Tipsy

Take It Off #5

by Cambria Hebert

Julie Preston is an artist. But her canvas isn’t paper or clay. It’s hair. She spends her days coloring, blow drying and styling her clients hair at the Razor’s Edge salon. Julie is also annoyed. She went out on a date and had a great time, gave the guy her number and the jerk never called.

So when he waltzes into the salon and sits down in her chair she briefly considers strangling him with the pink cape she fastens around his neck.

Too bad she can’t.

Blue Markson, the guy who never called, is a police officer so causing him bodily harm would be a first class ticket into the slammer. Just looking at him again makes Julie forget why she was mad in the first place, but she’s already learned that Blue is nothing but heartache. So when he starts coming around, acting like he hadn’t made her stare at the phone for days, she tries to brush him off.

Only…

Her life is about to blow up in her face, she’s about to get caught up in a sticky web of crime and the one guy who can help her is the one guy she vowed never to trust again.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2013

About the author

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.

Awards Cambria has received include:

Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
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Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay NA contemporary romance, but it was quite cliché again.

The characters in this were okay, and I quite liked Blue. I didn’t like the way he overstepped his mark at times though. Just because someone hasn’t locked their front door it isn’t an open invitation to go in and start making breakfast!

The storyline in this was quite cliché – a girl gets pulled over for speeding by a cute cop, and they eventually fall in love. I’m pretty sure I read a book with a similar storyline in February.
I also have issues with certain parts of this storyline. If a cop is undercover does his boss really just say ‘okay’ when he tells him he’s dating some new girl and she knows who he really is? If you think your boss is involved with a drug dealer, do you really go searching round her office for drugs to use as proof? Without gloves or anything on at least?

The romance in this was okay, and the sex scenes weren’t quite as bad as in the previous books. I still feel like all the sex scenes in this series are very similar though, every single man has exactly the same technique, and it’s really getting old.
6 out of 10

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Not Bad, Not Great Stars

Well it didn't suck but it certainly didn't wow me either. I've heard about this author and always wanted to give her a shot. Thank you, Kindle unlimited for the opportunity to try this one risk free because I might have felt a little cheated had I spent money on it. The character development is practically non-existent and I never really connected with Julie or Blue. My biggest problem with this one is the fact it can't seem to make up it's mind whether or not it's a romance or undercover cop read. Subsequently I didn't get into either aspect of the story.

The writing was decent and I can see the potential for something better, but as it stands now I won't be rereading this one any time soon.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 2 out of 5]

12/15/2013 --

Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2.5 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
217 pages

Cheese factor 5 Stars. A cheesy NA suspense read. I found myself skimming quite a bit of it. VERY predictable.

Not bad if you're stuck in a hospital or an airport. If you want something with a bit more, this is not the book to choose.

Happy Reading!

[Amber .:★Wild Heart Reviews★:. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tipsy is the 5th book in Cambria Hebert's Take It Off series. As with previous books in this series, I absolutely loved it. In particular, Tipsy is among my top three in the series so far. It is written from a first person point of view, between the main two characters, Julie and Blue. Like all the books in this series, Tipsy is a standalone novel and it does have an HEA.

It is almost hard to review this book because I want to tell you what happens! However, even the synopsis is vague... it doesn't go into detail of why Blue never calls Julie. This is intentional! Tipsy is not at all what it appears on the surface. What i can tell you is that it is full in intrigue and suspense. It is almost like a mystery that you need to unravel while getting a really great love story included.

You don't have much in the way of co-stars, there is really one one that stood out and you see repeatedly. Outside of that, it focuses on the relationship between the main characters as well as the plot line, primarily. What I enjoyed about this book overall? You get little clues along the way, and if you pick them out, more power to you.

Blue and Julie themselves are interesting as characters. Julie is a hairdresser, and a damn good one too. One who has a lead foot and a love of hair... and an extremely odd choice of weapons. Blue is a police officer. He pulls Julie over for above mentioned lead foot. He asks her on a date, they go out, he never calls. Julie is left wondering why, because the date was perfect! Her best friend tells her that he's just not that into her, but the sparks that Julie and Blue create contest that.

So he shows up for a haircut months later, acting like nothing is wrong. Julie doesn't know whether to scalp him or kiss him. ;) I had a lot of fun with this book. At times I was on pins and needles to find out what would happen next. Other times I was like, "How can you not see this!?".

Overall, I gave the book a 5 star rating? People could say I'm biased because it's a CH book, and I love Cambria's writing... however, I also hold her writing to a higher standard. I'm very picky with her books due to the fact that I know she can deliver a plot that I'm going to enjoy, love and want to reread. I haven't found a book of hers yet that I do not love. So, would I recommend Tipsy? You can bet your backside I would! :)

**Teasers graciously provided by Cambria Hebert.**

[Jessica Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tipsy is a complete standalone in the Take It Off series. This one follows Julie and Blue. After a funny meeting where Julie is pulled over for speeding, they arrange a date and it is perfect. But then Blue never calls her again. Months pass and Julie is still upset by the dumping, however when Blue walks into her hair salon things begin to change again. This was a fun story and while I wish Julie would have made Blue work a little harder for her forgiveness (even if he did have a good reason) it was still a great read and a must read for fans of this series.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating - 2.5

I said this with the last one too, but this has been the worst one so far.

I didn't love either of the characters, but they weren't the worst ones in the series.

The storyline in this was predictable yet again, and I lost interest fairly early on. This one has been the dullest so far, so I was bored through most of it.

Overall, Worst one in the series.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: An entertaining, fun suspenseful romance.

Julie smashes down the gas pedal trying to make up time. She is running late to work, again. Flashing lights in the rear view mirror indicate that today is about to get worse. Julie takes a deep breath and puts on her game face, ready to challenge the officer. Her words stick in her throat once she catches sight of the handsome face peering into her window. Then the officer agrees to let her off with a warning on one condition.... Julie must go out with him tonight. Months later, Blue walks into the hair salon where Julie works. He sits in her chair for a haircut. Julie is angry, yet still attracted. After their wonderful first date, Blue disappeared and never called again. Now he is back. Will Julie take a chance and go on a second date?
What I Liked:
*I always like picking up a book by Cambria Hebert. I know I will get terrific characters, descriptive writing and a fun tale. Tipsy delivers with its likable characters, suspense and sizzling romance. If you are a New Adult reader looking for something lighter and different, try one of Cambria's romantic suspense books in her Take It Off Series.
*I loved both Julie and Blue. Julie is a gal with plenty of personality, sass and spunk. I liked that she was resourceful, courageous and fierce. An intruder barges into her apartment in the middle of the night, she doesn't panic she grabs hairspray and a razor and attacks. Julie made me laugh and I appreciated that when the romance was difficult she didn't wallow in self pity. Blue is sexy, charming and heroic. I loved how he took a chance and followed his heart even if it meant getting into trouble. I also thought he was incredibly sexy.
*With a New Adult book, you can expect some steamy sex scenes. I was pleased that this book had some serious make out sessions that packed plenty of heat, and then one magnificent sex scene that wasn't over the top or overly explicit. I thought it toed the line just right between steamy and too much. Still this is a New Adult book, so the sex scene is definitely not for younger readers.
*This book has a bit of suspense and mystery that involves covert drug deals and drug dealers. I like that Ms. Hebert gives us something different in the New Adult genre. Her books present a mystery that is fun to unravel. I liked the surprising twist that involved the hair salon.
*The romance is packed with lots of heat and it is a slow burner. There are some obstacles, but nothing that was overly dramatic and gut wrenching. I liked that the romance remained light and sweet. I also thought the way Blue handled the sex was so romantic, it will make any girl swoon. No love triangles or ridiculousness with this romance, it is straightforward and terrific.
*I liked that the book moves at a quick pace with plenty of romance and danger, and that everything draws to a neat conclusion and wraps up nicely. I appreciate that this series is a companion series. You don't have to read them in order as each is a stand alone story. No cliffhangers are unanswered questions. Get one or get them all, it doesn't matter.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I liked that this book moved fast, I thought that the quick pace didn't allow for time to expand on characters or details. The whole drug dealer story line needed just a bit more depth.
Julie and Blue are terrific characters and they drive the story, but I wanted to know a bit more about them. *There is nothing as far as their backgrounds and such. I wasn't even sure how old they were, they felt like they were mid to late twenties. This isn't a big issue, just a personal preference.
* I liked that everything wrapped up quickly and neatly, but I thought that things moved a bit too quickly and that it wasn't exactly realistic. Still it is an escape novel and meant to be more about the romance than a realistic suspense thriller. So if you are looking for a solid suspense thriller with jaw dropping twists and turns, this won't work for you.

Tipsy is an entertaining and fun escape read that is packed with plenty of romance. If you are on the hunt for a New Adult book that is on the light side without heavy drama, definitely check out this series. I love that this is a series that you can jump in and read at any time, so if you haven't read a book in the Take It Off Series, pick one up and have fun!

Favorite Quotations:
"The good thing about people and hair was that you had the immense opportunity to define your own style, to be creative. Why look like someone else when you could look like you?"
"I was just a guy sitting in front of a girl whose heart made mine beat a little unevenly."
"Holy hell, I would die to kiss her like this every day for the rest of my life."
"But like a well-worn pair of jeans, I had a hole in my pocket and stuff was falling out. Like my emotions. Like my heart."

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATED: 04-26-19
I enjoyed reading this book the second time as much as the first. Great characters and a good story.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: 12-06-13:
This was another winner in this series. I have enjoyed each of these books, and honestly don't think I could pick a favorite. They're all stand alone books with wonderful characters and we get HEAs every time. What is not to love??!!

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS WHAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS - PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM :-)

Blue is ..... WOW! He's a hot, sexy, protective police officer who also has a great personality and is charming. Blue (BTW what a cool name) is a cop who stops a speeding Julie on her way to work. He doesn't give Julie a ticket on the condition that she'll go out with him to dinner that night. Julie is a beautiful hair stylist who loves life and is witty and fun to be around. The two are instantly attracted to each other and have an amazing time together on their date. Afterwards, Blue tells Julie he'll call her but he never does.

Several months later, Blue shows up at the Salon where Julie works to get her to cut his hair. Julie is still hurt, but the attraction is still strong and still there between them. Blue explains to Julie that he's been out of town on business since their date and couldn't see her. He doesn't tell her he was under cover and couldn't contact anyone. After a couple of weeks and another hair cut, Blue gets Julie to agree to go on a second date. As he's walking out the door to get her, he gets called back to the precinct and placed back under cover immediately. Julie is beyond pissed at being stood up and goes out with her friends to a bar. Guess who she sees there? Yep, except Blue's already under cover and she's hurt he's there. When the drug dealer named Dom that Blue's investigating makes a move for Julie at the bar, Blue snaps and informs him she's off limits. In an attempt to not blow his cover, Blue quickly gets Julie out of there without much explanation to her. Later that night, he shows up at her house because he knows Julie is special and doesn't want her mad at him. Blue makes the decision to tell her that he's working under cover, and tells her to stay clear of Dom, especially now that Dom has seen her and knows they are connected.

This all happens in the first couple chapters so there is much more to the book. There are some twists and turns in the story, and some unforeseen players involved in the drug dealing that you don't expect. Will Blue be able to crack the case quickly before something happens? Will Julie wait for him? What happens if Dom sees Julie again - will he recognize her? You will LOVE Blue, and you will also love Julie. Both are excellent lead characters. The pace of the story is good and you'll want to keep reading to see what happens next.

At the end, readers get a little sneak peak at the next book in this series entitled Tricks coming in early 2014, which looks to be another enjoyable book in this series. The books in this series are all really great books that can be read quickly and leave you with a warm smile.

[Shambhawi P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light. Refreshing. Well thought out and well written comparitively. This is the best book in the Take It Off series so far.

Gah. I cannot be objective when it comes to me reading a Cambria Hebert book.

Taking exception to the insta-love which is already my norm when it comes to a Cambria Hebert book this book was swoonworthy, light, fluffy and fun. And exactly what I needed right now.

I loved Blue. I loved Julie. I loved Julie's plans and Blue worrying over Julie's plans. I loved that Blue chose his undercover name for Julie's eyes. I loved Blue's corniness even. And lip rings have been my weakness since Tamara Weber's Easy.

I'm totally no being objective here, like I already said. But know what, I don't care. I loved this book. And I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

4 Stars because why not? Though the sex scene was toooo damn corny even for me with the worst descriptions and words and euphemisms ever. Like eh-vah.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the Take It Off novels this was most certainly my favorite by far. I know, I’ve said that about each novel but they continually get better. Tipsy was similar to other books I’ve read with the profession of Blue but the story definitely sets itself apart.

Julie is a hairstylist, a damn good one if you ask her. The last thing Julie wants to think of is the guy that blew her off. But Blue shows up at the salon and won’t give up. When a hesitant Julie finally gives in, the last thing she expects is for him to blow her off again. Needless to say Julie decides enough is enough, until Blue once again comes crawling back with a undercover story that leaves her a bit fearful how can she say no, especially when her life is about to become a danger-zone as well.

Overall this was another quick and super fast read from Cambria Hebert. Each story within the series has been dramatically different but good none the less. Julie and Blue were both great characters. Julie is very relatable and was a fun character to follow along. Can’t wait for more….

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 undercover stars

I thought it be hard to follow up after Text but this was another different kind of story from Cambria Hebert. I enjoy stories with touches of humor and lightness and I guess I was really catching up on this series so I dove into this one. The premise was cute, these two got off on the wrong foot with missed timing and all. Blue like most of the heroes of this series had a man in uniform profession, being undercover wasnt easy for him and he was just getting back into everyday. Julie was fun, she was energetic, fun and sassy, she worked well with Blue. While Im usually no fan of insta love this one I was able to slide by, I dunno something about the story line and everything going on and Im sort of used to the flow of the story in the series. What I enjoy best about the series is the unique characters, somewhat unorthodox story but its always light-hearted, fun, full of heart and still hot. Entertaining with witty dialogue, easy read; looking forward to getting on to Tricks.

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this was alright. My reviews for this series will be repetitive because so far they have the same structure of story except with different characters.

I didn't like the story this time or Blue, the male character. He's too reckless to be a cop. How can he risk Julie's life visiting her after he warns the gang he's in not to touch her, man! he's asking for trouble or what kind of cop actually breaks into a house *face-palm*

But I liked Julie especially when she interfered when a guy, posssibly a gang member hit her boss, true her boss set he up later but Julie didn't know she's in with them.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, it's official. I'm a Cambria Hebert obsessive.

I discovered this author by chance a few weeks ago, and I've already read 3 of her books in quick succession and loved every. single. one.

Thank you Cambria, for getting me back into reading just as I was about to give up on ever finding a book!

[Sandy Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the wait

Worth the wait

This one was a little hard for me to get into, but once I did I loved it. Blue is every woman's fantasy come to life. We all love a sexy as sin man in uniform. Julie is a little firecracker we with a plan, always a plan. The chemistry between them seemed to roll off my kindle like a heat wave. Add in a nicely developed plot and you've got yourself a winner. I would've liked to have known more about Slater (hint hint).

[Lanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is good. but text is still my favorite. love reading the acknowledgements at the end of each books w/c by the way are not really to acknowledge some people but more of a note from the author. i like to call it a little trivia or fun fact about the book

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Blue working undercover is definitely hot. Add Julie going after what she wants and now we have a book that's downright steamy! The secrecy and determination to do his job just might cause Blue to lose his girl. Will Julie wait for him? Will she even understand? A fantastic read!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I'm going to have to go buy the rest of the series. It had mystery and suspense, and romance and humor. Just a bunch of fun.

[Yesenia Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, and the other ones as well. He was really sweet expect not bailing on her most of the time but understandable because of the job. Anyhow funny easy book to read :)

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tipsy was book 5 in Cambria’s Take It Off Series or book 6 in the box set. It was easy to get into the story and like both the characters. It was (just like the others) a fun, fast, romantic mystery.

Julie had a good time on her date but when he never called again, she thought he was a jerk. Weeks later he waltzed back into her life, too bad it was against the law to strangle someone... especially a cop!

After his first date with Julie, Blue was sent undercover. He somehow convinced her to give him a second chance but as luck would have it, he was being sent undercover again. After standing her up twice, he knew there was no coming back.

But when Julie gets pulled into his world, would he be able to protect her and make it out alive?

Blue was so sweet! It was fun to watch their lust for each other grow. Maybe a little too fast for me, but again it was a fun read!

[Cathy Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of Julie aka Julie the Salon Stylist and Blue the Undercover Cop and how they meet, and their lives became entwined with one another, especially because he goes undercover after going out on one date with her. She was supposed to go out on another date, but because of his undercover work he stands her up and this was the second time. So, she goes out with her friend and happens to go to a club where her friend the cop happens to be hanging around because of his undercover assignment, you can imagine what happened. I bought this book after reading it on another medium because I wanted it to be in my Kindle library. It was a good book, and it had a pretty good plot. It had some plot twists which I really was surprised by. Lies, secrets and betrayal and loads of drama all in this novella. This was definitely a good read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tipsy is a fun contemporary romance by Cambria Hebert. In this case, tipsy is a happy feeling you get without the aid of alcohol. Hair stylist Julie Preston meets police officer Blue Markson when he pulls her over for speeding one morning. Instead of giving her a ticket, he asks her out. After a fun date, she doesn't hear from him. What she doesn't know is that Blue is busy working undercover. This book alternates between Julie's and Blue's view points, which I liked. We get a little police drama and a little romance and an entertaining book!

[Kimmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tipsy is about a undercover cop and a girl he can't forget,
I liked that this time the danger came from him and not form her, I really liked the female lead, she had allot of spunk, male character was allright found him a little bland, the chemestry was very good at the begining, I loved the scene where he gets a haircut, The whole drug thing was a bit overdone, I didn't really care for the plottwist, i alreadt saw that coming. I liked the other books more then this one. It does make me crave to contiune reading though, I had fun and thats all that matters.

Rating: 3,0

[Mel Shank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series!! Tipsy was in the top league with the rest of the series!! They all have been spot on with romance, suspense and hotness! This one was another winner. I mean, a hot cop and a hair stylist. WINNER WINNER!!! I am going to be really sad when this series ends.
Even the ones that I have been a little hesitant on, reel me in by Chapter 2.
MUST READ FUN SERIES!!
All can be read as standalones... just pick one and start!!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie and Blue

This was a quick read but still enjoyable. Julie and Blue had great chemistry. I don’t know there ages but it’s safe to say they are still pretty young. I always like the bay boy persona in a book. Even though Blue isn’t your typical bad boy since he’s technically not bad, but he played the part.

[Kara (Rotella Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was suspenseful and tumultuous. I really enjoyed both Julie and Blue's characters and the unique connection between them.

One thing I noticed is that the writing didn't feel anything like Cambria. There was just something about the style in which this book was written that felt less refined from her other work. Lots of internal thoughts were structured in an odd way.

[Jeanene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skipped ahead and read text first in this series and although they are all stand alone books I was just da hoping to see a glimpse of the characters here. Mainly because I fell so in love with them and didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much. I was wrong. I want me a Blue😍😍😍

[Gigi Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Radish. Julie’s brush with the law leaves her wanting more and upset nothing else happens. Blue couldn’t get his mind off her and breaks the rules to see her again. It’s a showdown when his work puts him right back into her path.

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, quick read!

[Ren (The Ghost Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrealistically fast paced, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliché but an easy read. It was enjoyable, but not earth shattering.