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Playboys #3
Smoking et layette
Bernadette Hogan est un vrai garçon manqué. Garde du corps pour le compte de Jeremy Bridges, un millionnaire aux innombrables conquêtes, elle sait ce qu’elle veut, et surtout ce qu’elle ne veut pas. Jusqu’à une expérience torride avec Jeremy, dont Bernie sort furieuse, bouleversée… et enceinte. La jeune femme décide très vite qu’elle ne laissera pas passer cette chance d’être mère, mais elle n’est pas au bout de ses surprises. En effet, Jeremy semble décidé à assumer sa paternité. Cet individu, en apparence si superficiel, est-il capable de devenir le père dont Bernie rêve pour ses enfants ?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2011
26 people are currently reading
2306 people want to read
About the author
Jane Graves
37 books373 followersJane Graves is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty contemporary romance novels. She is a nine-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita Award, the industry's highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Booksellers' Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others.
Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband and a beautiful but crafty cat who rules the household with one paw tied behind her back.
Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband and a beautiful but crafty cat who rules the household with one paw tied behind her back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
March 26, 2016
At first, I wasn't sure if I should give this book 2 or 3 or 4 stars because the story started off very well. There were interesting characters. Both the hero and heroine were adorable. I really enjoyed the story until Bernie got pregnant, it went downhill since then. I was sick of Jeremy and Bernie's arguments, and Bernie's stubbornness totally annoyed me to no end.
But around somewhere near the end of the book, things seemed to be getting back on the right track. There was an impressive moment in the last chapter, when Jeremy named his daughter after Bernie's mother, that brought happy tears to my eyes.
So finally, I ended up giving this one 3 stars! (I might be a little biased because I didn't want to give anything less than 3 stars to my favorite author's book.)
But around somewhere near the end of the book, things seemed to be getting back on the right track. There was an impressive moment in the last chapter, when Jeremy named his daughter after Bernie's mother, that brought happy tears to my eyes.
So finally, I ended up giving this one 3 stars! (I might be a little biased because I didn't want to give anything less than 3 stars to my favorite author's book.)
October 19, 2011
4 1/2 stars. Wow, I did not expect to like this book because of all the mediocre ratings it has received, but call me crazy- I loved it from beginning to end. The characters were not lovable on the surface at all- Bernie, the heroine, was a hard core body guard and she couldn't stand the antics of the hero, Jeremy. She had a harsh exterior and told Jeremy exactly how much she couldn't stand his lifestyle. Jeremy was such a gazillionaire that nobody ever stood up to him...except Bernie. She wasn't overly attractive and didn't stand a chance compared to all the blonde, double D's Jeremy charmed into bed constantly while Bernie stood by his side. She wanted to resign from being his bodyguard, but couldn't give up the money because of reasons you find out later- so she put up with his behavior until finally something happened and she couldn't take it anymore. Then the blow up where she told him off big time, quit the job, and then they had "angry sex". It wasn't pretty or sweet because I think she really did hate him and he was such a selfish, inconsiderate prick that only kept her around for the battles.
I can't think of another book that I have read that I didn't really like or was sympathetic to either character at the beginning- this intrigued me, but I think that was the authors intentions. This did change as the book went on as both characters were developed I grew to love them, they evolved together. As a result of the angry sex Bernie becomes pregnant with twins- I do love this kind of story line. Jeremy is still off having his wild times when Bernie shows up 2 months after their slam-bam night to inform him of the baby she is going to have and she wants him to having nothing to do with her or the baby in the future. I loved watching them come to terms with their issues and eventually how they brought the best out in each other. Jeremy still was insensitive at times, but ultimately he saw the light.
If you are looking for a quick read about a one night stand that results in a baby and lots of intensity in the relationship - I would highly recommend this one, it worked for me!
July 8, 2018
This is third in a series and you don't really need the others to enjoy this one. Jeremy is a viewpoint character in the first (and Bernie is very present as well), so you might want to read that one before starting this. I kind of hated him in that book and I very nearly gave this one a pass based on his personality there.
I wondered if Graves would cheat and alter Jeremy's personality as shown in the first book before we start this one. She doesn't. Jeremy is very much the empty jerk he was then so I knew that he would need a world of change to make him acceptable romance material. And then Bernie gets pregnant and that gives you the catalyst you know the story will hinge on. Interestingly, it only occurs to me now that I could have worried that the rest was going to be stereotype or go down a predictable path. It didn't so it's as well that I wasn't expecting it to.
The thing is, both Jeremy and Bernie felt real and fully realized and that means that every character moment felt earned. Since they have great banter and each challenges the other in interesting ways, I really enjoyed seeing them together (even when I didn't like Jeremy very much). And since I liked Bernie very much and I could see glimpses of a good guy beneath Jeremy's hard exterior I was very much engaged all the while. Which makes this a great romance that I'm glad I found.
I will caution potential readers that Jeremy is a stone-cold jerk at the start and his road to humanization is a rocky one. If you can't buy into that kind of transformation based on starting a family and the love of a good woman, then you'll likely bounce on this story. I bought it, but I'm predisposed to hoping people can and will change based on love and pivotal moments that give reason to rethink old patterns and engage new ways of seeing things.
So what I'm saying is that my five-star rating is a very personal one and is based on my buying the central premise and giving Jeremy time to prove he can (and does) change.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes so this is edging into the middle of my steam tolerance. I really like how illustrative they are of the state of the relationship as they happen. Graves does an incredible job here and deserves credit for making those moments feel real and differently powerful.
I wondered if Graves would cheat and alter Jeremy's personality as shown in the first book before we start this one. She doesn't. Jeremy is very much the empty jerk he was then so I knew that he would need a world of change to make him acceptable romance material. And then Bernie gets pregnant and that gives you the catalyst you know the story will hinge on. Interestingly, it only occurs to me now that I could have worried that the rest was going to be stereotype or go down a predictable path. It didn't so it's as well that I wasn't expecting it to.
The thing is, both Jeremy and Bernie felt real and fully realized and that means that every character moment felt earned. Since they have great banter and each challenges the other in interesting ways, I really enjoyed seeing them together (even when I didn't like Jeremy very much). And since I liked Bernie very much and I could see glimpses of a good guy beneath Jeremy's hard exterior I was very much engaged all the while. Which makes this a great romance that I'm glad I found.
I will caution potential readers that Jeremy is a stone-cold jerk at the start and his road to humanization is a rocky one. If you can't buy into that kind of transformation based on starting a family and the love of a good woman, then you'll likely bounce on this story. I bought it, but I'm predisposed to hoping people can and will change based on love and pivotal moments that give reason to rethink old patterns and engage new ways of seeing things.
So what I'm saying is that my five-star rating is a very personal one and is based on my buying the central premise and giving Jeremy time to prove he can (and does) change.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes so this is edging into the middle of my steam tolerance. I really like how illustrative they are of the state of the relationship as they happen. Graves does an incredible job here and deserves credit for making those moments feel real and differently powerful.
January 30, 2012
I've had this one on my TBR pile for awhile after reading some good reviews. I wanted to like it and I did for the most part. But, I had a hard time getting into it, and it took me forever to finish. The writing was good, and it started out okay. But, I don't know, somewhere along the way it felt kind of flat and I spent a good bit of the book waiting for something to happen. So, I'd put it aside and read something else, but I never did get completely into it. I think part of the problem was that I never really felt any romantic chemistry between the H & h. I liked them both just fine, and Jeremy seemed like exactly the kind of hero that I love but the chemistry just wasn't there.
I know a lot of my fellow romance readers complain about how often the heroines in romance are always pretty and that there aren't enough books about real women, and there are some cases where I agree. The thing is, for me, there is no such thing as romantic love without physical attraction. Love without attraction is just... friendship. I don't expector want my heroines to be super model hot, or beauty queen gorgeous either. But for a book to work for me as a romance, I do need to believe that they're at least moderately attractive to someone other than their mother. It's just more realistic, in my opinion.
So, when an author spends too much time showing us how unattractive the heroine is, it ruins the romance for me. I think that was the case with this book. There were too many descriptions of her as being plain, and androgynous, and too many people goggling at the fact that ANY man would sleep with her, no less a hot, rich one. I can't find the quote, but one of her male friends on finding out she was pregnant even referred to the fact that he thought of her girl parts as smooth like Barbies! Seriously!? How can I believe that this gorgeous man would fall for a woman like that?
But, I do love Bernie in spite of her apparent troll like appearance, her hard outer shell hid a heart of gold. I loved Max for wanting to be a good Dad, and I really liked her Mom too and the way she never gave up on Bernie which was why I was able to finish their story.
So, if you're a fan of the plain Jane getting the bagillionaire playboy, this is the book for you. Just be prepared for a lot of references to how masculine and unttractive she is.
I know a lot of my fellow romance readers complain about how often the heroines in romance are always pretty and that there aren't enough books about real women, and there are some cases where I agree. The thing is, for me, there is no such thing as romantic love without physical attraction. Love without attraction is just... friendship. I don't expector want my heroines to be super model hot, or beauty queen gorgeous either. But for a book to work for me as a romance, I do need to believe that they're at least moderately attractive to someone other than their mother. It's just more realistic, in my opinion.
So, when an author spends too much time showing us how unattractive the heroine is, it ruins the romance for me. I think that was the case with this book. There were too many descriptions of her as being plain, and androgynous, and too many people goggling at the fact that ANY man would sleep with her, no less a hot, rich one. I can't find the quote, but one of her male friends on finding out she was pregnant even referred to the fact that he thought of her girl parts as smooth like Barbies! Seriously!? How can I believe that this gorgeous man would fall for a woman like that?
But, I do love Bernie in spite of her apparent troll like appearance, her hard outer shell hid a heart of gold. I loved Max for wanting to be a good Dad, and I really liked her Mom too and the way she never gave up on Bernie which was why I was able to finish their story.
So, if you're a fan of the plain Jane getting the bagillionaire playboy, this is the book for you. Just be prepared for a lot of references to how masculine and unttractive she is.
July 23, 2011
Such a wonderful heart warming fun read,this was my first book by this author and absolutely loved the way she brings characters alive i actually connected with characters,will hunt down more books by this author,i enjoyed every second of the story,Jeremy is a self made man and Bernie is his bodyguard,for past 2 years they are together yet they don't know anything about each other,these two are so different from each other but only similar thing is they both are so lonely,they keep fighting with each other
Bernie dislikes Jeremy's cynic attitude,his control freaking nature and lack of expressing emotions and his firm belief that money can buy anything,Jeremy he dislikes that Bernie is always serious she rarely smiles in these past 2 years all he has seen is her anger and coments that she keeps passing about Jeremy's conquest,however one night in anger these two end up having sex and Bernie quits,Jeremy thinks she will be back when he increases her pay but Bernie does'nt comes back and he is missing her and their banters and there Bernie she is adjusting new to the new but she is missing the action,then she finds out she is pregnant and from there on these two people start their journey of finding their HEA
Absolutely adored Jeremy-Bernie these two are such independent strong characters no one wants to bend,their banters was fun to read,they way these two always give it back to each other,Bernie is always 2 steps ahead of Jeremy but then Jeremy also finds his way to give it back to Bernie and make her do what he wants,Bernie brings out the good self of Jeremy and Jeremy brings smile back on her face and brings happiness in her life.As these two spent time with each other they start understanding and respecting each other and then they fall in love each other both take time to realise it but they find their much awaited HEA.Also liked Max,Eleanor(Bernie's mother),Teresa and her advices,all in all i adored each and every character and liked the story a lot
Great Read
Recommend it
Bernie dislikes Jeremy's cynic attitude,his control freaking nature and lack of expressing emotions and his firm belief that money can buy anything,Jeremy he dislikes that Bernie is always serious she rarely smiles in these past 2 years all he has seen is her anger and coments that she keeps passing about Jeremy's conquest,however one night in anger these two end up having sex and Bernie quits,Jeremy thinks she will be back when he increases her pay but Bernie does'nt comes back and he is missing her and their banters and there Bernie she is adjusting new to the new but she is missing the action,then she finds out she is pregnant and from there on these two people start their journey of finding their HEA
Absolutely adored Jeremy-Bernie these two are such independent strong characters no one wants to bend,their banters was fun to read,they way these two always give it back to each other,Bernie is always 2 steps ahead of Jeremy but then Jeremy also finds his way to give it back to Bernie and make her do what he wants,Bernie brings out the good self of Jeremy and Jeremy brings smile back on her face and brings happiness in her life.As these two spent time with each other they start understanding and respecting each other and then they fall in love each other both take time to realise it but they find their much awaited HEA.Also liked Max,Eleanor(Bernie's mother),Teresa and her advices,all in all i adored each and every character and liked the story a lot
Great Read
Recommend it
February 8, 2016
I should confess, I prefered to read it that it would be a qucik, light and avarege read. Yet, I really liked both plot and story progressing.
It was diffucult for me to find a good CR and I can say that this one was among the good ones for me. It's not a class rich boy-poor girl story. It has a depth and slowly building romance. Just two meaningful and sweet sex scenes and one of them quite short actually and not very descriptive. So some of readers may not like it. But I liked it very much.
It was diffucult for me to find a good CR and I can say that this one was among the good ones for me. It's not a class rich boy-poor girl story. It has a depth and slowly building romance. Just two meaningful and sweet sex scenes and one of them quite short actually and not very descriptive. So some of readers may not like it. But I liked it very much.
November 29, 2011
One of the best books I've ever read. Absolutely fantastic! Sweet, passion and full of love. Funny, too. That's just what I need. The dose of happiness. I enjoyed the humour, romance, sadness everything. It's just amazing, really!
Something that happened in that safe room altered the course of two different lives, Jeremy's and Bernadette's. Jeremy's a multimillionaire, good-looking and womanizer. Bernadette or Bernie is a bodyguard, plain-looking and tough woman. This two looking really weird being together but well, love is blind.
I liked Bernie because she's badass, independent, very good to people, funny, kind and she from military (awesome! I wish I could fulfill my dream to join military and apply for aeronautical engineer). She care about other's welfare instead of herself. Love her for that. And she's not kinda girl who reads Cosmo, wearing make-up, perfume and nail polish, and wearing girly stuffs. Salute her!
I liked Jeremy because he's a good man. All those things he did and being a jerk because he felt insecure, vulnerable and unpleasant past. I liked what he did to Bernie. He wants to prove he can make Bernie happy and be a good father to his children.
There's a lot of hilarious parts and these I liked the most. LOL till my stomach hurt.
- the bigger the boobs the smaller the brain
- dating a hamburger
- prenatal yoga (the two thinks those inhale peace etc is B.S.)
The best part: zero involvement of third party = no love triangle.
That's all. Looking forward to read this kinda sort of contemporary romance for more.
Something that happened in that safe room altered the course of two different lives, Jeremy's and Bernadette's. Jeremy's a multimillionaire, good-looking and womanizer. Bernadette or Bernie is a bodyguard, plain-looking and tough woman. This two looking really weird being together but well, love is blind.
I liked Bernie because she's badass, independent, very good to people, funny, kind and she from military (awesome! I wish I could fulfill my dream to join military and apply for aeronautical engineer). She care about other's welfare instead of herself. Love her for that. And she's not kinda girl who reads Cosmo, wearing make-up, perfume and nail polish, and wearing girly stuffs. Salute her!
I liked Jeremy because he's a good man. All those things he did and being a jerk because he felt insecure, vulnerable and unpleasant past. I liked what he did to Bernie. He wants to prove he can make Bernie happy and be a good father to his children.
There's a lot of hilarious parts and these I liked the most. LOL till my stomach hurt.
- the bigger the boobs the smaller the brain
- dating a hamburger
- prenatal yoga (the two thinks those inhale peace etc is B.S.)
The best part: zero involvement of third party = no love triangle.
That's all. Looking forward to read this kinda sort of contemporary romance for more.
October 4, 2011
I'm all about the contemporary romance. I love them and I haven't read too many Jane Graves books but man do I need to change that because I adored this book. One of my all time favorite heroes is Ben Lewis from Heart of Fire by Linda Howard. I love him because he didn't take himself too seriously, he could hold his own in a bar fight and he could tangle with the bulkiest of them but he was flirty spice and a total playboy. I adore him and Jeremy Bridges reminded me of the kind of hero Ben Lewis was so of course, I loved the hell out of him.
Bernie is a bodyguard and her boss is Jeremy Bridges, an ultra rich playboy who has too much money at his disposal. He goes through girls like water and Bernie is pretty disgusted with his lifestyle. He's a playboy who dates only bimbos and never puts himself out there for a real relationship with a real woman. She, on the other hand, is too serious for her own good and could do with a night on the town to let loose every once and a while. Jeremy doesn't take anything seriously and Bernie takes everything seriously and one night, the fireworks explode between them which in turn leaves Bernie pregnant.
Watching as these two fought their attraction to each other and then fought each other at every turn made for a great contemporary romance. Graves did a wonderful job of making me laugh, making me care for all of the characters in this book and making my eyebrows rise at the steamy romance between Jeremy and Bernie. I loved that Bernie helped Jeremy realize that letting people in for more than a day wasn't going to kill him and I loved that she helped him realize that he couldn't throw money at everyone and expect them to bend to his will. With Jeremy, I was glad that he was able to show Bernie that she could let her guard down and count on someone other than herself and the world wouldn't end. Graves did a great job of showing the reader that both of these characters had something to learn from each other and it made for a more engaging story that I really enjoyed.
Jeremy was a fantastic hero, one that I want for myself. He made me laugh, he made sigh and he really made me want to track him down and have my merry way with him. His character didn't feel fake to me and I appreciated Graves efforts in making him normal and real. I wanted to get to know him more with each page and more than anything, I wanted him to get his happy ending.
Same with Bernie. She could have easily been one of those heroines that was too uptight to be any fun but she wasn't. She was the right amount of serious and the right amount of fun to make an interesting character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I enjoyed seeing the many people she had in her life and the many people who loved her, seeing her open up to Jeremy was a great part of reading this story.
The story itself was enjoyable. Seeing just how different both Jeremy and Bernie were and watching them realize how much they liked each other was fun. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Jane Graves work but also to fans of contemporary romance, this is a definite keeper for me.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5.
This review was originally posted by Rowena on Book Binge.
Bernie is a bodyguard and her boss is Jeremy Bridges, an ultra rich playboy who has too much money at his disposal. He goes through girls like water and Bernie is pretty disgusted with his lifestyle. He's a playboy who dates only bimbos and never puts himself out there for a real relationship with a real woman. She, on the other hand, is too serious for her own good and could do with a night on the town to let loose every once and a while. Jeremy doesn't take anything seriously and Bernie takes everything seriously and one night, the fireworks explode between them which in turn leaves Bernie pregnant.
Watching as these two fought their attraction to each other and then fought each other at every turn made for a great contemporary romance. Graves did a wonderful job of making me laugh, making me care for all of the characters in this book and making my eyebrows rise at the steamy romance between Jeremy and Bernie. I loved that Bernie helped Jeremy realize that letting people in for more than a day wasn't going to kill him and I loved that she helped him realize that he couldn't throw money at everyone and expect them to bend to his will. With Jeremy, I was glad that he was able to show Bernie that she could let her guard down and count on someone other than herself and the world wouldn't end. Graves did a great job of showing the reader that both of these characters had something to learn from each other and it made for a more engaging story that I really enjoyed.
Jeremy was a fantastic hero, one that I want for myself. He made me laugh, he made sigh and he really made me want to track him down and have my merry way with him. His character didn't feel fake to me and I appreciated Graves efforts in making him normal and real. I wanted to get to know him more with each page and more than anything, I wanted him to get his happy ending.
Same with Bernie. She could have easily been one of those heroines that was too uptight to be any fun but she wasn't. She was the right amount of serious and the right amount of fun to make an interesting character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I enjoyed seeing the many people she had in her life and the many people who loved her, seeing her open up to Jeremy was a great part of reading this story.
The story itself was enjoyable. Seeing just how different both Jeremy and Bernie were and watching them realize how much they liked each other was fun. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Jane Graves work but also to fans of contemporary romance, this is a definite keeper for me.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5.
This review was originally posted by Rowena on Book Binge.
September 13, 2015
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My ENglish review
J’avais entendu de jolies choses de ce roman lors de sa sortie en grand format et j’étais curieuse de découvrir le roman depuis. Il faut dire que c’est toujours agréable d’avoir une petite histoire sans prise de tête mais qui nous permette de passer un bon moment plein d’humour, le tout avec une petite romance.
On rencontre une jeune femme qui doit gérer un grand nombre de choses dans sa vie. Garde du corps pour payer les factures, Bernie n’a pas vraiment le temps d’avoir de vie sociale, mais en plus de cela, elle doit s’occuper de sa mère qui est atteinte d’une maladie dégénérative. Mais voilà que lors de sa dernière mission, la vie de Bernadette va être complètement chamboulée. Démissionnant de son travail pour lequel elle travaille pour l’irritant millionnaire Jeremy, et sous une pulsion, elle couche avec lui. Petit problème ? La jeune femme tombe enceinte, chose qu’elle ne pensait plus possible à son âge et désire garder l’enfant, tout en virant Jeremy du tableau dont elle ne veut pas comme père du fait de sa situation de dragueur invétéré. Pourtant, l’homme est bien décidé à rester dans la vie de son petit, quel que soit l’avis de Bernie et il est prêt à tout pour lui faire comprendre ce fait, voire même à l’obliger à agir comme il le désire. Un jeu assez drôle vu que la jeune femme est tout aussi têtue.
C’était assez sympa de voir la relation évoluer entre les deux, les voir réaliser qu’ils sont finalement mieux tous les deux que chacun de leur côté. Et même s’ils ont des idées préconçues dès le départ, ils se feront beaucoup de bien l’un à l’autre et se supporteront dans des situations délicates. Bernie est une jeune femme forte mais qui n’a vraiment pas confiance en elle et cette rencontre va lui permettre de se rendre compte du potentiel réel qu’elle a. Pour ce qui est de Jeremy, on le verra aussi évoluer et comprendre que l’argent et la notoriété ne sont finalement pas importants si on est seul à y participer.
C’était un livre très sympathique comme je le disais et j’ai passé un bon petit moment avec cette histoire.
Mon avis en Français
My ENglish review
J’avais entendu de jolies choses de ce roman lors de sa sortie en grand format et j’étais curieuse de découvrir le roman depuis. Il faut dire que c’est toujours agréable d’avoir une petite histoire sans prise de tête mais qui nous permette de passer un bon moment plein d’humour, le tout avec une petite romance.
On rencontre une jeune femme qui doit gérer un grand nombre de choses dans sa vie. Garde du corps pour payer les factures, Bernie n’a pas vraiment le temps d’avoir de vie sociale, mais en plus de cela, elle doit s’occuper de sa mère qui est atteinte d’une maladie dégénérative. Mais voilà que lors de sa dernière mission, la vie de Bernadette va être complètement chamboulée. Démissionnant de son travail pour lequel elle travaille pour l’irritant millionnaire Jeremy, et sous une pulsion, elle couche avec lui. Petit problème ? La jeune femme tombe enceinte, chose qu’elle ne pensait plus possible à son âge et désire garder l’enfant, tout en virant Jeremy du tableau dont elle ne veut pas comme père du fait de sa situation de dragueur invétéré. Pourtant, l’homme est bien décidé à rester dans la vie de son petit, quel que soit l’avis de Bernie et il est prêt à tout pour lui faire comprendre ce fait, voire même à l’obliger à agir comme il le désire. Un jeu assez drôle vu que la jeune femme est tout aussi têtue.
C’était assez sympa de voir la relation évoluer entre les deux, les voir réaliser qu’ils sont finalement mieux tous les deux que chacun de leur côté. Et même s’ils ont des idées préconçues dès le départ, ils se feront beaucoup de bien l’un à l’autre et se supporteront dans des situations délicates. Bernie est une jeune femme forte mais qui n’a vraiment pas confiance en elle et cette rencontre va lui permettre de se rendre compte du potentiel réel qu’elle a. Pour ce qui est de Jeremy, on le verra aussi évoluer et comprendre que l’argent et la notoriété ne sont finalement pas importants si on est seul à y participer.
C’était un livre très sympathique comme je le disais et j’ai passé un bon petit moment avec cette histoire.
September 25, 2019
I've enjoyed every one of Jane Graves books that I've read and this was no exception. I liked the idea of a woman bodyguard but what made this special for me were the supporting characters, particularly the other bodyguards on the team. I LOVE Max and how he's all silent and hulking but how protective he was even if it was going to cost him his job. Sometimes it really is the secondary characters that make a book sing.
September 21, 2011
When I think about it...I don't think even I would want this heroine.
Foul tempered and never ever ever cleaned up from her 'I am wanting to be a man' routine? No, thank you.
Foul tempered and never ever ever cleaned up from her 'I am wanting to be a man' routine? No, thank you.
May 10, 2021
Setting: Dallas, TX
3.5 stars. Snarky h but author did a nice job keeping this reader interested to the end.
(Will add quotes later)
3.5 stars. Snarky h but author did a nice job keeping this reader interested to the end.
(Will add quotes later)
July 17, 2011
Bernadette Hogan does everything she can to take care of her Mom. Working as millionaire Jeremy Bridges’ bodyguard is not her dream job come true, but it brings in the benjamins. Bridges is a ladies man with an eccentric streak. They all offer and he loves to let them females have their way with him.
What he sees in Bernie? His annoying bodyguard, who looks at him disapprovingly most of the time and doesn’t hold back when she feels it’s time for an evaluation of his many character flaws.
When all of a sudden the realization that she’s in fact a woman slaps him right in the face, things spiral out of control. Even Bernie doesn’t know what’s happening. Well, until the result of their mistake throws her world into turmoil that is. Can a womanizer like Bridges turn his life around and be the person she needs him to be?
I love Jane Graves and was looking forward to reading Black Ties and Lullabies. Maybe it was a mistake to have had such high hopes, for my expectations weren’t met. Believe me, it pains me to say this. She could’ve done much better with the “reforming the bad boy” theme! Can’t help but be disappointed. :/ Anyway, let’s start with what I liked about the book and then move on to what I didn’t. The general idea of the plot was good.
A heroine who’s ex-military you seldom find in a contemporary romance (other than romantic suspense, of course). Bernie also wasn’t swayed by the millions on his bank account. In reaction to a certain incident that occurred, she was the one to take control. I definitely preferred that to the other way around. Not to say I wouldn’t have liked for her to walk away from the situation much better. At least she was ashamed by the way she handled things afterwards. A start! The one thing that made me like Bernie probably was the devotion to her mother. One could tell how much her wellbeing meant to her. She made sacrifices to ensure it.
She had the support of her boss Gabe and colleagues – her friend Max kept an eye on her. I liked him a lot, especially for threatening Bridges. Overall, a lovable bunch!
Considering the situation she found herself in it wasn’t a surprise that she wasn’t willing to let Bridges order her around, deciding what’s best for her. A heart-to-heart talk between the two protagonists was the first time I felt like there was something “more” to them. You’ll also enjoy a few funny one-liners.
As for Jeremy Bridges, I’m sorry to say that I didn’t like him at all. A big deal was made about him trying to shock the “old money folks” at charity events by being intentionally oblivious to his fashion faux pas. Really?
So funny…not. Furthermore Jeremy comes off as a slimy asshole. I hoped that would change, but sadly he didn’t redeem himself. His superior smirk after Bernie had to save him made me mad. It’s not what I wanted the hero to be like. Nothing wrong with a bad boy, but there’s a difference between a jerk and a bad boy you could find yourself falling for. I hoped it was all an act to hide who he really is and I think that's what the author intended to do, but in the end…just wasn’t able to. Because of his smugness I almost lost it when it became clear that Bernie was attracted to him despite his unbearable egocentricity. Huh? Why??? He was trying to intimidate and humiliate her. Who wants a guy like that? Not me. That she kept on bitching about it sure didn’t help. Either she wanted for him to leave her alone – and could've made him (helloooo, ex-military), or she didn’t and should’ve stowed the complaining. His macho behaviour paired with the belief that women just didn’t walk away from him pissed – me – off. It wasn’t cute. Not enough information about his past was given (too late, as well).
Graves failed to show us another – better – side of him. The glimpses that were provided didn’t do the trick for me. There was no real depth, neither to the characters, nor to the story itself. A few funny lines and sweet moments, however, can be found. 2.5 stars to Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves. Here’s to hoping she’ll be back on top with her next book.
Beware of Spoilers
A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested:
° “Concern my ass. I just want you to do the world a favour and keep your genetic material to yourself.”
° “If she was with a guy, he’s a goner now. Don’t black widows eat their mates?”
° “Do you ever think about anything but sex? Sure. Sometimes I think about…uh…well, let’s see. Oh, yeah. Football.”
° “You’re still in the hole, Bernie. Stop digging.”
What he sees in Bernie? His annoying bodyguard, who looks at him disapprovingly most of the time and doesn’t hold back when she feels it’s time for an evaluation of his many character flaws.
When all of a sudden the realization that she’s in fact a woman slaps him right in the face, things spiral out of control. Even Bernie doesn’t know what’s happening. Well, until the result of their mistake throws her world into turmoil that is. Can a womanizer like Bridges turn his life around and be the person she needs him to be?
I love Jane Graves and was looking forward to reading Black Ties and Lullabies. Maybe it was a mistake to have had such high hopes, for my expectations weren’t met. Believe me, it pains me to say this. She could’ve done much better with the “reforming the bad boy” theme! Can’t help but be disappointed. :/ Anyway, let’s start with what I liked about the book and then move on to what I didn’t. The general idea of the plot was good.
A heroine who’s ex-military you seldom find in a contemporary romance (other than romantic suspense, of course). Bernie also wasn’t swayed by the millions on his bank account. In reaction to a certain incident that occurred, she was the one to take control. I definitely preferred that to the other way around. Not to say I wouldn’t have liked for her to walk away from the situation much better. At least she was ashamed by the way she handled things afterwards. A start! The one thing that made me like Bernie probably was the devotion to her mother. One could tell how much her wellbeing meant to her. She made sacrifices to ensure it.
She had the support of her boss Gabe and colleagues – her friend Max kept an eye on her. I liked him a lot, especially for threatening Bridges. Overall, a lovable bunch!
Considering the situation she found herself in it wasn’t a surprise that she wasn’t willing to let Bridges order her around, deciding what’s best for her. A heart-to-heart talk between the two protagonists was the first time I felt like there was something “more” to them. You’ll also enjoy a few funny one-liners.
As for Jeremy Bridges, I’m sorry to say that I didn’t like him at all. A big deal was made about him trying to shock the “old money folks” at charity events by being intentionally oblivious to his fashion faux pas. Really?
So funny…not. Furthermore Jeremy comes off as a slimy asshole. I hoped that would change, but sadly he didn’t redeem himself. His superior smirk after Bernie had to save him made me mad. It’s not what I wanted the hero to be like. Nothing wrong with a bad boy, but there’s a difference between a jerk and a bad boy you could find yourself falling for. I hoped it was all an act to hide who he really is and I think that's what the author intended to do, but in the end…just wasn’t able to. Because of his smugness I almost lost it when it became clear that Bernie was attracted to him despite his unbearable egocentricity. Huh? Why??? He was trying to intimidate and humiliate her. Who wants a guy like that? Not me. That she kept on bitching about it sure didn’t help. Either she wanted for him to leave her alone – and could've made him (helloooo, ex-military), or she didn’t and should’ve stowed the complaining. His macho behaviour paired with the belief that women just didn’t walk away from him pissed – me – off. It wasn’t cute. Not enough information about his past was given (too late, as well).
Graves failed to show us another – better – side of him. The glimpses that were provided didn’t do the trick for me. There was no real depth, neither to the characters, nor to the story itself. A few funny lines and sweet moments, however, can be found. 2.5 stars to Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves. Here’s to hoping she’ll be back on top with her next book.
Beware of Spoilers
A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested:
° “Concern my ass. I just want you to do the world a favour and keep your genetic material to yourself.”
° “If she was with a guy, he’s a goner now. Don’t black widows eat their mates?”
° “Do you ever think about anything but sex? Sure. Sometimes I think about…uh…well, let’s see. Oh, yeah. Football.”
° “You’re still in the hole, Bernie. Stop digging.”
January 5, 2014
Bodyguard Bernadette Bernie� Hogan has had enough of her playboy millionaire client Jeremy Bridges. When he puts his life in danger and ignores her instructions, her temper flares ending in a night of passion and her walking out on him. Several weeks later, Bernie finds that their one night could tie them together forever but fearing that he will continue to take life for granted she devises a plan to keep him out of hers. When Jeremy finds out Bernie is pregnant he couldn't be happier. Bernie is unlike any woman he has been with but he has a short amount of time to prove to her that he is a man she can respect and will be a fantastic father. His only hurdle is showing her the man beneath the facade.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=5251
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=5251
June 16, 2024
This was another fun read from Jane Graves. It started slow, but then it sucked me in & didn't let go till the last page. What I like the most about her books is the originality. She always comes up with original plots & heroes. Jeremy's character intrigued me since I read Hot Wheels and High Heels where he was described as someone who ".. might look like an overgrown kid, but he sounded like Tony Soprano".
July 28, 2011
I just loved this novel! It was sweet, humorous, quick witted characters, a page turner that I just didn't want to put down. All around a delightful read! Can't wait to read more of her work..:)
5+ stars
5+ stars
February 21, 2013
Such a great book. Very heartwarming. Jeremy and Bernie are one of my most favorite couples. ☺
March 11, 2019
This is the first graves book I have read but I have fallen for her writing lock, stock and barrel. This is one my favourites accidental pregnancy kind a book. It has all the elements - sassy heroine, filthy rich hero, humorous banter and a good character development.
I loved the fact that Bernie is smart ass bodyguard and with all her brain cylinders fired which is a trait most harlequin accidental pregnancy books lacks. She is sassy, humorous, not afraid to demand what she deserves and most importantly someone who has self respect.
Though, our H is a man-whore initially but I loved the reformation in his character and the way he supports her without bulldozing her.
But mainly I loved how the accidental pregnancy is potrayed showing the real emotions, difficulties, dissapointments on both sides. I could say that I was really able to connect with this book unlike others with similar theme as it shows a strong female character who doesn't swoon even when the hero is being a giant asshole.
I would certainly recommend it.
I loved the fact that Bernie is smart ass bodyguard and with all her brain cylinders fired which is a trait most harlequin accidental pregnancy books lacks. She is sassy, humorous, not afraid to demand what she deserves and most importantly someone who has self respect.
Though, our H is a man-whore initially but I loved the reformation in his character and the way he supports her without bulldozing her.
But mainly I loved how the accidental pregnancy is potrayed showing the real emotions, difficulties, dissapointments on both sides. I could say that I was really able to connect with this book unlike others with similar theme as it shows a strong female character who doesn't swoon even when the hero is being a giant asshole.
I would certainly recommend it.
April 29, 2019
Tomboy bodyguard Bernie has a hot one-night-stand with her billionaire playboy boss Jeremy and ends up quitting her job because she dislikes his lifestyle. She also ends up pregnant. When she asks him to sign papers so he does have nothing to do with the child, he surprises her in wanting involvement with raising the kid, and he surprises her with much more.
As typical for this author she makes a stupid story believable, people do actually communicate, and angst and musings are non-existent, yet it is a romance that is gripping enough to be a page turner.
Lots of laugh-out-loud moments as well - enjoyable book!
While this is part of a series it is a stand-alone. I read the previous books a year ago, and, quite honestly, didn't even remember Jeremy&Bernie playing a part in one of the former books.
As typical for this author she makes a stupid story believable, people do actually communicate, and angst and musings are non-existent, yet it is a romance that is gripping enough to be a page turner.
Lots of laugh-out-loud moments as well - enjoyable book!
While this is part of a series it is a stand-alone. I read the previous books a year ago, and, quite honestly, didn't even remember Jeremy&Bernie playing a part in one of the former books.
February 17, 2020
Une romance remplie d'humour, d'amour et de tendresse. Je pensais pas autant apprécié cette lecture mais j'ai réellement passé un superbe moment avec Bernie et Jeremy, deux personnages que tout oppose, qui s'insupporte mais qui sont irrémédiablement attiré l'un par l'autre. La plume de l'auteure est fluide, douce facile à lire, sans prise de tête.
September 24, 2011
Jeremy Bridges is the bane of Bernadette Hogan’s existence. A wealthy playboy who doesn’t listen to a word she says and brings home a new floozy every night; and she’s suppose to protect him with her life! If she didn’t need her job so much to help take care of her mother, Bernie would have transferred to a different assignment long ago. Finally fed up though, not even her secret attraction can help her over look Jeremy putting both of their lives on the line without a care. When one night of danger and anger leads to a few minutes of passion Bernie hits the door running only to realize weeks later the consequences of her actions.
Jeremy Bridges is a man who must be in full control at all times. Rising from an abusive and neglected childhood he has built a multi-million dollar business from the ground up; now never wanting for anything, he expects only the best - women, booze, cars, houses. When a spontaneous sexual encounter with his body guard occurs, a woman he has never looked twice at, suddenly Jeremy’s neat and controlled life style is irreversibly shook up. Now he must convince the woman who has seen his worst side that he should have a part in his child’s, and her, life.
Will the biggest mistake of their lives turn into the best thing that’s even happened to them?
I was very skeptical coming into Black Ties and Lullabies, it sat on my shelf since before its publication date because it just didn’t seem like something I would be able to get into. I am so glad that I finally picked it up though because I was wrong, wrong, wrong. I ended up loving this story of a redeemable rake and a tough girl who in the end shows she is a woman inside and out.
Jeremy started out as a real womanizing prick, classic play boy who likes his toys and throws a fit when he doesn’t get his way. But as the story progresses we come to find out that he came from the worse kind of upbringing yet strived to get out of that hellhole and worked his way through school and is now an amazingly successful business man, and he never wants to go back to any aspect of his upbringing. When Bernie showed up in his life, he may not have realized it right away, but eventual he sees that she brought something into it that he was missing, and for her he strives to be a better man and a good father. Him coming to terms with that and trying to woo Bernie over was a sweet, humorous and sometimes heart wrenching journey. By the middle of this novel I was fully invested in these characters.
Bernie starts off as a pretty cold, tough-as-nails, just-one-of-the-guys type of lady. She doesn’t dress up, doesn’t wear make-up or worry about her hair or appearance and attitude in any way, she leads a pretty simple life. The totally opposite of Jeremy and not very relateable to me either, so I didn’t think I’d be able to connect to her at all. Sometimes those bad ass heroines are just too frosty for me to warm my heart to. But then we started dipping into her emotions; her secret attraction to Jeremy, her felling in-superior to his other conquests, his financial status and her lack of one, her freaking out about being a single mother and trying to balance that and a job and taking care of her own mother all at the same time and BAM, I thought wow, she is just like any other woman I know!
Black Ties and Lullabies was a tug-a-war between these two strong characters, there was a lot of growth for them and interesting side characters to help push the story along, but beneath it all it was a true love story. I think this would be good for contemporary romance fans looking for a nice and easy read to relax with.
Jeremy Bridges is a man who must be in full control at all times. Rising from an abusive and neglected childhood he has built a multi-million dollar business from the ground up; now never wanting for anything, he expects only the best - women, booze, cars, houses. When a spontaneous sexual encounter with his body guard occurs, a woman he has never looked twice at, suddenly Jeremy’s neat and controlled life style is irreversibly shook up. Now he must convince the woman who has seen his worst side that he should have a part in his child’s, and her, life.
Will the biggest mistake of their lives turn into the best thing that’s even happened to them?
I was very skeptical coming into Black Ties and Lullabies, it sat on my shelf since before its publication date because it just didn’t seem like something I would be able to get into. I am so glad that I finally picked it up though because I was wrong, wrong, wrong. I ended up loving this story of a redeemable rake and a tough girl who in the end shows she is a woman inside and out.
Jeremy started out as a real womanizing prick, classic play boy who likes his toys and throws a fit when he doesn’t get his way. But as the story progresses we come to find out that he came from the worse kind of upbringing yet strived to get out of that hellhole and worked his way through school and is now an amazingly successful business man, and he never wants to go back to any aspect of his upbringing. When Bernie showed up in his life, he may not have realized it right away, but eventual he sees that she brought something into it that he was missing, and for her he strives to be a better man and a good father. Him coming to terms with that and trying to woo Bernie over was a sweet, humorous and sometimes heart wrenching journey. By the middle of this novel I was fully invested in these characters.
Bernie starts off as a pretty cold, tough-as-nails, just-one-of-the-guys type of lady. She doesn’t dress up, doesn’t wear make-up or worry about her hair or appearance and attitude in any way, she leads a pretty simple life. The totally opposite of Jeremy and not very relateable to me either, so I didn’t think I’d be able to connect to her at all. Sometimes those bad ass heroines are just too frosty for me to warm my heart to. But then we started dipping into her emotions; her secret attraction to Jeremy, her felling in-superior to his other conquests, his financial status and her lack of one, her freaking out about being a single mother and trying to balance that and a job and taking care of her own mother all at the same time and BAM, I thought wow, she is just like any other woman I know!
Black Ties and Lullabies was a tug-a-war between these two strong characters, there was a lot of growth for them and interesting side characters to help push the story along, but beneath it all it was a true love story. I think this would be good for contemporary romance fans looking for a nice and easy read to relax with.
September 18, 2011
Grown-up tomboy Bernadette “Bernie” Hogan is an ex-military, solid, no-nonsense kind of woman. Her profession for the past two years has been a personal bodyguard to self made millionaire and womanizer Jeremy Bridges. Naturally, Bernie has little tolerance to Jeremy’s shallow way of life and therefore is bold in expressing her opinion of his overall lack of character. Jeremy has never looked twice at Bernie, especially to recognize her as anything beyond a controlling and opinionated employee. After returning from one of the latest social galas, both Jeremy and Bernie find themselves in the middle of a robbery in his home and both end up in his safe room awaiting back up. Bernie is furious that Jeremy did not heed her warning with regard to his safety; Jeremy is frustrated that she was right. What starts as an argument leads to full out anger sex. After the incident, Bernie informs Jeremy that she is quitting her job as his bodyguard and will not be coming back. Jeremy is flabbergasted at what happened between them and firmly believes that with what he is paying her, she will definitely return to him once she has cooled off. Bernie does not return, but instead discovers that their unexpected sexual liaison has led her to an unplanned pregnancy, so she is far from being rid of Jeremy. As the pregnancy progresses, Jeremy is determined to prove to Bernie that he intends to be a dependable father to his children and that he is not the shallow, uncaring playboy Bernie believes him to be.
Author Jane Graves paints a clear picture of a woman (Bernie) who appears very strong and intimidating on the outside, but in truth is very caring and somewhat insecure on the inside. Bernie has a deep love for her mother who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and thus does without in order to save money for her mother’s future care. She is determined to not have to depend on anyone but herself with regard to her family. However, she longs for the fantasy of a devoted husband to love and help care for her children. As Jeremy becomes more involved in Bernie’s life throughout the pregnancy, we learn more about his difficult past, how hard he has worked to get to where he is and how truly caring, dependable and selfless he can be.
Black Ties and Lullabies* proves to be your typical, fluffy, and predictable contemporary read. The loves scenes were low on the sizzle factor, but the transformation of the characters and how they adapted to change and growth was relevant and believable. In addition, Ms. Graves adds flavorful, quirky secondary characters which provided flair and reality to both Bernie and Jeremy’s lives. The overall pace confirmed the story was headed to a cookie cutter “wrapped in a bow” HEA. While I tend to seek more depth in character and plot with contemporary romances, many will find this story to be just enough to satisfy and provide a warm fuzzy after thought in their reading escape.
Favorite Quote:
“If there was one thing Bernie hated, it was seeing somebody like Charmin screw people who couldn’t help themselves. Evidently that was the kind of person you turned into when your mother named you after toilet paper.”
*This review is based on the Black Ties and Lullabies ARC released in December 2010 before initial publication was delayed.
Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/06/r...
February 21, 2011
*NOTE: This book was supposed to be released in Feb 2011, but has been pushed back to June 2011. My cover also looks different.*
Jane Graves is the author of eighteen contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita Award, the industry's highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Booksellers' Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others. Jane’s books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, with three titles reaching the Top 100 on Amazon Germany. Her most recent release, Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, appeared on the Barnes & Noble Bestseller List. Other titles include: Hot Wheels and High Heels, Heartstrings and Diamond Rings, Wild at Heart, Flirting with Disaster, and Light My Fire. Jane resides in the Dallas area with her husband.
A good girl can be bad for one night, but can a bad boy be good for a lifetime? Bernadette "Bernie" Hogan has spent the past two years as a bodyguard to Texas' most eligible--if not infuriating-- bachelor. She never makes mistakes, not when caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, and certainly not on the job. But one night, self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges pushes her too far, and a passionate fling with her boss leaves Bernie confused, embarrassed, and pregnant. Can Jeremy convince Bernie that he's ready to change from the partying playboy to a dependable dad?
If I'm being honest, this book fell a little flat for me about half-way through. And without issuing a spoiler alert, the ending was too overly sentimental for my tastes. I understand what the author was trying to do in showing growth for both the hero and heroine-- her with the hormones of pregnancy and him growing up-- but Jeremy lost his humor, and Bernie lost her edge, which is what made these two so captivating from the first page. I'm not a big fan of the "pregnancy plots" as they have to be done just right, but I will credit the book for not taking the "rushing into marriage" scenario most do, or for the "hiding the pregnancy" as typically shown.
In saying that, Jane has an innate way of illustrating her surroundings and her secondary characters extremely well. It's why I've loved her books for some time, and why this won't deter me from future reads. Most memorable in this story for me was Bernie's mother, Eleanor's, struggle with the early stages of Alzheimer's and it's progression. It's a horrible disease, and it was not made light of nor portrayed improperly for creative content. 3.5 stars overall.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
Jane Graves is the author of eighteen contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita Award, the industry's highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Booksellers' Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others. Jane’s books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, with three titles reaching the Top 100 on Amazon Germany. Her most recent release, Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, appeared on the Barnes & Noble Bestseller List. Other titles include: Hot Wheels and High Heels, Heartstrings and Diamond Rings, Wild at Heart, Flirting with Disaster, and Light My Fire. Jane resides in the Dallas area with her husband.
A good girl can be bad for one night, but can a bad boy be good for a lifetime? Bernadette "Bernie" Hogan has spent the past two years as a bodyguard to Texas' most eligible--if not infuriating-- bachelor. She never makes mistakes, not when caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, and certainly not on the job. But one night, self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges pushes her too far, and a passionate fling with her boss leaves Bernie confused, embarrassed, and pregnant. Can Jeremy convince Bernie that he's ready to change from the partying playboy to a dependable dad?
If I'm being honest, this book fell a little flat for me about half-way through. And without issuing a spoiler alert, the ending was too overly sentimental for my tastes. I understand what the author was trying to do in showing growth for both the hero and heroine-- her with the hormones of pregnancy and him growing up-- but Jeremy lost his humor, and Bernie lost her edge, which is what made these two so captivating from the first page. I'm not a big fan of the "pregnancy plots" as they have to be done just right, but I will credit the book for not taking the "rushing into marriage" scenario most do, or for the "hiding the pregnancy" as typically shown.
In saying that, Jane has an innate way of illustrating her surroundings and her secondary characters extremely well. It's why I've loved her books for some time, and why this won't deter me from future reads. Most memorable in this story for me was Bernie's mother, Eleanor's, struggle with the early stages of Alzheimer's and it's progression. It's a horrible disease, and it was not made light of nor portrayed improperly for creative content. 3.5 stars overall.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
December 21, 2011
Playboy Jeremy Bridges lives the high life, running a multimillion-dollar company and entertaining a variety of beautiful women. Jeremy loves living on his own terms, and nothing his sarcastic bodyguard Bernadette has to say about his lifestyle or taste in women will change his mind.
Bernadette Hogan isn't Jeremy's type. Instead of beautiful and brainless, Bernie is tough, smart and irritated by his refusal to take her seriously. Their combative working relationship snowballs into a boiling-hot one-night stand, but leaves Bernie intent on walking out on Jeremy forever. However, her plan is derailed when she finds out she's having Jeremy's baby and that he plans on being the involved father he never had.
RITA Award finalist Jane Graves (Tall Tales and Wedding Veils) pens a clever tale of breaking boundaries and finding love. The repartee between strong, compassionate Bernie and emotionally unavailable Jeremy sparks and sparkles. He struggles to convince her she needs his help, while she shows him the joy of helping those in need. Bernie is at once admirable and intensely relatable as she stands up to overwhelming responsibility, eventually learning that accepting help is an act of trust, not weakness.*
Jeremy starts out as a shallow playboy, but as he learns how amazing Bernie is, he goes from controlling to supportive. Watching her school him in the art of kindness is both touching and hilarious as she befuddles and beguiles him into realizing his potential as a man, a mate and the father her child deserves.
*What I didn't say in the Shelf review, due to word count restrictions and not wanting to be too quibbly: It bugged me that Bernie started out as a bad ass bodyguard but underwent a transformation as the book continued that wasn't necessarily flattering. I think the author was trying to show that Bernie became more trusting and comfortable with her feminine side, but she does seem weaker and allows the hero to get his way when he's being way too controlling. But that's just my feminist interpretation of the situation.
***This review originally appeared in Shelf Awareness Readers Edition. Sign up for this free and awesome newsletter at http://www.shelf-awareness.com for the latest news and reviews! This review refers to an ARC provided by Shelf Awareness.***
Bernadette Hogan isn't Jeremy's type. Instead of beautiful and brainless, Bernie is tough, smart and irritated by his refusal to take her seriously. Their combative working relationship snowballs into a boiling-hot one-night stand, but leaves Bernie intent on walking out on Jeremy forever. However, her plan is derailed when she finds out she's having Jeremy's baby and that he plans on being the involved father he never had.
RITA Award finalist Jane Graves (Tall Tales and Wedding Veils) pens a clever tale of breaking boundaries and finding love. The repartee between strong, compassionate Bernie and emotionally unavailable Jeremy sparks and sparkles. He struggles to convince her she needs his help, while she shows him the joy of helping those in need. Bernie is at once admirable and intensely relatable as she stands up to overwhelming responsibility, eventually learning that accepting help is an act of trust, not weakness.*
Jeremy starts out as a shallow playboy, but as he learns how amazing Bernie is, he goes from controlling to supportive. Watching her school him in the art of kindness is both touching and hilarious as she befuddles and beguiles him into realizing his potential as a man, a mate and the father her child deserves.
*What I didn't say in the Shelf review, due to word count restrictions and not wanting to be too quibbly: It bugged me that Bernie started out as a bad ass bodyguard but underwent a transformation as the book continued that wasn't necessarily flattering. I think the author was trying to show that Bernie became more trusting and comfortable with her feminine side, but she does seem weaker and allows the hero to get his way when he's being way too controlling. But that's just my feminist interpretation of the situation.
***This review originally appeared in Shelf Awareness Readers Edition. Sign up for this free and awesome newsletter at http://www.shelf-awareness.com for the latest news and reviews! This review refers to an ARC provided by Shelf Awareness.***
June 11, 2011
BLACK TIES AND LULLABIES written by Jane Graves
07/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages
At what point in love do you realize that you don’t have to handle everything alone?
A great bodyguard always brings her “A” game to work to protect the client and never has a relationship with the boss, even after you quit. But Bernadette Hogan did both of those things and finds herself pregnant by her former boss, the self-made multimillionaire Jeremy Bridges the bain of her existence.
Bernie convinced herself Jeremy and his love of big boobs on blonde headed women would make it so she could walk away from him and never have him in her life again. But once Bernie tells Jeremy about the baby Jeremy informs her he is not going anywhere, plans to be right in the thick of it with her, and won’t step away. Jeremy never thought he would ever be a parent but now that is he about to open that door he plans to right the wrongs he learned from his own childhood and be the kind of parent he dreamed would have been in his life growing up. Jeremy will not be a weekend dad or a visitor in his child’s life.
Jeremy wants what he craves the most, complete control over this new turn in the road for him which is what drives Bernie completely crazy. This change also has Jeremy acknowledge that he grew to the status he has by hard work and made him more money than he can spend in 10 lifetimes but does it make him happy? Jeremy would have said he didn’t care about happiness he could buy that but every day as he see a life with Bernie money turns out to not be anywhere near enough. The child they created has opened his eyes to a life he never could have dreamed to have but will his inability to let go and let love happen ruin everything or can Bernie show him how to make love and money both count in your life.
Loved this book from beginning to end! You have conflict, romance, more conflict, and some especially moving parts with Bernie’s mother that will shake any child with a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s and learning how to be a caregiver.
07/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages
At what point in love do you realize that you don’t have to handle everything alone?
A great bodyguard always brings her “A” game to work to protect the client and never has a relationship with the boss, even after you quit. But Bernadette Hogan did both of those things and finds herself pregnant by her former boss, the self-made multimillionaire Jeremy Bridges the bain of her existence.
Bernie convinced herself Jeremy and his love of big boobs on blonde headed women would make it so she could walk away from him and never have him in her life again. But once Bernie tells Jeremy about the baby Jeremy informs her he is not going anywhere, plans to be right in the thick of it with her, and won’t step away. Jeremy never thought he would ever be a parent but now that is he about to open that door he plans to right the wrongs he learned from his own childhood and be the kind of parent he dreamed would have been in his life growing up. Jeremy will not be a weekend dad or a visitor in his child’s life.
Jeremy wants what he craves the most, complete control over this new turn in the road for him which is what drives Bernie completely crazy. This change also has Jeremy acknowledge that he grew to the status he has by hard work and made him more money than he can spend in 10 lifetimes but does it make him happy? Jeremy would have said he didn’t care about happiness he could buy that but every day as he see a life with Bernie money turns out to not be anywhere near enough. The child they created has opened his eyes to a life he never could have dreamed to have but will his inability to let go and let love happen ruin everything or can Bernie show him how to make love and money both count in your life.
Loved this book from beginning to end! You have conflict, romance, more conflict, and some especially moving parts with Bernie’s mother that will shake any child with a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s and learning how to be a caregiver.
May 16, 2012
And if one was good, two was better.
- Bernie
I’d have to be willing to take a bullet for you. As of right now, I’d step aside and let the bullets fly.
- Bernie
damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
- Bernie
I’ll rip your eyeballs out and squash them with my bare hands. Are we clear on that?
- Bernie
Don’t sweat this until you’re sure there’s something to sweat, okay?
- Max
Learned to ditch his bad attitude and charm the world with a smile instead.
- Jeremy
I don’t think you’re the father. Unless I’m experiencing the second case of immaculate conception in recorded history, I know you’re the father.
- Bernie
I won’t tell a solitary soul. The truth will go with me to the grave.
- Bernie
But sometimes things happen for a reason, you know? Maybe this is the universe’s way of giving you what you really need rather than what you think you want.
- Phil
If you don’t deal with him now, you’l deal with him later, so just go ahead and deal with him now.
- Max
I’d have to be extremely intoxicated to tell that story.
- Bernie
Sometimes you gotta laugh, or you’ll cry.
- Jeremy
If men are the biggest pains in the ass, kids are a close second.
- Ruby
Anger and passion. Potent combination.
- Teresa
I know everything seems a little crazy right now, but someday soon you’re going to look back on al this and say it was worth it. Will you trust me on that?
- Teresa
Sometimes the most welcome events are the ones we don’t expect.
- Bernie
You don’t have to worry about me, Max. I don’t believe in fairy tales.
- Bernie
If he’d been obsessed before, he was a fanatic now.
- Jeremy
Pain is a significant component of beauty.
- Lawanda
And no prenup. Prenups are for people who plan on getting a divorce. I have so much, Bernie. But I’ve never had anyone to share it with. From now on, what’s mine is yours.
- Jeremy
- Bernie
I’d have to be willing to take a bullet for you. As of right now, I’d step aside and let the bullets fly.
- Bernie
damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
- Bernie
I’ll rip your eyeballs out and squash them with my bare hands. Are we clear on that?
- Bernie
Don’t sweat this until you’re sure there’s something to sweat, okay?
- Max
Learned to ditch his bad attitude and charm the world with a smile instead.
- Jeremy
I don’t think you’re the father. Unless I’m experiencing the second case of immaculate conception in recorded history, I know you’re the father.
- Bernie
I won’t tell a solitary soul. The truth will go with me to the grave.
- Bernie
But sometimes things happen for a reason, you know? Maybe this is the universe’s way of giving you what you really need rather than what you think you want.
- Phil
If you don’t deal with him now, you’l deal with him later, so just go ahead and deal with him now.
- Max
I’d have to be extremely intoxicated to tell that story.
- Bernie
Sometimes you gotta laugh, or you’ll cry.
- Jeremy
If men are the biggest pains in the ass, kids are a close second.
- Ruby
Anger and passion. Potent combination.
- Teresa
I know everything seems a little crazy right now, but someday soon you’re going to look back on al this and say it was worth it. Will you trust me on that?
- Teresa
Sometimes the most welcome events are the ones we don’t expect.
- Bernie
You don’t have to worry about me, Max. I don’t believe in fairy tales.
- Bernie
If he’d been obsessed before, he was a fanatic now.
- Jeremy
Pain is a significant component of beauty.
- Lawanda
And no prenup. Prenups are for people who plan on getting a divorce. I have so much, Bernie. But I’ve never had anyone to share it with. From now on, what’s mine is yours.
- Jeremy
July 1, 2011
Bernadette Hogan works as a bodyguard. She has been celebrity Jeremy Bridges’s guard for a little while. This was part of the plan. No one would suspect that a woman would be a bodyguard. If it was not for the money, than Bernadette would have asked to be reassigned earlier. Jeremy is a womanizer.
Jeremy and Bernadette arrive back at Jeremy’s place one evening to find themselves in a comprising position. Afterwards, Bernadette quits. Jeremy believes that Bernadette will come back. When she doesn’t and he learns that she is pregnant, he must find a way to show Bernadette that he is in for the long hull and is ready to be a husband and father.
I have seen this author’s books around but have not gotten around to trying her out until now. I thought that this book was such a fun book to read. That is saying something when a book is fun to read. Bernadette was good. She did not take any crap from Jeremy, just because he is a celebrity. She called it like it was. Though, Jeremy did not want to admit it in the beginning but he liked Bernadette because she had brains. You would not tell that this is the type of woman that Jeremy liked from his past dating life. Jeremy turned out to be a good guy. He was only portrayed as a womanizer for a brief period in this book, which was nice. The rest of the time, I found him funny. He knew just how to get under Bernadette’s skin and he did it every time that he could but only in a way to show her how stubborn she was. Black Ties and Lullabies earns four stars!
Jeremy and Bernadette arrive back at Jeremy’s place one evening to find themselves in a comprising position. Afterwards, Bernadette quits. Jeremy believes that Bernadette will come back. When she doesn’t and he learns that she is pregnant, he must find a way to show Bernadette that he is in for the long hull and is ready to be a husband and father.
I have seen this author’s books around but have not gotten around to trying her out until now. I thought that this book was such a fun book to read. That is saying something when a book is fun to read. Bernadette was good. She did not take any crap from Jeremy, just because he is a celebrity. She called it like it was. Though, Jeremy did not want to admit it in the beginning but he liked Bernadette because she had brains. You would not tell that this is the type of woman that Jeremy liked from his past dating life. Jeremy turned out to be a good guy. He was only portrayed as a womanizer for a brief period in this book, which was nice. The rest of the time, I found him funny. He knew just how to get under Bernadette’s skin and he did it every time that he could but only in a way to show her how stubborn she was. Black Ties and Lullabies earns four stars!
June 30, 2011
Why I read this book: I was in the mood for a light contemporary romance.
What I liked: It was a light read, I didn't have to over think or become so wrapped up in angst I needed a massage to loosen the knots in my shoulders after reading. The plot fits the formula for a chicklit and happy ending.
What I didn't like: The female main character is a bad-ass body guard who is suppose to be able to kill a person six ways to Sunday. However, we don't get to see that side of her because she's pregnant through the majority of the book. I think the character could have easily had another occupation, like secretary, and had the same personality and background baggage she comes with. I also don't understand why a lot of male main characters are so promiscuouss and the females seem to be semi-virginal, but that's what you get here too.
Overall:This contemporary romance was a nice chicklit/romance. The characters were likable, the story moved along at a nice pace, and the tension between the two main characters was the right amount to make you think they had enough chemistry to be a great couple. I'd recommend it to chicklit/romance fans.
What I liked: It was a light read, I didn't have to over think or become so wrapped up in angst I needed a massage to loosen the knots in my shoulders after reading. The plot fits the formula for a chicklit and happy ending.
What I didn't like: The female main character is a bad-ass body guard who is suppose to be able to kill a person six ways to Sunday. However, we don't get to see that side of her because she's pregnant through the majority of the book. I think the character could have easily had another occupation, like secretary, and had the same personality and background baggage she comes with. I also don't understand why a lot of male main characters are so promiscuouss and the females seem to be semi-virginal, but that's what you get here too.
Overall:This contemporary romance was a nice chicklit/romance. The characters were likable, the story moved along at a nice pace, and the tension between the two main characters was the right amount to make you think they had enough chemistry to be a great couple. I'd recommend it to chicklit/romance fans.
July 21, 2011
Self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges is a love'em and leave'em type of guy. Being rich and handsome allows him his pick of just about any woman he wants, but he only wants them for one night. His exploits have really gotten on his bodyguard's, Bernadette Hogan's, nerves. After disregarding her warning that one of his blonde "groupies" looked to be trouble, he put his and her life in danger. Fed up, she quit her job, but Jeremy wasn't going to let her go, and in a heated moment that took both of them by surprise, the two end up having a one night stand. Only thing is, one night just might not be enough.
I was laughing quite a bit with this one. The snarky comments made by Bernie had me grinning. The way Bernie found out she was pregnant was fun. I liked the slow, but gradual realization by the two main characters that they loved each other. Jeremy's story of how he made his fortune and became such a loner added some extra depth to the story. You can't help but wonder what makes a person so emotionally guarded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I gave it 3 out of 5 roses.
If you'd like to see more of my reviews check out my blog at:
www.seducedbyabook.com
I was laughing quite a bit with this one. The snarky comments made by Bernie had me grinning. The way Bernie found out she was pregnant was fun. I liked the slow, but gradual realization by the two main characters that they loved each other. Jeremy's story of how he made his fortune and became such a loner added some extra depth to the story. You can't help but wonder what makes a person so emotionally guarded. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I gave it 3 out of 5 roses.
If you'd like to see more of my reviews check out my blog at:
www.seducedbyabook.com
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