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Bowen Boys #3
To the Max
Forensic accountant Annie Griffin has always suspected she's a bit jinxed, so when she finds herself 35, single, temporarily homeless, and pregnant by a gigolo, her fears are confirmed.
Adrenaline junkie and professional stuntman Max Bowen needs a house-sitter to watch after his pets while he's out of town. Annie needs a place to stay. Standard quid pro quo. No biggie. She can handle that, whatever hellhounds he owns--until Max, the most sought-after bachelor in the county, comes back ahead of schedule and she ends up being roommates with a 27-year old sex god who turns out to be so much more than what she expected.
Max might have had the attention span of a humming bird on crack when it comes to women, but that was before Annie. Her quirkiness and sweet contradictions soon captivate him, not that she's inclined to give him the time of the day. With his reputation preceding him, he knows the odds are stacked against him, but he will do his best to prove her that he's what she needs, stuck-up socialite grandmothers, doomsday preppers, groupies, pregnancy hormones, and repentant biological dads be damned.
Adrenaline junkie and professional stuntman Max Bowen needs a house-sitter to watch after his pets while he's out of town. Annie needs a place to stay. Standard quid pro quo. No biggie. She can handle that, whatever hellhounds he owns--until Max, the most sought-after bachelor in the county, comes back ahead of schedule and she ends up being roommates with a 27-year old sex god who turns out to be so much more than what she expected.
Max might have had the attention span of a humming bird on crack when it comes to women, but that was before Annie. Her quirkiness and sweet contradictions soon captivate him, not that she's inclined to give him the time of the day. With his reputation preceding him, he knows the odds are stacked against him, but he will do his best to prove her that he's what she needs, stuck-up socialite grandmothers, doomsday preppers, groupies, pregnancy hormones, and repentant biological dads be damned.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2015
90 people are currently reading
2934 people want to read
About the author
Elle Aycart
16 books1,886 followersAfter a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.
Keep up with Elle by subscribing to her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c9QHLX
Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com
Keep up with Elle by subscribing to her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/c9QHLX
Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
February 15, 2015
5 Sweet Stars.
Annie, forensic accountant and candy-shop owner, finds herself in a bad moment of her life. They are so many she believes she has to be cursed. She’s got pregnant after a one-night stand with an escort and she’s currently without a house because her condo is in works after a fire. Luckily, her friend Max, the younger Bowen and stuntman extraordinaire, has to go away filming and invites her to stay in her house taking care of his girls (two guinea-pigs named Tango and Cash, because… f*ck logic!). They know each other for years but for some reason this new proximity makes them both see the other under a new light. Annie is scared because she can’t have anything else going bad for her, but Max is sure she’s the one. He only needs to find a way to convince her that.
I can happily say that the wait was worthy. I loved how sweet and steamy this book was. I loved the previous books so I was a little apprehensive when I’ve heard that this one had a little different style, but, at least in my opinion, it worked out brilliantly. He had romance, he had pretty sexy moments, and the slightly peculiar sense of humor Elle got us used to. I loved it.
Now, if Elle’s keeping the tradition… we only have to wait more 9284742 light years for the next book!! Can’t wait! (No, I’m not being sarcastic.)
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved, loved, LOVED Max. He was already one of my favorites from the previous books, but now he’s definitely my favorite brother. He was sweet, sexy, selfless, alpha and I loved how he was with Annie. Can I have one for me?? I liked Annie as well, there was a particular part of the book where she was annoying me to no end and I just wished for her to stop being stupid… and she did. So we’re friends again. It was great to see more of the rest of the Bowen gang and wives. They are always great.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Annie, forensic accountant and candy-shop owner, finds herself in a bad moment of her life. They are so many she believes she has to be cursed. She’s got pregnant after a one-night stand with an escort and she’s currently without a house because her condo is in works after a fire. Luckily, her friend Max, the younger Bowen and stuntman extraordinaire, has to go away filming and invites her to stay in her house taking care of his girls (two guinea-pigs named Tango and Cash, because… f*ck logic!). They know each other for years but for some reason this new proximity makes them both see the other under a new light. Annie is scared because she can’t have anything else going bad for her, but Max is sure she’s the one. He only needs to find a way to convince her that.
I can happily say that the wait was worthy. I loved how sweet and steamy this book was. I loved the previous books so I was a little apprehensive when I’ve heard that this one had a little different style, but, at least in my opinion, it worked out brilliantly. He had romance, he had pretty sexy moments, and the slightly peculiar sense of humor Elle got us used to. I loved it.
Now, if Elle’s keeping the tradition… we only have to wait more 9284742 light years for the next book!! Can’t wait! (No, I’m not being sarcastic.)
Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved, loved, LOVED Max. He was already one of my favorites from the previous books, but now he’s definitely my favorite brother. He was sweet, sexy, selfless, alpha and I loved how he was with Annie. Can I have one for me?? I liked Annie as well, there was a particular part of the book where she was annoying me to no end and I just wished for her to stop being stupid… and she did. So we’re friends again. It was great to see more of the rest of the Bowen gang and wives. They are always great.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
June 10, 2015
5 - "I expected good. I got... fabulous." Stars!
Where do I start, I have so many things I want to say about this book, the series, and Elle Aycart. I love them all, I want more, I hate waiting, but equally I don’t mind, because the wait produces books like this, a book that I couldn’t put down, characters (and pets)I fell in love with, again and again and again. A town I want to move to, its residents I want to be neighbors with, and an author I will never, ever not want to read a book by (I knew that already, but I thought it prudent to just add it in, if anyone was in any doubt!) and sex, holy shit the sex, sex I went back and re-read several times over just to make sure I didn’t miss any of it.
Perfection. Pure. Reading. Perfection!
To the Max literally offers you a bit of everything, it is like a well stocked buffet of tropes, nothing is left unexplored, everything that is added has a reason and the romance, suspense, character development, sexual tension, sex (I may have already mentioned that) and general ebb and flow of the story just pulls you in, I couldn’t stop reading Annie and Max’s story extends the series as it goes, the Bowen family and friends all featured heavily in their storyline, it is just a book you wholly absorb yourself into.
Max Bowen – “Just for the record… I would never be a stunt dick. I would be the main dick.”
I loved this pairing; Annie is a straight laced, by-the-book, follow-the-rules lady. There is definitely more to this woman than initially meets the eye, and she is a woman, 35 and proud, living independently. Max being eight years her junior made for some great conversations between the two of them, Boob Enahncer and Pregnant Lady also delivered some off the charts chemistry. Being the resident bachelor of Aldean, no one expected the ‘no-strings king’, to fall hard for someone with such opposing qualities to his usual hook-ups.
"I've never had someone I couldn't live without. Now I do. I'm having trouble adjusting."
But that’s the point they were just hook-ups. What occurs between Annie and Max is more, their story builds for the first 50% of the book, this is the building of a relationship, there is no instant gratification, and I think that is one of the main reasons I was hooked, Elle builds this story and the relationship between the two of them with such skill, you fall in love with them as a pair as they fall in love with each other as a couple.
As all Bowen men before him, Max is a skilled, imaginative, and dirty, blunt, dominant man in the bedroom, Annie initially a little prim and proper, but as they grow as a couple, and Annie loses her inhibitions it is literally full steam ahead. Elle manages to bring originality to her sex, she is for me the most imaginative, graphic and visual writer in the erotic sex genre. They may be brothers but their talents in the bedroom, personalities and dispositions are wholly their own. You never feel like you are reading a re-hash, this family and each of its members are uniquely lovable and equally unforgettable.
”Blood does not a family make.”
I could go on; I have masses of highlights, reams of notes, lists of potential images and gifs. I am not going to do that. I want you to read the book, not get bored reading and epic essay that I have written about wanting you to go read it. To the Max is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly urge you to go check out the previous books (there are a few companion novellas as well) –
More than Meets the Ink -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Heavy Issues -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
You won’t regret it, you will end up addicted to the Bowen family, their lives, the town and the people they come into contact with. I will now go cry quietly in a corner, while I wait for Elle to write Jacked up I have everything crossed that I get it in my sweaty little paws sooner rather than later!
My gratitude goes to Elle Aycart for providing me with a e-copy of the book for review. It was my pleasure, an absolute treat, and a downright privilege to be able to do so!
Where do I start, I have so many things I want to say about this book, the series, and Elle Aycart. I love them all, I want more, I hate waiting, but equally I don’t mind, because the wait produces books like this, a book that I couldn’t put down, characters (and pets)I fell in love with, again and again and again. A town I want to move to, its residents I want to be neighbors with, and an author I will never, ever not want to read a book by (I knew that already, but I thought it prudent to just add it in, if anyone was in any doubt!) and sex, holy shit the sex, sex I went back and re-read several times over just to make sure I didn’t miss any of it.
Perfection. Pure. Reading. Perfection!
To the Max literally offers you a bit of everything, it is like a well stocked buffet of tropes, nothing is left unexplored, everything that is added has a reason and the romance, suspense, character development, sexual tension, sex (I may have already mentioned that) and general ebb and flow of the story just pulls you in, I couldn’t stop reading Annie and Max’s story extends the series as it goes, the Bowen family and friends all featured heavily in their storyline, it is just a book you wholly absorb yourself into.
Max Bowen – “Just for the record… I would never be a stunt dick. I would be the main dick.”
I loved this pairing; Annie is a straight laced, by-the-book, follow-the-rules lady. There is definitely more to this woman than initially meets the eye, and she is a woman, 35 and proud, living independently. Max being eight years her junior made for some great conversations between the two of them, Boob Enahncer and Pregnant Lady also delivered some off the charts chemistry. Being the resident bachelor of Aldean, no one expected the ‘no-strings king’, to fall hard for someone with such opposing qualities to his usual hook-ups.
"I've never had someone I couldn't live without. Now I do. I'm having trouble adjusting."
But that’s the point they were just hook-ups. What occurs between Annie and Max is more, their story builds for the first 50% of the book, this is the building of a relationship, there is no instant gratification, and I think that is one of the main reasons I was hooked, Elle builds this story and the relationship between the two of them with such skill, you fall in love with them as a pair as they fall in love with each other as a couple.
As all Bowen men before him, Max is a skilled, imaginative, and dirty, blunt, dominant man in the bedroom, Annie initially a little prim and proper, but as they grow as a couple, and Annie loses her inhibitions it is literally full steam ahead. Elle manages to bring originality to her sex, she is for me the most imaginative, graphic and visual writer in the erotic sex genre. They may be brothers but their talents in the bedroom, personalities and dispositions are wholly their own. You never feel like you are reading a re-hash, this family and each of its members are uniquely lovable and equally unforgettable.
”Blood does not a family make.”
I could go on; I have masses of highlights, reams of notes, lists of potential images and gifs. I am not going to do that. I want you to read the book, not get bored reading and epic essay that I have written about wanting you to go read it. To the Max is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly urge you to go check out the previous books (there are a few companion novellas as well) –
More than Meets the Ink -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Heavy Issues -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
You won’t regret it, you will end up addicted to the Bowen family, their lives, the town and the people they come into contact with. I will now go cry quietly in a corner, while I wait for Elle to write Jacked up I have everything crossed that I get it in my sweaty little paws sooner rather than later!
My gratitude goes to Elle Aycart for providing me with a e-copy of the book for review. It was my pleasure, an absolute treat, and a downright privilege to be able to do so!
February 21, 2015
“What are you thinking?”
“How young you look.”
“Were you thinking that yesterday while I was between your legs, eating your pussy after I’d f*cked you hard against the wall?”
“I wasn’t thinking.”
“Good. That’s how we’ll keep it, then.”
A love story penned by Elle Aycart never disappoints, something about her trademark style of romance making me ache in anticipation every single time I am about to start reading one of her books because there’s not a doubt in my mind that she’d overload my senses and leave me squiggling in my seat from the sheer sexiness of her words. I have been waiting for a long time to read Max’s story and all good things definitely come to those who wait because this book was everything I hoped it’d be…and so much more. The perfect fusion of sweet and racy, with well-timed injections of humour and suspense, I loved every word in it. And I am now desperately besotted with another Bowen brother, another incorrigible dirty-mouthed alpha male—this one just happens to look like a mouth-watering Viking.
“I’ve been in the dating arena long enough to know that when your date starts talking about themselves in the third person, it’s time to hide.”
Annie Griffin is a single woman in her mid-thirties who dreams of settling down and marrying the man of her dreams, even though her dating history has amounted to one disappointment after another. But she remains an optimist, an ‘active dater’ who is willing to persevere in her search for the love of her life, even if to find him she’d have to kiss many a frog. Annie’s life comes to a standstill when she finds herself pregnant, compliments of an impetuous one night stand…with an escort.
“I somehow envisioned embracing motherhood differently. Not at thirty-five, without a partner, and knocked up by a gigolo who might or might not be named Luigi.”
Max is the youngest Bowen brother, and the last bachelor in this family of genetically blessed men. A professional stuntman, a daredevil, an irrepressible heartbreaker who loves playing the field, he wears his singlehood like a badge of honour, envisioning commitment and long-term relationships only somewhere very far on the horizon. When he runs into Annie at his brother’s wedding, any spark that might have ignited otherwise between them is quickly doused by an unexpected bout of morning sickness, coupled with the frustration from finding herself on another failed date to add to her already lengthy list. But their connection is immediate from the start, even with the wrong bodily fluids exchanged between them, both surprised by how easy it is to talk to one another and how effortless it is to be in each other’s company.
“… he was such a shameless flirt. Gorgeous, charming, easygoing. Pity when it came to women, he has the attention span of a hummingbird on crack.”
When Annie finds herself temporarily without a place to stay, Max offers her his home, a housesitting arrangement suiting them both while he’s away working on location and while she adjusts to her new condition. But every time he comes back home, he finds new reasons for liking the witty, down-to-earth, funny woman sleeping under his roof. And for wanting more with her.
“I’ve watched you come apart in my arms. I’ve held you while you slept. I’ve felt your baby kick. No, I haven’t f*cked you. My dick hasn’t been inside you. But don’t be mistaken; we do have an intimate relationship.”
As they start tiptoeing in the lukewarm waters of a friends-with-benefits arrangement, Annie struggles with the eight-year age difference between them most of all, fully aware that their priorities in life are nowhere near being aligned to one another, not to mention her impending single motherhood never letting her forget that she would soon be responsible for more than just herself. And yet, their attraction and affection for one another keep taking root, making Max more and more aware each day that that some things in life cannot be planned and that when the right woman comes along, you sweep her off her feet and never let her go.
“I’ll erase them.”
“What?”
“Your reservations. I will blast them out of the sky. Every single one of them.”
I will be honest with you, this story had me at ‘pregnant by a gigolo’, knowing that the element of an unexpected and possible single parenthood would pull at my heartstrings from the get-go, but this story is so much more than just a formulaic scenario of an incorrigible bachelor falling for the single mum. This is a story of two people becoming friends first, of loving each other platonically well before their attraction kicks in, of a man finally finding someone he could no longer imagine living without and who makes him want to be the man she deserves to have in her life, and of a woman who blossoms emotionally the day she allows herself to fall head-over-heels in love with a sexy, over-protective ‘Viking’, age differences and self-imposed inhibitions be damned. I loved the slow-burning pace of this love story, the way we get to witness the gradual evolution of their relationship—from friends to lovers, from lovers to each other’s forevers—and I couldn’t get enough of the sizzling chemistry between them, not to mention the explosive sex scenes that were simply perfect start to finish.
“I noticed when I went to your bedroom … that you have a yoga swing hanging from your ceiling. I didn’t know you practiced yoga.”
“I don’t. That’s a sex swing.”
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, every aspect of it pleasing immensely the romance junkie in me, while making my heart race for all the ‘right’ reasons. If a well-written, sexy, feel-good love story is your thing, look no further.
“Love me? I’m a simple man, Ace. I don’t ask for much.”
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February 13, 2021
"You telling me you moonlight as a porn stuntman?"
He cocked an eyebrow. "You mean a stunt dick, right?"[...]
"Ace?"
"Yes?"
"Just for the record. I would never be a stunt dick. I would be the main dick."
4 Stars--Operation Kindle Klean-Up Kommencing! (Another one I had on there for some time.)
The Bowen Boys series is one I've followed for years. James Bowen, from "More Than Meets the Ink" has made an impression in book #1 nearly four years ago with his sexy blonde self. Possessive with a brain and not annoying, he's one of my fave heroes. And boy was I happy he had brothers. I preferred Christy in book #2 as a heroine because who wouldn't love a geek with body issues who finally gets a great guy in the super damaged oldest brother Cole?
But Max, the youngest blonde Bowen (with a nipple piercing), the stuntman and renowned ladies' man, his book was the one I was really looking forward. And I waited and waited. (And found books to keep me occupied in the interim if my shelves are anything to go by) But when I learned it'd be Christy's good friend, Annie - the recently knocked from a one night stand and older Annie as Max's love interest, I really could wait to read. (Age gaps are my kink.)
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Far from perfect, it was entertaining and filled with Ayecart snark, one liners, Bowen men (*growls*), surprises and hot fucking!
"Good thing you're not a sympathetic puker."
"We need to stop meeting like this. I'm not used to making girls ill. This is very bad for my self-confidence. They tend to be doing something else when they're on their knees."
It was beautiful reading them go from somewhat friends to roommates to lovers. I love reading playboys falling in love! Max was totally clueless and it was great reading his reactions to the baby's father trying to get back in Annie's life or other men around the woman he just can't stop thinking about. Love the woman plot twist.
Max was courting her and didn't even know. And him being a modern day Viking (for a job) was a nice touch. Annie's friends and reading group was fun. Nothing wrong with reading "Cliterature". Sometimes the girlfriend bonding was a little grating but I think the author was trying to set up the other friends for future books.
As with a couple of other side people...with so much time in between it was a little hard to remember who was who.
Also, though I was happy with the couple and learning about both of their families and the way they fell for each other. It might be quick but because of the book length and since it spanned the pregnancy, it didn't read like it. There was some issues with formal speaking in the dialogue at times. Didn't read as natural. Also repetitiveness, more so in the first third, and some typos here and there. Plus, I know the Bowens are dream guys, but damn...everyone was on their dicks. Like everyone in the town. So some reality stretching will be needed.
One part that stuck in my craw slightly is after the art gallery opening between the main couple. It was bordering closer to something dark and ugly, Emotions be damned and it wasn't anything violent. But something about that scene...I wasn't too keen on.
But it didn't change my feelings on either character.
I like Max a lot. I like Annie a lot too. I still think Christy is my fave of the Bowen women but Annie is definitely a close second. She was smart (except for when it came to piece together the threats against her life but what was up with all of that? Wow!) There was a suspense plot added in, the entire escort baby daddy plot thing going on, Annie's entire family history (I learned about preppers - Thanksgiving was a hoot!!) and Max falling in love. It was a lot. But it worked. Can't give a 5 though.
The epilogue on one hand was indulgent (super long) BUT...
I got to catch up the future for the Bowen brothers.
I. Fucking. Ate. It. Up.
That was a step in the right direction for the mega long wait in between books.
I love the Bowen brothers and their women. I'm so happy how it worked out for them. Some parts cheesy, some parts a little predictable...and sadly no more brothers to carrying their arc. But they have friends. And the women have friends. And of course, the Elle and Jack mystery couple flirting this going on through the entire series.
I'm not sure if I'll come back for more years later. But I was so satisfied with "To The Max".
I'd recommend reading the books in order.
Great choice for my first book of 2016
February 11, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ! ☆
4 "pregnant lady-boob enhancer" stars!!
“I’ve spent all my adult life chasing that adrenaline high. Now, for the first time, I don’t have to. I feel totally at peace with you.”
To the Max was one of those reads I’d been dying and dying to get my grabby hands on ever since the closure of Heavy Issues and Inked Ever After. Imagine my surprise, after months since I’d last reached out to the author, Elle Aycart herself pops up in my email with an ARC for me to read!! I swear, I literally did cartwheels and a happy dance! Haha.
As the third and final Bowen boy, Max is a notorious ladies man and adrenaline junkie. He’s a Hollywood stuntman and graphic designer-- who, in no way, is looking to settle down, that is, until Annie comes into the picture.
35-year old Annie Griffin, is your typical every day gal who just so happens to have an interesting family heritage and has a bun in the oven from a one night stand with a gigolo!! Hah.
She is eight years older than Max and comes to live with him after her apartment goes under renovations and Max offers her a place to stay. Apprehensive and stubborn at first, Annie refuses Max’s help and strives to try to make it on her own without anyone’s help, but reluctantly relents after Max makes a proposition she cannot refuse.
As they cohabit together, and feelings develop and sexual tensions begin to take a mind of their own and unfold into something more… Will Max be able to prove himself to Annie? Will Annie be able to let go and let Max in?…
And with external forces, deadly foes, and self-doubts paving the way to threaten to tear apart Max and Annie’s budding romance… How will this duo succumb the opposition set against them? Will “Maxnie” rise “to the Max” and battle against all odds? Or is their love just not meant to be?
#A lovely follow up from the talented Elle Aycart! I’ve always had a soft-spot for the Bowen men and Max proved to go above and beyond! He was a true softie and romantic underneath that front he gives off! Oh how the mighty fall, ladies! Once a Bowen man falls, he’s in it to win it!! I was NOT disappointed!! One click this baby NOW!!♥
Can't wait for Jack's story!! *squeals!*
“I wasn’t planning for this to happen, baby, for me to feel the way I do about you. I want a fighting chance to make this work.”
4 "pregnant lady-boob enhancer" stars!!
“I’ve spent all my adult life chasing that adrenaline high. Now, for the first time, I don’t have to. I feel totally at peace with you.”
To the Max was one of those reads I’d been dying and dying to get my grabby hands on ever since the closure of Heavy Issues and Inked Ever After. Imagine my surprise, after months since I’d last reached out to the author, Elle Aycart herself pops up in my email with an ARC for me to read!! I swear, I literally did cartwheels and a happy dance! Haha.
As the third and final Bowen boy, Max is a notorious ladies man and adrenaline junkie. He’s a Hollywood stuntman and graphic designer-- who, in no way, is looking to settle down, that is, until Annie comes into the picture.
35-year old Annie Griffin, is your typical every day gal who just so happens to have an interesting family heritage and has a bun in the oven from a one night stand with a gigolo!! Hah.
She is eight years older than Max and comes to live with him after her apartment goes under renovations and Max offers her a place to stay. Apprehensive and stubborn at first, Annie refuses Max’s help and strives to try to make it on her own without anyone’s help, but reluctantly relents after Max makes a proposition she cannot refuse.
As they cohabit together, and feelings develop and sexual tensions begin to take a mind of their own and unfold into something more… Will Max be able to prove himself to Annie? Will Annie be able to let go and let Max in?…
And with external forces, deadly foes, and self-doubts paving the way to threaten to tear apart Max and Annie’s budding romance… How will this duo succumb the opposition set against them? Will “Maxnie” rise “to the Max” and battle against all odds? Or is their love just not meant to be?
#A lovely follow up from the talented Elle Aycart! I’ve always had a soft-spot for the Bowen men and Max proved to go above and beyond! He was a true softie and romantic underneath that front he gives off! Oh how the mighty fall, ladies! Once a Bowen man falls, he’s in it to win it!! I was NOT disappointed!! One click this baby NOW!!♥
Can't wait for Jack's story!! *squeals!*
“I wasn’t planning for this to happen, baby, for me to feel the way I do about you. I want a fighting chance to make this work.”
April 9, 2015
FIVE "WORTH THE WAIT" STARS!!!
August 24, 2020
This was pretty cute! I really liked the MCs and we got real quality time with them. The romance was a bit of a slow burn but these two hung out with each other a lot. We got to see how they were with each other through the whole book.
Max is the ultimate playboy who falls hard for the sweet and kind Annie. I really enjoy this type of scenario when the hero truly gives up his playboy ways when he finds the one woman meant for him. The fact that Annie was pregnant with someone else's baby made me love Max even more because of how easily he stepped in for her.
I borrowed the audiobook off of Audible Escape and highly recommend it. I think the narrators did a great job.
Max is the ultimate playboy who falls hard for the sweet and kind Annie. I really enjoy this type of scenario when the hero truly gives up his playboy ways when he finds the one woman meant for him. The fact that Annie was pregnant with someone else's baby made me love Max even more because of how easily he stepped in for her.
I borrowed the audiobook off of Audible Escape and highly recommend it. I think the narrators did a great job.
November 11, 2017
To the Max was the third book in the Bowen Boys series by Elle Aycart.
Max Bowen was the youngest Bowen brother. At twenty seven, he was the thrill seeking playboy. He was a Hollywood stuntman that had a bad boy reputation. He was always the respectful gentleman, but would never give a commitment beyond the night. He was legendary in the small town of Alden, Massachusetts.
Annie Griffin was the hysterically funny friend to Tate and Christy (books one and two). She was thirty five, a successful accountant and had a unique family mix between her divorced parents. After a sexy encounter with a professional escort, a night that she won as a gift, she was now expecting and soon to be a single parent.
I loved everything about Max and Annie. They were stunning, strong, loyal, sensitive, unique, smart, fun loving and had humor on steroids!
To the Max was written in a dual POV. The storyline began by setting the stage for Max and Annie’s encounters. They were friends by association and were often at the same gatherings. Aycart showcased their friendship development and we watched as it eventually moved from friends to lovers. The storyline had a strong foundation mixed with suspense, intrigue, sexiness, an abundance of humor, a few unexpected twists, and a mixture of sweetness. It was well written and well developed with depth, dimension and complexity. The only downside were a few editing errors.
Of the first three books in the series, this was by far my favorite to date. It was a quick read and was highly entertaining. It could technically be read as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it. And although there are no more gorgeous Bowen brothers left for the series, Aycart had been building the tension between Jack and Elle for several books. It showed promise for a great storyline to sizzle in Jacked Up.
Max Bowen was the youngest Bowen brother. At twenty seven, he was the thrill seeking playboy. He was a Hollywood stuntman that had a bad boy reputation. He was always the respectful gentleman, but would never give a commitment beyond the night. He was legendary in the small town of Alden, Massachusetts.
Annie Griffin was the hysterically funny friend to Tate and Christy (books one and two). She was thirty five, a successful accountant and had a unique family mix between her divorced parents. After a sexy encounter with a professional escort, a night that she won as a gift, she was now expecting and soon to be a single parent.
I loved everything about Max and Annie. They were stunning, strong, loyal, sensitive, unique, smart, fun loving and had humor on steroids!
To the Max was written in a dual POV. The storyline began by setting the stage for Max and Annie’s encounters. They were friends by association and were often at the same gatherings. Aycart showcased their friendship development and we watched as it eventually moved from friends to lovers. The storyline had a strong foundation mixed with suspense, intrigue, sexiness, an abundance of humor, a few unexpected twists, and a mixture of sweetness. It was well written and well developed with depth, dimension and complexity. The only downside were a few editing errors.
Of the first three books in the series, this was by far my favorite to date. It was a quick read and was highly entertaining. It could technically be read as a standalone, but I don’t recommend it. And although there are no more gorgeous Bowen brothers left for the series, Aycart had been building the tension between Jack and Elle for several books. It showed promise for a great storyline to sizzle in Jacked Up.
February 13, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. It's been a long wait for Max's story but it was totally worth it. I was a bit apprehensive about the plot—older woman, pregnant with another man's baby, but it was handled beautifully. The natural progression from Max being a caring friend to mutual attraction was well done. Max was a great alpha male. Sure he was younger, but he behaved with maturity. And like the other Bowen brothers he is jealous, possessive and ultra-protective. There was a subtle suspense plot throughout the book so when things went down it didn't seem like an afterthought.
I really enjoyed every part of this book including the survivalists scenes and revisiting with the other couples. There was also an incident with a vibrating bullet that cracked me up.
Max lived up to being my favorite Bowen brother and I'm looking forward to Jack and Elle.
I really enjoyed every part of this book including the survivalists scenes and revisiting with the other couples. There was also an incident with a vibrating bullet that cracked me up.
Max lived up to being my favorite Bowen brother and I'm looking forward to Jack and Elle.
February 21, 2015
Of course i LOVE it!
We waited for so long for Max and i adore how good Elle writes
i just love her books and this series, i friggin Love the Bowen brothers!
And Max...and Viking...i just leave this here...this is my Max ;)
We waited for so long for Max and i adore how good Elle writes
i just love her books and this series, i friggin Love the Bowen brothers!
And Max...and Viking...i just leave this here...this is my Max ;)
August 21, 2015
Overall rating: 4.5 "Yo, pregnant lady" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OM/OW drama:
HEA:
My review:
Annie doesn't know what she is going to do. She is pregnant, by a one night stand. And not just one night stand, a freaking male escort! Now her apartment is getting renovated and she has no where to go! In comes Max. Max Bowen knew OF Annie (or they knew OF each other) but they didn't really know each other. When Max offers her to house sit and watch after his "girls" (aka pet gerbils Tango and Cash) and really gets to know her, he finds her a breath of fresh air.
It's no secret that Max was always very casual with women. He dated, he had relationships, he had casual sex and he liked women. He wasn't scared of commitment, he just hadn't met the right woman, until Annie. He found himself having a blast with her even before he went on his stunt job, so while he was gone, he found himself calling her while he was out with friends and then ending up going back to his room alone so that he could hear her better. Then when he came back and went on a prearranged date, he just wasn't into it. No woman could get his attention at all. All he could see and think about was Annie, but he knew Annie was very hesitant. She would always make comments about her being older and her pregnancy, so he knew he had to tread lightly.
I loved the way he showed her with actions how much he cared about her before he even made a move. Giving her these wonderful back rubs to help her sleep every night. Spending just about every waking minute with her. Not going out to stay home and be with her. Watching movie marathons with her and just being there for her when she needed someone. I felt like if Annie didn't want this sexy Viking, then I would TOTALLY take him off her hands for her! He was simply amazing.
I loved Annie and Max's banter. I thought it was very cute and I loved watching their relationship blossom. Even when the plot line turned a little OTT - I simply didn't care. I loved the cheesy sweet! And I loved the TWO epilogues!
I can't wait to read more from this author!! :D
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OM/OW drama:
HEA:
My review:
Annie doesn't know what she is going to do. She is pregnant, by a one night stand. And not just one night stand, a freaking male escort! Now her apartment is getting renovated and she has no where to go! In comes Max. Max Bowen knew OF Annie (or they knew OF each other) but they didn't really know each other. When Max offers her to house sit and watch after his "girls" (aka pet gerbils Tango and Cash) and really gets to know her, he finds her a breath of fresh air.
It's no secret that Max was always very casual with women. He dated, he had relationships, he had casual sex and he liked women. He wasn't scared of commitment, he just hadn't met the right woman, until Annie. He found himself having a blast with her even before he went on his stunt job, so while he was gone, he found himself calling her while he was out with friends and then ending up going back to his room alone so that he could hear her better. Then when he came back and went on a prearranged date, he just wasn't into it. No woman could get his attention at all. All he could see and think about was Annie, but he knew Annie was very hesitant. She would always make comments about her being older and her pregnancy, so he knew he had to tread lightly.
I loved the way he showed her with actions how much he cared about her before he even made a move. Giving her these wonderful back rubs to help her sleep every night. Spending just about every waking minute with her. Not going out to stay home and be with her. Watching movie marathons with her and just being there for her when she needed someone. I felt like if Annie didn't want this sexy Viking, then I would TOTALLY take him off her hands for her! He was simply amazing.
I loved Annie and Max's banter. I thought it was very cute and I loved watching their relationship blossom. Even when the plot line turned a little OTT - I simply didn't care. I loved the cheesy sweet! And I loved the TWO epilogues!
I can't wait to read more from this author!! :D
April 21, 2013
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU, Elle Aycart!!! I just finished saying in my review that Max needed his own book like IMMEDATELY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Can't wait!!!
February 24, 2015
Due to the fact that there has been a ridiculous amount of spamming of reviews/book promo's (in disguise), I am going to make this review quick and dirty.
Simply put, thus book was fairly good, and it was somewhat captivating, but it wasn't a spectacular 5 star read
What we have here, is a 3 star read at best.
I say that because, initially, it starts out great, but then, it becomes entangled in melodrama and intermittent wooden dialogue.
There were a few times when I noticed that a block or two of dialogue, just didn't fit. Also, I noted that a few characters such as the male gigolo and the "boss" were not fully developed.
Please don't get me wrong, I liked the book, but I just believe that as a reader, who "1-clicked" this book as a result of the inflated hype, that I should have gotten a 5 star book.
Considering the fact that there are 99¢ books that have literally left me in a state of virtual book list, paying $5 and not getting the same quality, makes me a little ambivalent about buying a new title based on the rampant hype.
Giving this one: 3 stars.
Simply put, thus book was fairly good, and it was somewhat captivating, but it wasn't a spectacular 5 star read
What we have here, is a 3 star read at best.
I say that because, initially, it starts out great, but then, it becomes entangled in melodrama and intermittent wooden dialogue.
There were a few times when I noticed that a block or two of dialogue, just didn't fit. Also, I noted that a few characters such as the male gigolo and the "boss" were not fully developed.
Please don't get me wrong, I liked the book, but I just believe that as a reader, who "1-clicked" this book as a result of the inflated hype, that I should have gotten a 5 star book.
Considering the fact that there are 99¢ books that have literally left me in a state of virtual book list, paying $5 and not getting the same quality, makes me a little ambivalent about buying a new title based on the rampant hype.
Giving this one: 3 stars.
February 13, 2015
I liked the first two of the series much better...this wasn't bad, I did enjoy the characters, but it seemed go on a little longer than necessary.
Max is definitely a sweetie and I liked Annie, too.
I would read more from this author and would recommend for fans of the series
Max is definitely a sweetie and I liked Annie, too.
I would read more from this author and would recommend for fans of the series
Read
November 6, 2014FOUR YEARS SINCE BOOK ONE TO RELEASE BOOK THREE????? F'ING ABSURD, THAT'S WHAT THAT IS!!!
That's just straight up ridiculous. I loved
The first two books. But to be honest?? Waiting four years from book one for book three is totally absurd and I don't even remember what the hero in this book is like and I have no intention of rereading books one and two, after waiting so damn long for the 3rd installment. No thanks. I'll find something else to read that's just as good that I won't have to wait multiple years in between each book. Did I already say how completely utterly ridiculous this wait is?!?!??
That being said, I guess this is another author I'll write off since the publishers waiting game just made this reader wait too damn long in between books and I'm not spending my money on this bullshizzle.
Sucks cuz I really enjoyed these books but there are a ton of other books/series's that we won't have to wait years in between each book to enjoy. Goodbye Bowen Brothers, it was fun (at least I think it was, it's just been so long)......
That's just straight up ridiculous. I loved
The first two books. But to be honest?? Waiting four years from book one for book three is totally absurd and I don't even remember what the hero in this book is like and I have no intention of rereading books one and two, after waiting so damn long for the 3rd installment. No thanks. I'll find something else to read that's just as good that I won't have to wait multiple years in between each book. Did I already say how completely utterly ridiculous this wait is?!?!??
That being said, I guess this is another author I'll write off since the publishers waiting game just made this reader wait too damn long in between books and I'm not spending my money on this bullshizzle.
Sucks cuz I really enjoyed these books but there are a ton of other books/series's that we won't have to wait years in between each book to enjoy. Goodbye Bowen Brothers, it was fun (at least I think it was, it's just been so long)......
February 14, 2015
Sweet, hot and funny book.
We all love Bowen brothers and we were waiting for Max a long long time..and it was worth it..
In one or 2 scenes I was loughing so hard that I got tears in my eyes... and some wisecracks will go down in legend.... cliterature..... her mom and their drills....... rats and reruns of old shows... I feel like Annie was one of my girls rock chick..like this could be me.... and ofcourse she is 36... and I loved her from the start.... 30s are the best.. lol
Great book in this genre and hat off to the author. Loved it.
We all love Bowen brothers and we were waiting for Max a long long time..and it was worth it..
In one or 2 scenes I was loughing so hard that I got tears in my eyes... and some wisecracks will go down in legend.... cliterature..... her mom and their drills....... rats and reruns of old shows... I feel like Annie was one of my girls rock chick..like this could be me.... and ofcourse she is 36... and I loved her from the start.... 30s are the best.. lol
Great book in this genre and hat off to the author. Loved it.
October 25, 2015
I waited this book for so long because of Max. He was the best guy in first two book and I had a huge expectations, but...this book was so predictable and a huge disappointment for me.
The best scene was when . Just because of this scene I´m giving this book a 2 cranky stars.
The best scene was when . Just because of this scene I´m giving this book a 2 cranky stars.
Read
February 22, 2015Here you have the first two chapters. Enjoy!
Kisses, Elle
http://elleaycart.blogspot.com.es/201...
Kisses, Elle
http://elleaycart.blogspot.com.es/201...
February 20, 2015
5 awesome stars for Max and Annie. Age is nothing but a number. Love it as much I love other Bowens :). The Epilogue was perfect!!
“She wasn’t too fond of blond men, but Max was in a league all his own. With model-perfect masculine features, wicked blue-green eyes, and his usual weeklong golden stubble, Max was sexy as hell.”
“Annie was harassing a twenty-seven-year-old in her sleep.”
“I prefer Ace.”
“Me too.”
They were quiet for a second. “So, Ace, who’s Sebastian, and what’s this thing about you seeing quite a lot of him? How much is quite a lot? And which part of him are you seeing?”
“Well, the exits are barricaded, so I’m covering my bases.” He brushed her lips with his. “And even if you did run, I would chase you. I’m not letting you go. You’re it for me. The one. I’ll be here, waiting for you, when you realize it. I’m going nowhere.”
“So she’s it, right? How the mighty have fallen”
“You asking to marry me?”
He took a velvet box from his pocket. In it were beautiful engagement and wedding rings. “I’ve been carrying this around for the last two months.”
Now it was her eyes watering. “Two months?”
Nodding, Max kneeled. “I was waiting for the perfect moment. I was going to propose this weekend. But now, after almost losing both of you, I don’t want to waste a second more. I love you, Ace. Remember I told you I wanted a family when the right woman came along? Well, you’re that woman. I want to marry you and grow old by your side. Raise our kids together. Lots of kids. Spoil our grandchildren together. What do you say? Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“She wasn’t too fond of blond men, but Max was in a league all his own. With model-perfect masculine features, wicked blue-green eyes, and his usual weeklong golden stubble, Max was sexy as hell.”
“Annie was harassing a twenty-seven-year-old in her sleep.”
“I prefer Ace.”
“Me too.”
They were quiet for a second. “So, Ace, who’s Sebastian, and what’s this thing about you seeing quite a lot of him? How much is quite a lot? And which part of him are you seeing?”
“Well, the exits are barricaded, so I’m covering my bases.” He brushed her lips with his. “And even if you did run, I would chase you. I’m not letting you go. You’re it for me. The one. I’ll be here, waiting for you, when you realize it. I’m going nowhere.”
“So she’s it, right? How the mighty have fallen”
“You asking to marry me?”
He took a velvet box from his pocket. In it were beautiful engagement and wedding rings. “I’ve been carrying this around for the last two months.”
Now it was her eyes watering. “Two months?”
Nodding, Max kneeled. “I was waiting for the perfect moment. I was going to propose this weekend. But now, after almost losing both of you, I don’t want to waste a second more. I love you, Ace. Remember I told you I wanted a family when the right woman came along? Well, you’re that woman. I want to marry you and grow old by your side. Raise our kids together. Lots of kids. Spoil our grandchildren together. What do you say? Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
August 7, 2015
My last several books have all been five stars. It made me stop and think how I rate my reviews. I rate my books on storyline and story/character development. So, again this book did it all for me.
The story was inspiring regarding woman to man age difference. (I was married to a man eight years my senior, and no one thought anything of it. Many years ago I had a friend at work that was 15 years a senior to her now husband. He fell in love with her at 25 she was 40. It took him eleven years to convince her he wasn't going anywhere and she finally married him. Therefore, this was a very realistic story for me.)
It has love developing over time between two friends. I hate it when the author sends the H/h into intense undying love in 24 hours, it’s just not realistic. It had humor, a little suspence, and wild sex, what else could I ask for. I could go on and on as to all the wonderful things this book offered me, but that would give the story away. Bottom line, my kind of story and another Great Read for me!
The story was inspiring regarding woman to man age difference. (I was married to a man eight years my senior, and no one thought anything of it. Many years ago I had a friend at work that was 15 years a senior to her now husband. He fell in love with her at 25 she was 40. It took him eleven years to convince her he wasn't going anywhere and she finally married him. Therefore, this was a very realistic story for me.)
It has love developing over time between two friends. I hate it when the author sends the H/h into intense undying love in 24 hours, it’s just not realistic. It had humor, a little suspence, and wild sex, what else could I ask for. I could go on and on as to all the wonderful things this book offered me, but that would give the story away. Bottom line, my kind of story and another Great Read for me!
March 29, 2016
3.75 stars. This is not a book I'd usually pick up but the blurb really intrigued me. A 35 year old successful woman (Annie) finds herself pregnant and alone. Cue younger sexy family friend (Max) who offers her a roof over her head. The first two thirds of the book were excellent. Appealing characters, UST leading to very hot sex scenes, and the question of parentage hanging over the MC's heads. But the book just didn't seem to know how to end. I felt like it went on and on and on way past where it stopped being interesting. The final wacky killer plot seemed to be tacked on unnecessarily and the epilogue - well quite a few of the final chapters felt like they could have been epilogues. I kept coming to the end of a final chapter thinking that the next page would say 'The End' but it was another chapter.
Despite my minor reservations it was a very enjoyable read and I've already bought book 1.
I picked this up from the new Goodreads browser bar (click on Browse then down to Most Read This Week In Romance) which I've found surprisingly useful for picking up new books.
Despite my minor reservations it was a very enjoyable read and I've already bought book 1.
I picked this up from the new Goodreads browser bar (click on Browse then down to Most Read This Week In Romance) which I've found surprisingly useful for picking up new books.
May 29, 2015
4 1/2 To the Max stars!!
Very nice read. I like how they were friends first and their relationship grew from there. Max is just fantastic. He's going on the favorite males list. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous books in the series. I want to know more about all the other characters, especially the OGs. So I may have to go back and read the others in the series. Happy reading!
Very nice read. I like how they were friends first and their relationship grew from there. Max is just fantastic. He's going on the favorite males list. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous books in the series. I want to know more about all the other characters, especially the OGs. So I may have to go back and read the others in the series. Happy reading!
February 19, 2015
4.5 Swoon Worthy Stars!
Hands down Max is my favorite Bowen brother. He was so sweet, patient and damn Sexy!! I want more of him.
Hands down Max is my favorite Bowen brother. He was so sweet, patient and damn Sexy!! I want more of him.
February 13, 2015
Elle outdid herself with Annie and Max! Simply amazing, I loved every second of this book. I laughed until I cried a few times....guinea pigs and Angus with his 2 foot dong. 5+ stars
February 22, 2015
Short and sweet....Loved It!!!
March 1, 2015
I enjoyed this story of Max and Annie so much. These two together we're perfection. Max was just what Annie needed, and their personalities just complimented each other just right. I loved watching Max fall for Annie, and her baby - and of course there were many moments that left me laughing at their interactions with each other. I even learned a new word, that I think a lot of us could use to describe these wonderful books we read..."Cliterature".
I do also have to say that even though Nate Bowen (Max's dad) isn't in the story a lot, his parts in the book totally had me falling for the wonderful man/father that he was and is. No wonder all the Bowens are keepers! So looking forward to Jacks story, I have a feeling it's goona be smoking hot!
I do also have to say that even though Nate Bowen (Max's dad) isn't in the story a lot, his parts in the book totally had me falling for the wonderful man/father that he was and is. No wonder all the Bowens are keepers! So looking forward to Jacks story, I have a feeling it's goona be smoking hot!
June 24, 2015
Plenty of five-star moments, but the never-ending ending, the oddly squicky pregnancy sex, and the perfunctory whodunit plot torpedoed this one. By the end, all the pregnancy stuff just made me want to keep my legs crossed. Other readers with stronger stomachs or children of their own might like this more than I did.
March 18, 2016
This seriously has everything. A sweet and funny as heck h and a sexy possessive and equally funny H. I was nervous about the baby storyline but it worked so well. This also had some action and great storyline. I loved it. There were a few just get over it moments but it was a fun read! And yet again I read out of order haha
Want to read
May 13, 2013mmmm im thinking that 'Luigi' might be max. Maybe he dressed up in disguise at the 'studs r us' expo thingy.....???
Or not...maybe I've been reading too many books with twists and turns, and thinking too much in to things:)
Or not...maybe I've been reading too many books with twists and turns, and thinking too much in to things:)
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