm not too eager to read anymore books by this author...
The gist: Annmarie is a fashion designer. Nick is a contractor. They have enough chemistry between them to make a bomb, but they both suck at communication.
Annmarie was annoying. There's really no other way to describe her. It was pretty much just everything about her. Nick was alright, but the writing just ruined the whole story for me.
There were several issues I had with the writing, or I suppose the story itself. The dialogue was worse than any New Adult book I've read, but the characters were in their 30's. They both kept referring to their employees as kids even though all the employees were in their 20's. Annmarie's best friend is her 'assistant'. They've been friends since elementary school, but they don't seem to know each other all that well... Annmarie is 34, but she's an 'up and coming fashion designer'. The word 'gigolo' and the phrase 'stud service' were used more than once. There were several assumptions/prejudices made about their respective social classes and I found myself mildly offended for BOTH of them. It was like all rich people are snobs who think anyone who isn't wealthy is beneath them. And people who work with their hands are stupid and the men are Neanderthals who only date bimbos. It was quite appalling. I suppose I could see how their preconceived notions affected their relationship difficulties, but it was really just rude. It would be like reading a book about an interracial couple but with them being racist against each other. Annmarie is 34 but she's only had 'a couple fumbling affairs in dark rooms' and has zero experience with either giving or receiving oral sex and she's never actually seen a penis in person. That's weird and it made me roll my eyes and gag. And she had 6 year old fairy tale fantasies about sex.
Needless to say, I spent the majority of the book huffing, puffing, groaning, and rolling my eyes at all the ridiculousness. I suppose if you like super cheesy and no realistic human qualities in your contemporary romances, you might like this one. I, however, need at least SOME degree of realism in my fictional romances. (Unless it's paranormal or fantasy, of course...) I'm not a fan and with the writing issues I had, I'm not too eager to read anymore books by this author...
July 20, 2014
Book Summary
Published by - Beyond the Page
Release Date - 16th August 2011
Pages - 130
My Rating - 4 Stars
Review
Wooowee this book is smoking. A lot of fun and oh so sexy!!! Short, quick read that draws you in right from the start all the way to the sweet ending. The only reason it got four instead of five stars was because Annmarie annoyed me a little. Her attitude is at times down right annoying and puritanical, but once the sparks start flying between her and Nick you're able to forget about that...for a little while at least.
Nick is sexy, hot and cocky. And he has every right to be!!! Pun, totally intended!
August 26, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This fun, hot romance full of misunderstandings and employee misdemeanours is perfect feel good reading. The straight laced AnnMarie meets her match when the builders move in next door and distract her workers. However they are not the only ones that get all hot and bothered!
Wonderful storytelling, and could easily be part of a series as there were lots of interesting characters to get to know.
This fun, hot romance full of misunderstandings and employee misdemeanours is perfect feel good reading. The straight laced AnnMarie meets her match when the builders move in next door and distract her workers. However they are not the only ones that get all hot and bothered!
Wonderful storytelling, and could easily be part of a series as there were lots of interesting characters to get to know.
July 16, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book suffers from being far too choppy. The love scenes between the H/h begin so abruptly that i had to go back and look for the transitions. We are also expected to believe they were falling in love, but given no evidence of that. We also don't understand where the girls are coming from and if they end up getting the order done in time. My biggest complaint is really the almost forced nature of their love scenes. There is no sign that she is a willing participant until he has been going for her for a while, which bugs me.
This book suffers from being far too choppy. The love scenes between the H/h begin so abruptly that i had to go back and look for the transitions. We are also expected to believe they were falling in love, but given no evidence of that. We also don't understand where the girls are coming from and if they end up getting the order done in time. My biggest complaint is really the almost forced nature of their love scenes. There is no sign that she is a willing participant until he has been going for her for a while, which bugs me.
February 7, 2016
ARC received for review
new year's resolution book of the week
2.5 stars
This is a reissue and boy can you tell. It was so dated. Not horrible but nothing extra.
new year's resolution book of the week
2.5 stars
This is a reissue and boy can you tell. It was so dated. Not horrible but nothing extra.
February 26, 2021
Annmarie is a new up and coming designer who relies of young women from a shelter to help her put her fashion clothes together. One day she notices that her girls are ogling the boys next door as they take off their shirts once the temp reaches 68 degrees. When she goes to confront their boss about the nakedness and the distraction they bring to the girls who work for her she has her own meltdown in is office. Nick noticed Annmarie the day he came to bid on the project next door to her building. He just wanted to prove that he could get a woman like her and not fall in love like the last time. These two hot and sexy scenes in the bedroom are an undoing unto themselves. But the misunderstandings could lead them away from each other faster than them falling into bed with each other.
September 28, 2016
Such a cute, quick, easy to read story.
Annmarie Weston, single, fashion designer, has a deadline to meet. She comes from old monument, but she walked away from her Daddy's help, determined to make it all on her own.
Next door, an old building is being knocked down and a newer one is being built. The construction crew insist on walking around with their shirts off as the Boston weather turns warmer. This only distracts Annmarie's girls from sewing and meeting her deadline for delivery. If she doesn't meet that deadline, all future orders will be canceled.
Nick Marone owns the construction company, yet he works daily with his men. He noticed Annmarie weeks ago when he put in the bid to buy the building. It was a mind blowing attraction.
When she sees her girls looking out the window one day, she looks to see what all the commotion is about. Upon seeing Nick, something passes through their first mutual eye encounter. With her girls constantly being distracted by their bare chests, she goes next door to try to reason with him, to come to some kind of an agreement until her deadline is met. Yet their out of control attraction gets in the way.
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Annmarie Weston, single, fashion designer, has a deadline to meet. She comes from old monument, but she walked away from her Daddy's help, determined to make it all on her own.
Next door, an old building is being knocked down and a newer one is being built. The construction crew insist on walking around with their shirts off as the Boston weather turns warmer. This only distracts Annmarie's girls from sewing and meeting her deadline for delivery. If she doesn't meet that deadline, all future orders will be canceled.
Nick Marone owns the construction company, yet he works daily with his men. He noticed Annmarie weeks ago when he put in the bid to buy the building. It was a mind blowing attraction.
When she sees her girls looking out the window one day, she looks to see what all the commotion is about. Upon seeing Nick, something passes through their first mutual eye encounter. With her girls constantly being distracted by their bare chests, she goes next door to try to reason with him, to come to some kind of an agreement until her deadline is met. Yet their out of control attraction gets in the way.
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
September 13, 2014
68 & Climbing by Kate Douglas is a good contemporary romance read. I enjoyed reading 68 & Climbing. I have not read this author before however all of her Wolf Tales books are on my list of books to read. I will be putting them higher on my TBR list after reading 68 & Climbing because I like her writing style. I liked the characters It is Nick and Annmarie’s story.
Annmarie is a busy successful woman. She loves her job and she will do anything to keep it going and growing. She has a very big and important order that her girls are working on at the moment. They are doing well but they must keep up at the pace they are going or she won’t be able to fulfill the order on time. All is going well until the building next door starts being remodeled and the crew is a bunch of hot guys that take their shirts off distracting the girls. She is determined to have the problem taken care of so that production will not suffer. That is when she meets Nick and the attraction is instant but she is determined to ignore it because her job was important to her. He isn’t going to let her do that and he ignites a fire in her that she didn’t know was possible. He tempts her and beyond her control but she doesn’t want the girls to know so they must meet in secret. Which is something that upsets him and she doesn’t understand why. Will she be able to meet her deadline and work things out with Nick? Or will one or both fail?
Nick is a hard worker and he loves his job and proud of his accomplishments. He hasn’t had it easy in life or in love. His ex thought he was only a play thing that could be discarded whenever she wanted. She was rich and he wasn’t. That entire thing had broken his heart and he wasn’t willing to have something like that happen again. When he takes a new remodeling job he is enamored with the business owner next door even though she is quite irritated with his men distracting her girls. When he kisses her she is taken aback but he can tell that she likes it. He is going to pursue her because she has woken up a part of him that he thought was lost. He can tell that she is trying to resist him but he can also tell that she needs exactly what he has to offer. The more time they spend together the more she begins to bloom under his attention. The only thing is she had him crawl out her window and that bothered him. He still wants a relationship with her so they continue to enjoy each other. When she asks him to leave early one morning so that her girls won’t see that he was there he is angry. It is his last straw and he tells her so. When he has the chance to cool down and see things from her perspective he is sorry but he is afraid that he has lost her forever. Will that confrontation end everything? Or will she give him chance to explain things?
I enjoyed reading 68 & Climbing it was a fun read. I loved the characters. I thought that Annmarie was a bit uptight but I think it is because she had never met the right person yet. She had tried to fit into her families ideals of things and that wasn’t working for her. I liked that she was a career woman and that she was successful at it. I liked Nick too. He was able to bring out a side in her that needed to come to the surface. He is a good guy and he deserved the best. I could understand why he initially got upset at her for not wanting the girls to know, but I could also understand her point of view as well. I think that they both needed to grow a bit and they were able to do so by the end of the book. I would recommend 68 & Climbing to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances.
Annmarie is a busy successful woman. She loves her job and she will do anything to keep it going and growing. She has a very big and important order that her girls are working on at the moment. They are doing well but they must keep up at the pace they are going or she won’t be able to fulfill the order on time. All is going well until the building next door starts being remodeled and the crew is a bunch of hot guys that take their shirts off distracting the girls. She is determined to have the problem taken care of so that production will not suffer. That is when she meets Nick and the attraction is instant but she is determined to ignore it because her job was important to her. He isn’t going to let her do that and he ignites a fire in her that she didn’t know was possible. He tempts her and beyond her control but she doesn’t want the girls to know so they must meet in secret. Which is something that upsets him and she doesn’t understand why. Will she be able to meet her deadline and work things out with Nick? Or will one or both fail?
Nick is a hard worker and he loves his job and proud of his accomplishments. He hasn’t had it easy in life or in love. His ex thought he was only a play thing that could be discarded whenever she wanted. She was rich and he wasn’t. That entire thing had broken his heart and he wasn’t willing to have something like that happen again. When he takes a new remodeling job he is enamored with the business owner next door even though she is quite irritated with his men distracting her girls. When he kisses her she is taken aback but he can tell that she likes it. He is going to pursue her because she has woken up a part of him that he thought was lost. He can tell that she is trying to resist him but he can also tell that she needs exactly what he has to offer. The more time they spend together the more she begins to bloom under his attention. The only thing is she had him crawl out her window and that bothered him. He still wants a relationship with her so they continue to enjoy each other. When she asks him to leave early one morning so that her girls won’t see that he was there he is angry. It is his last straw and he tells her so. When he has the chance to cool down and see things from her perspective he is sorry but he is afraid that he has lost her forever. Will that confrontation end everything? Or will she give him chance to explain things?
I enjoyed reading 68 & Climbing it was a fun read. I loved the characters. I thought that Annmarie was a bit uptight but I think it is because she had never met the right person yet. She had tried to fit into her families ideals of things and that wasn’t working for her. I liked that she was a career woman and that she was successful at it. I liked Nick too. He was able to bring out a side in her that needed to come to the surface. He is a good guy and he deserved the best. I could understand why he initially got upset at her for not wanting the girls to know, but I could also understand her point of view as well. I think that they both needed to grow a bit and they were able to do so by the end of the book. I would recommend 68 & Climbing to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances.
July 25, 2014
I think this is a reissue of an older book, but I couldn't figure out if it was originally published in 2011 or 2004. It feels very dated and more like it may have been written in 1984 or 1994 at the latest. It's told in both character's point of view. I liked the story when it was in Nick's voice. You don't get his point of view for quite a few chapters though and unfortunately there wasn't much I liked about Annmarie. I think Nick said it best to her, "You really did just say 'led astray' didn't you? I didn't think anyone still talked like that." I had these sentiments from the first page. Annmarie behaves and talks down to her workers like she's 70 and not 34. I was really taken out of the book due to dated references, phrases, and the formality of a 34 year old heroine. I also can't think of a construction site that has men wearing shorts - and this guy was wearing denim shorts. Again, very dated references for a book being released in 2014.
What really turned me off was her immediate claim to her "assistant" (you know, her best friend since elementary school) that he assaulted and/or raped her. Fortunately the "assistant" wanted to take her to the hospital or call the police, but Annmarie had second thoughts because after all it was the best orgasm of her life. Just don't go accusing people of violating, assaulting, or raping you because you have a stick up your prudish ass. The rest of the story I could overlook, but this made me really wonder what was the author thinking to use this claim in 2014.
The business she runs? It was hard not to think of it as a sweatshop that employs the local women's shelter for her sewing based on the cold and overly formal way she treated them. At one point in the book I was convinced she was going to find an opportunity to yell at random kids to get off her lawn.
This book does have the dubious honor of using a term I haven't heard since I was growing up in the 1980s (and my husband had never heard of it and thought I made it up). "Joshing" "With a lot of joshing and teasing, a couple of the young men began re-stacking the lumber." Whaaaat?
Unfortunately I was taken out of the story so much from the beginning, I could never get into it. I was given a copy of the book through NetGalley by the publisher/author for an honest review.
What really turned me off was her immediate claim to her "assistant" (you know, her best friend since elementary school) that he assaulted and/or raped her. Fortunately the "assistant" wanted to take her to the hospital or call the police, but Annmarie had second thoughts because after all it was the best orgasm of her life. Just don't go accusing people of violating, assaulting, or raping you because you have a stick up your prudish ass. The rest of the story I could overlook, but this made me really wonder what was the author thinking to use this claim in 2014.
The business she runs? It was hard not to think of it as a sweatshop that employs the local women's shelter for her sewing based on the cold and overly formal way she treated them. At one point in the book I was convinced she was going to find an opportunity to yell at random kids to get off her lawn.
This book does have the dubious honor of using a term I haven't heard since I was growing up in the 1980s (and my husband had never heard of it and thought I made it up). "Joshing" "With a lot of joshing and teasing, a couple of the young men began re-stacking the lumber." Whaaaat?
Unfortunately I was taken out of the story so much from the beginning, I could never get into it. I was given a copy of the book through NetGalley by the publisher/author for an honest review.
July 25, 2014
I hate writing bad reviews. I appreciate the effort that an author puts out to produce a book... that being said, this was not good. I admit I ended up skimming some of it just to make it through.
Annmarie is a fashion designer who is under a lot of stress to get her line production out. She starts having problems with her workers, her "girls" *did not like this term, when they get distracted with the construction crew next door working on a building. Annmarie does her own little watching the half-naked men from the sidelines act, and Nick catches her eye.
Nick is the owner of the construction company and has been aware of Annmaries ogling eyes. He is drawn to her himself, so when she storms his construction site to complain about the shirtless workers, he takes advantage of her for a quick steamy tryst in his office.
The storyline follows their growing attraction and how they work it out to end up being together.
First of all, the writing felt very awkward. It did not flow smoothly and there were an over abundance of adjectives and unnecessary descriptives. Personally I hate the word "mons" and it was used way to much here. Ugh, un-sexy.
Annmarie is unpleasant and unlikeable. There was nothing there to draw me to her. She seems condescending and snooty. That doesn't really change for me throughout the book. The little games she plays, and her anger towards Nick for all the sexual situations they get in are pretty stupid. She comments in the beginning that she is older than her "girls" and feels like they are soo young... well, then act like it woman! A huge amount of this book was her fantasizing about Nick, so when the time came to do something about it, just get it on!
I just don't get the insta-love, the time span that we are covering in this story can't be any more than 3 weeks... Nick and Annmarie didn't talk to eachother or get to know eachother. There wasn't anything solid in here to endear me or connect me to the characters.
2 stars for the author writing the book in the first place, and for the premise of the story- which could've been outstanding... everything else fell very flat for me.
*** This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review***
Annmarie is a fashion designer who is under a lot of stress to get her line production out. She starts having problems with her workers, her "girls" *did not like this term, when they get distracted with the construction crew next door working on a building. Annmarie does her own little watching the half-naked men from the sidelines act, and Nick catches her eye.
Nick is the owner of the construction company and has been aware of Annmaries ogling eyes. He is drawn to her himself, so when she storms his construction site to complain about the shirtless workers, he takes advantage of her for a quick steamy tryst in his office.
The storyline follows their growing attraction and how they work it out to end up being together.
First of all, the writing felt very awkward. It did not flow smoothly and there were an over abundance of adjectives and unnecessary descriptives. Personally I hate the word "mons" and it was used way to much here. Ugh, un-sexy.
Annmarie is unpleasant and unlikeable. There was nothing there to draw me to her. She seems condescending and snooty. That doesn't really change for me throughout the book. The little games she plays, and her anger towards Nick for all the sexual situations they get in are pretty stupid. She comments in the beginning that she is older than her "girls" and feels like they are soo young... well, then act like it woman! A huge amount of this book was her fantasizing about Nick, so when the time came to do something about it, just get it on!
I just don't get the insta-love, the time span that we are covering in this story can't be any more than 3 weeks... Nick and Annmarie didn't talk to eachother or get to know eachother. There wasn't anything solid in here to endear me or connect me to the characters.
2 stars for the author writing the book in the first place, and for the premise of the story- which could've been outstanding... everything else fell very flat for me.
*** This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review***
December 16, 2015
Originally Posted on Red Reder Reviews
Mmmhmm... so a summary first. Annmarie (Annie) owns her own fashion business. Nick is a construction worker and his crew just so happens to be working on the building next to Annie's. That's a big problem because Annie's workers can't help but to admire the shirtless men outside next door, but they have a huge order they need to finish. Annie goes to take a look for herself and well.... she's able to understand why the girls want to stare so badly.
Annie is definitely drunk on Nick and he wants his a scoop of Annie. The problem is they can't help but argue every time they're in the same room. Nick's biggest problem with Annie is that she comes from old money and he's had his heart broken by someone else who came from old money. Annie's problem is that Nick is arrogant and well he just frustrates her. Once the two have a taste of one another they constantly want more.
Okay, so I liked this book but my biggest problem was it was too short and I didn't have enough Nick and Annie time. It took a while for them to actually talk though there was a bunch of signals and kisses being blow on Nick's part, and a whole bunch of staring on Annie's part. When Annie finally stormed into Nick's office I was happy the wait was over. We finally got to meet Nick and he didn't disappoint. He's very full of himself and the first thing he said to her was "Couldn't stay away hmmm? I wondered when you'd finally come down out of your ivory tower."
Because the books was so short there's not too much I can say about it. I enjoyed the characters, the plotline, and the ending. Ahh, I almost forgot the ending. They got engaged in the hospital while people got a peep show of Nick's ass. Romantic, right? They also plan on having children together which is expected since they just got engaged.
Mmmhmm... so a summary first. Annmarie (Annie) owns her own fashion business. Nick is a construction worker and his crew just so happens to be working on the building next to Annie's. That's a big problem because Annie's workers can't help but to admire the shirtless men outside next door, but they have a huge order they need to finish. Annie goes to take a look for herself and well.... she's able to understand why the girls want to stare so badly.
Annie is definitely drunk on Nick and he wants his a scoop of Annie. The problem is they can't help but argue every time they're in the same room. Nick's biggest problem with Annie is that she comes from old money and he's had his heart broken by someone else who came from old money. Annie's problem is that Nick is arrogant and well he just frustrates her. Once the two have a taste of one another they constantly want more.
Okay, so I liked this book but my biggest problem was it was too short and I didn't have enough Nick and Annie time. It took a while for them to actually talk though there was a bunch of signals and kisses being blow on Nick's part, and a whole bunch of staring on Annie's part. When Annie finally stormed into Nick's office I was happy the wait was over. We finally got to meet Nick and he didn't disappoint. He's very full of himself and the first thing he said to her was "Couldn't stay away hmmm? I wondered when you'd finally come down out of your ivory tower."
Because the books was so short there's not too much I can say about it. I enjoyed the characters, the plotline, and the ending. Ahh, I almost forgot the ending. They got engaged in the hospital while people got a peep show of Nick's ass. Romantic, right? They also plan on having children together which is expected since they just got engaged.
August 11, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. It was an extremely dated, unrealistic, corny and fast read that had me laughing and rolling my eyes. This was one of those books that you sort of enjoy for all the wrong reasons.
"68 & Climbing" could have been better. But unfortunately the book has a few issues which ruined it for me. The writing style is the biggest problem. Because of the dialog and they way Annmarie behaves, she comes across much older and deceivingly prudish.
Being perfectly honest I never got behind her as a character because the way she was written just made me not like her. I didn't have any problems with Nick as a character.... (Excluding the fact that he managed to fall in love in less than a nano second.) And I liked the fact that Nick was more of a Neanderthal leading man. What did bother me was the way the author described him from Annmarie's perspective.
Honestly the more I think about this book the more I realize how much I didn't like it. So to avoid over analyzing it any further I am just going to leave you with the following...
Annmarie comes across matronly, deceptively prudish and annoying. Nick is kind of a caveman. Even though they are only in their 30's they read like much older characters. For what feels like forever, the have very little interaction with each other. Than SHAZAM!
If you are into reading romance novels that make you laugh because of their level of corniness... then I'd recommend reading this other wise I'd skip it. If I wasn't familiar with Kate Douglas' other works this would probably make me consider not reading anything else by her. But since I know that she has better books I'd encourage those who are reading this to read something else written by her... (IE Wolf Tales)
***ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"68 & Climbing" could have been better. But unfortunately the book has a few issues which ruined it for me. The writing style is the biggest problem. Because of the dialog and they way Annmarie behaves, she comes across much older and deceivingly prudish.
Being perfectly honest I never got behind her as a character because the way she was written just made me not like her. I didn't have any problems with Nick as a character.... (Excluding the fact that he managed to fall in love in less than a nano second.) And I liked the fact that Nick was more of a Neanderthal leading man. What did bother me was the way the author described him from Annmarie's perspective.
Honestly the more I think about this book the more I realize how much I didn't like it. So to avoid over analyzing it any further I am just going to leave you with the following...
Annmarie comes across matronly, deceptively prudish and annoying. Nick is kind of a caveman. Even though they are only in their 30's they read like much older characters. For what feels like forever, the have very little interaction with each other. Than SHAZAM!
If you are into reading romance novels that make you laugh because of their level of corniness... then I'd recommend reading this other wise I'd skip it. If I wasn't familiar with Kate Douglas' other works this would probably make me consider not reading anything else by her. But since I know that she has better books I'd encourage those who are reading this to read something else written by her... (IE Wolf Tales)
***ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2014
Can you complain about the things that annoyed you when they are both apparently intentional AND addressed in the book? Let me try to explain:
From the very beginning I was confused because despite all the obvious modern trappings, I still thought I was reading a historical romance. We are in the heroine’s head for the majority of the book, and there’s just something about the way she speaks…
It doesn’t help that she also tends to fly off the handle, constantly, and about nothing at all.
And she spends quite a lot of the novel accusing the hero of things he didn’t do.
I still can’t figure out if she was supposed to be a modern day nod to some overwrought Victorian maiden or a dame from some 30’s screwball comedy. Either way, it resulted in a character that came across largely as painfully uppity, and falsely prudish.
The book itself isn’t horrible. The writing is decent, although extremely dated--I know this is a reissue, but I am given to understand it originated in the 2000s, while it reads more like it came from the early 1980s. It’s just difficult to enjoy a story where adults in their mid-thirties have the emotional maturity of spoiled toddlers, and the heroine is actively dislikable for nearly the entire book.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
From the very beginning I was confused because despite all the obvious modern trappings, I still thought I was reading a historical romance. We are in the heroine’s head for the majority of the book, and there’s just something about the way she speaks…
"You really did just say ‘led astray,’ didn’t you? I didn’t think anyone still talked like that.”
It doesn’t help that she also tends to fly off the handle, constantly, and about nothing at all.
“So tell me again, why is he such a problem? The guy kissed you. You kissed him back, then told him to kiss off and you left. End of story.”
And she spends quite a lot of the novel accusing the hero of things he didn’t do.
If this oaf hadn’t been so crude, hadn’t made her so angry, she never would have barged into Nick’s office, never would have…damn. She really had to quit blaming others for her own stupidity.
I still can’t figure out if she was supposed to be a modern day nod to some overwrought Victorian maiden or a dame from some 30’s screwball comedy. Either way, it resulted in a character that came across largely as painfully uppity, and falsely prudish.
The book itself isn’t horrible. The writing is decent, although extremely dated--I know this is a reissue, but I am given to understand it originated in the 2000s, while it reads more like it came from the early 1980s. It’s just difficult to enjoy a story where adults in their mid-thirties have the emotional maturity of spoiled toddlers, and the heroine is actively dislikable for nearly the entire book.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
August 6, 2014
*** Provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
Annmarie Weston founded Weston Designs, creating business attire. She has orders to fill but it's hard to keep her seamstresses on track with half-naked construction workers remodeling the building next door. She's determined to succeed on her own, without the help of her family, and she cannot afford any distractions as her biggest to-date contract's deadline is fast approaching.
Nick Marone's working on a restoration next to Weston Designs & from the day he bid on the job, he'd been intrigued by Annmarie. But he learns she comes from old money & that's one social circle he never wants to find himself in again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This story is unique in that until Chapter 5, the primary characters are not officially introduced to one another. They've only seen, watched, and even fantasized about one another prior to then.
My biggest complaint:
Throughout the book, the prevailing complaint is that Annmarie cannot seem to keep her girls focused on working on this big, upcoming order due to the distraction provided by the half-naked construction crew next door. My thoughts were immediate: 1) Remind them that there are other people who'd be happy to take their place and earn their paycheck. 2) Install window coverings -and- 3) Work 3rd shift, so there are no exterior distractions. For a woman struggling to succeed, she's not putting 110% into being an assertive supervisor/boss.
That said, the book is well-written. The characters (primary and secondary) are thoroughly enjoyable. The plot was light, with liberal dashes of humor. It was a pleasure to read even as short as it was.
Annmarie Weston founded Weston Designs, creating business attire. She has orders to fill but it's hard to keep her seamstresses on track with half-naked construction workers remodeling the building next door. She's determined to succeed on her own, without the help of her family, and she cannot afford any distractions as her biggest to-date contract's deadline is fast approaching.
Nick Marone's working on a restoration next to Weston Designs & from the day he bid on the job, he'd been intrigued by Annmarie. But he learns she comes from old money & that's one social circle he never wants to find himself in again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This story is unique in that until Chapter 5, the primary characters are not officially introduced to one another. They've only seen, watched, and even fantasized about one another prior to then.
My biggest complaint:
Throughout the book, the prevailing complaint is that Annmarie cannot seem to keep her girls focused on working on this big, upcoming order due to the distraction provided by the half-naked construction crew next door. My thoughts were immediate: 1) Remind them that there are other people who'd be happy to take their place and earn their paycheck. 2) Install window coverings -and- 3) Work 3rd shift, so there are no exterior distractions. For a woman struggling to succeed, she's not putting 110% into being an assertive supervisor/boss.
That said, the book is well-written. The characters (primary and secondary) are thoroughly enjoyable. The plot was light, with liberal dashes of humor. It was a pleasure to read even as short as it was.
July 21, 2014
The Plot of "68&Climbing" sounded really promising and I was really happy to read it.
Annmarie Weston is a promising new designer who has one a big contract. Now she is working under a strict deadine. so when the construction crew, who moved in to remodel the building next door, distract her girls with their hunky bodies she is more than angry. but worse is, that one of the workers is luring her in as well ...
Determined to put an end to the distraction, Annmarie confronts contractor Nick Marone. but this doesn't end as she hoped it would ...
the storyline sounded like a lot of fun and I was really looking forward to reading this. but for me it was a bit like if the author could not decide where she wanted to put her focus: on the storyline or the sexual activity.
so the plot was a bit underdeveloped and especially the ending (as in many novellas) felt rushed
Annmarie came across a bit stiff. it gets better in the end, nevertheless it takes a bit out of the story.
Nick was a typical Alpha, which I normally like but I would have liked it more, if he wereat least listening to her
this made the relationship development a bit unrealistic. the first love scene was so abrupt that it was not really steamy. the rest was better.
I would have loved to know more about the girls.
all in all it was a nice read, which could have been a lot better if there would have been more time to develop the storyline and the relationship
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Annmarie Weston is a promising new designer who has one a big contract. Now she is working under a strict deadine. so when the construction crew, who moved in to remodel the building next door, distract her girls with their hunky bodies she is more than angry. but worse is, that one of the workers is luring her in as well ...
Determined to put an end to the distraction, Annmarie confronts contractor Nick Marone. but this doesn't end as she hoped it would ...
the storyline sounded like a lot of fun and I was really looking forward to reading this. but for me it was a bit like if the author could not decide where she wanted to put her focus: on the storyline or the sexual activity.
so the plot was a bit underdeveloped and especially the ending (as in many novellas) felt rushed
Annmarie came across a bit stiff. it gets better in the end, nevertheless it takes a bit out of the story.
Nick was a typical Alpha, which I normally like but I would have liked it more, if he wereat least listening to her
this made the relationship development a bit unrealistic. the first love scene was so abrupt that it was not really steamy. the rest was better.
I would have loved to know more about the girls.
all in all it was a nice read, which could have been a lot better if there would have been more time to develop the storyline and the relationship
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 5, 2014
My biggest problem with this book is the title. I just don't get it! I mean, I assume it's supposed to be some reference to a certain oral manoeuvre, but said manoeuvre does not at all occur in the book. I suppose because progress towards it has been made? Or something?
Second biggest: the ponytail. Unless it's in a historical romance, a ponytail on a guy is a dealbreaker for me. (Altho this was originally published in 2004. Maybe then ponytails were okay? Nope, not even then.) Admittedly, this problem is personal, so feel free to ignore it.
Third: there's a definite lack of knowledge about the female anatomy down there. I don't really want to get into it, actually. Just...no.
Fourth: Annmarie is a fashion designer, and the women who sew for her work in the next room. Yet she has no control over their behaviour. They're always running to the window to hoot at the hot construction workers. Okay, so they've had a tough life and she doesn't want to make it any tougher, but be a boss, lady! Made me think fondly of Carla on Coronation Street, which seems unlikely.
As much as the attraction between Annmarie and Nick, the contractor next door, was hot, it was also unbelievable and a bit cheesy. And there was just too much other stuff to get past.
Neva
Reviewed from ARC.
Second biggest: the ponytail. Unless it's in a historical romance, a ponytail on a guy is a dealbreaker for me. (Altho this was originally published in 2004. Maybe then ponytails were okay? Nope, not even then.) Admittedly, this problem is personal, so feel free to ignore it.
Third: there's a definite lack of knowledge about the female anatomy down there. I don't really want to get into it, actually. Just...no.
Fourth: Annmarie is a fashion designer, and the women who sew for her work in the next room. Yet she has no control over their behaviour. They're always running to the window to hoot at the hot construction workers. Okay, so they've had a tough life and she doesn't want to make it any tougher, but be a boss, lady! Made me think fondly of Carla on Coronation Street, which seems unlikely.
As much as the attraction between Annmarie and Nick, the contractor next door, was hot, it was also unbelievable and a bit cheesy. And there was just too much other stuff to get past.
Neva
Reviewed from ARC.
August 1, 2014
I received this ARC from Netgalley for honest review.
The story: dual POV. Annmarie comes from old money, has the best education money can buy, and is spoiled, immature in her responses and actions, and annoying. Determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world, she launches a deal, with a dead line, that can make a name for herself. Her employees are young adults with troubled past. I wish the author spent more time developing these characters so I could understand their positions better. . . Annmarie is quick to blame others, the situation, or others, and not woman enough to stand up and take control.
Nick, is mature, sexy, honest, and has worked with his hands, body, and level head for everything he has. Owner of his construction company, he and his crew are working next door to Annmarie. When the the temperature hits 68 degrees, the crews shirts come off. The young girls would much rather watch the view of all muscle and hotness and neglect their work. This sends Annmarie next door and into Nicks arms. The story has some hotness. Everything was rushed and dated. I would recommended this book for a quick read while traveling via passenger or plane where you just want to pass the time and not think.
The story: dual POV. Annmarie comes from old money, has the best education money can buy, and is spoiled, immature in her responses and actions, and annoying. Determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world, she launches a deal, with a dead line, that can make a name for herself. Her employees are young adults with troubled past. I wish the author spent more time developing these characters so I could understand their positions better. . . Annmarie is quick to blame others, the situation, or others, and not woman enough to stand up and take control.
Nick, is mature, sexy, honest, and has worked with his hands, body, and level head for everything he has. Owner of his construction company, he and his crew are working next door to Annmarie. When the the temperature hits 68 degrees, the crews shirts come off. The young girls would much rather watch the view of all muscle and hotness and neglect their work. This sends Annmarie next door and into Nicks arms. The story has some hotness. Everything was rushed and dated. I would recommended this book for a quick read while traveling via passenger or plane where you just want to pass the time and not think.
June 27, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley via Beyond the Page Publishing.
Annmarie Weston is an up and coming fashion designer who just landed herself a big account. As her deadline draws close for her designs to be done a little hiccup happens when construction starts up next door. The girls get distracted when the temperature rises and the construction workers take their shirts off. To make matters worst Annmarie finds herself attracted to the foreman. When she has finally had enough of the girls not working because of the shirt less worker at the site. She goes over to talk to the foreman and that's when things really heat up between them.
Nick Marone is the foreman on the construction site. And the man that is making it hard for Annmarie to sleep at night. They have this very explosive relationship that will more than likely combust when/if the give in to it. Will they be able to overcome their past to have a future?
This book was okay. It was not what I was expecting from Kate. I have read a couple of her Wolf Tales books and I loved them. But all in all it was a good book. I can't wait to read other books by Kate. I recommend this book to others.
Annmarie Weston is an up and coming fashion designer who just landed herself a big account. As her deadline draws close for her designs to be done a little hiccup happens when construction starts up next door. The girls get distracted when the temperature rises and the construction workers take their shirts off. To make matters worst Annmarie finds herself attracted to the foreman. When she has finally had enough of the girls not working because of the shirt less worker at the site. She goes over to talk to the foreman and that's when things really heat up between them.
Nick Marone is the foreman on the construction site. And the man that is making it hard for Annmarie to sleep at night. They have this very explosive relationship that will more than likely combust when/if the give in to it. Will they be able to overcome their past to have a future?
This book was okay. It was not what I was expecting from Kate. I have read a couple of her Wolf Tales books and I loved them. But all in all it was a good book. I can't wait to read other books by Kate. I recommend this book to others.
July 23, 2014
68 & Climbing is a fun, cute and easy read. It follows Annmarie and Nick through the ups and downs of work and attraction. She owns the design shop, employing younger girls who needed help. However, when a construction crew that can't keep their shirts on moves in across the way, sparks fly. The heavy eye-flirting across the way succumbs to lots of passionate encounters between the two. While those parts were definitely hot and kept my attention, the lack of buildup while still having so much animosity towards each other was distracting for me.
I really liked Nick, he was sexy and straight-forward, a great match for Annmarie. I was not however a big fan of hers, I get that the company she was trying to build was important, but she came off as a bit whiny and self-entitled at some points. I wanted to delve deeper into the girls who worked for her, they seemed so sweet, and I wanted to know more of their back stories.
All in all though, 68 & Climbing was sweet and sassy, a great read for the beach, or just to get your mind off a rough day.
I received a copy through the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Nick, he was sexy and straight-forward, a great match for Annmarie. I was not however a big fan of hers, I get that the company she was trying to build was important, but she came off as a bit whiny and self-entitled at some points. I wanted to delve deeper into the girls who worked for her, they seemed so sweet, and I wanted to know more of their back stories.
All in all though, 68 & Climbing was sweet and sassy, a great read for the beach, or just to get your mind off a rough day.
I received a copy through the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2014
I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy this book when I started it because even though I am a fan of Ms. Douglas’ work, I have mainly read her paranormal books. I did end up enjoying this story more than I thought that I would, but I still felt like something was missing I believe.
The characters were well written, it was very easy to follow along with the story as well. It was a very fast paced story that I was able to finish reading in a couple hours. While the characters were well written, I didn’t personally feel a connection to them while reading. It didn’t deter me from enjoying the story, but I was just missing that connection.
There is some sex that takes place, but as with typical Ms. Douglas fashion, it’s not overplayed or written crudely at all. It did add to the story, so I thought that was a very good thing.
Overall, I do think that this is a really good rainy day read, one that if you are looking for a good read that you can enjoy without any extra drama that takes place in a lot of books out there these days.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
The characters were well written, it was very easy to follow along with the story as well. It was a very fast paced story that I was able to finish reading in a couple hours. While the characters were well written, I didn’t personally feel a connection to them while reading. It didn’t deter me from enjoying the story, but I was just missing that connection.
There is some sex that takes place, but as with typical Ms. Douglas fashion, it’s not overplayed or written crudely at all. It did add to the story, so I thought that was a very good thing.
Overall, I do think that this is a really good rainy day read, one that if you are looking for a good read that you can enjoy without any extra drama that takes place in a lot of books out there these days.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
July 27, 2014
**I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review***
This is a story about Annamarie and Nick.
Annemarie is a clothes designer while Nick is the owner of the Construction Crew that works next door to Annemarie.
The whole premise of this story is that the noise bothers Annemarie so she goes over to finally “have it out” with the boss of the crew which is Nick and ends up having sex with Nick right there in his office. Oh it was awesome sex and she had the best orgasm of her life but what I DISLIKED immensely was her telling her best friend (and assistant) was she had been assaulted by Nick. That was a “WTF” moment for me. I was immediately turned off about this book. I couldn’t get back in. And I tried.
Nick did seem like a great guy. What I could read of this book didn’t not seem like it was written in the 2000, it seemed like it was written in the late 80s or mid to late 90s… I love Kate Douglas but not sure what happened here for this story. For me, this was a very unpleasant story and I could not get back into the story. I would not recommend this.
My rating: 1 *
This is a story about Annamarie and Nick.
Annemarie is a clothes designer while Nick is the owner of the Construction Crew that works next door to Annemarie.
The whole premise of this story is that the noise bothers Annemarie so she goes over to finally “have it out” with the boss of the crew which is Nick and ends up having sex with Nick right there in his office. Oh it was awesome sex and she had the best orgasm of her life but what I DISLIKED immensely was her telling her best friend (and assistant) was she had been assaulted by Nick. That was a “WTF” moment for me. I was immediately turned off about this book. I couldn’t get back in. And I tried.
Nick did seem like a great guy. What I could read of this book didn’t not seem like it was written in the 2000, it seemed like it was written in the late 80s or mid to late 90s… I love Kate Douglas but not sure what happened here for this story. For me, this was a very unpleasant story and I could not get back into the story. I would not recommend this.
My rating: 1 *
July 15, 2014
It was actually interesting to see this author write something other than paranormal. It's good to know when an author can work all the genres it makes you want to be a steady fan. Nick that boy is the biggest flirt, "that's got to be the best response to a wink and salute I have ever had in my entire life," he said, laughing. Teasing her, almost as if they were friends. "Or was it taking off my shirt that got your attention?" The boy is also not hesitant when it comes to him and his woman, "what I have in mind is seeing you naked again. All of you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of wrapped foil packages." I enjoyed reading this book and I'm kinda hoping this author writes some more contemporary books.
July 20, 2014
This one just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with either character and truthfully I didn't even like either character for most of the story. Annalise was a stuck up prude who seemed to think it was her job to control everyone's lives and Nick was a total Neanderthal. I mean I have no problem with the take charge alpha male thing but really these two couldn't have a conversation without tearing their clothes off and he was usually the instigator. How are people supposed to fall in love of they never have a conversation? I have no problem with insta love or insta lust stories but this one just didn’t do it for me, I couldn't wait for it to be over. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2014
*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Note that this is a reissue so it is showing it's age somewhat with some eye-rolling situations and dialogue. BUT, if you get into this book knowing it is a fun romp between the sheets and to not expect a fully developed, emotional roller-coaster type of romance, then you are good. For me this felt like someone wrote a tv movie version of that coke commercial from the 1990's with that construction guy that the ladies were all drooling after (and yes,I still remember the hot guys name - Lucky Vanous - I think I still have a poster of him somewhere). So this book was like "living" that commercial only in a longer, somewhat continuous loop.
Note that this is a reissue so it is showing it's age somewhat with some eye-rolling situations and dialogue. BUT, if you get into this book knowing it is a fun romp between the sheets and to not expect a fully developed, emotional roller-coaster type of romance, then you are good. For me this felt like someone wrote a tv movie version of that coke commercial from the 1990's with that construction guy that the ladies were all drooling after (and yes,I still remember the hot guys name - Lucky Vanous - I think I still have a poster of him somewhere). So this book was like "living" that commercial only in a longer, somewhat continuous loop.
August 17, 2014
Sexy, fun, flirty, quirkier.
I like it but was not completely bowled over by the content. It took me way to long to read this short read (<200 pages). Annmarie seems to be more of a snob than a business woman. There are some inconsistencies in her character. Nick, well what can I really say. There is apparent chemistry between the two. Up to the point that they are unable to keep their hands to them selves and do their jobs. That is where one draws the line.
Douglas has pieced together various phrasings that don't quite connect to the genre in the writing or the description of the writing contained within. I still enjoyed the read for what it was.
Thanks, NetGalley.
I like it but was not completely bowled over by the content. It took me way to long to read this short read (<200 pages). Annmarie seems to be more of a snob than a business woman. There are some inconsistencies in her character. Nick, well what can I really say. There is apparent chemistry between the two. Up to the point that they are unable to keep their hands to them selves and do their jobs. That is where one draws the line.
Douglas has pieced together various phrasings that don't quite connect to the genre in the writing or the description of the writing contained within. I still enjoyed the read for what it was.
Thanks, NetGalley.
August 17, 2014
NetGalley Free Book
Annmarie is an uptight woman who has been attempting to get her business off the ground and running. To be a success and get free of her rich parents. Nick was bidding a remodel job when he saw her walking down the street and decided to buy the building instead just so he could see her again. Now his work crew has her work crew all heated up.
This was actually a well written short story. Although it is typical and predictable it was an enjoyable read overall.
The author did a good job in plotting it out and follow through. Both characters were written with personalities that the reader could attach too.
Annmarie is an uptight woman who has been attempting to get her business off the ground and running. To be a success and get free of her rich parents. Nick was bidding a remodel job when he saw her walking down the street and decided to buy the building instead just so he could see her again. Now his work crew has her work crew all heated up.
This was actually a well written short story. Although it is typical and predictable it was an enjoyable read overall.
The author did a good job in plotting it out and follow through. Both characters were written with personalities that the reader could attach too.
August 8, 2014
Received from Netgalley for honest review.
Fun and sexy, with sexual tension and incredible chemistry. Annmarie is an upcoming fashion designer with deadlines to meet. Nick leads the construction crew next door. Naturally her seamstresses are distracted by his shirtless team. While asking him to make sure the men wear shirts sparks fly and fireworks begin. It's funny how two adults can act so immature and miscommunicate. The secondary characters were fun and witty. Annmarie and Nick were very entertaining. This was a pleasant, funny and sexual book.
Fun and sexy, with sexual tension and incredible chemistry. Annmarie is an upcoming fashion designer with deadlines to meet. Nick leads the construction crew next door. Naturally her seamstresses are distracted by his shirtless team. While asking him to make sure the men wear shirts sparks fly and fireworks begin. It's funny how two adults can act so immature and miscommunicate. The secondary characters were fun and witty. Annmarie and Nick were very entertaining. This was a pleasant, funny and sexual book.
July 16, 2014
Funny, cute and still very much a Kate Douglas novel when it comes to those steamy and erotic scenes. 68 & Climbing was definitely engaging and entertaining with two main leads that sizzle and burn together while definitely captivating readers with their witty dialogues. This a departure from the usual paranormal romance from Kate Douglas but definitely still holds the readers attention throughout.
December 4, 2015
My second book by Kate Douglas and I loved it!
I'm not a fan of paranormal books, so I havent read Kate Douglas until now and I hope she continues to write more contemporary stories.
This was funny and sexy and I loved the witty banter between the H/h ~ it keeps you engaged and not wanting to put the book down.
Highly Recommend this author!
Thank you NetGalley & Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
I'm not a fan of paranormal books, so I havent read Kate Douglas until now and I hope she continues to write more contemporary stories.
This was funny and sexy and I loved the witty banter between the H/h ~ it keeps you engaged and not wanting to put the book down.
Highly Recommend this author!
Thank you NetGalley & Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 26, 2014
Someone turn up the AC cause Nick and Annie are steaming up the place. Normally, I don't go for hot and heavy at first sight but it's just too delish not to appreciate the sparks. This is definitely a great read. It moved a bit too fast in the end for me but I forgave that piece because the raw hotness of the title more than made up for it. It could've been a smidge linger to develop the story and relationships more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews