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Love Required #1
No Dress Required
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
He'll make her forget all about the dress...
After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check.
Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.
When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over.
He'll make her forget all about the dress...
After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check.
Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.
When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over.
61 pages, Nook
First published December 27, 2011
62 people are currently reading
2454 people want to read
About the author
Cari Quinn
124 books2,152 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
January 3, 2020
After years of secret longing, Noelle is determined to seduce her best friend’s brother, Jake, at the New Year’s party. Except that her plans are crushed when her car is carjacked, along with the perfect dress two hours before the party.
When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road — looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it — he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party.
His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted...
I loved the basic situation with their secret crush on each other, with all their insecurities and doubts, and I loved the execution of the story as well. It is sweet, funny, steamy, emotional, written in a smooth, engaging writing style.
The familiar tone between Jake and Noelle is captivating, and it makes you smile as they are teasing each other. The erotic scenes are steamy and intimate.
A perfect little story about the beginning of their love. Highly recommended!
When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road — looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it — he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party.
His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted...
I loved the basic situation with their secret crush on each other, with all their insecurities and doubts, and I loved the execution of the story as well. It is sweet, funny, steamy, emotional, written in a smooth, engaging writing style.
“You know what the legend is, right?”
“That the person you kiss will be the one you kiss all year?”
“Yes. I take such legends seriously.”
The familiar tone between Jake and Noelle is captivating, and it makes you smile as they are teasing each other. The erotic scenes are steamy and intimate.
She reached for his hands. Knotting their fingers one by one felt like an oath, and his heartbeat sped up at the feel of the pulse in her wrist.
A perfect little story about the beginning of their love. Highly recommended!
September 25, 2015
***2.5 Stars***
I picked this up as a quick read to squeeze in during my lunch break. I was in the mood for a quick, smutty read and knew that a Brazen best friend's older brother trope would fit the bill nicely. While the concept was there, the novella failed in execution. The ideas weren't fully fleshed out, and in turn, things felt disjointed, choppy, rushed and forced.
But, my main grievance is that there was little character chemistry. Both Nellie and Jake felt very one dimensional and I didn't feel much passion or any spark between them, which made the sex kind of awkward for me. Also, they both felt "young" for how old they're suppose to be (Nellie in her mid 20's and Jake in his early 30's).
And don't even get me started on the fact that Jake's longtime girlfriend had left him to become a nun!?!?!
August 12, 2013
I thought this was a sweet, teeny tiny story. They didn't have sexual scenes till 60% in so there was a lot of chemistry build up between the pair before they finally jumped to it. I thought the sex was steamy and the author managed to cram a lot into such a short book. I also was surprised by there was an actual story too. I enjoyed this book.
I would recommend this book but since it is only 61 pages i leave it up to you whether or not you would think it is worth the price.
I would recommend this book but since it is only 61 pages i leave it up to you whether or not you would think it is worth the price.
December 4, 2013
No Dress Required Review on K-Books
I really have no idea what to say in this review. I had never heard of this book before until I received the second book in this series for review from Entangled Publishing. I found this on Amazon for kindle and decided I would get it and read it before I started book 2, No Flowers Required. I kind of wish I hadn't because I really didn't enjoy this book.
Noelle, or Nellie, has crushed on her best friends brother, Jake, for years. So when her best friends New Years party is coming up she decides it is the perfect time to seduce him. What she doesn't count on is her car, along with all of her things... including the perfect dress, getting stolen. Suddenly she finds herself alone with Jake in a snow storm she puts her plan in motion. But will she be able to walk away after the seduction... or will it just leave her wanting more?
I thought this book sounded pretty great. I am a big fan of contemporary romance and a total hopeless romantic so I usually love these type of books. However this one just fell a little bit short for me. I don't know whether it was because of the length of the book, it's only around 60 pages, but I just couldn't really connect with the characters.
I didn't particuarly like Noelle, I felt right from the beginning that she was just kind of an idiot. I mean she is being carjacked and tells the carjacker that he can't have the car because it's new. Why the hell would you tell a carjacker that you car is new. She really made me want to slam my head into the desk because she was just so idiotic. I didn't really like her and she kept the idiotic behaviour up right from the beginning to the end. Add that to the fact I found Jake, our love interest really boring and I wasn't really interested in their relationship. Jake is definitely not the kind of guy I would like and he seemed a bit safe and a bit boring. When he was saying nice romantic things to Noelle, usually I would be like "Aww that is so cute... swoon" but in this book I was more like "oh yeah... he said something to her."
As well as not really connecting with the characters I found the book kind of rushed and you didn't get the chance to see what the characters were really like. You're just thrown right in with them both secretly being in love with each other but no reasons why. I didn't quite get what has happened to make them love each other. You don't get to see the qualities they have that make them attractive to the other and it just went by very quickly.
I will still go on to read book 2 in the series as it is about different characters and my main problem with this book was that I couldn't really connect with the characters and I didn't really like them all that much. I really hope to like the second book in this series better.
I really have no idea what to say in this review. I had never heard of this book before until I received the second book in this series for review from Entangled Publishing. I found this on Amazon for kindle and decided I would get it and read it before I started book 2, No Flowers Required. I kind of wish I hadn't because I really didn't enjoy this book.
Noelle, or Nellie, has crushed on her best friends brother, Jake, for years. So when her best friends New Years party is coming up she decides it is the perfect time to seduce him. What she doesn't count on is her car, along with all of her things... including the perfect dress, getting stolen. Suddenly she finds herself alone with Jake in a snow storm she puts her plan in motion. But will she be able to walk away after the seduction... or will it just leave her wanting more?
I thought this book sounded pretty great. I am a big fan of contemporary romance and a total hopeless romantic so I usually love these type of books. However this one just fell a little bit short for me. I don't know whether it was because of the length of the book, it's only around 60 pages, but I just couldn't really connect with the characters.
I didn't particuarly like Noelle, I felt right from the beginning that she was just kind of an idiot. I mean she is being carjacked and tells the carjacker that he can't have the car because it's new. Why the hell would you tell a carjacker that you car is new. She really made me want to slam my head into the desk because she was just so idiotic. I didn't really like her and she kept the idiotic behaviour up right from the beginning to the end. Add that to the fact I found Jake, our love interest really boring and I wasn't really interested in their relationship. Jake is definitely not the kind of guy I would like and he seemed a bit safe and a bit boring. When he was saying nice romantic things to Noelle, usually I would be like "Aww that is so cute... swoon" but in this book I was more like "oh yeah... he said something to her."
As well as not really connecting with the characters I found the book kind of rushed and you didn't get the chance to see what the characters were really like. You're just thrown right in with them both secretly being in love with each other but no reasons why. I didn't quite get what has happened to make them love each other. You don't get to see the qualities they have that make them attractive to the other and it just went by very quickly.
I will still go on to read book 2 in the series as it is about different characters and my main problem with this book was that I couldn't really connect with the characters and I didn't really like them all that much. I really hope to like the second book in this series better.
March 1, 2012
I normally enjoy this author's work but this story seemed somehow disjointed from the beginning. She'd been in love with him forever but was just looking for one night, he wasn't ready for a relationship but was in love with her. At one point he tells her he's not ready for her to love him then, not even one minute later, tells her he loves her. Even the sex scenes were slightly awkward. It wasn't a horrible waste of time, but I really enjoyed Insatiable and Provoke Me so maybe I just had higher expectations for this one. I'd add a half star for the cheap factor and say 2.5 stars overall.
June 20, 2012
Cari Quinn has created a stellar friends to lovers story.
This is a perfectly-crafted novella that packs a big punch. I actually read "No Dress Required" while I was waiting on my daughter to finish ballet rehearsals. Can you say, "busy mommy loves novellas?" ;)
I really enjoy a friends to lovers story. Jake and Noelle are sweet, charming and delightful. There were parts of this story that had me laughing out loud. The writing is passionate and provocative. The characters and dialogue are witty and real.
"No Dress Required" is a wonderful mix of realism, humor, heat and romance.
Quinn never disappoints.
This is a perfectly-crafted novella that packs a big punch. I actually read "No Dress Required" while I was waiting on my daughter to finish ballet rehearsals. Can you say, "busy mommy loves novellas?" ;)
I really enjoy a friends to lovers story. Jake and Noelle are sweet, charming and delightful. There were parts of this story that had me laughing out loud. The writing is passionate and provocative. The characters and dialogue are witty and real.
"No Dress Required" is a wonderful mix of realism, humor, heat and romance.
Quinn never disappoints.
April 7, 2012
Devoured this in one sitting!
Absolutely sensational!
Cari Quinn has a unique voice that sucks you into the story from the very beginning.
For a shorter read, the emotional and sexual tension between Noelle and Jake is top rate.
Love, love, loved the fireworks they created! Steamy yet sweet.
Highly recommend.
Absolutely sensational!
Cari Quinn has a unique voice that sucks you into the story from the very beginning.
For a shorter read, the emotional and sexual tension between Noelle and Jake is top rate.
Love, love, loved the fireworks they created! Steamy yet sweet.
Highly recommend.
January 5, 2013
Short, sexy and smutastic ... A quick and satisfying read that had me laughing and smiling from beginning to fabulous ending 4 steamy lovely stars!
July 15, 2014
If you are after a quick and reasonably steamy read this fits the bill. It is short but packs plenty in.
I had read it's successor No Flowers Required prior to this (which a full length and much steamier book), so I already had been introduced to Nellie and Jake. Both likeable endearing realistic characters, this is a story of how their relationship began and helped certain parts of No Flowers Required make a little more sense.
If you like contemporary sexy romance, this series is worth reading.
I had read it's successor No Flowers Required prior to this (which a full length and much steamier book), so I already had been introduced to Nellie and Jake. Both likeable endearing realistic characters, this is a story of how their relationship began and helped certain parts of No Flowers Required make a little more sense.
If you like contemporary sexy romance, this series is worth reading.
February 1, 2015
2.5/5 stars
It was an okay read. I didn't really feel their chemistry. Even though it was only around 60 pages, it felt like it was too long.
She's in love with this guy forever, but al she wants going in is a one night stand? He lost the love of his life, but all of a sudden has always been head over heels for her?
It was an okay read. I didn't really feel their chemistry. Even though it was only around 60 pages, it felt like it was too long.
She's in love with this guy forever, but al she wants going in is a one night stand? He lost the love of his life, but all of a sudden has always been head over heels for her?
March 4, 2012
An absolute delight! In a short amount of time, Cari Quinn got me to bond with her heroine, fall in love and lust with her hero, and cheer this couple on to their happily ever after. Well written and fast moving, this is simply a must have for a romance reader's shelf!
June 3, 2017
This was an extremely short story, really more of an overly extended sex scene rather than anything else. The ending was very abrupt, and we didn't really have time to connect with the characters much. The carjacking was somewhat implausible, as well as the situation that happened when the police showed up. It was entertaining enough for such a short read, and did give me an idea of the author's writing style, but I'm not certain I'll be continuing with the series.
January 11, 2012
My Review:
A New Year's Eve that has not gone according to plan. First Noelle was pretty sure that she's losing her job, but that was offset by the fact that she found the perfect dress to seduce her best friend's older brother at the New Year's Eve party. But everything was blown when her car with that perfect dress in the backseat was carjacked.
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Cari's writing and I LOVE that she is branching out into more mainstream contemporary romance. This book was just wonderful fun. I am excited about this new line for Entangled Publishing, Flirts. They are already off to a wonderful start.
Noelle has been crushing on Jake for years and she has finally decided that this is her year. She is going to start it off by seducing him. She has found the perfect dress that will show him that she is not that little girl that he once knew.
On the other hand, there is Jake and he has definitely noticed that Noelle isn't a little girl anymore, but he sure doesn't want her or anyone else to know that fact. He has been avoiding her ever since he came to town, but seeing her snuggled up to a strange (much older) man along the side of the road is more than he can handle, so he has to stop. What follows is a mess of emotions for these two, but makes for incredibly fun reading for the reader.
This book is fun. This book is entertaining. I loved the ups and downs of the 36 hours during which the book takes place. It's a fabulous trope and Cari writes it wonderfully well with just the perfect amount of chemistry, fun, and sexual tension. I especially loved it when the sister gets involved...so fun and heartwarming.
A New Year's Eve that has not gone according to plan. First Noelle was pretty sure that she's losing her job, but that was offset by the fact that she found the perfect dress to seduce her best friend's older brother at the New Year's Eve party. But everything was blown when her car with that perfect dress in the backseat was carjacked.
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Cari's writing and I LOVE that she is branching out into more mainstream contemporary romance. This book was just wonderful fun. I am excited about this new line for Entangled Publishing, Flirts. They are already off to a wonderful start.
Noelle has been crushing on Jake for years and she has finally decided that this is her year. She is going to start it off by seducing him. She has found the perfect dress that will show him that she is not that little girl that he once knew.
On the other hand, there is Jake and he has definitely noticed that Noelle isn't a little girl anymore, but he sure doesn't want her or anyone else to know that fact. He has been avoiding her ever since he came to town, but seeing her snuggled up to a strange (much older) man along the side of the road is more than he can handle, so he has to stop. What follows is a mess of emotions for these two, but makes for incredibly fun reading for the reader.
This book is fun. This book is entertaining. I loved the ups and downs of the 36 hours during which the book takes place. It's a fabulous trope and Cari writes it wonderfully well with just the perfect amount of chemistry, fun, and sexual tension. I especially loved it when the sister gets involved...so fun and heartwarming.
December 30, 2011
No Dress Required is required reading for anyone wanting a fun, flirty read for New Year's Eve. It is a novella, so you can read it quickly in one big gulp, and even better it is only 99 cents. Truly, there is no reason why anyone should pass up this steal.
I adore stories written about best friends falling in love, or girls falling for their best friend's older brothers, and this book has both. Noelle and Jake are good friends, and he is the best friend's older brother that she's lusted over for years. Finally Noelle has given herself a deadline--she will seduce him on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, she forgot to clue in the car jacker who steals her car, leaving her without the new seductively spiffy dress she bought for the occasion--and has her standing on the roadside in a horrendous holiday shirt with bunnies. Naturally, Jake finds her this way. Not exactly the siren look she was going for.
Cari Quinn flawlessly establishes the caring relationship between these two characters, adds a whole lot of steam and sexiness, and tops it all off with huge doses of hilarity. I was smiling from ear to ear practically the entire read. She gave me everything I wanted and expected out of this story, and more. This was my first Cari Quinn book, but she now has a literary stalker for life.
Yes, this would be a fun read any time of the year, but with two days left of 2011, I suggest picking this baby up now. You won't regret it :-)
I adore stories written about best friends falling in love, or girls falling for their best friend's older brothers, and this book has both. Noelle and Jake are good friends, and he is the best friend's older brother that she's lusted over for years. Finally Noelle has given herself a deadline--she will seduce him on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, she forgot to clue in the car jacker who steals her car, leaving her without the new seductively spiffy dress she bought for the occasion--and has her standing on the roadside in a horrendous holiday shirt with bunnies. Naturally, Jake finds her this way. Not exactly the siren look she was going for.
Cari Quinn flawlessly establishes the caring relationship between these two characters, adds a whole lot of steam and sexiness, and tops it all off with huge doses of hilarity. I was smiling from ear to ear practically the entire read. She gave me everything I wanted and expected out of this story, and more. This was my first Cari Quinn book, but she now has a literary stalker for life.
Yes, this would be a fun read any time of the year, but with two days left of 2011, I suggest picking this baby up now. You won't regret it :-)
January 11, 2012
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
The friends to lovers trope is always good for me. And this one adds in friend's brother! BONUS. This was a quick romp through past mistakes, present mishaps, and the oh so beautiful possibilities of the future. Nellie and Jake have been circling each other for ages, both too afraid to face the idea of getting together.
Jake's a little shaky thanks to a surprise break up with his longtime girlfriend a few months before and Nellie is fed up with waiting for her shot with the man she's loved longer than she can remember. Add in a car-jacking, fuzzy bunnies, and a snow storm and you get a ton of fun before the ball drops.
With a little convincing and a whole lot of creativity they find their way to a happily ever after that leaves you smiling and wishing your New Year's Eve ended the same way.
Did I mention I loved it?
If not...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
The friends to lovers trope is always good for me. And this one adds in friend's brother! BONUS. This was a quick romp through past mistakes, present mishaps, and the oh so beautiful possibilities of the future. Nellie and Jake have been circling each other for ages, both too afraid to face the idea of getting together.
Jake's a little shaky thanks to a surprise break up with his longtime girlfriend a few months before and Nellie is fed up with waiting for her shot with the man she's loved longer than she can remember. Add in a car-jacking, fuzzy bunnies, and a snow storm and you get a ton of fun before the ball drops.
With a little convincing and a whole lot of creativity they find their way to a happily ever after that leaves you smiling and wishing your New Year's Eve ended the same way.
Did I mention I loved it?
If not...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
January 21, 2012
Noelle Gregory is a smart, fun woman, who has always had a crush on her best friend's brother, Jake. (Just that bit of info should have you rushing to read this book!) So when her friend plans a New Year's party, Noelle comes prepared--perfect dress, perfect shoes, perfect bra--only she never gets the chance to put any of her sexy garments into use thanks to a carjacker stealing her car…and everything inside.
Noelle feels hopeless until she runs into Jake and finds herself alone with him at her friend's house. I'm sure you can guess the intense, wonderful, hilarious events to come.
NO DRESS REQUIRED is an adorable read, full of fun characters and pure passion. I highly recommend it!
Noelle feels hopeless until she runs into Jake and finds herself alone with him at her friend's house. I'm sure you can guess the intense, wonderful, hilarious events to come.
NO DRESS REQUIRED is an adorable read, full of fun characters and pure passion. I highly recommend it!
February 17, 2012
After a really long week and a horrible mood to finish it off this book was exactly what I needed! It's a fun, flirty, sexy novella that left me smiling and squirming in my seat! I adored the humor, the sexual chemistry between the characters made me shiver and all but drool onto the page, and to be honest, I simply lusted over Jake. AND...come on that title is just FANTASTIC!
This is my first taste of Cari Quinn and it won't be my last!!
This is my first taste of Cari Quinn and it won't be my last!!
March 12, 2012
Cari Quinn writes such real, three-dimensional characters, it's easy and automatic to fall right into the story from the first paragraph. I was cheering for Noelle and Jake immediately. I loved this story. (Just wish it had been longer! LOL) :)
tbr-later
July 10, 201525 January 2015: $0.99
April 23, 2012
Loved this story! Fun and sexy. I'm a big fan of Ms. Quinn's. If you haven't read this one I would ask why the heck not? Go buy it. Now.
February 16, 2012
Adorable novella, super sexy with fun, likeable characters!
May 1, 2022
If he doesn't like your bunny shirt, he's not a keeper.
...
He's a keeper.
...
He's a keeper.
September 29, 2024
2.5/5* - It was an okay, easy read. I enjoyed authors writing style but I think the book didn’t age well - it just seems a bit boring.
January 3, 2012
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
Before I read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn:
I just downloaded No Dress Required on the Kindle App on my phone. All of my other books look like this:…………………………….., but No Dress Required looks like this:…. I just looked on goodreads.com and saw that No Dress Required is only 61 pages; that’s quite a short story. Oh well, sometimes the short ones are the best ones. I’m off to read this itty bitty book now.
5 minutes later...
After I read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn:
Kidding! It actually took me about half an hour to read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn. This novel was PRECIOUS. It was the PERFECT PICK for me because I read this story on New Year’s Eve and this story takes place on New Year’s Eve – I didn’t plan that either. Yes, it was an extremely short novel -the entire novel takes place in a day and a half - , but it was an EXTREMELY CUTE novel too.
Even though this was a short story, I still made a strong connection with the two main characters- Noelle and Jake. The main reason I developed such a strong connection with the characters was because this story was told from both Jake and Noelle’s perspectives. I was able to see behind their actions and inside their thoughts which allowed me to understand them and root for them. Also, I absolutely LOVED this novel’s plot! What can I say? I’m a sucker for stories where the girl secretly crushes on their friend’s older brother/older brother’s friend.
I gave No Dress Required by Cari Quinn 3 STARS (3.5 STARS). I consider that a really good rating; it means that I enjoyed - really enjoyed - this novel. I recommend this short, sexy novel to adults who enjoy a good romance. It’s only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle so there is no reason to pass this story up.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
Before I read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn:
I just downloaded No Dress Required on the Kindle App on my phone. All of my other books look like this:…………………………….., but No Dress Required looks like this:…. I just looked on goodreads.com and saw that No Dress Required is only 61 pages; that’s quite a short story. Oh well, sometimes the short ones are the best ones. I’m off to read this itty bitty book now.
5 minutes later...
After I read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn:
Kidding! It actually took me about half an hour to read No Dress Required by Cari Quinn. This novel was PRECIOUS. It was the PERFECT PICK for me because I read this story on New Year’s Eve and this story takes place on New Year’s Eve – I didn’t plan that either. Yes, it was an extremely short novel -the entire novel takes place in a day and a half - , but it was an EXTREMELY CUTE novel too.
Even though this was a short story, I still made a strong connection with the two main characters- Noelle and Jake. The main reason I developed such a strong connection with the characters was because this story was told from both Jake and Noelle’s perspectives. I was able to see behind their actions and inside their thoughts which allowed me to understand them and root for them. Also, I absolutely LOVED this novel’s plot! What can I say? I’m a sucker for stories where the girl secretly crushes on their friend’s older brother/older brother’s friend.
I gave No Dress Required by Cari Quinn 3 STARS (3.5 STARS). I consider that a really good rating; it means that I enjoyed - really enjoyed - this novel. I recommend this short, sexy novel to adults who enjoy a good romance. It’s only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle so there is no reason to pass this story up.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
May 29, 2015
I needed a quick, light read to get me to sleep, and that's exactly what I got in No Dress Required. Not that it bored me to sleep, but it got my mind off the book I didn't like and the book that messed with my head I'd just finished earlier that day. This was a sweet, quick, sexy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Noelle is in lust with her best friend's older brother, Jake. Jake is attracted to Noelle, who he's always called Nellie, but resists because he's known her forever, and his sister would be furious. Noelle is determined to grab Jake's attention with an eye-catching dress at her friend's party, but then an incoming snowstorm, a weather delay at the airport, and a carjacking all throw her plans to the wind. When Jake challenges her to reveal the truth about her feelings, they're tossed together, and Noelle makes the most of it.
I picked this up for my Kindle because my friend, who's in my writing group and is friends with the author, assured me there was no alpha male, a common romance trope that I avoid. This is friends-to-lovers, and Jake, while self-assured and handsome, is also kind and has a healthy dose of humility. His wonderful girlfriend of five years left him to become a nun, and his ego is still recovering.
The story is funny, though not laugh-out-loud. Noelle has her idiosyncrasies, and not everything lines up perfectly between this pair. They laugh about it together, though, creating a warmth underneath the sexual tension that says a lot about their potential longevity.
I understand this book isn't the best representation of Cari Quinn's work. Her other books are naughtier, and skimming over the descriptions confirms what I've been told. This is the first Cari Quinn book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. I'm intrigued about what her spicier books might hold.
Noelle is in lust with her best friend's older brother, Jake. Jake is attracted to Noelle, who he's always called Nellie, but resists because he's known her forever, and his sister would be furious. Noelle is determined to grab Jake's attention with an eye-catching dress at her friend's party, but then an incoming snowstorm, a weather delay at the airport, and a carjacking all throw her plans to the wind. When Jake challenges her to reveal the truth about her feelings, they're tossed together, and Noelle makes the most of it.
I picked this up for my Kindle because my friend, who's in my writing group and is friends with the author, assured me there was no alpha male, a common romance trope that I avoid. This is friends-to-lovers, and Jake, while self-assured and handsome, is also kind and has a healthy dose of humility. His wonderful girlfriend of five years left him to become a nun, and his ego is still recovering.
The story is funny, though not laugh-out-loud. Noelle has her idiosyncrasies, and not everything lines up perfectly between this pair. They laugh about it together, though, creating a warmth underneath the sexual tension that says a lot about their potential longevity.
I understand this book isn't the best representation of Cari Quinn's work. Her other books are naughtier, and skimming over the descriptions confirms what I've been told. This is the first Cari Quinn book I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. I'm intrigued about what her spicier books might hold.
September 4, 2012
Nellie has been crushing on her best friend's older brother Jake for as long as she can remember but the timing has never been right for her to make a move on him. Now Jake is single and his sister's New Years party is the perfect opportunity for Nellie to show him that she's no longer the young girl who used to follow him around and that's she's grown into the sexy woman of his dreams. But when a thief steals her perfect seduction outfit (along with her car and her handbag full of condoms!) it looks like her plans are about to unravel. How can she seduce Jake wearing nothing but a daft holiday t-shirt and stripy socks? It looks like Nellie isn't the only one with a crush though and Jake may just be about to turn the tables and try to seduce her.
I have loved every story that I've read by Cari Quinn and No Dress Required was no exception to that. Although her stories are novellas Cari has a way of drawing the reader in and making them instantly connect with he main characters. I think most women would be able to see something of themselves in Nellie and I'm sure we would be falling just as hard for Jake as she has. Jake is not only gorgeous and sexy as hell he is also head over heels for Nellie and isn't afraid to admit it. I love the fact that there are none of your usual misunderstandings between them - Jake is surprisingly perceptive about how Nellie is feeling and he knows just what to say to make her feel good.
No Dress Required is a fun, sexy read that's perfect for when you want something you can devour in one sitting. My only disappointment was that it isn't longer - not because the story has an unsatisfactory ending but because I just wanted to spend more time with Nellie and Jake! If you love contemporary romance and are a fan of the friends to lovers trope then you should definitely be adding this to your to read pile.
I have loved every story that I've read by Cari Quinn and No Dress Required was no exception to that. Although her stories are novellas Cari has a way of drawing the reader in and making them instantly connect with he main characters. I think most women would be able to see something of themselves in Nellie and I'm sure we would be falling just as hard for Jake as she has. Jake is not only gorgeous and sexy as hell he is also head over heels for Nellie and isn't afraid to admit it. I love the fact that there are none of your usual misunderstandings between them - Jake is surprisingly perceptive about how Nellie is feeling and he knows just what to say to make her feel good.
No Dress Required is a fun, sexy read that's perfect for when you want something you can devour in one sitting. My only disappointment was that it isn't longer - not because the story has an unsatisfactory ending but because I just wanted to spend more time with Nellie and Jake! If you love contemporary romance and are a fan of the friends to lovers trope then you should definitely be adding this to your to read pile.
January 6, 2012
This is a score sheet review. For the full review with the scores, please visit MBR's Realm of Romance
Score Sheet Summary:
Noelle Gregory has always had a thing for her best friend’s older brother Jake Conroy. Though Jake has always viewed her as a pesky younger sister, Noelle’s feelings for him run far deeper towards a whole different direction. The timing has never been right for Noelle to pursue her feelings towards Jake. And when the opportunity does present itself, who is she to say no to exploring what could happen between them? She is willing to take the chance that maybe, just maybe, Jake might feel the same way about her.
This is Cari’s first non-erotic contemporary romance and I loved it. After my last read which was pretty intense, I found the change of pace this offered sweet and just what I needed. Though a short novella, Cari’s writing is always superb with that emotional intensity that always sucks me in with her stories. I loved Jake and Noelle both, Jake because he was the one with the self confidence issues and Noelle the one who shows him that he is just mighty fine the way he is.
Though it is a non-erotic romance, don’t be fooled into thinking that there is no heat in this novella. There is plenty of that and more and Cari always delivers with her stories and leaves you begging for more!
Recommended for fans of Cari Quinn and fans hot contemporary novellas!
Rating=4.5/5
Quote(s) included below!
Score Sheet Summary:
Noelle Gregory has always had a thing for her best friend’s older brother Jake Conroy. Though Jake has always viewed her as a pesky younger sister, Noelle’s feelings for him run far deeper towards a whole different direction. The timing has never been right for Noelle to pursue her feelings towards Jake. And when the opportunity does present itself, who is she to say no to exploring what could happen between them? She is willing to take the chance that maybe, just maybe, Jake might feel the same way about her.
This is Cari’s first non-erotic contemporary romance and I loved it. After my last read which was pretty intense, I found the change of pace this offered sweet and just what I needed. Though a short novella, Cari’s writing is always superb with that emotional intensity that always sucks me in with her stories. I loved Jake and Noelle both, Jake because he was the one with the self confidence issues and Noelle the one who shows him that he is just mighty fine the way he is.
Though it is a non-erotic romance, don’t be fooled into thinking that there is no heat in this novella. There is plenty of that and more and Cari always delivers with her stories and leaves you begging for more!
Recommended for fans of Cari Quinn and fans hot contemporary novellas!
Rating=4.5/5
Quote(s) included below!
March 30, 2012
I saw this book on kindle for only 99 cents. I came on here an noticed it was just 60 or so pages and that most of the ratings were 3 stars and above. I decided to give this short story by an author I have never read, a try.
I am somewhat disappointed, and I feel like I wasted my time. I feel like there was so much more that could have happened between these two characters. I think the author did a great job of describing the scene and describing the erotic parts of the book but when it came to the dialogue between Jake and Nellie, it written very awkwardly. In my opinion the dialogue was awful throughout the whole story. Anytime two characters were talking it just seemed awkward. My thought is that Quinn was trying to show the indecisiveness of the two main characters but failed miserably by making the dialogue seem fake. I could not for the life of me picture two people who are secretly in love with each other, and want each other sexually, talking to each other like that. Even the dialogue between Jake and his sister was awkward. It turned the book from a possibly really good story to an awkward, I can hear bad porn music playing in the background, type book. I was very disappointed. I am now interested to read more books from Quinn because it is my hope that she can write something better than this.
I am somewhat disappointed, and I feel like I wasted my time. I feel like there was so much more that could have happened between these two characters. I think the author did a great job of describing the scene and describing the erotic parts of the book but when it came to the dialogue between Jake and Nellie, it written very awkwardly. In my opinion the dialogue was awful throughout the whole story. Anytime two characters were talking it just seemed awkward. My thought is that Quinn was trying to show the indecisiveness of the two main characters but failed miserably by making the dialogue seem fake. I could not for the life of me picture two people who are secretly in love with each other, and want each other sexually, talking to each other like that. Even the dialogue between Jake and his sister was awkward. It turned the book from a possibly really good story to an awkward, I can hear bad porn music playing in the background, type book. I was very disappointed. I am now interested to read more books from Quinn because it is my hope that she can write something better than this.
February 18, 2014
First paragraph: “Get out of the car, dammit!”
Noelle Gregory stared at the leather covered finger pointing at her through the open car window. Where had the day gone wrong? A sunny December afternoon in Ohio was something to be cherished and enjoyed. She’d been doing just that, until she’d stopped at a deserted intersection four flipping blocks from her apartment and looked up to see a scruffy guy glowering down at her with his so-not-a-gun pointed her way.
"No Dress Required" starts with a great premise - Noelle's big plans to seduce her best friend's big brother is left stranded on the side of the road after she is carjacked, taking her seduction outfit with the car. Despite a great set up, the book just really failed to deliver any sizzle. Our heroine Noelle clearly resides in the TSTL category: she drives with her doors unlocked, tells her unarmed carjacker the car is brand new, and even offers him money from her purse. She wears cutsey holiday shirts with puffed out cotton ball bunny tails. Her childhood crush, our erstwhile big brother Jake, is boring as all getout. He's a pharma sales rep, his long-time ex-girlfriend broke up with him to date Jesus in a convent. Arghh - how am I supposed to like these characters?
I've read Quinn before, so I'm not going to give up on this series. Just Noelle and Jake.
Noelle Gregory stared at the leather covered finger pointing at her through the open car window. Where had the day gone wrong? A sunny December afternoon in Ohio was something to be cherished and enjoyed. She’d been doing just that, until she’d stopped at a deserted intersection four flipping blocks from her apartment and looked up to see a scruffy guy glowering down at her with his so-not-a-gun pointed her way.
"No Dress Required" starts with a great premise - Noelle's big plans to seduce her best friend's big brother is left stranded on the side of the road after she is carjacked, taking her seduction outfit with the car. Despite a great set up, the book just really failed to deliver any sizzle. Our heroine Noelle clearly resides in the TSTL category: she drives with her doors unlocked, tells her unarmed carjacker the car is brand new, and even offers him money from her purse. She wears cutsey holiday shirts with puffed out cotton ball bunny tails. Her childhood crush, our erstwhile big brother Jake, is boring as all getout. He's a pharma sales rep, his long-time ex-girlfriend broke up with him to date Jesus in a convent. Arghh - how am I supposed to like these characters?
I've read Quinn before, so I'm not going to give up on this series. Just Noelle and Jake.
January 31, 2014
A quick read that really didn't have anything new to it. I did enjoy the great beginning, but just one day after finishing it, there is no lingering memories of this book.
An enjoyable enough read, but totally forgettable.
An enjoyable enough read, but totally forgettable.
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