Follow-up to the runaway bestselling romantic comedy BEG ME!
Andre
I’m that guy. The one women want and other men want to be.
Arrogant? Maybe.
Accurate? Abso-F’ing-lutely.
So when my brother dares me to hit on women as a regular guy, I’m up for the challenge. It turns out quite a few ladies like ripped jeans just as much as haute couture. Except for one. Casey. Nothing I do impresses this girl which only makes me want her more. For the first time, I’m smitten.
Until she ditches me after a night of intense passion.
Casey
If it’s possible to screw up a good thing, I’m the girl who’ll figure out how. So when I get a new job, I celebrate with one last night of fun before focusing on climbing the corporate ladder.
Until my night of fun walks into the office and I discover who he really is. My firm’s biggest client and my new nightmare. Egotistical, entitled and infuriating, Andre Lavin is not making it easy for me to ignore him. In a battle of wills, we’ll see who can hold out the longest.
And who is still standing at the end.
An inappropriate office romance that will have you clutching your pearls and laughing until you cry! ASK ME is a standalone romantic comedy but features crossover characters from the USA TODAY bestselling book BEG ME.
M. Malone is a NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author, a RITA® Award winner, and a member of RWA's Hall of Fame.
She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.
Since starting her indie publishing journey she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.
“You’re right that we’re different. But different doesn’t mean impossible.”
“She will be my strength when I need it and I will be her confidence.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book: General: - Trigger warning-none - Setting: Washington DC
Characters: - Andre (age:28, mega famous fashion designer): Lately, Andre just feels like something is missing. He is highly successful and working on rebranding his company, but he’s probably on the cusp of just burning out. He is ready to find his “forever” and settle down. - ”Lately, there’s been something angry inside of me, a dissatisfaction that has only spread. It’s like I’m looking for something but I don’t know what it is or how to find it. But I’ve had a growing feeling lately that what I’ve been looking for is connection. I’m surrounded by people constantly who want something from me or want to be me. But rarely anyone who sees beneath the surface”
- Casey (aka Clumsy Girl) (age: 23, receptionist at advertising firm): Casey left her small town due to a scandal (labeled a home-wrecker b/c the man she thought she was going to marry was apparently already married). She’s new to the city and just landed a job with an advertising agency. She’s working on finishing her marketing degree and she’s on a mission to prove everybody from her hometown wrong - ”For the next few years, I’m going to be focused on nothing but work. Climbing the corporate ladder and proving everybody back in Gracewell wrong.”
The story: I started out excited to pick up where the prequel left off. The prequel ends on a cliffy, which hooks you into buying this book. But all that excitement vanished when I realized I was basically going to read the prequel all over again in this book. From 1% - 60% this book was pretty much the prequel. There were a few additional scenes and everything from Casey’s POV was new. But, I had already read a lot of it in the prequel so major points off for this. Honestly, I’ve never read a prequel where the entire thing was taken from the "next" book and my first thought was that it was just lazy to do that. So, all the excitement I built in reading the prequel was crushed when I realized I was reading a lot of the same stuff again......word for word. 😏 I paid for a book when half of it was a repeat of something I already read.😡👎👎. Only the last 40% of the book was new.
Other: - The one night stand, which happens early, is pretty much off page so I had a hard time with their chemistry. They didn’t feel like a very passionate couple to me. - Ari (roommate) is crazy and I loved her. The first time we meet her she's in he middle of her apartment hall in a wetsuit and a snorkel. That set the tone for her character. 😂 - The foreshadowing of the mother who would certainly cause problems because Casey wasn’t the right type of girl - ended up nowhere. A little “discussion” in the bathroom and nothing else was very anticlimactic. - Casey leaving because of the tabloid article was stupid. The night before they profess their love and the very next morning she "can't do this anymore". What???? It was their first trial. Geez. It made her seem like a little kid and I didn't like her as much after that. - Pertaining to above 🖕, I really despise this overused conflict ploy -runaway rather than talk about the issue. No originality there. 👎😏
Overview: - Do you need to read previous books in series?: It's not necessary because the prequel is pretty much excerpts from this book. Also, characters from other books show up in this one, but this a standalone. However, if you loved the characters in the other books (Beg Me, I think) you will probably be happy to see them show up in this book. - POV: dual POV - H likable? Yes - h likable? In the beginning, but she started to annoy me later on. - h virgin? no - First time they kiss: 22% - First time they sleep together: 25%. First time is off page 😕 - First time they say I Love You 74% - steamy? It's a little steamy. the loves scenes are pretty short (maybe a page, if even) and some are completely off page - OW/OM drama? no - H/h cheat? no - Did I skip pages? No - Big secrets? no - Did I cry? no - Did I laugh? the roommate made me chuckle a few times - Cliffhanger? no - HEA? yes - Epilogue? A few months later - Recommend? it was so-so for me. It passed the time, but didn’t blow me away.
Quotes “you know how they say men won’t buy the cow if they get the milk for free? Well, I say why buy the pig when all you want is a little sausage?”
“I’ve never propositioned anyone in my life and I had to start with a guy who looks like he’s invented a few sexual positions?”
“You are so arrogant! I bet you just can’t imagine any woman not wanting to ride your roller coaster for a second time, huh?”
“I will do many things but I rarely lie. An intelligent man doesn’t need to.”
“I’m sure attempting to be his friend is probably like asking a fox to be a friend to a hen.”
“Every man has a unique relationship with his cock. You have to when dealing with something that has a mind of its own. These things lead us around by the nose quite often and mine has been particularly unhappy with my decisions lately.”
“I want to be the man in your life. The one who won’t let you down.”
“You’ve been dickmatized,” Ari says sagely like she’s imparting some ancient wisdom. “Mesmerized by good dick.”
Impressionante. Toda vez que entro na onda de dar uma boa relaxada com leituras eu exagero. Tanto na quantidade, quanto na qualidade duvidosa dos livros eróticos.
Ask Me, da americana M. Malone, foi a gota d'água desse início de ano. Não só o livro não é exatamente bem escrito (onde estava o editor? os amigos que fazer leitura de teste?), como ele é recheado de clichês, e não estou falando dos bons, e de machismo disfarçado de romance.
Pelo menos os meus olhos fizeram algum exercício, de tanto revirar.
O livro traz a história de Andre, um italiano que é designer de roupas masculinas, rico, famoso e gostoso. E hétero, porque não? E de Casey, uma jovem recém chegada do interior dos Estados Unidos, sem dinheiro, sem educação, e que dá a maior sorte de virar recepcionista numa mega agência de publicidade.
Toda a história dos dois à parte, se pelo menos o objetivo do livro, as cenas picantes caso não esteja claro, estivesse bem feito, ainda dava para relevar o resto. Mas não, a maior parte delas inclusive está cortada. Olhem a capa do livro, porque diabos a autora acha que ele vende? E ela ainda por cima não entrega? Se a história fosse boa até rolava, mas definitivamente não é esse o caso, é só ler o parágrafo anterior.
Depois dessa, sei que M. Malone pode sair da minha lista de escritores de erótica que podem ser lidos. Sim, eu tenho uma lista dessa, e uma dos autores para manter a distância.
Ask Me is a side of Malone not often seen, but an asset to her craft. With a sense of humor and an exuberance of heart, Andre and Casey prove that flawed can be beautiful. Andre hides behind arrogance and wealth. First impression screams jerk, but there are moments when he gives a peek into his battered heart. Casey has screw-up tattooed on her heart. She chooses to let others dictate where her happiness lies, when she's the only one who can say for sure. Malone uses laughter to drown out the tears of two interestingly broken souls. The picture she draws is one peppered with self - doubt, yet yearning to find something more. Life's shadow has a way of drowning out love's light, but fate will not be ignored.
Firstly... Don't bother reading 'Ask Him' as the story is revisited in 'Ask Me', so it was pointless reading 'Ask Me'. Having said that... 'Ask Me' was a much better read than 'Ask Him' the story flowed and one could see what the author was trying to achieve with 'Ask Him' but there really didn't need to be two books for this. Just saying.
Andre Levin, successful 28 year old king of the fashion world followed by millions on instagram, reaches the point in his life where being him was hard work. He was restless but going through the motions trying to please everyone. Then he spends 'one night' with Cassandra 'Casey' Michaels and he knows what he's been missing... her. But it was only one night, and he didn't even get her name or a phone number, but as luck would have it months later he sees her, she's been working for the advertising agency who works for him all that time.
Casey left her small town for the big city to escape humiliation after breaking up with her boyfriend and then having vicious rumours spread about her. She was determined to make it in Washington eventually landing a job with an advertising agency and goes out to celebrate when she meets Andre... One night.. that's all either of them can have. In the morning she leaves and begins her new job... and months later that gorgeous man she spent the night with walks in dressed like the billionaire CEO of Levin Fashions.
Andre wants her but when he realises she won't take things further they opt to be friends... but that doesn't last long. Friends aren't supposed to feel an attraction to each other like that. Can they have a relationship? Or are their worlds just too different? Casey's insecurities have no place in Andre's world where gossip reigns supreme.
Like I said this was a much better read, I wish I didn't waste time on 'Ask Him' and just read this instead. A decent read.
The best part of this book was the roommate. The hero started out as an bored alpha then devolved into an effeminate man who--I felt--could burst into tears watching a butterfly. The heroine was an emotional mess and I just couldn't like her. Also, the sex was bland and boring.
Oh how I love this series! MS Malone hits it out the ballpark again!
Andre Lavin is a fashion designer. He meets Casey one day when she accidentally runs into him and spills coffee on his t-shirt when he's out trying to act like a regular guy. The second time he comes out as a regular guy, he meets her in a bar. Casey's coming out to check out the bar for a second job when she sees Andre at the bar. The only chair open at the bar is next to where Andre is because when he saw her come in, he told his friend to leave. So Casey sat next to this gorgeous man and then realized he was the one she had run into and spilled coffee on. But Andre didn't mind, he thought she was gorgeous! After a few drinks and talking, they decided to go somewhere quieter to talk more . This led them eventually to a hotel room and the best night of Andre' s life! But Casey is gone the next morning. Andre looks for her for a long time, but when he goes to his next advertising meeting, he sees her working behind the reception desk. They slowly get back to where they were and then something happens that blows it all up again. This is a great book but you need to read it for yourself. I highly recommend this series and especially this book! I really loved this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
******************************************** I’ve never felt like this about anyone Before”. I bury my face against he’s shoulder at the admission, suddenly very self-conscious. He anchors my face with a strong hand and kisses me again. “And if I have my way, you never will. You are mine.”
******************************************** I’m left with my hand on my heart, and a cramp in my jaw from smiling! I absolutely Loved the story 😍 certainly my BEST READ of the year! Ok seriously, a freaking master piece!
And what, That Hot Rich Italian Stallion does with the panties!!!! Holy F**ck, Did not see that coming 😂🕺🏻😜🥳🥰🤭😳👹👍👏🏻🤜
I had a hard time with Andre, to me he is on the wimpy side. I get that he is a dutiful son, but I wanted him to stand up to his mom. Andre just never lived up to the hype. I liked Casey, she is a hot mess. I appreciated her trying to get her life in order. In my opinion Ariana, Casey's roommate is the best part, she made me laugh. This is not my favorite M. Malone book, I enjoy suspense. There was opportunities for suspense that were not expanded on. If nothing else it was good hearing from previous characters from Beg Me.
I loved everything about this book. Casey is do sweet and funny and awkward and brilliant and compassionate. I want to be best friends with her.
Andrew is strong and confident, serious, intimidating,and brilliant. He can also be patient, compassionate, and caring. I would love to have him for a brother or a lover.
They both take things to heart. You would think they have nothing going for them but, they bring out the best in each other. I am in love with this story.
Fantastic book. This was an all out pursuit and I am totally in love with Andre. He never wavered. From the 1st night to the last page, he was confident in his feelings for Casey. You have to love a guy like that. The secondary characters bring some nice emotional and hilarious (Ariana) moments. Hopefully a few of these characters get their own story. Worth the read.
Repeats novella bk1 in the first few chapters. Improved, then sagged, before bucking up only to sag again. There should have been stronger off the charts emotions pouring out of these characters, but for me that was not happening.. quite a low ebb in fact. With a bit more punch, it could have been a great read. This novel was billed as a comedy but I didn't laugh or even giggle once. I love comedy romances, but I am sorry to say this novel was lacking for me personally.
This emotional narrative was captivating and heartwarming. Andre and Casey had so many obstacles to overcome before they could be together as a couple. This story allowed the reader to experience their trials, good and bad, as they worked through and supported each other during the tough times and appreciated and shared the good times together. I couldn't put this one down. Really Enjoyable Story!!!!!
To say I’m a little disappointed would be an understatement. I had high hopes for this after reading the first book Beg Me which I loved. I don’t know what it was about this book that just didn’t do it for me maybe I felt like it was too rushed or the characters seemed desperate or a bit unrealistic or maybe I just had high hopes. It just didn’t hit me in the right way. Once I start a book though I have to commit but there were several times I was tempted to just give up with this one.
Man Andre was the man. He met Casey when she bumped into him leaving him with a coffee stained shirt. She later see him at a bar and they decide on a one night stand. She is gone by morning, he was disappointed and tried looking for her. However without a last name he was not having luck. He went to a marketing agency for an appointment and guess who he found. Yes…Casey. Good story. Enjoy,
I loved this romantic comedy with great characters and storyline. The story is well-written and well-paced with steam, humor, and awkwardness in the office. The writing flows and will entertain and amuse the reader. The characters are defined, with distinct personalities. Great read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
You must read Minx’s book Ask me! This office romance is sexy and romantic. Casey and Andre’s story will have you engrossed in the story and keep you rooting for them. I love their chemistry and how they bring out the best in each other. I really enjoyed reading Ask Me and I can’t wait to see what Minx will write next
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
I’m really not a fan of stories where one person is famous so this irritated me. I found Andre alright, but a little annoying. I get that he works in fashion, but his description of what people wore was boring. I thought Casey was nice enough, but again, boring.
I didn’t feel chemistry and couldn’t get past my distaste for the whole “famous influencer” crap.
This is my first book by this author and I can’t say how fantastic this book was. It had everything hot sex, romance, love, respect and so much more. The ending was so sweet I cried. I already bought a few other books by her. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Andre is captivated by his one night stand with Casey, she skips out early the next morning and leaves them both craving more. Well done, lots of passion and feels. Uplifting, but still has obstacles to overcome. Crazy roomate( hilarious), and good friends. I enjoyed how supportive Andre was of Casey's education and career, and how she returned the same for him.
Wow. This was a fantastic book. I adored Andre and Casey. They had such great chemistry. I loved their fun banter. It had me laughing out loud throughout the book. The love that Andre has for Casey and how he expresses it to her just melted my heart. Definitely a book worth reading!
Meh....just didn’t feel it Didn’t really like the prissy guy type, maybe he was supposed to be gay best friend..lol Her character came across Mousey then she would be bold out of the blue, out of character
I’m glad the Beg Me redo led to mire if these characters. Thus story was funny as always, hot, and very touching. Please say there will be more of Justin Gautier, James and a reveal of the reason behind Ariana’s quirks.
There is just something about the way you write, when I'm feel down you get me to giggle. This story was about overcoming difficult problems that have you running in the opposite directions just like Casey did with her love for Andre!
I have enjoyed everything M. Malone has written. This simple story of Andre & Casey is a truly passionate and full of life storyline. We always wish that dreams come true and in this version we learn to love ourselves as we really are. Very nicely done.⚘⚘⚘