Pinned Up

Pinned Up Trilogy #1

by C. Michelle

The pumps are red satin with a peep toe, a shiny black contrast heel, and a ruffle detail at the vamp. The cat eyeliner with exaggerated lashes and the red lipstick on my porcelain face make the forties inspired look reach perfection.
I enjoy being a pin-up model…

C. Michelle’s vibrant debut novel, Pinned Up is full of snappy dialogue, edgy humor, and a lot of heart. This fun look into the world of a modern-day pin-up model is one wild ride!

Twenty-five-year-old Nina Moretti lives a double life of sorts. She’s a victim advocate during the day and as a side gig, lives out her 1940s fetish as a pin-up model in San Francisco, California. While she may not “do” serious relationships, she has fulfillment in her work and hanging out with her best friend, Kade—the greatest sidekick any woman could possibly want. All is well in Nina’s hectic, but satisfying life…

That is, until she meets Josh, a stunningly handsome man who has a notorious reputation as a ladies’ man. For his part, Josh is reluctant to commit to any woman, largely due to his loving, yet overbearing mother. Nina, however, sparks his interest in a way that no other woman has before. As they navigate the pitfalls of romantic entanglement, both come to realize their pasts are intertwined in ways they could never imagine. Perhaps, they have more in common than just their fear of relationships. What are two people afraid of commitment supposed to do?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

I love a good laugh…you know, the type that accidentally makes you snort. Yeah, that kind. My love of all things funny, romantic, and bad ass led to the writing of my debut novel, Pinned Up. I reside in northern Cali with my husband and three children. I'm currently working on the completion of the Pinned Up trilogy. Initially, Pinned Up was written as a stand-alone novel, but since the characters continue to harass me during the middle of the night, while I'm driving, when I'm eating, and while I'm running against my will…I decided to continue with their stories.

I definitely don't take myself too seriously. (Life is too short for that if you ask me.) And I'm well aware I’m not everyone’s cup of tea...and that’s okay! Why? Because I’d rather be someone’s shot of tequila anyway! Salud!

Life hasn't always been all fun and games...I also worked my butt off to set a positive example for my family. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration degree while working as a Deputy Probation Officer and Probation Counselor. I also served my community as a Victim Awareness Program instructor and an Aggression Replacement Training facilitator.

Reviews

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more, visit Jacqueline's Reads

[MY REVIEW]

4 Stars



Who doesn't like vintage pin-up girls and cars?

 

Nina is 25 years old and is a part time pin-up model. She doesn’t do relationships and she’s perfectly fine with that. Nina has her circle of friends and a very pushy mom, but life is good. Josh is a man-whore and isn’t shy about that. Nina and Josh go out on “non-dates” and despite Nina’s reluctance, she soon starts to have feelings for Josh. 


I was interested in Pinned Up because I found Nina interesting, I hadn’t read a Heroine as a pin-up model and I do love fashion, so it just seemed like this would work. We are first introduced to Nina and we get to know her a little bit. She has a best friend named Kade and their relationship is very close. I liked how Kade and Nina became best friends and even though the story was shocking and came out of nowhere I appreciated it. 


 Josh is the typical man-whore we romance readers love. The guy who could have any girl and does, but the moment he meets his match, it’s like blinders are on and that’s all he sees. I liked Josh. I thought he was caring, charismatic and sweet.


I liked Nina in the beginning. I liked her circle of friends and even her pushy mother was entertaining. I also liked how upfront she was with Josh in the beginning and was very clear on how she didn’t do relationships and the “non-dates” they went on were cute. However, towards the climatic-ending, she bugged the crap out of me and I really wanted to slap her. I think her stubbornness was pushing me a bit. If you like angsty tension, you will get it. 


There’s a lot that goes on in Pinned-up. I would describe the first half as Nina and Josh getting to know each other and the second half Nina and Josh uncovering past issues and working past them. I thought Josh and Nina got on fairly quickly, also known as insta-love. It’s safe to say, you didn’t have to wait too long for the steam. 


I think Pinned-up will cater to a lot of people. There’s a combination of tension, vintage fashion, past issues and secrets uncovered. 


 My favorite quote… only because I tell my book friends this 

I’m a book whore. If you see me with an open book, I suggest you don’t bother me, especially if you can tell that’s an intense part of the story. Lord forbid you breathe loud while I’m reading… I will cut you



An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

For more, visit Jacqueline's Reads

[Juewelz - SMIBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinned Up, was written by C.Michelle one of my dear friends. Whenever she needs to vent her stories crack me up! I told her, "You need to write a book." Now 10 months later we have Pinned up her debut novel.

Pinned Up is about Valentina AKA Nina, She works a regular 9-5 job that she finds very full filling but she also has a side job as a Pin Up. I really had no idea what the significance was behind being a Pin Up.

Side Note: Sometimes I find it hard just to wake up and put a bra on (like today) never mind curl my hair and put on makeup lol. But after reading Pinned Up and watching Mariah Carey's new music video "beautiful," was a great reminder that we (I) as women need to embrace our women hood.

Nina leads a pretty simple life. She has her mom and BFF Kade. I LOVED Kade! He was a great character in this book and his sarcastic humor really helps make this book a page turner. When you find out the bond that holds Nina and Kade together you are going to get a little teary eyed. They are so much more than BFFs they are literally brother and sister.

Nina & Josh

Nina had a hard time in the beginning deciding if she was going to let Josh in. Once she finally did she became dickmatized lol. It was so funny to hear her friends opinions on her mood change and relaxed attitude now that she's got a man! Josh put it on her ladies! There were def some steamy sexytimes in this book. Ladies get out your handy dandy notebook because you will get some pointers there.

You guys know I LOVE a strong, cocky, dominate and in control man. Josh is all of that however, Nina takes the lead in this relationship. I often complain about authors not writing strong female characters well Nina proved that theory wrong. She was very strong, at times a little too damn strong IMO. I found myself pleading with Nina to please just "LISTEN TO HIM!!!" She was so headstrong and stubborn at times.

Not everyone was happy about Josh and Nina's relationship (insert: drama, jealousy and heart ache).

At 50% I literally thought I had the whole story figured out in my head but I was wrong lol. You'll think you know but you have no idea.., There were 3 times in this book that I was completely shocked! As I noted above Nina takes the lead in this relationship which isn't my cup of tea in a story line. There are some chapters that were told from either Josh or Nina's POV. I didn't fall in love with Josh because the story mainly focused on Nina and she took the lead in their relationship. He is def HOT and someone you will think about but he didn't have me swooning!

I finished this book in one afternoon. It is a funny, sexy and quick read. I really was able to get into it quickly. I rated this book a 4 because the author did a great job at telling the story.

-Laters, Juewelz xo
SMIBookClub

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I write this I just wanna say how super dooper proud I am of my girl right here for an amazeballs debut novel!! Love you babe!! xox

So...This is the story of Nina Moretti. A young Victim Advocate within the D.A's office as well as a part time pin up model. Her life is perfect. She has a loving caring mother, as well as the most loyal best friend a girl could ask for.

Josh Ryan owns his own construction company which focuses on ecological construction of buildings that benefit the environment. He's a tree hugger and is also a notorious playboy that can't be tied down. He's never wanted that and never will, that is until he comes face to face with the gorgeous beauty that is Nina Moretti.

They both have their issues and secrets that are so dark and twisted that you can't help but root for this couple. And then add in some unexpected twist and turns as well as their pasts that will come back to haunt them and here you have an amazing, fast paced, action packed story.

This was sucha ride. I was thrown on my ass so many times that I couldn't keep up with the events unfolding in front of my eyes. I found myself laughing, crying and having my heart ripped out and then wanting to cut a b*tch for being so cunning and deceiving.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes then you have a winner with Pinned Up.

I absolutely loved this book my gorgeous friend and I cannot wait for more!!

5 AMAZEBALLS STARS

[The Bookaholix Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a funny, witty, edgy and loveable book!!!

**ARC provided for an honest review**

I gave Pinned Up 5 stars for many reasons...

I absolutely love a book that has a perfect mixture of everything! Pinned Up was funny, sad, edgy, witty, stressful, happy, sexy, exciting, etc.... I really had a great time reading it! Its funny moments were hillarious! I love the dialogue between the characters. It was so fresh and bubbly. Kade "KD" Dane was by far mmy favorite character!!! He was sooooo raw and carefree and HILLARIOUS. His comments made me die and his quick responses were so well thought out and snappy. He was definitely the definition of a diva and I loved it!

Nina was also an awesome girl! She was funny and snappy, just like KD (a bit less though). You have no idea that anything bad happened to her in the past by the way she is. She is strong, confident, sexy, happy. Despite her having relationship commitment issues, when she meets Josh, I could tell right away that they were made for each other. They both complimented each other well and they are the same person. Their "non-dates" were so cute and the way they spoke to each other was so funny. I really felt like they should end up together, they were perfect!

Josh!!! Total hunk! I really liked the idea of a fit and sexy guy working in the construction field... hmmmmm.... He was so sweet! He just wanted to sweep Nina off her feet and be with her. He broke my heart when that b*tch Victoria (I think that's her name lol) came in the picture and starting causing havock!

Anyways, towards the middle of the book, the drama started happening and that's when you find out Nina's past, Josh's past and Emme's involvement in all of it. When I say that I actually did NOT expect what happens, I'm telling the truth! It made the book so much more eventful and excited. I just love drama!!!!!!!

In the end, I have so much more to say but I really don't want to ruin it for all of you. All I'm going to say now is that you have to read Pinned Up!!! It's awesome!!!

[Jade Goodmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moment please, before I begin. Can we show a little appreciation for this badass cover? It's genuinely one of the most interesting covers I have ever seen. It sets a very high precedent for the internal book and guess what? It doesn't disappoint.

This book is a fantastic mash-up of a variety of genres, not just romance, so don't go into this believing all you are going to see is hearts and flowers, because you won't. However, there ARE many swoon-worthy moments and steamy scenes to keep the romantics happy. In actual fact, what you do get is bucket loads of humour and fantastic dialogue, seriously some of the best one-liners I've read, mostly coming from the FABULOUS Kade. Seriously, can I have one of him? You also get a dash of mystery and a spoonful of suspense, with a massive climatic finish. It's exhausting, in the best possible way.

Normally so much going on in a book is distracting and fussy, but the author is a clever writer. There is never a lot of one thing at one time, it's all broken up and runs smoothly. It's unique on it's own but I'd compare the writing style to that of Fighting For Flight and Wait For Me. Both two of my fave reads. There are several dark topics covered in this book and they are tackled respectfully and interestingly. It's clear that there is a good understanding of the issues. I'd actually like to read more of the same thing from the author.

Also, my interest didn't just lie with the main characters, Nina and Josh, but with the supporting cast, who were as equally interesting and have the possibility of storylines of their own. Please? Ha!

All in all if you don't read this book you are missing out. If the idea of having this gorgeous cover on your bookshelf doesn't persuade you then let it be known that this book had me ugly cry, twice. But I also ugly laughed and chewed my nails down to mere stumps. If that doesn't interest you nothing will.


I

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HOW THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN!!!!!! ♥♥♥♥ The dialogue between the families and friends made me feel as if I was part of their lives. This book brought out all of my emotions: I laughed, I cried, I was mad, happy, and any other emotion you can think of.

Let me tell you a little bit about the characters:

Valentina "nina" moretti
OMG, I have the hots for her. When I mean this girl is FINE, I mean she is FIIIINE. She is hot as hell, sexy, independent, smart, and has a heart of gold. I love that C.michelle wrote this female main character as a strong woman as oppose to a nervous, self conscious female. Nina is offically my first woman crush ;)

Joushua Ryan
"if you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything" - Marilyn Monroe

FINALLY a main male character without mommy issuses. This man is sexy, confident, caring, over protective, a ladys man, and sweet as candy; I automatically loved him ♥♥♥His selective hearing cracks me up. I love his relationship with his mom, but thank god he's no mamas boy (that would be such a turn off). One last thing, a man in a fitted suit and tie is sexy, but a man that can get down and dirty being a "handyman" around his own home (or by helping others) is just plain sexual (a true mans man)!!!!!!!!!

Kade "KD" Daly
LMAO!!!!!!! Just thinking about his name makes me laugh.Everyone needs one of him in their lives. He's that friend that does not have a filter from his brain to his mouth; is not intimidated by anyone, he's a loyal friend, and freak nasty ;)

Overall I'm glad there's a book out there that I can finally relate to (nacho cheese doritos with tapatio and lemon yum). Also, one of the characters had a spanish accent, and the only voice I heard was my moms with her accent ♥♥ (extremely diverse). This was such a fun read. It definately brought me back to when my friends and I would go out.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Copy sent by author in exchange for an honest review*

AWESOME!!!!! I give this book 4.75 stars.

Nina is an attorney and pin-up model, who never met his father and is part Italian by her mom's; Josh is an eco-friendly developer and womaniser [or ladies' man..], whom is part Irish by her mom, and never met his dad, as well. They met at the end of one of Nina's session, and ... well, this is the part that is kinda FSoG, but not completely.

As I continued reading this book, I got over and over again immerse due to all the Latino references [specially Mexican], keeping asking once and again why does she have many Mexican traits, if she's part Italian? Well, that's a mystery that you are going to veil along this novel.

Even though, this book has a really good dosages of mystery, action, romance, heroine's assertion, drama. It's well written, almost no typos, easy reading. It could get stuck in some parts, but minimal.
Cover: This one was too way explicit. I mean it's completely based on a scene! And, again, her heritage. Although, I like it.

Why is so FSoG? Ok.. here we go:
a. Mogul, handsome, protective, broken guy.... check.
b. Best friend whom is sexually open-minded and bi.... check.
c. Pretty quick falling in love and never be apart promess ... check.
Also, after reading her bio, I could definitely know why all the info about assault and so due to her experience as an ART facilitator.

What would I have prefer? Well, instead of making exploding her Italian heritage first, I'd prefer Michelle explored her other heritage, due to it's really notorious all Latino influence along this novel, and it's ok, due to this writer's heritage.

Note: You can read a Spanish review atLibrosintinta on the following days.

[Jillian (NetGalley Addict) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
3 1/2 stars

Nina is a victim’s advocate who moonlights as a pin-up model, after doing one of her shoots she meets Josh. Josh is a gorgeous playboy who hasn't had any interest in monogamy, until Nina. The two of them start a relationship, but both of them have secrets and not all of them are their own to tell. With jealousy and trust issues getting in the way this couple has to figure out if they can put it all on the line and make things work. Will they stay together or will things beyond their control tear them apart? This was a good book, what made it such a fun read was the personalities of the characters and the way they interacted with each other. Nina was great; she was smart, witty and embraced her sexuality. She has a sad past and because of things that happened to her she has trust issues. Josh is a hot, funny and at times very sweet guy; he has issues with relationships because of his mother. Kade, Nina’s best friend/brother from another mother was my favorite character. He was sarcastic, made inappropriate comments, eavesdropped on peoples conversations, had no boundaries and owned his personality with the flaws hanging out there, no apologies just this is who I am. Emme who is also Nina’s friend, I won't say much about her other than the fact that I think she is a scandalous trifling hoe bag and I wanted to punch her in the face at the end of the book. This book started out really good, with interesting characters and an entertaining dialogue, but about sixty-five to seventy percent of the way through it started to get slow and a bit repetitive. Once it gets to about eighty percent it picks right back up and throws you through a loop. Pinned Up was a good book, there is a ton of humor and a few surprises to shake things up.

[Maricela Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING is the only way I can describe Pinned Up. Its one of the few covers that I love, reason being that its totally different then all others that usually has a couple on the cover. It's refreshing to see something different.

The story form the beginning is good, it never hit that point where some stories slow down for a bit. The story Nina & Josh is one worth your reading time. It has everything needed for a great book sass, heart, love, drama, passion (

[Lisa "rawkr" Arrieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this cover! Just getting that out of the way.

The story was really good. It had me laughing out loud more then a dozen times. I loved all the characters. I their own way. My only problem was the long conversations. I'm more of a "get to the point" type person and I was getting frustrated how it took them awhile. But other then that the story line was awesome!

[Barbie Maragioglio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations to C. Michelle for releasing this book and it's success! I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. I loved how she incorporated the Hispanic race in her book. It's not common in this genre and as a Hispanic woman myself, it was refreshing! and I highly recommend this book! Im looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

[Akilah Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for a review and I loved it!!!! C Michelle did a Great job on her first book!! Full review to come on www.smibookclub.com 7/3/13 in the meantime I suggest you add it to your TBR list! Keep Calm and wait for Pinned Up! ;)

[Jessirae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinned Up by C. Michelle was fantastic! This book had loads of humor, romance, and sexy times. I lost track of how much I laughed like a lunatic or grinned like a fool! C. Michelle weaves in witty lines and heart stopping moments with her more than sizzling romance to bring in a novel that is completely full of entertainment. 


Nina and Josh were a super sexy couple I couldn’t get enough of!

Both had some reluctance with commitment, relationships, and love. They had unique personalities, especially Nina. She was snarky, fabulous, and passionate. Her love for forties/fifties fashion was awesome. Her job working with crime victims along with her pin-up modeling on the side was impressive. She overcame a difficult experience, loved her mother fiercely, was loyal to the core and feisty like no other. She came out on top with her strength and determination. Josh was charming and adorable. He took pride in his eco-friendly construction company, cared for his mother deeply, and wasn’t just delicious, but fuckalicious. His understanding, patience and supportive nature knew no bounds. These two had excellent chemistry, insurmountable sexual tension, and playfulness that could make anyone giddy inside.

Unforgettable secondary character: Kade.

I have to mention him because he was truly a one of a kind character. He was loud, proud, unabashed, and not afraid to say whatever the hell he wanted to say whether it was appropriate, inappropriate, perverted, or sexual in any nature. He was vulgar and had no filter and I didn’t care because I loved him and I want one of him now! His friendship with Nina went beyond that to a deep brother/sister bond. Like Nina, he was loyal and he treated Nina and her mother like family. I loved Kade because he totally brought in 75% of the humor in this book. Kade and Nina’s banter were laugh out loud hilarious and some of the best parts of this book. I adored him.

The writing was stupendous! 

This whole book had personality; a whole life of its own. It was descriptive and visual, especially with Nina’s clothes, her home along with Josh’s home and so was the bakery with all the mouth watering pastries. To me, Pinned Up was original and so out there. I thought the writing was clever, cute, and so funny! It was filthy good because C. Michelle didn’t hold back. It was ballsy, not for the faint heart and there was more F bombs and sex to go around. It was tasteful, but never offensive. I was in love. There was even a Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey reference that was to die for! It was simply a fun book and one that is sure to give readers a really good time. And while this book was fun and flirty, it was not without darkness, betrayal, twists, and shocking revelations.

Overall Pinned Up by C. Michelle was a book that was more delectable than Mama V’s cannoli treats. It was edgy, alluring, and amusing all wrapped up in such a novel that leaves more to the imagination.

More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books

[Gillian (Tattooed Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com!

Pinned Up is a modern contemporary romance with a vintage pin up flair. Filled to the brim with vivid description, romance, some steamy sex, and a bit of angst, it’s an enjoyable read.

Among the book’s highlights is the author’s ability to set a scene. I have never been to San Francisco but Michelle’s detailed description took me right there, I had not just a feel for the city as a whole, but the San Francisco that this colorful cast of characters exists in.

Speaking of characters, I really liked this cast as a whole. Nina is strong and passionate, if not a bit stubborn. Her vintage edge adds a little something extra. Josh is sexy and smooth, with a witty comeback for everything. They each have a past (that could potentially come back and bite them in their collective asses), and offer each other the chance to finally move forward. The reader is given multiple POV’s and inner monologues, which I completely appreciate, though I would have liked for their inner voices to be more distinct and individual; at times they blended together. NOW I get to the part of the review I’ve been waiting for: I get to talk about KADE. Kade is Nina’s (aka “Cheesecake”‘s) hilarious (and I think rather sexy) best friend, confidante, and brother from another mother. He adds such a fantastic spark to the story! He’s raunchy, hilarious, clever, and caring, and I would love to read a whole book just about him.

Kade’s Motto: “Being normal, reserved, and proper in monotonous. I have too much essence to be dull.”

So, we have a great setting, a diverse and interesting cast of characters, a bit of romance paired with a side of angst, and then come some surprising twists and turns that really bring this plot to life, providing intrigue and intensity. Overall, this is a quirky, romantic, exciting, and enjoyable read.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, I can't finish this.
The dialogue is snarky and the main character seems fun but I really cannot connect with the characters. Dialogue carries most scenes. "Cheesecake" swears she doesn't want a boyfriend or a serious relationship, then dives head first into one. The boyfriend is your typical, "I was a lady's man until I met you" scenario, but we don't see how the two connect on a deeper level.
I was going to hang in there, give the story a chance, but the scene with the attempted rape in the parking lot was the icing on this cheesecake. The chick's entire reason for having trust issues and problems with real relationships is because she was raped as a teen and it has haunted her, even years later. Now she meets this guy who is a good lay and suddenly, it's all better? A man tries to rape her as an adult and instead of falling down that dark hole again in her mind, she is going down on her boyfriend ten minutes later? I'm not buying it.
Mental scars like the ones she supposedly carried don't just go away overnight because a guy gives it to you good. It does not work that way. Please stop trying to make it seem like people with a mental illness or those trying to recover from a traumatic event just need the love of a good man to make it all better.
This could almost get away as a silly fluff story if not for that slap in the face to real victims of a mentally debilitating trauma.

[Daniela Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting.. I haven't done that in a while...That's how damn good it was. CAN I HAVE BOOK 2 like today???
I had wanted to start this for a while now so I was excited when I finally got a chance too! Let me just say Valentina Moretti you are one BAD ASS CHICK! Usually I have a hard time liking female characters but Nina was so easy to like, she's spunky, funny, gorgeous, and she has great taste in men. She also has a past that's not so happy. When I started this it's seemed too good to be true, hot guy meets girl and they're happy? Yeah.. No! Josh did some things that I didn't agree with but I know he loves her even though he messed up!

I loved how the author incorporated these hispanic roots. You don't hear that very often so it was very refreshing. There was a part that had me on edge! If you read it you know what I mean... I firmly believe Diego loves his daughter, yes he made big mistakes and it's hard to forgive but I think he loves her. I made a personal connection because my biological father made some mistakes and I haven't seen him in years. But I can possibly forgive just like Nina is trying to do.

Overall if you want a well written series then this is for you! It's a great journey, with hot sex, relationship troubles and other juicy things. C. Michelle you are doing an amazing job and I can't wait for book 2!!

[Nicole Benitez · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, love, love LOVE the cover. This was a great read for it be the author's first book. The format for this popular genre of books seem to be simple: damaged girl, damaged guy, gay BFF, secrets, lies and lots of sex. Sometimes, after awhile, each book starts to sound like the rest and it becomes harder to not become frustrated.

While this did have the same basic format, the rest was different and it was a welcome change. While Nina was a damaged girl, she was not defined by her relationship with the damaged guy, Josh. Her identity did not begin and end with a man and that was nice to see. Also I appreciated that while the secrets were huge, they did not automatically make the two of them these tortured, depressed souls who couldn't crack a joke or a smile It just made them both guarded, which is something that many can relate to.

I enjoyed Kade, the gay BFF. His brash, honest, unfiltered approach to life was hilarious and helped to ease some of the heavier moments. I also liked that Nina had a deep love for music and her life seemed to reflect the songs that were in the background. I know I've been there a time or two.

I'm going to be on the look out for the next book by C. Michelle. I'm excited to see what she comes out with next.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK! I finished it @ like 4am yesterday and keep going back 2 all my fav parts, its funny cuz I was thinking how I wasnt ready 4 it 2 be over I wanted more of Nina&Josh I wanted 2 see Kade find someone & I also wanted 2 see what was going 2 happen w/ Nina & her dad...when I came onto GR (literally its been months even tho ive been reading still I haven't given any reviews, bad of me I know :(...im gonna try 2 fix that) Anyway I was sooo excited when I saw that this is going 2 b a trilogy, I was literally thinking how a sequel would b great, im not gonna spoil it 4 any1 but I was thinking it would prob involve the twins (4 those who've already read it u kno what im talking about). I absolutely cannot wait 4 the next book!!! I'm soo glad I finally read this bk, I got it a few months ago on Kindle bcuz it was free & I absolutely Loved the cover- Gorgeous! & the fact that Nina had an obsession w/ pinups like me I had 2 get it, I LOVE Betty Page & all the Bombshells of that era! I could go on forever bout all the things I loved bout this bk but I'll stop now & let u find out 4 yourselves. Seriously U ND 2 READ THIS ONE!!

[Jeni Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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My View: You have Nina a beautiful part time pin up model, who is out going, loyal, and protective of her family and those she considers family.
Them you have Josh who is a hot, rugged, " tree hugger " as Nina called him..
They seem to be drawn towards each other, Nina is afraid to trust any one because something horrible happens in high school. Josh doesn't want certain things because he resents his mother for taking certain things from him like his chance at pro baseball.....
I love that they are so much fun and dirty all of the people can be! I really love the stalker tendencies both Josh and Nina have.
There are things at play that neither one of them think is possible and one can only hope never happens... Things that neither of them new about their family that could blind side them and make them rethink their way of living and the things they want for them self's in the future.

I am super excited to see that there will be a book 2!!!!!!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!!!!!

[Yahaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to say "Amazing Cover". She reminds me of Demi Lovato, specially after one of my girls pointing it out. Great job also to the artist.

So where do I begin. This book has it all. The laughs, the cries, the "Oh My", maybe even a few WTF?! I believe C. Michele did a great job for it being her first book. I love Kade. Funniest book BFF ever. It was probably his bluntness and sailor mouth(Hope she gives him a story). There is some darkness to the book but was fit in perfectly to the story. We also see that whatever happened in the past made each character grow to be strong and independent.

I felt very connected to the book and characters. Being a little bit more to my side of the hood. I also felt like the sexy times needed to be a little bit longer, because they were flipping HOT(Pop Rocks), but hey that's just me. Nina&Josh❤ Overall its a fun read you will not be disappointed. Oh, also a Fantastic play list. Great job C. Michele!!

[Michelle Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Michelle's debut novel Pinned Up is a hit! After a recommendation from Juwelez from SMIBookClub, I couldn't resist downloading this book. You will meet Valentina (Nina) and Josh. By day Nina is a special victims advocate in the DA's office by night she loves to pose as a 50s Pin Up girl. Enter Josh, he meets Nina at one of her photo shoots at her friend's Dillion's loft. Lots of eye lusting between these two who both claim not wanting a serious relationship. I love Nina's "no filter" mouth as well as her BFF and brother from another mother Kade (you will love Kade). Josh and Nina's relationship is real sexy and intense, but of course, there is massive drama and details from their past that puts a bring strain on their relationship. Love does conquer all at the end. Congrats to C. Michelle on her debut novel. I hope to read more of her work in the near future. I don't want to give to much away, so therefore, buy it and read it. You will love it!

[Mags Per · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of I want to take this opportunity to congratulate C. Michelle for being so brave as to write a book and share it with the world. You've given us a piece of you and turned it into something everyone can enjoy and share with others! Glad people get to see how talented you are and also how funny!

Really enjoyed this book! It had so much of everything. Your HEA that people seem to gravitate towards. Filled with drama and lots of humor. I LOVE Kade and Nina's mom! When you read this, you will love Kade too. C. Michelle did a good job and keeping guessing what would happen next! I hated Josh at one point but then I forgave him. And let me not forget about the sex. All in all it's a good book and recommend you read it!

[Anjuli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE NINA MORETTI!!!! Such an amazing book, the characters were written so beautifully. I connected on many levels with most of the characters and I couldn't get enough of Nina. She is the female character I have been searching high and low for.

This book was funny, a lot of dark and witty humor (right up my alley), characters I absolutely loved, and a twist I wasn't expecting. I needed this book in my life. A MUST READ get on it when this book comes out.

I would say the characters are simple yet complex. The metaphor I would use to describe this is baby bear from Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the story, characters, and plot is just right.

[Twin Opinions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It took me a bit by surprise. I knew I would like it but it really was a fun read. I enjoyed the humor and the relationship between the characters. Nina is a great character. She truly was a joy to read about. Josh is your favorite book boyfriend. The one who falls hard when its the right girl. Kade was a fun character too.

I liked that both characters were afraid of commitment. Often we read when just one or the other is afraid of that kind of commitment. It was a great story line to keep you hooked till the very end. I couldn't put this book down. Michelle got me hook line and sinker.

[HBIC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It's sexy as hell, diverse, hilarious, romantic, loving and has plenty of drama with twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
I love books that allow me to be apart of their lives where i can lose myself with its amazing characters, drama, and of course romance. Pinned up did not disappoint and i hope there is more to come from c.michelle.

Pinned up stands out all on its own, it shines among the recent trends in contemporary romance (i love those too) but this book has a spice to it that will have you craving for more.

[Leslie Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of a reader, but when I saw the bay bridge on the cover I decided to read this book since SF is my home town. I actually really enjoed reading Pinned Up. The authur covered very important topics that we deal with in society on a daily basis; she speaks the truth and doesn't sugar coat the topics. Not only that, but I felt the love these characters had for each other. I would definitely recommend this book ♥♥♥♥♥ it has a lil bit of everything :) #hot #steamy #independentwomen #sexual #truth

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed a chalkboard to outline how each character was related to each other. I think there were too many story lines going on. I kept reading because of the dialogue. There is great back and forth banter and dialogue timing. I would have given this book a higher rating, but I felt like the author didn't believe in herself to pick a main storyline, build it up, and then add subplot where needed. I will buy this author's next book because of the wit and timing of dialogue in this is great and I am hopeful that she learns that a strong story may only need a few subplots.

[Esmeralda Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book, I have read many books but I enjoy the why the author makes you connect to the characters and story in the book. It has diversity and it will make you want to continue reading until you finish the book. This is defiantly one of those can put down book until you are finished. I hope the author publish her second book soon. Can wait. YOU MUST READ!!YOU WILL ENJOY!! Everything about the book.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I liked the twist in the story line although I knew it was coming. I liked the characters very much. However, I just found it kind of odd that Josh was so "in your face" with Nina right from the beginning. Especially for never having been in a relationship.

I didn't want it to end! I was hoping there'd be an epilogue so you could know what happened. Not that it needed it I was just invested in the story and was wanting more.

[Myra De La Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know who I loved more the main characters or the secondary one.
If you love a hot male character and a charming and sassy gal this is your book to read...
You'll find love, intrigue, sassyness and laugh out loud moments but most of all a good story line that deals with everyday life.
This is a MUST read book and it will have you laughing and crying. Don't miss out and READ READ READ.