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Delicious #3
Lush
USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
96 people are currently reading
3357 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books4,996 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
Want to read
March 5, 2013*OMG*!!!!!!!!!! Its available on Netgalley right now AND i think EVERYONE IS PRE-APPROVED FOR THIS!!!!!! *SQUEAL* I just got it!!!! I'm in FREAKIN' HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go have a look people!!!!!!!!!
January 11, 2015
3 ½ stars – Contemporary Erotic Romance
Not my favorite from Ms. Dane, but overall it’s a pretty good, uncomplicated, albeit a tad slow, erotic romance. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous Delicious books first, and it was nice to revisit some of the Brown Siblings.
But this book will always be unforgettable and forever thought of as “Gush” for me because my water broke while reading it! It’s apropos, I guess, that I would go into labor reading a romance novel!
Not my favorite from Ms. Dane, but overall it’s a pretty good, uncomplicated, albeit a tad slow, erotic romance. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous Delicious books first, and it was nice to revisit some of the Brown Siblings.
But this book will always be unforgettable and forever thought of as “Gush” for me because my water broke while reading it! It’s apropos, I guess, that I would go into labor reading a romance novel!
April 17, 2013
[***Full Review Posted (4/16/13) - Lost track of time! : /]
3.5 stars – An Uncomplicated Steamy Contemporary Romance
Mary Whaley successfully manages a budding catering company and supper club. While catering a friend’s wedding, she meets the sinfully sexy drummer Damien Hurley. His legendary exploits, sexual and otherwise, have been media fodder, but he’s charming and down-to-earth in real life. Their chemistry is electric and Mary is willing to enjoy the pleasurable times they can have together. She’s a grown woman determined to grow as an entrepreneur and she wants no part of a rock star’s wild lifestyle, so it’s surprising when Damien earnestly woos her heart in special ways.
Lush is such an enjoyable story. The set-up seems perfect for a clash of wills, series of big misunderstandings, and other relationship struggles. Ironically, most of the conflict is between Mary and her close friends. The way Mary passionately confronts their doubts demonstrates the strength of their friendships; it serves to round out their characters, making them feel like real women with complex relationships.
*** Damien and Mary heat up the pages with their uninhibited sexuality. Damien’s surprise to Mary’s lack of clinginess or pursuit of his person is priceless. How often does a hero become irritated and demand more in a relationship? The romance, especially Damien’s courtship of Mary, is very sweet. Lush may have had an unnecessary sexy scene or two in the middle of the story, but other readers may not share this opinion. The pacing is steady, with a straightforward plot. Mary is a confident businesswoman and definitely not bashful in the bedroom, which are rewarding characteristics in a heroine. Despite Damien’s dazzling career in the limelight, Ms. Dane develops a hero with strong family ties. In fact, both characters have strong, stable families. The meetings of the mothers make for humorous situations. Overall, while not complex, Lush delivers humor, romance, and plenty of steam. It’s perfect for readers who need a break from melodrama, angst, or emotional roller-coaster rides.
ARC courtesy of Berkley via Netgalley
3.5 stars – An Uncomplicated Steamy Contemporary Romance
”Anyway, I’m not going to marry him, for heaven’s sake. I’m going to fuck him and let him make me laugh and enjoy his company. I’m not stupid. “
Mary Whaley successfully manages a budding catering company and supper club. While catering a friend’s wedding, she meets the sinfully sexy drummer Damien Hurley. His legendary exploits, sexual and otherwise, have been media fodder, but he’s charming and down-to-earth in real life. Their chemistry is electric and Mary is willing to enjoy the pleasurable times they can have together. She’s a grown woman determined to grow as an entrepreneur and she wants no part of a rock star’s wild lifestyle, so it’s surprising when Damien earnestly woos her heart in special ways.
Lush is such an enjoyable story. The set-up seems perfect for a clash of wills, series of big misunderstandings, and other relationship struggles. Ironically, most of the conflict is between Mary and her close friends. The way Mary passionately confronts their doubts demonstrates the strength of their friendships; it serves to round out their characters, making them feel like real women with complex relationships.
*** Damien and Mary heat up the pages with their uninhibited sexuality. Damien’s surprise to Mary’s lack of clinginess or pursuit of his person is priceless. How often does a hero become irritated and demand more in a relationship? The romance, especially Damien’s courtship of Mary, is very sweet. Lush may have had an unnecessary sexy scene or two in the middle of the story, but other readers may not share this opinion. The pacing is steady, with a straightforward plot. Mary is a confident businesswoman and definitely not bashful in the bedroom, which are rewarding characteristics in a heroine. Despite Damien’s dazzling career in the limelight, Ms. Dane develops a hero with strong family ties. In fact, both characters have strong, stable families. The meetings of the mothers make for humorous situations. Overall, while not complex, Lush delivers humor, romance, and plenty of steam. It’s perfect for readers who need a break from melodrama, angst, or emotional roller-coaster rides.
ARC courtesy of Berkley via Netgalley
December 9, 2019
Full Review on NG
June 20, 2013
Rating: 2 out of 5.
This book is an average contemporary romance about a bad boy rock star and a good independent girl who has her own catering business. They meet, sparks ignite because they are the one. There was the usual jealousy over Damien’s groupies and misunderstandings that were all prettily solved in the end.
I didn’t enjoy it but give it a try if you like rock-star romances.
A reason why this book didn’t get an average rating of 2.5-3 is because it hit a pet peeve of mine. There is this part, early in the book, where Damien thinks that it would be a good thing if he pursued a woman worthy of him and his family, as opposed to all those other “floozies” that he has been with. I am sorry, WHAT? So those ‘floozies” aren’t worthy of him? He thinks he is better than them? And why is that, when he is on the same level as them. I am not saying that it’s a bad level – I don’t get why people have to put down women who are free with their sex life, when they try to make heroines as “cool” as those other women. I mean especially in this book, the heroine is left thinking, oh I don’t want a relationship, I just want hot sex. Um excuse me? So it’s okay if the heroine does it, but all those OW become floozies? Double standards much? And if I am to say that Damien doesn’t deserve her, then it reads something out of a fairy tale romance: the boy who couldn’t settle down, until he met the ONE; whereas a woman in his place would simply be a floozy who is just remains a floozy…
It wasn’t just that one time, but it was an underlying theme throughout the book, that it was okay that he was so girl-crazy and partying-hard kind of guy, whereas the heroine is the sort to stay focused on her work and didn’t let loose with any other guy.
And on the bright side, it was good that the author didn’t use some of the more demeaning words like: the w-word or the s-word, although she did use the word skank to describe some OW and bitch, but at least it wasn’t the other s-word.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
This book is an average contemporary romance about a bad boy rock star and a good independent girl who has her own catering business. They meet, sparks ignite because they are the one. There was the usual jealousy over Damien’s groupies and misunderstandings that were all prettily solved in the end.
I didn’t enjoy it but give it a try if you like rock-star romances.
A reason why this book didn’t get an average rating of 2.5-3 is because it hit a pet peeve of mine. There is this part, early in the book, where Damien thinks that it would be a good thing if he pursued a woman worthy of him and his family, as opposed to all those other “floozies” that he has been with. I am sorry, WHAT? So those ‘floozies” aren’t worthy of him? He thinks he is better than them? And why is that, when he is on the same level as them. I am not saying that it’s a bad level – I don’t get why people have to put down women who are free with their sex life, when they try to make heroines as “cool” as those other women. I mean especially in this book, the heroine is left thinking, oh I don’t want a relationship, I just want hot sex. Um excuse me? So it’s okay if the heroine does it, but all those OW become floozies? Double standards much? And if I am to say that Damien doesn’t deserve her, then it reads something out of a fairy tale romance: the boy who couldn’t settle down, until he met the ONE; whereas a woman in his place would simply be a floozy who is just remains a floozy…
It wasn’t just that one time, but it was an underlying theme throughout the book, that it was okay that he was so girl-crazy and partying-hard kind of guy, whereas the heroine is the sort to stay focused on her work and didn’t let loose with any other guy.
And on the bright side, it was good that the author didn’t use some of the more demeaning words like: the w-word or the s-word, although she did use the word skank to describe some OW and bitch, but at least it wasn’t the other s-word.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
April 15, 2013
You know this book really wasn't bad, HOWEVER, I was pretty diappointed with it as a whole. It was a sweet story. Like cane sugar syrup sweet. It was listed as "Erotica"... So foodie + erotica... some interesting evenings with whipped cream, right?
Nada... the sex was very vanilla. That was pretty surprising considering he is some hot drummer... Meh.
LOL I had to give our dude a mental make over! He was described as tall and lanky with long dark hair over his eyes, scruffy goatee, etc...
Hey, some people are into the skinny emo type guys. Me, no thanks!!
Lush is a sweet book and I feel I would have enjoyed it if it were listed as a contemporary romance perhaps... But when your in the mood to read something down and dirty, vanilla just doesn't cut it!!! LOL
Yes, I am a dirty, dirty woman. I promise, I will stop and go take a cold shower now...
* ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Nada... the sex was very vanilla. That was pretty surprising considering he is some hot drummer... Meh.
LOL I had to give our dude a mental make over! He was described as tall and lanky with long dark hair over his eyes, scruffy goatee, etc...
Hey, some people are into the skinny emo type guys. Me, no thanks!!
Lush is a sweet book and I feel I would have enjoyed it if it were listed as a contemporary romance perhaps... But when your in the mood to read something down and dirty, vanilla just doesn't cut it!!! LOL
Yes, I am a dirty, dirty woman. I promise, I will stop and go take a cold shower now...
* ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 15, 2025
About a decade or so back there was an explosion of places you could go and paint canvases according to step by step directions. This felt like the book equivalent of that.
September 26, 2016
While I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last for having less distasteful main characters, the Brown siblings series is still far and above this one. Damiens man whoring past wasn't exactly appealing in a character but i do like that he owned up to it and had very definitively changed even before he met Mary (so we don't have to deal with that nasty woman reforming the bad boy trope). I liked that Mary was fierce and independent, loyal ( at least with her friends), but her trust issues were a little over the top. I liked this couple together wellenough but I don't really buy that Mary had invested her feelings as much as Damien. Pretty much all the drama in this book was internal to the relationship. Trust issues, trust issues, big whammy. The climax of the drama wasn't that exciting and definitely took the romance down a few notches for me. The couple are supposedly in love when Mary receives info that leads her to believe he's cheating. The info comes from someone she knows damn well is an unreliable source and from Gillian's dealings she know the media manipulates images yet she still jumps to conclusions. That's fine I get that. But rather than letting him explain she just decides its over and runs and refuses to deal with it. That's a) really childish and b) not when you do when you love someone. If he cheated kick him in the balls and get as far away as possible yeah but knowing what she knew and him having never given her any reason to believe he would cheat...he deserved the chance to explain himself and i liked her a little less for not giving it to him and after that I didn't but that she loved him as much as she'd said she did. I also didn't like the pacing of this book in light of everything. It was all really slow up until the big whammy. Which is fine if you're relationship building but when it's Damien basically just begging mary to give him a chance and her never really moving from her original stance that fails so mostly it's just sex scenes which are good because hello Lauren Dane, but outside of that it's kinda boring plot wise. Then there's big drama big drama for a couple of chapters and its wrapped up with a pretty little bow. i just didnt buy it. Mary goes from not even giving him a chance to explain to love forever and seduction...it doesn't work that way and Dane's books are usually more realistic than that. Plus the ending
Bottom line: not a bad read but not up to the level of the Brown series.
Bottom line: not a bad read but not up to the level of the Brown series.
July 7, 2015
http://bookslifewine.com/r-lush/
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars
Finally! Damien + Mary's story!
I started this little Lauren Dane adventure by reading The Best Kind of Trouble - the first book in the Hurley Boys series. The Hurley brothers are all part of a family band named Sweet Hollow Ranch. All of the brothers got their own book in the Hurley Boys series. Except Damien. Damien's story is located in this different (earlier) series called Delicious.
And here we are (I didn't realize it at the beginning but apparently I'm in the middle of a glom.). I finally read the book that started me reading the whole Delicious series to begin with (of course, it would have been the last book in the series). Mary is Cal's sister from Tart. She is best friends with the heroines of Sway (Daisy) and Tart (Jules) as well as Gillian from Never Enough (Brown Family #4)
. Yeah, it's all tangled like spaghetti.
Mary is a cook, a wonderful cook who lavishes delicious concoctions on her friends and family as a way of showing her love. She meets the hero, Damien, at her friend Gillian's engagement party. Damien is immediately bowled over by Mary's everything. He loves that she isn't intimidated or starstruck by him. He loves that she's sensual and loving, she's attractive, successful and she has her own life and her own friends. The only problem Damien has with Mary is that she doesn't take him seriously.
Read the rest here: http://bookslifewine.com/r-lush/
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars
Finally! Damien + Mary's story!
I started this little Lauren Dane adventure by reading The Best Kind of Trouble - the first book in the Hurley Boys series. The Hurley brothers are all part of a family band named Sweet Hollow Ranch. All of the brothers got their own book in the Hurley Boys series. Except Damien. Damien's story is located in this different (earlier) series called Delicious.
And here we are (I didn't realize it at the beginning but apparently I'm in the middle of a glom.). I finally read the book that started me reading the whole Delicious series to begin with (of course, it would have been the last book in the series). Mary is Cal's sister from Tart. She is best friends with the heroines of Sway (Daisy) and Tart (Jules) as well as Gillian from Never Enough (Brown Family #4)
. Yeah, it's all tangled like spaghetti. Mary is a cook, a wonderful cook who lavishes delicious concoctions on her friends and family as a way of showing her love. She meets the hero, Damien, at her friend Gillian's engagement party. Damien is immediately bowled over by Mary's everything. He loves that she isn't intimidated or starstruck by him. He loves that she's sensual and loving, she's attractive, successful and she has her own life and her own friends. The only problem Damien has with Mary is that she doesn't take him seriously.
He held her there for some time. Teasing. Taking. Seducing her. He wanted her to want him to come back. Wanted to see her again after he went home to Oregon. Wanted to burn himself into her skin so she needed him as much as he needed her.
-pg 94
Read the rest here: http://bookslifewine.com/r-lush/
March 5, 2013
3 "I Finally Finished It" Stars
I had a really hard time getting into this book. On paper, the third of the Delicious series by Lauren Dane should’ve been a winner for me. Sassy, no nonsense chef meets tattooed, hot rock star drummer? Sounds good so far. Hot sex scenes? Keep talking. Yet another story about a rock god falling for a normal girl and almost losing her due to a stereotypical, overused plot device? Hold up…that may not work for me.
It wasn’t that the book was bad, it just wasn’t good. I really liked the main character, Mary and her funny, up front personality. I really liked Damien, aforementioned rock god trying to take his relationship with Mary beyond just sexy times. Unfortunately together these two bored me because I just knew I’d read this book before. There’s not one original aspect of this story I can name off the top of my head, and after reading so many Rock Star/Normal Girl books I wanted something a little different. I kept coming back to this one, hoping it was an “it’s not you, it’s me” reading situation. I don’t think it helped that there are about 20 side characters to keep track of. I wish that was an exaggeration but alas, no. All of the characters from the previous Delicious books are actively featured as well as many of the folks from The Brown Siblings series, plus band mates/brothers and parents. Needless to say, trying to remember which girl went with which guy or which set of guys was a task I was simply not up for, even though I’ve read a couple of the other books.
I had high hopes for Lush and while I did enjoy aspects of the book, I don’t think I’ll be rereading it any time soon.
This book provided from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. On paper, the third of the Delicious series by Lauren Dane should’ve been a winner for me. Sassy, no nonsense chef meets tattooed, hot rock star drummer? Sounds good so far. Hot sex scenes? Keep talking. Yet another story about a rock god falling for a normal girl and almost losing her due to a stereotypical, overused plot device? Hold up…that may not work for me.
It wasn’t that the book was bad, it just wasn’t good. I really liked the main character, Mary and her funny, up front personality. I really liked Damien, aforementioned rock god trying to take his relationship with Mary beyond just sexy times. Unfortunately together these two bored me because I just knew I’d read this book before. There’s not one original aspect of this story I can name off the top of my head, and after reading so many Rock Star/Normal Girl books I wanted something a little different. I kept coming back to this one, hoping it was an “it’s not you, it’s me” reading situation. I don’t think it helped that there are about 20 side characters to keep track of. I wish that was an exaggeration but alas, no. All of the characters from the previous Delicious books are actively featured as well as many of the folks from The Brown Siblings series, plus band mates/brothers and parents. Needless to say, trying to remember which girl went with which guy or which set of guys was a task I was simply not up for, even though I’ve read a couple of the other books.
I had high hopes for Lush and while I did enjoy aspects of the book, I don’t think I’ll be rereading it any time soon.
This book provided from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2013
I really liked this one, it had a great mix of the new story with lots of visits from past characters that I have come to love.
I liked Damien from the start, I liked that he was up front with Mary from day one, even as the longer he knew he the harder he fell for her. I liked that Mary seemed to know the score with Damien, that it was a relationship based in the present. I found myself loving that Mary ended up playing the guy's traditional role and how it bothered Damien to the point where he started talking with his brothers.
I did find myself disappointed with the Delicious crew. Mary supported all of them as they found their HEA, but none of them could do that for her. Instead they belittled her choices and didn't think she could handle things with Damien. I was stunned by how some of them treated Damien and was glad that Mary called them out.
I also found it funny when Mary called out Damien when he was rude to her, making him see things from her point of view with all the groupies. I did hate that Mary jumped to conclusions when faced with someone wanting to hurt her and Damien. I thought she should have talked with Damien first.
I loved both meetings of the parents. The mothers were so similar, that the way that they met there could have been some serious fireworks. Good thing it turned out well.
I thought the ending was sweet, it was very fitting for both of them.
I liked Damien from the start, I liked that he was up front with Mary from day one, even as the longer he knew he the harder he fell for her. I liked that Mary seemed to know the score with Damien, that it was a relationship based in the present. I found myself loving that Mary ended up playing the guy's traditional role and how it bothered Damien to the point where he started talking with his brothers.
I did find myself disappointed with the Delicious crew. Mary supported all of them as they found their HEA, but none of them could do that for her. Instead they belittled her choices and didn't think she could handle things with Damien. I was stunned by how some of them treated Damien and was glad that Mary called them out.
I also found it funny when Mary called out Damien when he was rude to her, making him see things from her point of view with all the groupies. I did hate that Mary jumped to conclusions when faced with someone wanting to hurt her and Damien. I thought she should have talked with Damien first.
I loved both meetings of the parents. The mothers were so similar, that the way that they met there could have been some serious fireworks. Good thing it turned out well.
I thought the ending was sweet, it was very fitting for both of them.
September 5, 2013
And again, a book peopled with strong women and alpha men. Bainbridge Island must be a wonderland! The problem though, is that these "strong women" are perpetually ready to lecture other other people about how strong they are, the word "bitch" is used too often to describe this strength, and they are most likely to turn on other women (here we find the word "skank").
To sum up: women are allies or enemies, men are dominant sex candy, strong women love sex and are not ashamed of it, skanks want to steal your men.
To sum up: women are allies or enemies, men are dominant sex candy, strong women love sex and are not ashamed of it, skanks want to steal your men.
May 18, 2016
I have really enjoyed reading this series and hope that we continue to get some updates on all our ladies and their Delicious men :)
I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to catch up some more with Brody (Brown) as he was my favourite from the Brown Siblings series.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to catch up some more with Brody (Brown) as he was my favourite from the Brown Siblings series.
December 28, 2012
Lucky enough to get an early peek and loved Damien & Mary so much! Lickable dirty drummer, that Damien. ;)
March 24, 2023
This book is the 3rd in the Delicious series, which branched off of Dane's Brown Siblings' series. It is recommended that you read the books in order. The reason for this, which is also one of the main reasons I love this series, is because you get to revisit characters over and over again. This book involves the 4th, and final, member of Delicious, Mary. We have seen her previously in Daisy, Gillian and Jules' books (which include the Brown series as well). Mary's love interest is Damien Hurley, a drummer and friend of Adrien Brown, that on the surface seems very different from Mary. They say that opposites attract, and you may think that with Mary (who is organized and work-oriented)and Damien (hard-partying, hard-drinking, womanizer)they are the complete opposite of each other. However, Dane delves deeper into each character and you come to realize that they have more in common than you might think. Also, it becomes very clear that Damien is the one ready to settle down and he has to convince Mary that he's a good bet.
I have always been a huge fan of Dane's for the simple fact that she writes real people, in real situations, and although it's a romance and everything ends happy, there are always roadblocks and difficulties to overcome. Her writing is so rich. She develops her secondary characters so well that you are always waiting to hear that they'll have their own book. Mary is one such character. She seems to be the glue that hold Delicious together so you are rooting for her to find a man worthy of her, and her cooking. One of the best things about this book, and series, is that you get to catch up with other characters from previous books. Some other authors try to do this and it feels forced. Dane develops her characters so well over so many books that it's a natural flow when we revisit them.
The dynamics between Mary and Damien are sexy, funny, sarcastic and real. The chemistry between the two is scorching but you also see a mutual respect and genuine liking between them, which helps develop their relationship past friends-with-benefits. I also love that you see both their points-of-view. I also love that Damien, for all his rock-star persona, shows his vulnerable and unsure side. He also blushes!
I love this series and I loved this book! I am also keeping a list of all the secondary characters mentioned so that I can remind Ms Dane who also needs a book (hint hint: Jonah, Ezra, Paddy, etc).
I have always been a huge fan of Dane's for the simple fact that she writes real people, in real situations, and although it's a romance and everything ends happy, there are always roadblocks and difficulties to overcome. Her writing is so rich. She develops her secondary characters so well that you are always waiting to hear that they'll have their own book. Mary is one such character. She seems to be the glue that hold Delicious together so you are rooting for her to find a man worthy of her, and her cooking. One of the best things about this book, and series, is that you get to catch up with other characters from previous books. Some other authors try to do this and it feels forced. Dane develops her characters so well over so many books that it's a natural flow when we revisit them.
The dynamics between Mary and Damien are sexy, funny, sarcastic and real. The chemistry between the two is scorching but you also see a mutual respect and genuine liking between them, which helps develop their relationship past friends-with-benefits. I also love that you see both their points-of-view. I also love that Damien, for all his rock-star persona, shows his vulnerable and unsure side. He also blushes!
I love this series and I loved this book! I am also keeping a list of all the secondary characters mentioned so that I can remind Ms Dane who also needs a book (hint hint: Jonah, Ezra, Paddy, etc).
January 20, 2013
This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!
Warning!!!!!
This series makes you hungry. Dozens of descriptions of delicious meals, deserts, the title is right, this book is Lush. I think I may have put on a few kgs while reading.So my advice don't read this book hungry. You will be raiding the fridge or pantry in no time.
I wasn't only panting after food either. Damien Hurley. Now what can I tell you about Damien Hurley.
Bad boy, party boy, rocknroll star, womaniser. Boy meets girl and things get interesting. Of the charts sexual chemistry and these guys just slid into comfortable like you wouldn't believe, it was a pure joy to read.
Mary Whaley. Good girl, hardworking, business woman, exceptional chef, centered.Doesn't need distratctions so she thinks she has found the perfect thing for sexual release with no complications when she meets Damien. No rock star wants more than a one night stand or fling, right?? Wrong.
I loved this woman, she was incredibly strong and resistant to the delicious Damien. Of course this made this book all the more interesting. I love a man that has to work hard and accepts it.
He wants to proove something to her. Besomething to her.
Loved his little frustrated "Why don't you want to spend more time with me"?
followed by his "Your a hard woman, Mary Whaley". A book with a good honest "chase" in it always is so much more satisfying in end. Takes me back to the old days where people didn't fall into "instalove".
Classic sexy, Lauren Dane with a very sweet and sexy love story.
Really hoping we get more of the Hurley boys and family! Especially Ezra, love a sexy cowboy!
Warning!!!!!
This series makes you hungry. Dozens of descriptions of delicious meals, deserts, the title is right, this book is Lush. I think I may have put on a few kgs while reading.So my advice don't read this book hungry. You will be raiding the fridge or pantry in no time.
I wasn't only panting after food either. Damien Hurley. Now what can I tell you about Damien Hurley.
Bad boy, party boy, rocknroll star, womaniser. Boy meets girl and things get interesting. Of the charts sexual chemistry and these guys just slid into comfortable like you wouldn't believe, it was a pure joy to read.
Mary Whaley. Good girl, hardworking, business woman, exceptional chef, centered.Doesn't need distratctions so she thinks she has found the perfect thing for sexual release with no complications when she meets Damien. No rock star wants more than a one night stand or fling, right?? Wrong.
I loved this woman, she was incredibly strong and resistant to the delicious Damien. Of course this made this book all the more interesting. I love a man that has to work hard and accepts it.
He wants to proove something to her. Besomething to her.
Loved his little frustrated "Why don't you want to spend more time with me"?
followed by his "Your a hard woman, Mary Whaley". A book with a good honest "chase" in it always is so much more satisfying in end. Takes me back to the old days where people didn't fall into "instalove".
Classic sexy, Lauren Dane with a very sweet and sexy love story.
Really hoping we get more of the Hurley boys and family! Especially Ezra, love a sexy cowboy!
March 1, 2013
NetGalley provided this book for me in exchange for my honest review.
Mary is a catering with an exploding career she knows what she wants and does not have time for a serious relationship. Damien is a bad boy rocker; he lives hard and has a new woman almost every night. They meet at a mutual friend’s engagement party and sparks fly, what was supposed to be a one night stand turns into multiple meetings. Damien has to show Mary that he can be faithful and being with him is worth living in the limelight. Mary is a strong woman, she has her own life, and she doesn't need a man to take care of her. She does not want to have something with Damien because she has seen the problems her friend had because she loved a celebrity. Damien lived hard and played hard, all that changed when he decided he wanted something more with Mary. He was sweet, understanding and off the charts hot, he has more patients than a saint at times. This book started out as another boy meets girl, they have sex and start seeing each other. I was really surprised when things started to change, the mood of the book subtly shifted from erotica to a sweet romance. There were still plenty of steamy sex scenes; however the difference in the characters actions and attitudes was huge. The changes added a new depth to the characters that was missing in the beginning, the characters started to matter to me and I was rooting for their happily ever after. The writing was good, the storyline was interesting and the sex scenes were hot. I really liked this book and will be picking up the other books in the series.
Mary is a catering with an exploding career she knows what she wants and does not have time for a serious relationship. Damien is a bad boy rocker; he lives hard and has a new woman almost every night. They meet at a mutual friend’s engagement party and sparks fly, what was supposed to be a one night stand turns into multiple meetings. Damien has to show Mary that he can be faithful and being with him is worth living in the limelight. Mary is a strong woman, she has her own life, and she doesn't need a man to take care of her. She does not want to have something with Damien because she has seen the problems her friend had because she loved a celebrity. Damien lived hard and played hard, all that changed when he decided he wanted something more with Mary. He was sweet, understanding and off the charts hot, he has more patients than a saint at times. This book started out as another boy meets girl, they have sex and start seeing each other. I was really surprised when things started to change, the mood of the book subtly shifted from erotica to a sweet romance. There were still plenty of steamy sex scenes; however the difference in the characters actions and attitudes was huge. The changes added a new depth to the characters that was missing in the beginning, the characters started to matter to me and I was rooting for their happily ever after. The writing was good, the storyline was interesting and the sex scenes were hot. I really liked this book and will be picking up the other books in the series.
January 25, 2021
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a very sweet and sexy read. However I did feel this sort of disconnect while reading. I think this is because it's been many years since I've read the Brown series by this author and this one interconnects with that one, so there's this level of assumed awareness I did not have with past and now side characters. The book was packed with sexual tension and two MC's who can't get enough of one another. What started as a fling between the two quickly heats up and turns into a whole lot more. Both are busy being successful so compromise and communication becomes key to making their relationship work. The heroine is unsurprisingly concerned because the hero is a rockstar and one who has been known to embrace and indulge in that lifestyle mOr than once, giving him a not so surprising reputation. I really loved the contrast between the two. Both are so dedicated to their crafts that it too becomes a hurdle for them to overcome just to make time to be together. The heroine turned her passion of food into a promising career. While she may love sex, especially with the hero, she's not ready to just give it all up unless she knows for sure he's all in. She's not even sure she can handle dating a celebrity, particularly one with a reputation like his and who can blame her. There are many hurdles for them to overcome. It will be up to them to decide if their dedication and love will be enough. Smoking read that left me with more than one unquenched hunger.
This was a very sweet and sexy read. However I did feel this sort of disconnect while reading. I think this is because it's been many years since I've read the Brown series by this author and this one interconnects with that one, so there's this level of assumed awareness I did not have with past and now side characters. The book was packed with sexual tension and two MC's who can't get enough of one another. What started as a fling between the two quickly heats up and turns into a whole lot more. Both are busy being successful so compromise and communication becomes key to making their relationship work. The heroine is unsurprisingly concerned because the hero is a rockstar and one who has been known to embrace and indulge in that lifestyle mOr than once, giving him a not so surprising reputation. I really loved the contrast between the two. Both are so dedicated to their crafts that it too becomes a hurdle for them to overcome just to make time to be together. The heroine turned her passion of food into a promising career. While she may love sex, especially with the hero, she's not ready to just give it all up unless she knows for sure he's all in. She's not even sure she can handle dating a celebrity, particularly one with a reputation like his and who can blame her. There are many hurdles for them to overcome. It will be up to them to decide if their dedication and love will be enough. Smoking read that left me with more than one unquenched hunger.
January 28, 2013
Dear Ms. Dane,
To be fair, even though Damien was charming, in a pretty plain manner, I only have a single word to describe this book: flat.
Plot, characters [main and secondary], and this book in general were flat, plain.
Characters were not well delimited, with too way many contradictions; Plot was too predictable.
There were certain moments where I thought: "What was she thinking about?", such as:
A woman he seriously wanted to get horizontal with [Let's be honest: who says this?]
You're so hot. Would you sign an autograph? [No comments on this one]
I thought it was because I need some panorama from previous books, but it wasn't so.
I'm pretty disappointed due to the premise for it was good! I mean, during 90% of this book was just hot, steamy moments, with some charming moments, but how come at the last 30, 35 pages there's a turning point, which is solved magically? It's the end of the book!
I'm giving a chance to the other two books of this series, due to I think Cal's situation is pretty interesting.
To be fair, even though Damien was charming, in a pretty plain manner, I only have a single word to describe this book: flat.
Plot, characters [main and secondary], and this book in general were flat, plain.
Characters were not well delimited, with too way many contradictions; Plot was too predictable.
There were certain moments where I thought: "What was she thinking about?", such as:
A woman he seriously wanted to get horizontal with [Let's be honest: who says this?]
You're so hot. Would you sign an autograph? [No comments on this one]
I thought it was because I need some panorama from previous books, but it wasn't so.
I'm pretty disappointed due to the premise for it was good! I mean, during 90% of this book was just hot, steamy moments, with some charming moments, but how come at the last 30, 35 pages there's a turning point, which is solved magically? It's the end of the book!
I'm giving a chance to the other two books of this series, due to I think Cal's situation is pretty interesting.
September 3, 2018
Typical rock star (sex, alcohol and groupies) who falls for a "normal" woman who is not impressed with his status.
His mother is a bitch, I did not like her in Vaughan's book and I still do not like her.
His mother is a bitch, I did not like her in Vaughan's book and I still do not like her.
“I think he’s a drummer in a rock band who drinks a lot, parties a lot, has a lot of women and shows up in the tabloids on a regular basis. I don’t even really follow the celebrity news and I know these things. I just have no desire for that. At all.”
They spoke for a little while longer before he hung up and went back into the main room where his brothers drank, smoked and shot the shit about the day’s events. A few women lounged around and he couldn’t find it in him to invite anyone back to his room.
He wasn’t just the drummer of Sweet Hollow Ranch. He was the party-boy, sex-hungry, hard-drinking drummer.
Paddy kept getting calls and Vaughan chatted up the real estate agent...
But of course Vaughan wants to nail her so we had to look at other houses and really, a few we saw were also pretty awesome and great options, so that meant calls back to Ezra.
Vaughan had his own way. No less sexy than the others, but with a sort of laid-back ease the other two didn’t have. He grinned when the women threw their panties on stage.
Until this tour, Damien and his brothers had tended toward some hard-ass partying after a show ended.
He’s a good lad. Parties a little hard at times, but not so much that he can’t stand.
==>Vaughan is a SOB who does not defend his ex-wife at any time and lets his mother talk horrible things about her. He's a shameless coward. The brothers try to speak, but Vaughan is quiet and does not say anything. He's the typical rock star fucking all groupies.<== Vaughan paid her support and all her bills. Mostly out of guilt, but he had a lot to be guilty over. And he loved his kids without a doubt. His support enabled her to be home with the girls and it kept her reasonable about how much time the girls spent with them.
BITCH His mother hadn’t liked Kelly. Mainly because Kelly was, as his mother saw it, too soft for the type of life they led.
“Some of her friends think I’m a drunken man-whore.” There. He said it. “You are a drunken man-whore.”
==> Future mother in law from hell.<== Would you sign a prenup?” Mary started laughing. “Prenup? I’ve known Damien since June. That’s like three and a half months. We’re nowhere near marriage.”
“I asked her if she’d sign a prenup.”
==>Again Vaughan does not defend his ex-wife and the mother of his children.<== “Close your mouth. Of course I did. You know what Kelly did to Vaughan. She’s got her monthly check, it’s all she wanted. Do you think I want that for you too?”
Damien knew his family hated Vaughan’s ex. But he mainly felt sorry for her. Vaughan was twenty-five years old when he’d married Kelly.
Ezra kept walking. “He’s gone four months a year. She’s the one who parents them every day. Give her a break.”
Vaughan was not blameless in the mess, and while he was a great dad and he loved his daughters, Kelly wasn’t the mercenary bitch their mother believed she was at times.
April 3, 2013
Originally posted at Rarely Dusty Books
Genre & Keywords:
M/F Romance, Contemporary, Rock star, Drummer, Food, Friends, Family, Business, Long Distance, Music, Fame
~~~~~
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2.5 out of 3 flames
~~~~~
I don’t read M/F romance novels very often, and I review them even more seldom. And when I do, I’m usually not very adventurous and tend to stick to the authors I know and love (like for example Lorelei James). But sometimes I like to ask my friends for a recommendation for a new author, especially when I got into a reading rut and want to read something different. So, a few months ago I finally tried one of Lauren Dane’s stories and another one followed. Those were the first two titles of her Delicious series, of which Lush is the third book. I really enjoyed them.
What drew me to this series is the strong connection and friendship between the heroines, Daisy (from Sway, story #1), Juliet (from Tart, book #2), Mary (who stars in this third installment) and their friend Gillian, the main character of Never Enough, one of the titles from another one of Dane’s series: The Brown Siblings, of which this is a spinoff series. Those four friends and their significant others are such a wonderful group of people with authentic friendships; it’s hard not to get addicted to them.
From the three Delicious books I liked Lush the best. The first story is short and although I loved Daisy and Levi’s romance it’s not as rounded as the two novels. The second book is Juliet’s story and is an M/M/F romance, which was deliciously hot. However, I didn’t feel much connection with Juliet, who I found a bit self-centered and too insecure, while I also had some trouble with the head hopping that was going on between the three MCs in more than a few scenes.
Now, Lush however is the kind of M/F romance I really love to read. The heroine is a self-assured woman who knows what she wants in life. She’s a hardworking business owner, and she is as smart as she’s kind. She also knows what she wants from a man, in and out of bed. And she can have sex with one without wanting promises of eternal love and fidelity in return. Her independence is worth a lot to her. In short, she’s a woman who would make every feminist proud.
A woman like that deserves a special man, and Dane pairs her with bad boy rock star Damien, who turns out to be the perfect match for Mary. He is not only hot as sin, but also a passionate and caring man, who interacts lovingly with his family and friends. At some point in the story, his band ends their tour and he and his brothers (who are also his band mates) head home to their parents’ farm. Here we witness a different side than the famous pop star image to Damien’s character. Dane portrayed him well, as a rounded multi-layered character, with very plausible motives to want a committed relationship with Mary.
I truly liked the way the author handled the relationship development. The gradually growing feelings, Damien being ready for a more serious relationship sooner than Mary, the two of them eventually working out their busy schedules, the ability of both to make the jump. It all worked for me and I thought the pacing of the romantic arc was just perfect. For me personally the little fall-out in the end, right before the solid HEA, was a bit too much though: it felt forced, since I hadn’t pegged Mary for the overreacting and insecure type. Nevertheless, I think Dane handled the subsequent making up part again really well. Bringing in both their mothers was comical and worked out fabulously. Damien’s sincerity when it comes to family and commitment rang true thanks to this trust in his mother and love for his family in general.
Like I said, what made me want to read more books in this series after reading the first story, was the connection between the friends in Mary’s life. One of Dane’s strongest qualities is her talent for creating a complete and authentic background story and life for her characters. For both the heroine and hero that is. Mary’s friends already found the love of their lives but after finishing Lush I also felt enough invested in Damien’s brothers to want to see them getting their own romances as well. It’s because the way the author brings them to life with just a few strokes of her pen. Thanks to that same skill the lives of Dane’s MCs feel so real, with not only plenty of relationships but also a real job and other affairs and activities, it makes you want to jump in and become a part of it.
Dane’s writing is almost exotic and definitely evocative. An example of this is how she writes about food. With Mary being a very good caterer, she doesn’t leave it at just saying she is, no, Dane practically seduces her readers with her vivid descriptions of all the delicious food. It’s almost as erotic as the sexy scenes are. Speaking of which… Mary and Damien are so incredibly compatible and hot together. Their chemistry is sizzling, full of steam and intenseness, while at times it’s also mixed with lightness, wit and tenderness. Damien’s focus on Mary’s pleasure and Mary’s freeing openness about sex, made for a great combination and felt like a fresh breeze on my M/F romance shelves.
Apart from the mentioned over the top climatic fall-out, which is basically about misplaced distrust, I absolutely enjoyed this story. It is an excellent read with good tension and pace, wonderful characterization, a nice backdrop and a memorable pairing. I’m just a little sad to see this series come to an end with this third book, but I have high hopes for perhaps another spinoff, involving Damien’s brothers. For me, there’s also this author’s huge backlist, which has plenty of series on it, to fall back on!
~
Genre & Keywords:
M/F Romance, Contemporary, Rock star, Drummer, Food, Friends, Family, Business, Long Distance, Music, Fame
~~~~~
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2.5 out of 3 flames
~~~~~
I don’t read M/F romance novels very often, and I review them even more seldom. And when I do, I’m usually not very adventurous and tend to stick to the authors I know and love (like for example Lorelei James). But sometimes I like to ask my friends for a recommendation for a new author, especially when I got into a reading rut and want to read something different. So, a few months ago I finally tried one of Lauren Dane’s stories and another one followed. Those were the first two titles of her Delicious series, of which Lush is the third book. I really enjoyed them.
What drew me to this series is the strong connection and friendship between the heroines, Daisy (from Sway, story #1), Juliet (from Tart, book #2), Mary (who stars in this third installment) and their friend Gillian, the main character of Never Enough, one of the titles from another one of Dane’s series: The Brown Siblings, of which this is a spinoff series. Those four friends and their significant others are such a wonderful group of people with authentic friendships; it’s hard not to get addicted to them.
From the three Delicious books I liked Lush the best. The first story is short and although I loved Daisy and Levi’s romance it’s not as rounded as the two novels. The second book is Juliet’s story and is an M/M/F romance, which was deliciously hot. However, I didn’t feel much connection with Juliet, who I found a bit self-centered and too insecure, while I also had some trouble with the head hopping that was going on between the three MCs in more than a few scenes.
Now, Lush however is the kind of M/F romance I really love to read. The heroine is a self-assured woman who knows what she wants in life. She’s a hardworking business owner, and she is as smart as she’s kind. She also knows what she wants from a man, in and out of bed. And she can have sex with one without wanting promises of eternal love and fidelity in return. Her independence is worth a lot to her. In short, she’s a woman who would make every feminist proud.
A woman like that deserves a special man, and Dane pairs her with bad boy rock star Damien, who turns out to be the perfect match for Mary. He is not only hot as sin, but also a passionate and caring man, who interacts lovingly with his family and friends. At some point in the story, his band ends their tour and he and his brothers (who are also his band mates) head home to their parents’ farm. Here we witness a different side than the famous pop star image to Damien’s character. Dane portrayed him well, as a rounded multi-layered character, with very plausible motives to want a committed relationship with Mary.
I truly liked the way the author handled the relationship development. The gradually growing feelings, Damien being ready for a more serious relationship sooner than Mary, the two of them eventually working out their busy schedules, the ability of both to make the jump. It all worked for me and I thought the pacing of the romantic arc was just perfect. For me personally the little fall-out in the end, right before the solid HEA, was a bit too much though: it felt forced, since I hadn’t pegged Mary for the overreacting and insecure type. Nevertheless, I think Dane handled the subsequent making up part again really well. Bringing in both their mothers was comical and worked out fabulously. Damien’s sincerity when it comes to family and commitment rang true thanks to this trust in his mother and love for his family in general.
Like I said, what made me want to read more books in this series after reading the first story, was the connection between the friends in Mary’s life. One of Dane’s strongest qualities is her talent for creating a complete and authentic background story and life for her characters. For both the heroine and hero that is. Mary’s friends already found the love of their lives but after finishing Lush I also felt enough invested in Damien’s brothers to want to see them getting their own romances as well. It’s because the way the author brings them to life with just a few strokes of her pen. Thanks to that same skill the lives of Dane’s MCs feel so real, with not only plenty of relationships but also a real job and other affairs and activities, it makes you want to jump in and become a part of it.
Dane’s writing is almost exotic and definitely evocative. An example of this is how she writes about food. With Mary being a very good caterer, she doesn’t leave it at just saying she is, no, Dane practically seduces her readers with her vivid descriptions of all the delicious food. It’s almost as erotic as the sexy scenes are. Speaking of which… Mary and Damien are so incredibly compatible and hot together. Their chemistry is sizzling, full of steam and intenseness, while at times it’s also mixed with lightness, wit and tenderness. Damien’s focus on Mary’s pleasure and Mary’s freeing openness about sex, made for a great combination and felt like a fresh breeze on my M/F romance shelves.
Apart from the mentioned over the top climatic fall-out, which is basically about misplaced distrust, I absolutely enjoyed this story. It is an excellent read with good tension and pace, wonderful characterization, a nice backdrop and a memorable pairing. I’m just a little sad to see this series come to an end with this third book, but I have high hopes for perhaps another spinoff, involving Damien’s brothers. For me, there’s also this author’s huge backlist, which has plenty of series on it, to fall back on!
~
April 24, 2013
2.5 stars
I swear this book had a lot of cheesy stuff ,next time I'll stick with YA books.
When Damien saw Mary
But then he saw her. Dark hair held back from her face though acres of curls strained at their confinement.
She was bent over a counter, slicing a tomato. Her hands glistened against the red flesh. He’d seen women cut up tomatoes hundreds of times over his life and had never actually gotten wood. Until that moment.
When Mary saw Damien
He was a thousand times more arresting in person than he was on the television screen. Long and tall—and she had a weakness for long and lanky...
He had dark hair, a bit too long, so it flopped down over his eye every once in a while so he’d have to push it back.A rogue’s eyes, her mother would say. Big, fringed with lashes as dark as the hair on his head. Intelligent with the light of humor in them. His lips were framed by a neatly trimmed mustache and beard.
This scene was supposed to show about their sex life but I think instead of being turned on ,I had a case of "is she real??".
He liked sex. He hadn’t shown anything less than total enthusiasm for it in whatever manner it came.
He was sort of feral up there. So much energy. Legs moving. Arms moving. His biceps actually rippled as he played. His tattoos glistened under the lights.
Something south of her belly button might have actually pulsed. Good gracious.
And their relationship was straight from a Mexican Telenovela
1.Damien was too much of nice guy and Mary was bolder.
This is a big no-no as far as I'm concerned.
2.They were like teenagers with their insecurities
The only thing missing was a child by another woman ,but it was a close shot.
At least for the first time the guy said what I tought
What have you done? She loves you. She trusted you.”
“Trusted? She ran away the minute trouble came up.”
If this is the level of bullsh*t of all the other books of this series I'm better off.
I swear this book had a lot of cheesy stuff ,next time I'll stick with YA books.
When Damien saw Mary
But then he saw her. Dark hair held back from her face though acres of curls strained at their confinement.
She was bent over a counter, slicing a tomato. Her hands glistened against the red flesh. He’d seen women cut up tomatoes hundreds of times over his life and had never actually gotten wood. Until that moment.
When Mary saw Damien
He was a thousand times more arresting in person than he was on the television screen. Long and tall—and she had a weakness for long and lanky...
He had dark hair, a bit too long, so it flopped down over his eye every once in a while so he’d have to push it back.A rogue’s eyes, her mother would say. Big, fringed with lashes as dark as the hair on his head. Intelligent with the light of humor in them. His lips were framed by a neatly trimmed mustache and beard.
This scene was supposed to show about their sex life but I think instead of being turned on ,I had a case of "is she real??".
He liked sex. He hadn’t shown anything less than total enthusiasm for it in whatever manner it came.
He was sort of feral up there. So much energy. Legs moving. Arms moving. His biceps actually rippled as he played. His tattoos glistened under the lights.
Something south of her belly button might have actually pulsed. Good gracious.
And their relationship was straight from a Mexican Telenovela
1.Damien was too much of nice guy and Mary was bolder.
This is a big no-no as far as I'm concerned.
2.They were like teenagers with their insecurities
The only thing missing was a child by another woman ,but it was a close shot.
At least for the first time the guy said what I tought
What have you done? She loves you. She trusted you.”
“Trusted? She ran away the minute trouble came up.”
If this is the level of bullsh*t of all the other books of this series I'm better off.
May 15, 2013
Mary has no time for a serious relationship. Her catering business is finally taking off, and with the help of her friends she's finally making money doing what she loves. When rock star drummer Damien and Mary meet privately through mutual friends, she takes it as a one night stand. But over time, Damien wants more from her and learns that he'll need to do much more to impress her in order to be more than a fun fling.
---
Meh. I was really anticipating the release of this book, but Lush left me disappointed.
-This book has a plot that lately has been really overused- the rock star and the common girl. It was a nice idea the first couple stories I read, but now it's just become monotonous to read and too big of a cliche. That alone was enough to lose my interest from this story.
-The dialogues within this book seemed forced and fake. I didn't really feel for any of the characters, nor did I focus much on their conversations after awhile. It read like a bad sitcom...
-Except for the sex scenes, which were more vulgar but still awkward and forced. I didn't find the scenes to be steamy or erotic, but rushed and choppy. Not to mention the use of crass language just to be crass. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big girl who can read profanity without being offended. It was just like everything else in this story- overdone.
-The writing itself wasn't so smooth either, consisting largely of jagged, fragmented sentences and the same. Staccato. Writing. That. I. Hated. In. Fifty. Shades. Of. Grey. While I understand it's meant to show a thought process, it really just drew me away from the plot and question the structure of the novel.
-+ Neither positive nor negative, this is an observation that I also noticed in book two, Tart. There are a LOT of characters. Perhaps too many. Characters are constantly coming and going almost to the extent of confusion.
+Now, there are some positives. I am liking the whole "epicurean/chef/foodie" trend in romance novels and erotica right now, and Lauren Dane does a good job mixing her romance with food. I liked Mary's passion for her job, and how it carried over into other aspects of her life, from friendships to romance and everything in between.
+I enjoy that this is a familiar cast of characters, since this series follows the friends who call their little group Delicious. I like that each one gets a chance in turn to find love, and that all of the friends appear in each others' books. It gives a stronger sense of bonding and familiarity.
+Look at that cover. It's gorgeous. I'd love to have it on my shelf. It summarizes the plot quite nicely, looking both classy and sizzling at the same time.
Overall, this book was alright. It's not one of the worst I've read, but I won't rush out to buy it anytime soon. Do not just read this because you read Tart, or you will be disappointed. However, if you like rock stars or chefs, give this book a shot. It won't do anyone harm to read it once.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of this book. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
---
Meh. I was really anticipating the release of this book, but Lush left me disappointed.
-This book has a plot that lately has been really overused- the rock star and the common girl. It was a nice idea the first couple stories I read, but now it's just become monotonous to read and too big of a cliche. That alone was enough to lose my interest from this story.
-The dialogues within this book seemed forced and fake. I didn't really feel for any of the characters, nor did I focus much on their conversations after awhile. It read like a bad sitcom...
-Except for the sex scenes, which were more vulgar but still awkward and forced. I didn't find the scenes to be steamy or erotic, but rushed and choppy. Not to mention the use of crass language just to be crass. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big girl who can read profanity without being offended. It was just like everything else in this story- overdone.
-The writing itself wasn't so smooth either, consisting largely of jagged, fragmented sentences and the same. Staccato. Writing. That. I. Hated. In. Fifty. Shades. Of. Grey. While I understand it's meant to show a thought process, it really just drew me away from the plot and question the structure of the novel.
-+ Neither positive nor negative, this is an observation that I also noticed in book two, Tart. There are a LOT of characters. Perhaps too many. Characters are constantly coming and going almost to the extent of confusion.
+Now, there are some positives. I am liking the whole "epicurean/chef/foodie" trend in romance novels and erotica right now, and Lauren Dane does a good job mixing her romance with food. I liked Mary's passion for her job, and how it carried over into other aspects of her life, from friendships to romance and everything in between.
+I enjoy that this is a familiar cast of characters, since this series follows the friends who call their little group Delicious. I like that each one gets a chance in turn to find love, and that all of the friends appear in each others' books. It gives a stronger sense of bonding and familiarity.
+Look at that cover. It's gorgeous. I'd love to have it on my shelf. It summarizes the plot quite nicely, looking both classy and sizzling at the same time.
Overall, this book was alright. It's not one of the worst I've read, but I won't rush out to buy it anytime soon. Do not just read this because you read Tart, or you will be disappointed. However, if you like rock stars or chefs, give this book a shot. It won't do anyone harm to read it once.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of this book. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
January 16, 2013
My Rating: ★★★½
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
My Thoughts:
This book was provided by NetGalley and Berkley Trade for an honest review.
Mary Whaley is one of my most favorite characters in the Delicious series. She is genteel but has a core of steel. It was an amazing journey to watch her relationship develop with bad boy rocker Damien Hurley. Although he lived a fast and furious lifestyle in the past, he is now settled and wants to pursue his blazing attraction with Mary, who professes that all they have is only a fling. The transition from fling to love is fraught with challenges: skeptical friends, scheming paparazzi, and Mary's own expectations. Damien makes himself a constant presence in her life and she soon realizes that she won't...she can't...live without him.
It's sad to see the end of the Delicious trilogy because it included characters that I enjoyed reading about as well as the friendship and love between them. Although I enjoyed Damien and Mary's story, I didn't love it like I did the first two books in the series. I just wanted the series to go out with a bang. And even though it was a good end...it wasn't a stellar end.
But I still love Lauren Dane and look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for her.
Reading Time: 5 Hours
For more reviews, visit The BookChick with Kick blog
GOOD: The characteristics of a 3 star book include: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements; there was something about the story that I didn’t completely connect with; the book will never be a star player but definitely made the team. I would recommend to a friend.Book Description:
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
My Thoughts:
This book was provided by NetGalley and Berkley Trade for an honest review.
Mary Whaley is one of my most favorite characters in the Delicious series. She is genteel but has a core of steel. It was an amazing journey to watch her relationship develop with bad boy rocker Damien Hurley. Although he lived a fast and furious lifestyle in the past, he is now settled and wants to pursue his blazing attraction with Mary, who professes that all they have is only a fling. The transition from fling to love is fraught with challenges: skeptical friends, scheming paparazzi, and Mary's own expectations. Damien makes himself a constant presence in her life and she soon realizes that she won't...she can't...live without him.
It's sad to see the end of the Delicious trilogy because it included characters that I enjoyed reading about as well as the friendship and love between them. Although I enjoyed Damien and Mary's story, I didn't love it like I did the first two books in the series. I just wanted the series to go out with a bang. And even though it was a good end...it wasn't a stellar end.
But I still love Lauren Dane and look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for her.
Reading Time: 5 Hours
For more reviews, visit The BookChick with Kick blog
June 13, 2013
Lauren Dane's "Lush," the third book in Dane's "Delicious" series, was a sweet and steamy read in turns, though probably not quite as steam heavy as the previous book "Tart" was. I only say that because this was more of your traditional erotic title of M/F relations, but they were done quite well in line with the tone of the story. I'll admit this book was a little more difficult to keep up with the various relationships than the previous novel was, but following Mary and Damien's relationship made it worth it. I liked seeing some of the recurring characters, including Gillian, Cal, Gideon, and Jules who were featured in the previous novel.
Damien's the kind of rock star bad boy I like because he's funny and he takes personal responsibility for his actions and past. There are realistic touches here of what his life is like on tour and how he comes to terms with life on the road and in the media versus being at home. Mary is actually a more likable heroine than Jules was in the previous novel in turns. She's independent, task oriented and has a firm dedication to her work. I'll admit I loved the references to food and the nice back and forth interactions and development between the characters. The part of the novel that I found a bit on the odd side of things was that I knew where the conflicts of the novel would be before they hit, so that took a little bit out of experience of reading it, alongside trying to keep up with some of the larger cast of the novel in turns. I liked the environmental details and how easily established the relationships were, but I did have to backtrack a few times in the narrative to be able to keep on top of who was speaking/doing something whenever. I take my time to savor stories, though and this was one I didn't mind going through with a fine comb for the parts that engaged me. Character development was quite good, and there are times when I laughed in the events (just consider the demon pig as an example - that's all I'm saying). The way it dealt with some of the tougher subject matters (such as Damien's elder brother's past) were a nice touch as well.
It was a good read and I liked the experience; I certainly will be reading more into Lauren Dane's novels from here. I think her covers for the Delicious series will always be my favorite though. They're cute!
Overall score: 3/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Berkley Trade.
Damien's the kind of rock star bad boy I like because he's funny and he takes personal responsibility for his actions and past. There are realistic touches here of what his life is like on tour and how he comes to terms with life on the road and in the media versus being at home. Mary is actually a more likable heroine than Jules was in the previous novel in turns. She's independent, task oriented and has a firm dedication to her work. I'll admit I loved the references to food and the nice back and forth interactions and development between the characters. The part of the novel that I found a bit on the odd side of things was that I knew where the conflicts of the novel would be before they hit, so that took a little bit out of experience of reading it, alongside trying to keep up with some of the larger cast of the novel in turns. I liked the environmental details and how easily established the relationships were, but I did have to backtrack a few times in the narrative to be able to keep on top of who was speaking/doing something whenever. I take my time to savor stories, though and this was one I didn't mind going through with a fine comb for the parts that engaged me. Character development was quite good, and there are times when I laughed in the events (just consider the demon pig as an example - that's all I'm saying). The way it dealt with some of the tougher subject matters (such as Damien's elder brother's past) were a nice touch as well.
It was a good read and I liked the experience; I certainly will be reading more into Lauren Dane's novels from here. I think her covers for the Delicious series will always be my favorite though. They're cute!
Overall score: 3/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Berkley Trade.
May 10, 2013
How does a sexy in demand rock star and a chef make a relationship work? Not easily. It can be a recipe for disaster since Damien Hurley fills up the tabloids with his groupie sex. The proverbial bad boy who sowed his oats now wants to settle down. It's not so easy finding a "good girl" for a real relationship when you're a bad boy. Especially when said good girl, Mary Whaley, already sees firsthand what happens to women married to rock stars. It isn't pretty.
Ms. Dane creates another lovely contemporary romance novel. This is the third in her Delicious series and it is smexy dish. The characters are likeable. Mary is an entrepreneur who is grounded, loyal and comes from a loving family. Her extended friends who become her little tribe are all wonderful people. No one is exactly perfect, but the combination is a beautiful to watch. Ms. Dane is always so good at the little details when it comes to interactions. She easily injects humour, love and moving "Hallmark" moments.
It's a treat to watch the snarkiness fly between some of the characters. It's also fun to watch as the strongly opinionated mothers in this story almost come to blows. If this is how a relationship is like with a rock star who wants a soul-mate and partner, I'm going to decline because it looks pretty rough. Although, it does contain some really great benefits. (Who doesn't like nice hotel suites, limo rides and private jets?)
The thing which bugged me is the way Mary treats Damien in the end due to a pot-stirring reporter. If she already knows the reporter is up to no good and Damien's past is very clear he never had a relationship with a woman, why did she flip out the way she did? I can understand the initial moment of shock. I just don't understand the running away or letting someone not explain what happened. Based on all the facts and actions of Damien, including his sordid past, I would say Mary overreacted and it's she who owes Damien apologies. That was one piece that really bugged me. Still, in the heat of the moment, passions fly and who knows how I'd react if it were me in the same situation. Maybe I wouldn't be able to keep the cool head. This contemporary romance is recommended for romance lovers who enjoy the bad boy meeting his perfect fit and living happily ever after.
* Provided by NetGalley for a review*
Ms. Dane creates another lovely contemporary romance novel. This is the third in her Delicious series and it is smexy dish. The characters are likeable. Mary is an entrepreneur who is grounded, loyal and comes from a loving family. Her extended friends who become her little tribe are all wonderful people. No one is exactly perfect, but the combination is a beautiful to watch. Ms. Dane is always so good at the little details when it comes to interactions. She easily injects humour, love and moving "Hallmark" moments.
It's a treat to watch the snarkiness fly between some of the characters. It's also fun to watch as the strongly opinionated mothers in this story almost come to blows. If this is how a relationship is like with a rock star who wants a soul-mate and partner, I'm going to decline because it looks pretty rough. Although, it does contain some really great benefits. (Who doesn't like nice hotel suites, limo rides and private jets?)
The thing which bugged me is the way Mary treats Damien in the end due to a pot-stirring reporter. If she already knows the reporter is up to no good and Damien's past is very clear he never had a relationship with a woman, why did she flip out the way she did? I can understand the initial moment of shock. I just don't understand the running away or letting someone not explain what happened. Based on all the facts and actions of Damien, including his sordid past, I would say Mary overreacted and it's she who owes Damien apologies. That was one piece that really bugged me. Still, in the heat of the moment, passions fly and who knows how I'd react if it were me in the same situation. Maybe I wouldn't be able to keep the cool head. This contemporary romance is recommended for romance lovers who enjoy the bad boy meeting his perfect fit and living happily ever after.
* Provided by NetGalley for a review*
April 18, 2013
Author: Lauren Dane
Published: April 2nd. 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Series: Delicious #3
ARC acquired through NetGalley
Mary Whaley has made a successful business in catering and overseeing her supper club. After so much hard work, she has everything she's ever wanted.
But when she meets the very hot, sexy Damien Hurley, the attraction kick's inn and she can't deny herself this sweet treat.
As far as Damien goes, living a hard, fast life is good for now. Living the life of a famous rock star is awesome and he's brothers think so too. But then he meets Mary and suddenly there's nobody else and he can't get by without her.
As love finds it's way into Mary and Damien's heart, things start getting tough and when things get tough, the tough get going ...
I'm such a big fan of Lauren Dane and her books get me in such a good disposition that this one is no different from the other's I've read.
Her character's are always so strong and enticing and the boys are always hot, it's such a pleasure to read something that leaves you with a million ideas that you can practice and make your own way, as I said, it's always a pleasure to read any book like this any day of the week.
Mary is really a down to earth person, she doesn't get caught in Damien's rock star lifestyle but she doesn't run away either. She's different from the other women that Damien is used to and he knows it right away ... smart boy.
She really isn't looking for love but this time around she get's caught in this web and Damien has a little help from his brother's and his mom.
Damien is my kind of a favorite rock star. He's nice, hot and sinful, such a nice guy, and deep down there there's a farm boy hiding inside his soul.
He get's all the credit for pushing Mary to the limit, all the way down, and never giving up on his feelings and on the woman he loves.
This book was a great read, if you love a good romance and hot loving between a couple that burn the sheets pick up this book and you won't regret it.
Published: April 2nd. 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Series: Delicious #3
ARC acquired through NetGalley
Mary Whaley has made a successful business in catering and overseeing her supper club. After so much hard work, she has everything she's ever wanted.
But when she meets the very hot, sexy Damien Hurley, the attraction kick's inn and she can't deny herself this sweet treat.
As far as Damien goes, living a hard, fast life is good for now. Living the life of a famous rock star is awesome and he's brothers think so too. But then he meets Mary and suddenly there's nobody else and he can't get by without her.
As love finds it's way into Mary and Damien's heart, things start getting tough and when things get tough, the tough get going ...
I'm such a big fan of Lauren Dane and her books get me in such a good disposition that this one is no different from the other's I've read.
Her character's are always so strong and enticing and the boys are always hot, it's such a pleasure to read something that leaves you with a million ideas that you can practice and make your own way, as I said, it's always a pleasure to read any book like this any day of the week.
Mary is really a down to earth person, she doesn't get caught in Damien's rock star lifestyle but she doesn't run away either. She's different from the other women that Damien is used to and he knows it right away ... smart boy.
She really isn't looking for love but this time around she get's caught in this web and Damien has a little help from his brother's and his mom.
Damien is my kind of a favorite rock star. He's nice, hot and sinful, such a nice guy, and deep down there there's a farm boy hiding inside his soul.
He get's all the credit for pushing Mary to the limit, all the way down, and never giving up on his feelings and on the woman he loves.
This book was a great read, if you love a good romance and hot loving between a couple that burn the sheets pick up this book and you won't regret it.
March 28, 2013
2 1/2 stars
I was really excited to read this book. I mean, who wouldn't? A bad boy rocker and a feisty chef? Count me in! Bud sadly, after a few chapters, my excitement just fizzled out.
There's actually nothing wrong with this book. But -- a big BUT here, there's also nothing spectacular about it. It was just okay. The characters were okay, the secondary characters were okay, everything and everyone was just okay.
The plot had potential but it didn't really reach that *cough* climax *cough* that I was waiting for. The conflict wasn't really a conflict at all, it was just Mary being her contrary self. It was just too cliched, so it didn't really work for me.
I would still recommend this book though. After all, the elements that didn't work for me might work for others. Personally though, this book just fell short.
This review also appears here Ever After Romance Blog
*ARC provided by Berkley Trade via NetGalley
I was really excited to read this book. I mean, who wouldn't? A bad boy rocker and a feisty chef? Count me in! Bud sadly, after a few chapters, my excitement just fizzled out.
There's actually nothing wrong with this book. But -- a big BUT here, there's also nothing spectacular about it. It was just okay. The characters were okay, the secondary characters were okay, everything and everyone was just okay.
The plot had potential but it didn't really reach that *cough* climax *cough* that I was waiting for. The conflict wasn't really a conflict at all, it was just Mary being her contrary self. It was just too cliched, so it didn't really work for me.
I would still recommend this book though. After all, the elements that didn't work for me might work for others. Personally though, this book just fell short.
This review also appears here Ever After Romance Blog
*ARC provided by Berkley Trade via NetGalley
January 21, 2013
Mary, Mary quite contrary....remember that nursery rhyme? It fits. Mary is contrary in the best possible ways. She doesn't let herself get caught up in Damien's rock star life. She takes it slow (outside of hopping in bed with him, but a woman can only be expected to keep her knees together for so long when faced with a badass, tattoed drummer who's hot as hellfire and carnally gifted). She does her own thing. She doesn't allow herself to become his step and fetch girl. She makes him work for it, and work for it Damien does. He's had enough sour that he recognized sweet.....and he was bound and damn determined to hang on to it. Good story, minimal angst, seriously hot bedroom scenes. I hope Damien's brothers get their own stories.....especially Ezra. Broody, intense, broken Ezra. He would make a fabulous tortured hero.....
January 20, 2013
Loved this book. Mary and Damien are a great couple. The sex is stellar. There is so much more to this book. I love all of the relationships and love between the characters.
Damien works so hard for Mary. He does everything he can to prove he isn't the rock star bad boy he was before her. He is super sweet & sexy. This is a must read.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Damien works so hard for Mary. He does everything he can to prove he isn't the rock star bad boy he was before her. He is super sweet & sexy. This is a must read.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
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