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Dare Me #2
Down and Dirty
Cat Thomas has never been the kind of girl to stick. A self-professed infatuation junky, she latches on the newest, hottest guy on the block, then finds a reason—real or imagined—to dump him. When she accepts a dare to rekindle her high school flame and jump in bed with her brother's best friend, Shane Decker, she knows she's in trouble. She can't resist the man, even after all these years apart, and that just won't do.
Shane has come back to town for a couple reasons. The biggest one? He's tired of living away from those he loves, including Cat. But now she's spooked and will do anything to drive a wedge between them, including trying to fix him up with other women through an online dating service.
What does he have to do to make her see that settling down doesn't mean settling, and he's ready to spend a lifetime proving it?
Each book in the Dare Me series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Down for the Count
Book #2 Down and Dirty
Book #3 Down the Aisle
Book #4 Down on Her Knees
Shane has come back to town for a couple reasons. The biggest one? He's tired of living away from those he loves, including Cat. But now she's spooked and will do anything to drive a wedge between them, including trying to fix him up with other women through an online dating service.
What does he have to do to make her see that settling down doesn't mean settling, and he's ready to spend a lifetime proving it?
Each book in the Dare Me series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Down for the Count
Book #2 Down and Dirty
Book #3 Down the Aisle
Book #4 Down on Her Knees
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2013
91 people are currently reading
2816 people want to read
About the author
Christine Bell
52 books1,272 followersChristine Bell is a romance author and also writes erotic romance as Chloe Cole. She and her handsome hubby currently reside in Pennsylvania with a four-pack of teenage boys. If she gets time off from her duties as maid, chef, chauffeur, or therapist, she can be found reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from Young Adult novels to books on poker theory. She doesn’t like root beer, clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but lurrves chocolate, going to the movies, the New York Giants and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she would be a pirate…or, like, a ninja maybe. She loves writing steamy romance stories, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with a rusty spoon. Christine loves to hear from readers, so please contact her through her website, www.christine-bell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
September 5, 2013
… and Shane did you have it in bounds, patience, that is, well you had plenty other stuff too that I could comment on.
Cat, you nearly drove me made with your insecurities, your wishy-washy, couldn’t make up your bloody mind….
Did you need to go to
Could you not see that hunk of manhood in front of you. And it wasn’t just his looks, he was kind, sensitive, patient, understanding – knew he way around the female body!
…. He sure did.
November 16, 2015
♦ 4 "Bucket List" Stars! ♦
So, continuing with the Dare Me series, now is the turn of Mary Catherine "Cat" Thomas (Galen's sister and Lacey's BFF) and Shane Decker (the hot hero who is in love with her).
Again, I loved this book. I loved how Shane fights for Cat, who is quite afraid of compromise and also how we also see Lacey and Galen together. The chemistry between our two main charaters is smokin' and as always, the ending is beautiful! <33
"I came back here for you, Cat. Because I've always known we'd make a great couple. Since we were teenagers. I was just waiting for you to grow up and realize it, too."
I am so excited for Cat and Shane to cross things out from his/her/their bucket list ;) (You will understand if you read it!!)
My rating is 4 STARS because Shane stole my heart!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
So, continuing with the Dare Me series, now is the turn of Mary Catherine "Cat" Thomas (Galen's sister and Lacey's BFF) and Shane Decker (the hot hero who is in love with her).
Again, I loved this book. I loved how Shane fights for Cat, who is quite afraid of compromise and also how we also see Lacey and Galen together. The chemistry between our two main charaters is smokin' and as always, the ending is beautiful! <33
"I came back here for you, Cat. Because I've always known we'd make a great couple. Since we were teenagers. I was just waiting for you to grow up and realize it, too."
I am so excited for Cat and Shane to cross things out from his/her/their bucket list ;) (You will understand if you read it!!)
My rating is 4 STARS because Shane stole my heart!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 8, 2013
INGREDIENTS for a christine Bell QUICKIE.
A PINT of humour with a delicious TWO scoops of Wit. Throw in some off the scale CHEMISTRY and scrumptious loving action (a GENEROUS quantity, please). One outrageously, gorgeous fall- in -love with Mouth-watering male, combine with a knockout, sassy, tempting female. Add a dash of heartache (but go steady, just a spoonful). Mix well, serve with caution, sit back and DEVOUR.
In the first of this series we were kindly given Galen Thomas - a definite firm book favourite of mine. In this tasty second instalment, we meet Shane Decker, readers you WILL not be disappointed!
4 delicious STARS.
A PINT of humour with a delicious TWO scoops of Wit. Throw in some off the scale CHEMISTRY and scrumptious loving action (a GENEROUS quantity, please). One outrageously, gorgeous fall- in -love with Mouth-watering male, combine with a knockout, sassy, tempting female. Add a dash of heartache (but go steady, just a spoonful). Mix well, serve with caution, sit back and DEVOUR.
In the first of this series we were kindly given Galen Thomas - a definite firm book favourite of mine. In this tasty second instalment, we meet Shane Decker, readers you WILL not be disappointed!
4 delicious STARS.
March 27, 2013
3--Heroine Hating--Stars!
Oh boy....I did not like our heroine Cat! She drove me crazy--so much so that I pretty much had to skim read the book.
Cat and Shane have known each other since high school. They messed around one time but he stopped it before it could go too far. He was supposed to be protecting Cat and watching over her at the request of her brother.
Years later they see each other again and basically have a one-night stand. Cat spends the majority of the remainder of the book, pushing Shane away and acting like she doesn't like him.
It's only once she sees him out on another date that she finally admits her feelings. Honestly, I just wanted Shane to tell Cat to get lost. He could've done so much better then Cat.
Shane was great....really sweet and HOT. The sex was also hot--so that saved the book for me. :)
Oh boy....I did not like our heroine Cat! She drove me crazy--so much so that I pretty much had to skim read the book.
Cat and Shane have known each other since high school. They messed around one time but he stopped it before it could go too far. He was supposed to be protecting Cat and watching over her at the request of her brother.
Years later they see each other again and basically have a one-night stand. Cat spends the majority of the remainder of the book, pushing Shane away and acting like she doesn't like him.
It's only once she sees him out on another date that she finally admits her feelings. Honestly, I just wanted Shane to tell Cat to get lost. He could've done so much better then Cat.
Shane was great....really sweet and HOT. The sex was also hot--so that saved the book for me. :)
April 22, 2013
The book was totally HOT!!The heroine Cat has commitment issues because she feels her mother compromised and gave up her dream to marry her father, so she lives life fully. She constantly finds faults with men she is dating and runs from love.
The hero is someone the heroine has always known is a threat to her freedom. They almost shared something, but he stopped and that irks her. The hero is back in town for good and the heroine is one of the reasons but he knows telling her that would be a sure fast way of making her run.
The heroine to run him off, signs him up for an online dating site. You can see how desperate she is. The heroine had her stupid moments but I loved how she kind of tries to make it up to him.
The hero is someone the heroine has always known is a threat to her freedom. They almost shared something, but he stopped and that irks her. The hero is back in town for good and the heroine is one of the reasons but he knows telling her that would be a sure fast way of making her run.
The heroine to run him off, signs him up for an online dating site. You can see how desperate she is. The heroine had her stupid moments but I loved how she kind of tries to make it up to him.
February 18, 2014
Cat and Shane....strong willed and sweet.
Bell keeps a good thing coming with the 2nd book in this series. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of where Shane has been or what he does for a living - I hope that comes in a later book.
Cat is strong & I love that in an mc. She could be frustrating but I like that she really tends to stick to what she believes in.
Read this series!!
Bell keeps a good thing coming with the 2nd book in this series. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of where Shane has been or what he does for a living - I hope that comes in a later book.
Cat is strong & I love that in an mc. She could be frustrating but I like that she really tends to stick to what she believes in.
Read this series!!
January 27, 2022
Cat bu kadar gerizekalı olmasaydı benden 4 alırdı çünkü Shane💕🤌 ama Cat gerçekten sabır zorlayan bir karakterdi.
September 4, 2013
Love just straight forward romances, friends to lovers. Sweet sexy and hot!!
November 24, 2021
Cat, sen ne kadar salaksın
February 10, 2014
4 Search & Rescue Me Please Shane Stars!
Want to read
January 24, 2017
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He was a dare she’d never been able to resist…
Cat Thomas has never been the kind of girl to stick. A self-professed infatuation junky, she latches on the newest, hottest guy on the block, then finds a reason—real or imagined—to dump him. When she accepts a dare to rekindle her high school flame and jump in bed with her brother’s best friend, Shane Decker, she knows she’s in trouble. She can’t resist the man, even after all these years apart, and that just won’t do.
Shane has come back to town for a couple reasons. The biggest one? He’s tired of living away from those he loves, including Cat. But now she’s spooked and will do anything to drive a wedge between them, including trying to fix him up with other women through an online dating service.
What does he have to do to make her see that settling down doesn’t mean settling, and he’s ready to spend a lifetime proving it?
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March 11, 2013
~3.5 Stars~
He was a dare she’d never been able to resist…
I feel like I’m repeating myself when I say this, but can that cover get any hotter? I mean, daaaaamn. I loved the cover for Down For the Count but this one takes the cake! Don’t mistake me for being superficial when it comes to books, but keep in mind that the cover art is what sells your book before anything else. You can have the best story written, ever, but you give your book an unattractive cover and it’ll be a hard sell. Like with food, you eat with your eyes first. The same can be said for books.
So anyway, Down and Dirty features Cat Thomas, Galen from “Down for The Count’s” sister, as the protagonist this time around. Cat’s hilarious, witty, blunt and has a serious potty mouth – which I like. And her high school crush, who just also happens to be her brother’s best friend, Shane Decker. Apparently he’s taking some much over due time off from his very physically demanding job and has come into town to see his friends and the people he loves, including Cat.
Cat’s still a little peeved at how him for pushing her away one night over ten years ago, and is playing a little hard to get, even though it’s a very hard thing to do when Shane is just so damn freaking appealing! It’s obvious from the beginning that Shane has feelings for Cat even though he teases her and shows how much restraint he has when it comes to her. Meanwhile Cat has to try very hard to show her indifference to him.
Then all of a sudden, Lacey picks up and game and throws out this Dare at Cat… And the fun really begins!
I must say that I’m truly a fan of Christine Bell’s work now. This second book just solidified that for me. She has a really great writing style, knows how to write interesting and fun characters and her story lines are pretty solid. Plus, the woman can write a steamy love scene like it ain’t nobody’s business! *fans self*
Shane was sexy and quiet and held himself in such a way that just screamed: Real Man. I loved him. While Cat at times annoyed me a bit, especially when she tried to set Shane up with other women, which had me all: Whaaaaaaaaa? What is wrong with you, girl? I didn’t hate her so that, too is yet another plus.
Overall, a very quick read that had me engrossed from start to finish, a very entertaining bunch of characters and a sneak peek at what’s possibly next to come.
I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy a good dose of romance and humor in their books.
An Advance Reading Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review and more can be found here - Fic Talk.
March 27, 2013
Another picture-filled review – ready?
Well. This was a hot little read.
I liked this one – it wasn’t as funny/fun as the first, but WAY hotter.
I loved Cat from the first book – she was full of one liners and super sass. She still was but not as much – or at least I didn’t feel it as much. For the most part, I still loved her throughout this book, but at times I wanted to smack her and say “he’s amaz-balls – go for it”
Who is he? HE is Shane. Yummy, sweet and totally in love with Cat. I was a BIG Shane fan.
I mean – the reason behind Cat’s non-committal actions was pretty lame. I get it… but was still lame
Just like Down for the Count – this was a quick read with not a ton of depth. Bell gave you enough of the characters to care, but not enough where you can’t stop thinking about them.
Recommend? Heck yes!
Oh, and don’t read while you’re on the bus like I did… I think the lady next to me was reading over my shoulder and was NOT amused! Opps
Well. This was a hot little read.
I liked this one – it wasn’t as funny/fun as the first, but WAY hotter.
I loved Cat from the first book – she was full of one liners and super sass. She still was but not as much – or at least I didn’t feel it as much. For the most part, I still loved her throughout this book, but at times I wanted to smack her and say “he’s amaz-balls – go for it”
Who is he? HE is Shane. Yummy, sweet and totally in love with Cat. I was a BIG Shane fan.
I mean – the reason behind Cat’s non-committal actions was pretty lame. I get it… but was still lame
Just like Down for the Count – this was a quick read with not a ton of depth. Bell gave you enough of the characters to care, but not enough where you can’t stop thinking about them.
Recommend? Heck yes!
Oh, and don’t read while you’re on the bus like I did… I think the lady next to me was reading over my shoulder and was NOT amused! Opps
April 16, 2013
I really loved Down and Dirty. Pretty much read it straight through. First up. I love Shane. Sorry I meant to say I LOVE Shane and I really adore Cat but I wanted to follow Shane around and make him all mine.
Cat and Shane have history. Years earlier Shane had promised Cat's brother (Galen whom we met in Down for the Count) that he'd look out for his little sister. One night at a lake when teens, Shane turned down Cat and she took that to heart. Fast forward and they are now adults. Cat's a successful, driven career woman (and thank you Ms. Bell for Cat having a cool career that meant as much to her as Shane's does to him), and Shane's back in town and as much as Cat doesn't want to admit it, the connection with Shane is still there. Shane on the other hand is very aware of his connection to Cat and he wants her, not just her body, but her heart.
Cat has commitment issues and I totally related to her pushing Shane away, again and again. But Shane, bless him, doesn't give up and I loved that he didn't. He saw beneath her layers to her insecurity and instead of running for the hills keeps up his quiet pursuit. Sigh.
After having hot and happening sex, Cat justifies by thinking it will get Shane out of her system. Wrong. She bolts and Shane tells her to come back when she's grown up. Cat is then pushed on a dare to set up Shane with women way more suited to him than her via a dating website then we watch her burn as he goes out on a date.
There are some seriously hot sex scenes, in this book (fans herself) and there is also some deep, beautiful emotion. The scene with Cat and her mom is beautiful and touched my heart.
This book is a keeper. I love the humor, the dialogue between Shane and Cat just sparkles. The emotion the hot sex. This books as it all. As an added bonus meeting up with Galen and Lacey again was the icing on the cake.
Cat and Shane have history. Years earlier Shane had promised Cat's brother (Galen whom we met in Down for the Count) that he'd look out for his little sister. One night at a lake when teens, Shane turned down Cat and she took that to heart. Fast forward and they are now adults. Cat's a successful, driven career woman (and thank you Ms. Bell for Cat having a cool career that meant as much to her as Shane's does to him), and Shane's back in town and as much as Cat doesn't want to admit it, the connection with Shane is still there. Shane on the other hand is very aware of his connection to Cat and he wants her, not just her body, but her heart.
Cat has commitment issues and I totally related to her pushing Shane away, again and again. But Shane, bless him, doesn't give up and I loved that he didn't. He saw beneath her layers to her insecurity and instead of running for the hills keeps up his quiet pursuit. Sigh.
After having hot and happening sex, Cat justifies by thinking it will get Shane out of her system. Wrong. She bolts and Shane tells her to come back when she's grown up. Cat is then pushed on a dare to set up Shane with women way more suited to him than her via a dating website then we watch her burn as he goes out on a date.
There are some seriously hot sex scenes, in this book (fans herself) and there is also some deep, beautiful emotion. The scene with Cat and her mom is beautiful and touched my heart.
This book is a keeper. I love the humor, the dialogue between Shane and Cat just sparkles. The emotion the hot sex. This books as it all. As an added bonus meeting up with Galen and Lacey again was the icing on the cake.
March 1, 2013
I'm totally a fan of Christine Bell for sure after this second book in the Dare Me Series.
Down and Dirty is Cat and Shane's story. If you've read book one, then you know that Cat is Galen's sister. She's brash and spontaneous and always looking for adventure.
Shane just happens to be her brother's best friend. He's the guy who thwarted all her fun in high school and a total stick in the mud... or so she thinks. She just so happens to have had a crush on him and remembers the night he pushed her away.
The chemistry between these two was wonderfully written and incredibly hot. Cat thinks she just needs to get Shane out of her system then she can move on, but Shane has other ideas. He's moving home now for good and he has his eyes set on Cat.
To be honest, I didn't really like Cat all that much. Her reasons for staying away from Shane while valid, were incredibly weak. Regardless, Bell gives us a wonderful story with some great characters.
I'm excited to see where Bell takes this series and who we will see stories from. I have my bets on Courtney for one.
If you're looking for a well written romance definitely pick up one of these from the Dare Me Series!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
Down and Dirty is Cat and Shane's story. If you've read book one, then you know that Cat is Galen's sister. She's brash and spontaneous and always looking for adventure.
Shane just happens to be her brother's best friend. He's the guy who thwarted all her fun in high school and a total stick in the mud... or so she thinks. She just so happens to have had a crush on him and remembers the night he pushed her away.
The chemistry between these two was wonderfully written and incredibly hot. Cat thinks she just needs to get Shane out of her system then she can move on, but Shane has other ideas. He's moving home now for good and he has his eyes set on Cat.
To be honest, I didn't really like Cat all that much. Her reasons for staying away from Shane while valid, were incredibly weak. Regardless, Bell gives us a wonderful story with some great characters.
I'm excited to see where Bell takes this series and who we will see stories from. I have my bets on Courtney for one.
If you're looking for a well written romance definitely pick up one of these from the Dare Me Series!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
January 17, 2023
Suivez-moi sur La Passionnée, sur Facebook : @LaPassionDesLivres
Provoque-moi, la trilogie – Christine Bell
Hors de combat, Corps à corps, À sa merci
Cette trilogie est douce, superbe. Addictive. Provocante. Trois histoires entraînantes qui vous en feront voir de toutes les couleurs. Pour vous présenter ces romances, je vous dévoilerai les tomes un après l’autre avec quelques citations que j’ai particulièrement aimées. Et pour début, je vais commencer avec l’une de mes propres citations : « Je ne veux pas vous en dire trop… Je vous laisse vous faire charmer, attirer, obnubiler, oppresser, convaincre, captiver, attacher, enchanter par ces histoires » provocantes de Christine Bell.
______________________________________________________________________________
TOME 1 : Hors de combat
Dans ce premier tome, nous rencontrons Lacey Garrity... qui vient de se marier ET qui est victime d’adultère le même jour. Drôle de façon de commencer un mariage heureux… Sa meilleure amie, Cat, et le frère de cette dernière, Galen, sont témoins de son humiliation. Mais c’est Galen « Le Cogneur » Thomas qui viendra à son secours. Un boxeur et badboy dont elle a toujours eu le béguin en cachette…
« -Tu ne m’aimes même pas… Eh bien, nous n’avons pas vraiment été de grands amis pendant toutes ces années.
-Nous le sommes maintenant, ok? Je ne serais pas ici si nous ne l’étions pas. »
Alors, il s’enfuira avec la jeune mariée et, après quelques verres de trop pour effacer les souvenirs de la journée, ils se réveilleront à Porto Rico, la lune de miel prévue pour le couple de jeunes mariés. Lacey est bouleversée, elle n’aurait pas dû boire autant la veille et accepter cette « conséquence ». Certes, c’est une jeune femme qui aime tout contrôler, mais Galen va lui apprendre à lâcher prise et profiter de la vie, surtout sur cette île aphrodisiaque… excusez-moi, je voulais dire : paradisiaque.
« … Il n’était pas question qu’il baisse les bras de cette façon. Le temps était venu pour lui de faire ce qu’il faisait le mieux.
Se battre pour ce à quoi il tenait. »
Ils découvriront beaucoup de choses l’un sur l’autre sur les plages de Porto Rico, mais il s’avère que c’est dur d’oublier ce qui s’est passé pour Lacey; avec les messages harcelants de sa mère à la réception de l’hôtel, de l’inquiétude de son père pour leur travail commun, de son mari qui ne l’est pas vraiment finalement, de la fusion qui aurait dû avoir lieu entre leurs deux entreprises avec ce mariage et… son attirance poignante envers le frère de sa meilleure amie. C’est grâce à Galen qu’elle commencera à oublier sa mère… son ex… son travail… et apprendra finalement à s’aimer, à aimer tout simplement.
Une magnifique histoire. Attendrissante. Sensuelle. Une romance entraînante, qui vous fera frissonner. Et vous; êtes-vous plus Vérité ou… Conséquence? 10/10
______________________________________________________________________________
TOME 2 : Corps à Corps
Cette fois-ci, nous avons l’histoire de Cat Thomas, la sœur de Galen. (J’avais très hâte d’en savoir plus sur la sœur téméraire et un rien « grande gueule » qui a sauvé la mise à Lacey dans le premier tome.) Et Mary Catherine n’est pas très heureuse de voir que le meilleur ami de son frère, Shane, est de retour en ville et pour de bon cette fois. Elle ressent beaucoup trop d’émotions envers lui… qu’elle ne veut pas ressentir. Surtout avec leur passé commun.
« -Tu couds encore des vêtements et brises des cœurs? demanda-t-il.
-… Tu joues toujours les superhéros et tu ennuies les dames? rétorqua-t-elle. »
Shane avait très hâte de revenir au bercail : être près de sa famille, voir ses amis, son meilleur ami Galen et… revoir la femme qu’il aime depuis de nombreuses années, Cat. Toutefois, il doit également la convaincre de ses sentiments. Il sait qu’elle l’aime également, donc il doit aussi lui faire avouer ses émotions envers lui. Malheureusement, il ne s’attendait pas à ce que la jeune femme ait autant peur de lui et de ses sentiments…
« Quelle femme ne voudrait pas entendre un mec sexy comme Shane l’aime même si elle n’est pas parfaite. Les abonnées de MeetMyMate.com allaient saliver en l’écoutant. »
Alors, lorsqu’ils ont à l’idée de l’inscrire sur un site de rencontres afin de rencontrer une femme, et que Cat se propose pour l’aider, Shane voit là l’occasion rêver : la rendre jalouse, mais également de passer plus de temps avec la jeune femme. Pourront-ils l’inscrire sur le site sans y laisser des plumes au passage? Le plan de Shane fonctionnera-t-il ou devra-t-il faire plus afin de la convaincre de son amour?
Un deuxième tome attendrissant, doux, rempli d’espoir, mais surtout de détermination. 8/10
______________________________________________________________________________
TOME 3 : À sa merci
Pour la finale et dernier tome, nous suivons l’histoire de Courtney DeLollis (aperçue dans le tome deux, lorsqu’elle a fait la rencontre de Shane sur le site de rencontres). Et /cette dernière fait tout pour se tenir loin de l’inspecteur Rafe depuis qu’elle a entendu dire qu’il était un dominant au lit. Toutefois, il s’avère qu’il est également ami avec les siens (Cat, Shane, Galen…) donc, ils fréquentent les mêmes cercles et se croisent constamment.
« Il la regarda avec un sourire moqueur comme s’il savait fort bien qu’elle essayait de l’éviter, et elle résista de justesse à l’envie de lui faire un doigt d’honneur. Dieu qu’il faisait ressortir la sale môme en elle! »
Cependant, Courtney est drôlement attirée par cet homme, par ses désirs, ses fantasmes… surtout qu’elle n’a jamais connu d’orgasmes. Alors, lorsque Rafe lui fera une proposition dont ils pourront en profiter tous les deux, où chaque scénario est différent et sensuel, elle ne peut qu’accepter et jouir de la situation. Mais pourront-ils se contenter des synopsis, sans éprouver d’émotions au passage? Rafe s’est toujours promis de se satisfaire des mises en scène, de contrôler les fantasmes… mais Courtney pourrait bien être la seule à pouvoir le mettre à genoux.
« -… Je sais que tu es nerveuse et que tu as peur de ce que tu ressens, mais, crois-moi, je ne te ferai jamais rien que tu ne veuilles pas. »
Ce tome est très sensuel et différent des deux autres, mais j’aurais aimé en avoir plus. Il y avait une possibilité d’avoir un beau suspense ici… Avec une touche de tendresse, de douceur, l’auteure nous entraîne dans son univers et nous garde… à sa merci. 9/10
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« Provoque-moi » est une trilogie attendrissante et sensuelle à souhait. Christine Bell nous entraîne dans son univers érotique et passionnant, avec sa plume attrayante et ses personnages colorés. Ces romans se dévorent en quelques heures, ils sont addictifs. Mais attention, ces romans se lisent en ordre. En tout cas, je vous les conseille dans l’ordre, afin de faciliter votre lecture.
Une romance émouvante et sensuelle. Chacun des romans peut se lire individuellement, MAIS je vous conseille de les lire en ordre, une journée après l’autre hihi! J’ai ADORÉ! Une lecture passionnante, attendrissante.
P.S. : Les résumés complets peuvent être fournis sur demande avec plaisir.
#provoquemoi #romance #érotisme #combat #adultère #boxeur #rescousse #mariage #séduction #sensualité #béguin #famille #amitié #vivre #rencontres #travail #inspecteur #attirance #amour #plaisir #dominateur #tension #suggestiondelecture #lecturedusoir #lecturedumoment #chronique
Courts résumés :
Tome 1 : Quand Lacey Garrity surprend son tout nouveau mari en flagrant délit d'adultère avec sa demoiselle d'honneur dans la lingerie de la salle de réception, le grand frère de sa meilleure amie harceleur et béguin de sa jeunesse, boxeur et mauvais garçon, Galen Thomas vient à sa rescousse…
Tome 2 : Cat Thomas n’a jamais été le genre de fille à s’incruster. Elle affirme sans hésiter qu’elle préfère les amours sans lendemain, choisit le nouveau gars le plus en demande dans le coin, puis trouve un prétexte réel ou imaginaire pour le larguer…
Tome 3 : Quatre séances, aucune attache… Courtney DeLollis s’est toujours sentie mal à l’aise devant l’inspecteur Rafe Davenport. Alors que son instinct lui murmure « Touche-le », sa raison lui dit « Sauve-toi ». Mais depuis qu’elle a appris qu’il était dominateur au lit, elle n’a pas pu oublier ce fait…
Provoque-moi, la trilogie – Christine Bell
Hors de combat, Corps à corps, À sa merci
Cette trilogie est douce, superbe. Addictive. Provocante. Trois histoires entraînantes qui vous en feront voir de toutes les couleurs. Pour vous présenter ces romances, je vous dévoilerai les tomes un après l’autre avec quelques citations que j’ai particulièrement aimées. Et pour début, je vais commencer avec l’une de mes propres citations : « Je ne veux pas vous en dire trop… Je vous laisse vous faire charmer, attirer, obnubiler, oppresser, convaincre, captiver, attacher, enchanter par ces histoires » provocantes de Christine Bell.
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TOME 1 : Hors de combat
Dans ce premier tome, nous rencontrons Lacey Garrity... qui vient de se marier ET qui est victime d’adultère le même jour. Drôle de façon de commencer un mariage heureux… Sa meilleure amie, Cat, et le frère de cette dernière, Galen, sont témoins de son humiliation. Mais c’est Galen « Le Cogneur » Thomas qui viendra à son secours. Un boxeur et badboy dont elle a toujours eu le béguin en cachette…
« -Tu ne m’aimes même pas… Eh bien, nous n’avons pas vraiment été de grands amis pendant toutes ces années.
-Nous le sommes maintenant, ok? Je ne serais pas ici si nous ne l’étions pas. »
Alors, il s’enfuira avec la jeune mariée et, après quelques verres de trop pour effacer les souvenirs de la journée, ils se réveilleront à Porto Rico, la lune de miel prévue pour le couple de jeunes mariés. Lacey est bouleversée, elle n’aurait pas dû boire autant la veille et accepter cette « conséquence ». Certes, c’est une jeune femme qui aime tout contrôler, mais Galen va lui apprendre à lâcher prise et profiter de la vie, surtout sur cette île aphrodisiaque… excusez-moi, je voulais dire : paradisiaque.
« … Il n’était pas question qu’il baisse les bras de cette façon. Le temps était venu pour lui de faire ce qu’il faisait le mieux.
Se battre pour ce à quoi il tenait. »
Ils découvriront beaucoup de choses l’un sur l’autre sur les plages de Porto Rico, mais il s’avère que c’est dur d’oublier ce qui s’est passé pour Lacey; avec les messages harcelants de sa mère à la réception de l’hôtel, de l’inquiétude de son père pour leur travail commun, de son mari qui ne l’est pas vraiment finalement, de la fusion qui aurait dû avoir lieu entre leurs deux entreprises avec ce mariage et… son attirance poignante envers le frère de sa meilleure amie. C’est grâce à Galen qu’elle commencera à oublier sa mère… son ex… son travail… et apprendra finalement à s’aimer, à aimer tout simplement.
Une magnifique histoire. Attendrissante. Sensuelle. Une romance entraînante, qui vous fera frissonner. Et vous; êtes-vous plus Vérité ou… Conséquence? 10/10
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TOME 2 : Corps à Corps
Cette fois-ci, nous avons l’histoire de Cat Thomas, la sœur de Galen. (J’avais très hâte d’en savoir plus sur la sœur téméraire et un rien « grande gueule » qui a sauvé la mise à Lacey dans le premier tome.) Et Mary Catherine n’est pas très heureuse de voir que le meilleur ami de son frère, Shane, est de retour en ville et pour de bon cette fois. Elle ressent beaucoup trop d’émotions envers lui… qu’elle ne veut pas ressentir. Surtout avec leur passé commun.
« -Tu couds encore des vêtements et brises des cœurs? demanda-t-il.
-… Tu joues toujours les superhéros et tu ennuies les dames? rétorqua-t-elle. »
Shane avait très hâte de revenir au bercail : être près de sa famille, voir ses amis, son meilleur ami Galen et… revoir la femme qu’il aime depuis de nombreuses années, Cat. Toutefois, il doit également la convaincre de ses sentiments. Il sait qu’elle l’aime également, donc il doit aussi lui faire avouer ses émotions envers lui. Malheureusement, il ne s’attendait pas à ce que la jeune femme ait autant peur de lui et de ses sentiments…
« Quelle femme ne voudrait pas entendre un mec sexy comme Shane l’aime même si elle n’est pas parfaite. Les abonnées de MeetMyMate.com allaient saliver en l’écoutant. »
Alors, lorsqu’ils ont à l’idée de l’inscrire sur un site de rencontres afin de rencontrer une femme, et que Cat se propose pour l’aider, Shane voit là l’occasion rêver : la rendre jalouse, mais également de passer plus de temps avec la jeune femme. Pourront-ils l’inscrire sur le site sans y laisser des plumes au passage? Le plan de Shane fonctionnera-t-il ou devra-t-il faire plus afin de la convaincre de son amour?
Un deuxième tome attendrissant, doux, rempli d’espoir, mais surtout de détermination. 8/10
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TOME 3 : À sa merci
Pour la finale et dernier tome, nous suivons l’histoire de Courtney DeLollis (aperçue dans le tome deux, lorsqu’elle a fait la rencontre de Shane sur le site de rencontres). Et /cette dernière fait tout pour se tenir loin de l’inspecteur Rafe depuis qu’elle a entendu dire qu’il était un dominant au lit. Toutefois, il s’avère qu’il est également ami avec les siens (Cat, Shane, Galen…) donc, ils fréquentent les mêmes cercles et se croisent constamment.
« Il la regarda avec un sourire moqueur comme s’il savait fort bien qu’elle essayait de l’éviter, et elle résista de justesse à l’envie de lui faire un doigt d’honneur. Dieu qu’il faisait ressortir la sale môme en elle! »
Cependant, Courtney est drôlement attirée par cet homme, par ses désirs, ses fantasmes… surtout qu’elle n’a jamais connu d’orgasmes. Alors, lorsque Rafe lui fera une proposition dont ils pourront en profiter tous les deux, où chaque scénario est différent et sensuel, elle ne peut qu’accepter et jouir de la situation. Mais pourront-ils se contenter des synopsis, sans éprouver d’émotions au passage? Rafe s’est toujours promis de se satisfaire des mises en scène, de contrôler les fantasmes… mais Courtney pourrait bien être la seule à pouvoir le mettre à genoux.
« -… Je sais que tu es nerveuse et que tu as peur de ce que tu ressens, mais, crois-moi, je ne te ferai jamais rien que tu ne veuilles pas. »
Ce tome est très sensuel et différent des deux autres, mais j’aurais aimé en avoir plus. Il y avait une possibilité d’avoir un beau suspense ici… Avec une touche de tendresse, de douceur, l’auteure nous entraîne dans son univers et nous garde… à sa merci. 9/10
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« Provoque-moi » est une trilogie attendrissante et sensuelle à souhait. Christine Bell nous entraîne dans son univers érotique et passionnant, avec sa plume attrayante et ses personnages colorés. Ces romans se dévorent en quelques heures, ils sont addictifs. Mais attention, ces romans se lisent en ordre. En tout cas, je vous les conseille dans l’ordre, afin de faciliter votre lecture.
Une romance émouvante et sensuelle. Chacun des romans peut se lire individuellement, MAIS je vous conseille de les lire en ordre, une journée après l’autre hihi! J’ai ADORÉ! Une lecture passionnante, attendrissante.
P.S. : Les résumés complets peuvent être fournis sur demande avec plaisir.
#provoquemoi #romance #érotisme #combat #adultère #boxeur #rescousse #mariage #séduction #sensualité #béguin #famille #amitié #vivre #rencontres #travail #inspecteur #attirance #amour #plaisir #dominateur #tension #suggestiondelecture #lecturedusoir #lecturedumoment #chronique
Courts résumés :
Tome 1 : Quand Lacey Garrity surprend son tout nouveau mari en flagrant délit d'adultère avec sa demoiselle d'honneur dans la lingerie de la salle de réception, le grand frère de sa meilleure amie harceleur et béguin de sa jeunesse, boxeur et mauvais garçon, Galen Thomas vient à sa rescousse…
Tome 2 : Cat Thomas n’a jamais été le genre de fille à s’incruster. Elle affirme sans hésiter qu’elle préfère les amours sans lendemain, choisit le nouveau gars le plus en demande dans le coin, puis trouve un prétexte réel ou imaginaire pour le larguer…
Tome 3 : Quatre séances, aucune attache… Courtney DeLollis s’est toujours sentie mal à l’aise devant l’inspecteur Rafe Davenport. Alors que son instinct lui murmure « Touche-le », sa raison lui dit « Sauve-toi ». Mais depuis qu’elle a appris qu’il était dominateur au lit, elle n’a pas pu oublier ce fait…
March 11, 2014
I'm reading this series in reverse, which is kind of dumb of me, but I'm enjoying them all so much that I can't really muster up any regret. Christine Bell knows how to make me laugh out loud and make me love her heroines and make me have to take a break to splash some cool water on my face. Whoo!
Cat and Shane have some incredible chemistry. They've known each other forever and even though there was attraction on her side, Cat thought their relationship was too contentious, that they were too different to ever get along. She was a freedom-loving risk-taker and Shane was a cool and controlled hero--a search and rescue worker who saved risk-takers like Cat for a living.
CAT:
"You fill up the room, even the corners, until there's no space for anything else. When I'm with you, I can't think of anything else. It's a short trip from there to me staying at home knitting booties for fun instead of skating roller derby. I'm terrified that I'll start to like your protection, and I'll wake up some day to find my bucket list, wrinkled and yellow, stuffed in the back of a drawer next to my dusty nunchucks."
Shane had other thoughts about things. He knew their differences weren't the impediment. He figured she needed to grow up and shed some of her fear before he could come in and make her his. From the beginning of this story Shane is all in. He's a man on a mission and the sexy, funny chase is ON!
They both thought it was a great idea for her to get him set up on an online dating site. She figured she could get him dating someone else and it would cool the sexual heat burning between them and he figured it would be just the thing to get a jealous rise out of her. He even agreed to let her sort through the candidates and help him pick potential dates.
"She didn't pay him any mind, already moving along to the next one. 'Let's see, what about her? Sara Mitchell. She calls herself an artist. That probably means she doesn't have a job. She's also a vegan, which means you'd have to deal with her meat-shaming you.'
He'd never been meat-shamed before. It sounded bad.
'And she probably does macrame,' Cat continued. 'So that crap will be hanging all over your house before you know it.'
As expected Cat found the rather unattractive ladies to be good candidates: "She's got an honest smile. I like that." And, the looker was deemed: "Vapid. You can see it in the eyes. Dull. Not quite focused. If I were to guess what she was thinking right now it would be 'I like turtles' or 'I wonder what Kim Kardashian is doing right now' or something...It's just a feeling. She looks like a nitwit..."
Shane's road to convincing Cat that they could have something good together was not smooth, and Cat continuously pushing him away started to wear on me. I love a story where the hero chases the heroine, but there's a limit to how much running I'll tolerate from the heroine. This came perilously close to exceeding my limit, which is why I gave it a 4-star instead of a 5. Otherwise this was a cute, hot and funny story.
Cat and Shane have some incredible chemistry. They've known each other forever and even though there was attraction on her side, Cat thought their relationship was too contentious, that they were too different to ever get along. She was a freedom-loving risk-taker and Shane was a cool and controlled hero--a search and rescue worker who saved risk-takers like Cat for a living.
CAT:
"You fill up the room, even the corners, until there's no space for anything else. When I'm with you, I can't think of anything else. It's a short trip from there to me staying at home knitting booties for fun instead of skating roller derby. I'm terrified that I'll start to like your protection, and I'll wake up some day to find my bucket list, wrinkled and yellow, stuffed in the back of a drawer next to my dusty nunchucks."
Shane had other thoughts about things. He knew their differences weren't the impediment. He figured she needed to grow up and shed some of her fear before he could come in and make her his. From the beginning of this story Shane is all in. He's a man on a mission and the sexy, funny chase is ON!
They both thought it was a great idea for her to get him set up on an online dating site. She figured she could get him dating someone else and it would cool the sexual heat burning between them and he figured it would be just the thing to get a jealous rise out of her. He even agreed to let her sort through the candidates and help him pick potential dates.
"She didn't pay him any mind, already moving along to the next one. 'Let's see, what about her? Sara Mitchell. She calls herself an artist. That probably means she doesn't have a job. She's also a vegan, which means you'd have to deal with her meat-shaming you.'
He'd never been meat-shamed before. It sounded bad.
'And she probably does macrame,' Cat continued. 'So that crap will be hanging all over your house before you know it.'
As expected Cat found the rather unattractive ladies to be good candidates: "She's got an honest smile. I like that." And, the looker was deemed: "Vapid. You can see it in the eyes. Dull. Not quite focused. If I were to guess what she was thinking right now it would be 'I like turtles' or 'I wonder what Kim Kardashian is doing right now' or something...It's just a feeling. She looks like a nitwit..."
Shane's road to convincing Cat that they could have something good together was not smooth, and Cat continuously pushing him away started to wear on me. I love a story where the hero chases the heroine, but there's a limit to how much running I'll tolerate from the heroine. This came perilously close to exceeding my limit, which is why I gave it a 4-star instead of a 5. Otherwise this was a cute, hot and funny story.
April 10, 2013
I'm having a little trouble trying to decide how to rate this book. I really really liked Shane in this book. He was amazing, but Cat drove me absolutely insane. I liked her in the first story and was really looking forward to her story but...she ended up just getting on my nerves somewhat.
The book starts out with Cat, Galen, and Lacey at the bar right after Galen has won his last fight. They are out celebrating. Shane shows up unexpectedly and immediately the tension starts crackling between him and Cat. Later in the night Cat comes back to her room, a little drunk. Shane is staying with her due to his last minute decision to come see Galen's last fight. Let's just say, they picked up where they left off in the past. But instantly Cat "runs away" as Shane calls it.
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"I came back here for you, Cat. Because I've always known we'd make a great couple. Since we were teenagers. I was just waiting for you to grow up and realize it, too."
Shane has decided that he has came back for Cat and will not stop until he has her. But Cat is not so reluctant and even wins a bet and sets him up on a dating website. Shane goes with it, using reverse psychology against her, but when will enough be enough.
I really really want to give this book more stars. Shane was such a hot, smart, patient hero. He wanted Cat when they were in high school, and one night in the lake came very close to having her, but he had sworn to her brother and his best friend he would protect her and that made him step back at the last second. What he didn't know is by him stepping back it had cut Cat so deep, it had made her the way she has grown to be. He has came back just for her now though, hoping she had grown up enough to want him back.
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Cat was just stubborn, most of all. I like that she was sassy, witty, and smart. And I like a stubborn women to a point, but this girl was just delusional. That last fight she provoked really did me in. Shane is way better a man than she deserved, because even though he could have done so much better, *clears throat* Courtney, he knew him and Cat had something and was never going to give up.
I don't discourage against reading this. It was a really good short story, really good, and I loved getting more of Galen and Lacey in it. Cat and Shane had chemistry out the wazoo, and between the sheets, wowza. But think what really knocked it down another star for me was that last arguement between them. It royally ticked me off at Cat, and maybe after I get over my temper tantrum, I may knock it back up another star.
The book starts out with Cat, Galen, and Lacey at the bar right after Galen has won his last fight. They are out celebrating. Shane shows up unexpectedly and immediately the tension starts crackling between him and Cat. Later in the night Cat comes back to her room, a little drunk. Shane is staying with her due to his last minute decision to come see Galen's last fight. Let's just say, they picked up where they left off in the past. But instantly Cat "runs away" as Shane calls it.
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"I came back here for you, Cat. Because I've always known we'd make a great couple. Since we were teenagers. I was just waiting for you to grow up and realize it, too."
Shane has decided that he has came back for Cat and will not stop until he has her. But Cat is not so reluctant and even wins a bet and sets him up on a dating website. Shane goes with it, using reverse psychology against her, but when will enough be enough.
I really really want to give this book more stars. Shane was such a hot, smart, patient hero. He wanted Cat when they were in high school, and one night in the lake came very close to having her, but he had sworn to her brother and his best friend he would protect her and that made him step back at the last second. What he didn't know is by him stepping back it had cut Cat so deep, it had made her the way she has grown to be. He has came back just for her now though, hoping she had grown up enough to want him back.
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Cat was just stubborn, most of all. I like that she was sassy, witty, and smart. And I like a stubborn women to a point, but this girl was just delusional. That last fight she provoked really did me in. Shane is way better a man than she deserved, because even though he could have done so much better, *clears throat* Courtney, he knew him and Cat had something and was never going to give up.
I don't discourage against reading this. It was a really good short story, really good, and I loved getting more of Galen and Lacey in it. Cat and Shane had chemistry out the wazoo, and between the sheets, wowza. But think what really knocked it down another star for me was that last arguement between them. It royally ticked me off at Cat, and maybe after I get over my temper tantrum, I may knock it back up another star.
March 6, 2013
If you know me at all you know that I fell head over heels in LOVE with Galen from Down for the Count. You knew that I was counting down the days until the next book in this series was out. Was I a tad disappointed that Galen did not have a bigger part in the second book? No...because ladies...I have moved on{gasp!}. As much as it pains me to say that, I fell hard for one Shane Decker...
He wore a threadbare white T-shirt that should've been as noteworthy as a bowl of oatmeal. Instead, it clung to his chest like it had aspirations of taking over for his skin. Hell, she'd have the same life goal. His chest was a dream, the contours clearly defined by the soft cotton. She could totes cling to him for a night. - Cat
Mmmmm, Shane Decker. This gorgeous hunk of a man came barreling back into Cat's life a decade after he rejected her. Cat being the independent, fabulous girl that we know automatically decided that she would not, could not give him more than a night in the sack. One night to get him out of her system then she would be done...
“I’m sure that hasn’t changed and he’s still about as exciting as a kiddie roller coaster.” And seeing as how Cat typically selected vacation destinations based on the proximity of the best amusement park, this was the highest of insults.” - Cat & Lacey
Cat is a awesome!! We got a small taste of her in Down for the Count but this book shows you just how hilarious she really is! I am not usually a big fan of the lead women...lets be real, most times I want to punch them in the face. Cat only needed to get slapped a time or two and that is HUGE for me! She is sassy, sarcastic and a clothing designer!
Her skirt was so short that Cat caught a flash of rhinestones that were either appliqued onto the front of a flesh-colored thong or part of the girl's attempt at vajazzling. -Cat
Vajazzling?!? I think of myself as being well versed in fashion. Even crazy fad trends...but Vajazzling...this is a new one for me! I literally was laughing out loud during so many parts of this book. Cat's humor is genius!
“She may have mentally relegated him to the friend zone, but the rest of her hadn’t gotten the memo” - Cat
The chemistry between these two is OFF THE CHARTS. You can literally see the steam coming off of your kindle! The fact that these two have so much history only adds to the hotness of it. TEN years worth of sexual tension and we get to see it all playing out. {Fanning myself over here}! This book is hot, funny and definitely a must read!
"Don't let this girl lead you around by the nose. There's no point in her buying the bronco if the rides are free." - Shane's Mom
He wore a threadbare white T-shirt that should've been as noteworthy as a bowl of oatmeal. Instead, it clung to his chest like it had aspirations of taking over for his skin. Hell, she'd have the same life goal. His chest was a dream, the contours clearly defined by the soft cotton. She could totes cling to him for a night. - Cat
Mmmmm, Shane Decker. This gorgeous hunk of a man came barreling back into Cat's life a decade after he rejected her. Cat being the independent, fabulous girl that we know automatically decided that she would not, could not give him more than a night in the sack. One night to get him out of her system then she would be done...
“I’m sure that hasn’t changed and he’s still about as exciting as a kiddie roller coaster.” And seeing as how Cat typically selected vacation destinations based on the proximity of the best amusement park, this was the highest of insults.” - Cat & Lacey
Cat is a awesome!! We got a small taste of her in Down for the Count but this book shows you just how hilarious she really is! I am not usually a big fan of the lead women...lets be real, most times I want to punch them in the face. Cat only needed to get slapped a time or two and that is HUGE for me! She is sassy, sarcastic and a clothing designer!
Her skirt was so short that Cat caught a flash of rhinestones that were either appliqued onto the front of a flesh-colored thong or part of the girl's attempt at vajazzling. -Cat
Vajazzling?!? I think of myself as being well versed in fashion. Even crazy fad trends...but Vajazzling...this is a new one for me! I literally was laughing out loud during so many parts of this book. Cat's humor is genius!
“She may have mentally relegated him to the friend zone, but the rest of her hadn’t gotten the memo” - Cat
The chemistry between these two is OFF THE CHARTS. You can literally see the steam coming off of your kindle! The fact that these two have so much history only adds to the hotness of it. TEN years worth of sexual tension and we get to see it all playing out. {Fanning myself over here}! This book is hot, funny and definitely a must read!
"Don't let this girl lead you around by the nose. There's no point in her buying the bronco if the rides are free." - Shane's Mom
March 28, 2013
3.5 stars
REVIEW: DOWN AND DIRTY is the second storyline in Christine Bell’s contemporary series Dare Me. This storyline focuses on Cat Thomas (Galen Thomas -our hero from Down for the Count sister) and his best friend Shane Decker.
Like Down for the Count, our couple have a previous history-one that started as teens but never proceeded any further. When Galen left for college he asked his best friend Shane to look after and protect his younger sister Mary Catherine, but little did Galen know that Cat and Shane had feelings for each other. And like most teens neither one was willing to act on their emotions. Shane became the over protective big brother-one that refused to allow Cat to have fun or stray. And Cat thought that Shane’s over bearing attitude was a sign that he hated her from the start. Only Shane has wanted Lacey for a very long time.
The relationship between Cat and Shane reconnected on a chance meeting years later when Shane attended Galen’s final professional boxing match. Without a place to stay, Cat reluctantly offered her hotel room, secretly hoping that the feelings she once felt for Shane no longer mattered. But to her surprise she had difficulty separating her emotions about the man with who vowed his protection many years before. As the storyline progressed Cat continued to waiver with regards to her feelings for Shane fearing that to accept his protection meant she accepted defeat and in doing so pushed the one many away who mattered most. By accepting a dare, Cat placed herself in a position to watch as Shane was forced into seeing other women.
Cat was a difficult character to like. She had become a successful fashion designer with her own line and feared losing her identity to a man-any many-especially a man who had sworn his protection. She wanted Shane; she knew she had lost her heart to the man; but she refused to give into the idea that loving the man would make her a better person. Cat’s identity was wrapped up in her business and she didn’t want to lose herself in a man like she believed happened to another. She pulled Shane in and then pushed him out-several times. And with one final push she may have pushed Shane away forever.
DOWN AND DIRTY is another storyline with a hero who knows what he wants and a heroine who waffles at every stage of the story. There is some angst as Cat pushes one too many times and your heart will break when Shane realizes that Cat has yet to grow up. But in true contemporary romance fashion, our couple will have their HEA but it takes a virtual stranger to show Cat that to accept love doesn’t mean you give up.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
REVIEW: DOWN AND DIRTY is the second storyline in Christine Bell’s contemporary series Dare Me. This storyline focuses on Cat Thomas (Galen Thomas -our hero from Down for the Count sister) and his best friend Shane Decker.
Like Down for the Count, our couple have a previous history-one that started as teens but never proceeded any further. When Galen left for college he asked his best friend Shane to look after and protect his younger sister Mary Catherine, but little did Galen know that Cat and Shane had feelings for each other. And like most teens neither one was willing to act on their emotions. Shane became the over protective big brother-one that refused to allow Cat to have fun or stray. And Cat thought that Shane’s over bearing attitude was a sign that he hated her from the start. Only Shane has wanted Lacey for a very long time.
The relationship between Cat and Shane reconnected on a chance meeting years later when Shane attended Galen’s final professional boxing match. Without a place to stay, Cat reluctantly offered her hotel room, secretly hoping that the feelings she once felt for Shane no longer mattered. But to her surprise she had difficulty separating her emotions about the man with who vowed his protection many years before. As the storyline progressed Cat continued to waiver with regards to her feelings for Shane fearing that to accept his protection meant she accepted defeat and in doing so pushed the one many away who mattered most. By accepting a dare, Cat placed herself in a position to watch as Shane was forced into seeing other women.
Cat was a difficult character to like. She had become a successful fashion designer with her own line and feared losing her identity to a man-any many-especially a man who had sworn his protection. She wanted Shane; she knew she had lost her heart to the man; but she refused to give into the idea that loving the man would make her a better person. Cat’s identity was wrapped up in her business and she didn’t want to lose herself in a man like she believed happened to another. She pulled Shane in and then pushed him out-several times. And with one final push she may have pushed Shane away forever.
DOWN AND DIRTY is another storyline with a hero who knows what he wants and a heroine who waffles at every stage of the story. There is some angst as Cat pushes one too many times and your heart will break when Shane realizes that Cat has yet to grow up. But in true contemporary romance fashion, our couple will have their HEA but it takes a virtual stranger to show Cat that to accept love doesn’t mean you give up.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
April 17, 2013
This was an awesome continuation to the Dare Me series! I loved Lacey and Galen in Down for the Count, so I was very anxious to get my hands on this second installment. Christine Bell has impressed me yet again with her memorable characters that have smoking-hot chemistry, and a heartwarming love story that I very much enjoyed!
First of all, can I just say that Shane Decker had me at “Mary Catherine”??!! Good lord this man was just hotness personified, with the tender sweet knight in shining armor to go along with it! He had me weak at the knees from the get-go, I’m not ashamed to admit it. The fact that Cat has had his heart for so long and he’s now determined to prove he’s worth falling for? Ummm, yes please!! The only problem for him was Cat’s stubborn side that never seems to have an off switch. She’s hung up on Shane’s overprotective ways from when they were younger, and that night he denied her so many years ago. She is determined to stay single and uninhibited by love and romance, so she figures she’ll just get Shane out of her system and it’ll all be over. Can we say DENIAL? Thankfully, a little jealousy can go a long way when it comes to the heart, and Shane has been handed the perfect opportunity.
As Cat started to realize how strongly she felt for Shane but still pushed him away, I wanted to slap some sense into the woman. She had her reasons, though, and despite how frustrated I was with her I could understand why she was so hesitant given what an independent, strong-willed person she was. The push-and-pull she and Shane go through made for some really intense, hot sexual tension that is sure to get your heart racing, and I couldn’t tear myself away! And there were some heart-wrenching moments that showed just how deeply Cat's feelings truly went, and it was easy to forgive her stubbornness in the end. I just loved her and Shane's story, and this series is a definite must-read!!
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
First of all, can I just say that Shane Decker had me at “Mary Catherine”??!! Good lord this man was just hotness personified, with the tender sweet knight in shining armor to go along with it! He had me weak at the knees from the get-go, I’m not ashamed to admit it. The fact that Cat has had his heart for so long and he’s now determined to prove he’s worth falling for? Ummm, yes please!! The only problem for him was Cat’s stubborn side that never seems to have an off switch. She’s hung up on Shane’s overprotective ways from when they were younger, and that night he denied her so many years ago. She is determined to stay single and uninhibited by love and romance, so she figures she’ll just get Shane out of her system and it’ll all be over. Can we say DENIAL? Thankfully, a little jealousy can go a long way when it comes to the heart, and Shane has been handed the perfect opportunity.
As Cat started to realize how strongly she felt for Shane but still pushed him away, I wanted to slap some sense into the woman. She had her reasons, though, and despite how frustrated I was with her I could understand why she was so hesitant given what an independent, strong-willed person she was. The push-and-pull she and Shane go through made for some really intense, hot sexual tension that is sure to get your heart racing, and I couldn’t tear myself away! And there were some heart-wrenching moments that showed just how deeply Cat's feelings truly went, and it was easy to forgive her stubbornness in the end. I just loved her and Shane's story, and this series is a definite must-read!!
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
December 31, 2013
I wonder if we've all read the same book, but I can't rate it any higher then 2/5 stars
I don't know why, but this book just didn't get to me at all. I didn't like reading it and I skimmed through a lot of the pages. It isn't really the writing that put me of this book, but I can't remember a book I've read over the last time where I hated the heroine as much as I hated Cat.
I didn't hate her in the first book, but maybe that was because it wasn't really focussed on her. In this book however;
1. The story doesn't make any sense to begin with.
'I love him, I want him, but I'll keep pretending he doesn't do anything to me without any good reason to do so.'. It just gets old really fast.
2. Cat is so god-awful annoying that it's painful to read about.
I really loved the first book and really disliked this book, so I'm a bit disappointed by that. I think Lacey and Galen just make for better characters and were for to read about. They also had a lot more chemistry and I actually cared about what happened to them. But in this book, I really didn't care either way.
I do think that if you like Cat and don't mind the pointless storyline, you still might enjoy it. It just didn't do it for me.
I will be reading the small book about Lacey and Galen, since I did love their story.
I don't know why, but this book just didn't get to me at all. I didn't like reading it and I skimmed through a lot of the pages. It isn't really the writing that put me of this book, but I can't remember a book I've read over the last time where I hated the heroine as much as I hated Cat.
I didn't hate her in the first book, but maybe that was because it wasn't really focussed on her. In this book however;
1. The story doesn't make any sense to begin with.
'I love him, I want him, but I'll keep pretending he doesn't do anything to me without any good reason to do so.'. It just gets old really fast.
2. Cat is so god-awful annoying that it's painful to read about.
I really loved the first book and really disliked this book, so I'm a bit disappointed by that. I think Lacey and Galen just make for better characters and were for to read about. They also had a lot more chemistry and I actually cared about what happened to them. But in this book, I really didn't care either way.
I do think that if you like Cat and don't mind the pointless storyline, you still might enjoy it. It just didn't do it for me.
I will be reading the small book about Lacey and Galen, since I did love their story.
March 17, 2013
This is book 2 in the Bare me Series. I red book one and loved it. Book 2 is about Cat Thomas. Galen's sister from book one. We got a pretty good introduction to her in book one. Shane is Galen's best friend and has the hots for Cat for a really long time but he was sworn to watch out for her in her teen years when her brother and his best friend left for college. She couldn't get away with anything with him on the job. Problem was he wanted to be doing some bad stuff with her but felt he couldn't because she was his best friends sister and he swore to watch out for her not corrupt her. Cat liked him too and put the moves on him but he rejected her because of his promise to Galen but she doesn't know that. Now ten years later and he's tired and wants to come home and be around his friends and finally claim Cat if she'll let him in. I really enjoyed the story and loved Shane. I think Cat was a bit over the top but i guess when i can see when you get something set in your head and you heart has been hurt it can really hard to get past it. Sometimes it just takes a whole lot of time and persistence and Shane certainly had that. This is a fun fast read. The kind of book you know your going to enjoy from the first chapter.
July 2, 2014
Cat is one feisty chick, with her big bucket list and even bigger attitude.
Shane, whats not to like!! The guy is gorgeous and says the sweet things ...
"A wicked smile spread across his usually serious face. “Hi, my name is Shane Decker. I’m not much for chatter, so I’ll get right to the point. I have some cue cards here telling me to describe my ‘type,’ but that’s not me. I respect and love women. All types of women.”
His voice rang with sincerity and Cat found herself leaning forward, literally on the edge of her seat.
“So if you think you’re too tall and skinny but have a smile that makes people want to smile back? You’re my type. Curvy and always trying to lose that last ten pounds, with a loud, bawdy laugh? You’re my type. A little older than me, with some lifelines that look earned and the confidence that comes with age? My type. Life is short, and I want to spend it with someone who recognizes that, and takes happiness wherever they can find it. If you think I might be your type, send a message to Shane84, and we can meet for coffee.”
Good fast read.
Shane, whats not to like!! The guy is gorgeous and says the sweet things ...
"A wicked smile spread across his usually serious face. “Hi, my name is Shane Decker. I’m not much for chatter, so I’ll get right to the point. I have some cue cards here telling me to describe my ‘type,’ but that’s not me. I respect and love women. All types of women.”
His voice rang with sincerity and Cat found herself leaning forward, literally on the edge of her seat.
“So if you think you’re too tall and skinny but have a smile that makes people want to smile back? You’re my type. Curvy and always trying to lose that last ten pounds, with a loud, bawdy laugh? You’re my type. A little older than me, with some lifelines that look earned and the confidence that comes with age? My type. Life is short, and I want to spend it with someone who recognizes that, and takes happiness wherever they can find it. If you think I might be your type, send a message to Shane84, and we can meet for coffee.”
Good fast read.
September 1, 2014
This is my reaction at the end of the book
Because it was finally over.
Even though it was short, it seemed to go on for like forever, accomplishing nothing substantial.
It was quite a nice reading... The first 40 pages. Then it got too boring to me.
What a disappointment. I don't even want to make a comment about the heroine, whose reasons I found totally pointless. She rejected a man (the one she previously admitted to herself that she had feelings for) because he wants to protect her? Ironic how right after she told him she needed no protection, she ends up in hospital. Just saying.
I don't even know how to continue this review...
So I won't.
Sorry, book. We weren't meant for each other.
March 31, 2013
This will be between and 3 and 3.5. Mainly because Cat was hard to take in some ways. She was gutsy, smart and funny as hell but really pushed the envelope as far her "issues".
A super hot, sexy, sweet and loving guy that you've known most of your life comes back to town for you and you want to run because you don't want to end up like your mother who chose her family over career? (sorry huge run on sentence)
I bordered on not liking the character at all in many parts of the book and wondered at time how Shane could love her. (but he pointed out rightly so- that was was funny and smart and full of life etc)
AND I LOVED SHANE!!! Loved seeing Lacey and Galen again and I'm hoping we might get a story on Courtney?? Maybe?
A super hot, sexy, sweet and loving guy that you've known most of your life comes back to town for you and you want to run because you don't want to end up like your mother who chose her family over career? (sorry huge run on sentence)
I bordered on not liking the character at all in many parts of the book and wondered at time how Shane could love her. (but he pointed out rightly so- that was was funny and smart and full of life etc)
AND I LOVED SHANE!!! Loved seeing Lacey and Galen again and I'm hoping we might get a story on Courtney?? Maybe?
March 28, 2014
I am seriously in love with Christine Bell's voice! It is laced with the perfect amount of humor and sensuality and makes her characters come alive.
I loved this book from start to finish! Another sexy and funny read with characters that stole my heart. Prior to reading the book I skimmed a few reviews on Goodreads and read some stuff about Cat. Luckily I always make up my own mind about characters because I ended up really liking her and rooting for her HEA with Shane.
Fave Quotes
He wore a threadbare white T-shirt that should’ve been as noteworthy as a bowl of oatmeal. Instead, it clung to his chest like it had aspirations of taking over for his skin. Hell, she’d have the same life goal.
I loved this book from start to finish! Another sexy and funny read with characters that stole my heart. Prior to reading the book I skimmed a few reviews on Goodreads and read some stuff about Cat. Luckily I always make up my own mind about characters because I ended up really liking her and rooting for her HEA with Shane.
Fave Quotes
He wore a threadbare white T-shirt that should’ve been as noteworthy as a bowl of oatmeal. Instead, it clung to his chest like it had aspirations of taking over for his skin. Hell, she’d have the same life goal.
September 6, 2016
I was sucked in from page one! God, I love a spunky heroine and Cat fills those heels nicely! Fortunately, her hunky hero, Shane, can handle her. I really loved how Shane understood who Cat was and didn't try to change her. All he did was patiently force her to grow-up and own her faults. As to that? I gotta say, I LOVED that aspect of this story. Add to that plenty of laugh out loud moments combined with just enough emotion to tug on the heartstrings and you have an awesome read! Cat and Shane were people I wanted to spend time with so I had to give this one all the stars! If you love steamy romance with characters who touch your heart then I'm sure you'll love this one.
October 7, 2015
Öncelikle şunu söylemeliyim.Mary Catherine’e acayip gıcık ve uyuz oldum nokta!!!!
Yahu Shane gibi bir adamı bulmuşsun daha ne istiyorsun?
Yok özgürlüğümden vazgeçmem,yok beni korumana,benim için endişelenmene ihtiyacım yok,kendi ayaklarımın üstünde dururum,sana bağımlı hale gelmek istiyorum,bu ilişkiyi istemiyorum falan filan.Ne istiyorsun,belanı mı? *-*
Kitap boyunca Shane’in bu ilişkiye bir şans vermesi için Cat’in peşinden koşmasını okudum ve açıkçası biraz sıkıldım.Bir ara dedim ki oğlum Shane sana kız mı yok yahu ne diye peşindesin şu uyuz kızın?
Yine de Cat faktörünü saymazsak eğlenceli bir kitaptı.
Yahu Shane gibi bir adamı bulmuşsun daha ne istiyorsun?
Yok özgürlüğümden vazgeçmem,yok beni korumana,benim için endişelenmene ihtiyacım yok,kendi ayaklarımın üstünde dururum,sana bağımlı hale gelmek istiyorum,bu ilişkiyi istemiyorum falan filan.Ne istiyorsun,belanı mı? *-*
Kitap boyunca Shane’in bu ilişkiye bir şans vermesi için Cat’in peşinden koşmasını okudum ve açıkçası biraz sıkıldım.Bir ara dedim ki oğlum Shane sana kız mı yok yahu ne diye peşindesin şu uyuz kızın?
Yine de Cat faktörünü saymazsak eğlenceli bir kitaptı.
February 27, 2013
While I didn't love this one as much as the first book in this series, Down For the Count, Down and Dirty was still a pretty good read. I loved hearing Cat's story and Shane was quite a hunk.
The moms in the book kind of cracked me up. They were so conniving. I also loved Courtney - she had such a brief role but I really liked her.
The plot was cute. The dynamics between Cat and Shane were pretty intense - I loved the sexual tension between the two.
This was another great read from Christine Bell - I have continued to love her books and already I am counting down for another.
The moms in the book kind of cracked me up. They were so conniving. I also loved Courtney - she had such a brief role but I really liked her.
The plot was cute. The dynamics between Cat and Shane were pretty intense - I loved the sexual tension between the two.
This was another great read from Christine Bell - I have continued to love her books and already I am counting down for another.
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