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Life and Love on the Lam #4
The Sexiest Man Alive
Juliet Rosetti’s steamy Escape Diaries series—perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Susan Elizabeth Phillips—continues as Mazie’s on-again, off-again relationship with certified hottie Ben Labeck simmers out of control.
Mazie Maguire doesn’t need some lousy awards panel to tell her what she already Ben Labeck—the chiseled, 6'3" photojournalist and hockey player who drives her wild—is the Sexiest Man Alive. And she especially doesn’t need the rest of the world to know it, too. Watching every last woman in the Milwaukee metro area throw themselves at the man who shares Mazie’s bed is more than any respectable single lady should bear.
So when Ben has the nerve to “forget” to call for a week, Mazie decides to call it off for good. But as she jumps back into the dating game, Mazie catches the attention of some real bad The Skulls. When the motorcycle gang kidnaps Mazie in a case of mistaken identity, she suddenly sees Ben’s behavior in a whole new light. She’d do anything to wake up in Ben’s surprisingly tender arms one more time—so long as the Sexiest Man Alive doesn’t go and get himself killed trying to save her.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
Mazie Maguire doesn’t need some lousy awards panel to tell her what she already Ben Labeck—the chiseled, 6'3" photojournalist and hockey player who drives her wild—is the Sexiest Man Alive. And she especially doesn’t need the rest of the world to know it, too. Watching every last woman in the Milwaukee metro area throw themselves at the man who shares Mazie’s bed is more than any respectable single lady should bear.
So when Ben has the nerve to “forget” to call for a week, Mazie decides to call it off for good. But as she jumps back into the dating game, Mazie catches the attention of some real bad The Skulls. When the motorcycle gang kidnaps Mazie in a case of mistaken identity, she suddenly sees Ben’s behavior in a whole new light. She’d do anything to wake up in Ben’s surprisingly tender arms one more time—so long as the Sexiest Man Alive doesn’t go and get himself killed trying to save her.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 17, 2014
Well done! This was a little tough to get into at first. Not due to the writing, which is excellent. Once I realized the same couple continued through a series of books, I got right on board! Mazie is adorable and Ben is to-die for. I like the fact that Mazie figured things out and could take care of herself, not like the heroine in a certain series of mysteries set in Trenton, NJ who never seems to learn. Also in sharp contrast to that series, although the hero and heroine flirt with the notion of finding other loves, they remain physically and emotionally constant. That made this a true romance for me!
May 15, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so lovable. I love the way the character of Mazie was written. All her secrets weren't spilled in the beginning of the book, you gradually got to know what made her tick, and it was usually shocking while being delivered by the author as almost an afterthought. Ben was also an endearing and sometimes frustrating character, while being voted the sexiest man alive he had enough faults to make him a believable man. He didn't always smell like cinnamon and fart rainbows as some of these romantic hero's do. He had a good heart and loved Mazie enough to risk his life for her multiple times even though she was also far from perfect. The messes that this chick gets herself into are the stuff of legend. It's like she has the worst luck on the planet and manages it in a way most people wouldn't. She stays true to herself no matter what tries to pull her down. I will likely read more books by this author and hope she has more characters as memorable as the ones in here. I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review.
December 18, 2018
Mediocre madcappery, and safety info ahoy: There's figuring out what you want through trial and error, and there's just being too immature and selfish to have a normal relationship. These two fall in the latter category.
April 22, 2014
Ben is something else, that boy is always putting a smile on my face, "he smiled. "How about a post-orgy dinner? All that activity should leave you famished. Nine o'clock?" Ben he may not seem like it but the boy is really interested in passion parties especially the ones Mazie goes to:
"Is it over yet?" he asked.
"No, but I think I'm done."
"Did you buy some....uh...stuff?"
"You'll have to find out." She gave him the address.
"There in ten." he disconnected.
Mazie she's normally not one to voice her opinions but when she's had enough the girl has had enough, "because you don't pay attention," Mazie yelled. "Not to me, anyway. With other women, you're all eyes, ears, and streaming drool." Tears prickled behind her eyes, but she refused to give in to them." Sometimes when you're in a hurry bad things happen, "oh, God! Get dressed!" Mazie yanked her skirt down and her shirt up. Ben pulled his pants up and tried to sip his zipper, which pinched his pen**, which hadn't yet gotten the memo that they were closing up shop." Ben thinks of the weirdest things at the wrong times:
"Do you want kids?" Ben asked.
"I think so."
"Want to get started now?"
Mazie laughed deep in her throat, a kind of husky gurgle that went straight to Ben's balls. "We're sitting on a grave, we're being stalked by murderous gang members, and you're thinking about sex?"
I really loved this book, it was entertaining.
"Is it over yet?" he asked.
"No, but I think I'm done."
"Did you buy some....uh...stuff?"
"You'll have to find out." She gave him the address.
"There in ten." he disconnected.
Mazie she's normally not one to voice her opinions but when she's had enough the girl has had enough, "because you don't pay attention," Mazie yelled. "Not to me, anyway. With other women, you're all eyes, ears, and streaming drool." Tears prickled behind her eyes, but she refused to give in to them." Sometimes when you're in a hurry bad things happen, "oh, God! Get dressed!" Mazie yanked her skirt down and her shirt up. Ben pulled his pants up and tried to sip his zipper, which pinched his pen**, which hadn't yet gotten the memo that they were closing up shop." Ben thinks of the weirdest things at the wrong times:
"Do you want kids?" Ben asked.
"I think so."
"Want to get started now?"
Mazie laughed deep in her throat, a kind of husky gurgle that went straight to Ben's balls. "We're sitting on a grave, we're being stalked by murderous gang members, and you're thinking about sex?"
I really loved this book, it was entertaining.
October 9, 2014
another great addition to this series! If you haven't read any of the books Mazie Maguire stars in, go read them now. It will be well worth the time you spend because you'll laugh at some some spots, cry in others, and you will TOTALLY melt for Ben and Mazie in this book as they realize they are in love with each other.
As with the other books in this series, the action was great. It was wonderful to see the returning cast of characters and the addition of Lester was perfect :) It seems like Mazie will finally get her happily ever after, but I hope this isn't the last we see of her and Ben.
*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley*
As with the other books in this series, the action was great. It was wonderful to see the returning cast of characters and the addition of Lester was perfect :) It seems like Mazie will finally get her happily ever after, but I hope this isn't the last we see of her and Ben.
*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley*
July 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Mazie is such a funny character and is always getting into some kind of trouble. Ben has just been voted Sexiest Man Alive by a local television show. I love Ben and Mazie together but they are also incredibly frustrating. Mazie can't handle the attention Ben is getting and Ben is totally clueless on how to treat a woman. This book focused more on Mazie and Ben's relationship than the previous in the series. The suspense was really good and I was pretty nervous for Mazie in this one. Overall, I have really enjoyed this book and series.
*ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
July 14, 2014
4 stars!
He loves me, he loves me not. That is the question that's been bugging Mazie regarding her relationship with Ben. He gets voted as the Sexiest Man Alive by the town paper and suddenly, he's a mini celebrity. Of course, his penchant for not calling Mazie adds to her insecurities.
Still funny and crazy. The situations that Mazie gets into in her pursuit for Ben is, again, hilarious. Ben is of course, sexy if not slightly clueless. Ben and Mazie's chemistry was sizzling.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
He loves me, he loves me not. That is the question that's been bugging Mazie regarding her relationship with Ben. He gets voted as the Sexiest Man Alive by the town paper and suddenly, he's a mini celebrity. Of course, his penchant for not calling Mazie adds to her insecurities.
Still funny and crazy. The situations that Mazie gets into in her pursuit for Ben is, again, hilarious. Ben is of course, sexy if not slightly clueless. Ben and Mazie's chemistry was sizzling.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
June 28, 2015
When her Sexiest Man Alive boyfriend Ben disappears for days, forgets to call, and seems to enjoy a little too much all the women of Milwaukee throwing themselves at him, Mazie’s had enough. She may be making minimum wage, living in an efficiency apartment over a drag queen’s boutique, and driving around in a moody van covered in vegetables, but she knows she deserves better than what she’s getting. So she does what she does best — breaks up with him, goes on the date from hell, and gets kidnapped by a drug running motorcycle gang.
The Verdict: Have I mentioned that I love love love this series? Mazie’s life is an adventure in itself, from the grumpy old people throwing food at her to the sketchiest blind date in history to the crazy “passion party” she attends where otherwise sweet almost-menopausal women suddenly become sex-crazed lunatics. But when Mazie stumbles upon a fugitive running from a deadly gang of meth-slinging bikers and winds up locked in the tower of an abandoned insane asylum, all that crazy she’s been living pays off. Armed with a can lid, some pantyhose, and an impressive will to survive whatever comes next, we get Mazie at her best and Ben finally coming to his senses.
Ben’s hilariously clueless, sweet, and frustrating as usual. He seems to assume a whole hell of a lot, like Mazie must know how he feels even though he’s only ever said it once, that everything in their relationship is secure though they barely adhere to labels, and no matter how mad she gets, she’ll always come back around. Normally I’d be so frustrated with a character who acted like that, but there’s just something about the way Ben’s written that cracks me up, even when I want to slap some sense into him.
Of course, he loves Mazie like crazy — which is a good thing, considering that’s exactly what life with her is like — and when Mazie lands herself in danger the way only she can, it’s Ben to the rescue. With the help of that odd menagerie of friends she’s managed to settle with since her escape from prison in the first book, of course.
I’m guessing this is the end of the series, which kind of breaks my heart, but it was a pretty perfect ending. If you haven’t read the other books, grab them up now and get started. The Sexiest Man Alive works just fine as a standalone, but the laughs are better if you know the history — and the history is hilarious. In the meantime, I’m going to be impatiently waiting for whatever Juliet Rosetti comes up with next. At this point, I know it’s guaranteed to be awesome.
***FicCentral received this book from Random House LLC (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review. Even so, we're far too opinionated to let a freebie influence our thoughts or the contents of the reviews we post here.
July 8, 2014
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!
The Sexiest Man Alive is the fourth book in the Life and Love on the Lam series. I read the third book, Tangled Thing Called Love, before reading this one. You can follow along if you have not read the previous books but I would recommend reading them in order as it is a fun and witty series and you will understand the characters better.
This book is filled with humorous moments although I found that it was not quite as funny as the last book which I thought was hilarious. Mazie with her quirky personality again finds herself in all kinds of unique situations, some awkward and some dangerous. Her hot and cold relationship with sexy Ben Labeck was as entertaining as I remembered it being.
The focus of this book was the relationship between Mazie and Ben but there were plenty of interesting twists to the plot that made it more than just a romance. Mazie, with her curious personality, finds herself in trouble at work and with a dangerous motorcycle gang. Not only is she trying to navigate the dating game and keep her job but she is also trying to stay alive.
I won't go into too much detail as this is part of a series. What I will say is that this book is extremely entertaining, filled with a great bunch of unique and likeable characters, and full of laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a quick read that keeps you entertained for a few hours, this one definitely fits the bill. I'm hopeful that there will be more Mazie and Ben in the near future.
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!
The Sexiest Man Alive is the fourth book in the Life and Love on the Lam series. I read the third book, Tangled Thing Called Love, before reading this one. You can follow along if you have not read the previous books but I would recommend reading them in order as it is a fun and witty series and you will understand the characters better.
This book is filled with humorous moments although I found that it was not quite as funny as the last book which I thought was hilarious. Mazie with her quirky personality again finds herself in all kinds of unique situations, some awkward and some dangerous. Her hot and cold relationship with sexy Ben Labeck was as entertaining as I remembered it being.
The focus of this book was the relationship between Mazie and Ben but there were plenty of interesting twists to the plot that made it more than just a romance. Mazie, with her curious personality, finds herself in trouble at work and with a dangerous motorcycle gang. Not only is she trying to navigate the dating game and keep her job but she is also trying to stay alive.
I won't go into too much detail as this is part of a series. What I will say is that this book is extremely entertaining, filled with a great bunch of unique and likeable characters, and full of laugh out loud moments. If you are looking for a quick read that keeps you entertained for a few hours, this one definitely fits the bill. I'm hopeful that there will be more Mazie and Ben in the near future.
September 1, 2014
The Sexiest Man Alive by Juliet Rosetti is her fourth in the Life and Love on the Lam series. I loved these books and gave then all 5 stars. Mazie is one tough cookie and can get herself in (almost) more trouble than Ben can get her out of. She is the MacGyver of romance novels! Each book has a different adventure for Mazie to work her way through. Although each is a stand-alone, it is best to read from the first in the series because they have many of the same quirky secondary characters in them.
In this book Ben gets voted as The Sexiest Man Alive and is clueless as to how this affects Mazie’s feelings for him so they are at odds for most of the book. He is such a guy! Their crazy banter and snarky remarks will have you laughing out loud, but underneath it all they are in love (they just don’t know it). In this story, Mazie and her look-a-like get captured by a motorcycle gang and wow do I feel sorry for the gang. There’s lots of laughs and a HEA ending. So start reading right away. Juliet Rosetti is on my automatic read list and cannot wait for her next book. I hope for more Mazie and Ben.
Thank You Netgalley and Loveswept for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this book Ben gets voted as The Sexiest Man Alive and is clueless as to how this affects Mazie’s feelings for him so they are at odds for most of the book. He is such a guy! Their crazy banter and snarky remarks will have you laughing out loud, but underneath it all they are in love (they just don’t know it). In this story, Mazie and her look-a-like get captured by a motorcycle gang and wow do I feel sorry for the gang. There’s lots of laughs and a HEA ending. So start reading right away. Juliet Rosetti is on my automatic read list and cannot wait for her next book. I hope for more Mazie and Ben.
Thank You Netgalley and Loveswept for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2025
Simply put, The Sexiest Man Alive is an utterly endearing, laugh-out-loud, sweet romance.
There is no doubt Mazie and Ben have chemistry, but when their relationship hits a road bump...Ben being listed as The Sexiest Man Alive... their true feelings will be put to the test.
Mazie is absolutely adorable with her impulsive and spontaneous reactions but keeping herself true. Ben is the uber hottie that doesn't know what hit him.
I completely enjoyed reading The Sexiest Man Alive. Flawed and realistic characters pulled me in, and the wonderful writing of Juliet Rosetti kept me there to stay. Not my first read by Rosett,i and it will definitely NOT be my last. Just a perfect feel-good contemporary romance!
I received this ARC copy of The Sexiest Man Alive: Life and Love on the Lam from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on July 8, 2014.
There is no doubt Mazie and Ben have chemistry, but when their relationship hits a road bump...Ben being listed as The Sexiest Man Alive... their true feelings will be put to the test.
Mazie is absolutely adorable with her impulsive and spontaneous reactions but keeping herself true. Ben is the uber hottie that doesn't know what hit him.
I completely enjoyed reading The Sexiest Man Alive. Flawed and realistic characters pulled me in, and the wonderful writing of Juliet Rosetti kept me there to stay. Not my first read by Rosett,i and it will definitely NOT be my last. Just a perfect feel-good contemporary romance!
I received this ARC copy of The Sexiest Man Alive: Life and Love on the Lam from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on July 8, 2014.
April 26, 2014
Mazie and Ben back again! This book was not quite as good as it's three predecessors but still had me rolling in laughter, worried for Mazie and all sexed up for Ben and even Johnny a bit :). Mazie and Ben are split for most of this book thanks to Ben being named the Sexiest Man Alive and in the ensuing madness we meet some comical characters, see a love connection for both Juju and Magenta, and watch Mazie manage to get tangled into some gang violence. Per the norm, Mazie manages to be strong and amusing all at once while Ben marches in to save the day. I really enjoyed this book being in both Ben and Mazie's perspectives, giving a hilarious back and forth of what they were both thinking throughout. Another win for Juliet Rosetti for sure!!!
This was a complimentary copy gifted from the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.
This was a complimentary copy gifted from the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.
July 23, 2016
I have to say, though I wasn't thoroughly impressed with book 3, which was the first from this author I've read, this one was better. I gave the author another chance, and I liked this book. The other books were explained a little bit more in this, so I didn't feel left out. The story was cute and funny. I felt a little more attached to Mazie and Ben than I had in the book before this. I've come to like them, and it was a fun little read.
I'm happy to see this author grow with each book. I like that the writing felt better, easier going for the reader. The story line was interesting, the plot felt like a romantic comedy, sometimes a romantic suspense. I did think the tower scene with her and Shayla was drawn out a bit too long, it got boring, but at the end, I was happy I read this book. It was quite enjoyable.
I'm happy to see this author grow with each book. I like that the writing felt better, easier going for the reader. The story line was interesting, the plot felt like a romantic comedy, sometimes a romantic suspense. I did think the tower scene with her and Shayla was drawn out a bit too long, it got boring, but at the end, I was happy I read this book. It was quite enjoyable.
July 23, 2014
The Sexiest Man Alive was fast paced, well plotted, and excellently written. I am so thrilled to have found a new author and Contemporary Suspense series! Juliet Rosetti has given us a great character driven series, peopled with the kind of quirky characters that I would love to know. The book can stand alone, but why deprive yourself? The fact is that Ms. Rosetti has a a real talent for writing beautifully detailed characters and putting them in situations that will make you laugh out loud. The dialogue is witty and crisp and intelligent. The secondary characters are just as detailed as the primary ones, and I see so much potential for future books revolving around this group and this setting. Well Done!
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2014
Arc received from NetGalley for honest review*******
Fun,energetic book!
I thought the writing was fantastic. It had me at times squealing with laughter, it had me in tiny tears that made me want to reach out to Mazie. Ben might of cared for Mazie but he never put her first.
They were always off and on, and nothing was really changing in their relationship. Mazie was in love with Ben but she didn't think he felt the same and she wanted more out of life. There was times I wanted to smack Ben.
This had a little action and funny circumstances. If you like humor, romance and hot alpha males this book is for you!
Fun,energetic book!
I thought the writing was fantastic. It had me at times squealing with laughter, it had me in tiny tears that made me want to reach out to Mazie. Ben might of cared for Mazie but he never put her first.
They were always off and on, and nothing was really changing in their relationship. Mazie was in love with Ben but she didn't think he felt the same and she wanted more out of life. There was times I wanted to smack Ben.
This had a little action and funny circumstances. If you like humor, romance and hot alpha males this book is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the first of the series that I've read and I probably would have been even more into the book had I read the previous books. I loved Mazie. She is tough, goofy, and has a lovely heart. Ben is such a realistic view of a guy-partly clueless, vain, bad at communication, but loyal and loving. I laughed numerous times! My only complaint was that the graphic sex didn't seem necessary to make this a great book. It seemed forced-like everyone else is writing graphically, so Juliet felt like she needed to. I would have preferred the allusion rather than the description in this case. (Like Janet Evanovich does with her series.)
July 26, 2016
A funny and adventurous read! The interactions between all the characters are fantastic. The relationship between Ben and Mazie was extremely entertaining to read through. The characters' wits and quips were hilarious. The storyline was well-paced and I enjoyed the sense of danger and adventure as well.
This was a easy and fun read! I would definitely recommend this series!
**I received a copy through Netgalley however, this has not influenced my review!
This was a easy and fun read! I would definitely recommend this series!
**I received a copy through Netgalley however, this has not influenced my review!
May 17, 2014
Received an ARC copy from Netgalley for a honest review. First book I’ve read in this series and by this author but never a dull moment. Loved the book and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. The characters were memorable and funny. Good lord, I didn’t know whether to laugh or smack the be-Jesus out of Ben. At times, he was so clueless. Mazie was such a sweetheart always waiting on her man. I completely get why she got mad. I definitely recommend and plan to read more in this series.
May 1, 2014
*ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I am loving this series more and more as I read each book.
Mazie is on and ahead of the ball as usual and using her ingenious brain to remedy the kuffufles she finds herself in!
A thoroughly enjoyable read which had me laughing out load more often than not, highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
I am loving this series more and more as I read each book.
Mazie is on and ahead of the ball as usual and using her ingenious brain to remedy the kuffufles she finds herself in!
A thoroughly enjoyable read which had me laughing out load more often than not, highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
June 26, 2014
This book was fun and romantic. Ben and Mazie are obviously in love with each other, but they just can't seem to get on the same page. When Mazie gets herself in trouble Ben has to save her and accept his faults. This is the first book I have read in the series but loved it and will read the others.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and NetGalley for ARC.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and NetGalley for ARC.
June 8, 2014
This book was a lot of fun, just like all the others. The characters are great, the storyline funny. I always enjoy them. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
#4 in the Life and Love on the Lam romance series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This has been such a fun series! Mazie is a wonderful character. She's adventurous, has a heart of gold, and gathers such a wide variety of people to her. I got this book from NetGalley years ago, not realizing that it was the 4th in a series. I decided to read the first 3 books first, and I'm so glad that I did because there was a gradual progression of Mazie and Ben's relationship that wouldn't have been appreciated if reading this final book first. The ups and downs between them were sometimes frustrating and sometimes hilarious. Mazie's personality has developed as well, and the group of supporting characters has grown, both adding more entertainment to this series. Think of Juju and her cafe, not to mention her roller derby girls. Then there's Mrs. Pfister and the others in the Elder Hearts Vittles Van program, and her adorable nephew Lester Pfister (even the name makes me laugh). There's Ben's mother and their delicious French accents. I could go on and on about this great series and how much enjoyment it has brought me. I will definitely look for more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This has been such a fun series! Mazie is a wonderful character. She's adventurous, has a heart of gold, and gathers such a wide variety of people to her. I got this book from NetGalley years ago, not realizing that it was the 4th in a series. I decided to read the first 3 books first, and I'm so glad that I did because there was a gradual progression of Mazie and Ben's relationship that wouldn't have been appreciated if reading this final book first. The ups and downs between them were sometimes frustrating and sometimes hilarious. Mazie's personality has developed as well, and the group of supporting characters has grown, both adding more entertainment to this series. Think of Juju and her cafe, not to mention her roller derby girls. Then there's Mrs. Pfister and the others in the Elder Hearts Vittles Van program, and her adorable nephew Lester Pfister (even the name makes me laugh). There's Ben's mother and their delicious French accents. I could go on and on about this great series and how much enjoyment it has brought me. I will definitely look for more from this author.
January 29, 2020
I was annoyed with how it started. Them pissed and over reacting. Ben was s jerk and Maisie as always got into trouble. I skimmed it because it gets old but their relationship is pretty wonderful. Of course, they realize how much they love one another but you would have thought the last time they went through life and death situations would have cemented their feelings.
June 5, 2020
I waited to write a review until I’d finished all four books in this series.
Loved them all!! Read them in order to get the most out of them....quirky, funny, clever.
Loved them all!! Read them in order to get the most out of them....quirky, funny, clever.
August 6, 2014
Review
Juliet Rosetti returns with her fourth book in the series Life and Love on the Lam. The series began with Mazie Maguire wrongly accused of murdering her husband and then escaping prison. The next books continued with Mazie’s funny and crazy adventures and her romance with Ben Labeck, a chiseled tall ex-hockey player.
Though I have not read the other books in the series, I had no trouble following along with the characters in this new book, The Sexiest Man Alive. This time Mazie and Ben are a couple but there is trouble in paradise or, in this case, Milwaukee.
Maizes’ friends believe Ben doesn't appreciate her, but Maize thinks they're wrong. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ben a hockey buddy entered Ben’s name into The Sexiest Man Alive contest. That night, a television hostess announces on Milwaukee Tonite! that Ben is the winner and that he’s single. Of course, Maize is not happy about this and neither is Ben.
Trouble happens when Mazie and Ben are at a restaurant. A swarm of women crowd around Ben flattering his ego and he forgets Maize is even there. Maize seeing this begins to rethink their relationship and breaks up with Ben. Poor confused Ben has no clue why Maize is acting this way and spends the rest of the story wondering what he should do to get her back.
Meanwhile, Johnny Hoolihan, a hot bad boy Maize knew in high school and who’s now a sheriff, contacts Maize to help find a murder witness. A local gang that is after the witness mistakenly thinks Maize is the witness and kidnaps her. The rest of the story is about Maize escaping her kidnappers and Ben trying to woo her back.
Pros
This is a fun and engaging book that made me fall in love with Maize, Ben, and her crazy friends. Maize is a zany, funny, and independent woman but is vulnerable when it comes to her relationship with Ben. Ben, is a good guy, who doesn't understand what Maize wants but is willing to try and figure it out. For example, Ben thinks giving Maize practical gifts, like a bolt lock or a toilet plunger, is better than romantic ones, like flowers, which die in two days. (My husband thinks like that. ;)) You sympathize with Ben enjoying the attention, because as a child he was an ugly duckling who repelled women and now they love him. But he really does love Maize and just needs to tell and show her he does.
Maize and Ben are both quirky main characters who are engaging and well-matched and you love reading about them.
This story is a great mix of romance and suspense and is laced with hilarious entertaining scenes such as the Phero-mates event or the passion party. If you want a light funny read, you will enjoy this book.
Cons
Some people may not like Maize in this book. Instead of letting Ben, explain his behavior, she immediately starts accusing him of not appreciating her.
Conclusion
If you have read the other books in the series, then you're probably already hooked on Maize’s adventures. However, if you're new to the series, I recommend you start reading it!
Juliet Rosetti returns with her fourth book in the series Life and Love on the Lam. The series began with Mazie Maguire wrongly accused of murdering her husband and then escaping prison. The next books continued with Mazie’s funny and crazy adventures and her romance with Ben Labeck, a chiseled tall ex-hockey player.
Though I have not read the other books in the series, I had no trouble following along with the characters in this new book, The Sexiest Man Alive. This time Mazie and Ben are a couple but there is trouble in paradise or, in this case, Milwaukee.
Maizes’ friends believe Ben doesn't appreciate her, but Maize thinks they're wrong. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ben a hockey buddy entered Ben’s name into The Sexiest Man Alive contest. That night, a television hostess announces on Milwaukee Tonite! that Ben is the winner and that he’s single. Of course, Maize is not happy about this and neither is Ben.
Trouble happens when Mazie and Ben are at a restaurant. A swarm of women crowd around Ben flattering his ego and he forgets Maize is even there. Maize seeing this begins to rethink their relationship and breaks up with Ben. Poor confused Ben has no clue why Maize is acting this way and spends the rest of the story wondering what he should do to get her back.
Meanwhile, Johnny Hoolihan, a hot bad boy Maize knew in high school and who’s now a sheriff, contacts Maize to help find a murder witness. A local gang that is after the witness mistakenly thinks Maize is the witness and kidnaps her. The rest of the story is about Maize escaping her kidnappers and Ben trying to woo her back.
Pros
This is a fun and engaging book that made me fall in love with Maize, Ben, and her crazy friends. Maize is a zany, funny, and independent woman but is vulnerable when it comes to her relationship with Ben. Ben, is a good guy, who doesn't understand what Maize wants but is willing to try and figure it out. For example, Ben thinks giving Maize practical gifts, like a bolt lock or a toilet plunger, is better than romantic ones, like flowers, which die in two days. (My husband thinks like that. ;)) You sympathize with Ben enjoying the attention, because as a child he was an ugly duckling who repelled women and now they love him. But he really does love Maize and just needs to tell and show her he does.
Maize and Ben are both quirky main characters who are engaging and well-matched and you love reading about them.
This story is a great mix of romance and suspense and is laced with hilarious entertaining scenes such as the Phero-mates event or the passion party. If you want a light funny read, you will enjoy this book.
Cons
Some people may not like Maize in this book. Instead of letting Ben, explain his behavior, she immediately starts accusing him of not appreciating her.
Conclusion
If you have read the other books in the series, then you're probably already hooked on Maize’s adventures. However, if you're new to the series, I recommend you start reading it!
April 23, 2015
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This is actually one of the few series I wish I had read the books prior to reading this book. I've gotten really used to jumping in and out of book series, and most of the time it's fine, but in this series I think I really would have benefited from reading the previous books. It's not that you can't read this book without reading the others, its more that it took longer for me to get into the book because I didn't know the characters the way that I think the author intended going into this book.
That being said I really did end up liking the book once I got into it. I think the best part of this book is the humor. I thought that the inner monologues of the characters were really kind of hilarious, especially in how they react to each other. It's clear to me that the author has a great sense of humor and is able to translate it really well into books. Also the humor really keep the pace of the book up, it kept things from lagging along.
Mazie was an interesting bit of contradiction to me. She is really goofy, which I loved, but there is a lot more to her character than just that. She's really strong and independent, and on top of that she's also very set in her ways. But at the same time she is also insecure and jealous, it makes for a really interesting combination. I think what I liked about Mazie is that she is just easy to identify with, I think people, women in particular, have a hard time not comparing ourselves to other people and having insecurities because of it, and I think Mazie was a great example of that kind of behavior. But at the same time she is a really strong person, which I liked, so it worked for me.
I liked Ben. Sure he does some stuff in the book I didn't complete love, but he's a person, and it's understandable to see why he did/felt certain ways during various times in the book. Throughout the course of the book you really start to understand how he feels about Mazie, and Ben realizes how much she means to him, but the book is process of him getting to that point. After he is named sexiest man alive, I'll admit it, he lets it go to his head a little bit. But even when I sometimes wanted to shake him, he just came across like a good guy, so it was easy to give him the benefit of the doubt that he was going to come around to a good place.
Overall I thought this was a cute and funny read. I wish I had read the others books first, so while I do recommend this book, I wholeheartedly recommend starting at the beginning of the series first.
This is actually one of the few series I wish I had read the books prior to reading this book. I've gotten really used to jumping in and out of book series, and most of the time it's fine, but in this series I think I really would have benefited from reading the previous books. It's not that you can't read this book without reading the others, its more that it took longer for me to get into the book because I didn't know the characters the way that I think the author intended going into this book.
That being said I really did end up liking the book once I got into it. I think the best part of this book is the humor. I thought that the inner monologues of the characters were really kind of hilarious, especially in how they react to each other. It's clear to me that the author has a great sense of humor and is able to translate it really well into books. Also the humor really keep the pace of the book up, it kept things from lagging along.
Mazie was an interesting bit of contradiction to me. She is really goofy, which I loved, but there is a lot more to her character than just that. She's really strong and independent, and on top of that she's also very set in her ways. But at the same time she is also insecure and jealous, it makes for a really interesting combination. I think what I liked about Mazie is that she is just easy to identify with, I think people, women in particular, have a hard time not comparing ourselves to other people and having insecurities because of it, and I think Mazie was a great example of that kind of behavior. But at the same time she is a really strong person, which I liked, so it worked for me.
I liked Ben. Sure he does some stuff in the book I didn't complete love, but he's a person, and it's understandable to see why he did/felt certain ways during various times in the book. Throughout the course of the book you really start to understand how he feels about Mazie, and Ben realizes how much she means to him, but the book is process of him getting to that point. After he is named sexiest man alive, I'll admit it, he lets it go to his head a little bit. But even when I sometimes wanted to shake him, he just came across like a good guy, so it was easy to give him the benefit of the doubt that he was going to come around to a good place.
Overall I thought this was a cute and funny read. I wish I had read the others books first, so while I do recommend this book, I wholeheartedly recommend starting at the beginning of the series first.
November 1, 2016
From time to time I'm gifted with or directed to something "I had better read", so I do and am usually rewarded. That's how I was introduced to Tony Hillerman and the Navaho Tribal Police series. The Mazie Maguire mysteries by Juliet Rosetti is in that category too; the original hook for me was that the stories took place in Wisconsin.
I survived childhood in a farming community near Green Bay. A cousin owned a bar in Sheboygan. Going to Milwaukee was a big event. On holidays while travelling to relatives, I drove past Taycheeda Prison in Fon du Lac a hundred times. That's where the heroine, Mazie Maguire, is serving time after being framed and convicted for murder. In the series opening, she's sprung by a passing tornado and tours the scenic kettle moraine country while making her way to Milwaukee. Evading capture by multiple law enforcement agencies Mazie becomes a folk hero and is offered help along the way, in particular critical evidence of her innocence by a TV cameraman, Ben. This turns into a partnership of sorts, and also into a romance that twists through the series. The first book runs around the state's eastern countryside and Milwaukee; later books include a 'Sconnie Generic Park with Lake, and a farm town. My favorite story is that book, set in coulee country in the unglaciated southwestern part of Wisconsin; coulees are narrow, deep, and mostly wooded valleys that wind for miles, which makes for a very creepy background in a twenty year old unsolved disappearance and probable murder, and for an attempted reenactment starring Mazie.
All the books are action mysteries, where the heroine not only has to solve the main problem but must avoid being murdered herself. The chapters are short and intense. There are chase scenes with unusual and memorable escapes. There are actual villains, and generally a great cast of well-made characters, some of whom one wishes to drown, others to nominate for a Nobel. There's also a cute, smart dog.
I came for the scenery but stayed for the entertainment.
You live in Wisconsin? You read mysteries? You know someone who does? Then you should check these out.
June 25, 2014
The Sexiest Man Alive
Book Summary
Published by - Loveswept a Random House imprint
Release Date - 8th July 2014
Pages - 251
My Rating - 2.5 - 3 Stars
Review
I haven't read the three previous books in this series and I have to say that if you're going to read this book then you probably go back and start from the beginning. Otherwise, it seems like there is a hell of a lot going on that just doesn't make sense.
Speaking of a hell of a lot going on...talk about drama. Drama, drama, drama. All of it completely unnecessary and over the top, yet without it there wouldn't be a story, and in some why-the-hell-am-I-still-reading-this kind of way, I found myself starting to enjoy it. Until it went that one step too far. Okay, so it may have been several steps, but you get the picture. There should have been a point when enough was enough.
The characters, while funny and a little bit angsty reminded me an awful lot of two characters from one of my favorite shifter series. In the shifter series though the male had an excuse for his bullish, narrow minded and sometimes downright simplistic thoughts and behavior - he was a bear!!! Ben on the other hand...he's just a pig. An adorable pig, but even a sow wearing makeup is still a sow!
Mazie was annoying and whiny and so co-dependent on her friends that when she was kidnapped I honestly thought she might die. She surprised me though. She had her moments. Shining lights of the kind of character she may have been before this book, or could have been in this book, but it wasn't enough to thoroughly endear me to her.
It's hard to say if I'd go back and read this series from the start, especially since I know how this book ended. Maybe if I couldn't find anything else to read and I wanted something that I could fly through, but it's needless to say that I'm not going to put the rest of my reading list on hold to find out how it all began.
Book Summary
Published by - Loveswept a Random House imprint
Release Date - 8th July 2014
Pages - 251
My Rating - 2.5 - 3 Stars
Review
I haven't read the three previous books in this series and I have to say that if you're going to read this book then you probably go back and start from the beginning. Otherwise, it seems like there is a hell of a lot going on that just doesn't make sense.
Speaking of a hell of a lot going on...talk about drama. Drama, drama, drama. All of it completely unnecessary and over the top, yet without it there wouldn't be a story, and in some why-the-hell-am-I-still-reading-this kind of way, I found myself starting to enjoy it. Until it went that one step too far. Okay, so it may have been several steps, but you get the picture. There should have been a point when enough was enough.
The characters, while funny and a little bit angsty reminded me an awful lot of two characters from one of my favorite shifter series. In the shifter series though the male had an excuse for his bullish, narrow minded and sometimes downright simplistic thoughts and behavior - he was a bear!!! Ben on the other hand...he's just a pig. An adorable pig, but even a sow wearing makeup is still a sow!
Mazie was annoying and whiny and so co-dependent on her friends that when she was kidnapped I honestly thought she might die. She surprised me though. She had her moments. Shining lights of the kind of character she may have been before this book, or could have been in this book, but it wasn't enough to thoroughly endear me to her.
It's hard to say if I'd go back and read this series from the start, especially since I know how this book ended. Maybe if I couldn't find anything else to read and I wanted something that I could fly through, but it's needless to say that I'm not going to put the rest of my reading list on hold to find out how it all began.
September 10, 2016
*Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
"The Sexiest Man Alive" is the first book I've read by Juliet Rosetti, and it will not be the last! This is the 4th story in the "Life and Love on the Lam", and it can be read as a stand-alone book. In this story, we get to read more about Mazie Maguire and Ben Labeck. (On a sidenote, as someone who is new to this series, I always enjoy it when there are several books on the same couple. I look forward to reading Juliet's other books about Mazie and Ben!)
Ben Labeck recently got that coveted honor of being named Sexiest Man Alive. His hockey teammates make fun of him every chance they get. Women swoon after him. He didn't really like the title, but he took it in stride. But how does his girlfriend Mazie Maguire take it?
Mazie is upset that she doesn't always have Ben's undivided attention. Ben is just super popular now with the ladies after receiving his Sexiest Man Alive title! A night out with her boyfriend is not quiet and romantic. You have legions of fans wanting to talk to Ben, take pictures with him, even handcuff him! With encouragement from her friends, Juju and Magenta, she decides to join the dating scene again. Of course, Ben is not happy with this. He love Mazie. He only wants to be with her. How will he be able to prove this?
In the meantime, Mazie gets into trouble. A gang called The Skulls mistakenly kidnaps her because she resembles who they were really looking for: Shayla Connelly. They didn't know who was who, so they kidnapped both women. Shayla witnessed her boyfriend, Ricky Lee, get murdered by The Skulls. They want her dead. Mazie doesn't know if she or Shayla will make it out alive. Will Mazie get to tell Ben she loves him? Will Shayla and Mazie get rescued in time?
I found this story refreshing, quirk, and action-packed! The secondary characters are a hoot, especially Juju and Magenta! Wonderful story! Looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series!
"The Sexiest Man Alive" is the first book I've read by Juliet Rosetti, and it will not be the last! This is the 4th story in the "Life and Love on the Lam", and it can be read as a stand-alone book. In this story, we get to read more about Mazie Maguire and Ben Labeck. (On a sidenote, as someone who is new to this series, I always enjoy it when there are several books on the same couple. I look forward to reading Juliet's other books about Mazie and Ben!)
Ben Labeck recently got that coveted honor of being named Sexiest Man Alive. His hockey teammates make fun of him every chance they get. Women swoon after him. He didn't really like the title, but he took it in stride. But how does his girlfriend Mazie Maguire take it?
Mazie is upset that she doesn't always have Ben's undivided attention. Ben is just super popular now with the ladies after receiving his Sexiest Man Alive title! A night out with her boyfriend is not quiet and romantic. You have legions of fans wanting to talk to Ben, take pictures with him, even handcuff him! With encouragement from her friends, Juju and Magenta, she decides to join the dating scene again. Of course, Ben is not happy with this. He love Mazie. He only wants to be with her. How will he be able to prove this?
In the meantime, Mazie gets into trouble. A gang called The Skulls mistakenly kidnaps her because she resembles who they were really looking for: Shayla Connelly. They didn't know who was who, so they kidnapped both women. Shayla witnessed her boyfriend, Ricky Lee, get murdered by The Skulls. They want her dead. Mazie doesn't know if she or Shayla will make it out alive. Will Mazie get to tell Ben she loves him? Will Shayla and Mazie get rescued in time?
I found this story refreshing, quirk, and action-packed! The secondary characters are a hoot, especially Juju and Magenta! Wonderful story! Looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series!
September 9, 2016
Note: I received an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. This in no way affected my opinion or the content of my review.
In The Sexiest Man Alive by Juliet Rosetti, Ben and Mazie continue to have misunderstandings as Ben is deemed the Sexiest Man Alive by a local talk show. This has them on the outs yet again as Ben and Mazie try to figure out their love lives.
As you can imagine, this installment really focused on Ben, Mazie, and their relationship. You see Mazie going on some hilarious, unwanted dates as Ben tries to figure out what type of girl he ultimately wants to end up with. He also ends up messing up a lot in his attempts for reconciliation and makes a lot of silly mistakes. The story was a lot of fun.
The minor mystery featured in The Sexiest Man Alive brought in the only other possible suitor for Mazie, Hoolian. It also brought Mazie to near death. Other than that and a little excitement, the mystery didn’t really add much to the story. It was definitely not a significant plot point, in my opinion, but it was a nice addition.
The end of The Sexiest Man Alive does leave readers feeling as if Mazie will finally have her happily ever after. It also seemed like it might be the end of the series. I’m not 100% sure though. For the story itself, I loved it. If it is indeed a series ender, I didn’t. The Sexiest Man Alive didn’t leave me satisfied as a series’ conclusion. I truly feel Mazie has at least one more story to fulfill. So I’m hoping that feeling is wrong and that it’s not quite over.
Juliet Rosetti once again has written a funny and romantic story. I love Mazie and her relationship with Ben. The predicaments she finds herself in is also quite hilarious. All in all, Juliet Rosetti wrote a fun, entertaining romance that left me wanting more.
In The Sexiest Man Alive by Juliet Rosetti, Ben and Mazie continue to have misunderstandings as Ben is deemed the Sexiest Man Alive by a local talk show. This has them on the outs yet again as Ben and Mazie try to figure out their love lives.
As you can imagine, this installment really focused on Ben, Mazie, and their relationship. You see Mazie going on some hilarious, unwanted dates as Ben tries to figure out what type of girl he ultimately wants to end up with. He also ends up messing up a lot in his attempts for reconciliation and makes a lot of silly mistakes. The story was a lot of fun.
The minor mystery featured in The Sexiest Man Alive brought in the only other possible suitor for Mazie, Hoolian. It also brought Mazie to near death. Other than that and a little excitement, the mystery didn’t really add much to the story. It was definitely not a significant plot point, in my opinion, but it was a nice addition.
The end of The Sexiest Man Alive does leave readers feeling as if Mazie will finally have her happily ever after. It also seemed like it might be the end of the series. I’m not 100% sure though. For the story itself, I loved it. If it is indeed a series ender, I didn’t. The Sexiest Man Alive didn’t leave me satisfied as a series’ conclusion. I truly feel Mazie has at least one more story to fulfill. So I’m hoping that feeling is wrong and that it’s not quite over.
Juliet Rosetti once again has written a funny and romantic story. I love Mazie and her relationship with Ben. The predicaments she finds herself in is also quite hilarious. All in all, Juliet Rosetti wrote a fun, entertaining romance that left me wanting more.
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