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Hot Shots #1
Test Shot
Her fiancé offered her another man...she just never expected to fall in love with him.
Layla Palmer is starting over in New York City with a new job at Hot Shots, an agency that specializes in hiring talent for jobs with an erotic bent. Happily engaged, she writes off the changes in her relationship with her fiancé, Aidan, as growing pains. But that all comes into question when her beloved fiancé comes up with a startling he wants to watch her have sex with another man.
Aidan's a man on the edge, fighting demons he won't name in fear of losing the woman he loves forever. But the game he's playing can only continue for so long, especially when the man they decide to invite into their bed turns out to be Layla’s newest prospective model, Sawyer Blake.
Passion explodes between them, threatening to spill over and burn them all. Soon Aidan and Layla's already incendiary relationship hits the boiling point. Now she's fighting her own battles, including the conflicted feelings of lust and love she harbors for both men. But how can she figure out who to trust when everything she ever knew is changing, including herself?
Previously published by Loose Id in 2012
Contains an excerpt of Money Shot, Hot Shots book 2, coming summer 2015
Layla Palmer is starting over in New York City with a new job at Hot Shots, an agency that specializes in hiring talent for jobs with an erotic bent. Happily engaged, she writes off the changes in her relationship with her fiancé, Aidan, as growing pains. But that all comes into question when her beloved fiancé comes up with a startling he wants to watch her have sex with another man.
Aidan's a man on the edge, fighting demons he won't name in fear of losing the woman he loves forever. But the game he's playing can only continue for so long, especially when the man they decide to invite into their bed turns out to be Layla’s newest prospective model, Sawyer Blake.
Passion explodes between them, threatening to spill over and burn them all. Soon Aidan and Layla's already incendiary relationship hits the boiling point. Now she's fighting her own battles, including the conflicted feelings of lust and love she harbors for both men. But how can she figure out who to trust when everything she ever knew is changing, including herself?
Previously published by Loose Id in 2012
Contains an excerpt of Money Shot, Hot Shots book 2, coming summer 2015
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2012
31 people are currently reading
506 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 44 reviews
October 16, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
4.5 Stars
Man oh man, oh man! I love when I “discover” a new author who immediately engages me and makes me want to neglect everything in my house so I can finish her book from cover to cover. Cari Quinn has done that with her first book in the Hot Shots series, Test Shot. Besides an amazing cast of characters she has managed to write a brilliant story with a plot line quite unlike anything I’ve read before.
Layla Palmer and Aidan McMurray have been together for four years and engaged for a while. They recently relocated from Nebraska to New York and since the move something has been “off” in their relationship. Aidan has been distant and their sex life has fallen off to almost nothing. When Layla pleasures herself to a photo of a model she’s hoping to sign for the erotic talent agency she works for, she has no idea Aidan is even aware. But when Aidan not only confronts her but tells her to ask the model, Sawyer Blake, to join them she really begins to wonder what’s going on with them.
I can’t even begin to describe how fascinating this book is from start to finish. It drew me in and made me wish I could read even faster than I can because I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. I’ll begin by addressing the main characters.
Aidan is a doctor who now holds a teaching position. It’s evident that he’s got some dominant tendencies and he and Layla have experimented in that area. He also has a voyeuristic streak; he especially enjoys watching other men. He also loves Layla and will do anything he can to make and keep her happy. Throughout the book we see more and more about the person Aidan is and what makes him tick, we also find out a lot about why he behaves the way he thinks he should.
Layla is a talent agent and while she’s perfectly happy in her career, she longs for the house, white picket fence, loving husband and kids. She is completely devoted to Aidan often saying he’s her best friend but she misses their active sex life. She feels an instant connection with Sawyer when she sees his pictures but once she talks to him it becomes even more pronounced. The situation leaves her confused and conflicted and it only becomes harder once they actually start seeing each other.
Sawyer is a model and damn if he isn’t just an all around nice guy. I love his quick wit, his sense of humor, and they way he refuses to cut anyone any slack especially Aidan and Layla. He also recently moved from Nebraska to New York and while people think he’s a country bumpkin, he’s far from it. He is smart and refuses to do anything he’s uncomfortable with just to make money. What he never expects is to fall for an engaged woman who sets him off like no other. I love how fiercely loyal and protective he is of Layla.
I also want to mention the owners and senior agents of Hot Shots agency, Con and Drew. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with these guys but I am completely enamored with them both for different reasons. While they don’t have huge parts in this book, I had no doubt they will be getting their own stories and I can’t wait to see what Cari has in store for them.
I’ll admit I went into this book thinking it was going to be a typical ménage story but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is far from typical and easily one of the more complicated relationships I’ve seen explored in a book. With each chapter I held my breath wondering what was going to happen next and if I was prepared for it. I was on the edge of my seat because I so wanted a happy ending for everyone even though I knew in my gut that wasn’t going to happen. While I don’t want to ruin the ending, I will say that there is a happily ever after and there is a hint that everything is going to be okay for everyone involved.
Test Shot might be my first book by author Cari Quinn but I know it won’t be my last. Her writing is fluid and has an easy, comfortable feel. I love how well developed her characters are even the minor ones which makes me feel connected to them. I urge you to give this book a try; I think you’ll find that it has an unexpected emotional depth and if you’re like me it will absolutely leave you wanting more
4.5 Stars
Man oh man, oh man! I love when I “discover” a new author who immediately engages me and makes me want to neglect everything in my house so I can finish her book from cover to cover. Cari Quinn has done that with her first book in the Hot Shots series, Test Shot. Besides an amazing cast of characters she has managed to write a brilliant story with a plot line quite unlike anything I’ve read before.
Layla Palmer and Aidan McMurray have been together for four years and engaged for a while. They recently relocated from Nebraska to New York and since the move something has been “off” in their relationship. Aidan has been distant and their sex life has fallen off to almost nothing. When Layla pleasures herself to a photo of a model she’s hoping to sign for the erotic talent agency she works for, she has no idea Aidan is even aware. But when Aidan not only confronts her but tells her to ask the model, Sawyer Blake, to join them she really begins to wonder what’s going on with them.
I can’t even begin to describe how fascinating this book is from start to finish. It drew me in and made me wish I could read even faster than I can because I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. I’ll begin by addressing the main characters.
Aidan is a doctor who now holds a teaching position. It’s evident that he’s got some dominant tendencies and he and Layla have experimented in that area. He also has a voyeuristic streak; he especially enjoys watching other men. He also loves Layla and will do anything he can to make and keep her happy. Throughout the book we see more and more about the person Aidan is and what makes him tick, we also find out a lot about why he behaves the way he thinks he should.
Layla is a talent agent and while she’s perfectly happy in her career, she longs for the house, white picket fence, loving husband and kids. She is completely devoted to Aidan often saying he’s her best friend but she misses their active sex life. She feels an instant connection with Sawyer when she sees his pictures but once she talks to him it becomes even more pronounced. The situation leaves her confused and conflicted and it only becomes harder once they actually start seeing each other.
Sawyer is a model and damn if he isn’t just an all around nice guy. I love his quick wit, his sense of humor, and they way he refuses to cut anyone any slack especially Aidan and Layla. He also recently moved from Nebraska to New York and while people think he’s a country bumpkin, he’s far from it. He is smart and refuses to do anything he’s uncomfortable with just to make money. What he never expects is to fall for an engaged woman who sets him off like no other. I love how fiercely loyal and protective he is of Layla.
I also want to mention the owners and senior agents of Hot Shots agency, Con and Drew. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with these guys but I am completely enamored with them both for different reasons. While they don’t have huge parts in this book, I had no doubt they will be getting their own stories and I can’t wait to see what Cari has in store for them.
I’ll admit I went into this book thinking it was going to be a typical ménage story but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This is far from typical and easily one of the more complicated relationships I’ve seen explored in a book. With each chapter I held my breath wondering what was going to happen next and if I was prepared for it. I was on the edge of my seat because I so wanted a happy ending for everyone even though I knew in my gut that wasn’t going to happen. While I don’t want to ruin the ending, I will say that there is a happily ever after and there is a hint that everything is going to be okay for everyone involved.
Test Shot might be my first book by author Cari Quinn but I know it won’t be my last. Her writing is fluid and has an easy, comfortable feel. I love how well developed her characters are even the minor ones which makes me feel connected to them. I urge you to give this book a try; I think you’ll find that it has an unexpected emotional depth and if you’re like me it will absolutely leave you wanting more
March 26, 2013
2.5 Stars
Layla has moved to New York with her fiancee Aidan, and has a new job in Hot Shots an agency that specialises in hiring models for work erotic work. But Layla is starting to have doubts about her move to New York, Aidan has become more distant and barely touches her, and when he sees her attraction to Sawyer Blake, one of the models she is trying to sign up to Hot Shots, he proposes something she never expected.
There is a lesson to be learnt from this book...if after a few years your fiancee suddenly keeps buying you a plastic penis rather then using his own and then asks to watch you bang another guy then GO GO GO! Maybe I am being unsympathetic but I found it a bit exasperating why Layla never really started to question the rather unconventional situation she had found herself in even though it was making her miserable. This was my main problem with this book, that and it was too predictable, I knew what was going to happen and it got a little boring.
But, it wasn't all bad, the scenes where I wasn't shouting at my kindle for Layla to get a clue were pretty hot, Cari Quinn deifnitely knows how to write a hot sex scene and Layla and Sawyer had plenty of chemistry.
This book was a quick hot read, and although I did find it a little frustrating, I did enjoy it.
Layla has moved to New York with her fiancee Aidan, and has a new job in Hot Shots an agency that specialises in hiring models for work erotic work. But Layla is starting to have doubts about her move to New York, Aidan has become more distant and barely touches her, and when he sees her attraction to Sawyer Blake, one of the models she is trying to sign up to Hot Shots, he proposes something she never expected.
There is a lesson to be learnt from this book...if after a few years your fiancee suddenly keeps buying you a plastic penis rather then using his own and then asks to watch you bang another guy then GO GO GO! Maybe I am being unsympathetic but I found it a bit exasperating why Layla never really started to question the rather unconventional situation she had found herself in even though it was making her miserable. This was my main problem with this book, that and it was too predictable, I knew what was going to happen and it got a little boring.
But, it wasn't all bad, the scenes where I wasn't shouting at my kindle for Layla to get a clue were pretty hot, Cari Quinn deifnitely knows how to write a hot sex scene and Layla and Sawyer had plenty of chemistry.
This book was a quick hot read, and although I did find it a little frustrating, I did enjoy it.
September 18, 2014
Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics
To see review at Confessions
Test shot is the ironic name of the first book of Cari Quinn’s hot new series Hot Shots involving a modelling agency that caters to the more erotic side.
Layla moved five months ago to New York City with her fiancé Aidan and their relationship has gone stale. They haven’t had sex together in over a month if you don’t count a blowjob and hand-job and she not happy. He’s more interested in sex toys judging by the amount he’s bought home for her and she has found a measure of relief in them.
She’s happy with her job at Hot Series, an erotic model agency, where she is one of the trainee agents there trying to build her client base, when she grabs Sawyer Blake’s resume and falls in love with his photo. It’s the start of a series of events as her fiancé hears her with her purple dido getting off by fantasizing about him.
The next series of questions throws her off: “ Do you want him in our bed? His dick inside you instead of this?’ which she agrees to in a moment of passion but afterward she realizes that he was serious. Sawyer doesn’t usually fall in love with a girl’s voice although he does with Layla and the next morning the two meet to see if Sawyer would be a good fit for the agency. Layla doesn’t do her job properly as she too busy gaping at his body during a private viewing. She tells him to come back on Tuesday.
Adrian has a suggestion: why not do a threesome with Sawyer and so Layla invites Sawyer over to have fun but she’s never done something like this before. Adrian is still distanced from her and receiving texts from an old friend who he seems to be interested in. Adrian’s reasoning for inviting a third player into their relationship is that he has her heart and Sawyer can provide all the physical pleasure she can handle.
Grr! I hate Adrian at this juncture; he wants Layla happy but he is obviously in love with someone else and he thinks by proxy he will still retain Layla’s heart. I want to kill him at this point. It is no way to treat any girl and he is enjoying it. What the hell! Like this moment when they are discussing the terms:
“DP works for me too, but I’m not into guys. I mean, it’s fine if we’re both naked, obviously, but that’s all.” He cast an apologetic look at Lalya. “Sorry if that’s a problem”
Aidan shrugged. “ This is about the two of you, not me. If I participate, it’ll only be peripherally.”
“Oh.” It was Sawyer’s turn to shrug. “ Whatever turns you on”
“What turns me on is for you to give my fiancée pleasure. No more, no less. If you don’t make her come a half-dozen times, I’ll consider this night a dismal failure.
Later on that night, he leaves the room to take a shower, frustrating me completely at this point for his flippant abandonment. He in not part of the foreplay that’s happening between Layla and Sawyer that is heating up as they discover that they have similar backgrounds. Aidan wrecks the moment again when he walks in after his shower:
“ Now by all means…’ He waved a hand and settled into the cushions. All he need was a bowl of popcorn.”Please continue. Just pretend I’m not here. Unless you’d rather I really not be.”
I can’t stand it! Layla still wants to do this even though Adrian is an ass about the whole thing in my opinion and he makes her guilty. Meanwhile, Sawyer is loving that he is spending time with Layla and having sex with her too because when he initially met her he thought she was off limits because of her engagement. He bangs her thinking it is going to be a one-night stand. At this point, the book is frustrating me with how the characters are behaving and thinking.
This book is probably one that encourages divided reactions because Adrian changes like the weather scene to scene. One moment he’s interested in giving Layla pleasure and the next moment he acts like he has no interest. It’s hard to get past but then he starts acting like a human being and wanting sex in some form after the first night. I was like finally he seems to turn from being an ass but no, he has to invite Sawyer again, and goes back to being simply a voyeur. We are finally getting an insight and discover Adrian swings both ways and he regrets introducing Sawyer into his relationship with Layla. He comes to terms that he loves her but it’s more about the love rather than the sex.
Seeing Sawyer in the throes of climax—with his woman, no less—just served as a reminder of everything he would never have. Not orgasms. He loved sleeping with Layla, but so much of that was about his love for her rather than the sex itself. He’d never experienced sex with a man, not the full monty. Never would. By choice, even if it sometimes felt like a noose that would strangle him.
Towards the story’s end we’re given the whole picture, emergence and I get where Adrian was coming from. This is one messed up book and, like I said before, it encourages divided reactions because of Adrian. I have to give it five couples because it played me with my emotions and I wanted to throttle Adrian for the things he did. I’m glad I stuck it out with this book because it’s a little gem that has layers and you need to peel away to find the good stuff.
To see review at Confessions
Test shot is the ironic name of the first book of Cari Quinn’s hot new series Hot Shots involving a modelling agency that caters to the more erotic side.
Layla moved five months ago to New York City with her fiancé Aidan and their relationship has gone stale. They haven’t had sex together in over a month if you don’t count a blowjob and hand-job and she not happy. He’s more interested in sex toys judging by the amount he’s bought home for her and she has found a measure of relief in them.
She’s happy with her job at Hot Series, an erotic model agency, where she is one of the trainee agents there trying to build her client base, when she grabs Sawyer Blake’s resume and falls in love with his photo. It’s the start of a series of events as her fiancé hears her with her purple dido getting off by fantasizing about him.
The next series of questions throws her off: “ Do you want him in our bed? His dick inside you instead of this?’ which she agrees to in a moment of passion but afterward she realizes that he was serious. Sawyer doesn’t usually fall in love with a girl’s voice although he does with Layla and the next morning the two meet to see if Sawyer would be a good fit for the agency. Layla doesn’t do her job properly as she too busy gaping at his body during a private viewing. She tells him to come back on Tuesday.
Adrian has a suggestion: why not do a threesome with Sawyer and so Layla invites Sawyer over to have fun but she’s never done something like this before. Adrian is still distanced from her and receiving texts from an old friend who he seems to be interested in. Adrian’s reasoning for inviting a third player into their relationship is that he has her heart and Sawyer can provide all the physical pleasure she can handle.
Grr! I hate Adrian at this juncture; he wants Layla happy but he is obviously in love with someone else and he thinks by proxy he will still retain Layla’s heart. I want to kill him at this point. It is no way to treat any girl and he is enjoying it. What the hell! Like this moment when they are discussing the terms:
“DP works for me too, but I’m not into guys. I mean, it’s fine if we’re both naked, obviously, but that’s all.” He cast an apologetic look at Lalya. “Sorry if that’s a problem”
Aidan shrugged. “ This is about the two of you, not me. If I participate, it’ll only be peripherally.”
“Oh.” It was Sawyer’s turn to shrug. “ Whatever turns you on”
“What turns me on is for you to give my fiancée pleasure. No more, no less. If you don’t make her come a half-dozen times, I’ll consider this night a dismal failure.
Later on that night, he leaves the room to take a shower, frustrating me completely at this point for his flippant abandonment. He in not part of the foreplay that’s happening between Layla and Sawyer that is heating up as they discover that they have similar backgrounds. Aidan wrecks the moment again when he walks in after his shower:
“ Now by all means…’ He waved a hand and settled into the cushions. All he need was a bowl of popcorn.”Please continue. Just pretend I’m not here. Unless you’d rather I really not be.”
I can’t stand it! Layla still wants to do this even though Adrian is an ass about the whole thing in my opinion and he makes her guilty. Meanwhile, Sawyer is loving that he is spending time with Layla and having sex with her too because when he initially met her he thought she was off limits because of her engagement. He bangs her thinking it is going to be a one-night stand. At this point, the book is frustrating me with how the characters are behaving and thinking.
This book is probably one that encourages divided reactions because Adrian changes like the weather scene to scene. One moment he’s interested in giving Layla pleasure and the next moment he acts like he has no interest. It’s hard to get past but then he starts acting like a human being and wanting sex in some form after the first night. I was like finally he seems to turn from being an ass but no, he has to invite Sawyer again, and goes back to being simply a voyeur. We are finally getting an insight and discover Adrian swings both ways and he regrets introducing Sawyer into his relationship with Layla. He comes to terms that he loves her but it’s more about the love rather than the sex.
Seeing Sawyer in the throes of climax—with his woman, no less—just served as a reminder of everything he would never have. Not orgasms. He loved sleeping with Layla, but so much of that was about his love for her rather than the sex itself. He’d never experienced sex with a man, not the full monty. Never would. By choice, even if it sometimes felt like a noose that would strangle him.
Towards the story’s end we’re given the whole picture, emergence and I get where Adrian was coming from. This is one messed up book and, like I said before, it encourages divided reactions because of Adrian. I have to give it five couples because it played me with my emotions and I wanted to throttle Adrian for the things he did. I’m glad I stuck it out with this book because it’s a little gem that has layers and you need to peel away to find the good stuff.
October 23, 2012
Reviewed at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
Ever since they moved to a different city, the relationship between Aidan and Layla has changed. Together for four years, they used to have be both friends and lovers but now they barely touch. Now most of Layla’s orgasms are courtesy of the sex toys he frequently buys her, furtive bringing herself pleasure whilst he sleeps next to her.
When Aidan discovers her masturbating to a picture of the latest model she wants to sign for the erotic modelling agency for which she works, it sets off a chain events that changes their relationship for ever. He encourages her to invite Sawyer into their bed but he doesn’t want to be involved, he just wants to watch. He can’t give her what she needs anymore, a secret causing him to push away the woman he loves. He rolls the dice, takes the risk and hopes that his plan won't backfire and push her into the arms of another man.
Sawyer and Layla hit it off straight away and it takes very little convincing to get him into their bed. The chemistry is combustible, the affection very real; in the interest of keeping his secrets, could Aidan have sowed the seeds that will kill the one thing he is trying to save? When things become worse between Aidan and Layla, will she turn to Sawyer to give her the affection she craves? And will Sawyer settle to being a third forever? Or will he push for more?
It you read nothing else from this review, read this paragraph. This book is outstanding. It played with my emotions, tore strips off my heart and left me reeling. I didn’t expect this book to hook me the way that it did and didn’t predict the way the plot turns would leave me ignoring life in general to keep reading right up until the end. The ending is not what I expected either. I had an idea of where it was going, but found that idea changing with each and every chapter. I can’t say this book made me happy but it certainly made me feel something. It isn’t a easy, chick-lit romance that you devour in a week with a smile on your face through every page. It’s an angsty, emotional, intense read with flawed characters making decisions because of flawed reasoning and suffering greatly because of it. I will reread this book once I get over the way it made me feel the first time round.
These characters can’t stop hurting each other. Aidan is hiding a secret which is putting a wedge between him and Layla. Their relationship is on the verge of collapse, their love for each other the only thing keeping them from admitting the truth to themselves. By suggesting they bring Sawyer into his bed, Aidan thinks he is doing something that will save them, allowing them to stay together with Sawyer filling the gaps he can’t plug himself. Instead, he unintentionally hurts them all.
Layla feels rejected and unloved by the man she is to marry, so she allows herself to be pushed towards Sawyer. Yes, she is attracted to him, but she would be happy to just fantasize. Once he’s in her bed he shows her what a relationship should be like, but there is the constant shadow of Aidan in the corner to make her torture herself over her feelings and keep her unhappy. Sawyer loves being around her, but isn’t too happy being their third. Aidan creeps him out, but he is willing to put up with him as long as he gets to be close to Layla. Every time they are together, he forgets, for a little while, that she isn’t someone else’s girl and that this isn’t a temporary arrangement. Every time they are apart, it all floods back and then he hurts all over again. Mean while Aidan has to watch another man worm his way into the affections of the one woman who he adores and he can blame no one but himself.
I couldn’t decide what I wanted to happen with this book. At points, I wanted Sawyer and Layla to run off together (I loved them together), in others I wanted a happy ménage and in others I just wanted them all to go their separate ways and find relationships that didn’t cause them pain and pleasure in equal amounts. The only thing I never wanted was Layla and Aidan to go it alone. I did not like Aidan. His inability to deal with his secrets caused the emotional pain of three people and I couldn’t help see him as an emotionally selfish man. Yes, I felt sympathy for him but this was overshadowed by the anger I had at his complete disregard for anyone else but himself. He was the master puppeteer of this twisted triangle and I wanted him to bugger off. On reflection, I should also lump some of the blame at the feet of the other two characters for letting their emotions rule and allowing themselves to be treated like they didn’t matter as individuals. As you can tell, this book caused some angst in me, never mind the characters.
This review is turning into a thought dump so I’m going to leave it there. This book was filled with emotional angst, troubled character and a story line which kept me biting my nails throughout. It was a smoking hot, heart wrenching tale of two people trying to cling onto a relationship for all the wrong reasons and the repercussions of a spur of the moment decision that changed their lives forever.
Ever since they moved to a different city, the relationship between Aidan and Layla has changed. Together for four years, they used to have be both friends and lovers but now they barely touch. Now most of Layla’s orgasms are courtesy of the sex toys he frequently buys her, furtive bringing herself pleasure whilst he sleeps next to her.
When Aidan discovers her masturbating to a picture of the latest model she wants to sign for the erotic modelling agency for which she works, it sets off a chain events that changes their relationship for ever. He encourages her to invite Sawyer into their bed but he doesn’t want to be involved, he just wants to watch. He can’t give her what she needs anymore, a secret causing him to push away the woman he loves. He rolls the dice, takes the risk and hopes that his plan won't backfire and push her into the arms of another man.
Sawyer and Layla hit it off straight away and it takes very little convincing to get him into their bed. The chemistry is combustible, the affection very real; in the interest of keeping his secrets, could Aidan have sowed the seeds that will kill the one thing he is trying to save? When things become worse between Aidan and Layla, will she turn to Sawyer to give her the affection she craves? And will Sawyer settle to being a third forever? Or will he push for more?
It you read nothing else from this review, read this paragraph. This book is outstanding. It played with my emotions, tore strips off my heart and left me reeling. I didn’t expect this book to hook me the way that it did and didn’t predict the way the plot turns would leave me ignoring life in general to keep reading right up until the end. The ending is not what I expected either. I had an idea of where it was going, but found that idea changing with each and every chapter. I can’t say this book made me happy but it certainly made me feel something. It isn’t a easy, chick-lit romance that you devour in a week with a smile on your face through every page. It’s an angsty, emotional, intense read with flawed characters making decisions because of flawed reasoning and suffering greatly because of it. I will reread this book once I get over the way it made me feel the first time round.
These characters can’t stop hurting each other. Aidan is hiding a secret which is putting a wedge between him and Layla. Their relationship is on the verge of collapse, their love for each other the only thing keeping them from admitting the truth to themselves. By suggesting they bring Sawyer into his bed, Aidan thinks he is doing something that will save them, allowing them to stay together with Sawyer filling the gaps he can’t plug himself. Instead, he unintentionally hurts them all.
Layla feels rejected and unloved by the man she is to marry, so she allows herself to be pushed towards Sawyer. Yes, she is attracted to him, but she would be happy to just fantasize. Once he’s in her bed he shows her what a relationship should be like, but there is the constant shadow of Aidan in the corner to make her torture herself over her feelings and keep her unhappy. Sawyer loves being around her, but isn’t too happy being their third. Aidan creeps him out, but he is willing to put up with him as long as he gets to be close to Layla. Every time they are together, he forgets, for a little while, that she isn’t someone else’s girl and that this isn’t a temporary arrangement. Every time they are apart, it all floods back and then he hurts all over again. Mean while Aidan has to watch another man worm his way into the affections of the one woman who he adores and he can blame no one but himself.
I couldn’t decide what I wanted to happen with this book. At points, I wanted Sawyer and Layla to run off together (I loved them together), in others I wanted a happy ménage and in others I just wanted them all to go their separate ways and find relationships that didn’t cause them pain and pleasure in equal amounts. The only thing I never wanted was Layla and Aidan to go it alone. I did not like Aidan. His inability to deal with his secrets caused the emotional pain of three people and I couldn’t help see him as an emotionally selfish man. Yes, I felt sympathy for him but this was overshadowed by the anger I had at his complete disregard for anyone else but himself. He was the master puppeteer of this twisted triangle and I wanted him to bugger off. On reflection, I should also lump some of the blame at the feet of the other two characters for letting their emotions rule and allowing themselves to be treated like they didn’t matter as individuals. As you can tell, this book caused some angst in me, never mind the characters.
This review is turning into a thought dump so I’m going to leave it there. This book was filled with emotional angst, troubled character and a story line which kept me biting my nails throughout. It was a smoking hot, heart wrenching tale of two people trying to cling onto a relationship for all the wrong reasons and the repercussions of a spur of the moment decision that changed their lives forever.
December 1, 2012
A doctor and a hot male doctor, what's not to love in this threesome? Just one problem, there is no threesome. If the story blurb alluded to a ménage, forget it. There is no ménage here, unless the goal is for some cuckold voyeurism instigated by the hot doctor.
Layla is an agent for the company Hot Shots. She finds attractive male and female models for her company who represent the more risqué businesses in need of models. She's happily engaged to her fiancé, Aidan. Their move from Nebraska to the Big Apple is stressful with new jobs, new home and moving away from their loved ones. That must be why Aidan isn't sexing up Layla anymore. Or at least this is what she tells herself.
Sawyer is a model Layla is working on signing to her company. He's sexy and also from Nebraska. When Aidan suggests and manipulates the three of them into a ménage, no one is more surprised that Layla. Playing along, she succumbs to this wickedly divine sex after her long drought. Only, Aidan doesn't join in. He watches. Sure he was going to join in a bit with some split roasting or double penetration, but that didn't happen. The split roasting was barely there. Instead of a hot ménage, it's a guilty twosome with a fiancé watching a train wreck he's put into motion.
The reason behind all these shenanigans can be deduced by the reader from the very onset of the set up. The dragging out of a relationship on the rocks is torturous. It bears repeating again – torturous! The dysfunctional sexual relationship between Aidan and Layla after years of hot sex spills into their everyday life. It's a travesty and only brings to mind a song by the talented Ms. Alison Krause – Ghost in this House.
I'm just a ghost in this house
I'm just a shadow upon these walls
As quietly as a mouse I haunt these halls
I'm just a whisper of smoke
I'm all that's left of two hearts on fire
That once burned out of control
You took my body and soul
I'm just a ghost in this house
I don't care if it rains
I don't care if it's clear
I don't mind staying in
There's another ghost here
He sits down in your chair
And he shines with your light
And he lays down his head
On your pillow at night
The song goes on but I think I made my point clear. Please, just put me out of my misery. Put Layla out of her misery. There is nothing worse than a relationship that is in limbo with one person still in love. To add to the confusion, Sawyer is generating all sorts of feelings in Layla that she used to feel for Aidan.
Ms. Quinn does a great job creating a plausible relationship and how things going so well can go so wrong. The heartache in this story tempered with love, just not the right kind, is depressing. It's exactly what the reader should feel. Ms. Quinn hits this spot on. If only I was prepared for this tale of woe. I really thought I was going to get into a hot triad with sexy hot scenes. There are sexy hot scenes, just not as anticipated and with consistent morning after regrets. The writing is good; the theme is what brings this rating down for me since it wasn't what I was looking for when picking this book to read.
This book is recommended to kinky romance lovers who enjoy the complexity of love and painful secrets coming to light.
October 10, 2012
My Review:
I'll admit it...this book surprised me. I went into it expecting a somewhat traditional menage story (that just doesn't sound right does it? LOL....) but honestly that is not what this book was. This book is a highly emotionally charged book about three people who's world is changing, although not a single one of them really want that change.
All three of these characters are from Nebraska. They all moved to NYC within the last few months. Aidan and Layla have been dating and living together for 4 years. He's a doctor and decided they needed the change so he transplanted them to NYC where she went to work at Hot Shots, an erotic talent agency, as one of their talent scouts/agents. Layla and Aidan are engaged to be married, but things have been off for them every since they moved. They've always been highly sexual and adventurous, but suddenly Aidan isn't interested in actual sex anymore. His solution....invite someone else to their room to satisfy her. Layla isn't really on board with this idea, but she loves Aidan and knows that what they're doing isn't doing it for him, so she agrees...for him.
Sawyer just moved to NYC to model. His family needs the big bucks he can draw in by modeling, although he's really not into the whole scene. Before they even meet, he's drawn to Layla. Her accent reminds him of home and he's homesick. He's not so sure, at all, about this arrangement, but is intrigued enough by Layla to at least talk to her and Aidan about the possibilities. (BTW, it should be noted that at no time does this become anything about m/m...Sawyer flat out refuses to ever go there.) I loved the wholesome quality to Sawyer...he's just a great guy that you want to see happy.
This is a book that's almost like a car wreck...you know someone's going to get hurt and you just can't turn away. Aidan and Layla are completely and truly committed to each other, but something is wrong there that they need Sawyer. The connection between Sawyer and Layla is immediate and extremely powerful. They are so right together, but the three of them don't work. Sawyer and Aidan both care about Layla a LOT and there are serious undercurrents between them because of that. There's just no way in this situation can they all come out of it unscathed.
It's an interesting premise and I found myself completely caught up with the characters and the story. I love the way that Cari resolved it all and can't wait for the next book. I'm really hoping it's Con's story and that it picks up shortly after where this one finished because I'm intrigued with the possibilities and want to see that relationship blossom, especially after this book. I also really enjoyed the glimpses of Drew....I sense a tortured soul under all that man-whore gloss.
This was another great release from Cari Quinn. I'm excited about more from this series.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I'll admit it...this book surprised me. I went into it expecting a somewhat traditional menage story (that just doesn't sound right does it? LOL....) but honestly that is not what this book was. This book is a highly emotionally charged book about three people who's world is changing, although not a single one of them really want that change.
All three of these characters are from Nebraska. They all moved to NYC within the last few months. Aidan and Layla have been dating and living together for 4 years. He's a doctor and decided they needed the change so he transplanted them to NYC where she went to work at Hot Shots, an erotic talent agency, as one of their talent scouts/agents. Layla and Aidan are engaged to be married, but things have been off for them every since they moved. They've always been highly sexual and adventurous, but suddenly Aidan isn't interested in actual sex anymore. His solution....invite someone else to their room to satisfy her. Layla isn't really on board with this idea, but she loves Aidan and knows that what they're doing isn't doing it for him, so she agrees...for him.
Sawyer just moved to NYC to model. His family needs the big bucks he can draw in by modeling, although he's really not into the whole scene. Before they even meet, he's drawn to Layla. Her accent reminds him of home and he's homesick. He's not so sure, at all, about this arrangement, but is intrigued enough by Layla to at least talk to her and Aidan about the possibilities. (BTW, it should be noted that at no time does this become anything about m/m...Sawyer flat out refuses to ever go there.) I loved the wholesome quality to Sawyer...he's just a great guy that you want to see happy.
This is a book that's almost like a car wreck...you know someone's going to get hurt and you just can't turn away. Aidan and Layla are completely and truly committed to each other, but something is wrong there that they need Sawyer. The connection between Sawyer and Layla is immediate and extremely powerful. They are so right together, but the three of them don't work. Sawyer and Aidan both care about Layla a LOT and there are serious undercurrents between them because of that. There's just no way in this situation can they all come out of it unscathed.
It's an interesting premise and I found myself completely caught up with the characters and the story. I love the way that Cari resolved it all and can't wait for the next book. I'm really hoping it's Con's story and that it picks up shortly after where this one finished because I'm intrigued with the possibilities and want to see that relationship blossom, especially after this book. I also really enjoyed the glimpses of Drew....I sense a tortured soul under all that man-whore gloss.
This was another great release from Cari Quinn. I'm excited about more from this series.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2013
Wow! I need to gather my thoughts a bit before I can mini-review this one! A 2013 favorite for sure though!
My review:
Fave scenes:
- brownie in the park scene
- Sawyer and Drew at the stripclub
This book messed with my head big time! It was brilliantly and mind-blowingly good! It was emotionally complicated and mesmerizing and I've never been as on the fence about a character as I was with Aidan throughout the entire book.
If there ever was a least cookie-cutter erotic romance ménage I've read, it's TEST SHOT! This book blew my mind to smithereens! It is the epitome of flawed characters that drive you batshit crazy but you just can't quit them!
Fave quotes:
Ah God, yes. If he’d believed they fit together before, here was the proof. His body had become the needle of a record player, following a groove it instinctively knew how to play.
He didn’t know these people. Once he went home and his life returned to normal, the place Layla had snatched for herself inside him would be his again.
“If you were mine, you’d never have to wonder if I wanted you.” His voice barely rose above a whisper, but she felt his words down to her soul. “You’d never be afraid to ask me for anything. I’d give it before you could ask. And I’m not talking about some other jerk’s tool.” He lifted her chin and caught her tears with his thumbs. “I’d give you everything I had. All of me. Even the warty, ugly parts you probably wouldn’t want. But they’d be yours.”
“Here’s some subtext for you. What the fuck’s your problem?” Sawyer slammed down his glass, his eyes glittering as vibrantly as the crystal. “You have a woman like her, you don’t fuck it up. You don’t shove her toward me, then step back and act as if you’re wounded that she has feelings and isn’t just your blow-up doll to manipulate at will.”
My review:
Fave scenes:
- brownie in the park scene
- Sawyer and Drew at the stripclub
This book messed with my head big time! It was brilliantly and mind-blowingly good! It was emotionally complicated and mesmerizing and I've never been as on the fence about a character as I was with Aidan throughout the entire book.
If there ever was a least cookie-cutter erotic romance ménage I've read, it's TEST SHOT! This book blew my mind to smithereens! It is the epitome of flawed characters that drive you batshit crazy but you just can't quit them!
Fave quotes:
Ah God, yes. If he’d believed they fit together before, here was the proof. His body had become the needle of a record player, following a groove it instinctively knew how to play.
He didn’t know these people. Once he went home and his life returned to normal, the place Layla had snatched for herself inside him would be his again.
“If you were mine, you’d never have to wonder if I wanted you.” His voice barely rose above a whisper, but she felt his words down to her soul. “You’d never be afraid to ask me for anything. I’d give it before you could ask. And I’m not talking about some other jerk’s tool.” He lifted her chin and caught her tears with his thumbs. “I’d give you everything I had. All of me. Even the warty, ugly parts you probably wouldn’t want. But they’d be yours.”
“Here’s some subtext for you. What the fuck’s your problem?” Sawyer slammed down his glass, his eyes glittering as vibrantly as the crystal. “You have a woman like her, you don’t fuck it up. You don’t shove her toward me, then step back and act as if you’re wounded that she has feelings and isn’t just your blow-up doll to manipulate at will.”
September 21, 2012
Layla. Aidan. Sawyer.
Such important parts of a wrenching story that you'll never see coming. Just when you think it's a simple menage story--you know, the first thirty pages make you think so. But oh boy is that ever wrong.
Mz. Quinn knows just how to wrench open a Pandora's box of problems for these three characters.
Aidan is a dominant character with secrets he's even keeping from himself.
Sawyer is an uncomplicated man that has finally found the woman that fits him perfectly and she's as unattainable as a star.
Layla is stuck between a love she's always known and a future that's uncertain and thrilling and just might be more perfect than she'd ever thought possible.
Mz. Quinn also knows how to make a reader work for every little tidbit of information. You're flipping pages to see just what's going to happen next. And none of it is predictable. None of it allows for an easy love, but by God is it a satisfying one.
With characters that will leave you breathless, heartbroken and a little bit changed she demands your full attention in this tale. And you'll want to give it to her. You'll end up wanting more.
Lucky reader, you get two more amazing stories after this one. The supporting characters in this book are just as all-encompassing. I can't wait for you to get Con and Drew's stories. And maybe a taste of someone you've already met before...
Such important parts of a wrenching story that you'll never see coming. Just when you think it's a simple menage story--you know, the first thirty pages make you think so. But oh boy is that ever wrong.
Mz. Quinn knows just how to wrench open a Pandora's box of problems for these three characters.
Aidan is a dominant character with secrets he's even keeping from himself.
Sawyer is an uncomplicated man that has finally found the woman that fits him perfectly and she's as unattainable as a star.
Layla is stuck between a love she's always known and a future that's uncertain and thrilling and just might be more perfect than she'd ever thought possible.
Mz. Quinn also knows how to make a reader work for every little tidbit of information. You're flipping pages to see just what's going to happen next. And none of it is predictable. None of it allows for an easy love, but by God is it a satisfying one.
With characters that will leave you breathless, heartbroken and a little bit changed she demands your full attention in this tale. And you'll want to give it to her. You'll end up wanting more.
Lucky reader, you get two more amazing stories after this one. The supporting characters in this book are just as all-encompassing. I can't wait for you to get Con and Drew's stories. And maybe a taste of someone you've already met before...
September 1, 2015
The female MC was TSTL and I just wanted to strangle all of them. How did she not see the big announcement coming? Eesh. I love this author but this is not one of the stronger books I've read.
September 25, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a blog tour in exchange for my fair and honest review. You can read the entire post at my blog:http://queenofthenightreviews.blogspo...
Cari Quinn has done it again! Test Shot, the first book in her Hot Shots series, grabbed me from the first page and never let go. With wonderfully developed characters, sharp dialogue, a couple of dark secrets and plenty of scorching hot sex, Test Shot is an emotional roller coaster ride. The romance, between all three of the main characters, is at times tender, hot and bittersweet; it's kind of like eating a gooey chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven - you can't just stop chewing, no matter how much your mouth might burn.
Layla Palmer left the life she knew in Nebraska for New York City and her fiance, Aidan McMurray. A talent agent by trade, she recently started a new job at Hot Shots, an agency specializing in hiring upscale, sexy talent for clients with an erotic taste. While everything seems to be going fine, Layla knows something is wrong with her fiance, their relationship just doesn't feel the same. Thinking it's only stress from the move and their new jobs; she's surprised when Aidan suggests they bring a third into their bed.
Aidan McMurray is a man caught between a rock and hard place; a medical doctor, he talked his fiance into leaving the life they knew in Nebraska to come to New York City, where he would teach medical students. Aidan is a dominant man who likes to be in control, both in his life and in his bed. While he's talked Layla into sexual experimentation, he's held a part of himself back from her. The dark secrets from his past and the desires of his heart. One thing he has decided to share with her is his desire to watch her with another man.
Sawyer Blake is a young male model on the rise. New in New York City, Sawyer wants to make enough money to be able to help those out at home - he too is from a small town out west. Attracted to Layla, the agent scouting him, he knows she's off limits because of her engagement ring. He's more than surprised when she and her fiancee invite him to their home to be more than just a dinner guest. Knowing he's taking a risk with his heart, Sawyer agrees to join Layla and Aidan in their bed.
The scenes with Layla, Sawyer and Aidan are full of emotional angst and hot sex. As Layla and Sawyer become closer, Aidan tries to both dominate them and push them away. He alternatively blows hot and cold. As Layla becomes more confused by her fiance's behavior; Sawyer finds himself falling more for a woman he knows he'll have to let go at some point. As the situation becomes more and more complicated, Aidan fears his secret will be exposed.
Will Layla finally learn what's driving her fiancee away? And will she be able to handle the realities of what their threesome will mean for all of their futures? You'll have to read Test Shot to find out. Believe me it's more than I expected and a lot more than meets the eye.
Cari Quinn has done it again! Test Shot, the first book in her Hot Shots series, grabbed me from the first page and never let go. With wonderfully developed characters, sharp dialogue, a couple of dark secrets and plenty of scorching hot sex, Test Shot is an emotional roller coaster ride. The romance, between all three of the main characters, is at times tender, hot and bittersweet; it's kind of like eating a gooey chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven - you can't just stop chewing, no matter how much your mouth might burn.
Layla Palmer left the life she knew in Nebraska for New York City and her fiance, Aidan McMurray. A talent agent by trade, she recently started a new job at Hot Shots, an agency specializing in hiring upscale, sexy talent for clients with an erotic taste. While everything seems to be going fine, Layla knows something is wrong with her fiance, their relationship just doesn't feel the same. Thinking it's only stress from the move and their new jobs; she's surprised when Aidan suggests they bring a third into their bed.
Aidan McMurray is a man caught between a rock and hard place; a medical doctor, he talked his fiance into leaving the life they knew in Nebraska to come to New York City, where he would teach medical students. Aidan is a dominant man who likes to be in control, both in his life and in his bed. While he's talked Layla into sexual experimentation, he's held a part of himself back from her. The dark secrets from his past and the desires of his heart. One thing he has decided to share with her is his desire to watch her with another man.
Sawyer Blake is a young male model on the rise. New in New York City, Sawyer wants to make enough money to be able to help those out at home - he too is from a small town out west. Attracted to Layla, the agent scouting him, he knows she's off limits because of her engagement ring. He's more than surprised when she and her fiancee invite him to their home to be more than just a dinner guest. Knowing he's taking a risk with his heart, Sawyer agrees to join Layla and Aidan in their bed.
The scenes with Layla, Sawyer and Aidan are full of emotional angst and hot sex. As Layla and Sawyer become closer, Aidan tries to both dominate them and push them away. He alternatively blows hot and cold. As Layla becomes more confused by her fiance's behavior; Sawyer finds himself falling more for a woman he knows he'll have to let go at some point. As the situation becomes more and more complicated, Aidan fears his secret will be exposed.
Will Layla finally learn what's driving her fiancee away? And will she be able to handle the realities of what their threesome will mean for all of their futures? You'll have to read Test Shot to find out. Believe me it's more than I expected and a lot more than meets the eye.
January 19, 2013
Relationships change when you invite another person into your bedroom ...
Layla Palmer, Aidan McMurray and Sawyer Blake have left their home in Nebraska for the city that never sleeps, New York City.
Layla and Aidan have been in a relationship for four years and are engaged to be married. Aidan is a medical doctor, who accepted a position teaching medical students. Layla is a talent agent, who accepted a position at Hot Shots, an agency specializing in hiring models for clients in the erotica business. Layla and Aidan's relationship has been floundering, so he suggests bringing a man into their bed. Layla isn't exactly eager to engage in a threesome, but she agrees to it because she loves Aidan.
Sawyer Blake is a young sexy model, who comes to NYC looking to make it big. He is recruited by Layla to join Hot Shots agency, and finds himself attracted to the beautiful engaged woman.
Layla and Aidan invite Sawyer to their home and engage him in joining them in a threesome. Adding a third person into their already strained relationship opens up a Pandora's box of complications that will ultimately result in changing their lives.
Test Shot is an emotionally charged erotic romance story that delves into the complexity of relationships, and the complications and changes that arise in the relationship when a couple engages in a threesome. Author Cari Quinn weaves a gripping tale full of emotional angst and steamy sex that takes the reader on a wild roller coaster ride.
Written in the third person narrative, the reader is drawn into Layla, Aidan and Sawyer's riveting story where secrets, doubts, emotions, changing behaviors and conflicted feelings further complicate their already floundering relationship when they engage in a threesome with Sawyer. You can't help but get invested into these characters' lives, the emotional pull is so strong, and the passionate and heart wrenching but oh so steamy sex scenes in this story will keep you turning the pages as the threesome's relationship unfolds.
I loved the author's character development of Layla, Aidan and Sawyer. Layla and Aidan have a lackluster sexual relationship, fueled by Aidan's distance, secrets, and demons that haunt him; while Layla and Sawyer share a sizzling chemistry that is swoon worthy. The author does a wonderful job of delving into the complexity of the threesome's evolving relationship and the resulting life changes that come out of it.
With a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; and a storyline that weaves the complexities of romantic relationships with that of steamy erotic and voyeuristic sex scenes, Test Shot is a gritty tale of emotions, tensions and longings that will resonate with you long after the last page has been read.
Test Shot is the first book in the Hot Shots series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by CBLS Promotions.
http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....
Layla Palmer, Aidan McMurray and Sawyer Blake have left their home in Nebraska for the city that never sleeps, New York City.
Layla and Aidan have been in a relationship for four years and are engaged to be married. Aidan is a medical doctor, who accepted a position teaching medical students. Layla is a talent agent, who accepted a position at Hot Shots, an agency specializing in hiring models for clients in the erotica business. Layla and Aidan's relationship has been floundering, so he suggests bringing a man into their bed. Layla isn't exactly eager to engage in a threesome, but she agrees to it because she loves Aidan.
Sawyer Blake is a young sexy model, who comes to NYC looking to make it big. He is recruited by Layla to join Hot Shots agency, and finds himself attracted to the beautiful engaged woman.
Layla and Aidan invite Sawyer to their home and engage him in joining them in a threesome. Adding a third person into their already strained relationship opens up a Pandora's box of complications that will ultimately result in changing their lives.
Test Shot is an emotionally charged erotic romance story that delves into the complexity of relationships, and the complications and changes that arise in the relationship when a couple engages in a threesome. Author Cari Quinn weaves a gripping tale full of emotional angst and steamy sex that takes the reader on a wild roller coaster ride.
Written in the third person narrative, the reader is drawn into Layla, Aidan and Sawyer's riveting story where secrets, doubts, emotions, changing behaviors and conflicted feelings further complicate their already floundering relationship when they engage in a threesome with Sawyer. You can't help but get invested into these characters' lives, the emotional pull is so strong, and the passionate and heart wrenching but oh so steamy sex scenes in this story will keep you turning the pages as the threesome's relationship unfolds.
I loved the author's character development of Layla, Aidan and Sawyer. Layla and Aidan have a lackluster sexual relationship, fueled by Aidan's distance, secrets, and demons that haunt him; while Layla and Sawyer share a sizzling chemistry that is swoon worthy. The author does a wonderful job of delving into the complexity of the threesome's evolving relationship and the resulting life changes that come out of it.
With a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; and a storyline that weaves the complexities of romantic relationships with that of steamy erotic and voyeuristic sex scenes, Test Shot is a gritty tale of emotions, tensions and longings that will resonate with you long after the last page has been read.
Test Shot is the first book in the Hot Shots series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by CBLS Promotions.
http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....
November 5, 2012
Cari Quinn, you made me cry! (Again.)
Which from an author's perspective, is probably a good thing, because it means I cared enough about the characters for them to affect me so deeply as to cry for them. And yup, that happened.
So we have Layla and Aidan, who have been together for four years and recently moved to New York from Nebraska. It had been a sort of spur-of-the-moment proposition from Aidan, but Layla would follow Aidan anywhere. Unfortunately, it feels to Layla like he's pulling away from her, yet not. He's not interested in having sex with her anymore, but he's more than willing to indulge her own sexual appetite by buying her sex toys and encouraging her to use them.
Layla is a junior agent at Hot Shots, an erotic talent agency. This could mean anything from suggestive pictures to outright porn. She has found Sawyer, an up-and-coming hottie, as a potential asset for the agency. He is also from Nebraska, so they already have that much in common. Aidan suggests, while screwing her with a dildo, that she ask him to come over to screw her while Aidan watches (he'd seen Sawyer's pictures and assumed Layla had gotten herself off to them). Layla would never cheat on Aidan, but the next time he brings it up, she gives in... for Aidan. They had been rather adventurous in their sex life, so Layla thought this was just another avenue to explore. And Sawyer is taken aback, but intrigued and attracted to Layla. So he accepts.
Which from an author's perspective, is probably a good thing, because it means I cared enough about the characters for them to affect me so deeply as to cry for them. And yup, that happened.
So we have Layla and Aidan, who have been together for four years and recently moved to New York from Nebraska. It had been a sort of spur-of-the-moment proposition from Aidan, but Layla would follow Aidan anywhere. Unfortunately, it feels to Layla like he's pulling away from her, yet not. He's not interested in having sex with her anymore, but he's more than willing to indulge her own sexual appetite by buying her sex toys and encouraging her to use them.
Layla is a junior agent at Hot Shots, an erotic talent agency. This could mean anything from suggestive pictures to outright porn. She has found Sawyer, an up-and-coming hottie, as a potential asset for the agency. He is also from Nebraska, so they already have that much in common. Aidan suggests, while screwing her with a dildo, that she ask him to come over to screw her while Aidan watches (he'd seen Sawyer's pictures and assumed Layla had gotten herself off to them). Layla would never cheat on Aidan, but the next time he brings it up, she gives in... for Aidan. They had been rather adventurous in their sex life, so Layla thought this was just another avenue to explore. And Sawyer is taken aback, but intrigued and attracted to Layla. So he accepts.
January 20, 2014
Layla's fiancé wanted to move so she packed up and went with him. She enjoys her new job at Hot Shots. They specialize in hiring talent for jobs of an erotic nature. Layla doesn't know what to think of her fiancé Aiden's behavior. He does not want to do anything of a sexual nature with her. So she has to satisfy herself with all of the toys he is always buying her. Then when she gets really turned on by the picture of a potential new employee her fiancé notices and tells her that he wants to bring another man into their bed. Layla is shocked. She loves Aiden and wants only him but she will do anything to keep him so she agrees. The thing is Aiden wants her to invite the man in the picture.
Sawyer knows that Layla has a fiancé so when he gets a call from Layla telling him what her and her fiancé want him to do he is shocked. But he can't resist the chance to be with her. But things don't add up with Aiden in his eyes. He can't stand the way that Aiden treats Layla and he wants her with him.
There is definitely more going on with Aiden then Layla can even imagine. What will she do when she finds out the truth? Can she fight the feelings that she has for Sawyer?
I thought that this was a great book. There were some very steamy parts. I like that even though Sawyer was unsure about this weird love triangle that he was willing to stand up for Layla when he felt she was being wronged. I think that when Layla finally found out the truth she handled the situation well. Most people would not be that understanding and I think that Cari wrote a great character in Layla. I highly recommend reading this book. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was hooked right from the start. I will definitely be reading more from her.
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
Sawyer knows that Layla has a fiancé so when he gets a call from Layla telling him what her and her fiancé want him to do he is shocked. But he can't resist the chance to be with her. But things don't add up with Aiden in his eyes. He can't stand the way that Aiden treats Layla and he wants her with him.
There is definitely more going on with Aiden then Layla can even imagine. What will she do when she finds out the truth? Can she fight the feelings that she has for Sawyer?
I thought that this was a great book. There were some very steamy parts. I like that even though Sawyer was unsure about this weird love triangle that he was willing to stand up for Layla when he felt she was being wronged. I think that when Layla finally found out the truth she handled the situation well. Most people would not be that understanding and I think that Cari wrote a great character in Layla. I highly recommend reading this book. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was hooked right from the start. I will definitely be reading more from her.
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
February 8, 2014
Layla's fiancé wanted to move so she packed up and went with him. She enjoys her new job at Hot Shots. They specialize in hiring talent for jobs of an erotic nature. Layla doesn't know what to think of her fiancé Aiden's behavior. He does not want to do anything of a sexual nature with her. So she has to satisfy herself with all of the toys he is always buying her. Then when she gets really turned on by the picture of a potential new employee her fiancé notices and tells her that he wants to bring another man into their bed. Layla is shocked. She loves Aiden and wants only him but she will do anything to keep him so she agrees. The thing is Aiden wants her to invite the man in the picture.
Sawyer knows that Layla has a fiancé so when he gets a call from Layla telling him what her and her fiancé want him to do he is shocked. But he can't resist the chance to be with her. But things don't add up with Aiden in his eyes. He can't stand the way that Aiden treats Layla and he wants her with him.
There is definitely more going on with Aiden then Layla can even imagine. What will she do when she finds out the truth? Can she fight the feelings that she has for Sawyer?
I thought that this was a great book. There were some very steamy parts. I like that even though Sawyer was unsure about this weird love triangle that he was willing to stand up for Layla when he felt she was being wronged. I think that when Layla finally found out the truth she handled the situation well. Most people would not be that understanding and I think that Cari wrote a great character in Layla. I highly recommend reading this book. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was hooked right from the start. I will definitely be reading more from her.
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
Sawyer knows that Layla has a fiancé so when he gets a call from Layla telling him what her and her fiancé want him to do he is shocked. But he can't resist the chance to be with her. But things don't add up with Aiden in his eyes. He can't stand the way that Aiden treats Layla and he wants her with him.
There is definitely more going on with Aiden then Layla can even imagine. What will she do when she finds out the truth? Can she fight the feelings that she has for Sawyer?
I thought that this was a great book. There were some very steamy parts. I like that even though Sawyer was unsure about this weird love triangle that he was willing to stand up for Layla when he felt she was being wronged. I think that when Layla finally found out the truth she handled the situation well. Most people would not be that understanding and I think that Cari wrote a great character in Layla. I highly recommend reading this book. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I was hooked right from the start. I will definitely be reading more from her.
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
April 9, 2016
Wow! This is the first book that I have read from Cari Quinn. I was very impressed. This book had me from the beginning to end. I will definitely be checking out other books from her very soon.
Layla is on a new adventure with her Fiancee' Aiden. Layla is at a new job at Hot Shots agency. She finds new talent for modeling gigs. Aiden, is a doctor who is now teaching classes.
They've had a great relationship where they can be totally honest with each other. However, the passion in their relationship has come to a halt. So when Layla gets a picture of a new hot prospect Sawyer, she finds herself taking matters into her own hands. Little does she know that when shes doing this, that Aiden is watching. Most men would be a little bothered by this, but Aiden actually encourages it.
Aiden, is having a hard time with his feelings. He can't seem to tell Layla what he feels because he loves her that much, but he's not being totally true to either one of them.
As soon as Layla and Sawyer see each other in person, there are immediate sparks. So when Aiden asks Layla, about her meeting with Sawyer, she tells him all about it.
Aiden almost seems relieved in one way, and a little worried in another. But he knows that he's not fulfilling Layla's needs, so he suggests that Sawyer come over and she and him can have fun together. But Aiden didn't expect to be turned on by watching Sawyer with Layla. He gets turned on by Sawyers assets.
Sawyer, realizes that he's not happy with just being an extra for Layla and Aiden's enjoyment. He's falling in love with Layla, and he's trying to guard his heart. But when Layla calls, Sawyer can't resist the call.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Layla is on a new adventure with her Fiancee' Aiden. Layla is at a new job at Hot Shots agency. She finds new talent for modeling gigs. Aiden, is a doctor who is now teaching classes.
They've had a great relationship where they can be totally honest with each other. However, the passion in their relationship has come to a halt. So when Layla gets a picture of a new hot prospect Sawyer, she finds herself taking matters into her own hands. Little does she know that when shes doing this, that Aiden is watching. Most men would be a little bothered by this, but Aiden actually encourages it.
Aiden, is having a hard time with his feelings. He can't seem to tell Layla what he feels because he loves her that much, but he's not being totally true to either one of them.
As soon as Layla and Sawyer see each other in person, there are immediate sparks. So when Aiden asks Layla, about her meeting with Sawyer, she tells him all about it.
Aiden almost seems relieved in one way, and a little worried in another. But he knows that he's not fulfilling Layla's needs, so he suggests that Sawyer come over and she and him can have fun together. But Aiden didn't expect to be turned on by watching Sawyer with Layla. He gets turned on by Sawyers assets.
Sawyer, realizes that he's not happy with just being an extra for Layla and Aiden's enjoyment. He's falling in love with Layla, and he's trying to guard his heart. But when Layla calls, Sawyer can't resist the call.
I would definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2016
This was not at all what I was expecting yet I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
Aiden and Layla have been together for four years now and are engaged to be married. Their sex life has hit a rough patch and has practically become non existent. When Aiden finds Layla pleasuring herself to a picture of a new model she is thinking about signing at her agency, she presents her with what he considers the perfect way to spice up their sex life. He proposes that she contact Sawyer and ask him to have a threesome with them, only where Aiden watches rather than participates.
Sawyer is new in town, trying to make a name for himself in the modeling industry. When he meets Layla he is immediately drawn to her and finds himself flirting with her despite the engagement ring on her finger. When Layla invites him to join her and Aiden, he knows he would be a fool to say no.
What everyone thought would be a night of just sex, turns into something more very quickly. The emotional connection between Sawyer and Layla is only stronger once their clothes come off. When Aiden proposes that Layla invite Sawyer for a repeat performance so her sexual needs are met, Layla struggles with her loyalty to her fiance and her desire and incredible connection to Sawyer.
An amazing story about a couple who think they know what they want and a person who is hiding everything from everyone. I wanted more anger from Layla when she learned Aiden's secret given that she was betrayed for four years of her life but the anger never came.
Aiden and Layla have been together for four years now and are engaged to be married. Their sex life has hit a rough patch and has practically become non existent. When Aiden finds Layla pleasuring herself to a picture of a new model she is thinking about signing at her agency, she presents her with what he considers the perfect way to spice up their sex life. He proposes that she contact Sawyer and ask him to have a threesome with them, only where Aiden watches rather than participates.
Sawyer is new in town, trying to make a name for himself in the modeling industry. When he meets Layla he is immediately drawn to her and finds himself flirting with her despite the engagement ring on her finger. When Layla invites him to join her and Aiden, he knows he would be a fool to say no.
What everyone thought would be a night of just sex, turns into something more very quickly. The emotional connection between Sawyer and Layla is only stronger once their clothes come off. When Aiden proposes that Layla invite Sawyer for a repeat performance so her sexual needs are met, Layla struggles with her loyalty to her fiance and her desire and incredible connection to Sawyer.
An amazing story about a couple who think they know what they want and a person who is hiding everything from everyone. I wanted more anger from Layla when she learned Aiden's secret given that she was betrayed for four years of her life but the anger never came.
September 15, 2012
Cari Quinn writes a sizzling story of what happens when an engaged couple brings in a "third" into their falteing relationship and changes everything. Layla and Aidan have been engaged for awhile now but now it appears they are not meeting each other needs sexually. Layla has been fantasizing about Blake, a potential model for the agency she works for and Aidan catches her. Aidan suggests they invite him in for a threesome to enhance their sex life but does he have an ulterior motive? Blake has been thinking about Layla as well ever since hearing her voice over the phone and he does not disappoint when they finally meet in person. And wow, what a first impression it was when Sawyer drops his pants during his interview! The chemistry between Layla and Sawyer was sizzling and the sex scorching hot! Even with her instant connection to Sawyer, she always put her and Aidan's relationship first and remained steadfast in not wanting to lose Aidan. Aidan has his own demons and secrets and must deal with which ultimately will affect his future with Layla. I loved Sawyer and Layla together and he had me swooning throughout the book while Aidan was a bit too distant for my liking. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read Drew's story next in this new series.
April 23, 2014
He has a BIG secret but the problem is he is not sure what will happen if he tells his fiance so he comes up with a plan to invite another man, a man that his fiance finds attractive, in to their "Love Life" problem is he (the fiance of the woman) is not in the sexual acts he is just watching. In this story there are so many twist and turns that you don't know which way the story will go.... will she stay with her fiance once she learns his secret? Will she keep both the men in her lives? Will everything fall apart? As I said you don't know which way the story will go until the very....... END.
April 3, 2016
Not my favorite Cari Quinn book
I've read several books by Cari Quinn that I've really enjoyed, but this is not one of them. The writing was fine, but I don't buy the premise that after such a fundamental deception, however well eant, that the heroine would remain friends with her former fiance. I was also disappointed that this was presented as book one of a series that apparently never materialized. The second book was previewed at the end of this one, but seems to have never been published. I'll still read this author, this one just didn't cut it for me.
I've read several books by Cari Quinn that I've really enjoyed, but this is not one of them. The writing was fine, but I don't buy the premise that after such a fundamental deception, however well eant, that the heroine would remain friends with her former fiance. I was also disappointed that this was presented as book one of a series that apparently never materialized. The second book was previewed at the end of this one, but seems to have never been published. I'll still read this author, this one just didn't cut it for me.
January 18, 2013
Cari pens "Test Shot" in a plot that screams steamy hot sex! With emotions galore throughout the book and her well developed characters, I couldn't put the book down until I was finished. This was a rare find...an erotic book that actually kept my interest in what was happening in the storyline and not just what was "happening". This book is a total must read!
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
3.5 Stars, Just Good for Me
OK, so I was intrigued by this story and so I set out to rad it last night. Did I like it, yes, did I love it, no.
I guessed early on about the hubby and although I loved the ending of it all, the middle was just ok/good, nothing spectacular that really made me gush about it.
The sex scenes were pretty hot at times, although I think I expected "more", too, lol or retracer was hoping for more:)
OK, so I was intrigued by this story and so I set out to rad it last night. Did I like it, yes, did I love it, no.
I guessed early on about the hubby and although I loved the ending of it all, the middle was just ok/good, nothing spectacular that really made me gush about it.
The sex scenes were pretty hot at times, although I think I expected "more", too, lol or retracer was hoping for more:)
December 18, 2014
5 mature love stars!
lemme tell u that the blurbs doesnt describe the real mainpoint in this plot. there are that and so much more. bear the mindfogging plot at the first 50% of the book.
tough maybe i should focus on the heroine feeling , i found myself bitter and sad alongside Aidan. talk about surprise, well i suspected quarter trough book but still held my breath when the realization hit Layla.
looking forward to Conrad and Aidan story. ;)
lemme tell u that the blurbs doesnt describe the real mainpoint in this plot. there are that and so much more. bear the mindfogging plot at the first 50% of the book.
tough maybe i should focus on the heroine feeling , i found myself bitter and sad alongside Aidan. talk about surprise, well i suspected quarter trough book but still held my breath when the realization hit Layla.
looking forward to Conrad and Aidan story. ;)
March 13, 2015
To avoid spoilers I'm going to be brief. If you're looking for a 5 alarm, panty-melting, emotionally charged, erotic read that sucks you in from word one, look no further. This has everything required and far more than expected. It pulled me through every emotion along the spectrum and spit me out at the end, still reeling. I loved it and wait anxiously for the next books in the series. To save time and trouble, I'll just check my panties at the door.
April 14, 2016
I lost interest pretty fast in this book moved too fast and a little predictable for me. I like a book that builds up and holds me engaged and this one just didn't do it for me. This was the first book I read by this author and I would hate to make a decision based on this book on whether I would read another book by her. I would have to read one more to make that determination. If your looking for a fast read then bu all means this book is for you.
March 10, 2013
I liked this book well enough, but felt it was weird with the fiance - and too obvious from the start that he's actually gay.
(I don't even consider that a spoiler because it was so blatant from the start.)
It was almost creepy and uncomfortable at times, and I wish the romance had been developed better, but it was nice that everyone was so... for lack of a better word, amiable.
(I don't even consider that a spoiler because it was so blatant from the start.)
It was almost creepy and uncomfortable at times, and I wish the romance had been developed better, but it was nice that everyone was so... for lack of a better word, amiable.
May 15, 2013
Fairly good character development in this one, but the ending was anti-climatic after getting the reader invested in the story. Well written, great characters, but the ending just seemed unfinished, maybe in anticipation of a sequel? But it ended on a flat note for me, I like the writing style and the protagonists were fun. I won this book in a giveaway
July 16, 2013
Wow!! Maybe it was good I didn't read the blurb first on this one because then I may not have read it.
Well written and even though the 'secret' was reasonably predictable the journey there still made it very interesting.
Well written and even though the 'secret' was reasonably predictable the journey there still made it very interesting.
January 8, 2016
Holy pantydropper, Batman!
Hot. Sexy. Romantic. Naughty. Compassionate. Loving. Edgy.
I think this is now my favorite Cari Quinn book to date. It had my attention from the first chapter and kept me turning pages as fast as I could.
Hot. Sexy. Romantic. Naughty. Compassionate. Loving. Edgy.
I think this is now my favorite Cari Quinn book to date. It had my attention from the first chapter and kept me turning pages as fast as I could.
April 19, 2016
Great book!
This is an amazing book! An unlikely pair fall in love through a forced encounter. Being engaged to someone but finding out they aren't who they've portrayed themselves.
This is an amazing book! An unlikely pair fall in love through a forced encounter. Being engaged to someone but finding out they aren't who they've portrayed themselves.
February 2, 2017
Pretty good book. A little too long. Will read Quinn's books again.
It was very sexy. Different storyline that grabbed your attention . Looking forward to the next one in the series.
It was very sexy. Different storyline that grabbed your attention . Looking forward to the next one in the series.
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