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Bare Assets
With nothing but shattered dreams and a busted heart to fuel the way, Angela Fletcher drove out of Arkansas and never looked back.
Six years later, the new and improved version of the girl she used to be steered clear of romance, love and late night promises. The only pillow talk Angela engaged in these days, was making sure the person on the other pillow knew to lose her number as soon as he left the bed. She only had room for one love in her life and that was Bare Assets, the gentleman's club she poured her heart and soul into.
Dean Murray was the devil in disguise and had left behind enough broken hearted women to populate a small country. Angela would know. She was an expert markswoman who was skillfully self-trained at shooting down the good, the bad and the ugly of all masculine targets. After all, as the owner of the most successful strip club in Dallas, Texas, it was her business to know men.
Just as she begins to fall for Dean's silky words and passionate ways, her past and present unexpectedly collide and a meticulously planned future turns into unpredictable chaos. Is the smooth talking, denim wearing devil responsible for the chaos? Or have the secrets she left buried in Arkansas, coming back to haunt her?
Six years later, the new and improved version of the girl she used to be steered clear of romance, love and late night promises. The only pillow talk Angela engaged in these days, was making sure the person on the other pillow knew to lose her number as soon as he left the bed. She only had room for one love in her life and that was Bare Assets, the gentleman's club she poured her heart and soul into.
Dean Murray was the devil in disguise and had left behind enough broken hearted women to populate a small country. Angela would know. She was an expert markswoman who was skillfully self-trained at shooting down the good, the bad and the ugly of all masculine targets. After all, as the owner of the most successful strip club in Dallas, Texas, it was her business to know men.
Just as she begins to fall for Dean's silky words and passionate ways, her past and present unexpectedly collide and a meticulously planned future turns into unpredictable chaos. Is the smooth talking, denim wearing devil responsible for the chaos? Or have the secrets she left buried in Arkansas, coming back to haunt her?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2013
About the author
M.L. Stephens
17 books180 followersI have an unshakable fetish for a good mystery and anything paranormal, along with an insatiable appetite for coffee and travel. When I'm not reading the wonderful creations from other authors, I'm creating stories of my own.
My family keeps me grounded, my pets keep me jumping, my friends keep me focused, and it all happens in Texas!
My family keeps me grounded, my pets keep me jumping, my friends keep me focused, and it all happens in Texas!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 22, 2013
Wow! This was a different twist from what I'm used to reading from M.L. Stephens, but I enjoyed it from the very beginning. It's very captivating not to mention that the twists in the plot will keep you reading as you scream in your head (or out loud) at the characters for some of the decisions that they make because you know it just can't be true.
Angela is a hard ass, take no shit strip club owner in Dallas. She's worked her way up to her position and has earned it. Of course, her attitude was not something she woke up deciding to have. She earned it by the various pains that she's had to endure in her life.
Bare Assets may not be the biggest club in Dallas, but it is one of the classiest and the busiest. Mr. Benson wants that in his portfolio. Besides, he doesn't seem to like that Angela is the only female club owner in the area. Or that she refuses to sell to him. So he does whatever is necessary to gain the club as another source of income (not that he needs it).
Dean is a man of mystery. He comes into the club but never flirts with any of the dancers and only ever talks to one waitress. Plus, there are rumors circulating the club about the trail of broken hearts that he leaves behind.
When Angela finally opens up to Dean, mayhem ensues. One thing after another falls onto Angela's shoulders until she finally breaks.
When everything falls back into place for her, she allows herself to fix other things that were broken when everything shattered around her.
"I am afraid of you," she breathed against his back.
"Why?" he demanded.
"Because you make me...feel." The whispered confession against his back sent him spiraling into an abyss of abandonment.
Angela is a hard ass, take no shit strip club owner in Dallas. She's worked her way up to her position and has earned it. Of course, her attitude was not something she woke up deciding to have. She earned it by the various pains that she's had to endure in her life.
Bare Assets may not be the biggest club in Dallas, but it is one of the classiest and the busiest. Mr. Benson wants that in his portfolio. Besides, he doesn't seem to like that Angela is the only female club owner in the area. Or that she refuses to sell to him. So he does whatever is necessary to gain the club as another source of income (not that he needs it).
Dean is a man of mystery. He comes into the club but never flirts with any of the dancers and only ever talks to one waitress. Plus, there are rumors circulating the club about the trail of broken hearts that he leaves behind.
When Angela finally opens up to Dean, mayhem ensues. One thing after another falls onto Angela's shoulders until she finally breaks.
When everything falls back into place for her, she allows herself to fix other things that were broken when everything shattered around her.
"I am afraid of you," she breathed against his back.
"Why?" he demanded.
"Because you make me...feel." The whispered confession against his back sent him spiraling into an abyss of abandonment.
August 5, 2013
How smokin hot is that cover?! It's one I want sitting on my bookshelf all pretty and sexy like. Skip reading the reviews & go buy it. This book has catapulted up my ladder so I just wanna slap you & tell you to go to your one-click happy place & buy this book, then read it pronto!
M.L Stephens' writing is nothing new to me. When I read Love You More (book one of her Broken series), I fell in love with her smooth style, heartfelt words and passages that are so meaningful and heartfelt that I wanted to read them over and over again. So when she asked me if I would like to read it, I politely accepted by typing 'Hell yes! I mean...I'd love to.' I cleared my reading schedule, popped by babies to bed & turned my phone to silent. I knew I was in for the duration. Let me tell you right off the cuff, I didn't regret it for a moment. She had me under her spell.
Dean Murray did something to her that no one else had ever done. He left her breathless, speechless and trembling in the knees...
Bare Assets delivered the goods in spades. It was full of the beautiful story telling I've come to expect from Stephens & characters so perfectly developed that I felt their emotions and their back stories pouring off the pages. Rumors, secrets, betrayal, banter and romance that is told so perfectly it had me highlighting passage after passage.
They were kindred spirits who had been carelessly tossed into the winds of agonizing loss and left to drift on the currents of loneliness. Two broken spirits had saved one another from the chasms of eternal solitude.
There were moments of understanding, forgiveness and falling in love and there were times of sadness, heartbreak & tears. I felt all these things as I stayed up early into the morning devouring their story. Times I giggled, and times I openly sobbed feeling like my heart was broken.
There are countless occasions when kind words are desperately needed, but then where quiet times filled with anguish and sorrow that required silent understanding.
Don't forget the sexy times. Man-oh-man, did it have sexy times! The authority Dean had during those times was panty dropping & the liberating shower was hella hot. For me, the sexy scenes really did set itself apart from the other novels I've read in this genre. They weren't smutty or crude. They were tasteful, erotic & cold shower inducing. Dean was the master of oral seduction.
He was a man determined to bring this woman to the doors of ecstasy and then calmly lay her down in a bed of sated acceptance and desire.
In 2 weeks everything has changed. Come unravelled. Her business was sabotaged, she's got to decide whether to close a door, and whether to open another one. Pick up this story today to find out what happens...Well done Stephens.
July 28, 2013
OMG....ok what can I say? I LOVE stories where the main character is a strong woman who can hold her own in a world full of men. I loved Angie Fletcher! She's a hard ass who works hard and doesn't take any crap off of anyone. She has built a life and a business over the six years that she left her small town, and life on the farm.
I also love how M.L. unfolded the story, and didn't bore me with all the explanations from the git go. (I tend to zone out) Not to mention her sense of humor!
Then we have John Benson who has been trying to buy her successful business out due to the fact that his own isn't flourishing like he thinks it should. He's a sleazy bastard that made my skin crawl. He's the villain one LOVES to hate.
In the meantime, she has Dean who has been trying for 2 years to wear her down and claim her heart, but he too has a past he has to overcome.
And if that's not enough, we get a blast from the past! An ex walks in and Cutter and Angie have had a very complicated past.
Throw in mystery, misunderstandings, plot twists, love, fan myself love scenes, and a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud, and we have a winner! I would and have recommended this book to my friends!!!
I also love how M.L. unfolded the story, and didn't bore me with all the explanations from the git go. (I tend to zone out) Not to mention her sense of humor!
Then we have John Benson who has been trying to buy her successful business out due to the fact that his own isn't flourishing like he thinks it should. He's a sleazy bastard that made my skin crawl. He's the villain one LOVES to hate.
In the meantime, she has Dean who has been trying for 2 years to wear her down and claim her heart, but he too has a past he has to overcome.
And if that's not enough, we get a blast from the past! An ex walks in and Cutter and Angie have had a very complicated past.
Throw in mystery, misunderstandings, plot twists, love, fan myself love scenes, and a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud, and we have a winner! I would and have recommended this book to my friends!!!
July 22, 2013
Wow! What to say without spoilers? Angie is a hard ass and I love her! It takes a strong woman to go through what she's been through and rise to the top. Angie has worked so hard to turn the gentlemen's club, Bare Assets, into what it is today. She hasn't needed or wanted a man for quite some time but then in walks Dean. The man is HAWT! I prefer the term "sex on a stick". I know this is M.L. Stephens's first crack at romance, and man did she nail it! You are in for one heck of a ride with this one!
ARC received on exchange for honest feedback.
ARC received on exchange for honest feedback.
July 22, 2013
M.L.Stephens has done it again! She Hooked me right from the start With this amazing Story about Love,loss,and success. Bare Assests Is a must read. I quickly fell in love with the characters. Especially Dean! Every hot and steamy scene will have you begging for more.
M.L..Stephens ROCKS!
M.L..Stephens ROCKS!
August 3, 2013
Well I do not know where to start!! M.L. Rocks!! I have read this out of my normal Genre because I love her writing so much. Her paranormal was awesome so I had to try this... What can I say, Ang is Awesome.... Dean and Cutter well hot!!!! You have to read it so I do not give it away!! It will leave you breathless, at times you will be yelling at the book and you will be amazed!!! Please please please M.L. Stephens give us more!!!! Keep up the excellent work!!!
August 3, 2013
*****ARC COPY*********
This may have been my favorite book to date from M.L.Stephens. I would have finished it in on setting had I not had to work. Amazing story line with lots of plot twists. I laughed, I cried and I might have even have wanted to punch both Dean and Cutter a time or two. Ang is who I want to be sometimes, she seems so sure of herself and know what she wants and for the most part is not afraid to speak her mind. Can not wait to see what happens next....
This may have been my favorite book to date from M.L.Stephens. I would have finished it in on setting had I not had to work. Amazing story line with lots of plot twists. I laughed, I cried and I might have even have wanted to punch both Dean and Cutter a time or two. Ang is who I want to be sometimes, she seems so sure of herself and know what she wants and for the most part is not afraid to speak her mind. Can not wait to see what happens next....
July 22, 2013
Well, first off I knew this book was going to ROCK because the main characters name is Angela, Angie or Ang. Whichever one you want to call her and that happens to be my name! But on the other not M.L. is amazing!
So you have Angie who is an ex-stripper turned club owner, she is a small town girl from Arkansas who was very emotionally hurt by her high school sweetheart so she moves to Dallas and starts stripping and then ends up saving her pennies and then buys the strip club she worked at.
Because strip clubs are big down South (I think) she has enemies that want to buy her club.
Well, one of those bullies thinks that he can shut down her business so they try to sabotage her club. Well, along the way Angie decides to go out with this customer named Dean (who by my book is HOT) they hit it off and all that jazz even tho out of no where Angie's ex shows up and decides to stay at her place for a few!
She ends up going home for a few visits and finds out that her brother is dying so now she has the drama of both guys, her brother dying and her club. She is one stressed out chick!
But as in most romance books. Everyone's hearts heal..But I really did love this book. M.L. made it really feel like you could feel all the emotions in the book and I love how Dean was wrote. He could come home with me any day!!
So everyone, when this is released BUY IT!!
So you have Angie who is an ex-stripper turned club owner, she is a small town girl from Arkansas who was very emotionally hurt by her high school sweetheart so she moves to Dallas and starts stripping and then ends up saving her pennies and then buys the strip club she worked at.
Because strip clubs are big down South (I think) she has enemies that want to buy her club.
Well, one of those bullies thinks that he can shut down her business so they try to sabotage her club. Well, along the way Angie decides to go out with this customer named Dean (who by my book is HOT) they hit it off and all that jazz even tho out of no where Angie's ex shows up and decides to stay at her place for a few!
She ends up going home for a few visits and finds out that her brother is dying so now she has the drama of both guys, her brother dying and her club. She is one stressed out chick!
But as in most romance books. Everyone's hearts heal..But I really did love this book. M.L. made it really feel like you could feel all the emotions in the book and I love how Dean was wrote. He could come home with me any day!!
So everyone, when this is released BUY IT!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2013
3.5-4 stars
Six years ago Angela's life was turned upside down, all her plans for the future were destroyed by her ex Cutter. After loosing her parents she moves to the big city of Texas. Angela starts out as a dancer, saving all her tips and with the inheritance she buys the club she works at Bare Assets a well known gentleman's club. Angela's business is going extremely well, she constantly has competitors trying to buy her club one man that wont give up is John Benson. Unexpectedly Angela's past comes knocking on her door.
Dean is a regular at the club, he has a reputation as a womaniser. For the last two years Dean has been going to the club sitting at the bar having having a drinks and dinner, he doesn't watch the girls dance, doesn't take up the offers for lap dances he sits and talks to the bartender. He has wanted the bartender for two years, Angela. With the help of his cousin Candy, Dean finally gets the courage to ask Candy for help. Dean is in a VIP room waiting to talk to Angela, Angela realises Dean is not the man she thinks he is.
Dean makes Angela feel again, only problem Cutter her ex is back and looking for a second chance...
There's plenty of misunderstandings, love, sweet comments and twists. Cute quick read, kind of left me wanting to know more
Six years ago Angela's life was turned upside down, all her plans for the future were destroyed by her ex Cutter. After loosing her parents she moves to the big city of Texas. Angela starts out as a dancer, saving all her tips and with the inheritance she buys the club she works at Bare Assets a well known gentleman's club. Angela's business is going extremely well, she constantly has competitors trying to buy her club one man that wont give up is John Benson. Unexpectedly Angela's past comes knocking on her door.
Dean is a regular at the club, he has a reputation as a womaniser. For the last two years Dean has been going to the club sitting at the bar having having a drinks and dinner, he doesn't watch the girls dance, doesn't take up the offers for lap dances he sits and talks to the bartender. He has wanted the bartender for two years, Angela. With the help of his cousin Candy, Dean finally gets the courage to ask Candy for help. Dean is in a VIP room waiting to talk to Angela, Angela realises Dean is not the man she thinks he is.
Dean makes Angela feel again, only problem Cutter her ex is back and looking for a second chance...
There's plenty of misunderstandings, love, sweet comments and twists. Cute quick read, kind of left me wanting to know more
July 25, 2013
Angela Fletcheris the successful owner of a gentlemen’s club named Bare Assets. The competition is there and John Benson is out to get ownership of her club but she is definitely holding her own among a business dominated by men. She’s spent the past 6 years reinventing herself and rebuilding a life that was destroyed by past events. Dean Murray has watched Angela for the past 2 years and he is determined to break down the wall she has built around her heart. When the opportunity to get what he wants becomes available he takes the chance but is the chance worth taking? Is he strong enough to deal with Angela and all of the chaos that seems to follow Angela or is he the cause of it. Someone from Angela’s past is thrown back into her life and he is determined to get Angela back. “Bare Assets” is a great read and this book will leave you with a smile on your face. You will love the characters in this book especially Dean. If you are looking for a light read with suspense, surprises and moments that will have you laughing then this is the book for you.
July 27, 2013
I have been a fan of M.L. Stephens since I first read Love You More. When I was given the opportunity to read Bare Assets before release, I jumped on it. And I am glad I did. It is AMAZING. M.L. writing outside her comfort zone was a major success! This is my favorite book by her (thus far). This book was so good that I had to finish it in one sitting. This book had me smiling, angry, and gasping throughout. The characters were well written and it was easy to understand their stories and "bond" with them. The twists and turns in the plot were unpredictable through the entire book. The sexy scenes were sensational and tantalizing. As usual, M.L. distracted me from all that I should be doing and got me tangled up in others' lives. I encourage everyone to read this book and get caught up in the world of Bare Assets!
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July 31, 2013
I was given an early copy of this book. thank you M.L Stephens. I cannot put into words how Amazing this book is!! The cover peeks ones curiosity, but its what's inside that pulls you in. A journey of a young woman, Angela, going through her worst of time and going into life head strong. Making sure she is the best and that no one can bring her down. Walls have been set up around her heart, but one man takes on the challenge, Dean. Remember rumors aren't always true! And Ang's ex, Cutter, her heartache all rolled up in one. Loved this book!! A must read if you love a strong sexy woman and two sexy men. I've even gifted this book to friends, it's that good!!!! M.L. Stephens writing skills are beyond amazing!!
August 11, 2013
i debated about reading this book..I was not sure that i would enjoy a book that revolves around adult entertainment... WRONG! such a good book! in at least two parts I found myself audibly arguing with the book! i was sitting at the pool and started saying "No! This cant be happening!" i got stared at a lot... I think ML Stephens is almost poetic in her prose.. her declarations, explanations and descriptions are beautifully written... i am enthusiastically waiting for her next book.. she is definitely in my top 5 authors list...
July 22, 2013
*TWO REVIEWS*
"You pumped life into my dead heart and taught me how to live again. I didn't think it possible to love someone with as much passion as I do you."
There are so many good lines in this book, it was so hard to narrow it down to one to share with you. This book is a story of love, loss, and learning to live and love again. Angela is a girl who suffers through the betrayal of the love of her life and the loss of her mother. She picks herself up and moves away to start her life over and leave the broken Angela behind.
Finding herself in another state and a big city she tries to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and come out a stronger person. She is a successful business woman in a man's world. I love this aspect of the book, the author writes a strong female lead who will stop at nothing to succeed. Soon we find out more of what happened in the past because her past and present collide. Six years after leaving Arkansas her ex Cutter shows up on her doorstep to try and win her back, just as she's given in to the man that sat at her club once a week for two years to get to know her. Enter Dean, he is absolutely swoonworthy. Dean makes Angela melt, he makes her feel again after guarding her heart for so long. The only problem is, Cutter is determined to interfere in their new relationship and sometimes letting your guard down to quick can get you hurt. I didn't like Cutter throughout this book, he hurt Angela over and over, why he thought he could swoop in and play protector I'll never understand. Men, Ugh!
Just as the story is progressing and things are starting to happen between Angela and Dean the author decides to take my heart in her hands, rip it out of my chest and throw it down on the ground. If that isn't enough she does a jig on it. Yup, I was floored by the direction this part took and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack while trying to process what just happened. I was so angry, I screamed "No, This cannot be happening."
Angela once again is forced to put her mess of a life back together and once again is left heartbroken. Without spoiling the end for you I can tell you that the author does redeem herself in the end. The ending was perfect, but leaves you wanting just a little more. I smell a sequel and I hope to Hell I'm right. Wonderful story with some great one-liners. I'm giving this book 4 Stars!
~Jen
Wow, I really liked this one! This author's writing style reminds me of some of the first romance novels I read as a young adult. It was romantic, comical and sweet with a just dash of suspense. The characters were well developed and I instantly connected with Angela and Dean.
Angela moved to Texas after things in her life in Arkansas were too much for her to bear. She started off as a dancer to support herself and was able to save up enough money to start her own gentlemen's club which she named Bare Assets. Ang thought she had left her past behind her until it came knocking on her door.
Dean, aka "the denim wearing devil", is considered one of her regulars in the club. He has a terrible reputation as a womanizing playboy which is keeping him from winning over the woman he has wanted for the past two years.
"Why are you so hard on me, Angie? What have I done to cause you to dislike me so much? You don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you to know your kind."
"What kind am I?'
"The male kind," she barked.
There are people that are out to get Angela and destroy the business she worked so hard to build. On top of dealing with that, she must finally put her past to rest and learn how to open her heart to man who just won't take no for an answer.
There were a few times that I was left wondering "What the hell is happening here?", but in the end it all came together with a perfect ending. No cliffhanger and you are left with a smile. Great book!! 4 "Roger Rabbit" Stars!
~Christy
"You pumped life into my dead heart and taught me how to live again. I didn't think it possible to love someone with as much passion as I do you."
There are so many good lines in this book, it was so hard to narrow it down to one to share with you. This book is a story of love, loss, and learning to live and love again. Angela is a girl who suffers through the betrayal of the love of her life and the loss of her mother. She picks herself up and moves away to start her life over and leave the broken Angela behind.
Finding herself in another state and a big city she tries to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and come out a stronger person. She is a successful business woman in a man's world. I love this aspect of the book, the author writes a strong female lead who will stop at nothing to succeed. Soon we find out more of what happened in the past because her past and present collide. Six years after leaving Arkansas her ex Cutter shows up on her doorstep to try and win her back, just as she's given in to the man that sat at her club once a week for two years to get to know her. Enter Dean, he is absolutely swoonworthy. Dean makes Angela melt, he makes her feel again after guarding her heart for so long. The only problem is, Cutter is determined to interfere in their new relationship and sometimes letting your guard down to quick can get you hurt. I didn't like Cutter throughout this book, he hurt Angela over and over, why he thought he could swoop in and play protector I'll never understand. Men, Ugh!
Just as the story is progressing and things are starting to happen between Angela and Dean the author decides to take my heart in her hands, rip it out of my chest and throw it down on the ground. If that isn't enough she does a jig on it. Yup, I was floored by the direction this part took and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack while trying to process what just happened. I was so angry, I screamed "No, This cannot be happening."
Angela once again is forced to put her mess of a life back together and once again is left heartbroken. Without spoiling the end for you I can tell you that the author does redeem herself in the end. The ending was perfect, but leaves you wanting just a little more. I smell a sequel and I hope to Hell I'm right. Wonderful story with some great one-liners. I'm giving this book 4 Stars!
~Jen
Wow, I really liked this one! This author's writing style reminds me of some of the first romance novels I read as a young adult. It was romantic, comical and sweet with a just dash of suspense. The characters were well developed and I instantly connected with Angela and Dean.
Angela moved to Texas after things in her life in Arkansas were too much for her to bear. She started off as a dancer to support herself and was able to save up enough money to start her own gentlemen's club which she named Bare Assets. Ang thought she had left her past behind her until it came knocking on her door.
Dean, aka "the denim wearing devil", is considered one of her regulars in the club. He has a terrible reputation as a womanizing playboy which is keeping him from winning over the woman he has wanted for the past two years.
"Why are you so hard on me, Angie? What have I done to cause you to dislike me so much? You don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you to know your kind."
"What kind am I?'
"The male kind," she barked.
There are people that are out to get Angela and destroy the business she worked so hard to build. On top of dealing with that, she must finally put her past to rest and learn how to open her heart to man who just won't take no for an answer.
There were a few times that I was left wondering "What the hell is happening here?", but in the end it all came together with a perfect ending. No cliffhanger and you are left with a smile. Great book!! 4 "Roger Rabbit" Stars!
~Christy
August 4, 2013
You can take everything that has ever happened to you and bottle it up. You can stuff it way down deep in the depths of your soul but eventually, it will come to the surface. Sometimes in bits in pieces, others a full-fledged avalanche that comes rolling down. As much as your want to be in control of your life and map out exactly where you want to be in your 5 year plan, things have a funny way of working out. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.....right? Love or lust can make us a little jaded, cautious, and shit.... guarded if you will, because your heart tends to be the thing you protect once it's been shattered. You pick up the pieces and glue it back together but those cracks are a reminder of the life you left behind. The pain and anguish you had to overcome to get to the here and now. People come into your life for a reason, a season, and a lifetime, it may just take a while to figure out what category they fit into
Angela has been broken and put back together, she isn't the quiet, small town Southern girl anymore. She up and left her hometown and made a life for herself that she never in her wildest dreamed imagined as stripper no less. She started from the ground up and made her own destiny. She now owns her own 5 star club in a “man’s industry” and it is the most respectable one in town. It's the most profitable one too no less, which “in an industry saturated with chauvinistic pricks” can cause a lot of hatred.
She convinced her heart she didn't need love or a man, especially, to be genuinely happy. She was over that shit. Gone. Poof. Left behind for some other poor soul to gobble up. She was categorized as a “certified, hard-nosed bitch”, but like I said you can push your pain, hurt, and sorrow down and all it takes is one look into the eyes of the beholder of your pain that brings everything to the fore front. Ang has to decide if she is truly over her first and only love who has spontaneously after 5 years popped back into her life or if is she is ready to invest in a new opportunity for love that has been trying forever to get her to want him or at least be interested in him.
Dean is one sexy Mofo. He is hot! All the girls want him and most of them at the club have probably had him. You know the stereo typical love ‘em and leave 'em and never get close to a REAL relationship. “This guy might have snared the title of first runner up for the throne of prickish and dickish”, or is that all it is gossip? Dean had been coming on to Ang for 2 years and one night he finally decides to make his move. He is fine as hell and so she decides WTH why not? I could use some “good loving, body rocking, knocking boots all night long….Ooh my bad, lol that song just popped in my head and it describes what she needs to a T. So anyways, as they make it back to her place…Oh Snap!! Ang has a houseguest. Ahem…her Ex..Say What….but Dean doesn’t run he decides to see what this is all about. You see Dean has also been broken and had his heart shattered into a million pieces. It seems cupid keeps missing and these two have suffered more from love than benefited from it. Even though they are wildly attracted to each other and it feels so right, with all the other drama in each of their lives is it even worth exploring? While Angela and Dean fight the love they so desperately want, they are holding onto their pasts. Will they be able to be happy whether it be together or apart? Find out just like I just did y'all! Go get that shit…. I give this 4.5 BadAssDirty-fix your broken heart stars!!!! - See more at: http://lipsmackingoodbooks.blogspot.c...
Angela has been broken and put back together, she isn't the quiet, small town Southern girl anymore. She up and left her hometown and made a life for herself that she never in her wildest dreamed imagined as stripper no less. She started from the ground up and made her own destiny. She now owns her own 5 star club in a “man’s industry” and it is the most respectable one in town. It's the most profitable one too no less, which “in an industry saturated with chauvinistic pricks” can cause a lot of hatred.
She convinced her heart she didn't need love or a man, especially, to be genuinely happy. She was over that shit. Gone. Poof. Left behind for some other poor soul to gobble up. She was categorized as a “certified, hard-nosed bitch”, but like I said you can push your pain, hurt, and sorrow down and all it takes is one look into the eyes of the beholder of your pain that brings everything to the fore front. Ang has to decide if she is truly over her first and only love who has spontaneously after 5 years popped back into her life or if is she is ready to invest in a new opportunity for love that has been trying forever to get her to want him or at least be interested in him.
Dean is one sexy Mofo. He is hot! All the girls want him and most of them at the club have probably had him. You know the stereo typical love ‘em and leave 'em and never get close to a REAL relationship. “This guy might have snared the title of first runner up for the throne of prickish and dickish”, or is that all it is gossip? Dean had been coming on to Ang for 2 years and one night he finally decides to make his move. He is fine as hell and so she decides WTH why not? I could use some “good loving, body rocking, knocking boots all night long….Ooh my bad, lol that song just popped in my head and it describes what she needs to a T. So anyways, as they make it back to her place…Oh Snap!! Ang has a houseguest. Ahem…her Ex..Say What….but Dean doesn’t run he decides to see what this is all about. You see Dean has also been broken and had his heart shattered into a million pieces. It seems cupid keeps missing and these two have suffered more from love than benefited from it. Even though they are wildly attracted to each other and it feels so right, with all the other drama in each of their lives is it even worth exploring? While Angela and Dean fight the love they so desperately want, they are holding onto their pasts. Will they be able to be happy whether it be together or apart? Find out just like I just did y'all! Go get that shit…. I give this 4.5 BadAssDirty-fix your broken heart stars!!!! - See more at: http://lipsmackingoodbooks.blogspot.c...
August 27, 2013
You dirty dog you!!! You so got me. I have to admit until you got to the sex talk you so had me, after that I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.
"I love who I am and who I have become." Angela
It had been six years since Angela Fletcher packed up her shattered dreams and broken heart and left Arkansas for Dallas, Texas. She was a new and improved version of herself now. Making sure to stay clear of love and heartache to only embarked on one night stands. Making sure the other person knew to lose her number the minute they walked out the door. Bare Assets the gentleman's club she laid it all on the line for was her everything.
Dean Murray was the type of man Angela was sure would do nothing but crush her heart as the rumors were swarming around of his reputation of love them and leave them. As the owner of the most successful strip club, it was her job to know men in her line of business. Just as she begins to fall for his smooth silky words. Angela's past collides with her present and turns her world upside down. Will this denim wearing devil be the one who turns out to have more secrets than she can handle?
I really truly wanted to give this book 5 Stars. I just couldn't get past the sex talk. I mean really who describes a cock into a pleasure pole? Without giving more away because I could really go on. I enjoyed this story line immensely but seriously just couldn't get over the description of the female & male parts & acts. I'm sorry maybe it's just me wanting regular sex talk. I'm truly sorry this is how I feel but it was hard to get past. I however, truly loved the characters & story line. I love that Angela is a strong kick ass country girl. Even though she had her heart broken she was able to put herself out there again. Dean oh how learning your story tore at my heart strings. It's amazing how you finally took a chance to move forward. Cutter you were just the perfect add on to this crazy love triangle. I truly fell in love with both men. Mr. Benson I could picture perfectly. I loved the twist its like just when you thought you knew you pulled the rug out from underneath me. Fabulous!!! Truly the perfect ending. Thanks for a great read but please reconsider the names you use for them fun body parts. <3
********Review copy given for an honest review*******
Reviewer for Book Bitches Blog
www.BookBitchesBlog.com
"I love who I am and who I have become." Angela
It had been six years since Angela Fletcher packed up her shattered dreams and broken heart and left Arkansas for Dallas, Texas. She was a new and improved version of herself now. Making sure to stay clear of love and heartache to only embarked on one night stands. Making sure the other person knew to lose her number the minute they walked out the door. Bare Assets the gentleman's club she laid it all on the line for was her everything.
Dean Murray was the type of man Angela was sure would do nothing but crush her heart as the rumors were swarming around of his reputation of love them and leave them. As the owner of the most successful strip club, it was her job to know men in her line of business. Just as she begins to fall for his smooth silky words. Angela's past collides with her present and turns her world upside down. Will this denim wearing devil be the one who turns out to have more secrets than she can handle?
I really truly wanted to give this book 5 Stars. I just couldn't get past the sex talk. I mean really who describes a cock into a pleasure pole? Without giving more away because I could really go on. I enjoyed this story line immensely but seriously just couldn't get over the description of the female & male parts & acts. I'm sorry maybe it's just me wanting regular sex talk. I'm truly sorry this is how I feel but it was hard to get past. I however, truly loved the characters & story line. I love that Angela is a strong kick ass country girl. Even though she had her heart broken she was able to put herself out there again. Dean oh how learning your story tore at my heart strings. It's amazing how you finally took a chance to move forward. Cutter you were just the perfect add on to this crazy love triangle. I truly fell in love with both men. Mr. Benson I could picture perfectly. I loved the twist its like just when you thought you knew you pulled the rug out from underneath me. Fabulous!!! Truly the perfect ending. Thanks for a great read but please reconsider the names you use for them fun body parts. <3
********Review copy given for an honest review*******
Reviewer for Book Bitches Blog
www.BookBitchesBlog.com
September 7, 2013
"You pumped life into my dead heart and taught me how to live again. I didn't think it possible to love someone with as much passion as I do you."
There are so many good lines in this book, it was so hard to narrow it down to one to share with you. This book is a story of love, loss, and learning to live and love again. Angela is a girl who suffers through the betrayal of the love of her life and the loss of her mother. She picks herself up and moves away to start her life over and leave the broken Angela behind.
Finding herself in another state and a big city she tries to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and come out a stronger person. She is a successful business woman in a man's world. I love this aspect of the book, the author writes a strong female lead who will stop at nothing to succeed. Soon we find out more of what happened in the past because her past and present collide. Six years after leaving Arkansas her ex Cutter shows up on her doorstep to try and win her back, just as she's given in to the man that sat at her club once a week for two years to get to know her. Enter Dean, he is absolutely swoonworthy. Dean makes Angela melt, he makes her feel again after guarding her heart for so long. The only problem is, Cutter is determined to interfere in their new relationship and sometimes letting your guard down to quick can get you hurt. I didn't like Cutter throughout this book, he hurt Angela over and over, why he thought he could swoop in and play protector I'll never understand. Men, Ugh!
Just as the story is progressing and things are starting to happen between Angela and Dean the author decides to take my heart in her hands, rip it out of my chest and throw it down on the ground. If that isn't enough she does a jig on it. Yup, I was floored by the direction this part took and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack while trying to process what just happened. I was so angry, I screamed "No, This cannot be happening."
Angela once again is forced to put her mess of a life back together and once again is left heartbroken. Without spoiling the end for you I can tell you that the author does redeem herself in the end. The ending was perfect, but leaves you wanting just a little more. I smell a sequel and I hope to Hell I'm right. Wonderful story with some great one-liners. I'm giving this book 4 Stars!
There are so many good lines in this book, it was so hard to narrow it down to one to share with you. This book is a story of love, loss, and learning to live and love again. Angela is a girl who suffers through the betrayal of the love of her life and the loss of her mother. She picks herself up and moves away to start her life over and leave the broken Angela behind.
Finding herself in another state and a big city she tries to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and come out a stronger person. She is a successful business woman in a man's world. I love this aspect of the book, the author writes a strong female lead who will stop at nothing to succeed. Soon we find out more of what happened in the past because her past and present collide. Six years after leaving Arkansas her ex Cutter shows up on her doorstep to try and win her back, just as she's given in to the man that sat at her club once a week for two years to get to know her. Enter Dean, he is absolutely swoonworthy. Dean makes Angela melt, he makes her feel again after guarding her heart for so long. The only problem is, Cutter is determined to interfere in their new relationship and sometimes letting your guard down to quick can get you hurt. I didn't like Cutter throughout this book, he hurt Angela over and over, why he thought he could swoop in and play protector I'll never understand. Men, Ugh!
Just as the story is progressing and things are starting to happen between Angela and Dean the author decides to take my heart in her hands, rip it out of my chest and throw it down on the ground. If that isn't enough she does a jig on it. Yup, I was floored by the direction this part took and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack while trying to process what just happened. I was so angry, I screamed "No, This cannot be happening."
Angela once again is forced to put her mess of a life back together and once again is left heartbroken. Without spoiling the end for you I can tell you that the author does redeem herself in the end. The ending was perfect, but leaves you wanting just a little more. I smell a sequel and I hope to Hell I'm right. Wonderful story with some great one-liners. I'm giving this book 4 Stars!
August 5, 2013
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! This is a must read! I have read most of M.L. Stephens books and this is very different from her other work, this is considered a Contemporary Romance. This book was so addictive starting from the beginning until the end and I loved every single page of it. While you have moments where it has humor, there are other times where it will bring tears to your eyes. The colors in the cover grasps your attention and reels you in, it is beautiful with vibrant, bright colors and well designed for the book. Once I started to read this book I couldn’t put the book down, it was a very easy and readable book.
You have Angela left the country life from Arkansas after a tragedy shattered her dreams and broke her heart. Years later, now she has worked herself up to a very successful business owner of the Gentlemen’s Club Bare Assets. She has made sure that her heart would not be broken and has poured her whole into this to make it her own and become successful.
Dean, who has been coming for two years starts to take more interest in Angela, but she tries her hardest to keep him out due to the rumors of him being a Ladies Man. Meanwhile, Cutter who broke her heart is looking for a second chance. Little does she know that her future and past are about to unfold! And the chaos is just not with her strip club, but also with her heart.
Angela is strong and Dean has a compassionate and loving site about him that proves to be protective when need to be. The interactions between the two are strong and comparable. While Dean wants to be protective, Angela independence may prove to be in the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that was looking for a romance with a little humor and mystery.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! This is a must read! I have read most of M.L. Stephens books and this is very different from her other work, this is considered a Contemporary Romance. This book was so addictive starting from the beginning until the end and I loved every single page of it. While you have moments where it has humor, there are other times where it will bring tears to your eyes. The colors in the cover grasps your attention and reels you in, it is beautiful with vibrant, bright colors and well designed for the book. Once I started to read this book I couldn’t put the book down, it was a very easy and readable book.
You have Angela left the country life from Arkansas after a tragedy shattered her dreams and broke her heart. Years later, now she has worked herself up to a very successful business owner of the Gentlemen’s Club Bare Assets. She has made sure that her heart would not be broken and has poured her whole into this to make it her own and become successful.
Dean, who has been coming for two years starts to take more interest in Angela, but she tries her hardest to keep him out due to the rumors of him being a Ladies Man. Meanwhile, Cutter who broke her heart is looking for a second chance. Little does she know that her future and past are about to unfold! And the chaos is just not with her strip club, but also with her heart.
Angela is strong and Dean has a compassionate and loving site about him that proves to be protective when need to be. The interactions between the two are strong and comparable. While Dean wants to be protective, Angela independence may prove to be in the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that was looking for a romance with a little humor and mystery.
August 4, 2013
*I received an ARC copy of this for an honest review.*
This book will appeal to anyone looking for a unique storyline with tons of romance & mystery.
I give this book 4 out 5 stars.
While I enjoyed the book a lot I found there was a little too much mystery and the beginning was a tad too slow.
After the first couple chapters I became invested in the story. I really enjoyed the Author's writing style. There were barely any editing errors and the characters personalities were great! Dean is said to be a player, but really he is not like everyone assumes. He is caring, compassionate, and protective. Angela is a strong young woman. She works hard and is consumed by her business. Together they instantly become sexually attracted to one another. The sexy scenes are HOTT! The way the worship each others bodies is sexy as hell.
There was a slight struggle in Dean and Angela's relationship though. At the same time they meet, Angela's ex shows up at her house and refuses to leave. He is very protective and kind of charming. The way M.L. makes him and Dean interact is great. I found myself smiling thinking.... WTH is Angela thinking having both these men in her house at the same time!
This book had mystery, romance, suspense, heartbreak, and sexy time!
Definitely worth the read.
This book will appeal to anyone looking for a unique storyline with tons of romance & mystery.
I give this book 4 out 5 stars.
While I enjoyed the book a lot I found there was a little too much mystery and the beginning was a tad too slow.
After the first couple chapters I became invested in the story. I really enjoyed the Author's writing style. There were barely any editing errors and the characters personalities were great! Dean is said to be a player, but really he is not like everyone assumes. He is caring, compassionate, and protective. Angela is a strong young woman. She works hard and is consumed by her business. Together they instantly become sexually attracted to one another. The sexy scenes are HOTT! The way the worship each others bodies is sexy as hell.
There was a slight struggle in Dean and Angela's relationship though. At the same time they meet, Angela's ex shows up at her house and refuses to leave. He is very protective and kind of charming. The way M.L. makes him and Dean interact is great. I found myself smiling thinking.... WTH is Angela thinking having both these men in her house at the same time!
This book had mystery, romance, suspense, heartbreak, and sexy time!
Definitely worth the read.
July 22, 2013
Angela is a savvy businesswoman who owns the flourishing strip club Bare Assets. Having worked her way up from stripper to owner, Angie runs a tight and morally responsible business. Past events have hardened her and she has built unbreakable walls around her heart, not only to protect herself but the business that some people will do anything to take away from her.
Enter Dean Murray. The incredibly sexy and mysterious man that has been visiting the strip club every week for two years. As Angie slowly lets Dean into her life, a flood of events all occur at once including an old flame resurfacing, an illness, and an accident that threatens the club.
Is Dean the man he is presenting himself to be or does he have ulterior motives for showing affection to Angie?
A very steamy read, suitable for mature adults 18+ due to sexual content.
Enter Dean Murray. The incredibly sexy and mysterious man that has been visiting the strip club every week for two years. As Angie slowly lets Dean into her life, a flood of events all occur at once including an old flame resurfacing, an illness, and an accident that threatens the club.
Is Dean the man he is presenting himself to be or does he have ulterior motives for showing affection to Angie?
A very steamy read, suitable for mature adults 18+ due to sexual content.
August 5, 2013
This was a super fun and quick read. While the backdrop is a strip club, this story is not about the seedy side or even the glamorous side of the business. In fact, it is really not about the business at all. It is a sweet love story of two people who both need to come to terms with their past so they can move on and have a future. Yes, there is heat, suspense, and a meddling ex, but at the heart of this story is two people fighting their connection because they both have something they need to move on from. The characters are likable even when they frustrate you with their actions and that is always a plus for me.This is the first I have read by this author and I will be reading more from her in the future.
July 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I can see M. L. amusing charm in this story. It shows the struggle that Angela goes through. From having her first love break her heart and the way she becomes a strong independent women. She works her way from working in Bare Asset to be the Owner. Dean visits the bar every week until he finally makes his move. This is when the fireworks start. Angela’s heart is mended by Dean and in the process Dean’s heart also gets mended. There is Hot sex scene with the smooth and charming Dean and Angela. This one is worth the heart ache, Tears, the struggles and minded hearts.
To see this review & many others
http://sharingabitofromance.blogspot....
To see this review & many others
http://sharingabitofromance.blogspot....
July 23, 2013
What a gorgeous cover to start off with. This is a must read Ang is a strong country girl who movies to the city to start here own strip club.. she has had a lot of things happen in her life that makes her who she is.. all the characters are so well written Dean tall dark and sweet, cutter is the man who broke her Heart with a twist, candy is the down to earth fun employee, and of coarse buddy her amazingly over protective brother. You will be dying for more with this heart felt story. If you've read other story's by M.L. Stephens you know she never disappoints.
August 4, 2013
If you're looking for a mid-summer must read, Bare Assets is it! I fell in love with M.L.Stephens writing since experiencing her Broken Series paranormal books. Bare Assets is a contemporary romance novel which intertwines the readers into the lives of Angela (Angie) Fletcher, Dean Murray and Cutter Harrison. I fell in love quickly with Angie, a strong-willed,independent and successful owner of a gentleman's club. The one main thing I can say about Dean is that he emanates hotness. I've developed a love-hate relationship with Cutter. Experience Bare Assets for yourself!
August 2, 2013
In the spirit of full disclosure I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bare Assets is a well written Contemporary Romance, full of witty characters you will fall in love with. It's a well written story, humorous at times and tear-jerking at others. Be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster.
Both the main characters {Angela and Dean} struggle to heal from and make peace with their painful pasts.
Overall the loose ends cleared to a satisfactory ending.
Bare Assets is a well written Contemporary Romance, full of witty characters you will fall in love with. It's a well written story, humorous at times and tear-jerking at others. Be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster.
Both the main characters {Angela and Dean} struggle to heal from and make peace with their painful pasts.
Overall the loose ends cleared to a satisfactory ending.
August 6, 2013
I really thought it was a good book it just was a little hard to keep track of who was talking or thinking. You don't find out what happens to her brother or the guy that burnt her club. it was just lacking a bit for me. I also thought it was a mirthless rushed. overall the story line was interesting and it was a good quick read.
Want to Read
July 29, 2013August 5, 2013
August 5, 2013
I loved this book I found it just amazing. I loved the plot and story line. I felt that the ending was a bit dry hanging and I am hoping for another book because it felt like an open ending.
August 10, 2013
Absolutly loved this book can't wait until next one
September 14, 2013
Read this in one sitting! I really enjoyed it!
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