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Love Required #3
No Romance Required
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
Faking it never felt so good…
Cory Santangelo is used to getting his way, both in the boardroom and the bedroom. Lately he hasn’t had much opportunity to do anything but work, but one unexpectedly sexy night in a gazebo with Victoria, his gorgeous and feisty interior designer, changes all that—especially when they’re caught on camera. Suddenly Cory’s sterling reputation is no longer above reproach. Since his impromptu encounter coincides nicely with his need for a girlfriend to get his well-meaning, meddling parents off his back, he decides to ask his lifelong frenemy for a favor.
To pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. No strings attached.
The only problem? Vicky Townsend wants those strings tied all around her. She’s battled a long-suppressed crush on Cory, and their combative work relationship has only fanned the flames. When he suggests his needs are more than she can handle, she’s ready to up the ante. And her bargaining chip is lots of delicious, inventive sex.
Until they discover nothing feels as good as making it real…
Faking it never felt so good…
Cory Santangelo is used to getting his way, both in the boardroom and the bedroom. Lately he hasn’t had much opportunity to do anything but work, but one unexpectedly sexy night in a gazebo with Victoria, his gorgeous and feisty interior designer, changes all that—especially when they’re caught on camera. Suddenly Cory’s sterling reputation is no longer above reproach. Since his impromptu encounter coincides nicely with his need for a girlfriend to get his well-meaning, meddling parents off his back, he decides to ask his lifelong frenemy for a favor.
To pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. No strings attached.
The only problem? Vicky Townsend wants those strings tied all around her. She’s battled a long-suppressed crush on Cory, and their combative work relationship has only fanned the flames. When he suggests his needs are more than she can handle, she’s ready to up the ante. And her bargaining chip is lots of delicious, inventive sex.
Until they discover nothing feels as good as making it real…
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
47 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read
About the author
Cari Quinn
124 books2,152 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 3, 2020
DNF at 50 %.
Why? I couldn’t get connected with the characters. They are papier-mache figures, with no realistic personality traits.
The plot, the romance, the erotic scenes, the dialogues, problems and issues are so made up and unlikely that I couldn’t forget even for a moment I was reading a novel. It couldn’t draw me in.
I really wanted to like No Romance Required as I truly enjoyed the first two books of the Love Required series, but it didn’t work out for me.
Why? I couldn’t get connected with the characters. They are papier-mache figures, with no realistic personality traits.
The plot, the romance, the erotic scenes, the dialogues, problems and issues are so made up and unlikely that I couldn’t forget even for a moment I was reading a novel. It couldn’t draw me in.
I really wanted to like No Romance Required as I truly enjoyed the first two books of the Love Required series, but it didn’t work out for me.
August 13, 2013
My Review:
Ever since he appeared in NO FLOWERS REQUIRED (book 2 in the series and Cory’s brother Dillon's book) I've been longing for Cory's book and when it came I devoured it as soon as I could. I read it in under 24 hours and in practically one sitting (only pausing for meals and sleep).
I loved the way Cory and Vicky were as opposite as they could be and how this created a fabulous chemistry filled with verbal sparring and sexual innuendo. And moreover it didn't stop at innuendo. The sexy scenes were exquisite and red-hot! But it's not just about the sexy scenes. This story was rife with emotional intensity that is trademark Cari Quinn and complemented the steamy heat Cari knows how to deliver and does so well.
This book had me in its intense grip from the first page to the last. I was totally immersed in Cory and Vicky and their story. Their characters were so well written, with back-stories that caught me by the throat and had me choking up numerous times. Their histories, their personalities, their compatibility both inside and outside the bedroom. It all worked, for the book and for me as the reader.
Though Cory and Vicky seem complete opposites they are more alike and compatible than they think and this created a wonderful story. A story I finished with tears in my eyes and a sob caught in my throat at the rightness and beauty of a story delivered in the best possible way it could have been delivered. A story where the characters were the stars and where the steamy, explicit sex scenes went beyond being the proverbial icing on the cake.
And next to this amazing couple Ms. Quinn also created some great secondary characters by way of family members and friends. I caught up with the couples from previous books and was introduced to new characters I’d love to get to know better.
I know (and if you follow my reviews you probably will too) Cari Quinn writes books I love. Books that are explicit, hot and emotional. Yet with every new book of hers I read she manages to catch me off guard and blow me completely away. NO ROMANCE REQUIRED was no different. I thought I was prepared for it this time, but I wasn’t. Not by a long shot. I have no words for Cory and Ms. Cari Quinn once again outdid herself.
Fave Scenes:
- the scene in Cory's office after the "proposition" > normally I hate interruptions in the sexual tension but loved how here the interruptions just amped up the sexy
- the yoga studio scene, the bathroom and the barn at Cory's parents' house scenes, the dining table scene, the desk at Cory’s office scene > and this is why Cari Quinn is one of my faves, those scenes were off the charts hot!
- Vicky opening up about her mother to Cory > such a beautifully written scene
- the scene at the airport > a sobbing and smiling mess, that’s what Cari Quinn reduces me to upon finishing her books.
Fave Quotes:
Ever since he appeared in NO FLOWERS REQUIRED (book 2 in the series and Cory’s brother Dillon's book) I've been longing for Cory's book and when it came I devoured it as soon as I could. I read it in under 24 hours and in practically one sitting (only pausing for meals and sleep).
I loved the way Cory and Vicky were as opposite as they could be and how this created a fabulous chemistry filled with verbal sparring and sexual innuendo. And moreover it didn't stop at innuendo. The sexy scenes were exquisite and red-hot! But it's not just about the sexy scenes. This story was rife with emotional intensity that is trademark Cari Quinn and complemented the steamy heat Cari knows how to deliver and does so well.
This book had me in its intense grip from the first page to the last. I was totally immersed in Cory and Vicky and their story. Their characters were so well written, with back-stories that caught me by the throat and had me choking up numerous times. Their histories, their personalities, their compatibility both inside and outside the bedroom. It all worked, for the book and for me as the reader.
Though Cory and Vicky seem complete opposites they are more alike and compatible than they think and this created a wonderful story. A story I finished with tears in my eyes and a sob caught in my throat at the rightness and beauty of a story delivered in the best possible way it could have been delivered. A story where the characters were the stars and where the steamy, explicit sex scenes went beyond being the proverbial icing on the cake.
And next to this amazing couple Ms. Quinn also created some great secondary characters by way of family members and friends. I caught up with the couples from previous books and was introduced to new characters I’d love to get to know better.
I know (and if you follow my reviews you probably will too) Cari Quinn writes books I love. Books that are explicit, hot and emotional. Yet with every new book of hers I read she manages to catch me off guard and blow me completely away. NO ROMANCE REQUIRED was no different. I thought I was prepared for it this time, but I wasn’t. Not by a long shot. I have no words for Cory and Ms. Cari Quinn once again outdid herself.
Fave Scenes:
- the scene in Cory's office after the "proposition" > normally I hate interruptions in the sexual tension but loved how here the interruptions just amped up the sexy
- the yoga studio scene, the bathroom and the barn at Cory's parents' house scenes, the dining table scene, the desk at Cory’s office scene > and this is why Cari Quinn is one of my faves, those scenes were off the charts hot!
- Vicky opening up about her mother to Cory > such a beautifully written scene
- the scene at the airport > a sobbing and smiling mess, that’s what Cari Quinn reduces me to upon finishing her books.
Fave Quotes:
He was a distracting combination of megalomaniac and man candy, covered in geektastic frosting that wreaked hell on her hormones.
He had sought a woman who would do her girlfriendly tasks with a minimum of fuss, but Victoria was an oncoming locomotive. Loud, full of steam, and liable to mow a man down if he didn’t move quickly.
Her mouth was his playground, and he claimed it with a carnal patience that set off a desperate pulse in her core.
Adequate? She’d come so hard she’d worried her eyes would stay permanently crossed, and that’s what he had to say for himself?
August 17, 2013
Last year I picked up No Flowers Required and was blown away by the authors writing style and ability to suck me into her book. It was sweet, it was hot, and I loved it. One of my favorite reads of 2012. So imagine how excited I was when a rep for the author offered me an ARC of the next book in the series!
This book was everything I love - humor, romance, sex, angst - written so well that I could hardly put it down. I love when a book can suck me in like that and Cari Quinn hasn't disappointed me yet!
Cory is a workaholic in the worst way. Spending every waking minute taking care of the family business leaves him no time for a social life, let alone falling in love. It's so bad that his parents, who are retiring and moving south, have issued him an ultimatum - find a woman or you're out of a job.
Victoria is his interior designer/magazine co-editor. They've known each other since they were kids and have an unusual friendship that's mostly sarcastic and hostile. But they work well together, and there's an underlying attraction that neither one wants to address.
A situation presents itself where they end up in a compromising position that gets photographed and put in the paper, giving Cory the idea of asking Vic to be his pretend girlfriend, and get his parents off his back.
But what he didn't bargain for was how AWESOME she would be and how she'd make him feel things he never thought he could. Struggling to find a balance between work and the growing feelings he has for her, Cory and Victoria have to decide if what they are feeling for each other is worth risking their friendship over.
I absolutely LOVED these two! I hate whiny, spineless women in books and Victoria never seemed that way to me. Of course she had her concerns with Cory that she didn't voice immediately - but that is part of the suspense that keeps you reading more. And I loved that! And Cory...all moody and brooding...and oh so swoon-worthy. I loved him. This book had my heart pounding every time these two had any contact with each other - it was that intense and hot! Not to mention their banter back and forth was hilarious and I love that in a book.
An absolutely perfect addition to this series - Cari Quinn has done it again!
This book was everything I love - humor, romance, sex, angst - written so well that I could hardly put it down. I love when a book can suck me in like that and Cari Quinn hasn't disappointed me yet!
Cory is a workaholic in the worst way. Spending every waking minute taking care of the family business leaves him no time for a social life, let alone falling in love. It's so bad that his parents, who are retiring and moving south, have issued him an ultimatum - find a woman or you're out of a job.
Victoria is his interior designer/magazine co-editor. They've known each other since they were kids and have an unusual friendship that's mostly sarcastic and hostile. But they work well together, and there's an underlying attraction that neither one wants to address.
A situation presents itself where they end up in a compromising position that gets photographed and put in the paper, giving Cory the idea of asking Vic to be his pretend girlfriend, and get his parents off his back.
But what he didn't bargain for was how AWESOME she would be and how she'd make him feel things he never thought he could. Struggling to find a balance between work and the growing feelings he has for her, Cory and Victoria have to decide if what they are feeling for each other is worth risking their friendship over.
I absolutely LOVED these two! I hate whiny, spineless women in books and Victoria never seemed that way to me. Of course she had her concerns with Cory that she didn't voice immediately - but that is part of the suspense that keeps you reading more. And I loved that! And Cory...all moody and brooding...and oh so swoon-worthy. I loved him. This book had my heart pounding every time these two had any contact with each other - it was that intense and hot! Not to mention their banter back and forth was hilarious and I love that in a book.
An absolutely perfect addition to this series - Cari Quinn has done it again!
November 4, 2014
4 "Three strikes and I'm in..." Stars!
I love this series, each book just keeps getting better and better, and who knew Cory Santangelo was such a dirty, sweet and total softy under that starchy, unrelenting personality.
"There was only one Santangelo brother I ever wanted to take my chances with."
As with the previous novels there is a lot to laugh about in this book, but the underlying feelings and the back stories of both Cory and Vicky make you want to keep reading, and once again Cari has aced it with the sexy times for these two!
"I have priorities. And you with your hand between your legs sounds like an emergency to me."
Hot, Hot, Hot!!!
Looking forward to the next book in this series Bryan and Jill have been on the sidelines for far too long!
I love this series, each book just keeps getting better and better, and who knew Cory Santangelo was such a dirty, sweet and total softy under that starchy, unrelenting personality.
"There was only one Santangelo brother I ever wanted to take my chances with."
As with the previous novels there is a lot to laugh about in this book, but the underlying feelings and the back stories of both Cory and Vicky make you want to keep reading, and once again Cari has aced it with the sexy times for these two!
"I have priorities. And you with your hand between your legs sounds like an emergency to me."
Hot, Hot, Hot!!!
Looking forward to the next book in this series Bryan and Jill have been on the sidelines for far too long!
August 20, 2013
3.5 stars
NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is the third storyline in Cari Quinn’s erotic contemporary romance Love Required series. Although it is the third installment in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Some of the previous storyline characters are mentioned but their importance to the current story is connective only. No Romance Required focuses on CEO Cory Santangelo-a man who has no time for anything or anyone in his life except business- and Victoria Townsend-an interior designer who has been in love with Cory all of her life.
The premise of the story finds Cory needing a special someone in his life to keep his parents from hassling him about finding a wife and settling down. Now that his brother is in love, Cory feels the push to find that special someone-if only to please his parents. So, to keep everyone happy, Cory asks a favor of Victoria-pretend to be his girlfriend for a few weeks, to keep his parents happy. What neither one expected that the pretend relationship would become the real deal with broken hearts and painful loss.
The character of Cory was a little difficult to like in the initial stages of the storyline. He was cold; buried himself in work; and refused to acknowledge the pull between himself and the woman he has known most of his life. He was abrupt, condescending and rude but within a few chapters, his character started to turn around when he realized that Victoria Townsend was everything he wanted and needed in his life.
And Victoria was a bit of an enigma. A woman with a previous reputation from high school that the locals refused to let her forget, she is also a daughter and a sister first. And the secrets that she hides will push her over the edge and into Cory’s arms.
The writing style is simple. There are a few references to the previous storyline characters but overall there is no confusion or loss of cohesion in the story. The relationship between Cory and Victoria is both hot and cold; cold when Cory and Victoria continue to push one another about their personal lives and current arrangements; and hot when the faux relationship becomes sensual and sexual in the bedroom-just to keep it believable ;)
NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is a short storyline of frenemies to lovers-a long time in the making. Their relationship was a given by everyone but the two people at the center of the storm and it will take a family to ensure that Cory and Victoria know that they are perfect for each other.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is the third storyline in Cari Quinn’s erotic contemporary romance Love Required series. Although it is the third installment in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Some of the previous storyline characters are mentioned but their importance to the current story is connective only. No Romance Required focuses on CEO Cory Santangelo-a man who has no time for anything or anyone in his life except business- and Victoria Townsend-an interior designer who has been in love with Cory all of her life.
The premise of the story finds Cory needing a special someone in his life to keep his parents from hassling him about finding a wife and settling down. Now that his brother is in love, Cory feels the push to find that special someone-if only to please his parents. So, to keep everyone happy, Cory asks a favor of Victoria-pretend to be his girlfriend for a few weeks, to keep his parents happy. What neither one expected that the pretend relationship would become the real deal with broken hearts and painful loss.
The character of Cory was a little difficult to like in the initial stages of the storyline. He was cold; buried himself in work; and refused to acknowledge the pull between himself and the woman he has known most of his life. He was abrupt, condescending and rude but within a few chapters, his character started to turn around when he realized that Victoria Townsend was everything he wanted and needed in his life.
And Victoria was a bit of an enigma. A woman with a previous reputation from high school that the locals refused to let her forget, she is also a daughter and a sister first. And the secrets that she hides will push her over the edge and into Cory’s arms.
The writing style is simple. There are a few references to the previous storyline characters but overall there is no confusion or loss of cohesion in the story. The relationship between Cory and Victoria is both hot and cold; cold when Cory and Victoria continue to push one another about their personal lives and current arrangements; and hot when the faux relationship becomes sensual and sexual in the bedroom-just to keep it believable ;)
NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is a short storyline of frenemies to lovers-a long time in the making. Their relationship was a given by everyone but the two people at the center of the storm and it will take a family to ensure that Cory and Victoria know that they are perfect for each other.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 26, 2015
I picked this up on a whim (with out realizing it was the third book in a series). It was a fun enjoyable read. While I do admit Cory and Vicky were a little hard to connect with at first, I enjoyed their sparks. The overall plot of the the book was a bit of a stretch , I was willing to suspend disbelief and go with it because I really enjoyed Cari Quinn's writing... not to mention the steamy sex.
Cory and Vicky burned up the pages with their passion and those scenes were above and beyond the best thing about this book.
Cory and Vicky burned up the pages with their passion and those scenes were above and beyond the best thing about this book.
August 16, 2013
As per usual,I jump in the middle of a series without reading the first book in the series.This can be read as a standalone I believe.
Now for the book,okay read for me.What colored this book for me was the heroine,I am not a fan of sexually aggressive female heroines at all.,this is just my personal preferance is all.
Loved the hero,uptight,sexy bastard that he is.
I was curious about some of the other characters and maybe I will read their books down the line.
3.5***
Now for the book,okay read for me.What colored this book for me was the heroine,I am not a fan of sexually aggressive female heroines at all.,this is just my personal preferance is all.
Loved the hero,uptight,sexy bastard that he is.
I was curious about some of the other characters and maybe I will read their books down the line.
3.5***
March 20, 2014
Hated the hero. He's a douche.
August 22, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series
Ages of H and h: late 20s early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Ages of H and h: late 20s early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
May 3, 2018
3.5 stars
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
No Romance Required is the third book in the Love Required Series by Cari Quinn. Never having read the previous books in the series, or a book by Cari Quinn before I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this story. This book can be read as a stand alone, and I didn't feel as though I was at a huge disadvantage having not read the other books before this one. For me though, there were parts of this book that I liked, and there were parts that I did not care for.
Cory is a workaholic used to getting his way in everything he does. When his parents give him the ultimatum of find a girlfriend or lose control of the family business, he quickly decides that he needs a woman who will easily fit into his world without expecting a huge commitment. Victoria, his interior designer and longtime frienemy, is the last woman that would ever be his choice. However after a passionate kiss between the two of them is caught on camera and winds up in their local news paper, Cory decides that maybe she is the best option. Cory presents the idea to Victoria, but quickly changes his mind mid proposal. But Victoria isn't so quick to give up, as she has harbored a crush on him for many years. As the two set out to convince family and friends the relationship is real, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. It isn't long before both of them are wondering how to turn their fake relationship into a real one without scaring the other one off.
I really wanted to like Cory. He is sexy and smart and there is just something about a man in a suit! But unfortunately for me, I just didn't like his character. He was a jerk most of the time to Victoria and I honestly couldn't figure out why she would be interested in him besides the fact that he was gorgeous. Towards the end of the book he did start to grow on me and redeem himself, but at that point it was almost too late for me. Victoria is smart and sassy. Often times being feisty and refusing to let Cory control her, and yet I couldn't get over the fact that he is constantly trying to push her away and was not nice to her at all and she just kept going back for more. Their relationship just didn't make sense to me. I didn't really feel a connection between them or the emotions until the very end of the story. The only part of their relationship that worked for me was the sex. These two were smoking hot together and those scenes were by far the highlights of this book. They were well written and the steam generated between them was clear as day.
Another problem I had with this story was that the beginning was extremely slow for me and I just felt the pacing was off. It was hard for me to get into this one. Up until about half way through the book I really thought that I wasn't going to like this book at all. Luckily things started to get better at that point and the last half of the book really started to draw me in which is why I ended up giving this book a higher rating than I had originally intended. Cory and Victoria really started to convince me of their feelings towards the end, but it would have been nice to see some of their growth and depth earlier on. I think that the believablity wasn't quite there because of that. Overall, I think this was a pretty good story. For me, it's not one that i'm going to go back and reread over and over or be thinking about for a long period after though. It was for the most part enjoyable and the sex was hot. Those scenes really turned the book around for me and were worth reading this story for. If you are looking for some steamy sex scenes, this book definitely delivers, but Cory's character and the pacing just kept this book from being a home-run for me. I think that most fans of contemporary romance will find this to be a quick enjoyable read.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
No Romance Required is the third book in the Love Required Series by Cari Quinn. Never having read the previous books in the series, or a book by Cari Quinn before I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this story. This book can be read as a stand alone, and I didn't feel as though I was at a huge disadvantage having not read the other books before this one. For me though, there were parts of this book that I liked, and there were parts that I did not care for.
Cory is a workaholic used to getting his way in everything he does. When his parents give him the ultimatum of find a girlfriend or lose control of the family business, he quickly decides that he needs a woman who will easily fit into his world without expecting a huge commitment. Victoria, his interior designer and longtime frienemy, is the last woman that would ever be his choice. However after a passionate kiss between the two of them is caught on camera and winds up in their local news paper, Cory decides that maybe she is the best option. Cory presents the idea to Victoria, but quickly changes his mind mid proposal. But Victoria isn't so quick to give up, as she has harbored a crush on him for many years. As the two set out to convince family and friends the relationship is real, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. It isn't long before both of them are wondering how to turn their fake relationship into a real one without scaring the other one off.
I really wanted to like Cory. He is sexy and smart and there is just something about a man in a suit! But unfortunately for me, I just didn't like his character. He was a jerk most of the time to Victoria and I honestly couldn't figure out why she would be interested in him besides the fact that he was gorgeous. Towards the end of the book he did start to grow on me and redeem himself, but at that point it was almost too late for me. Victoria is smart and sassy. Often times being feisty and refusing to let Cory control her, and yet I couldn't get over the fact that he is constantly trying to push her away and was not nice to her at all and she just kept going back for more. Their relationship just didn't make sense to me. I didn't really feel a connection between them or the emotions until the very end of the story. The only part of their relationship that worked for me was the sex. These two were smoking hot together and those scenes were by far the highlights of this book. They were well written and the steam generated between them was clear as day.
Another problem I had with this story was that the beginning was extremely slow for me and I just felt the pacing was off. It was hard for me to get into this one. Up until about half way through the book I really thought that I wasn't going to like this book at all. Luckily things started to get better at that point and the last half of the book really started to draw me in which is why I ended up giving this book a higher rating than I had originally intended. Cory and Victoria really started to convince me of their feelings towards the end, but it would have been nice to see some of their growth and depth earlier on. I think that the believablity wasn't quite there because of that. Overall, I think this was a pretty good story. For me, it's not one that i'm going to go back and reread over and over or be thinking about for a long period after though. It was for the most part enjoyable and the sex was hot. Those scenes really turned the book around for me and were worth reading this story for. If you are looking for some steamy sex scenes, this book definitely delivers, but Cory's character and the pacing just kept this book from being a home-run for me. I think that most fans of contemporary romance will find this to be a quick enjoyable read.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
September 17, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/09/13/...
I’m a fan of Quinn’s books, so when she emailed me about her newest Love Required book, I was interested to see how things would work out between frenemies Cory and Vicky.
Cory is a workaholic CEO who has been waiting for the moment his parents retire to Arizona and he can take on the company full time. But between his daily duties, launching a magazine and everything else he has going on, Cory doesn’t have time to really live his life, and dating is totally out of the question. But his parents demand he start to slow down, and they think getting a girl is the perfect way to do it.
Vicky has crushed on Cory longer than she can remember, but he has always brushed her off. Until one night when he takes her higher than any man has before. Now their pictures are splashed across the newspaper gossip pages, and Cory asks Vicky to pretend to be his girlfriend. Vicky sees the opportunity to show Cory how they can be more than pretend, and jumps in. But her heart is on the line, and Cory is struggling with figuring out what is real, and what isn’t.
I always love stories when the hero and heroine are thrown together in a relationship they aren’t too sure they want. Although Vicky has crushed on Cory since they were kids, she also knows that she isn’t the kind of woman Cory wants to settle down with. She’s outspoken, a flirt, and has a larger-than-life personality, all things that Cory typically steers clear of. But as they explore their chemistry together, they are both shocked at how explosive they can be.
I thought the sex scenes with these two were off the charts. Not only does it take them forever to find a bedroom, but these two just have the kind of chemistry that keeps a book burning from page one. Every time the are next to one another, the sexual tension is spinning wildly out of control, and neither one of them cares to repress it. I adored their bathroom scene, especially since neither expected it. It was sexy and impulsive and so hot.
One of the things that I think Quinn knocked out of the park on this one was Cory’s apology. There was even a discussion between characters about how Cory needed to make a grand gesture in order to win Vicky’s trust once again, and he went all out. I loved his surprise, his willingness to rope in her brother (despite the fact the man hated him), and just how well he was willing to go to win her back. It was sweet and the perfect ending to the story.
All in all I was glad to see a few characters make another appearance, and loved our hero and heroine. Cory and Vicky were the perfect “opposites attract” couple, and both their romance and sexual chemistry was so fun to read. I can’t wait to see what Quinn has in store next.
I give No Romance Required a B+
I’m a fan of Quinn’s books, so when she emailed me about her newest Love Required book, I was interested to see how things would work out between frenemies Cory and Vicky.
Cory is a workaholic CEO who has been waiting for the moment his parents retire to Arizona and he can take on the company full time. But between his daily duties, launching a magazine and everything else he has going on, Cory doesn’t have time to really live his life, and dating is totally out of the question. But his parents demand he start to slow down, and they think getting a girl is the perfect way to do it.
Vicky has crushed on Cory longer than she can remember, but he has always brushed her off. Until one night when he takes her higher than any man has before. Now their pictures are splashed across the newspaper gossip pages, and Cory asks Vicky to pretend to be his girlfriend. Vicky sees the opportunity to show Cory how they can be more than pretend, and jumps in. But her heart is on the line, and Cory is struggling with figuring out what is real, and what isn’t.
I always love stories when the hero and heroine are thrown together in a relationship they aren’t too sure they want. Although Vicky has crushed on Cory since they were kids, she also knows that she isn’t the kind of woman Cory wants to settle down with. She’s outspoken, a flirt, and has a larger-than-life personality, all things that Cory typically steers clear of. But as they explore their chemistry together, they are both shocked at how explosive they can be.
I thought the sex scenes with these two were off the charts. Not only does it take them forever to find a bedroom, but these two just have the kind of chemistry that keeps a book burning from page one. Every time the are next to one another, the sexual tension is spinning wildly out of control, and neither one of them cares to repress it. I adored their bathroom scene, especially since neither expected it. It was sexy and impulsive and so hot.
One of the things that I think Quinn knocked out of the park on this one was Cory’s apology. There was even a discussion between characters about how Cory needed to make a grand gesture in order to win Vicky’s trust once again, and he went all out. I loved his surprise, his willingness to rope in her brother (despite the fact the man hated him), and just how well he was willing to go to win her back. It was sweet and the perfect ending to the story.
All in all I was glad to see a few characters make another appearance, and loved our hero and heroine. Cory and Vicky were the perfect “opposites attract” couple, and both their romance and sexual chemistry was so fun to read. I can’t wait to see what Quinn has in store next.
I give No Romance Required a B+
October 1, 2013
Review as posted on http://daydrmzzz.blogspot.com
Wowza! ! I just finished reading, No Romance Required, the long-awaited book by another favorite author of mine, Cari Quinn. I freaking love this woman and her stories! I always know I will get characters I will fall in love with and storytelling that will capture my heart.
Let me just start off by saying how much I LOVED Cory! OMG! Behind his standoffish and workaholic persona, lays a man with some sexy and *gasp* kinky tendencies. It all began after some bantering between Cory and Vicky that turned into raw, smoldering heat at a gazebo for anyone to see. These two characters had incredible chemistry and I enjoyed the sparks, witty dialogue and banter whenever they were in the same room. They both had issues in their personal life; Cory being consumed with work and no interest in a long-term relationship and Vicky being afraid of getting abandoned again by those she loves. I loved that Vicky was a strong heroine and was not afraid of anything that Cory dished out.
What started out as a "fake" relationship between him and Vicky to appease his parents, turned into something more meaningful than either one of them ever imagined. And the sex just kept getting hotter and hotter and I almost self-combusted after the wax play scene on the dining room table! *fans self* You will need some ice to cool off or help get things hotter again. LOL! Cari did a terrific job writing that scene and depicting each move and sensation experienced by both her characters. She just blew my mind and had me distracted all day until I could finish the book.
This story was sexy, hot, sweet and romantic and the ending just melted my heart *swoon* Two secondary characters, Bryan and Jill, were introduced in this story and I'm hoping they will get their story in the future. In the meantime, I'm already anxiously waiting for the next book by this wonderful author.
Wowza! ! I just finished reading, No Romance Required, the long-awaited book by another favorite author of mine, Cari Quinn. I freaking love this woman and her stories! I always know I will get characters I will fall in love with and storytelling that will capture my heart.
Let me just start off by saying how much I LOVED Cory! OMG! Behind his standoffish and workaholic persona, lays a man with some sexy and *gasp* kinky tendencies. It all began after some bantering between Cory and Vicky that turned into raw, smoldering heat at a gazebo for anyone to see. These two characters had incredible chemistry and I enjoyed the sparks, witty dialogue and banter whenever they were in the same room. They both had issues in their personal life; Cory being consumed with work and no interest in a long-term relationship and Vicky being afraid of getting abandoned again by those she loves. I loved that Vicky was a strong heroine and was not afraid of anything that Cory dished out.
What started out as a "fake" relationship between him and Vicky to appease his parents, turned into something more meaningful than either one of them ever imagined. And the sex just kept getting hotter and hotter and I almost self-combusted after the wax play scene on the dining room table! *fans self* You will need some ice to cool off or help get things hotter again. LOL! Cari did a terrific job writing that scene and depicting each move and sensation experienced by both her characters. She just blew my mind and had me distracted all day until I could finish the book.
This story was sexy, hot, sweet and romantic and the ending just melted my heart *swoon* Two secondary characters, Bryan and Jill, were introduced in this story and I'm hoping they will get their story in the future. In the meantime, I'm already anxiously waiting for the next book by this wonderful author.
September 29, 2013
What a fun and sexy story! I want to read other books by the author because this couple is awesome.
Me gané este eBook en la página de facebook de la autora, la verdad es que no había leído ningún libro suyo pero tenía mucha curiosidad. La historia nos muestra a un protagonista que es un trabajador obsesivo, Cory es un tipo exitoso, dirige la empresa familiar, es guapo... pero está tan obsesionado con todo lo que tiene que ver con su trabajo que su cuerpo (y su familia) ya empieza a resentirlo. Cuando sus padres le ponen una especie de ultimátum, sabe que tiene que conseguir una novia en lo que sus padres se mudan a una nueva ciudad, después podrá volver a su vida normal. Por un pequeño accidente y una foto publicada en el periódico, Cory termina envuelto en una relación con Victoria, una de las decoradoras de interiores que trabaja en su empresa, adorada por los padres de él, de hecho, pero... Cory no la soporta (eso piensa él y eso cree ella). En fin, que estos dos empiezan una relación de los más torpe y terminan enredados en una relación de lo más dulce. Realmente me encantó leer No Romance Required. Creo que Cari Quinn hizo una historia con personajes muy humanos, muy carismáticos y sobre todo, muy intensos. Una novela sexy (bastante, quedan advertidos), con un pequeño toque BDSM que me hizo releer dos veces esa escena de lo genial que fue. Se las recomiendo.
Me gané este eBook en la página de facebook de la autora, la verdad es que no había leído ningún libro suyo pero tenía mucha curiosidad. La historia nos muestra a un protagonista que es un trabajador obsesivo, Cory es un tipo exitoso, dirige la empresa familiar, es guapo... pero está tan obsesionado con todo lo que tiene que ver con su trabajo que su cuerpo (y su familia) ya empieza a resentirlo. Cuando sus padres le ponen una especie de ultimátum, sabe que tiene que conseguir una novia en lo que sus padres se mudan a una nueva ciudad, después podrá volver a su vida normal. Por un pequeño accidente y una foto publicada en el periódico, Cory termina envuelto en una relación con Victoria, una de las decoradoras de interiores que trabaja en su empresa, adorada por los padres de él, de hecho, pero... Cory no la soporta (eso piensa él y eso cree ella). En fin, que estos dos empiezan una relación de los más torpe y terminan enredados en una relación de lo más dulce. Realmente me encantó leer No Romance Required. Creo que Cari Quinn hizo una historia con personajes muy humanos, muy carismáticos y sobre todo, muy intensos. Una novela sexy (bastante, quedan advertidos), con un pequeño toque BDSM que me hizo releer dos veces esa escena de lo genial que fue. Se las recomiendo.
August 11, 2013
4.5 stars
I am a huge fan of Cari Quinn's, so naturally I have been eagerly anticipating No Romance Required's release. It was just as good as her others, and I think I have found a new favorite. The tension between the two protagonists is insane. No Romance Required is a tale of a fake relationship and Cari Quinn tells that story so brilliantly. I already cannot wait to see what is next for her.
This one fell just short of perfect for me. I really just loved it - the storyline on both the part of Victoria and that of Cory was great. I wish I had gotten to spend a little more time with both characters, particularly Vicky, to learn more about her back story.
The relationship between Cory and Victoria is absolutely smoking! I loved the slow build of their relationship that they both have been fighting off for so long.
I still say you can never go wrong with a Cari Quinn book - and No Romance Required shows exactly that. A quick paced romance that doesn't let you put it down for a moment is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
I am a huge fan of Cari Quinn's, so naturally I have been eagerly anticipating No Romance Required's release. It was just as good as her others, and I think I have found a new favorite. The tension between the two protagonists is insane. No Romance Required is a tale of a fake relationship and Cari Quinn tells that story so brilliantly. I already cannot wait to see what is next for her.
This one fell just short of perfect for me. I really just loved it - the storyline on both the part of Victoria and that of Cory was great. I wish I had gotten to spend a little more time with both characters, particularly Vicky, to learn more about her back story.
The relationship between Cory and Victoria is absolutely smoking! I loved the slow build of their relationship that they both have been fighting off for so long.
I still say you can never go wrong with a Cari Quinn book - and No Romance Required shows exactly that. A quick paced romance that doesn't let you put it down for a moment is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
February 10, 2015
This is one of the better books in this series. Cory and Vic were hot together. I think that sometimes this author throws something's into the storyline and then forgets to readdress them. Either way I still loved this book. I like how Cory was so afraid that he was going to ruin things. I read a few reviews and allot of people thought he was mean to Vic in actuality I think some of it was the regular banter between the two of them. A few times I thought he could've been a bit more forward but he was afraid to be alone. I do wish they addressed her sister and how he only thought she was appropriate not that he was actually attracted to her I think that should've been addressed not that it was a large part of the story at all but all in all this was a good read. I think all of her stories just sort of end. There is a climatic point then resolution then over.
October 13, 2013
Well... what can I say about this book? It's a hazard. Nearly set my Nook on fire. There should be a disclaimer! :-) I absolutely fell in love with Cory. There's something about him that sparked my interest in No Flowers Required and in No Romance Required, I found out exactly what that was! Want to know? Read it and fall in love with him yourself, ladies. :-p The writing is fantastic, and let me tell you... Cari can write a scorching scene vivid enough for you need some fresh air. Vicky's character was well developed. I could easily see her as a friend. I enjoyed the frenemies angle and found myself itching for more. You will not be disappointed if you pick up this book. In fact, it's guaranteed to make you a Cari Quinn fan!
October 23, 2016
Cory is a no nonsense man and he has no patience, “for Christ’s sake, will you just shut up and get naked?” Cory's a bear when things don't got his way, “what is this proper effing notice ****? You used to be available when I wanted you. Now you’re so important that I need to schedule everything?” I loved this book, even with Cory being all stuck up.
August 15, 2013
Wow! I took a day off to relax and ended reading the whole book! that is how good it is. I couldn't put it down. I love that kind of love/hate relationships, frennemy type!
Once again, Cari Quinn was able to make me forget life outside my book!
A.MUST.READ.
Once again, Cari Quinn was able to make me forget life outside my book!
A.MUST.READ.
August 23, 2013
3.5 stars
The whole relationship between them just seemed non believable and it was hard to really connect with either of them.
The whole relationship between them just seemed non believable and it was hard to really connect with either of them.
October 3, 2015
3.5 stars
November 26, 2016
"Complete forest fire, no extinguisher needed" describes the first sexual encounter of the main characters of this story, Cory and Victoria. Cory Santangelo is admittedly a workaholic with no anticipated change in that status in the foreseeable future, fully engaged as CEO of Value Hardware chain and impending launch of the new lifestyle magazine, "Simply Home". As his parents plan to retire and move away they issue an ultimatum designed to protect Cory from his own self-sacrificing, overworking lifestyle. If Cory does not date and establish a social life, find a partner, they will replace him as CEO. Cory has little hope of finding love; finding a partner who can cope with his work schedule. As he tried to sneak away from the charity event, he noticed a woman talking on the telephone by the gazebo. As he came closer he identified the voice of his 'scarily efficient' colleague, interior designer Victoria Townsend. They had known each other since high school and were close in an entirely oil and water sort of way. Victoria was crying and when she noticed him, to try to lighten the mood he brought up a high school memory to annoy her and hopefully distract her from whatever was making her sad. Despite the fact that he and Victoria could argue about anything and nothing, when he saw her this night, somehow on this night he was instantly aroused. Victoria, not known for mincing her words called him on his appearance and pushed him to his limit and he responded by calling her bluff with some scorching body on body action. Her response was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Cory didn't know that Victoria had wanted him since high school and now in their 30's the pot had boiled over. The timing couldn't be more perfect. His parents wanted to see him in a relationship and Victoria wanted him. It was, as Cory thought, "nothing but pure sweet relief that it was so damn good between them. Victoria agreed to 'faking a relationship until his parents left, to protect his Cory's job. At the same time, the became closer and more intimate yet neither ready to admit or accept that the relationship was real. Victoria wanted everything and was not willing to accept anything less and that couldn't happen with Cory fully committed only to work.
The push and pull of their attempts to meet each other's needs was beautiful. Cory was entirely alpha at work and in the bedroom. One of the hottest and most intimate scenes I've ever read occurred on the dining room table with candles, wax, ice, music and ...........
Passion, deception, anticipation, family secrets and hold-your-breath romance make this story a must read.
The push and pull of their attempts to meet each other's needs was beautiful. Cory was entirely alpha at work and in the bedroom. One of the hottest and most intimate scenes I've ever read occurred on the dining room table with candles, wax, ice, music and ...........
Passion, deception, anticipation, family secrets and hold-your-breath romance make this story a must read.
November 17, 2016
I found a gem in this series and cant wait to read the other 3 books in this series. Cory Santangelo is hard worker actually all he does is work, until the night him and Vicky Townsend get steamy in a gazebo outside a banquet. And when he finds out that his perfect reputation along with his job are disappearing because they were caught on camera, he gets an idea that if they pretend to be dating it will fix everything. Vicky always had a thing for Cory even though they are always at eachother throats she still always wanted him, so she agrees thinking this was perfect for them both. But neither expected they would fall for eachother and how can she compete when Corys first love will always be his job.
January 8, 2017
I loved these characters, this book, their story - the was something in them that poked at me and made me want them to cuddle. In a case of opposites attract, this was everything isn't as it seems!
A great love story, lots of sexy moments, lots of pulls at the heart strings, and two people who are unabashed in who they are, yet, forget to look at themselves for who they really are
Needless to say, loved it!
A great love story, lots of sexy moments, lots of pulls at the heart strings, and two people who are unabashed in who they are, yet, forget to look at themselves for who they really are
Needless to say, loved it!
December 20, 2020
I don't know why couples fighting appeals to me so much. It's not like I'm a big fighter myself. I think it's the tension that comes with it. Or the fact that the female characters shows she can't handle her own. [SPOILER] Cory and Victoria knows how to fight. In the end I loved their agreement to only fight in a certain room to unsure the make up in a proper way. This series only got better in my opinion. I'm glad I stuck with it.
July 30, 2021
I can't even! This fighting duo are so hilarious they can't even see how great they are. Tears in my eyes at the end, when Cory realizes what he wants and needs, and figures out the best way to get Victoria on board.
Fabulous reading, a heart warming love story.
Fabulous reading, a heart warming love story.
October 22, 2017
3.75 stars
July 6, 2021
Boring!
Read
August 16, 2022Sample.
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