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Wedding Dare #2
Baiting the Maid of Honor
A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.
Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.
One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever... just when he realizes he can't live without her.
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.
Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.
One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever... just when he realizes he can't live without her.
127 pages, ebook
First published June 9, 2014
273 people are currently reading
6778 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Bailey
110 books67k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
August 11, 2016
5 Tessa does it again Stars
Ladies, meet SWAT commander Reed Lawson...
Yes. That's precisely what you'll be doing the second you meet him. He'll have you a perving, swooning, turned on hot mess in 2 words flat. I'm not even kidding. Just when I think that Tessa Bailey cannot possibly make her dirty talking heroes any hotter, she goes and gives us the tatted up sex on a stick Reed. I swear, I had a hart time focusing half the time. The man would open his mouth, and all I could think was
May I present exhibit A?
Sorry. It's a knee-jerk reaction at this point. But I digress
While this could be read as a standalone if you really want to, I highly recommend reading this series in order. It will make it that much better for you. Besides, every book in the series is fucking fantastic and so worth the read.
When the bridesmaids at Kady's wedding bet each other to hook up with a groomsman, the tall, dark and broody Reed is the last man southern belle Julie would pick. She wants neat. She wants tidy. She wants polite. And the best man, Logan, fits that to a T. Too bad Reed has his sights set on the sexy blonde, and when Reed wants something, he gets it. Oh does he get it.
Reed is everything you want in a bad boy hero...and more. So much more. Reed doesn't do entanglements, and he certainly doesn't do more than sex, yet something about Julie draws him in and keeps him wanting more.
As for Julie, well I haven't read a heroine by Tessa Bailey that I haven't loved yet, and she was certainly no exception. She so endearingly sassy and her quirky southern sayings never failed to put a smile on my mouth. She was no pushover, and she definitely gave Reed a run for his money...but boy was it delicious.
The banter between them was entertaining and sexy.
But would you expect any less from the talented Miss Bailey? I think not.
This book had everything; romance, hot as hell sex, and dirty talk that will melt the panties right off of you. Might I suggest keeping some spares handy?
I only have one thing to add after finishing this.
Dear Tessa,
For the love of all that's holy, please GAWD make a spin off from this novel. I need dirty talking SWAT men in my life. BAD.
That is all. I'm off to stalk the poor author for any news of her upcoming releases. And I thank you
Read the series in order:
Book 0.5:
(My Review)
Book 1:
(My Review)
Book 2:
Book 3:
My Review
Book 4:
My Review
***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Ladies, meet SWAT commander Reed Lawson...
Yes. That's precisely what you'll be doing the second you meet him. He'll have you a perving, swooning, turned on hot mess in 2 words flat. I'm not even kidding. Just when I think that Tessa Bailey cannot possibly make her dirty talking heroes any hotter, she goes and gives us the tatted up sex on a stick Reed. I swear, I had a hart time focusing half the time. The man would open his mouth, and all I could think was
May I present exhibit A?
"Kissed were?" His voice was a rough , almost inaudible whisper that bathed her in blistering heat.
"Your mouth? Or the slick little pussy you're hiding from me?"
Sorry. It's a knee-jerk reaction at this point. But I digress
While this could be read as a standalone if you really want to, I highly recommend reading this series in order. It will make it that much better for you. Besides, every book in the series is fucking fantastic and so worth the read.
When the bridesmaids at Kady's wedding bet each other to hook up with a groomsman, the tall, dark and broody Reed is the last man southern belle Julie would pick. She wants neat. She wants tidy. She wants polite. And the best man, Logan, fits that to a T. Too bad Reed has his sights set on the sexy blonde, and when Reed wants something, he gets it. Oh does he get it.
Reed is everything you want in a bad boy hero...and more. So much more. Reed doesn't do entanglements, and he certainly doesn't do more than sex, yet something about Julie draws him in and keeps him wanting more.
As for Julie, well I haven't read a heroine by Tessa Bailey that I haven't loved yet, and she was certainly no exception. She so endearingly sassy and her quirky southern sayings never failed to put a smile on my mouth. She was no pushover, and she definitely gave Reed a run for his money...but boy was it delicious.
"I'm counting on it."
The banter between them was entertaining and sexy.
But would you expect any less from the talented Miss Bailey? I think not.
This book had everything; romance, hot as hell sex, and dirty talk that will melt the panties right off of you. Might I suggest keeping some spares handy?
I only have one thing to add after finishing this.
Dear Tessa,
For the love of all that's holy, please GAWD make a spin off from this novel. I need dirty talking SWAT men in my life. BAD.
That is all. I'm off to stalk the poor author for any news of her upcoming releases. And I thank you
Read the series in order:
Book 0.5:
(My Review)Book 1:
(My Review)Book 2:
Book 3:
My ReviewBook 4:
My Review***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
June 1, 2014
FIVE YOU HAVE ME STARS.
"You've had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I can breathe."
Tessa Bailey is an erotic romance writing goddess, simply put I would devour anything and everything that this author writes. Bailey really can do not wrong in my eyes and once again I've found myself falling in lust and head over heels for yet another fabulous novel. Be prepared readers, Reed Lawson may have just taken first spot as my favourite Tessa Bailey hero I've read to date and combined with Julie, a heroine that is beyond endearing, this novel was hitting all my five star buttons. I feel giddy with excitement as I write my review, once again this delightful brazen author has managed to put a very satisfied smile on my face and I can't wait for other readers to enjoy this novel just as much as I have.
what's it all about?
A story of opposites attract doesn't get any more tempting than the attraction between the overly organised, perfect, sorority girl, Julie Piper and damaged, commanding and sinfully delicious, SWAT commander, Reed Lawson. When they are forced together at a mutual friends wedding their attraction to each other can not be denied but as they give into temptation they both soon realise that they can't let go of the possibility of a future together. But can the sinfully filthy, tortured hero give Julie the perfect life she has always desired.
what did I love?
Nothing makes me enjoy a novel as much as when it has a dirty, demanding and delicious hero at the helm, those readers that like to fall into lust with a commanding, tortured character who is begging to be loved will leave this novel feeling nothing short of fully satisfied. Every page of this short novel had me highlighting my kindle like crazy. Tessa Bailey certainly has a way with words, she takes her reader right into the erotic story telling and I could not have been happier with this short, extremely sexy and dare I say sweet novel. There was nothing that I didn't adore about this novel, from the characters, to the story line, to the off the charts sexual chemistry and outright filthy sex scenes. The wedding dare series is continuing to be a brazen triumph and I'm loving every page.
Final thoughts ...
A scorching start, a banter filled middle and an epilogue that screamed of perfection, this author can never do wrong in my eyes and is most certainly one of my favourite brazen authors. What Tessa Bailey can't do with a panty ripping sex scene is not worth mentioning, she could write a book days in length and I'm still convinced i'd never tired of her witty writing style and naughty erotic story telling. Julie and Reed are going to be remembered as one of the most likeable and endearing brazen couples that I've had the pleasure of reading about and the only complaint I have is that I'll never be able to read this book for the first time ever again, so now it goes without saying that I'll be equally excited and jealous when I start to see fellow Bailey addicts reading and loving this story just as much as I have. Go grab this series in release day readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
Wedding dare series:
*ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
"You've had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I can breathe."
Tessa Bailey is an erotic romance writing goddess, simply put I would devour anything and everything that this author writes. Bailey really can do not wrong in my eyes and once again I've found myself falling in lust and head over heels for yet another fabulous novel. Be prepared readers, Reed Lawson may have just taken first spot as my favourite Tessa Bailey hero I've read to date and combined with Julie, a heroine that is beyond endearing, this novel was hitting all my five star buttons. I feel giddy with excitement as I write my review, once again this delightful brazen author has managed to put a very satisfied smile on my face and I can't wait for other readers to enjoy this novel just as much as I have.
what's it all about?
A story of opposites attract doesn't get any more tempting than the attraction between the overly organised, perfect, sorority girl, Julie Piper and damaged, commanding and sinfully delicious, SWAT commander, Reed Lawson. When they are forced together at a mutual friends wedding their attraction to each other can not be denied but as they give into temptation they both soon realise that they can't let go of the possibility of a future together. But can the sinfully filthy, tortured hero give Julie the perfect life she has always desired.
what did I love?
Nothing makes me enjoy a novel as much as when it has a dirty, demanding and delicious hero at the helm, those readers that like to fall into lust with a commanding, tortured character who is begging to be loved will leave this novel feeling nothing short of fully satisfied. Every page of this short novel had me highlighting my kindle like crazy. Tessa Bailey certainly has a way with words, she takes her reader right into the erotic story telling and I could not have been happier with this short, extremely sexy and dare I say sweet novel. There was nothing that I didn't adore about this novel, from the characters, to the story line, to the off the charts sexual chemistry and outright filthy sex scenes. The wedding dare series is continuing to be a brazen triumph and I'm loving every page.
Final thoughts ...
A scorching start, a banter filled middle and an epilogue that screamed of perfection, this author can never do wrong in my eyes and is most certainly one of my favourite brazen authors. What Tessa Bailey can't do with a panty ripping sex scene is not worth mentioning, she could write a book days in length and I'm still convinced i'd never tired of her witty writing style and naughty erotic story telling. Julie and Reed are going to be remembered as one of the most likeable and endearing brazen couples that I've had the pleasure of reading about and the only complaint I have is that I'll never be able to read this book for the first time ever again, so now it goes without saying that I'll be equally excited and jealous when I start to see fellow Bailey addicts reading and loving this story just as much as I have. Go grab this series in release day readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
Wedding dare series:
*ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
September 17, 2017
4 stars
Tessa Bailey brought her A game when she wrote this fun and super steamy read! I haven’t read a ton of her books, but all the one’s I’ve read have had these things in common- they’re easy sexy reads. And sometimes you just need that.
Julie and Reed meet by chance. They live in the same city, yet they’ve never crossed paths until Julie’s best friend and Reed’s friend get married. Julie is a perfectionist. She’s one of those women who’s always on her toes, a real people pleaser. Reed Lawson is rough around the edges. He is nothing like Julie and he’s definitely nothing like they men Julie usually go for. These two seem like total opposites that could never work, but somehow they just do. They click and connect and their chemistry is off the charts!
Baiting the Maid of Honor wasn’t just a sexy read. It was romantic, even sweet at times. It was also funny. The banter between Julie and Reed was great and had me laughing more than once. I listened to the audio version of this book. The narration was good- not great, but not bad either. Baiting the Maid of Honor gets a solid 4 stars from me! I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a short and steamy read!
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Tessa Bailey brought her A game when she wrote this fun and super steamy read! I haven’t read a ton of her books, but all the one’s I’ve read have had these things in common- they’re easy sexy reads. And sometimes you just need that.
Julie and Reed meet by chance. They live in the same city, yet they’ve never crossed paths until Julie’s best friend and Reed’s friend get married. Julie is a perfectionist. She’s one of those women who’s always on her toes, a real people pleaser. Reed Lawson is rough around the edges. He is nothing like Julie and he’s definitely nothing like they men Julie usually go for. These two seem like total opposites that could never work, but somehow they just do. They click and connect and their chemistry is off the charts!
Baiting the Maid of Honor wasn’t just a sexy read. It was romantic, even sweet at times. It was also funny. The banter between Julie and Reed was great and had me laughing more than once. I listened to the audio version of this book. The narration was good- not great, but not bad either. Baiting the Maid of Honor gets a solid 4 stars from me! I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a short and steamy read!
June 18, 2014
5 HOT STARS
"And when you slip between your sheets tonight, think about this.
I will service you so hard you'll be booking another week here just to recover."
Wow what a ride! I really adore all Tessa's stories! They're short, sexy and funny and her heroes are always amazing! Alpha hero, dominating, damaged and so hot! Tessa is the master of that type of heroes!!
Julie and her friends decide to dare each other to have a night with one of the groomsmen but things didn't went like they wanted..Julie's priority was always to make the other happy, but what happens when she meets the bossy and sexy Reed?
Can she resist him??
I liked Julie and Reed a lot!!Julie was so sweet while Reed was so rough!They complement each other’s character very well.And this is what I loved more in this book,that they are the complete opposites in almost every way but Tessa managed to make them fit together!!!Reed brings out a side of Julie that she never knew existed!
I can't stop saying how much I love Tessa's writing!!!The hot scenes always are of the charts!There is so much tension between Reed and Julie that make their relationship so intense!!!
“If you only knew the things I want to do to you, pixie, you’d already be underneath me with your legs in the air, screaming loud enough to shatter glass.”
The other characters are so great,especially Reagan!!She was amazing!!If you need something hot and funny read this!!I'm sure it will keep your interesting till the end!!!I am so excited to read the other stories too!!
***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"And when you slip between your sheets tonight, think about this.
I will service you so hard you'll be booking another week here just to recover."
Wow what a ride! I really adore all Tessa's stories! They're short, sexy and funny and her heroes are always amazing! Alpha hero, dominating, damaged and so hot! Tessa is the master of that type of heroes!!
Julie and her friends decide to dare each other to have a night with one of the groomsmen but things didn't went like they wanted..Julie's priority was always to make the other happy, but what happens when she meets the bossy and sexy Reed?
Can she resist him??
I liked Julie and Reed a lot!!Julie was so sweet while Reed was so rough!They complement each other’s character very well.And this is what I loved more in this book,that they are the complete opposites in almost every way but Tessa managed to make them fit together!!!Reed brings out a side of Julie that she never knew existed!
I can't stop saying how much I love Tessa's writing!!!The hot scenes always are of the charts!There is so much tension between Reed and Julie that make their relationship so intense!!!
“If you only knew the things I want to do to you, pixie, you’d already be underneath me with your legs in the air, screaming loud enough to shatter glass.”
The other characters are so great,especially Reagan!!She was amazing!!If you need something hot and funny read this!!I'm sure it will keep your interesting till the end!!!I am so excited to read the other stories too!!
***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1388500902i%2F22427047._UY200_CR8%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 11, 2014
5 stars
Reed and Julie share an instant atraction at their friends wedding. Both with a little baggage, would they end up being more than a temporary fling?
Now who doesnt like a dirty talking tattooed hero? Loved Reed! Tessa Bailey writes some scorching sexual tension and hot sex scenes. There was great banter either with the girls or the boys or the couple. Im beginning to think our little Kady (Bride to be) is a sneaky matchmaker. Epilogue= Fat grin= Perfect!!!
I love a quick sexy book and this one delivered. I think you can pick up any of these books without getting lost but you will miss out on the little detail on how the couples cross over. Loved it!
ARC provided by the Publishers
Reed and Julie share an instant atraction at their friends wedding. Both with a little baggage, would they end up being more than a temporary fling?
Now who doesnt like a dirty talking tattooed hero? Loved Reed! Tessa Bailey writes some scorching sexual tension and hot sex scenes. There was great banter either with the girls or the boys or the couple. Im beginning to think our little Kady (Bride to be) is a sneaky matchmaker. Epilogue= Fat grin= Perfect!!!
I love a quick sexy book and this one delivered. I think you can pick up any of these books without getting lost but you will miss out on the little detail on how the couples cross over. Loved it!
ARC provided by the Publishers
June 19, 2014
“Listen to me, pixie. You can pretend all you want that you didn’t love my eyes on you all damn night when I couldn’t stop imagining your beautiful legs draped over my shoulders. You can pretend to be indifferent toward me in front of all your giggling girlfriends,” he braced a hand on the wall above her head and leaned in close. “But don’t pretend, not for one goddamn second, that you thought it was Golden boy ringing your bell. You knew who was between your thighs. You’ve wanted me there for hours. I just found a way to give us both what we both wanted.”
Sweet. Baby. Jesus! This book was all kinds of hot. And not hot in the normal “hotness takes away from the actual story” I normally experience with these kinds of books. Entangled’s Brazen line of reads has been a hit or miss experience for me, but as far as I’m concerned Tessa Bailey can do no wrong. Her stories are always developed, thought out and dirty in the best possible way! That’s a happy place combination for me and I look forward to each and every one of her offerings. This story was no exception. I loved seeing these two characters lust and grow with each other. I’m reading the series in order but in all honesty I can’t see any of the other books living up to this sweet read, but I’m always open to being pleasantly surprised. Bring on the rest of the bridesmaids!
September 23, 2020
4.5 Good Girl Meets Hot Man, Lets the Naughty Out Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Two people, opposites in so many ways...and drawn to each other with a passion that cannot be denied. We heard of this premise before... but leave it to Tessa Bailey to use it to the max in her segment of the Wedding Dare grouping. Her contribution is Baiting the Maid of Honor... and that title is just the tip of the iceberg.
The first book of this series was Dare to Resist by Laura Kaye; it set up the couple who's wedding all the other books revolve around. The next part sets up the premise of all the characters together for a week of activities at the resort. It is Falling For The Groomsman by Diane Alberts.
In this book, Julie and Reed are the focus... and in Ms. Bailey's hands... what a ride we get.
Julie is the one everyone goes to... To get things done, to make all arrangements for any birthday, party, or in this case, Wedding, and she wouldn't have it any other way. These are the types of things she has always loved doing and her sorority sisters were there having fun with her. But times since college have changed.
Julie has become the substitute daughter of her family. Her older sister, Serena, was perfect. She was next in line to take over the family's business, she knew how to juggle everything the company threw at her, she was the heir apparent, and that was ok with Julie.
Because like in a "royal family", the firstborn always had all the responsibilities and the second born got to be freer. All that changed when her sister died from an accident four years ago. After that, Julie worked as hard as she could to satisfy her parents but nothing could match the level of perfection of her sister, and it was something she heard every day. This caused Julie to be on that never-ending treadmill of running and trying to make everything right nonstop.
Reed is the other half of this equation. As SWAT Commander, he is a man who doesn't play. A dining affair for him is throwing hot dogs and burgers on a grill, the champagne of Beer would be the drink of choice.
The one thing about Reed, though, is his loyalty to Colt, the groom, and his friend Brock. Both were there for him all during his messed up childhood and from that point, they were like brothers. So this is not his thing and he is taking a moment on the terrace... just collecting himself before he has to deal with all this Wedding Crap...
A woman comes out from the bar and she looks beautiful. She has no clue anyone is out there with her as she takes her hair down from the tight clip holding it up. As she massages her scalp, she lets out a moan of pleasure... and that sets the whole story in motion.
Reed sees this and starts to get worked up watching this woman releasing all her stress and verbally just going with the pleasure she is feeling. Reed starts to feel a need building of want for this woman from just hearing her. Reed makes a comment of how he wonders what her other moans would be like and Julie sees Mr. Dark, Handsome, and her Southern Proper roots won't let her be mean or rude... so her kind of brushes it off with a nothing comment back.
Julie tries to put her hair back up with no success and Reed takes the opportunity to come up behind her, puts his hands in her hair, and starts massaging her scalp...
Ding-Ding... Julie is off into sensory land... it feels wonderful... Reed talking in her ear... saying things she has never heard in mixed company... She pulls herself out of the trance Reed has put her in... and verbally slaps him down. She turns and goes back to the bar. In a matter of minutes, she learns Mr. Hot Hands is part of the wedding party!
With Reed part of this wedding party, Julie will just have to figure out how to stay away from him... because the attraction she feels for him is off the charts and dangerous. He is everything she shouldn't want... Crass, Uncaring, Overtly Sexual, and Blatant about it... Oh, and she cannot stop thinking about him, either.
Tessa Bailey has given us the perfect set up. Reed is a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy... Masculine, commanding, built with scars on his body and those on his heart. His family life was a classic case of a woman lost to a man who drank and mistreated her. The child watched it all, then lost his mom to cancer. He never saw love between two people, felt he was less than due to poverty, and swore he would make something out of himself. He experienced a life-changing bar fight and had the scars to show for it. That made him take a second look at his behavior. He turned himself around, became a member of the force, and then the Swat team.
He was never touchy-feely... he wanted a woman... he would have her and then be done...so this Julie brought all kinds of odd instincts from him., but the one constant was the overwhelming desire... and he was going to make her see it was only a matter of time as to them "doing the deed".
This story was so good. You had a woman who would just succumb to the power of wanting a man... a man who knew how to talk to her, touch her, and make her feel beyond anything she had ever felt before.
Reed was one of those sexy men you just want to whisper all kinds of naughty things in your ear... and the best... was he would live up to EVERYTHING he promised and more... There were so many different scenes that had me wishing I had met someone like Reed back in the day... Hell, I would take a geriatric Reed right now!
This story follows the same wedding details as the other books so all of the stories of the Wedding Dare group can work together. You just see things a little differently due to the couple of focus.
There are two more to come and I am happily working my way through them.
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Best Man with Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Entangled/Brazen publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Two people, opposites in so many ways...and drawn to each other with a passion that cannot be denied. We heard of this premise before... but leave it to Tessa Bailey to use it to the max in her segment of the Wedding Dare grouping. Her contribution is Baiting the Maid of Honor... and that title is just the tip of the iceberg.
The first book of this series was Dare to Resist by Laura Kaye; it set up the couple who's wedding all the other books revolve around. The next part sets up the premise of all the characters together for a week of activities at the resort. It is Falling For The Groomsman by Diane Alberts.
In this book, Julie and Reed are the focus... and in Ms. Bailey's hands... what a ride we get.
Julie is the one everyone goes to... To get things done, to make all arrangements for any birthday, party, or in this case, Wedding, and she wouldn't have it any other way. These are the types of things she has always loved doing and her sorority sisters were there having fun with her. But times since college have changed.
Julie has become the substitute daughter of her family. Her older sister, Serena, was perfect. She was next in line to take over the family's business, she knew how to juggle everything the company threw at her, she was the heir apparent, and that was ok with Julie.
Because like in a "royal family", the firstborn always had all the responsibilities and the second born got to be freer. All that changed when her sister died from an accident four years ago. After that, Julie worked as hard as she could to satisfy her parents but nothing could match the level of perfection of her sister, and it was something she heard every day. This caused Julie to be on that never-ending treadmill of running and trying to make everything right nonstop.
Reed is the other half of this equation. As SWAT Commander, he is a man who doesn't play. A dining affair for him is throwing hot dogs and burgers on a grill, the champagne of Beer would be the drink of choice.
The one thing about Reed, though, is his loyalty to Colt, the groom, and his friend Brock. Both were there for him all during his messed up childhood and from that point, they were like brothers. So this is not his thing and he is taking a moment on the terrace... just collecting himself before he has to deal with all this Wedding Crap...
A woman comes out from the bar and she looks beautiful. She has no clue anyone is out there with her as she takes her hair down from the tight clip holding it up. As she massages her scalp, she lets out a moan of pleasure... and that sets the whole story in motion.
Reed sees this and starts to get worked up watching this woman releasing all her stress and verbally just going with the pleasure she is feeling. Reed starts to feel a need building of want for this woman from just hearing her. Reed makes a comment of how he wonders what her other moans would be like and Julie sees Mr. Dark, Handsome, and her Southern Proper roots won't let her be mean or rude... so her kind of brushes it off with a nothing comment back.
Julie tries to put her hair back up with no success and Reed takes the opportunity to come up behind her, puts his hands in her hair, and starts massaging her scalp...
Ding-Ding... Julie is off into sensory land... it feels wonderful... Reed talking in her ear... saying things she has never heard in mixed company... She pulls herself out of the trance Reed has put her in... and verbally slaps him down. She turns and goes back to the bar. In a matter of minutes, she learns Mr. Hot Hands is part of the wedding party!
With Reed part of this wedding party, Julie will just have to figure out how to stay away from him... because the attraction she feels for him is off the charts and dangerous. He is everything she shouldn't want... Crass, Uncaring, Overtly Sexual, and Blatant about it... Oh, and she cannot stop thinking about him, either.
Tessa Bailey has given us the perfect set up. Reed is a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy... Masculine, commanding, built with scars on his body and those on his heart. His family life was a classic case of a woman lost to a man who drank and mistreated her. The child watched it all, then lost his mom to cancer. He never saw love between two people, felt he was less than due to poverty, and swore he would make something out of himself. He experienced a life-changing bar fight and had the scars to show for it. That made him take a second look at his behavior. He turned himself around, became a member of the force, and then the Swat team.
He was never touchy-feely... he wanted a woman... he would have her and then be done...so this Julie brought all kinds of odd instincts from him., but the one constant was the overwhelming desire... and he was going to make her see it was only a matter of time as to them "doing the deed".
This story was so good. You had a woman who would just succumb to the power of wanting a man... a man who knew how to talk to her, touch her, and make her feel beyond anything she had ever felt before.
Reed was one of those sexy men you just want to whisper all kinds of naughty things in your ear... and the best... was he would live up to EVERYTHING he promised and more... There were so many different scenes that had me wishing I had met someone like Reed back in the day... Hell, I would take a geriatric Reed right now!
This story follows the same wedding details as the other books so all of the stories of the Wedding Dare group can work together. You just see things a little differently due to the couple of focus.
There are two more to come and I am happily working my way through them.
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Best Man with Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Entangled/Brazen publishing for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 23, 2014
4,5 Bating Stars!
Julie is the maid of honor and the wedding planner. She is a bubbly person that makes everyone else happy. Well, everyone except herself.
Reed, one of the groom’s best-friend, is the mysterious and broody SWAT that doesn’t connect easily with people.
They were opposites and nothing was supposed to happen between them. Until it does and everything changes. Reed knows Julie lives in a different reality that him, but he still doesn’t want to let her go.
But the way they react to the world and to people it’s a disguise to hide their past and the ghosts that haunt them.
So when they start to get closer and finding out more about each other, how much they will still want the other, after the masks fall and their real selves come forward?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: A sexy and romantic book with just the rifht amout of swoon. Like it’s usual, Tessa delivers an addictive fast-paced story that will leave you wanting so much more!
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. Good writing with sexy and funny remarks and completely addictive.
Character Development: Julie was good but she was really too “bubbly”. Yeah, we know that was a disguise, but still. Some of her insecurities really made me want to slap her. But oh well, overall she was good and I liked her. Reed… oh, Reed. Derek, who? Reed just became my Tessa’s Favorite Man. He was an amazing alpha male with a heart of gold. I completely loved him.
Steam: C’mon people. It’s from Tessa Bailey. It’s guaranteed to be completely hot.
HEA:
Julie is the maid of honor and the wedding planner. She is a bubbly person that makes everyone else happy. Well, everyone except herself.
Reed, one of the groom’s best-friend, is the mysterious and broody SWAT that doesn’t connect easily with people.
They were opposites and nothing was supposed to happen between them. Until it does and everything changes. Reed knows Julie lives in a different reality that him, but he still doesn’t want to let her go.
But the way they react to the world and to people it’s a disguise to hide their past and the ghosts that haunt them.
So when they start to get closer and finding out more about each other, how much they will still want the other, after the masks fall and their real selves come forward?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: A sexy and romantic book with just the rifht amout of swoon. Like it’s usual, Tessa delivers an addictive fast-paced story that will leave you wanting so much more!
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. Good writing with sexy and funny remarks and completely addictive.
Character Development: Julie was good but she was really too “bubbly”. Yeah, we know that was a disguise, but still. Some of her insecurities really made me want to slap her. But oh well, overall she was good and I liked her. Reed… oh, Reed. Derek, who? Reed just became my Tessa’s Favorite Man. He was an amazing alpha male with a heart of gold. I completely loved him.
Steam: C’mon people. It’s from Tessa Bailey. It’s guaranteed to be completely hot.
HEA:
October 19, 2014
You know...everytime I get a Tessa Bailey book, which I totally admit to one clicking, I just know it is gonna be HOT!
I am convinced that she has the be one of the best writers of hot, badass alpha men...Her male characters have THE BEST smack talking lingo and bedroom abilities. Just unreal how damn turned on she can get you with just the introduction to her men
You see...she wrote about a man named Reed...
So ridiculously hot. So perfectly male. He is all big and bad. He even has a past defined by violence. Nothing better than that darkness meeting with some Georgia Sunshine in southern belle, Julie! I love insta lust when both characters are unabashed and willing to go all in. I mean if man is gonna dominate then nothing better than a woman willing to take it!
Just one week of bridal party festivities...such a small amount of time for Tessa Bailey to rock you to the core! She makes bad characters want to be better, she makes hot one night stands want forever, and she makes you want to yell at her for writing such short tales, lol!!!! Kudos Tessa, my libido thanks you...I so needed an good cliffhanger free read!
I am convinced that she has the be one of the best writers of hot, badass alpha men...Her male characters have THE BEST smack talking lingo and bedroom abilities. Just unreal how damn turned on she can get you with just the introduction to her men
You see...she wrote about a man named Reed...
So ridiculously hot. So perfectly male. He is all big and bad. He even has a past defined by violence. Nothing better than that darkness meeting with some Georgia Sunshine in southern belle, Julie! I love insta lust when both characters are unabashed and willing to go all in. I mean if man is gonna dominate then nothing better than a woman willing to take it!
Just one week of bridal party festivities...such a small amount of time for Tessa Bailey to rock you to the core! She makes bad characters want to be better, she makes hot one night stands want forever, and she makes you want to yell at her for writing such short tales, lol!!!! Kudos Tessa, my libido thanks you...I so needed an good cliffhanger free read!
June 4, 2014
4.5 - "Reed doesn't do the woo." Stars!
If at all possible, book two in the Wedding Dare series is even hotter than book one. Baiting the Maid of Honor worked for me on every level, with a rich storyline, well developed characters and the flawless progression of the series as a whole. Tessa Bailey really does excel when it comes to the guys she gives us to drool over in her books.
I love me some dominant alpha male and SWAT Officer Reed Lawson is all that and a bag of crackers, wrapped up in a dirty-talking, take-no-shit, inked and scarred package.
”You’ve had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I want to breathe.”
”Are you always this inappropriate?” ... “Even when a lady has shown exactly zero interest?” ...
“Baby , if that was zero. I can’t wait to see what ten looks like.”
Southern Belle Julie Piper spends her life making others happy, some might say at the detriment to her own happiness. There is be a reason for that, but it isn’t one that she will willingly discuss. That is until Reed see’s past the facade to the woman she really is, it’s this fact as well as all of their other differences that make it easier for her to embrace the woman she really wants to be...
”Would you like me take off my pants now so you can really be impressed?”
What I really liked about this book, is the contrast it offered to book one Falling For the Groomsman, where Christine and Tyler’s story was absorbing due to its fun, light-heartedness. Tessa has spun that on its head in Baiting the Maid of Honor. Both Reed and Julie are battling with the assumption that they are ‘not good enough’ and in private are in a pretty dark place but for totally different reasons. Reed gives Julie something she didn’t even realise she needed, while she in turn makes him want things he never thought he could have, this is what ultimately makes their connection so strong.
All he wanted was to crush her to him. Absorb her scent. Her light. Never let her go.
The push and pull between these two, and the dual POV again work perfectly, as with book one, you are pulled fully into the drama of Julie and Reed as a couple, and the Wedding preparations and the rest of the characters as the week progresses for all of them at Beaver Creek Resort as a whole.
ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.
If at all possible, book two in the Wedding Dare series is even hotter than book one. Baiting the Maid of Honor worked for me on every level, with a rich storyline, well developed characters and the flawless progression of the series as a whole. Tessa Bailey really does excel when it comes to the guys she gives us to drool over in her books.
I love me some dominant alpha male and SWAT Officer Reed Lawson is all that and a bag of crackers, wrapped up in a dirty-talking, take-no-shit, inked and scarred package.
”You’ve had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I want to breathe.”
”Are you always this inappropriate?” ... “Even when a lady has shown exactly zero interest?” ...
“Baby , if that was zero. I can’t wait to see what ten looks like.”
Southern Belle Julie Piper spends her life making others happy, some might say at the detriment to her own happiness. There is be a reason for that, but it isn’t one that she will willingly discuss. That is until Reed see’s past the facade to the woman she really is, it’s this fact as well as all of their other differences that make it easier for her to embrace the woman she really wants to be...
”Would you like me take off my pants now so you can really be impressed?”
What I really liked about this book, is the contrast it offered to book one Falling For the Groomsman, where Christine and Tyler’s story was absorbing due to its fun, light-heartedness. Tessa has spun that on its head in Baiting the Maid of Honor. Both Reed and Julie are battling with the assumption that they are ‘not good enough’ and in private are in a pretty dark place but for totally different reasons. Reed gives Julie something she didn’t even realise she needed, while she in turn makes him want things he never thought he could have, this is what ultimately makes their connection so strong.
All he wanted was to crush her to him. Absorb her scent. Her light. Never let her go.
The push and pull between these two, and the dual POV again work perfectly, as with book one, you are pulled fully into the drama of Julie and Reed as a couple, and the Wedding preparations and the rest of the characters as the week progresses for all of them at Beaver Creek Resort as a whole.
ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.
June 10, 2014
4.5 Stars
Baiting the Maid of Honor is a story where opposites attract, sparks fly, and sheets ignite! But more than that, there’s a heartfelt romance at the center.
Julie Piper is a sweet, proper Southern girl spending the next six nights in a Colorado making sure her best friend’s wedding goes off without a hitch. When she encounters the dark and dangerously handsome Reed her brain tells her to run, but her body is sending entirely different signals. Reed sends her pulses racing with his very naughty, dirty mouth. Julie’s shocked by his brazenness, but she’s also secretly thrilled. When her fellow bridesmaids commit to a dare to each pick and seduce one of the groomsmen, Julie picks the best man to seduce thinking this will put any improper thoughts of Reed out of her head.
Julie is far from Reed Lawson’s usual pick. He doesn’t go for the good girl, cheerleader types, but there’s something simmering beneath Julie’s layers of perfect, and Reed can’t resist. When he overhears her plot to sneak in and seduce another groomsman there’s no way he’s going to allow that to happen.
I love a romance where the couple is powerless to resist the physical and emotional pull they have on each other. Reed’s determination and relentless pursuit was such wicked fun! Reed is one delicious, bossy, dirty talking man! Julie’s all deer-in-the-headlights at first, but this girl has some spunk in her, too, leading to a sexually charged push and pull between these two!
Julie and Reed were opposites, Julie’s always strived to live up to everyone’s expectations, make everyone happy, and Reed is a guy who for the most part doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Reed definitely pushed Julie’s buttons and drove her crazy, but he seemed to tap into the Julie underneath it all, the real honest Julie. Julie had a profound effect on Reed, too. He’s always kept walls up, and didn’t think he was capable of needing or giving tenderness, until Julie comes into his life.
“You said in the forest, you don’t know who you are with me. I hated it at the time. But the truth is, I don’t know who I am with you, either. I only know I’m so much better. Stronger. Happier.”
These two definitely encounter some bumps in the road trying to figure things out, but I loved their heartfelt, passionate journey! Tessa Bailey is an expert in creating believable, intense chemistry between her characters which make her novels panty melting HOT! Baiting the Maid of Honor was no exception.
Julie and Reed’s story is part of the Wedding Dare series. Baiting the Maid of Honor is one of four romances happening simultaneously, and my interest was definitely piqued enough to pick up the other stories!
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Baiting the Maid of Honor is a story where opposites attract, sparks fly, and sheets ignite! But more than that, there’s a heartfelt romance at the center.
Julie Piper is a sweet, proper Southern girl spending the next six nights in a Colorado making sure her best friend’s wedding goes off without a hitch. When she encounters the dark and dangerously handsome Reed her brain tells her to run, but her body is sending entirely different signals. Reed sends her pulses racing with his very naughty, dirty mouth. Julie’s shocked by his brazenness, but she’s also secretly thrilled. When her fellow bridesmaids commit to a dare to each pick and seduce one of the groomsmen, Julie picks the best man to seduce thinking this will put any improper thoughts of Reed out of her head.
Julie is far from Reed Lawson’s usual pick. He doesn’t go for the good girl, cheerleader types, but there’s something simmering beneath Julie’s layers of perfect, and Reed can’t resist. When he overhears her plot to sneak in and seduce another groomsman there’s no way he’s going to allow that to happen.
I love a romance where the couple is powerless to resist the physical and emotional pull they have on each other. Reed’s determination and relentless pursuit was such wicked fun! Reed is one delicious, bossy, dirty talking man! Julie’s all deer-in-the-headlights at first, but this girl has some spunk in her, too, leading to a sexually charged push and pull between these two!
Julie and Reed were opposites, Julie’s always strived to live up to everyone’s expectations, make everyone happy, and Reed is a guy who for the most part doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Reed definitely pushed Julie’s buttons and drove her crazy, but he seemed to tap into the Julie underneath it all, the real honest Julie. Julie had a profound effect on Reed, too. He’s always kept walls up, and didn’t think he was capable of needing or giving tenderness, until Julie comes into his life.
“You said in the forest, you don’t know who you are with me. I hated it at the time. But the truth is, I don’t know who I am with you, either. I only know I’m so much better. Stronger. Happier.”
These two definitely encounter some bumps in the road trying to figure things out, but I loved their heartfelt, passionate journey! Tessa Bailey is an expert in creating believable, intense chemistry between her characters which make her novels panty melting HOT! Baiting the Maid of Honor was no exception.
Julie and Reed’s story is part of the Wedding Dare series. Baiting the Maid of Honor is one of four romances happening simultaneously, and my interest was definitely piqued enough to pick up the other stories!
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2014
"You've had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I can breathe."
Julie spends her life making others happy. She is sweet and innocent and she’s "the maker of pretty things". She doesn’t date often, she doesn’t have time between work and taking care of her parents, but she will only date a man with manners.
Reed is a SWAT team commander. He’s dark and dangerous and a little damaged. One thing is for sure... a woman like Julie, “pampered and privileged” isn’t his type, but he can’t deny his strong attraction to this southern woman. He’s not the relationship type, he doesn’t get close to a woman, he just wants sex.
Julie is determined to stay away from Reed; she knows he’s dangerous and he's not the man for her. At first she fights her attraction for this dark man, but soon she realizes Reed is the only man she wants.
“You already want more, don’t you? You know that what I give you is better than the warm, fuzzy bullshit you’re used to.”
Both of them know they are too different, that anything between them would only lead to disappointment, but nothing else matters when feelings are involved.
“All he wanted was to crush her to him. Absorb her scent. Her light. Never let her go.”
Damn…this was so good. I expected to like it, maybe…but I didn’t expect to love it so much. Everything worked for me…especially Reed.
I loved, loved Reed. I loved his dirty mouth, I loved that he’s different with Julie, I loved how caring and loving is with her. He’s perfect! Julie was a great heroine. She’s beautiful, smart, she knows what she wants and she’s perfect for Reed.
The banter between these two is so great and their chemistry is intense, palpable and so well written,…I love it!!! The adored the epilogue! It really left me with a big smile on my face.
I really don’t have any complains. Everything was awesome! It was sweet, sensual and funny at times and it has an entertaining storyline, a smart lovable heroine, an alpha hero and hot as hell sex! What’s not to love?
March 23, 2023
Not too much substance, just a lot of smut, but am I upset? Absolutely not. I knew what I was signing up for with Mme Tessa Bailey, and I don't regret it. Also, I can totally tell that her writing style has aged like fine wine.
July 26, 2016
1 Wedding. 4 Bridesmaids. 4 Groomsmen. 1 dare
Tessa Bailey continues her trend of doing no wrong in my world. Her contribution to the Wedding Dare series delivers exactly what she does best; an off-the-scale sexy cop and a lady who presses every one of his buttons. And if there were ever proof needed that opposites attract, Reed Lawson and Julie Piper are it
Reed. Tall, dark and dangerous, our SWAT commander doesn't do romance. His demeanour attracts a certain type of lady and he's fine with that. And Julie? She is the type that usually sees him and runs for cover; thoughtful and caring, she's happiest making people happy and in organising Kady & Colton's pre-wedding party she's in her element. But what's on the outside isn't necessarily what's on the inside as both soon discover...
“...when you slip between your sheets tonight, think about this. I will service you so hard you’ll be booking another week here just to recover.”
Reed...I'll have a full service, valet and I'll even let you wax & buff me.
With the hot, sexy, page-burning delights that Tessa Bailey delivers in all her Brazen books, Reed and Julie were a couple to fall in love with. And as they discover each other, their vulnerabilities are brought to the surface and this brought the emotion out.
Baiting the Maid of Honor is a fabulous addition to the series and topped off with a super epilogue, Shadow Lurker and Pixie get 5 glorious stars from me.
I received a copy of this courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest & unbiased opinion
Reading order:
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare #0.5) - Laura Kaye
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare #1) - Jen McLaughlin/Diane Alberts
Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare #2) - Tessa Bailey
Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare #3) - Katee Robert
Best Man with Benefits (Wedding Dare #4) - Samanthe Beck
Tessa Bailey continues her trend of doing no wrong in my world. Her contribution to the Wedding Dare series delivers exactly what she does best; an off-the-scale sexy cop and a lady who presses every one of his buttons. And if there were ever proof needed that opposites attract, Reed Lawson and Julie Piper are it
Reed. Tall, dark and dangerous, our SWAT commander doesn't do romance. His demeanour attracts a certain type of lady and he's fine with that. And Julie? She is the type that usually sees him and runs for cover; thoughtful and caring, she's happiest making people happy and in organising Kady & Colton's pre-wedding party she's in her element. But what's on the outside isn't necessarily what's on the inside as both soon discover...
“...when you slip between your sheets tonight, think about this. I will service you so hard you’ll be booking another week here just to recover.”
Reed...I'll have a full service, valet and I'll even let you wax & buff me.
With the hot, sexy, page-burning delights that Tessa Bailey delivers in all her Brazen books, Reed and Julie were a couple to fall in love with. And as they discover each other, their vulnerabilities are brought to the surface and this brought the emotion out.
Baiting the Maid of Honor is a fabulous addition to the series and topped off with a super epilogue, Shadow Lurker and Pixie get 5 glorious stars from me.
I received a copy of this courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest & unbiased opinion
Reading order:
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare #0.5) - Laura Kaye
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare #1) - Jen McLaughlin/Diane Alberts
Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare #2) - Tessa Bailey
Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare #3) - Katee Robert
Best Man with Benefits (Wedding Dare #4) - Samanthe Beck
September 6, 2016
This Tessa Bailey fangirl approves of Reed!
I have a million things I should be doing, but it seems more fun to rank my Tessa Bailey book boyfriends. Reed is tied with Daniel for my favorite hot officer. Those two are followed closely by Brent, from Line of Duty #4. My favorite book is still Officer off Limits. IMO Tessa Bailey never disappoints in the dirty talk, smut department, and this one had some good stuff. I was going to throw in some quotes, but I'll you all experience the joy of Reed's dirty talk first hand! This book had such an adorable epilogue too:)
I have a million things I should be doing, but it seems more fun to rank my Tessa Bailey book boyfriends. Reed is tied with Daniel for my favorite hot officer. Those two are followed closely by Brent, from Line of Duty #4. My favorite book is still Officer off Limits. IMO Tessa Bailey never disappoints in the dirty talk, smut department, and this one had some good stuff. I was going to throw in some quotes, but I'll you all experience the joy of Reed's dirty talk first hand! This book had such an adorable epilogue too:)
September 24, 2014
4 hot stars!
I was looking for something short and steamy read and Tessa Bailey did not disappoint.
I was looking for something short and steamy read and Tessa Bailey did not disappoint.
June 9, 2014
ARC kindly received from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review..
4.5 Oh-god-I-think-I-see-Jesus stars
This is the 3rd book in this series..
This author has become an auto-buy/read/devour for me. I was super excited that she was participating in this series, and, as a result, I was not disappointed ONE. LITTLE. BIT!
Kady’s sorority friend, Julie Piper, has everything under control. As a natural people pleaser, she has been given the job to organise the sequence of events, ensuring her in-built pixie dust would be sprinkled far and wide.
Along with her other bridesmaids, they made a pact that they would each seduce a groomsman. Whilst her mind may have been on tidy entanglements with another, Reed Lawson had other ideas.
From the moment Reed laid eyes on the people pleasing pixie, he had unfamiliar thoughts. Being a SWAT commander, he was all about reading the room, whilst not necessarily getting involved. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do sweet talk, but when he has his sights set on Julie, his inner protection instincts are set in motion at top speed.
Reed was my favourite type of broody alpha; the complete shadow lurking, bossy, dirty talking package. A definite yum factor that kept me transfixed until the end.
Julie was an amusing, endearing, surprising character, who couldn’t have been more different from Reed on the surface. But once the communication commenced, the line was drawn and their vulnerabilities were revealed.
The continuity between this series has been startlingly great. Conversations/situations are detailed in a previous book by a previous author, and then divulged in further detail in a subsequent book with ease. A definite prerequisite is to read this series in order.
This was a deeper read than the light, fluffiness of #1, but no less enjoyable. The meeting of two souls who felt they didn’t quite make the grade.
Thank you, Tessa Bailey. My favourite so far..
4.5 Oh-god-I-think-I-see-Jesus stars
This is the 3rd book in this series..
This author has become an auto-buy/read/devour for me. I was super excited that she was participating in this series, and, as a result, I was not disappointed ONE. LITTLE. BIT!
Kady’s sorority friend, Julie Piper, has everything under control. As a natural people pleaser, she has been given the job to organise the sequence of events, ensuring her in-built pixie dust would be sprinkled far and wide.
Along with her other bridesmaids, they made a pact that they would each seduce a groomsman. Whilst her mind may have been on tidy entanglements with another, Reed Lawson had other ideas.
From the moment Reed laid eyes on the people pleasing pixie, he had unfamiliar thoughts. Being a SWAT commander, he was all about reading the room, whilst not necessarily getting involved. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do sweet talk, but when he has his sights set on Julie, his inner protection instincts are set in motion at top speed.
Reed was my favourite type of broody alpha; the complete shadow lurking, bossy, dirty talking package. A definite yum factor that kept me transfixed until the end.
Julie was an amusing, endearing, surprising character, who couldn’t have been more different from Reed on the surface. But once the communication commenced, the line was drawn and their vulnerabilities were revealed.
The continuity between this series has been startlingly great. Conversations/situations are detailed in a previous book by a previous author, and then divulged in further detail in a subsequent book with ease. A definite prerequisite is to read this series in order.
This was a deeper read than the light, fluffiness of #1, but no less enjoyable. The meeting of two souls who felt they didn’t quite make the grade.
Thank you, Tessa Bailey. My favourite so far..
Want to read
November 11, 2013 Another Tessa Bailey book -
Oeeee I cannot WAIT!
Oeeee I cannot WAIT!
August 16, 2016
HOT! This book was super hot! I loved Reed and Julie! I wish this would've been longer - this couple was perfect!
June 12, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Wedding Dare series
Publication Date: June 9, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.
Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.
One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever...just when he realizes he can't live without her.
What I Liked:
TESSA BAILEY! Basically I will read anything she writes - her romance novels are AMAZING. One of my all-time favorite Brazen novels is an old one of hers, Officer Off Limits. It's basically a Brazen classic! Yes, it's only been out for two years. Anyway. That book is so good. I also enjoyed Bailey's Asking For Trouble. Also very good. I didn't absolutely love this novella, but I enjoyed it!
Julie is one of the bridesmaids in her friend Kady's wedding. Julie is a planner, organizer, people pleaser. She never stops buzzing around trying to help people, and so for the week of Kady and Colton's wedding celebration, all Julie is concerned about is making the week as awesome as possible. Enter Reed, one the groomsmen. He's a dirty-talking SWAT commander who wants Julie from the first sight - badly. Julie would rather be interested in the boring best man, but secretly she's really attracted to Reed. Opposites attract in this steamy novella set during a pre-wedding celebration week filled with drama!
Reed is a strange guy. He doesn't like physical touch other than sex, really. Meaning, hugs and warmy and fuzzy stuff are off limits (hehe). He doesn't want to fall in love or care about someone - he wants to have a good time. Julie wants a stable relationship with someone reliable and perfect, and that doesn't seem to be Reed. Being a perfect sorority girl, Julie thinks Reed is crass and rude and bold - but the thing is, a part of her likes his "bad-boy" nature.
The two of them are seriously hot together. The chemistry was jumping off the pages, super present and steamy. Seriously the chemistry is probably the best part of the book - I expect no less from Tessa Bailey! The sizzling scenes are well-written - and be prepared to fan yourself!
I liked Reed a lot - he's an odd guy, he acts like he has a heart of stone, but he's a good guy. Probably not a nice guy, and definitely not someone Julie saw herself falling for. I like seeing them fall for each other, though it's a bunch of drama and shenanigans. Really, Julie makes everything so complicated. I don't care for her too much.
Anyway. Overall I liked this book. I might read the rest of the novellas in this series! Each is written by a different author, which I think is pretty cool. All four authors are AMAZING!
What I Did Not Like:
I said this already, but I didn't really care for Julie. Let's explore this thought. I'm similar to Julie, in that I am a control freak, super organized, always running around trying to help everyone else. I get that. But Julie seemed a bit... fake to me. Too prissy, with a huge stick up her butt. She clearly thought she was above everyone else, especially Reed. The amount of privilege and power status rolling off of her when next to him was annoying. It was an indirect feeling I got, but I did not like it. Julie treated Reed like he had a plague, but then she burned for his touch. But then she denied that she was attracted to him. She did most of the pushing away, but of course, it's him that has to beg forgiveness in the end, and hope that she forgives him and decides to be with him. No! You hurt him too! You're the one with the stick up your butt! Ugh! This is a common theme in many romance novels - the man is always wrong/the female is always right - and the male is always the one apologizing and begging the female to stay with him, etc. Sometimes, it's totally warranted. Other times, girlfriend needs to apologize. Maybe he does too. But it's important that both parties chase back each other to make a relationship work, and not just the guy. That's only fair, right?
Would I Recommend It:
I'd give a firm maybe, in terms of recommending this book. While I loved the romance and chemistry, I really didn't like Julie. I'm well aware that this could just be a "me" tic and I could be the only one that is annoyed with Julie. But she's the only reason this book didn't get a higher rating. So. If you have this one already, read it! Otherwise, trust me, there are other Brazen novels! Three more sitting in this post, so convenient!
Rating:
3 stars. Of the four I reviewed today, this one is the one that I liked the least - and yet, I still liked it! So that's saying something about Brazen's novels. It's clear that I can't stay away! I'll definitely be looking out for more of Tessa Bailey's books - I love her work!
Baiting the Maid of Honor by Tessa Bailey
Book Two of the Wedding Dare series
Publication Date: June 9, 2014
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Copy bought from Amazon
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
He’ll own her from the very first touch.
Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.
Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.
One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever...just when he realizes he can't live without her.
What I Liked:
TESSA BAILEY! Basically I will read anything she writes - her romance novels are AMAZING. One of my all-time favorite Brazen novels is an old one of hers, Officer Off Limits. It's basically a Brazen classic! Yes, it's only been out for two years. Anyway. That book is so good. I also enjoyed Bailey's Asking For Trouble. Also very good. I didn't absolutely love this novella, but I enjoyed it!
Julie is one of the bridesmaids in her friend Kady's wedding. Julie is a planner, organizer, people pleaser. She never stops buzzing around trying to help people, and so for the week of Kady and Colton's wedding celebration, all Julie is concerned about is making the week as awesome as possible. Enter Reed, one the groomsmen. He's a dirty-talking SWAT commander who wants Julie from the first sight - badly. Julie would rather be interested in the boring best man, but secretly she's really attracted to Reed. Opposites attract in this steamy novella set during a pre-wedding celebration week filled with drama!
Reed is a strange guy. He doesn't like physical touch other than sex, really. Meaning, hugs and warmy and fuzzy stuff are off limits (hehe). He doesn't want to fall in love or care about someone - he wants to have a good time. Julie wants a stable relationship with someone reliable and perfect, and that doesn't seem to be Reed. Being a perfect sorority girl, Julie thinks Reed is crass and rude and bold - but the thing is, a part of her likes his "bad-boy" nature.
The two of them are seriously hot together. The chemistry was jumping off the pages, super present and steamy. Seriously the chemistry is probably the best part of the book - I expect no less from Tessa Bailey! The sizzling scenes are well-written - and be prepared to fan yourself!
I liked Reed a lot - he's an odd guy, he acts like he has a heart of stone, but he's a good guy. Probably not a nice guy, and definitely not someone Julie saw herself falling for. I like seeing them fall for each other, though it's a bunch of drama and shenanigans. Really, Julie makes everything so complicated. I don't care for her too much.
Anyway. Overall I liked this book. I might read the rest of the novellas in this series! Each is written by a different author, which I think is pretty cool. All four authors are AMAZING!
What I Did Not Like:
I said this already, but I didn't really care for Julie. Let's explore this thought. I'm similar to Julie, in that I am a control freak, super organized, always running around trying to help everyone else. I get that. But Julie seemed a bit... fake to me. Too prissy, with a huge stick up her butt. She clearly thought she was above everyone else, especially Reed. The amount of privilege and power status rolling off of her when next to him was annoying. It was an indirect feeling I got, but I did not like it. Julie treated Reed like he had a plague, but then she burned for his touch. But then she denied that she was attracted to him. She did most of the pushing away, but of course, it's him that has to beg forgiveness in the end, and hope that she forgives him and decides to be with him. No! You hurt him too! You're the one with the stick up your butt! Ugh! This is a common theme in many romance novels - the man is always wrong/the female is always right - and the male is always the one apologizing and begging the female to stay with him, etc. Sometimes, it's totally warranted. Other times, girlfriend needs to apologize. Maybe he does too. But it's important that both parties chase back each other to make a relationship work, and not just the guy. That's only fair, right?
Would I Recommend It:
I'd give a firm maybe, in terms of recommending this book. While I loved the romance and chemistry, I really didn't like Julie. I'm well aware that this could just be a "me" tic and I could be the only one that is annoyed with Julie. But she's the only reason this book didn't get a higher rating. So. If you have this one already, read it! Otherwise, trust me, there are other Brazen novels! Three more sitting in this post, so convenient!
Rating:
3 stars. Of the four I reviewed today, this one is the one that I liked the least - and yet, I still liked it! So that's saying something about Brazen's novels. It's clear that I can't stay away! I'll definitely be looking out for more of Tessa Bailey's books - I love her work!
August 26, 2022
3 stars. Not my favorite by TB. While the sex was hot, I wasn't really a fan of the hero and how there was some dubious consent at the beginning. I also wanted more grovel from him near the end. The heroine was mostly ok, but also quite high-strung. The ending was really cute though.
Safe; no virgins, hero is a ONS/short fling kind of guy, no relationships in his past. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating. Heroine does try to hook up with OM initially, but the heroine's friend (with hero's knowledge) switches the room keys so she ends up in H's room.
Safe; no virgins, hero is a ONS/short fling kind of guy, no relationships in his past. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating. Heroine does try to hook up with OM initially, but the heroine's friend (with hero's knowledge) switches the room keys so she ends up in H's room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2019
One of my favourite books by Tessa Bailey and I have read A LOT of them this year.
August 11, 2014
4.5 DIRTY TALKING STARS - Tessa Bailey just never disappoints. I loved this demanding, dirty talking, dominating hero. Seriously! The first half of the book had a bit too much back and forth, hot and cold for my taste but the last half made up for it. I didn't realize that this book was part of a series and that there were several different authors contributing. Kind of a neat idea but am a little disappointed that Tessa Bailey won't be writing more with these supporting characters. She is my favorite author from the Entangled Brazen collection but I am looking forward to diversifying =)
June 21, 2014
Such a sweet story!! I loved Julie & Reed together!!!
Next, I need Sophie's story!!!
Sadly, Reegan & Christine are annoying in my eyes. Best not spoilt what is good. Gotta skip them!!
Happy reading
D x
Next, I need Sophie's story!!!
Sadly, Reegan & Christine are annoying in my eyes. Best not spoilt what is good. Gotta skip them!!
Happy reading
D x
June 3, 2014
LOVED THE ALPHA in this book.
TESSA BAILEY IS A DIRTY GIRL... and I loved EVERY FREAKING MOMENT OF IT.
TESSA BAILEY IS A DIRTY GIRL... and I loved EVERY FREAKING MOMENT OF IT.
July 2, 2014
How come I didn't know about THIS?! I must improve my stalking abilities! LOL. Love me some Tessa Bailey!
June 15, 2014
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer even though I know it is a novella. Reed was amazing and that epilogue was just beautiful :)
My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer even though I know it is a novella. Reed was amazing and that epilogue was just beautiful :)
May 9, 2015
4.5 stars! ❤
Loved it! ;)
Loved it! ;)
November 6, 2014
**ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review by the girls and I at www.sizzlingpages.com **
Hold on a second here - I need a moment or two to
compose myself from enjoying all of Reed's dirty talking! Wow - I'm almost speechless, and I think I
can say, that I found my perfect groomsman from Kady and Colton's wedding
party. Reed is the one for me! Hold on tight girls, Reed is going to make
you get all hot and bothered, and then some!
Reed is an unexpected fill-in for a groomsman for the
wedding party, and he and Julie are paired together. Talk about opposites!
Julie is a good, sweet, Southern girl. Raised with perfect manners, a smile always on
her face, always the pleaser, putting others needs first - taking care of
everything and everyone.
Reed is...well, not romantic, rough, a dirty talker
with tattoos and scars, doesn't do the romantic afterglow, doesn't cuddle or
reassure, doesn't give out sweet nothings.
"What can I say? I'm an emotionless son of a bitch."
So, just imagine these two together. I don't want to give too much of their
explosive relationship away, because you really need to read it to experience it enjoy it yourself. But I won't leave you totally hanging - here
are some of my favorite lines.
For two people so opposite and who "don't know who
they are" with each, it's completely obviously these two are meant for
each other!
With each book I love this series more!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Hold on a second here - I need a moment or two to
compose myself from enjoying all of Reed's dirty talking! Wow - I'm almost speechless, and I think I
can say, that I found my perfect groomsman from Kady and Colton's wedding
party. Reed is the one for me! Hold on tight girls, Reed is going to make
you get all hot and bothered, and then some!
Reed is an unexpected fill-in for a groomsman for the
wedding party, and he and Julie are paired together. Talk about opposites!
Julie is a good, sweet, Southern girl. Raised with perfect manners, a smile always on
her face, always the pleaser, putting others needs first - taking care of
everything and everyone.
Reed is...well, not romantic, rough, a dirty talker
with tattoos and scars, doesn't do the romantic afterglow, doesn't cuddle or
reassure, doesn't give out sweet nothings.
"What can I say? I'm an emotionless son of a bitch."
So, just imagine these two together. I don't want to give too much of their
explosive relationship away, because you really need to read it to experience it enjoy it yourself. But I won't leave you totally hanging - here
are some of my favorite lines.
For two people so opposite and who "don't know who
they are" with each, it's completely obviously these two are meant for
each other!
With each book I love this series more!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
May 16, 2018
Everyone's favorite, lovable Goody Two-Shoes turned into a very bad girl under the right touch. His touch, specifically.
Lord almighty, Tessa and her dirty-talking alpha heroes SLAY me every time.
Julie and Reed couldn't be more different. She's the bright, bubbly, Southern blonde who's a total fixer. She is in Colorado as the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding - one she planned herself. She's used to mild-mannered, chivalrous gentlemen courting her, and definitely has never been touched by a man like Reed before in her life. Doesn't mean it didn't wake something up inside her.
"Are you always this inappropriate? Even when a lady has shown exactly zero interest?"
"Baby, if that was zero, I can't wait to see what ten looks like."
Reed, a surly, tattooed mammoth of a SEALs commander, recognizes that something a little dirty may lay under her pristine finish, and despite never going for rich girls like her, he can't stay away. Once he has his sights on something - or someone, in this case - that he wants, it becomes his single-minded focus to get it.
They surprise each other, though. What initially starts as pure lust leads to a need for them to know the other better, to connect.
Sometimes opposites really do attract.
It was fun, sexy and heartfelt. Loved the whole thing.
Lord almighty, Tessa and her dirty-talking alpha heroes SLAY me every time.
Julie and Reed couldn't be more different. She's the bright, bubbly, Southern blonde who's a total fixer. She is in Colorado as the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding - one she planned herself. She's used to mild-mannered, chivalrous gentlemen courting her, and definitely has never been touched by a man like Reed before in her life. Doesn't mean it didn't wake something up inside her.
"Are you always this inappropriate? Even when a lady has shown exactly zero interest?"
"Baby, if that was zero, I can't wait to see what ten looks like."
Reed, a surly, tattooed mammoth of a SEALs commander, recognizes that something a little dirty may lay under her pristine finish, and despite never going for rich girls like her, he can't stay away. Once he has his sights on something - or someone, in this case - that he wants, it becomes his single-minded focus to get it.
They surprise each other, though. What initially starts as pure lust leads to a need for them to know the other better, to connect.
Sometimes opposites really do attract.
It was fun, sexy and heartfelt. Loved the whole thing.
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