Dirty Trick

Perfectly Matched #1

by Christine Bell

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

This matchmaker's about to meet her match...

Grace Love is lousy with men. She can spot a match for someone else a mile away, and her balls-on instincts are why her matchmaking business is thriving, but finding her own Prince Charming? The only guy who makes her sixth sense tingle is her playboy best friend, Trick, and no way is she risking their friendship, no matter how hot she knows the sex will be.

SWAT officer Trick Mathews is a patient guy, but Grace’s inability to see what’s right in front of her is grinding on his last nerve. Yeah, he blew his shot at breaking out of the friend zone when he tamped down the urge to lick her from head to toe the day they met, but he’s got a plan that’ll change her mind. Incognito at Salem's hottest Halloween party, he’ll show her exactly how good they could be…and that he’s the man for her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Erotica, Adult, Halloween

250 pages, ebook

First published September 23, 2013

About the author

Christine Bell is a romance author and also writes erotic romance as Chloe Cole. She and her handsome hubby currently reside in Pennsylvania with a four-pack of teenage boys. If she gets time off from her duties as maid, chef, chauffeur, or therapist, she can be found reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from Young Adult novels to books on poker theory. She doesn’t like root beer, clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but lurrves chocolate, going to the movies, the New York Giants and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she would be a pirate…or, like, a ninja maybe. She loves writing steamy romance stories, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with a rusty spoon. Christine loves to hear from readers, so please contact her through her website, www.christine-bell.com

Reviews

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a name like Trick, the hero can't help but be a little mischievous. While the plot isn't entirely in the realm of believability, I did enjoy it. This is a friends to lovers story. Trick goes about his pursuit in all the wrong ways but I'm glad the heroine is able to come out of her shell as a result. I wish it would've been a little more straight-forward than it was, but the end result is the same. Grace and Trick get their HFN. The pacing and writing was good. Their chemistry excellent with delish sexy scenes. The characters do experience some growth but I would say that it had potential for additional growth. Safety: When they meet, the heroine knows Trick is a man-whore. He doesn't completely stop his ways, but instead slows down significantly "except to take care of his need". He stops bringing them to his apt. No others after they get together. No rape or abuse.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[• Lisa • · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 LIKEABLE STARS.



I've been devouring my Brazen book collection over the last few weeks and I've been falling in lust and love and giving out my four and five stars gladly, but it stops here I'm sorry to say, but don't be too concerned even though i didn't fall into love with this story I most certainly fell into like and gave a respectable three (and a half) stars away. Here are my book thoughts ...

What's it all about?
Grace Love (yes, that's her real name) is a professional match maker, love is her expertise only trouble is this life sized Cupid is having difficulties with her very own happily ever after. Grace doesn't have that much experience of a fulfilling relationship and with a failed long term love life and the biggest crush on her hot best friend things couldn't get more complicated for this scatty beauty. Patrick 'trick' Matthews has had plenty of experience between the sheets but when it comes to matters of the heart this police hero is lost, he has been in love with his friend from the moment he met her, so when an opportunity arises for Trick to seduce his best friend without her discovering his identity it's a chance he's more than willing to take. But when secrets are revealed will this loved up duo find what they have been longing for together?



What did I like?
It's no secret that I love a cute, sexy and uncomplicated story and Christine Bell is the queen of a sexy book romp. My all time favourite of all romance tropes is the friends to lovers genre I find it romantically addictive and the book delivers all of the above. I enjoyed the characters, Gracie is a slightly awkward but loveable heroine she doesn't realise how beautiful she really is and that just makes her all the more adorable. Patrick 'Trick' is a reformed man whore and I believed his love for his best friend. The more intimate scenes are worthy of a blush or two and there was definitely some romantic scenes that had my heart racing. This story has the right amount of angst, romance and steam to make it worthy of your time, it has a lovely ending and a gorgeous hero, if you want a quick fix then reading this book will be an ideal way to spend your time.

Why not five?
Although I liked this story I didn't fall into book love. The story felt a little ordinary and I wasn't sold on the sometimes cringe worthy conversations between the hero and heroine. But let's face it three stars is respectable so i'm not about pulling apart a book I enjoyed, it just didn't have the certain something that makes me completely swoony over a story.

Final thoughts ...
Christine Bell knows how to write romance inside and out, and this story is another enjoyable book in the Brazen collection. 'Dirty Trick' is a sexy, quick and enjoyable novel about finding love and it was most certainly a cute, likeable story. I'm a huge fan of this collection of books and i'm sure it wont take me too long to pick up my next sexy brazen read. 'Dirty trick' didn't quite hit my five star love buttons but it may just do it for you ... Go grab it readers. Enjoy, kisses.

[Talltree]

DNF

Fun lighthearted reading. But didn't like that h had a pathetic dating record with a verbally abusive ex while H was the proverbial happy manho. Also H whores till around 6 mths after he met/befriended h even though he was attracted to her. h is a witness to it all( she also lives in same building). He realises he has fallen for her and stops. I thought he became celibate but a bit in the book it said he'd only reduced the sex to 'as when needed' and never let the women stay over. Wow, what a great sacrifice in the same of love. So you had lesser sex so what??!!
Made it hard for me to cheer for him...Oh and h had been celibate all this time, for about 2 yrs now.

Sorry CC I really did like the writing but I guess I'm in a picky mood these days!!

[Beliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Çok şekerdi, bir saatte bitti zaten.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Dirty Trick by Christine Bell
Book One of the Perfectly Matched series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: September 23, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

This matchmaker's about to meet her match...

Grace Love is lousy with men. She can spot a match for someone else a mile away, and her balls-on instincts are why her matchmaking business is thriving, but finding her own Prince Charming? The only guy who makes her sixth sense tingle is her playboy best friend, Trick, and no way is she risking their friendship, no matter how hot she knows the sex will be.

SWAT officer Trick Mathews is a patient guy, but Grace’s inability to see what’s right in front of her is grinding on his last nerve. Yeah, he blew his shot at breaking out of the friend zone when he tamped down the urge to lick her from head to toe the day they met, but he’s got a plan that’ll change her mind. Incognito at Salem's hottest Halloween party, he’ll show her exactly how good they could be…and that he’s the man for her.

What I Liked:

You all know how much I LOVE Brazen books. Literally every time Brazen has a publication day for any of its new titles, I have to hold myself back. I can't afford to buy all of them, but oh how I would like to... a lot of times, I buy them way on sale. Like this one - more than a year after its publication, it was free, I believe, for a day. You can't go wrong with free. I didn't love the book, but I didn't dislike it either!

Trick Matthews has been in love with his friend Grace for quite some time, but she doesn't see him that way (or so he thinks). He thinks that she only sees him as a player, a guy bouncing between different women. But that's not the case, because Trick has been in love with Grace, and won't give up. Grace, on the other hand, has been nursing her wounds as a single lady, never seeming to find the right guy. Sure, her best friend Trick is hot... but he's her best friend. Too bad she has no idea how much he wants her.

I like these types of stories - two best friends fall for each other, or are already in love, but need something to make them realize that they're not alone in their feelings. Trick finally does something, and disguises himself for a Halloween party. He and Grace do the deed... but she has no idea that it's Trick. She is totally into it, and wants more from "Catman". Little does she know!

The author definitely dials up the steamy in this book. A true Brazen novel, this one does not like in the physicality of the romance aspect. But, the love story is really there as well. I liked seeing Grace fall for "Catman", and eventually, realize her feelings for Trick.

I really like Trick. Grace is cool, but Trick is probably my favorite. He's actually super sweet, thoughtful, considerate, and extremely sexy. Obviously the ones in uniform are the good ones, right? Perhaps...

Overall, I liked the romance, and the sizzling chemistry. This type of romance - the best friend type - is one of my favorites, as long as it's developed, and there is no love triangle. None of that in this novel!

What I Did Not Like:

I think this story could have benefited from more pages. It felt very short, like there could have been more in the very beginning, between Grace and Trick. THEN there could be Grace and "Catman", and THEN she finds out. But I wanted more scenes from Grace and Trick.

Also, Grace's business with her friend - that wasn't nearly as present/significant in this book as I had thought it would be. For some reason, I thought it would have come into play at some point in the book, besides being the reason that Grace went to the party.

Finally, I think there could have been more depth to this book, more sentimentality. I didn't really feel much towards Trick besides omg-he-sounds-smoking. Grace, more so, because she had a terrible ex-boyfriend, and this is pretty significant in the novel. Maybe I just wanted more personal scenes between Grace and Trick. Maybe more in general, from the depth.

Would I Recommend It:

I liked this one, but it definitely isn't my favorite Brazen novel. I enjoyed the read!

Rating:

3 stars. I'll be looking forward to reading more Brazen books by Christine Bell!

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, the author immediately won me over simply by describing Trick as a Chris Hemsworth look alike. It was not a chore to imagine him in this role and add to that, Trick is a member of the SWAT team. Yep, I was sold!

Joking aside, this was a really cute and short read. I loved Trick and Grace as our main MC's. I really like the pairing of a reformed playboy and the beautiful, but down to earth heroine. Albeit a bit unrealistic, I liked that Grace and her best friend owned a matchmaking business that was completely successful based off of Grace's tingles she receives when she finds two souls that were a match. The best part is when the mighty fall. Trick, once being a playboy, changes his ways when he recognizes Grace as his own soul mate. It's too bad Grace has placed him firmly in the friend zone when they first meet, after seeing the steady stream of girls coming and going from his home. It doesn't take Trick long to realize Grace is special, but by then it's too late to make a move. He knows he will have to prove to her that he has changed. When that isn't enough, he takes the next step to open her eyes. Problem is, it may not be the right step.

The author teases us with a segue into the next book that will be on Serena, the best friend and one of the new clients of their matchmaking business. Serena was a bit too forward in this book and I am intrigued to read her story to see if her match will tame her wild ways. ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends to lovers, a twist in how they actually get there. Predictable but has some steamy dialogue.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

This is Book one on the perfectly Matched Series.
I have to say that I don’t think I have ever read a bad Entangled: Brazen book. Whether it be a standalone novel or part of a series, they are all well written, feature likeable and more importantly believable characters. The stories grab your attention and keep you reading right up to the end.

Oh and did I mention the sex, well that’s always hot and plentiful too, so it’s a win/win in my opinion!

Dirty Trick is no exception, I really liked Grace, and the problems she was having with her own love life while dealing with the day to day rigors of running a dating agency. Not having much luck in the love arena herself, she has spent most of her time lusting after her best friend Trick Matthews, a Hot, sexy SWAT officer.

Trick is the opposite of Grace, he has plenty of experience in the bedroom and is not afraid to show his skills, unfortunately he is also madly in love with his best friend (Grace) and so the fun begins!

Christine has given us great friends to lovers tale, which I have to say are one of my favorite genres, and a particularly memorable Halloween party to boot. The sex is imaginative and well written and the characters likeable. I wanted them to get their happily ever after, and I have to say I laughed my socks off in places.

ARC provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Gökçe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Her yanım ağrıyor diye şöyle yormayacak, neşelendirecek kısa bir kitap okuyayım dedim ama olmadı tabii. Çok sıkıcı ve hiçbir özelliği olmayan bir kitaptı. Sevişme sahnelerini atlayınca geriye pek de bir şey kalmıyordu zaten. Konusu çok bilindikti. Hatta kızın bir çöpçatanlık şirketi işletim "içgüdü" ye sahip olması bana Jennifer Probst romanını hatırlattı -ki ben o kitabı çok sevmiştim. Ama bu kitap resmen yazmış olmak için yazılmış. Kız kendine güvensiz. Adam da kıza aşık olduğunu anladıktan sonra 6 ay "sadece ihtiyaç duyduğunda" biriyle yatmış ve geceyi onlarla geçirmemiş. Gerçekten büyük fedakarlık resmen.

[Emma ~ The Indecisive Reader ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sibel Gandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.bir okumayı hak eden bir kitap değildi ama romantik eğlencelik yeni kitaplar bu ara çok mu az çıkıyor 🤔

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read Christine’s Dare Me series, so I was excited to receive an ARC from Entangled Brazen in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this humorous, sexy, friends to lovers tale from Christine Bell. This was the first book from her Perfectly Matched series, published by Entangled Brazen, which is an essential read for me.

Grace Love is partners in a matchmaking service called “Love Will Find a Way”, along with her good friend Serena. She prides herself on her instincts of finding perfect partners for her clients, but fails to find her own Prince Charming.

She has a dear friend, SWAT officer Patrick (Trick) Matthews, who she spends most of her time secretly lusting over, but he plays the field, as she well knows living opposite him.

Trick fell for Grace from the day they met, but sensing her apprehension for a relationship, given her previous disastrous one, he consoles himself by being her close friend. In the last 6 months, he has changed his playboy ways, so that he might have a chance with her. He thinks she is oblivious to that, so he is going to do his utmost to show her that he is the right man for her.

They attend a Halloween party, and Trick, in disguise, gets the opportunity to start his seduction of Grace, without her knowing it is him.

The story flowed well, and the dialogue was hysterical in places. I think it’s debateable as to whether “Catman’s” disguise would have had the longevity it did, but it certainly enhanced the story.

Serena was a great character; completely the opposite of Grace, and was a great contributor. I connected easily to both Grace and Trick, and found the story an easy, sweet read.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trick Mathews is a treat.

1) he's a cop. SWAT. He has special weapons and tactics....
2) he's sexy
3) he's a dog lover
4) he's sexy
5) he's skilled at the art of seduction
5) he's sexy
6) he is heart-stoppingly protective, witty and thoughtful
7) HE IS SEXY

Brazen books are a staple for me and I like to think of myself as a bit of an connoisseur having read pretty much the entire line. This is definitely one to read; it sizzles, but is perfectly balanced with fun and romance. Having loved Christine Bell's previous offerings (unlinked to this one), I had no hesitation in clicking the buy button and she doesn't disappoint. Trick is the type of man dreams are made of and (much to the disgust of my husband) made me sigh many many happy sighs. As for Grace, I loved her too and she's exactly the lady you want as your best-friend; loyal, caring and underneath the gentile exterior she has some hidden fire. He thinks she might just be the woman for him, she thinks he is a man-whore...Trick's gonna play dirty...

They're perfect for each other and you can't not want them to work out. I laughed, swooned, giggled, sighed and with the odd moment that puts you through the ringer a touch, I struggled to put it down. I love the whole friends to lovers scenario, this is one of those I'll happily read again and I'm hoping that Grace's high maintenance and funny BFF Serena is going to get her story...

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Trick, and I liked that he didn't want to leave his girl, “definitely. Absolutely. In fact, if I had my way, we’d be doing it again right now.” He flexed his hips to emphasize his point." I liked this book, I really liked Trick.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was cute and I'll probably read the next book, which is about the heroine's best friend.

[Gamruk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Çıtır çerez uyku öncesi 2 saatte biten bir kitap. Cat cat cat oluveriyor her şey. Kafa dağıtmaya birebir :)

[Pelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 saat içinde bitirdim desem?!

[Amber at WickedGoodReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick (Trick) and Gracie's story is a super cute, sometimes a bit predictable friends-to-lovers read that is just right if you are looking for something easy to read, steamy and with the lovely Brazen HEA.
Grace is a matchmaker but cant manage to make her own match. Trick is her best friend, who loves her but is unwilling to do anything about it... until he decides to 'trick' her. Pretty clever, yes indeed.
Like I said, its a cute little story, nothing mind-blowing but definitely good to fill a long afternoon and make you smile.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didnt really understand the ending…


i liked the concept, but if i were gracie, id be freaked tf out… but also flattered? its like bottoms

[FV Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-dirty-...

Grace Love and Trick Matthews are neighbors and friends. The kind of friends who walk each other’s dogs, are comfortable curling up on the coach together to watch horror films and finish each others sentences. Grace hasn’t had any luck in her own love life, but she’s a master when it comes to hooking up other people through her matchmaking company, Love Will Find a Way. She’s still regaining her confidence after the disaster that was her former relationship and knows that acting on her attraction with a player like Trick will ruin their friendship. The sex would be ridiculously hot, but not worth he heartache.

Trick Matthews has it bad for his best friend. Yes, he was a womanizer when he first met Grace, but after realizing she was the woman of his dreams he’s changed his ways. The only woman he wants in his life now is Grace. He just can’t figure how to escape the friend zone and get her to look at him as something more. It’s Halloween though and he’s got a plan to go in disguise to the hottest party in Salem where he hopes to finally show her just how great they could be together. Trick’s plan to get Grace to see him as something more than her friend involves a mask, a few little white lies and some smoking hot sexy times. Super smoking hot sexy times.

Dirty Trick was a sexy, sweet friends to lovers story that I read in one sitting. This is my third Christine Bell read from Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line and she’s fast becoming an author I can depend on to give me a quick read with witty dialogue and fun characters. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and I had all kinds of fun with this story. The chemistry between Grace and Trick was apparent from the beginning. They, along with Grace’s other friend Serena (who I absolutely adored), have a great camaraderie that shows its self with how easy their banter is with each other. Once the plan is put into motion Grace has some intense sexual encounters with her mystery man, but all the while can’t help but keep her mind off Trick. He on the other hand is caught in a trap of his own making and must figure out how to tell Grace that he IS her mystery man. They have some misunderstandings, one very sweet confession and in the end a very lovely HEA.

This was the perfect way to set off a new series. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Serena will be the main character in the next book. I absolutely can not wait to see her meet her match.

Favorite Quote:


He found himself fighting back another twinge of totally irrational jealousy. What an asshole. Here he was, lying to his best friend, and he was the one with hurt feelings?

Love was a fucking kick in the balls sometimes.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Grace & Trick are friends… only friends. But he’s wanted more since the day he met her.

Grace Love is a matchmaker, and she can match anyone and everyone. Except herself. The only guy she’s had that tingle for is Trick. But Trick and Grace are friends. She’s watched her playboy womanizing neighbor since she moved in and despite those tingling feelings he causes she’s not going to risk their friendship.

Trick has wanted Grace since the first day she moved in. But somehow he slipped into the friend zone. He’s been patient, biding his time to make his move, but Grace just won’t see him as anything more than a friend. He puts a plan in place to change her mind for good.

First… let me just say, I’m not a fan of this cover. Normally I love the Brazen covers, but this one … I don’t know if it’s the green or the couple or what, but the only thing appealing about it to me were the biceps.

Don’t let that deter you though, because I’m a big fan of Christine Bell. I love her Dare Me Series and this is another one to add to the list of books I enjoyed.

I really liked Grace, and while the plot of the book is predictable, Bell makes the characters incredibly likable and the writing fresh and fun. I found myself enjoying Grace and Tricks story, mostly because Bell writes Grace in a way that makes her incredibly relatable. She’s not perfect and she has some personal hang-ups, but she’s successful and intelligent, and I can completely appreciate that!

And Trick – of course he’s a SWAT guy, which immediately makes him sexy, but add in the idea that he knows what he wants and he’s changing his ways just for the chance to have this amazing woman in his life. While he was deceitful in getting the opportunity, I could understand why he did it, and I found myself cheering him on from their very first interaction.

And Bell can write some amazingly passionate scenes. These two just fit together perfectly and even though Grace couldn’t see it, I could feel it with every word written.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, read filled with friendship, lust and some naughty naughty sex, then Dirty Trick is the book you’re looking for. I’m excited to see which characters Bell brings us next!

Thank you to Entangled for the Advanced copy for an honest review!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:

[Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entangled Brazen is preparing for Halloween a bit early with Christine Bell's Dirty Trick and what better locale to set this holiday-themed story than Salem, Massachusetts? Dirty Trick is the first book in Bell’s new Perfectly Matched series, following resident matchmaker Grace Love as she attempts to find her own perfect match. The narrative features a romance between best friends with a bit of a twist, pairing a reformed womanizer with his sexually repressed girl-next-door. The book is equal parts sweet and steamy, with an intense connection between the two protagonists built on chemistry and friendship.
SWAT Officer Trick Matthews is Grace’s longtime friend who isn’t exactly pleased with his friend-zone status. I don’t blame Grace for being skeptical about Trick’s would-be romantic intentions towards her, yet his devious response to proving their mutual attraction is just asking for trouble. Under the guise of a Halloween costume, Trick lures an unsuspecting Grace into his arms. There is an element of the forbidden with all their clandestine meetings, but at the same time, there's a sense of security knowing the identity of the man behind the mask, at least in the reader's case.

Grace and Trick’s messy predicament reminded me of You've Got Mail after Tom Hanks finds out Meg Ryan's character is his online pen pal. All that's left is for her to learn the truth and once she does, it’s only a matter of time before the crap hits the fan. I felt a mixture of amusement and trepidation, anticipating the blowup but delighting in the stolen moments of passion leading up to the inevitable moment of truth.

Dirty Trick is the perfect introduction to Christine Bell's new series because it establishes a connection between readers and a group of characters that will appear in upcoming books. The matchmaking aspect will be a recurring trope, bringing together new couples in the comfort of a familiar setting. Bell smartly sets up a new narrative for the matchmaking agency even as she concludes Trick and Grace’s story. I’m excited to see what the author does next with this series.

[Snarky Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some publishing houses that I've come to believe are always "safe bets" -- they have great editors and super writers - and the Entangled Brazen line is one of those sure things. At this point, I've yet to pick up ANY Entangled version that has disappointed... and DIRTY TRICK is a great example of how dependable the Entangled Brazen line is for readers. Now I admit - I did receive a copy of this from their Publicity Department in the hopes that I'd write an *unbiased* review - but that isn't why I feel this is such a great book!

First of all, is it really possible to go wrong with the formula of best friends who come to realize they mean more to, and want more from, each other than just friendship? Grace is a professional matchmaker who gets "tingles" when she finds a pair that would be a great match. Since she's notorious for having bad relationships, she ignores the tingles she gets around her best friend, Patrick, especially since she considers him a man-whore. (Her penchant for calling him a male slut in various terms is actually quite funny.) Patrick who admits to his man-whoredom, has decided that it is an empty life - and his life would only be full with Grace in it. However, the only way he knows to make that happen is to approach her as someone else so she can see how good it would be between them.

Secondly, I really like how at the end of September, Entangled Brazen is releasing books that have Halloween themes to them - really, how FUN!

Third - it's obvious that Christine Bell had fun with this novel. Patrick, also known as Trick, plays this "trick" on Grace. Grace is a matchmaker whose last name is... wait for it... Love. There are just little twists throughout the story that make you think the author is probably standing back with a wink, wink, nudge, nudge going on.

And last, here's the basic answers everyone always seems to want. 250-ish pages for $2.99? Price is fair. Info on the author, Christine Bell? Right here. Any sex? Yes, but nothing too outrageous or explicit. Worth the read? YES.

[Jane Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good friends to lovers novel--especially when unrequited love is thrown into the mix--and while I was interested to read how the trope unfolds in Dirty Trick, I found that the story lacked the depth and fully formed plot of which I'd hoped.

Patrick "Trick" Mathews has been in love with matchmaker Gracie Love since he first laid eyes on her. Interested in making her another notch on his bedpost, once he meets his new neighbor, he views her as more than just an object for his lust. For her part, Grace is equally attracted to Trick, but is fresh off a divorce from a similar playboy scoundrel and doesn't think her SWAT officer best friend would be interested in more than one night. Trick, figuring that there has to be a way to get his Gracie to see that his feelings are real and that they'd be perfect for one another, uses the talk-of-the-town Halloween party (and a mask) as his means for seduction. Gracie and "Catman" become an explosive item while Trick and Grace are left grappling with their relationship.

Again, I was all for the plot, but the execution wasn't my cup-of-tea. The writing wasn't horrendous, but both the prose and dialogue between the characters seemed elementary. In some of the scenes, I felt like this was how the author "thought" men spoke to one another, which made the characters sound like high schoolers trying to be cool. Same for the conversations between the female characters. I found myself skipping paragraphs that were unnecessary, but there to pad the story so that it wouldn't only consist of a few pages of nothing. I didn't feel any sense of anything between any of the characters or have any interest in their relationships. The whole story was "meh," but that's only my perspective.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Christine Bell and I really liked it! Her writing style is great; the story flowed nicely, the characters were well developed, and the balance between characters internal thoughts & the dialogue was very nice.

Okay I don't want to give too much of the story away so I will just say that Trick and Grace have been friends ever since they moved in next to each other. Trick used to be a bit of a player when they first met, with different girls at his house every week but once he set his eyes on Grace, he began to change his ways - too bad she hasn't even noticed. Grace is a match maker & she is good at her job. Sadly, he radar doesn't seem to work for herself. Trick is sick of watching her date losers who aren't right for her so he decides he is going to show her just how great they could be together. Trick comes up with a bit of a plan, or should we say 'trick' to get himself out of the friends zone, but how will Grace feel when the truth comes out?

Dirty Trick was a really cute story.

Trick seems like a great friend & you could tell he was crazy about Grace just by the everyday things he did with and for her. I want a best friend/boyfriend like Trick ;)

I also enjoyed seeing Grace start to see Trick as more than just a friend!

It is always fun to read a book where the guy is the one who has been pining over his girl best friend instead of the usual girl in love with her best guy friend.

You will enjoy this book if you like: Romance, Entangled: Brazen titles, or Friends to Lovers stories!!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!*

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of books by Christine Bell and I really like her voice. Dirty Trick gives us two very likable protagonists. Grace Love runs a matchmaking service, yet never has a match of her own. Her best friend Trick is on the SWAT team (hubba hubba) and has always given her the good tingles when he is around, but they never quite went the dating route. Trick, who is just an all around good guy (I love a good guy hero!) has had all the feelings for Grace, but for various reasons has held back. Now it’s Halloween, Grace is going to a big Halloween party without a date, and Trick has an idea. His good friend puts him into an awesome cat mask (molded onto his face) and he hooks up with Grace at the party (she doesn’t recognize him). But then Trick can’t quite tell her it’s really him.

So I’ve mentioned that I like both characters and this author’s overall voice. But I have some frustrations. First, Trick and Grace have been best friends for a long time. So I just don’t find it believable that Grace would not recognize Trick at the party. Yes he is wearing a mask and has cat contacts in – but his body language? His voice, even if he tries to make it raspy? I’m not buying it!

Second, Trick doesn’t tell her it’s really him for days. They do a lot of naughty things together, under his disguise. Then they meet at a dark theater, and further their relationship all while Grace thinks he is a stranger. I just didn’t’ care for this set-up. Too predictable and frustrating.

I love a best friends to lovers trope, but not when one of them deceives for this long.

Rating: C+

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

my darn review didn't save! I shall try AGAIN!
I didn't remember much from when I read this...5 years ago, but I still liked it. Not a necessarily "believable" story, but it was sweet. Some hotness. I liked Grace. I felt that even though she had this crappy relationship in her past that did a number on her, she was strong, she built a business, she took chances and I liked her. Serena is a hot mess and the kind of friend everyone should have. I liked Trick, he wasn't quite as developed, but I did enjoy him. This is a pretty quick, sweet novel with some hotness . I was pissed at the lying, of course, but I would have preferred Trick confess and Grace hand his ass to him and then they find a way back together over the idea of this SWAT snafu that thawed her heart.

Cute quick read...review to come

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friends to lovers book.

Grace has a match making business she is very good at. At least for others, she can spot a match a mile away, but for herself.....not so great.
Oh, when she's around Trick Matthews she get a very good feeling but, they are friends and although she is sure the sex would be spectacular she feels the risk isn't worth it.

Trick Matthews has wanted Grace from the day he laid eyes on her but he blew it. Now he is just plotting a way to show her how good they can be and Salem's Halloween party could just be it.

This was a great steamy read with a fantastic friends to lovers plot. I've read a few books by this author and have never been disappointed.

[Jan Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about reading Christine Bell's stories is, her characters are so real. Each scene plays out with such reality you can see it happening to you. Some of it, you WISH would happen to you, lol!

Her one liners, her humor, her emotion and steamy love scenes make it a joy to read her work.

[Angela]

21 October 2014: $0.99 on Kindle