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Human Hieroglyphix #1
Human Hieroglyphix
Leila McCarthy, PhD and Professor of English at University of Colorado/Grantham, was a fly under the radar kind of gal, never even giving her appearance or personality a second thought until the Universe sent her a wake up call.
A call that she answered.
Armed with her notebook labelled, 'Chrysalis of Me' , Leila begins to make changes , the first of which is a tattoo that she receives from Dex Nelson, resident bad boy and co-owner of Human Hieroglyphix, the man she had been secretly crushing on from afar.
Dex is attracted to the unworldly Leila as he applies the ink but when they meet for a second time he doesn't recognize her as the quiet beauty, the one that he couldn't get out of his head, the one he had fallen for as he applied her ink.
But the magnetic pull between them can't be denied.
As Leila grows and changes with Dex by her side, she finds that there a number of people in her life that are uncomfortable with the new Leila, threatened by her or just downright hate that she isn't the person she used to be...that will do just about anything to keep the her and Dex apart.
But Dex has his own issues which cause him to push Leila away.
Can two such polar opposites weather the storms of change and ever find their way to love?
This is the first book in the Human Hieroglyphix series and is intended for mature readers only. Contains graphic language and explicit, detailed sexual situations.
A call that she answered.
Armed with her notebook labelled, 'Chrysalis of Me' , Leila begins to make changes , the first of which is a tattoo that she receives from Dex Nelson, resident bad boy and co-owner of Human Hieroglyphix, the man she had been secretly crushing on from afar.
Dex is attracted to the unworldly Leila as he applies the ink but when they meet for a second time he doesn't recognize her as the quiet beauty, the one that he couldn't get out of his head, the one he had fallen for as he applied her ink.
But the magnetic pull between them can't be denied.
As Leila grows and changes with Dex by her side, she finds that there a number of people in her life that are uncomfortable with the new Leila, threatened by her or just downright hate that she isn't the person she used to be...that will do just about anything to keep the her and Dex apart.
But Dex has his own issues which cause him to push Leila away.
Can two such polar opposites weather the storms of change and ever find their way to love?
This is the first book in the Human Hieroglyphix series and is intended for mature readers only. Contains graphic language and explicit, detailed sexual situations.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2013
22 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Hornbuckle
20 books396 followersMy heart was beating so freaking fast. I could hear the murmurings of the crowd behind the curtain where I was hiding, that separated me from them.
It was time. Time for me to come out and talk with them, those people from Goodreads that had read my books, rated my books and that wanted to know the person behind the words.
I stepped my way carefully out onto the stage, my heartbeat the only sound my ears could hear.
"Hi," I mumbled into the microphone. "My name is Judy and I write as J.A. Hornbuckle."
Damn. My voice sounded as hesitant as I felt.
"Tha-thank you so much for your interest." I was fumbling. But, I'd done this before. The public speaking thingie. And I really hadn't ever been this nervous before. But, geesh, I'd had notes then.
Not now.
Deep breath, my mind instructed.
Okay, that I could do.
"I, ah, I don't know what to…uhm, I'm uncertain what I'm supposed to talk about," I began.
The fact that I couldn't see into the crowd was a problem. Talking to crowds is supposed to be like talking to other people. But I couldn't actually SEE the other people.
Crap.
Just start at the beginning.
"I started writing because of a migraine," I started, my voice reedy and thin even in the amplification of the microphone. "I'd read three crap books in a row and thought I could do better."
I cleared my throat which I hadn't realized beforehand would be captured by the speakers.
"Sorry," I mumbled and tried again.
"I read three books that convinced me that I could write better. I'm an avid reader. A voracious reader that consumed four to six fiction books a week. Three books, three crap books, meant that I had wasted fifty percent of my reading time. And I knew that I could do better, could write better."
The noise in the large room lessened as I spoke and I gained courage from that silence.
"As I laid on the floor of my walk-in closet because it, of all the rooms in my apartment, had no noise, no light, and with my frozen pack of corn on my head, thought of the book I might write."
I remembered that time of pain. Of hurting so bad that my stomach would roil, where every heartbeat was torture and I couldn't breathe without the air hurting my teeth.
"I started to think about Caitlin and Jake, about what was to become 'Pole Dance', and eventually I found that I could shove that pain to one side as I planned. I learned to stash a steno pad and pen in there with me and use my baby finger to hold the end of the steno pad and write in the dark."
I heard a couple of chuckles which made me bolder.
"I tried to capture the story on my computer in my 'dull roar' times. And, in a word? It was crap. I didn't know what I was doing. So I started to study. Read, absorbed. But you know what I found? Writing is like driving a car. You can read about driving, learning the rules of the road, reading about safety tips and precautions. But until you are actually behind the wheel? Oh, baby. Completely different story."
More laughs this time. My knees were steadier and I felt my voice strengthen.
I needed to finish up.
"My name is Judy. And I'm a new author who is learning by the seat of her yoga pants as she goes. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my books. You mean a lot to me."
I smiled and waved into the glare that was hiding the group that had come to hear me speak.
Because I've never spoken so much and with such honesty from my heart at one time.
It was time. Time for me to come out and talk with them, those people from Goodreads that had read my books, rated my books and that wanted to know the person behind the words.
I stepped my way carefully out onto the stage, my heartbeat the only sound my ears could hear.
"Hi," I mumbled into the microphone. "My name is Judy and I write as J.A. Hornbuckle."
Damn. My voice sounded as hesitant as I felt.
"Tha-thank you so much for your interest." I was fumbling. But, I'd done this before. The public speaking thingie. And I really hadn't ever been this nervous before. But, geesh, I'd had notes then.
Not now.
Deep breath, my mind instructed.
Okay, that I could do.
"I, ah, I don't know what to…uhm, I'm uncertain what I'm supposed to talk about," I began.
The fact that I couldn't see into the crowd was a problem. Talking to crowds is supposed to be like talking to other people. But I couldn't actually SEE the other people.
Crap.
Just start at the beginning.
"I started writing because of a migraine," I started, my voice reedy and thin even in the amplification of the microphone. "I'd read three crap books in a row and thought I could do better."
I cleared my throat which I hadn't realized beforehand would be captured by the speakers.
"Sorry," I mumbled and tried again.
"I read three books that convinced me that I could write better. I'm an avid reader. A voracious reader that consumed four to six fiction books a week. Three books, three crap books, meant that I had wasted fifty percent of my reading time. And I knew that I could do better, could write better."
The noise in the large room lessened as I spoke and I gained courage from that silence.
"As I laid on the floor of my walk-in closet because it, of all the rooms in my apartment, had no noise, no light, and with my frozen pack of corn on my head, thought of the book I might write."
I remembered that time of pain. Of hurting so bad that my stomach would roil, where every heartbeat was torture and I couldn't breathe without the air hurting my teeth.
"I started to think about Caitlin and Jake, about what was to become 'Pole Dance', and eventually I found that I could shove that pain to one side as I planned. I learned to stash a steno pad and pen in there with me and use my baby finger to hold the end of the steno pad and write in the dark."
I heard a couple of chuckles which made me bolder.
"I tried to capture the story on my computer in my 'dull roar' times. And, in a word? It was crap. I didn't know what I was doing. So I started to study. Read, absorbed. But you know what I found? Writing is like driving a car. You can read about driving, learning the rules of the road, reading about safety tips and precautions. But until you are actually behind the wheel? Oh, baby. Completely different story."
More laughs this time. My knees were steadier and I felt my voice strengthen.
I needed to finish up.
"My name is Judy. And I'm a new author who is learning by the seat of her yoga pants as she goes. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my books. You mean a lot to me."
I smiled and waved into the glare that was hiding the group that had come to hear me speak.
Because I've never spoken so much and with such honesty from my heart at one time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 25, 2014
3.5 Dreams and Ugly Ducklings into Swans Stars
Professor Leila McCarthy never gave herself and appearances a second thought. An shy, introvert but highly accomplished and intelligent woman hides beneath bulky clothes, thick glasses and untamed hair.
Overhearing a heated discussion amidst her students will turn her well constructed world upside down, make her questions deep rooted beliefs, face her fears and reclaim her buried femininity. Not because she wasn't beautiful. Beauty is a state of the soul and when you let your soul wither you lose focus of what matters and you can't truly see the wings that are making you free. Like a butterfly she will emerge from her cocoon and leave her past behind.
Her first stop? A tattoo shop and a mark on her skin to remind her of a new beginning. And the man that will give it to her, will see the woman inside, touch her soul and understand her better than anyone. Because he did once the same. He let his past self behind. And now, now will awaken the woman inside before she realises how much power she holds in her hands.
Dex, this man that fought to accomplish his own dreams and fly away, will open her eyes to passion, love and freedom but his fear to listen to his heart will once again break her heart.
Our new Leila, armored with female power, her new posse of crazy and loyal friends will deal with feelings, fashion dilemmas, hair problems, male stubbornness and old fashioned plain jealousy and more than ever she will fight to prove that she is more than looks and clothes. She is a woman and because of that she can accomplish everything she sets her mind on.
An easy-going, quick and sassy read about the power of will, our hidden self and the dreams we don't admit ever to ourselves. This books reminded (in a good way) of KA books. It made me smile, swoon and believe in happiness. Don't hold your breath for more, that's it. Well written, with great characters read it when you are looking to have a good time and let it take you away... with LOVE!
Sidenote: I have mentioned it so many times, but I believe it is worthy of repeating once again...
Holy, freaking hell... Dex is a delicious male specimen and altogether badass that will steal your breath, make your heart racing, talk you dirty, expand you sex horizons, take you on motorcycle rides and tattoo butterflies on your hip. Just don't let him run away scared! ;)
Professor Leila McCarthy never gave herself and appearances a second thought. An shy, introvert but highly accomplished and intelligent woman hides beneath bulky clothes, thick glasses and untamed hair.
Overhearing a heated discussion amidst her students will turn her well constructed world upside down, make her questions deep rooted beliefs, face her fears and reclaim her buried femininity. Not because she wasn't beautiful. Beauty is a state of the soul and when you let your soul wither you lose focus of what matters and you can't truly see the wings that are making you free. Like a butterfly she will emerge from her cocoon and leave her past behind.
Her first stop? A tattoo shop and a mark on her skin to remind her of a new beginning. And the man that will give it to her, will see the woman inside, touch her soul and understand her better than anyone. Because he did once the same. He let his past self behind. And now, now will awaken the woman inside before she realises how much power she holds in her hands.
Dex, this man that fought to accomplish his own dreams and fly away, will open her eyes to passion, love and freedom but his fear to listen to his heart will once again break her heart.
Our new Leila, armored with female power, her new posse of crazy and loyal friends will deal with feelings, fashion dilemmas, hair problems, male stubbornness and old fashioned plain jealousy and more than ever she will fight to prove that she is more than looks and clothes. She is a woman and because of that she can accomplish everything she sets her mind on.
An easy-going, quick and sassy read about the power of will, our hidden self and the dreams we don't admit ever to ourselves. This books reminded (in a good way) of KA books. It made me smile, swoon and believe in happiness. Don't hold your breath for more, that's it. Well written, with great characters read it when you are looking to have a good time and let it take you away... with LOVE!
Sidenote: I have mentioned it so many times, but I believe it is worthy of repeating once again...
Holy, freaking hell... Dex is a delicious male specimen and altogether badass that will steal your breath, make your heart racing, talk you dirty, expand you sex horizons, take you on motorcycle rides and tattoo butterflies on your hip. Just don't let him run away scared! ;)
March 24, 2019
As is the norm.......long ass recap and spoilers ahead 😂
I blame my reread of motorcycle man for me trying this book. Swooning after the glory of Tack and Tyra I started this one SPECIFICALLY because it was suggested that it's similar to KA's writing so.........
Leila is a professor and overhears her students saying bad things about her this propels her to go through a complete change
She's completely innocent and clueless, like she doesn't know about makeup, music, you tube tutorials nothing
While out with her friend she sees a man meeting a woman at the bar, he's gorgeous she's vibrant yadda yadda (think Lauren seeing Tate and Neeta*shudders*)
Right so she goes for a tattoo, the artist is none ofther than Tate Jr 😂 she's so affected by him during the session she gets giant goose bumps man
Dex is a dick but he tells her sorry he's a dick so it's cool
Anyways she leaves, completes her change etc
One night she gets drunk, Dex aka Tate Jr takes her home,(he's such a good guy to offer to take a drunken woman he doesn't know home)
But anyways when they arrive she's too heavy to carry up the stairs(wtf kinda romance hero isn't able to carry the h up the stairs? What is romance coming too????)so he sets her on the couch then he sleeps in her bed
Anyways he figured out who she is
The sparks are flying so he comes over, they kiss heatedly so he's trying to slow it down so he stops she mistakes what he means and goes upstairs and has a quiet crying session. I mean full on crying, so he asked her what's up she doesn't answer so he walks out(where'd they find this guy)
He sees her sobbing though so he comes back 😂
They get sexy and start dating then while on a double date Cait's man Jake says something to Dex and he pulls away
Now Leila has no clue why but we hear at her friends get together that Jake was joking that they'd get married then Crystal who works with Dex let's loose the bomb that Dex and Leila are broken up. I was confused as hell. He never said a word to her! Not one word! But life goes on (wtf)
Anyways a month passes, she goes on a date and he turns up
He's sorry, he was scared whatever whatever so she thinks it over and takes him back.
Now I've endured all of the above that's just plain OTT ridiculous right? But there's her neighbor who wants her to move out because she's associated with bad company,creepy Evan who tells people he's with her and both her and Dex get a creepy feeling about and her best friend who's quietly turned into an enemy
Still I continued
Then things start happening right, their car, houses and his business suffer damage. On his walls are spay painted stay away from her, she gets a note saying she looked better before, then her car has slut whore etc painted on it. So the police come and asks if they can think of anyone who'd do things like that. These idiots said no. I'm like but what about creepy Evan??? Remember him??? And her best friend and Evan have been making things uncomfortable for her on work because apparently professors are really just mean girls at heart and still they had no clue who was doing the stuff
I mean come on!!!! I've endured so much already now you go and make them stupid and clueless too????
So I still continued and low and behold it really was Evan and Emily *gasps* nooooo?!!? 🤦
This book was do ridiculous it gave ridiculous a bad name, I could've believed in the h's need for a change but seriously her cluelessness was so over exaggerated that the writing was on the wall I just chose to ignore it.
In and between all that Dex says babe every other word and in a scene straight from motorcycle man his ex hookup pops in and generously offered to give Leila his cock while she takes his mouth or vice versa..... 🙄 Needless to say I didn't like Dex
Leila was married for years to Dan who she knew was cheating on her after the first year, yet she stayed. Dex was engaged but he knew that life filled with boredom and missionary position sex wasn't for him. So after a missionary position sex romp he left his ex fiance and left his old life for a new one 🤷
I should've quit early but nope I rode the crazy train straight to the very end!
I blame my reread of motorcycle man for me trying this book. Swooning after the glory of Tack and Tyra I started this one SPECIFICALLY because it was suggested that it's similar to KA's writing so.........
Leila is a professor and overhears her students saying bad things about her this propels her to go through a complete change
She's completely innocent and clueless, like she doesn't know about makeup, music, you tube tutorials nothing
While out with her friend she sees a man meeting a woman at the bar, he's gorgeous she's vibrant yadda yadda (think Lauren seeing Tate and Neeta*shudders*)
Right so she goes for a tattoo, the artist is none ofther than Tate Jr 😂 she's so affected by him during the session she gets giant goose bumps man
Dex is a dick but he tells her sorry he's a dick so it's cool
Anyways she leaves, completes her change etc
One night she gets drunk, Dex aka Tate Jr takes her home,(he's such a good guy to offer to take a drunken woman he doesn't know home)
But anyways when they arrive she's too heavy to carry up the stairs(wtf kinda romance hero isn't able to carry the h up the stairs? What is romance coming too????)so he sets her on the couch then he sleeps in her bed
Anyways he figured out who she is
The sparks are flying so he comes over, they kiss heatedly so he's trying to slow it down so he stops she mistakes what he means and goes upstairs and has a quiet crying session. I mean full on crying, so he asked her what's up she doesn't answer so he walks out(where'd they find this guy)
He sees her sobbing though so he comes back 😂
They get sexy and start dating then while on a double date Cait's man Jake says something to Dex and he pulls away
Now Leila has no clue why but we hear at her friends get together that Jake was joking that they'd get married then Crystal who works with Dex let's loose the bomb that Dex and Leila are broken up. I was confused as hell. He never said a word to her! Not one word! But life goes on (wtf)
Anyways a month passes, she goes on a date and he turns up
He's sorry, he was scared whatever whatever so she thinks it over and takes him back.
Now I've endured all of the above that's just plain OTT ridiculous right? But there's her neighbor who wants her to move out because she's associated with bad company,creepy Evan who tells people he's with her and both her and Dex get a creepy feeling about and her best friend who's quietly turned into an enemy
Still I continued
Then things start happening right, their car, houses and his business suffer damage. On his walls are spay painted stay away from her, she gets a note saying she looked better before, then her car has slut whore etc painted on it. So the police come and asks if they can think of anyone who'd do things like that. These idiots said no. I'm like but what about creepy Evan??? Remember him??? And her best friend and Evan have been making things uncomfortable for her on work because apparently professors are really just mean girls at heart and still they had no clue who was doing the stuff
I mean come on!!!! I've endured so much already now you go and make them stupid and clueless too????
So I still continued and low and behold it really was Evan and Emily *gasps* nooooo?!!? 🤦
This book was do ridiculous it gave ridiculous a bad name, I could've believed in the h's need for a change but seriously her cluelessness was so over exaggerated that the writing was on the wall I just chose to ignore it.
In and between all that Dex says babe every other word and in a scene straight from motorcycle man his ex hookup pops in and generously offered to give Leila his cock while she takes his mouth or vice versa..... 🙄 Needless to say I didn't like Dex
Leila was married for years to Dan who she knew was cheating on her after the first year, yet she stayed. Dex was engaged but he knew that life filled with boredom and missionary position sex wasn't for him. So after a missionary position sex romp he left his ex fiance and left his old life for a new one 🤷
I should've quit early but nope I rode the crazy train straight to the very end!
April 18, 2013
5++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This book was amazing!!! I am so glad I finally decided to read it. I am actually really mad at myself for not reading it sooner. It is such a good book. Sadly, I feel like not too many people know about this book or have read. I can tell you that you are missing out. It is a wonderful book and truly a hidden gem. Once i finished I went and bought up everything by this author. I have to admit this author reminds me a lot of KA which I love and is a huge draw for me. Please check out something written by this author I promise you that you will love it!! A must read.
This book was amazing!!! I am so glad I finally decided to read it. I am actually really mad at myself for not reading it sooner. It is such a good book. Sadly, I feel like not too many people know about this book or have read. I can tell you that you are missing out. It is a wonderful book and truly a hidden gem. Once i finished I went and bought up everything by this author. I have to admit this author reminds me a lot of KA which I love and is a huge draw for me. Please check out something written by this author I promise you that you will love it!! A must read.
February 15, 2019
2 stars stretched. And I mean, I'm pushing it. Though the idea had a good potential, its execution was less than impressive. More like ridiculous. Unfortunately.
What have I just read?.. I was looking for an easy fun romance with a bit of a story in it. And this one looked just like one at first glance. But..
I have no objections for a bit of lame stuff or a bit of ridiculous pull and stretch here and there. But, hey, there has to be a bit of common sense, too, right.
So, here comes Leila. An English University Professor at a tender age of 31. One divorce an a cheating husband behind, and Leila is not the most confident of women out there. Mind you, in her own admission, she was never into appearances or clothes. She is smart though. Well, after all she is a Uni Professor, you know. Never mind that her descriptions and speech in general sound quite plain and dry, reflecting more an average person with a very average score in English in High School, but then again, what do we know. It's a University where a skirt and new haircut constitute a big deal! I wonder, was it an Amish University or something?..
So Leila hears her students slagging her appearance one day and that's her breaking point. Apparently, you change your attitude and views that quickly, just a few comments from juvenile hormonal boys make you jump and reset your whole life. Yeah. Especially if you are an aspiring University academic. Cause you know, all that you worry about is what others think of you. And I mean it sends you into a spin off. Instead off just maybe going for a haircut and a bit of make up, it's the whole lot. Literally, from head to toe.
So yes, Leila suddenly becomes that brave and chatty girl who asks strangers for advise on lipstick, decides to get a tattoo and buys heels and pencil skirts.
By the way, while I'm on it, is a pencil skirt the only sexy clothing item? What's the fixation on those in this book? I think if Leila had hit the gym and running, she'd have more appeal in jeans and shirt or any clothes, cause, the secret to looking sexy isn't really WHAT you wear, but more so HOW you wear. Saggy bottom and untoned legs will not get admiring looks pencil skirt or no skirt at all.
Anyway, ok, say, the wardrobe change worked here. So Leila gets the attention of a bad boy, Dex (OMG, it must be third or fourth Dex I read about, mind you, biker and a tattoo shop... is there no other names, businesses??... now, I wouldn't expect a biker to be much into setting up a tea room or a knitting school, but tattoos?? Could you get any more cliché?...)
So, yes, Dex spots Leila's true beauty first time he sees her. And they hit it off right away, Leila wasn't in any hesitation to get physical right away (remember, it a shy, not very confident woman, whose husband cheated and dumped her, someone who was never up to put herself out there) after 2-3 dates she's apparently calling him "honey" (yuk!).
They get their share of relationship troubles and barrack, which, again, sounded so juvenile and ridiculous...
And... that's pretty much it! Story? Gripping moments? Tension?
Oh, well, Dex is good in bed and he had a threesome when he was young.
Yeah, that's as intriguing as it gets...
Shall I continue?... I think I'm done.
Overall, it's annoying more than anything else. This book could have been really good!! could've been funny, romantic with a bit of twist. But all went wrong. Too cliché, too ridiculous.
What have I just read?.. I was looking for an easy fun romance with a bit of a story in it. And this one looked just like one at first glance. But..
I have no objections for a bit of lame stuff or a bit of ridiculous pull and stretch here and there. But, hey, there has to be a bit of common sense, too, right.
So, here comes Leila. An English University Professor at a tender age of 31. One divorce an a cheating husband behind, and Leila is not the most confident of women out there. Mind you, in her own admission, she was never into appearances or clothes. She is smart though. Well, after all she is a Uni Professor, you know. Never mind that her descriptions and speech in general sound quite plain and dry, reflecting more an average person with a very average score in English in High School, but then again, what do we know. It's a University where a skirt and new haircut constitute a big deal! I wonder, was it an Amish University or something?..
So Leila hears her students slagging her appearance one day and that's her breaking point. Apparently, you change your attitude and views that quickly, just a few comments from juvenile hormonal boys make you jump and reset your whole life. Yeah. Especially if you are an aspiring University academic. Cause you know, all that you worry about is what others think of you. And I mean it sends you into a spin off. Instead off just maybe going for a haircut and a bit of make up, it's the whole lot. Literally, from head to toe.
So yes, Leila suddenly becomes that brave and chatty girl who asks strangers for advise on lipstick, decides to get a tattoo and buys heels and pencil skirts.
By the way, while I'm on it, is a pencil skirt the only sexy clothing item? What's the fixation on those in this book? I think if Leila had hit the gym and running, she'd have more appeal in jeans and shirt or any clothes, cause, the secret to looking sexy isn't really WHAT you wear, but more so HOW you wear. Saggy bottom and untoned legs will not get admiring looks pencil skirt or no skirt at all.
Anyway, ok, say, the wardrobe change worked here. So Leila gets the attention of a bad boy, Dex (OMG, it must be third or fourth Dex I read about, mind you, biker and a tattoo shop... is there no other names, businesses??... now, I wouldn't expect a biker to be much into setting up a tea room or a knitting school, but tattoos?? Could you get any more cliché?...)
So, yes, Dex spots Leila's true beauty first time he sees her. And they hit it off right away, Leila wasn't in any hesitation to get physical right away (remember, it a shy, not very confident woman, whose husband cheated and dumped her, someone who was never up to put herself out there) after 2-3 dates she's apparently calling him "honey" (yuk!).
They get their share of relationship troubles and barrack, which, again, sounded so juvenile and ridiculous...
And... that's pretty much it! Story? Gripping moments? Tension?
Oh, well, Dex is good in bed and he had a threesome when he was young.
Yeah, that's as intriguing as it gets...
Shall I continue?... I think I'm done.
Overall, it's annoying more than anything else. This book could have been really good!! could've been funny, romantic with a bit of twist. But all went wrong. Too cliché, too ridiculous.
February 5, 2013
About 34% in, a very cute story. Still seeing a bit of the KA overtones. Metamorphosis of a college English professor and the guy from the local Tattoo shop. Liking it so far and only one mention of the word “pink” in relation to the female anatomy. Whew.
Over 60% through and REALLY liking this one. Still seeing KA similarities especially with Leila's coming out of her cocoon (or whatever the heck butterflies emerge from) and the descriptive thing with her clothes/hair/accessories. It's not over the top detailed though. Dex is HOT and the love scenes are schmexy.
Finished - 3.5 stars. Started out thinking I liked this one was even better than Pole Dance, but HH lost steam near the end. Really liked Dex/Leila, even though I was not happy with Dex and his dick move about 75% in. Glad he pulled his head out of his behind and it all ended with a nice HEA. If you’re a fan, I still saw a lot of enjoyable KA-isms (Kristen Ashley). They don’t come off as a rip off, more like a nice compliment to the author being a fan. The “pink bits and parts” used for the female body that were so annoying in Pole Dance were little seen in this story. I think the color “pink” was only mentioned all of 3 times. Whew! Liked Leila’s metamorphosis from brainy into beauty. Fun side characters….one of which was Frank-kay. Laugh every time I read that name. As with Pole Dance, there’s an element of suspense thrown in. I was surprised by the “who done it” in Pole Dance, but in HH the side story was a no brainer to figure out. Many of the characters from Pole Dance are included here and would probably be best to read that bk first even though these 2 bks belong to separate series. Fun the way characters were all intermingled. JAH’s characters are real and normal and comfortably relatable which is the appeal here for me. This is not an in-depth read or one with much character development; it just hits the surface but fun and entertaining. Looking forward to what’s next in the series.
Over 60% through and REALLY liking this one. Still seeing KA similarities especially with Leila's coming out of her cocoon (or whatever the heck butterflies emerge from) and the descriptive thing with her clothes/hair/accessories. It's not over the top detailed though. Dex is HOT and the love scenes are schmexy.
Finished - 3.5 stars. Started out thinking I liked this one was even better than Pole Dance, but HH lost steam near the end. Really liked Dex/Leila, even though I was not happy with Dex and his dick move about 75% in. Glad he pulled his head out of his behind and it all ended with a nice HEA. If you’re a fan, I still saw a lot of enjoyable KA-isms (Kristen Ashley). They don’t come off as a rip off, more like a nice compliment to the author being a fan. The “pink bits and parts” used for the female body that were so annoying in Pole Dance were little seen in this story. I think the color “pink” was only mentioned all of 3 times. Whew! Liked Leila’s metamorphosis from brainy into beauty. Fun side characters….one of which was Frank-kay. Laugh every time I read that name. As with Pole Dance, there’s an element of suspense thrown in. I was surprised by the “who done it” in Pole Dance, but in HH the side story was a no brainer to figure out. Many of the characters from Pole Dance are included here and would probably be best to read that bk first even though these 2 bks belong to separate series. Fun the way characters were all intermingled. JAH’s characters are real and normal and comfortably relatable which is the appeal here for me. This is not an in-depth read or one with much character development; it just hits the surface but fun and entertaining. Looking forward to what’s next in the series.
October 18, 2016
After hearing a few of her college students talk about her in a cruel manner, PhD and Professor of English, Leila McCarthy is devastated. If they had just talked about her personality she might have gotten past it but they talked about her appearance and more. Deciding that instead of wallowing in self pity, she needed to do something about it. She makes a list, she pushes her boundaries and she goes for a head to toe makeover trying to find out who she is inside and out.
One of the things on the list is to get a tattoo which puts her in the direct path of Dex Nelson. She had seen him a few times and secretly crushed on him but to have him doing her tattoo is even better. A few days later, a new Leila sees Dex again and he asks her out.
Dex doesn't do relationships, ever he likes his freedom. Everything about Leila though has Dex wanting to stay by her side. However, when their relationship starts to get serious will he take a chance or ruin it?
There is stalker plot to the story as well. Entertaining story, I felt for Leila because once she went through her transformation she finds out who her real friends are. Dex was intense, you get where he is coming from but might not always agree with his path. Been a fan of J.A. Hornbuckle for awhile, this is another fantastic piece of work.
One of the things on the list is to get a tattoo which puts her in the direct path of Dex Nelson. She had seen him a few times and secretly crushed on him but to have him doing her tattoo is even better. A few days later, a new Leila sees Dex again and he asks her out.
Dex doesn't do relationships, ever he likes his freedom. Everything about Leila though has Dex wanting to stay by her side. However, when their relationship starts to get serious will he take a chance or ruin it?
There is stalker plot to the story as well. Entertaining story, I felt for Leila because once she went through her transformation she finds out who her real friends are. Dex was intense, you get where he is coming from but might not always agree with his path. Been a fan of J.A. Hornbuckle for awhile, this is another fantastic piece of work.
March 27, 2013
There are two ways to review this book:
If I had not ever read a Kristen Ashley book, I'd say the book was entertaining so I tried to overlook the simplicity of both plot and characters (a little more complexity and depth would have been very appreciated, thanks) but It was OK, I liked it and I'd say go for it. It won't rock your world but It will help you pass the time if that is what you're looking for.
Now, since I have read Kristen Ashley's books, I couldn't help but notice:
This is like a Kristen Ashley book for teenagers.
This is both a decaf AND vanilla version of a KA book.
This is like a book KA would have written if she was 18.
So, if you like KA and you are considering to read this, I'd say: save yourself the time and the money (I don't know about you but my TBR is getting longer by the minute) and just pick a KA book and read it and if you have read them all then pick one and read it again.
If I had not ever read a Kristen Ashley book, I'd say the book was entertaining so I tried to overlook the simplicity of both plot and characters (a little more complexity and depth would have been very appreciated, thanks) but It was OK, I liked it and I'd say go for it. It won't rock your world but It will help you pass the time if that is what you're looking for.
Now, since I have read Kristen Ashley's books, I couldn't help but notice:
This is like a Kristen Ashley book for teenagers.
This is both a decaf AND vanilla version of a KA book.
This is like a book KA would have written if she was 18.
So, if you like KA and you are considering to read this, I'd say: save yourself the time and the money (I don't know about you but my TBR is getting longer by the minute) and just pick a KA book and read it and if you have read them all then pick one and read it again.
February 5, 2013
This is my second book by JA Hornbuckle. She is definitely an author that I enjoy and will purchase again.
The editing showed improvement over her first book, Pole Dance, but I felt more emotion and connection to the characters in Pole Dance.
The danger that Dex and Leila faced was a bit contrived and easy to figure out, but despite that, I found the story an easy read. Not too deep or angsty, but certainly enjoyable.
The author's style of switching from first person POV for Leila then back to third person to get Dex's perspective works very well and the transitions are smooth with no repetion of story line as one takes up where the other leaves off.
Great start to the series.
And by the way when I say series I do not mean serial with a cliffhanger ending. It's a complete story with it's own HEA.
The editing showed improvement over her first book, Pole Dance, but I felt more emotion and connection to the characters in Pole Dance.
The danger that Dex and Leila faced was a bit contrived and easy to figure out, but despite that, I found the story an easy read. Not too deep or angsty, but certainly enjoyable.
The author's style of switching from first person POV for Leila then back to third person to get Dex's perspective works very well and the transitions are smooth with no repetion of story line as one takes up where the other leaves off.
Great start to the series.
And by the way when I say series I do not mean serial with a cliffhanger ending. It's a complete story with it's own HEA.
February 4, 2013
3.5 stars but not quite enough for the 4 star round up.
December 14, 2022
It had its moments.
October 20, 2016
Enjoyable read about a plain jane who finds her inner swan. The only real issue was the over the top naivety of the 30 year old heroine.
November 26, 2014
I don't understand why in the fuck Leila just took all that abuse at work. Why didn't she give them a firm warning or come back instead of listening to them berate her(without saying her name) daily. So she got a makeover who gives a fuck, she is still an educated and intelligent college professor. It just really bothered me how she never stuck up for herself.
And do not get me fucking started on this theme that pops up very often in romance novels, this situation where the man leaves the heroine in a sad and miserable mess so she soldiers on and tries to piece herself back together. Then he realizes what a mistake he's made and goes to reconcile and then the heroine stands her ground. And then he says something about being scared and/or she owns his heart and with that stunning proclamation she takes him back. That fucking pisses me off beyond reason!! He was the one that broke your heart just because he was scared of his feelings for you doesn't negate the fact that he hurt you and was an asshole about it, why in the fuck would you take him back??? Stand your ground and know your worth and find someone who will treat you with the respect you deserve. They should talk things out with you, instead of being a dickface and making you feel like shit and make you wonder what you did wrong.
This might seem like a minor thing to some people who read the book but to me it was pretty racist and I don't appreciate reading a book that has a generalization for a whole group of people that I happen to be a part of.
This is the statement:
"Seems the Latino community had not yet moved forward regarding the gay issue"
I am a Latina and know many Latinos who do not give two shits about who loves who or who is fucking who. I do not like that this author feels that she can make such a horrendous claim. I know that this is a work of fiction and I'm guessing that she might not actually feel this way, but that is not the point. The fact that someone can say that oh the Latino community as a whole feels this way is just offensive. That would be like if I said the whole white community has not yet moved forward regarding the race issue.
So authors please never make such a gross generalization about a culture again, thanks.
This was just a really frustrating read and I just don't think it was the book for me.
What I did like was the easy camaraderie with her new set of friends and the female encouragement and empowerment was very nice. It's always great seeing women supporting each other.
And do not get me fucking started on this theme that pops up very often in romance novels, this situation where the man leaves the heroine in a sad and miserable mess so she soldiers on and tries to piece herself back together. Then he realizes what a mistake he's made and goes to reconcile and then the heroine stands her ground. And then he says something about being scared and/or she owns his heart and with that stunning proclamation she takes him back. That fucking pisses me off beyond reason!! He was the one that broke your heart just because he was scared of his feelings for you doesn't negate the fact that he hurt you and was an asshole about it, why in the fuck would you take him back??? Stand your ground and know your worth and find someone who will treat you with the respect you deserve. They should talk things out with you, instead of being a dickface and making you feel like shit and make you wonder what you did wrong.
This might seem like a minor thing to some people who read the book but to me it was pretty racist and I don't appreciate reading a book that has a generalization for a whole group of people that I happen to be a part of.
This is the statement:
"Seems the Latino community had not yet moved forward regarding the gay issue"
I am a Latina and know many Latinos who do not give two shits about who loves who or who is fucking who. I do not like that this author feels that she can make such a horrendous claim. I know that this is a work of fiction and I'm guessing that she might not actually feel this way, but that is not the point. The fact that someone can say that oh the Latino community as a whole feels this way is just offensive. That would be like if I said the whole white community has not yet moved forward regarding the race issue.
So authors please never make such a gross generalization about a culture again, thanks.
This was just a really frustrating read and I just don't think it was the book for me.
What I did like was the easy camaraderie with her new set of friends and the female encouragement and empowerment was very nice. It's always great seeing women supporting each other.
April 15, 2013
Dex
Leila
*sigh* I wish I could say I dont know where to start and that is why I hesitated with whether I should write this or not....But, I'd be lying. The real reason is because I just think it was SO damn obvious - the plot, that is.
The 3 stars I gave this book are specifically for the beginning, for Leilas transformation and the start of her relationship with Dex... The whole "split them up" scare tactics storyline was SO so obvious, as is the norm in J.A. Hornbuckles books - but this was more obvious than usual, I could have told you as soon as the first thing happened who had done it.
That pissed me off, but then again, what doesnt? XD
Okay, on with what I actually did like....The beginning, I felt so freaking sorry for Leila, those boys need a kick in the face, but her emotional transformation as well as her physical transformation was astounding, I loved that at the end of the book she told the head of department to get fucked
Overall, I did enjoy the book, I found it interesting and the writing style was pretty good - J.A. needs a book editor, there is some really bad typing and grammar errors throughout the book. I liked the characters, and the overall storyline. They had some pretty good sex and I liked the way Dex made her feel before he "scraped her off" that made me want to punch him in the fucking face. Just so you know for future books.
For more reviews please check out My Blog
Leila
*sigh* I wish I could say I dont know where to start and that is why I hesitated with whether I should write this or not....But, I'd be lying. The real reason is because I just think it was SO damn obvious - the plot, that is.
The 3 stars I gave this book are specifically for the beginning, for Leilas transformation and the start of her relationship with Dex... The whole "split them up" scare tactics storyline was SO so obvious, as is the norm in J.A. Hornbuckles books - but this was more obvious than usual, I could have told you as soon as the first thing happened who had done it.
That pissed me off, but then again, what doesnt? XD
Okay, on with what I actually did like....The beginning, I felt so freaking sorry for Leila, those boys need a kick in the face, but her emotional transformation as well as her physical transformation was astounding, I loved that at the end of the book she told the head of department to get fucked
Overall, I did enjoy the book, I found it interesting and the writing style was pretty good - J.A. needs a book editor, there is some really bad typing and grammar errors throughout the book. I liked the characters, and the overall storyline. They had some pretty good sex and I liked the way Dex made her feel before he "scraped her off" that made me want to punch him in the fucking face. Just so you know for future books.
For more reviews please check out My Blog
May 15, 2017
Ok how to start lol, I'm not too good on the review front, I find most people just end up writing what the book is about but in different words to the blurb.
First thing the blurb describes this book perfectly. I'd like to add, that Leila sure she might be finding herself, and her confidence might need the occasional boost but she isn't an annoying whiny weak minded girl.
She makes friends easily and has more balls than I do simply approaching strangers and saying "nice lipstick what's the name of it", and dancing around with a complete stranger then organising a shopping trip.
I hate those romance books where you have those "cringe" moments and can't believe she did that or said that. Thank GOD there are none of those.
I think Dex could have been a bit more bad ass, but probably in doing so wouldn't have made his character so believable.
Last thing that stuck with me that I loved, Leila is getting her make over on pretty much through the first half of the book. I love that Dex saw her, really saw her and was attracted to her prior the "butterfly" transformation, that's hot, having hot tattooed guy see you for you , Goosebump butterfly girl was pretty squee.
Only thing I'm REALLY annoyed at is there's only this book and Pole Dance... come ooon how long does it take to whip out over 200 awesome pages.. Surely we should be getting a book once a week who else am I gonna have to feed my habit. :)
Good price, great amount of pages, shout out to your friends this is a great book, and get in now and you get to see whats turning out to be a wicked writer from the start of her career
First thing the blurb describes this book perfectly. I'd like to add, that Leila sure she might be finding herself, and her confidence might need the occasional boost but she isn't an annoying whiny weak minded girl.
She makes friends easily and has more balls than I do simply approaching strangers and saying "nice lipstick what's the name of it", and dancing around with a complete stranger then organising a shopping trip.
I hate those romance books where you have those "cringe" moments and can't believe she did that or said that. Thank GOD there are none of those.
I think Dex could have been a bit more bad ass, but probably in doing so wouldn't have made his character so believable.
Last thing that stuck with me that I loved, Leila is getting her make over on pretty much through the first half of the book. I love that Dex saw her, really saw her and was attracted to her prior the "butterfly" transformation, that's hot, having hot tattooed guy see you for you , Goosebump butterfly girl was pretty squee.
Only thing I'm REALLY annoyed at is there's only this book and Pole Dance... come ooon how long does it take to whip out over 200 awesome pages.. Surely we should be getting a book once a week who else am I gonna have to feed my habit. :)
Good price, great amount of pages, shout out to your friends this is a great book, and get in now and you get to see whats turning out to be a wicked writer from the start of her career
January 27, 2013
This book was good as soon as I heard about Dex in Pole Dance I knew I wanted to read his story.. It was great that his story included Leila, the English Professor who was going through some drastic life changes in not only her appareance but her inner self. It was changes for the better and at first I thought for bad reasons until I got that it was really for HER!
I rooted for that and for them together! Ms. Hornbuckle did a great job with this book. Minor spelling errors and She someimes used Jake's name where it should have been Dex, but outside that lil minor stuff the story rocked!
I knew who was behind all the drama as soon as it started so that part of the story left no mystery for me but I wasn't in it for the drama that was added to the relationship I was in it for their relatiosnhip and what It brought them.
Im looking for to more by this author and will be waiting for Tap Dance when it's released!
Great books from a new author :)
im looking forward to maybe getting Chrys and Gabe's story if their's one to tell... and how it all started :) I loved Gabe just because of his name, but then because he just sounded Yummy even with the little bit of details that I got
I rooted for that and for them together! Ms. Hornbuckle did a great job with this book. Minor spelling errors and She someimes used Jake's name where it should have been Dex, but outside that lil minor stuff the story rocked!
I knew who was behind all the drama as soon as it started so that part of the story left no mystery for me but I wasn't in it for the drama that was added to the relationship I was in it for their relatiosnhip and what It brought them.
Im looking for to more by this author and will be waiting for Tap Dance when it's released!
Great books from a new author :)
im looking forward to maybe getting Chrys and Gabe's story if their's one to tell... and how it all started :) I loved Gabe just because of his name, but then because he just sounded Yummy even with the little bit of details that I got
January 28, 2013
Not as smooth and tightly written as Pole Dance but still decent. Seemed ludicrous that the hero and heroine didn't have a clue of who the perpetrator was messing with their property.
This one totally reminds me of Kristen Ashley Colorado Mountain series - heroine sees hero from afar at beginning of story and feels inadequate, heroine transforms herself, hero is tatted and rides a bike, heroine ends up with a girl posse, etc.
This one totally reminds me of Kristen Ashley Colorado Mountain series - heroine sees hero from afar at beginning of story and feels inadequate, heroine transforms herself, hero is tatted and rides a bike, heroine ends up with a girl posse, etc.
April 27, 2013
I love Dex and Leila! There are many pros to this book: great couple, good dialogue, strong backstory, and there's a make up (as in break up) scene that is one of the most honest I've read.
The bad bits: the lapses in Leila's uppity English Prof. speak, how she knows zip about zilch in modern culture but sure does pick it up hella' fast. My biggest gripe, though, is how could they be so damn clueless?! (That's all I'll say about that.)
Oh, and this needs a thorough edit because Dex and Leila, liking things neat and clean, deserve that.
I highly recommend "Human Hieroglyphix" and would gladly let Dex give me my first ink!
The bad bits: the lapses in Leila's uppity English Prof. speak, how she knows zip about zilch in modern culture but sure does pick it up hella' fast. My biggest gripe, though, is how could they be so damn clueless?! (That's all I'll say about that.)
Oh, and this needs a thorough edit because Dex and Leila, liking things neat and clean, deserve that.
I highly recommend "Human Hieroglyphix" and would gladly let Dex give me my first ink!
May 16, 2013
Perfect book! Perfect stalker situation, with hot sexy leads and an alpha male that can do anything he wants to me! This book was great. No cheating, angsty just long enough, small issues here and there, but other than that a hero that looks out for his girl. Heroine was not too hard headed/strong willed which enabled us to love her just enough and need the hero just enough. Very strong likeness to Kristen Ashley, which is my personal favorite, so how could I not love this book?
June 18, 2013
3.75-4 Stars
"Yeah, Elle, you're going to have to choose. You want to come on my fingers, my mouth or my cock?"
Oh. My. God.
**Fans Self**
Oh. My. God. is right.
Umm, yea...my review is coming.
"Yeah, Elle, you're going to have to choose. You want to come on my fingers, my mouth or my cock?"
Oh. My. God.
**Fans Self**
Oh. My. God. is right.
Umm, yea...my review is coming.
February 6, 2013
I was so, so pleasantly surprised when I read this book. I saw it recommended on a discussion board that said her style was similar to Kristen Ashley, but my expectations were pretty low. Most of the books I've read lately have just bored me, and getting through them has been more like work than fun. But not this one! I was smiling through the book - not only because the book is cute, but because I was so happy to have a book that I enjoyed reading!
The main character, Leila, is adorable. She is a Professor of English Lit who doesn't pay attention to appearance until she overhears some seriously mean remarks about how she looks. Those remarks are the catalyst to her making some changes in her life. She gets a makeover on the outside, but the bigger makeover I think is on the inside, since she lets in so many more people, and really starts developing some great friendships. Downside - some of her old friends are total jerks about it.
On to the romance. The love interest is a hot, tattoo artist who (yay) likes her even before she gets the glam treatment. Oh and there is a mystery aspect since bad stuff starts happening and you are not sure who's behind it, and that adds a nice dimension.
The author currently has one other book out, and even though that came first and the books share characters, I read this one first and it did not negatively impact the story. This author has a lot of great characters and on her website she says she has a lot more books planned. I'm super excited since she really did a great job with this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
The main character, Leila, is adorable. She is a Professor of English Lit who doesn't pay attention to appearance until she overhears some seriously mean remarks about how she looks. Those remarks are the catalyst to her making some changes in her life. She gets a makeover on the outside, but the bigger makeover I think is on the inside, since she lets in so many more people, and really starts developing some great friendships. Downside - some of her old friends are total jerks about it.
On to the romance. The love interest is a hot, tattoo artist who (yay) likes her even before she gets the glam treatment. Oh and there is a mystery aspect since bad stuff starts happening and you are not sure who's behind it, and that adds a nice dimension.
The author currently has one other book out, and even though that came first and the books share characters, I read this one first and it did not negatively impact the story. This author has a lot of great characters and on her website she says she has a lot more books planned. I'm super excited since she really did a great job with this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
February 15, 2013
NICE START TO THE SERIES
Leila McCarthy is a university professor of English. Overhearing two students talking about her, gives her pause to look at her life. So during spring break she sets to work to make herself a new person inside and out. Starting with a tattoo, Dex Nelson part owns and runs Human Hieroglphix. He also made his own life changes a long time ago, he is doing a job he loves, and living life on his own terms. When Leila walks in his tattoo parlour he is attracted to her.
While I liked this book a lot, I thought that it lacked the character development that the authors first book had Pole Dance I thought Jake and Caitln had a deeper connection. I wasn't quite sure I bought into Leila's naivety. She was a little bit too far out of the loop for me to be believable. Leila is a divorcee. Her husband of three years was a serial cheater. Dex was an alpha male, but he was also a bit of an idiot. He tended to over think everything. I liked the plot, with the threats and danger from someone who wanted to split Leila and Dex up. But this is a good story, and the editing was a whole lot better in this story compared to the first. Although this is part of a series it is a stand alone story. I look forward to the next book.
Leila McCarthy is a university professor of English. Overhearing two students talking about her, gives her pause to look at her life. So during spring break she sets to work to make herself a new person inside and out. Starting with a tattoo, Dex Nelson part owns and runs Human Hieroglphix. He also made his own life changes a long time ago, he is doing a job he loves, and living life on his own terms. When Leila walks in his tattoo parlour he is attracted to her.
While I liked this book a lot, I thought that it lacked the character development that the authors first book had Pole Dance I thought Jake and Caitln had a deeper connection. I wasn't quite sure I bought into Leila's naivety. She was a little bit too far out of the loop for me to be believable. Leila is a divorcee. Her husband of three years was a serial cheater. Dex was an alpha male, but he was also a bit of an idiot. He tended to over think everything. I liked the plot, with the threats and danger from someone who wanted to split Leila and Dex up. But this is a good story, and the editing was a whole lot better in this story compared to the first. Although this is part of a series it is a stand alone story. I look forward to the next book.
January 28, 2013
Dex and Leila.
From the first page to last I didn't want to put my kindle down. The story starts with an introduction to Leila and progresses with her personal transformation. I was glad we were able to "watch" her and her discovery of herself.
The story flowed nicely and did not jump around. I hate when that happens, that is usually when I put the story down but with this book. While it was a love story it also has a surprise in there that I didn't expect. No spoilers here, you have to read it. And read it you should.
As always when I fall in love with characters I get a little sad to see the end. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series.
From the first page to last I didn't want to put my kindle down. The story starts with an introduction to Leila and progresses with her personal transformation. I was glad we were able to "watch" her and her discovery of herself.
The story flowed nicely and did not jump around. I hate when that happens, that is usually when I put the story down but with this book. While it was a love story it also has a surprise in there that I didn't expect. No spoilers here, you have to read it. And read it you should.
As always when I fall in love with characters I get a little sad to see the end. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series.
January 31, 2013
WOW, what a significant difference from Pole Dance. I mean, I love Pole Dance due to it's quirkiness and alpha male Jake was super Yummo but this... oh, what girl doesn't love a Cinderella transformation to get the bad boy of our dreams. I couldn't put it down and actually finished it in one day (don't tell my boss). Its a book you just CAN'T put down nor can you forget. The story and the characters truly stay with you. Wait? Did I mention the super hot sex scenes that had me blushing from my the roots of my hair to the tips of my toes.
More More More!!
More More More!!
February 5, 2013
This book reads like a Kristen Ashley book. It has the alpha male,the shy but beautiful girl the funny group of friends some angst and alittle suspense,but it lacks something.
It's more of a 3.5* book,rounded up to 4. Fun, easy read.
May 4, 2015
So it's a good thing I'm too busy to p/u another book bc this is still stuck in my head. Loved it. It read like a journal.... We got emotions, thoughts, etc. in detail & I love that!
Leila was a women we can all relate to just a bit.... She wanted to chg her outside as much as her inside.... And dex helped, not caused, her metamorphosis. Beautiful. I cheered for them when they both "got" it.
Leila was a women we can all relate to just a bit.... She wanted to chg her outside as much as her inside.... And dex helped, not caused, her metamorphosis. Beautiful. I cheered for them when they both "got" it.
February 12, 2013
Love Dex, love Leila, love the author and this book!! I will definitely be reading the HH and Dance series as we are introduced to more of the characters!!!
I really enjoyed both of her books. This had the perfect amount of suspense and lovin' with a bit of angst thrown in and no cliffie! :-). Great read!!
I really enjoyed both of her books. This had the perfect amount of suspense and lovin' with a bit of angst thrown in and no cliffie! :-). Great read!!
January 28, 2013
Loved!!!
April 8, 2013
Pretty good, ok towards the middle ..... 3.5
February 16, 2013
I really liked this book. Both characters were believable, my only complaint was that the "mystery" felt a little forced at the end. But overall I was happy with the book.
March 28, 2013
This is my first book by J.A. Hornbuckle. I guess I didn't realize until I was well into the book that it connected with her Dance series, but it didn't make it impossible to read without having read that. It just seems her books are interconnected, and to get the whole story you should read them in order of publication.
Summary:
Dr. Leila McCarthy has been invisible and disconnected for thirty-one years. After over hearing a couple of her college students talk nastily about her, she begins to think about changing her life. She really starts looking at the people and environment around her. She's stunned to find that she isn't happy with how her life has turned out and the person she has become. She decides to transform herself into the person she is beginning to imagine by watching other people. She starts taking notes (kudos to her OCD) on changes she'd like to make and things she'd like to have. She is further floored on her Chrysalis of Me project when she catches sight of the most gorgeous man she's ever seen. Having been married and divorced but broken by her ex, Leila comes to the realization that she wants to be someone he would want to know, someone he would want to be with. She sets out to accomplish her plans and makes some new friends as she does it. First stop is exercise, and she meets Caitlin (from Pole Dance). They become fast friends, and Leila is astonished by how easy it was to connect with another human being, and how great it made her feel. Next priority is a tattoo. One to signify who she was, and the journey she's taking to become who she wants to be. She meets Chrystal at the reception desk at the famous tattoo parlor Human Hieroglyphix, and again, they hit it off brilliantly despite their differences in personality. Leila is even more awed, ok and a bit scared, when she see the man she lusted after only days before is the artist who will ink her. Dex is a dick. He knows it and everybody else knows it. Thats the way he likes it. He leads his own life and enjoys what he does, but doesn't have to answer to anyone. When he first gets a look at Leila, he sees a sweet, quiet, but beautiful woman with womanly curves. He keeps himself in check, though, as she is a client, but he doesn't fail to notice that she is aware and reactive to him. Leila is starting to feel freer and freer as her transformation goes along. Next is hair, nails, and body hair. Her newfound friends help with her wardrobe and makeup. By this time, she's feeling a bit overwhelmed, but happy when she decides to have a celebratory drink, and runs into Dex. Dex knows he's met the beauty before him before, but he cant quite place her. She is definitely drunk, though, so he offers to take her home to get her settled. When she is barely alive and hurting the next morning he realizes she's his goose bump/blue pansy girl. He immediately steps up to take her out, Leila, although flabbergasted, agrees readily. They have a great time, and Dex and Leila start hanging out. Leila's issues left over by her shit-heel ex come between though, and Dex gladly shows her how beautiful, desirable, and beddable she is. Dex also shares about his own transformation from a boring lackey accountant to the sexy, tattooed artist she sees. Leila is stunned that Dex went through exactly what she is, but happy to have that in common and glad he understands her so well. Things are going well, and when Dex and Leila run in Caitlin and her fiancé, Jake, they have a great time, but something starts bothering Dex. He's radio silent for a week, and its not until she's having girl's night that she learns he's scraped her off. She didn't really even understand that they were a true couple. They had only hung out a couple of times, but no matter, her heart is still shattered in her chest. She pulls herself together, and tries to move forward and even dates. Meanwhile, Dex is just as miserable. He panicked about falling for Leila so quickly and ran. He wants Leila, though. Her honesty, innocence, and quiet beauty. Its one of the best things he's ever had in his life. Can Dex convince Leila of where his head is at and get her forgiveness so they can explore the undeniable connection they have? Will Leila be able to look past all the pain Dex caused and trust him again? If they can power through the issues their time apart caused, someone has still taken an unhealthy interest in Leila, and escalated hostilities. Someone doesn't want Dex and Leila together, and they are getting anxious to prevent that. Dex and Leila will need to be on alert in order to catch the person causing so much misery in their life and relationship.
Dex had a nice alpha side to him. I didn't understand his initial encounter with Chrystal, though. He treated her more like a lowlife employee then even close to a friend which I thought was disrespectful. He was protective, though, and thats hot. Leila was so sweet. So innocent. I really connected with her because I was somewhat like that growing up. Not as bad, but still clueless about things around me. I grew up on a farm with my grandparents watching only basic cable and listening to old country. When I moved out in high school, i was eager to change my scope of knowledge. I loved the thought and feeling behind Leila's transformation. It may have been jumpstarted by a coup,e of vulgar and rude boys, but it really went deeper than that. The tattoo idea was great, too. Supporting cast was interesting. It kind of makes me want to read all of J.A.H.'s books in order of publishing. I only had a few problems with the book and writing. First, spelling and grammar and punctuation was horrible for me in this book. I felt there were words left out, and it required a coup,e of rereads to get what the author was trying to say. Second, some of the emotion and feeling felt by Dex and Leila were so sudden, they came out of left field for me. I felt there was no progression, but it was just there. Not a big problem, but I was aware of it. The storyline was great, and the characters pretty well developed, I just felt the book could have used a bit more polishing. It also feels that the author is still trying to settle into her own style (I could see the KA influence cuz I'm a KA addict). Still, I did enjoy the read and think I will read more from this author as I do want to find out about the characters I met. <3
Summary:
Dr. Leila McCarthy has been invisible and disconnected for thirty-one years. After over hearing a couple of her college students talk nastily about her, she begins to think about changing her life. She really starts looking at the people and environment around her. She's stunned to find that she isn't happy with how her life has turned out and the person she has become. She decides to transform herself into the person she is beginning to imagine by watching other people. She starts taking notes (kudos to her OCD) on changes she'd like to make and things she'd like to have. She is further floored on her Chrysalis of Me project when she catches sight of the most gorgeous man she's ever seen. Having been married and divorced but broken by her ex, Leila comes to the realization that she wants to be someone he would want to know, someone he would want to be with. She sets out to accomplish her plans and makes some new friends as she does it. First stop is exercise, and she meets Caitlin (from Pole Dance). They become fast friends, and Leila is astonished by how easy it was to connect with another human being, and how great it made her feel. Next priority is a tattoo. One to signify who she was, and the journey she's taking to become who she wants to be. She meets Chrystal at the reception desk at the famous tattoo parlor Human Hieroglyphix, and again, they hit it off brilliantly despite their differences in personality. Leila is even more awed, ok and a bit scared, when she see the man she lusted after only days before is the artist who will ink her. Dex is a dick. He knows it and everybody else knows it. Thats the way he likes it. He leads his own life and enjoys what he does, but doesn't have to answer to anyone. When he first gets a look at Leila, he sees a sweet, quiet, but beautiful woman with womanly curves. He keeps himself in check, though, as she is a client, but he doesn't fail to notice that she is aware and reactive to him. Leila is starting to feel freer and freer as her transformation goes along. Next is hair, nails, and body hair. Her newfound friends help with her wardrobe and makeup. By this time, she's feeling a bit overwhelmed, but happy when she decides to have a celebratory drink, and runs into Dex. Dex knows he's met the beauty before him before, but he cant quite place her. She is definitely drunk, though, so he offers to take her home to get her settled. When she is barely alive and hurting the next morning he realizes she's his goose bump/blue pansy girl. He immediately steps up to take her out, Leila, although flabbergasted, agrees readily. They have a great time, and Dex and Leila start hanging out. Leila's issues left over by her shit-heel ex come between though, and Dex gladly shows her how beautiful, desirable, and beddable she is. Dex also shares about his own transformation from a boring lackey accountant to the sexy, tattooed artist she sees. Leila is stunned that Dex went through exactly what she is, but happy to have that in common and glad he understands her so well. Things are going well, and when Dex and Leila run in Caitlin and her fiancé, Jake, they have a great time, but something starts bothering Dex. He's radio silent for a week, and its not until she's having girl's night that she learns he's scraped her off. She didn't really even understand that they were a true couple. They had only hung out a couple of times, but no matter, her heart is still shattered in her chest. She pulls herself together, and tries to move forward and even dates. Meanwhile, Dex is just as miserable. He panicked about falling for Leila so quickly and ran. He wants Leila, though. Her honesty, innocence, and quiet beauty. Its one of the best things he's ever had in his life. Can Dex convince Leila of where his head is at and get her forgiveness so they can explore the undeniable connection they have? Will Leila be able to look past all the pain Dex caused and trust him again? If they can power through the issues their time apart caused, someone has still taken an unhealthy interest in Leila, and escalated hostilities. Someone doesn't want Dex and Leila together, and they are getting anxious to prevent that. Dex and Leila will need to be on alert in order to catch the person causing so much misery in their life and relationship.
Dex had a nice alpha side to him. I didn't understand his initial encounter with Chrystal, though. He treated her more like a lowlife employee then even close to a friend which I thought was disrespectful. He was protective, though, and thats hot. Leila was so sweet. So innocent. I really connected with her because I was somewhat like that growing up. Not as bad, but still clueless about things around me. I grew up on a farm with my grandparents watching only basic cable and listening to old country. When I moved out in high school, i was eager to change my scope of knowledge. I loved the thought and feeling behind Leila's transformation. It may have been jumpstarted by a coup,e of vulgar and rude boys, but it really went deeper than that. The tattoo idea was great, too. Supporting cast was interesting. It kind of makes me want to read all of J.A.H.'s books in order of publishing. I only had a few problems with the book and writing. First, spelling and grammar and punctuation was horrible for me in this book. I felt there were words left out, and it required a coup,e of rereads to get what the author was trying to say. Second, some of the emotion and feeling felt by Dex and Leila were so sudden, they came out of left field for me. I felt there was no progression, but it was just there. Not a big problem, but I was aware of it. The storyline was great, and the characters pretty well developed, I just felt the book could have used a bit more polishing. It also feels that the author is still trying to settle into her own style (I could see the KA influence cuz I'm a KA addict). Still, I did enjoy the read and think I will read more from this author as I do want to find out about the characters I met. <3
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