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It's All About Attitude #6
Anything for You
The world according to Sam Kirk has just turned upside down. His best friend and business partner, Delaney Michaels, has returned from vacation a new woman…a gorgeous, hot new woman. Suddenly Sam is thinking entirely inappropriate thoughts about his buddy. Worse, with Delaney's changed look, she's abandoning their friendship in pursuit of the picket-fence dream. It's a nightmare come true.
Then one night finds them tangling in the sheets.
It should feel wrong, wrong, wrong…instead, it feels very right. And now Sam knows exactly what he'd do to keep his best absolutely anything.
Then one night finds them tangling in the sheets.
It should feel wrong, wrong, wrong…instead, it feels very right. And now Sam knows exactly what he'd do to keep his best absolutely anything.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
27 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mayberry
159 books1,149 followersSarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 26, 2011
3 1/2 stars
This is a friends-to-lovers story, and that's all I need to say to summarize the plot. :) I like this kind of story, it's one of my comfort reads. I usually know what I'm getting and it's up to the author to deliver engaging characters, a pleasant pace to the story, some nice banter between the H/h and, why not, sexy love scenes.
This book was a hit in almost everything - Sam and Delaney were likable, their chemistry was great and their interactions (in and outside of the bedroom) were fun - but there was something off with the development of Sam's journey from "friend" to "lover". I liked him, but he seemed to be kind of imature for a 30-year-old man...
Sam in dreadlocks:
He spent the whole story completely clueless about his feelings - and Delaney's too, for that matter - and, a few pages before the end of the book, he had a sudden epiphany and realized he was in love with her... Yes, I've read books like that before and I enjoyed them shamelessly, but something in Ms. Mayberry's writing didn't sell that scenario to me this time. An epilogue would have helped me to believe Sam's change of heart, but alas, there wasn't one in the book.
This is a friends-to-lovers story, and that's all I need to say to summarize the plot. :) I like this kind of story, it's one of my comfort reads. I usually know what I'm getting and it's up to the author to deliver engaging characters, a pleasant pace to the story, some nice banter between the H/h and, why not, sexy love scenes.
This book was a hit in almost everything - Sam and Delaney were likable, their chemistry was great and their interactions (in and outside of the bedroom) were fun - but there was something off with the development of Sam's journey from "friend" to "lover". I liked him, but he seemed to be kind of imature for a 30-year-old man...
Sam in dreadlocks:
He spent the whole story completely clueless about his feelings - and Delaney's too, for that matter - and, a few pages before the end of the book, he had a sudden epiphany and realized he was in love with her... Yes, I've read books like that before and I enjoyed them shamelessly, but something in Ms. Mayberry's writing didn't sell that scenario to me this time. An epilogue would have helped me to believe Sam's change of heart, but alas, there wasn't one in the book.
October 14, 2014
I loved this the fourth time around just as much.
December 12, 2009
5 stars – Contemporary Romance
After harboring unrequited love for her best friend Sam for the past sixteen years, Delaney realizes that enough is enough and decides that she needs to cut him loose from her life if she’s to ever stand a chance of moving on and having the family she so desperately wants. But Delaney’s more than just his business partner and best friend, she’s the best thing in his life. Will Sam finally recognize what’s been staring him right in the face for the last sixteen years before it’s too late?
This is a really sweet, passionate, touching, and Blaze’n hot best friends to lovers story and another great, romantic read from author Sarah Mayberry. 5 stars!
After harboring unrequited love for her best friend Sam for the past sixteen years, Delaney realizes that enough is enough and decides that she needs to cut him loose from her life if she’s to ever stand a chance of moving on and having the family she so desperately wants. But Delaney’s more than just his business partner and best friend, she’s the best thing in his life. Will Sam finally recognize what’s been staring him right in the face for the last sixteen years before it’s too late?
This is a really sweet, passionate, touching, and Blaze’n hot best friends to lovers story and another great, romantic read from author Sarah Mayberry. 5 stars!
November 20, 2015
Delaney and Sam have been best friends for over 16 years, and Delaney has been in love with Sam for every day of those 16 years. But, the one time she tried to get his attention and make him see her as more than just a buddy, he laughed at her and that was all it took to put to rest any hopes she had to be more to him.
They grow up together, start a business together, rent apartments in the same building, hang out together and keep quiet as they watch men and women come and go from each other’s lives. But after spending a week with her sister, Delaney knows she needs more from life than sitting on the sidelines, watching Sam as he happily goes through woman after woman, never considering settling down. Delaney has waited, hoping against all odds that Sam would realize what they could have together. During this visit with her sister, watching her sister’s kids play, etc, Delaney realizes that this is what she wants from life, and while she wants it with Sam, it’s clear he doesn’t want the same things. So instead of spending the rest of her life pining away for someone who doesn’t love her the way she loves him, she decides to break all ties with Sam and try to move on with her life…
…but Sam isn’t about to give up so easily. While he doesn’t understand exactly why Delaney is leaving, he’s not willing to give up his best friend without a fight. So many of their issues could have been quickly resolved had Delaney just told Sam how she was feeling. But, I can understand how she would worry about him not sharing his feelings, and not wanting to embarrass herself. After all, he’d never given any indication that he thought of her as anything more than a friend.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more by Sarah Mayberry. It was a well written, convincing storyline with characters who had down-to-earth feelings, and suffered believable consequences for their actions.
There were some loose strings at the end of the story, for example; was Delaney going to try and regain the things she had left behind during her journey for her new life? I would have loved to have had those answers. And I have to admit, I did do some skipping because there were sections with an awful lot of internal dialog where both characters were mentally rehashing the same things over and over, but still, a great read!
Sexual content Vaginal, oral.
They grow up together, start a business together, rent apartments in the same building, hang out together and keep quiet as they watch men and women come and go from each other’s lives. But after spending a week with her sister, Delaney knows she needs more from life than sitting on the sidelines, watching Sam as he happily goes through woman after woman, never considering settling down. Delaney has waited, hoping against all odds that Sam would realize what they could have together. During this visit with her sister, watching her sister’s kids play, etc, Delaney realizes that this is what she wants from life, and while she wants it with Sam, it’s clear he doesn’t want the same things. So instead of spending the rest of her life pining away for someone who doesn’t love her the way she loves him, she decides to break all ties with Sam and try to move on with her life…
…but Sam isn’t about to give up so easily. While he doesn’t understand exactly why Delaney is leaving, he’s not willing to give up his best friend without a fight. So many of their issues could have been quickly resolved had Delaney just told Sam how she was feeling. But, I can understand how she would worry about him not sharing his feelings, and not wanting to embarrass herself. After all, he’d never given any indication that he thought of her as anything more than a friend.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more by Sarah Mayberry. It was a well written, convincing storyline with characters who had down-to-earth feelings, and suffered believable consequences for their actions.
There were some loose strings at the end of the story, for example; was Delaney going to try and regain the things she had left behind during her journey for her new life? I would have loved to have had those answers. And I have to admit, I did do some skipping because there were sections with an awful lot of internal dialog where both characters were mentally rehashing the same things over and over, but still, a great read!
Sexual content Vaginal, oral.
Read
January 3, 2018I love Sarah Mayberry, the characters were likable if stupid so why am I being a cranky-pants reviewer? No score for now.
But smoking sex scenes of which there are many.
But smoking sex scenes of which there are many.
March 31, 2013
I confess, I am a sucker for a friends to lovers story. When I asked the lovely Lisa Jayne ❤(hello love!!) for a recommendation I was desperate to fall in love with a story. This book delivered ...... A swarm of book butterflies came at me. Nothing like being attacked when embarking on a journey out of the friend zone ! Men are sometimes such obtuse blind fools-can't see what's right in front of them.....they're deaf too - they can't hear the tic toc of the biological clock! Can't live with them, can't live without them. Cant procreate without their boys a-swimming dang it. Not only did I get a healthy greedy needy dose of much needed book butterflies - I also got a fair share of the girlie giggles. Don't be jelly, you can too ! Read this book !
July 11, 2011
2 Stars
I've decided that after reading a few "friends-to-lovers" themed books, I am NOT a fan of these type of stories. They drive me nuts! Most of these stories center on friendships that span years and the sheer lack self-awareness, in regards to romantic feelings, for one or both characters, irks me to no end. I'd sure feel special if it took someone I was in love with (usually one friend is already in love with the other) years to figure out they were in love with me. What a keeper. Not.
I do like Sarah Mayberry's writing style and feel she's a talented author. Unfortunately, the two books of hers I've read were books that had the "friends-to-lovers" premise. I will definitely read this author again. I'll just pick a different type of story next time.
I've decided that after reading a few "friends-to-lovers" themed books, I am NOT a fan of these type of stories. They drive me nuts! Most of these stories center on friendships that span years and the sheer lack self-awareness, in regards to romantic feelings, for one or both characters, irks me to no end. I'd sure feel special if it took someone I was in love with (usually one friend is already in love with the other) years to figure out they were in love with me. What a keeper. Not.
I do like Sarah Mayberry's writing style and feel she's a talented author. Unfortunately, the two books of hers I've read were books that had the "friends-to-lovers" premise. I will definitely read this author again. I'll just pick a different type of story next time.
February 19, 2010
I have come to realize that I love Sarah Mayberry and I would most likely enjoy all her books. But this one, I just didn't love it as much as the other ones I read. It was friends-to-lovers, one of my all-time favorite themes, but there were a few flaws that I just couldn't get past.
I'll start with the premise: Delaney and Sam have been best friends for 16 years, since they were 14 years old. They do everything together, the live in the same building and they even set up a company together. The problem is, Delaney has loved Same since she was 14 too, but he has never seen her as anything more than his best friend. Now, at 30, Delaney's biological clock is ticking and she just wants a family, something that she could never have if she remains stuck as Sam's bff. So she decides to change her life and leave her best friend, knowing he's not the type to marry or settle. Somehow, this starts Sam's sexual awareness of his best friend and hopefully he would figure out that what they have is much more than a simple friendship.
I do love the premise. It's great. The problem are the characters. They literally run around the issue that is so obviously there. I don't understand why Delaney could just tell Same that she was in love with him when she was leaving him forever anyway. And Sam, ok, he's just dumb. I like dumb guys, but he was so completely out of the loop for their relationship, that it took the last chapter for him to figure it all out. And if you map out the time period, I think that's 3 months after he realized that he lusted after his best friend. About 11 weeks after they had sex... yea, that's pretty slow to me.
Overall, it was actually an endearing read. It was merely the fact that they could not communicate with each other that was so frustrating. Which is also why I can't rate this a 5.
I'll start with the premise: Delaney and Sam have been best friends for 16 years, since they were 14 years old. They do everything together, the live in the same building and they even set up a company together. The problem is, Delaney has loved Same since she was 14 too, but he has never seen her as anything more than his best friend. Now, at 30, Delaney's biological clock is ticking and she just wants a family, something that she could never have if she remains stuck as Sam's bff. So she decides to change her life and leave her best friend, knowing he's not the type to marry or settle. Somehow, this starts Sam's sexual awareness of his best friend and hopefully he would figure out that what they have is much more than a simple friendship.
I do love the premise. It's great. The problem are the characters. They literally run around the issue that is so obviously there. I don't understand why Delaney could just tell Same that she was in love with him when she was leaving him forever anyway. And Sam, ok, he's just dumb. I like dumb guys, but he was so completely out of the loop for their relationship, that it took the last chapter for him to figure it all out. And if you map out the time period, I think that's 3 months after he realized that he lusted after his best friend. About 11 weeks after they had sex... yea, that's pretty slow to me.
Overall, it was actually an endearing read. It was merely the fact that they could not communicate with each other that was so frustrating. Which is also why I can't rate this a 5.
August 3, 2013
This review can also be found on Portable Pieces of Thought-blog.
Sam Kirk and Delaney Michaels are in love. He just doesn’t know it yet. She’s known it since she was fourteen but has managed to convince herself that he won’t ever return her feelings, so why bother telling him. No, instead of talking to him, she’s going to run away.
That’s the conflict of this story.
I guess in certain circles it could be viewed as romantic to wait for the other person come to the right conclusion by himself, but when you’re tired of waiting and decided on leaving him without saying a word? Nope, that’s just cruel. To his credit Sam says so at one point before promptly ruining the moment with sexual innuendo. I could understand Delaney deluding herself while they were still stuck in the platonic gear, but the moment she decided to make a change, telling him should have become step one. Or step two. Any step before quitting her job, selling her flat, and telling him she never wanted to talk to him again.
Preferably after the second time they had sex and before she went to her enabler sister who came up with the brilliant plan of weekend of sex to get Sam out of Delaney’s system. And the scoundrel knew it would backfire.
There’s nothing wrong with Mayberry’s writing; the story just didn’t work for me. Two hundred pages of miscommunication fuelled angst and sex, and a two page resolution dropped the otherwise entertaining narrative just below my meh line.
Sam Kirk and Delaney Michaels are in love. He just doesn’t know it yet. She’s known it since she was fourteen but has managed to convince herself that he won’t ever return her feelings, so why bother telling him. No, instead of talking to him, she’s going to run away.
That’s the conflict of this story.
I guess in certain circles it could be viewed as romantic to wait for the other person come to the right conclusion by himself, but when you’re tired of waiting and decided on leaving him without saying a word? Nope, that’s just cruel. To his credit Sam says so at one point before promptly ruining the moment with sexual innuendo. I could understand Delaney deluding herself while they were still stuck in the platonic gear, but the moment she decided to make a change, telling him should have become step one. Or step two. Any step before quitting her job, selling her flat, and telling him she never wanted to talk to him again.
Preferably after the second time they had sex and before she went to her enabler sister who came up with the brilliant plan of weekend of sex to get Sam out of Delaney’s system. And the scoundrel knew it would backfire.
There’s nothing wrong with Mayberry’s writing; the story just didn’t work for me. Two hundred pages of miscommunication fuelled angst and sex, and a two page resolution dropped the otherwise entertaining narrative just below my meh line.
December 20, 2009
Awesome story!
I never expect much from Blaze (or other Harelquin) titles, but this was a great great book!
In particular, I loved the heroine! It was all or nothing, no second best for her! Unlike so many heroines, she doesn't give in to the Hero at the frop of a hat... No, she sticks to her guns, all the way through.
The Hero, though quite a bit dense, was fun to read about as well... Watching him try to figure out why things were changing, but really having no clue was very entertaining, in not a little frustrating!
And the nicest bit, is that we really get into their heads. One my favorite parts of Romance novels, is feeling what the characters feel, at least to some extent. So many authors will make the romance hinge on the sex (and general external forces) and tack on a Happy Ever After that leaves us wondering how long said HEA will last. And while there were quite a few hot scenes in this one, we (the reader) really get the feeling that these two people will last a long time together, which honestly, just leaves me with a great bit ol' smile on my face :)
The only real issue I had (and why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5) was that the ending is pretty abrupt...An epilogue would have been nice. or even just a few more pages!
Despite easy resolution though, this is one of only a few blaze titles, that I'd say is a Don't miss!
And I seriously hope Ms Mayberry has some full length novels on the way!
I never expect much from Blaze (or other Harelquin) titles, but this was a great great book!
In particular, I loved the heroine! It was all or nothing, no second best for her! Unlike so many heroines, she doesn't give in to the Hero at the frop of a hat... No, she sticks to her guns, all the way through.
The Hero, though quite a bit dense, was fun to read about as well... Watching him try to figure out why things were changing, but really having no clue was very entertaining, in not a little frustrating!
And the nicest bit, is that we really get into their heads. One my favorite parts of Romance novels, is feeling what the characters feel, at least to some extent. So many authors will make the romance hinge on the sex (and general external forces) and tack on a Happy Ever After that leaves us wondering how long said HEA will last. And while there were quite a few hot scenes in this one, we (the reader) really get the feeling that these two people will last a long time together, which honestly, just leaves me with a great bit ol' smile on my face :)
The only real issue I had (and why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5) was that the ending is pretty abrupt...An epilogue would have been nice. or even just a few more pages!
Despite easy resolution though, this is one of only a few blaze titles, that I'd say is a Don't miss!
And I seriously hope Ms Mayberry has some full length novels on the way!
August 17, 2017
Oh. My. Heart. This book. Seriously. Sarah Mayberry knows how to write scorching, toe-curling romances. And this was certainly, one of her best.
Sam and Delaney have been friends with one another, ever since Delaney moved into the house next door and inserted herself into the neighbourhood. And while she's spent that 16 years in love with her neighbour, Sam had been pursuing other women, and staying well away from anything that had a whiff of permanence. Something had to give, and give it did after Delaney had spent her holidays with her sister's family and her niece and nephews. They were both 30, and Delaney was watching her dreams of husband and children disappear before Sam would even acknowledge an interest in her.
And therein, lies my problem with the story, and why I took off a star. And then Sam - stupid Sam! So keen on not getting hurt, that he had closed himself to the possibility that his attraction to Delaney (and how his heart ached everytime she wasn't nearby) had something resembling love. I just wanted to knock their heads together! And the ending - so quickly resolved! Jeeeeeeeez. Took her long enough! :| You'll know it when you read it, because despite some of these issues, it was still an amazing read. Loved it!
Sam and Delaney have been friends with one another, ever since Delaney moved into the house next door and inserted herself into the neighbourhood. And while she's spent that 16 years in love with her neighbour, Sam had been pursuing other women, and staying well away from anything that had a whiff of permanence. Something had to give, and give it did after Delaney had spent her holidays with her sister's family and her niece and nephews. They were both 30, and Delaney was watching her dreams of husband and children disappear before Sam would even acknowledge an interest in her.
And therein, lies my problem with the story, and why I took off a star. And then Sam - stupid Sam! So keen on not getting hurt, that he had closed himself to the possibility that his attraction to Delaney (and how his heart ached everytime she wasn't nearby) had something resembling love. I just wanted to knock their heads together! And the ending - so quickly resolved! Jeeeeeeeez. Took her long enough! :| You'll know it when you read it, because despite some of these issues, it was still an amazing read. Loved it!
April 7, 2013
Imagine that, after a makeover, your best friend suddenly sees the sexy you and, feeling UNABLE to resist, he blurts out "for what's worth, sorry about that" and grabs your breast.
Sorry guys, but that's called sexual harassment. To go ahead and touch a woman like that -a person who trusts you utterly and completely- when you believe she's NOT interested, is creepy as hell. And no, saying "tell me to stop and I will" AFTER the fact is not cutting it.
It doesn't matter that both hero and heroine have the hots for each other, and she of course orders him to keep going. When Sam does that to Laney he believes that he's doing something SHE WON'T LIKE. And yet HE GOES ALONG WITH IT ANYWAY. He offers her the option of saying no AFTER grabbing her breast. But, hey, he said sorry, so it's OK, right? And the worst part is that what drives him to this action is a wardrobe malfunction which leaves one of Laney's breasts exposed. Yeah, that's right. If I accidentally flash someone, and this someone has the hots for me, that means I'm good for the taking, right?
Ugh. I know this wasn't the author's intention, and she just wanted to write a nice, steamy scene, but she failed miserably.
Sorry guys, but that's called sexual harassment. To go ahead and touch a woman like that -a person who trusts you utterly and completely- when you believe she's NOT interested, is creepy as hell. And no, saying "tell me to stop and I will" AFTER the fact is not cutting it.
It doesn't matter that both hero and heroine have the hots for each other, and she of course orders him to keep going. When Sam does that to Laney he believes that he's doing something SHE WON'T LIKE. And yet HE GOES ALONG WITH IT ANYWAY. He offers her the option of saying no AFTER grabbing her breast. But, hey, he said sorry, so it's OK, right? And the worst part is that what drives him to this action is a wardrobe malfunction which leaves one of Laney's breasts exposed. Yeah, that's right. If I accidentally flash someone, and this someone has the hots for me, that means I'm good for the taking, right?
Ugh. I know this wasn't the author's intention, and she just wanted to write a nice, steamy scene, but she failed miserably.
July 28, 2014
This book is not up to par with other books from Sarah Mayberry.
The characters started out looking very promising. Delaney especially managed to be slightly tomboy, but never so much so that she could be mistaken for a belching he-man watching football drinking beer. I liked the way she decided to take over control over her life so as to achieve her long time goal and really understood her dilemna regarding her partner Sam. Sam as the clueless womanizing easy-going surfer also had potential.
However the story turned out short quickly, as soon as they had sex "accidentally" twice. Then they indulged in a full sex free week-end intended to exorcise their attraction and leave them free to get back to a normal relationship. That trope never seemed very convincing and here was even less convincing than most. And the character development, for which Mayberry can be really brilliant, was totally stopped during all those long sex interludes.
The ending was a bit rushed, especially as I did not really get how Sam managed to understand his true feelings and to come to terms with those in the blink of an eye, or neither how he could convince Delaney so quickly. She must really have been more of a pushover than what I expected and I can't say I like that.
The characters started out looking very promising. Delaney especially managed to be slightly tomboy, but never so much so that she could be mistaken for a belching he-man watching football drinking beer. I liked the way she decided to take over control over her life so as to achieve her long time goal and really understood her dilemna regarding her partner Sam. Sam as the clueless womanizing easy-going surfer also had potential.
However the story turned out short quickly, as soon as they had sex "accidentally" twice. Then they indulged in a full sex free week-end intended to exorcise their attraction and leave them free to get back to a normal relationship. That trope never seemed very convincing and here was even less convincing than most. And the character development, for which Mayberry can be really brilliant, was totally stopped during all those long sex interludes.
The ending was a bit rushed, especially as I did not really get how Sam managed to understand his true feelings and to come to terms with those in the blink of an eye, or neither how he could convince Delaney so quickly. She must really have been more of a pushover than what I expected and I can't say I like that.
September 5, 2011
Why do I always do this to myself? I've read several books with this theme (h falls in love -or always has been in love-with her best (guy) friend.) Every time, I end up frustrated. The same thing happens in all books with this theme. She refuses to tell him her feelings because she knows he does not return them. He is way too dense to notice, even though it's obvious to anyone else. I always find myself yelling at fictional characters to wake up! I mean, if she told him how she felt one of two things would happen. A) She would find out that he actually does love her back, or B) He would let her go so she could begin to get over him and move on. Wouldn't it be better to suffer a tiny bit of humiliation than to keep getting your heart broken over and over? So why do I keep coming back to this particular story line? Because I secretly love it. I love witnessing as a thick man comes to realize what he has had all along. I love watching a heroine who finally gets what she wants so badly after waiting so long. Ok, now that I've gotten my "trouble with this theme" speech out of the way. Let me tell you how this one measures up.
I liked the unique relationship Sam and Delaney shared. They weren't just best buddies, they were business partners. And practically roommates, as she lived in the apartment down stairs from him.
Their transition from to friends to more than friends was......well it was HOT, that's what it was. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have any "pillow talk" moments, but his speech at the end was worth it. I also wish there had been an epilogue.
Overall, it was a good read at a great Kindle price. And you can be sure this won't be the last time I'll torture myself with the "friends falling in love" theme.
I liked the unique relationship Sam and Delaney shared. They weren't just best buddies, they were business partners. And practically roommates, as she lived in the apartment down stairs from him.
Their transition from to friends to more than friends was......well it was HOT, that's what it was. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have any "pillow talk" moments, but his speech at the end was worth it. I also wish there had been an epilogue.
Overall, it was a good read at a great Kindle price. And you can be sure this won't be the last time I'll torture myself with the "friends falling in love" theme.
November 16, 2011
TBR Challenge 2011: General category This book has been on my TBR list since Dec. 2010.
3.5*
Sarah Mayberry is an excellent writer and Anything for You is another success. Unfortunately, the plotting suffers because of the emphasis on sex scenes in the Harlequin Blaze line. Mayberry makes plot decisions based on getting the couple in bed multiple times instead of using the space to explore the changing relationship between Sam and Delaney more fully. This makes for a good story with a fairly high steam factor, but gives it less depth than there could have been. This also makes for some implausible situations, such as Delaney and Sam having been friends since they were 12 and him never noticing her in a sexual way. They'd been surfing together for years and he never noticed her figure in a bikini? Really? I'm not buying that. (Small nit-pick: Sam and Delaney are said to have met when they were 12, been friends for 16 years and the author repeatedly states they're both 30. You do the math. It doesn't add up.)
I also had a hard time believing two people who are as close as these two wouldn't talk things out. What did Delaney have to lose by letting him know her feelings?
Anything for You is a good book, but if you want a better book that deal with the friends-to-lovers theme try Her Best Friend by the same author. It's a complex look at a similar situation.
3.5*
Sarah Mayberry is an excellent writer and Anything for You is another success. Unfortunately, the plotting suffers because of the emphasis on sex scenes in the Harlequin Blaze line. Mayberry makes plot decisions based on getting the couple in bed multiple times instead of using the space to explore the changing relationship between Sam and Delaney more fully. This makes for a good story with a fairly high steam factor, but gives it less depth than there could have been. This also makes for some implausible situations, such as Delaney and Sam having been friends since they were 12 and him never noticing her in a sexual way. They'd been surfing together for years and he never noticed her figure in a bikini? Really? I'm not buying that. (Small nit-pick: Sam and Delaney are said to have met when they were 12, been friends for 16 years and the author repeatedly states they're both 30. You do the math. It doesn't add up.)
I also had a hard time believing two people who are as close as these two wouldn't talk things out. What did Delaney have to lose by letting him know her feelings?
Anything for You is a good book, but if you want a better book that deal with the friends-to-lovers theme try Her Best Friend by the same author. It's a complex look at a similar situation.
April 11, 2010
A man and a woman are best friends (and nothing but friends) for 14 years. During this time, the woman pines for the guy, who remains oblivious and beds every woman who catches his eye. One day, the woman decides she can't take it anymore and has to move on with her life. Her first step in this process is to get rid of her plain Jane/tomboy-esque haircut and clothes. Suddenly, the guy finds himself wildly attracted to his best friend. A great deal of hot sex, confusion, denial, and a lack of communication ensue, along with a fair amount of heartbreak and sadness (on both sides) until the end of the story.
This isn't a new premise, by any means. However, this book is saved from being purely formulaic and cliche by Sarah Mayberry's skill at creating characters that are easy to care about. Sam and Delaney have their quirks and their flaws, but their friendship always seems very real. Beyond that, their sexual chemistry is off-the-charts, and their journey from friendship to something more truly does tug at the heartstrings.
This is far from the typical, stale friends-to-lovers story that we're used to. Mayberry takes that old premise and reinvigorates it with so much steam and sincere emotion that the story becomes one of the best I've read with this particular theme.
This isn't a new premise, by any means. However, this book is saved from being purely formulaic and cliche by Sarah Mayberry's skill at creating characters that are easy to care about. Sam and Delaney have their quirks and their flaws, but their friendship always seems very real. Beyond that, their sexual chemistry is off-the-charts, and their journey from friendship to something more truly does tug at the heartstrings.
This is far from the typical, stale friends-to-lovers story that we're used to. Mayberry takes that old premise and reinvigorates it with so much steam and sincere emotion that the story becomes one of the best I've read with this particular theme.
April 11, 2011
Not a terrible book, my first by Sarah Mayberry. It's a friends-to-lovers romance premise. The characters were decently engaged and I did feel for Delaney, pining away for her BFF like that as he's totally oblivious. But ultimately it just felt self-indulgent and I can't get very excited about characters who are so completely unself-aware. Plus, although there is a HEA (surprise!) it came right at the very end of the book - after all that dancing about and not loving her, Sam finally admits he loves her and then there is only 2 pages of denouement? Puh-lease! Guess this was just not quite psychological or twisted enough for me!
September 8, 2012
2.5 stars. This was kind of a cute story about best friends becoming lovers. In the beginning the hero had dread locks and I thought that was so unique and I was loving the visual, but unfortunately the author made him cut it off before we even got to the middle of the story. Goodness forbids trying anything interesting and out of the norm for a change! That irritated me so much that the book lost some of it's appeal. It wasn't a bad read but it was very predictable and started to get tedious after awhile. I had never read a Blaze book before and all I can say is now I know why they call them Blaze! It was a very steamy read!
April 25, 2010
A makeover book! There is definitely a very large, very tween place in my heart for the redemptive power of a makeover. And at first it was refreshing to read about two people without damaged pasts/dark secrets/lurking serial killers. However, the whole course of this romance relies on miscommunication. First they lie to themselves. Then to each other. Then back to themselves while also to each other. Basic self awareness! I has it! You should too! By page 100, I realize that the book would have been a whole lot deeper, more complex, if someone told the truth on page 15
February 28, 2011
I might write a proper review later, I might not. Nothing about this really stuck out at me one way or the other, and those books are the hardest to review. I'd say this is a 3.5 rather than a flat 3. It has Mayberry's talented writing and pacing going for it, but relied on one too many cliches to be particularly memorable.
March 14, 2011
The book was ok. Nothing deep of course but the story was likeable. Some of the writing was repetitive which is a little annoying but the characters stay true to themselves. Not wishy washy. I liked that.
April 12, 2015
4.5 stars
I love Sarah Mayberry!And although this is not a perfect book (in SM standards)it's good enough with very interesting plot, super hot and very entertaining. I'm not a huge fan of the harlequin Blaze collection for several reasons, but how can you say no to a SM book?
I love Sarah Mayberry!And although this is not a perfect book (in SM standards)it's good enough with very interesting plot, super hot and very entertaining. I'm not a huge fan of the harlequin Blaze collection for several reasons, but how can you say no to a SM book?
November 19, 2010
Loved this--one of my favorite friends-to-lovers stories of all time. I recommend this one all the time to friends looking for a new author :)
September 9, 2011
Cute story, but a little drawn out for me. Could have been summed up a little quicker.
December 27, 2014
Two-haiku review:
Best friends forever
She decides she must leave him
To have family
Full of emotion
Mayberry always brings tears
I love her stories
Best friends forever
She decides she must leave him
To have family
Full of emotion
Mayberry always brings tears
I love her stories
January 30, 2023
I liked the dynamic here. So often the h is unable to get over the H when she's had a crush on him for ages. This book is different. Delaney decided to get away from Sam as she wants a husband and kids someday, which is impossible if she stays as the best friend of someone she's been in love with for 12 years and sees every day at work and at home. So, she decides to leave her job and find a new place to live. This doesn't agree with Sam as he can't understand why suddenly his best friend has decided to change her life so radically.
I liked Delaney. She's courageous, though I kept wondering where she kept getting money to buy a condo, remodel it and then buy a house and remodel it. Let alone the fact that she ended up unemployed and fixing a new home. Sam was funny but I didn't like his childishness. He skipped work in order to go skating, then spent a few days surfing, and seems unable to discuss serious matters unless forced to. Let's not start with the mommy issues. He's cute and all, but Delaney could do better, honestly.
I liked Delaney. She's courageous, though I kept wondering where she kept getting money to buy a condo, remodel it and then buy a house and remodel it. Let alone the fact that she ended up unemployed and fixing a new home. Sam was funny but I didn't like his childishness. He skipped work in order to go skating, then spent a few days surfing, and seems unable to discuss serious matters unless forced to. Let's not start with the mommy issues. He's cute and all, but Delaney could do better, honestly.
August 10, 2019
Writing and characterization are strong as always, but the plot of this one just didn't do it for me - tomboy has been in love with playboy best friend since they were teenagers, decides she wants to have a family and can't do it with him in her life filling all the husband gaps (except love/sex), so begins taking steps to exit his life while coincidentally making herself all hot to attract New Man. Playboy's attention is caught by the boobs, he starts getting jealous, and things proceed from there. I'm just not a big fan of pining romances, or man-boy heroes unless they put in a lot of work to grow up for reasons besides "oh hey I want to bang the heroine." That wasn't the case here.
February 8, 2018
I loved this. Absolutely loved it, even if Sam was a complete dumbass through most of the book. I mean, he started off with dreadlocks, for crying out loud. This book really captured what it’s like to like someone more than they like you, but with a happy ending. The end of this book was so sweet, my eyes got a little misty. Total dumbass! But adorable.
March 18, 2021
Anyone else not that interested in the hero? Just me? Okay. Uhhh I have zero sympathy for the heroine because she was a coward and refused to tell the hero how she felt. She deserved to almost lose her happy ending because of that. Just tell him! Stop assuming how he will react. Woman up you coward. Eh, skip.
December 29, 2023
Surprisingly hot and angsty. -1⭐️ because the ending was rushed… I think it’s out of character that the H would propose just like that after clearly being traumatised by his parents’ marriage and divorce. He’s lived a whole life without ever committing to a long term relationship so it just wasn’t believable to me at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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