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Laying it all on the line for love…

Adele Radcliff has worked hard to erase the sins of her past. The ex-burlesque dancer is now an accountant in Vegas and has her life on track. Until one steamy interlude with her friend’s brother changes everything…

Reid Harper may be tired of the hand-shaking, back-slapping and baby-kissing, but politics is all he knows. His job consumes him. Until he meets Adele and the gorgeous redhead becomes his new focus.
Reid wants a relationship, Adele doesn’t. A decision reinforced when Adele discovers she’s pregnant. She has too many secrets to hide and can’t risk Reid getting too close.

But Reid has other ideas and when he learns the startling truth, how far will he go to prove their future is more important than the past?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2013

47 people are currently reading
707 people want to read

About the author

Nicola Marsh

424 books1,446 followers
USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.

She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.

She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.

She loves chatting on social media!

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5 stars
132 (22%)
4 stars
175 (30%)
3 stars
195 (33%)
2 stars
63 (10%)
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15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews80 followers
August 26, 2013

We all work hard to erase things in our past that we never want uncovered. It may even be something so low and out of character, you fear if people discover the truth, they will be shocked and may even say they never really knew you, and you never see or hear from them again.

In the latest from Nicola Marsh, this is the exact fear Adele has. Once a Burlesque Bombshell dancer, she has worked hard to make a name for herself as an honest, hard working accountant. She keeps on track as best she can and always remains focused.

Then she falls at the hands of temptation when do-me-now- Reid winks in her direction. But Reid is a politician who could never get involved with the likes of her, especially if he learns the awful truth of who she once was. So what to do about their one night stand surprise? Tell him and risk the truth of her past being revealed leaving their child hanging in the balance, or simply walk away and start over?

The character of Adele was really awesome, the kind of heroine that all woman with a terrible past can learn from. She rises from the ashes and fights her way to the top in an honest and hard-working way. Her past was less than pretty but it was also hard-working, even if it wasn't honest and classy. Adele comes across as a loving person who would do anything for those she cares about, even stain her life in a manner that can never be fully erased, no matter how good she tries to be.

Reid was a true kiss-me-now and kiss-me-senseless kind of hero. I loved that he has to call his friends in as backup for relationship advice. Though it showed him as a little clueless, it also made him more real since many times in real life, men are indeed clueless and need some advice. Unlike the perfect heroes we find in some reads( I know we all still love those) who somehow act both incorrectly and at the same time correctly, Reid was just plain old, real life, I-want-the-girl-and-I-want-her-any-way-I-can-get-her material. I simply adored it. Well done Nicola!

The backdrop settings and dialogue were sexy and so passionate it left me breathless. I am taking away the message that the past is in the past, don't let it hold you back from seeking your future. If it is within your grasp then take the risk and let it all out. You might or might not be forgiven and still seen as the person you wanted to be, but at least you shall be free from always looking over your shoulder and hoping the truth stays hidden.

I recommend this read for fans of Nicola Marsh's more risqué writing. Unlike her Harlequin's, this read contains swear words and much hotter sex scenes than what you are use to. But if you simply adore anything this author writes, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed and I urge you to get a copy of this read right away!

5/5 stars review

"He can be the one to take away her past and show her the best future"
Profile Image for Nancy Crocker.
230 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2013
Blush (Burlesque Bombshells) by Nicola Marsh

On the Beach of Prince Island to celebrate the marriage of a friend two unlikely people are about to share what is suppose to be a one night stand. But Adele Radcliff and Reid Harper cannot forget those few hours of passion they shared.

Adele Radcliff works and an accountant for Burlesque Bombshell. She has worked hard to better her life and is proud of her accomplishments. While she is good friends with Jess “Reid’s sister” and Chantal her boss. She has a dark past that no one’s knows about and she is planning on keeping it that way. Because becoming involved with a politician will exposed everything and that is something she will not risk for either of them.

Reid Harper is a politician on the fast track to becoming a State Senator. He just can’t get the red head he had amazing sex with on the beach out of his head. When he visits Adele in Vegas it is like they never separated. But he is shocked to learn she does not want a relationship with him. Even when she discovers she is pregnant.

The passion was intense and perfect in this novel. These two just could not keep their hands off each other no matter how much they tried. I loved how Jess and Jack were there to help out Reid who was relationship clueless. And the banter between Reid and Jack was really funny to read. But the best part of this story was overcoming ones past. And accepting someone for who they had become and not what they lived through. I felt the story was totally believable and that these two were meant to be together. I also loved how Adele was really thinking of Reid and not wanting to cost him his career.


Favorite line:

“I’d like to tell you I dragged him back to Burlesque Bombshell and had wild monkey sex with him on my desk, on the stage and in every other freaking room in the place.”

5/5 stars

I received a copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,289 followers
August 30, 2013

This had insta-hot which turned into insta-love, a sacrifice to cause a conflict and in the end, a HEA. There is a set up for the next book with secondary characters. No cliffy and was quick, free and fine.
Profile Image for TashNz.
729 reviews21 followers
September 12, 2013
Blush is Book 2 of Nicola Marsh's Burlesque Bombshell sizzling series.

Starting off where book 1, Brash, finished Jess sticks to her word and introduces her brother Reid to Adele, Burlesque Bombshell's accountant. Reid is an up and coming politician with his sights set on Senate. Adele has seen him speak before and was completely smitten... so a one-night stand? Why not! They're on a secluded island of paradise; at a wedding and will probably never see each other again so both Adele and Reid let go for a night and they get right on down to business in a secluded island cave.

This is usually the point where you walk away, and remember it fondly as one of the best one-night-stands EVER and move on with your life. Not for Adele and Reid, they cant forget each other, it's an impossible feat so Reid pursues Adele relentlessly and roadblocks are blocking every corner. A politician heading for senate needs to keep his track record clean... seeing someone who works at Burlesque Bombshell's isn't going to achieve that. And Adele has her own little secrets she's not ready to share.

Reid is quite a mesmerising hero. He knows what he wants. He wants Adele and he knows he can kick all the roadblocks out of the way... but what will he think of the complete smashed up road block he's about to encounter??? Adele is such a hard lil worker and has achieved so much you genuinely want her to have her happy ever after and right till the end you're hoping she'll help Reid smash all walls down.

With a set up of mainly Vegas you know anything goes and it does in Blush. It's a hot, fast paced, edge-of-your-seat rocking good read! Blush is also a fun read, a sizzling HOT read... in terms of chilli hot level, this is high combustion level!

I loved the recurring characters from Brash and I cant wait to read Chantel and Zane's story in 2014.

Dont walk past this series if you want a bit of fun and escapism, Brash and Blush perfectly hit the spot.

4 stars
Profile Image for Shiran.
356 reviews42 followers
November 24, 2014
4 steamy, love fuelled, emotional stars

After reading the first two books in this series I wasn't too sure I liked Reid, I mean I liked him as Jess's big brother but I wasn't too sure his story would be as amazing as the first one. I'm so very happy I was wrong. This book made me fall head over heels for Reid.

I loved this story, Adele is an awesome character. I liked that she had a a past and wasn't perfect. I also liked that the roles were kind of reversed in this book, Adele was the one pushing Reid away for his own good. I'm so happy that Adele was a real woman, someone who didn't jump at the prospect of being with Reid even as a secret. I'm tired of those pathetic, love-sick Ana Steele characters and I found Adele so refreshing and strong.

This story sucked me in from the moment Reid and Adele took a walk on the beach. I enjoyed taking the journey with these two characters and being there to see them come together. Once again Marsh has created a story worth reading and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Profile Image for Erica.
887 reviews19 followers
August 28, 2013
Second instalment to the Burlesque Bombshells series is freaking Awesome!!!

Reid was an excellent example of a great character. He is driven by his work in politics but this comes a crashing when he feels more for Adele than he imagined. I loved how he wanted to treat her like a lady even though they had only one night together. When Adele rejects him he doesn't give up and wants to prove himself to her.

Adele is fantastic such obstacles to overcome and still come out on top. She was a Burlesque Dancer which she did only to pay her way through school to become an accountant. I loved that she has turned her life around to make something better of herself Girl Power!!!!! Her reasons for shutting Reid out are good ones.

Adele's secret is a doozy and the way Reid handles it is immensely respectful and a perfect answer, handled beautifully, could not have asked for more. Having a secret past can put a stopper in anyone wanting a relationship but overcoming it for love now that is extraordinary.

Together they are quite electric I loved that they couldn't get enough of each other and their limited interludes were scorching. I loved that they were straight into each other that first meeting and you see those sparks flying right off the page. I liked that they both hadn't been in relationships for a really long time it was like they both came online at the same time their awareness and need for each other is exciting.

I loved that they were both equally affected by the “one night stand” encounter. Their constant need to want to reach out to one another but not doing anything about it was understandable they had really good reasons that could affect alot.

I was so glad to have Jess (Reid's sister and star of Brash Book 1) and even a little of Jack make a few appearances in this instalment Loved her in her story. Her little advice one on ones with Reid are awesome she tells him the truth and makes him see it. The slight banter between friend Reid and Jack is hilarious loved it.

Reid's choice between career or love is an interesting one can you really give up what you have worked years to achieve or do you really want to give up something or someone you will never find again.

Chantal is a refreshing character and such a hoot. I'm so excited that she is the main in the next instalment and with another sexy Aussie male lead Zane HOT!!! Love those Aussie's

This story maybe short but there is so much going on you will feel as if you were reading something longer. Such a page turner!!!! I hope to read more about their story in coming instalments!!!

So if your looking for something sweet and romantic with some emotion and heat, some amazing character and awesome writing give this a go.
Profile Image for Chu.
1,459 reviews72 followers
December 16, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

She might be an accountant now, but before she became that boring girl behind the spreadsheet – this girl had a very colorful past. Adele Radcliff was a burlesque dancer. She tries to forget it, even change the way she dresses and puts her life on the right track – until that destination wedding on the beach, one steamy encounter with her friend’s brother made it all so complicated.

Reid Harper is getting tired of his boring, routine life. But politics is his life, it is what he has been doing ever since. It what he wants to do – or so he thinks until he meets Adele, and suddenly he loses his focus and all he can think about is this girl.

Reid is willing to try ‘relationships’, Adele doesn’t. She knew if the press would get a hold of her past, they will have a field day. She wasn’t ready to tell him about it, even when she found out that she’s pregnant.

But he wouldn’t give her up, not when he finally knew they would have a baby. He would do anything to prove to her that he can be the man she needs.

The beach interlude was hot, and I can imagine how hard it must be for Adele to walk away without looking back. These two were perfect for each other – they have lived their lives accordingly, they needed a break from the monotony of their schedules and enjoy life. They did, what both of them didn’t expect was to get a souvenir from it. I understand how hard it must be for Adele to give up Reid because of her past. Politicians are judge not just of their character, but even the characters of those people surrounding them. But again, past is past. She might have done those things out of desperation, but she was rewarded with success, and when she finally did make it, she stopped. I wish she’d trusted Reid more than assume he wouldn’t want her. As for Reid – He’s smart, he’s hot and successful – who doesn’t want this type of man?! He can be stupid at times, but nevertheless a complete gentleman. What he did in the end of the novel, wasn’t really a sacrifice, but a realization. I’m glad he came across it before he loses the best thing that might ever happen to him.


This novel is short, romantic and hot. I’m all for grand gestures, wasting jet fuels to prove your feelings! It’s a perfect late-night read!

★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2013
Wow! Great fast read that definitely grabs your attention right off the bat. Reid (never met a character with that name that wasn't steamy) and Adele had such an amazing instant connection. Loved their story, their HEA and the way he pursued her. It was fun to see the interaction with Jess and Jack as well as Chantal. Just wished it would have been a tad longer, I wasn't ready to let them go, looking forward to Chantal and Zane's story next!
Profile Image for Dia.
534 reviews151 followers
May 9, 2016
I liked this book. I think it's better than Brash. Even if it's kind of short it was a nice story and I was so curious to find out how is going to come out the attraction between the two, Adele and Reid. I wasn't sure if Reid was going to leave politics behind, but I loved him for his choises. Even if Adele wanted the best for him I didn't agree with pushing him away. The end of the story was great, I loved the way they worked out their problems.
Profile Image for Claire  (Jst1MoreChapter).
380 reviews45 followers
April 15, 2015
Another great read from Nicola Marsh... after reading Before and Brash I knew I would love this little book! I wasn't sure I would like Adele as a character but she was really nice, and Reid was delish!

As I've said before I do have a slight eye-roll reaction for insta-love stories, I get insta-lust, it's what these books are made of but, saying that, these books are short, sweet and hot, they're well written and they make me smile and feel good... I can't wait to read the rest of the series
Profile Image for Sharon Dunn.
1,226 reviews22 followers
September 2, 2013
A must read, feel good book! Adele has finally found the one she can't live without only to let him go because loving him could destroy him! Read on to find out what happens! Can't wait to read about Zane and Chantel!
Profile Image for Veronica Franco.
486 reviews16 followers
August 31, 2013
After the first one of course i harrased my friend for this one 2, little bummer that the third one is not out yet
Profile Image for Michelle Preece.
105 reviews
August 29, 2013
loved it loved it loved it
just goes to show a gal soiled with a crappy life ends up in a great job then meets the man of her dreams really.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
September 9, 2013
Very fast paced, loved Reeds willingness to get things done when he knows what he wanted.
Profile Image for MamaBear2019.
583 reviews27 followers
September 17, 2013
Enjoed this!! Now I need to go back and read book 1, cant wait for book 3
Profile Image for Tee Loves Books.
950 reviews
February 14, 2014
Another great addition to the Burlesque Bombshells series! Loved getting inside Reid's head, he's sexy and sweet and absolutely deserved his happily ever after!
Profile Image for Kelly.
524 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2014
BLUSH

BLUSH

What a great read. The author does an amazing job with the characters in this book. looking forward to more stories with the same characters.
Profile Image for T.
708 reviews13 followers
February 2, 2015
Iʻm sure this made every girl with a ʻone that got awayʻ sit up and cheer. Great second half to this story!
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,425 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2017
Blush is by far my favorite addition to the Bombshells series, it had heart, angst, and some seriously steamy sexy times that had me in dire need of a fan!! The writing in this series is top notch, and the stories and the characters within them are truly unforgettable!! Highly recommend you meet the couples from the Bombshells series, they are sure to leave you with a happy heart ... and a permanent blush!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2017
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews59 followers
December 8, 2018
Blush begins with Adele Radcliff, a current accountant, and Reid Harper, current politician meet and have an explosive one night stand. After this one night things get crazy when Reid, and Adele can't seem to stay away from each other. They both know it is more than just sex, but Adele keeps pushing Reid away. She's hiding something from him that will change both of their lives forever.

I have to say this book was interesting. I enjoyed it, though it felt kind of short. Other than that I really didn't care for Adele. I hated how she kept saying she was keeping her secret to save Reid's career when in truth she was mainly saving herself. Not only that when this particular "secret" is being kept a secret to me Adele is actually being super selfish. She's not thinking about the "secret" at all she's just thinking about her self, and Reid. It drove me nuts that she did that. But I really liked Reid. I loved how he wasn't going to give up on what he wanted. This was a really nice read. Very fast paced, and most of the characters were very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,861 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2014
I would have liked the story more but there were some inconsistencies between the first two books and this one. The main one is that Chantel was Reid's cousin in the first two books but just a friend in this book, who wanted details on Reid's sex life with Adele. I liked Reid but Adele got on my nerves at times because she just seemed too whiney. I wasn't expecting her dark secret to be what it was, but if that is all that she did, then it was not as bad as it could have been. I did like that the couple was already in their 30's instead of the their 20's so there was that maturity, especially on Reid's part. With Chantel being in her 30's also, hopefully her story will be more mature thatn what is out there to read.
Profile Image for Trisha.
861 reviews27 followers
March 3, 2015
Oops, I read book #2 before realising it was book #2 and there was a book #1 before it. That's okay - it's about different characters! If you're looking for a nice 'happily ever after' that ends in all the happy ways you could want of a romance, then this is the book for you. It also has an enjoyable 'steamy' factor.

Reid is an enjoyable hero and I like Adele's feistiness, though I don't know if I really see her as a particularly strong character. But she did speak her mind to Reid on numerous occasions, so I guess she wasn't afraid to let her thoughts / feelings be known - even if they weren't her *true* thoughts & feelings, at first.
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