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Jaded
When a construction crew shows up at Isabella's house for a remodel, she never imagined it would include her love life, too.
After one too many broken hearts, Isabella has sworn off love...and men altogether. When hunky Luke shows up to remodel her house and starts coming on to her hard, she's sure he's just a player using the wrong head. With Luke, however, Isabella quickly learns there's more than meets the eye. Will she let her guard down and let him in, or will she be forever Jaded?
After one too many broken hearts, Isabella has sworn off love...and men altogether. When hunky Luke shows up to remodel her house and starts coming on to her hard, she's sure he's just a player using the wrong head. With Luke, however, Isabella quickly learns there's more than meets the eye. Will she let her guard down and let him in, or will she be forever Jaded?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2014
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 14, 2014
I don't know if it was the sub-zero temperatures at work or the book but I had chills. It was definitely the book. I'm certain of it. I've been on the hunt for some good, flirty romance and I found it in Jaded a new release by Ember Leigh. It had all of the flirty romance I wanted but it did pack a punch with the plot and leading lady Isabella.
I was really able to relate to Isabella. She's given up on men. And I can't tell you how many times I've been there. After one too many heartbreaks, she's throwing in the towel. She's a successful, independent woman and she doesn't need a man in her life. Who could blame her, after her ex cheated on her with his secretary? It was the final straw for her. That is until a surprise gift from her mother shows up knocking on her door one morning. A construction crew on a 3 month project to renovate her house. And a hunky, built, tan, blonde foreman leading the job who has his eye on everything that Isabelle has to offer.
But Isabelle has other ideas. She's adamant about ignoring Luke and making sure he realizes that she basically wants nothing to do with him. But his cheeky sense of humor and cockiness are too much for Isabelle to overlook. And once she gets to know him, he shows a whole different layer that tugs on her heart. Luke is a total playboy but in a nice way. He's not a jerk or anything like that. But he's never found the right person to fall in love with. Isabelle is a force to be reckoned with though. While she can appreciate Luke, she is also very firm in her choices.
Unfortunately these aren't the only hurdles they have to cross, if they were they might be okay. When I first started reading this I didn't really know what to expect but I really liked the book. It's a quick read and it flows perfectly. We do get POV from both Luke and Isabelle which I really enjoyed. Because while Luke makes some heinous mistakes, you can really see that he's a good guy and I don't know if we would have been able to see that without his side of things too.
This is a new release today and I really think that you should all pick this up. If you like a sexy good time, a lot of snark, hilarity, and a good plot you can't go wrong. And check out Ember's website as well. She's hilarious and super fun.
I was really able to relate to Isabella. She's given up on men. And I can't tell you how many times I've been there. After one too many heartbreaks, she's throwing in the towel. She's a successful, independent woman and she doesn't need a man in her life. Who could blame her, after her ex cheated on her with his secretary? It was the final straw for her. That is until a surprise gift from her mother shows up knocking on her door one morning. A construction crew on a 3 month project to renovate her house. And a hunky, built, tan, blonde foreman leading the job who has his eye on everything that Isabelle has to offer.
But Isabelle has other ideas. She's adamant about ignoring Luke and making sure he realizes that she basically wants nothing to do with him. But his cheeky sense of humor and cockiness are too much for Isabelle to overlook. And once she gets to know him, he shows a whole different layer that tugs on her heart. Luke is a total playboy but in a nice way. He's not a jerk or anything like that. But he's never found the right person to fall in love with. Isabelle is a force to be reckoned with though. While she can appreciate Luke, she is also very firm in her choices.
Unfortunately these aren't the only hurdles they have to cross, if they were they might be okay. When I first started reading this I didn't really know what to expect but I really liked the book. It's a quick read and it flows perfectly. We do get POV from both Luke and Isabelle which I really enjoyed. Because while Luke makes some heinous mistakes, you can really see that he's a good guy and I don't know if we would have been able to see that without his side of things too.
This is a new release today and I really think that you should all pick this up. If you like a sexy good time, a lot of snark, hilarity, and a good plot you can't go wrong. And check out Ember's website as well. She's hilarious and super fun.
May 15, 2014
**2.5 Stars**
This was a really sweet romance with a good splash of heat to spice things up a bit.
This was my first book by Ember Leigh and I really enjoyed her writing style. I always prefer duel points of view and it worked really well in this story.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Luke for a while. I didn't like the way he and his friends bet on women and how long it would take Luke to bed them, whether the women were made aware of the bet, or not. I didn't like his attitude towards women either. He was so shocked to discover that someone so beautiful could actually have a functioning brain in that pretty head of hers. I mean, come on Luke, could you be much more of an asshole?
I did warm up to him a little throughout the story. He became much more thoughtful and respectful as he got to know Isabella and I liked how once he fell for her, he went the whole way. He was so sure of what he wanted and he was prepared to do whatever it took to make up for his mistakes and win her heart.
I was never totally in love with Isabella. I liked her at the start but her attitude towards Luke made me want to slap her at times. I completely understand that she had been hurt before, but for crying out loud, I'm surprised Luke didn't get whiplash from the ridiculously mixed signals she was throwing his way. It was awful. I just wanted her to make up her damn mind and stop messing him around.
For me personally, I didn't feel like I could rate it any higher because it wasn't overly memorable. It was light, fun, sweet, sexy and enjoyable, but unfortunately forgettable.
Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something not too long, pretty much angst-free and a lovely HEA to make you smile.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
This book was provided by Breathless Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review can also be found at -
This was a really sweet romance with a good splash of heat to spice things up a bit.
This was my first book by Ember Leigh and I really enjoyed her writing style. I always prefer duel points of view and it worked really well in this story.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Luke for a while. I didn't like the way he and his friends bet on women and how long it would take Luke to bed them, whether the women were made aware of the bet, or not. I didn't like his attitude towards women either. He was so shocked to discover that someone so beautiful could actually have a functioning brain in that pretty head of hers. I mean, come on Luke, could you be much more of an asshole?
I did warm up to him a little throughout the story. He became much more thoughtful and respectful as he got to know Isabella and I liked how once he fell for her, he went the whole way. He was so sure of what he wanted and he was prepared to do whatever it took to make up for his mistakes and win her heart.
I was never totally in love with Isabella. I liked her at the start but her attitude towards Luke made me want to slap her at times. I completely understand that she had been hurt before, but for crying out loud, I'm surprised Luke didn't get whiplash from the ridiculously mixed signals she was throwing his way. It was awful. I just wanted her to make up her damn mind and stop messing him around.
For me personally, I didn't feel like I could rate it any higher because it wasn't overly memorable. It was light, fun, sweet, sexy and enjoyable, but unfortunately forgettable.
Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something not too long, pretty much angst-free and a lovely HEA to make you smile.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
This book was provided by Breathless Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review can also be found at -
October 6, 2014
**Originally Posted at BedroomBookworms.com**
Jaded is an ARC offered by author Ember Leigh. This was another book that I was looking forward to but just didn’t love. The writing and editing, the story telling, they’re all great. But man, I just did not like either of our main characters. Jaded is a good title for the book because Isabella definitely is. Luke isn’t exactly a prince himself. But hey, maybe they deserve each other.
Overall Rating: 3 stars- Worth a few minutes before bedtime.
Isabella has been treated badly. And apparently this gives her free reign to treat other people badly. When Luke and his crew show up to remodel her house, she’s attracted to him, he’s attracted to her and thus begins the dance. The dance being “you’re so hot, but I’m a complete snob so feel free to pleasure me and then go away.”
Of course, Luke likes her, but he’s also been bet by his guys that he can’t get her in the sack. Oh good, he’s a douchebag, too. He does at least feel bad about it, and wants to tell her, but ultimately he doesn’t.
Now, once he realizes he has feelings for her, he actually turns into a pretty sweet guy and I found myself forgiving him. But Isabella does this bait and switch thing that drives me crazy. I mean, once he’s gone down on her and she’s all happy and sated, then she decides sex would be too complicated for them. I guess she’s one of those people who thinks oral doesn’t count.
As I said, the book is well-written and definitely had bright spots. But I couldn’t get passed how flaky Isabella was which made it less-than-pleasurable reading for me.
Smut Factor: 2 stars- Plain vanilla, no sprinkles
Character likability : 1 star - I’m considering writing my own epilogue to kill them off
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality: 5 stars- Excellent!
Jaded is an ARC offered by author Ember Leigh. This was another book that I was looking forward to but just didn’t love. The writing and editing, the story telling, they’re all great. But man, I just did not like either of our main characters. Jaded is a good title for the book because Isabella definitely is. Luke isn’t exactly a prince himself. But hey, maybe they deserve each other.
Overall Rating: 3 stars- Worth a few minutes before bedtime.
Isabella has been treated badly. And apparently this gives her free reign to treat other people badly. When Luke and his crew show up to remodel her house, she’s attracted to him, he’s attracted to her and thus begins the dance. The dance being “you’re so hot, but I’m a complete snob so feel free to pleasure me and then go away.”
“I don’t need some sleazy construction work in my life screwing with my head.”
Of course, Luke likes her, but he’s also been bet by his guys that he can’t get her in the sack. Oh good, he’s a douchebag, too. He does at least feel bad about it, and wants to tell her, but ultimately he doesn’t.
“She gave him a ‘duh’ look. “No. You’re not my type.”
He bristled. “Well, you’re not my type, either.”
Now, once he realizes he has feelings for her, he actually turns into a pretty sweet guy and I found myself forgiving him. But Isabella does this bait and switch thing that drives me crazy. I mean, once he’s gone down on her and she’s all happy and sated, then she decides sex would be too complicated for them. I guess she’s one of those people who thinks oral doesn’t count.
As I said, the book is well-written and definitely had bright spots. But I couldn’t get passed how flaky Isabella was which made it less-than-pleasurable reading for me.
“You plague me, too.”
Smut Factor: 2 stars- Plain vanilla, no sprinkles
Character likability : 1 star - I’m considering writing my own epilogue to kill them off
Storytelling: 4 stars- Totally bought it.
Writing and editing quality: 5 stars- Excellent!
April 16, 2014
4.5 stars!!!!
Holy smoking sexual tension! Jaded was one of the biggest teases, book wise I have ever read. Okay let me explain. So Isabella is a bright, beautiful, firecracker who is so JADED with love that she has sworn off men, all men; short, tall, hunky, sweet it doesn’t matter if you have a ding-a-ling Isabella wants no part. Done with relationships and having her heart broken she decides to focus on herself. But when a surprise remodel of her house places a delicious Luke Peterson, lead builder and lick-able lollipop of a man, at her front door; Isabella finds herself battling between what her head wants and what her heart yearns for.
Now Luke, bless his heart, he is one determined individual. Isabella and Luke play the longest game of cat and mouse I think I have ever read; but when Luke finally catches Isabella it is well worth the wait. Words come to mind like explosive, orgasmic, passionate and sweet heavenly release. Luke is conflicted in his emotions for Isabella, fearful of diving head on into a relationship which is completely foreign territory but compelled and drawn to her at the same time. Its a rollercoaster ride between this two which at times I loved and at other times I wanted to shake the living daylights out of them both for being so damn stubborn.
There were many aspects of Leigh's writing that I loved in this book. First the flirtatious banter between Luke and Isabella is not only adorable but at times hilarious. Second the flow between POVs is flawless. Third, descriptions were perfect, especially with Isabella's family even the dialogue oozed personality which complimented the descriptions. Now my only issue was the frustrating repetition of Luke and Isabella being so indecisive about each other GAH! It made me want to pull at my hair.
Jaded is a fun, sexy, romantic, playful story despite some ups and downs that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Holy smoking sexual tension! Jaded was one of the biggest teases, book wise I have ever read. Okay let me explain. So Isabella is a bright, beautiful, firecracker who is so JADED with love that she has sworn off men, all men; short, tall, hunky, sweet it doesn’t matter if you have a ding-a-ling Isabella wants no part. Done with relationships and having her heart broken she decides to focus on herself. But when a surprise remodel of her house places a delicious Luke Peterson, lead builder and lick-able lollipop of a man, at her front door; Isabella finds herself battling between what her head wants and what her heart yearns for.
Now Luke, bless his heart, he is one determined individual. Isabella and Luke play the longest game of cat and mouse I think I have ever read; but when Luke finally catches Isabella it is well worth the wait. Words come to mind like explosive, orgasmic, passionate and sweet heavenly release. Luke is conflicted in his emotions for Isabella, fearful of diving head on into a relationship which is completely foreign territory but compelled and drawn to her at the same time. Its a rollercoaster ride between this two which at times I loved and at other times I wanted to shake the living daylights out of them both for being so damn stubborn.
There were many aspects of Leigh's writing that I loved in this book. First the flirtatious banter between Luke and Isabella is not only adorable but at times hilarious. Second the flow between POVs is flawless. Third, descriptions were perfect, especially with Isabella's family even the dialogue oozed personality which complimented the descriptions. Now my only issue was the frustrating repetition of Luke and Isabella being so indecisive about each other GAH! It made me want to pull at my hair.
Jaded is a fun, sexy, romantic, playful story despite some ups and downs that I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 13, 2014
OMG—grab your smokes and a drink! And if you don't smoke, you might start after reading this wonderful story by Ember Leigh. The sexual tension between Isabella and Luke is frustratingly delicious. True to its title, Jaded features the quirky, high strung Isabelle, who is the definition of being afraid to commit after one too many broken hearts. Yet temptation is the mother of conflicts when she meets Luke. The author represents this heroine with just the right amount of attitude to convey her jadedness while keeping her lovable.
Hot, hunky, hardworking and definitely SEXMATASTIC. Luke too, is much like Isabella in the aspect that he's afraid of commitment. But seeing Isabella addles his brain, and determination to try a romance drives him back to her over and over, despite the many rejections.
The banter between the two main characters is hilarious, and loaded with plenty of sexual innuendos, especially on Luke's part. His flirty personality carries a lot of worth and excitement through the pages. He may be my newest hero crush! I'd definitely hire him to fix my house up!
I can't say anymore without spoiling it for anyone, but this book invoked a gamma ray of emotions at any given time. Love, hate, frustration, tears, and ultimately happiness and contentment. I couldn’t read it fast enough! I highly recommend this read from Miss Leigh to everyone!
Hot, hunky, hardworking and definitely SEXMATASTIC. Luke too, is much like Isabella in the aspect that he's afraid of commitment. But seeing Isabella addles his brain, and determination to try a romance drives him back to her over and over, despite the many rejections.
The banter between the two main characters is hilarious, and loaded with plenty of sexual innuendos, especially on Luke's part. His flirty personality carries a lot of worth and excitement through the pages. He may be my newest hero crush! I'd definitely hire him to fix my house up!
I can't say anymore without spoiling it for anyone, but this book invoked a gamma ray of emotions at any given time. Love, hate, frustration, tears, and ultimately happiness and contentment. I couldn’t read it fast enough! I highly recommend this read from Miss Leigh to everyone!
March 21, 2014
Wow, this book was all kinds of awesome! Isabella starts out as someone who is completely turned off by men. She's just been hurt by them so much that she just wants nothing to do with them anymore – something a lot of people can relate to. Of course, her resolve waivers when she meets Luke, a hot construction worker who's got issues of his own.
Ember Leigh did a fantastic job weaving these two together as they each work through their own problems and flaws. The characters are just like people I know in my own life, which is refreshing. I love seeing real people brought to life on the pages of a book. I really enjoyed watching the romance blossom over the pages; it felt real, honest, and not forced. Of course…the sex is pretty steamy too, and that's always a plus.
Once I started the story, I was hooked. So much so that I was almost late picking up one of my kids from school…oops. :)
Anyway, I loved this story and I'm looking forward to some great things from Ember Leigh!
Ember Leigh did a fantastic job weaving these two together as they each work through their own problems and flaws. The characters are just like people I know in my own life, which is refreshing. I love seeing real people brought to life on the pages of a book. I really enjoyed watching the romance blossom over the pages; it felt real, honest, and not forced. Of course…the sex is pretty steamy too, and that's always a plus.
Once I started the story, I was hooked. So much so that I was almost late picking up one of my kids from school…oops. :)
Anyway, I loved this story and I'm looking forward to some great things from Ember Leigh!
August 31, 2014
The premise of the “Jaded” showed promise. The first chapter would easily make a reader smile. However, the characterization isn’t quite up to snuff.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews