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Various States of Undress #1
Various States of Undress: Carolina
What happens when the president's daughter and her sexy Secret Service agent find themselves snowbound? A little cabin fever, some serious forbidden attraction, and Various States of Undress …
When Carolina Fulton, daughter of the President of the United States, dumps her cheating fiancé, she knows she needs a break from life in Washington. Spending some quality alone time in her family's Wyoming cabin seems like a perfect escape—except for the hot Secret Service agent who shadows her every move. Miles away from civilization, Carolina quickly realizes that ignoring the smoky eyes, carved chin, and mile-wide pair of shoulders is going to require more than a little self-control.
Elite agent Jake Baxter knows better than to develop feelings for his clients. After all, he's not being paid to fantasize about running his fingers through Carolina's dark hair, kissing her senseless, or waking up next to her petite, curvy body. But as a blizzard rages outside their all-too-cozy cabin, Jake knows he has to put the freeze on this attraction, in case his job—or his heart—is suddenly laid on the line.
When Carolina Fulton, daughter of the President of the United States, dumps her cheating fiancé, she knows she needs a break from life in Washington. Spending some quality alone time in her family's Wyoming cabin seems like a perfect escape—except for the hot Secret Service agent who shadows her every move. Miles away from civilization, Carolina quickly realizes that ignoring the smoky eyes, carved chin, and mile-wide pair of shoulders is going to require more than a little self-control.
Elite agent Jake Baxter knows better than to develop feelings for his clients. After all, he's not being paid to fantasize about running his fingers through Carolina's dark hair, kissing her senseless, or waking up next to her petite, curvy body. But as a blizzard rages outside their all-too-cozy cabin, Jake knows he has to put the freeze on this attraction, in case his job—or his heart—is suddenly laid on the line.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
22 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Laura Simcox
11 books79 followersAfter spending twenty years in professional theater as a costume designer, with a few of those years also spent as a college instructor, Laura abandoned the nomadic lifestyle to sit in a comfy office chair at a second hand oak desk and write. The result? Romance novels! Her favorite thing ever since she was, oh, about twelve. She writes contemporary, light novels and enjoys creating quirky characters and funny, sexy dialogue. Still, the love story is the focus and Laura has a huge soft spot for a sappy, happy ending.
Laura lives in North Carolina with her husband (true love is real!) and her adorable, high energy four year old son who is currently obsessed with How to Train Your Dragon. And that's cool, because she trains her own little dragon every single day. For escape, she flits around on social media, so come say hi!
Laura lives in North Carolina with her husband (true love is real!) and her adorable, high energy four year old son who is currently obsessed with How to Train Your Dragon. And that's cool, because she trains her own little dragon every single day. For escape, she flits around on social media, so come say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 12, 2014
This is a nice and sweet story :) that's all I have to say about that!
May 5, 2014
When Carolina, daughter of the President, and fixture at the white house finds her fiance cheating on her, she decides she needs to get out of town... and that means she's headed to the family cabin. What she doesn't expect is a blizzard that traps her and her very sexy agent.
Jake can't deny that he is attracted to Carolina, but he has to keep his focus on the job... and what makes it worse is she's the job. Following in his father's footsteps he is one of the youngest agents to get this kind of detail and he's not going to blow it and disappoint his family.
While I thought this one was well written, I honestly wasn't all that invested in Jake & Carolina's story. For as much as I wanted to connect with them, I just felt that the build and ultimately the consummation was just a bit to tepid for me. I wanted more chemistry and more heat.
The story itself was okay ... both Carolina and Jake are pursuing things that they aren't all that personally invested in. They both want to be doing other things and Carolina is the first to admit it and move towards something she loves to do. And she just wants Jake to do something he loves to do as well, but will a push from Carolina be more than Jake wants?
You'll have to read to find out!
If you're looking for a quick read this definitely fell into that category for me. It looks like it's the start of a series about Carolina and her sisters if I'm not mistaken.
Definitely check this one out when it arrives at the end of May!
Jake can't deny that he is attracted to Carolina, but he has to keep his focus on the job... and what makes it worse is she's the job. Following in his father's footsteps he is one of the youngest agents to get this kind of detail and he's not going to blow it and disappoint his family.
While I thought this one was well written, I honestly wasn't all that invested in Jake & Carolina's story. For as much as I wanted to connect with them, I just felt that the build and ultimately the consummation was just a bit to tepid for me. I wanted more chemistry and more heat.
The story itself was okay ... both Carolina and Jake are pursuing things that they aren't all that personally invested in. They both want to be doing other things and Carolina is the first to admit it and move towards something she loves to do. And she just wants Jake to do something he loves to do as well, but will a push from Carolina be more than Jake wants?
You'll have to read to find out!
If you're looking for a quick read this definitely fell into that category for me. It looks like it's the start of a series about Carolina and her sisters if I'm not mistaken.
Definitely check this one out when it arrives at the end of May!
April 30, 2014
Once you start...you won't be able to put it down!
Full review to come
Full review to come
June 19, 2014
First book in series.....after I started reading the book I could not put it down. I loved the characters, romance and setting. Ready for book 2 in August.
July 27, 2020
Had never heard of this author she writes like a harliquinn romance author . this book held my attention to the end. If you like romance you will like this book.
April 13, 2015
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
Place(s) Traveled To: Washington DC // Jackson Hole, Wyoming
First Line(s): A year ago, Carolina Fulton didn't think much about fame.
Place(s) Traveled To: Washington DC // Jackson Hole, Wyoming
First Line(s): A year ago, Carolina Fulton didn't think much about fame.
I became aware of the Various States of Undress series when I received a copy of Georgia, the third book, for review. Since I prefer to read my series in order when I can I decided to go back to the beginning of this on and requested a copy of Carolina from my library's digital catalog even though these books are more of a companion series than a direct sequel series. Various States of Undress follows the three Fulton sisters, Carolina, Virginia and Georgia as they deal with new found fame when their father is elected the President of the United States. For Carolina, she thinks she has it all until she catches her fiance cheating on her and then decides to spend some time healing in her family's cabin in Wyoming.
While there sparks start to really to fly with her secret service detail, Jake. Especially when a series of snowstorms traps them along in the remote cabin. For the most part I enjoyed Carolina and Jake's story but there was a lot of awkward dialogue that made it hard to get fully invested in the story. And then there was the pointless break up and the rushed ending and by the end this one was just an ok sort of read.
I liked the forbidden love aspect of Carolina but the formulaic cliches just took me out of the story. Also, not only was the ending rushed but it was also awkward and unrealistic and didn't make my heart ache with happiness. I was glad that Jake and Carolina were able to overcome their obstacles but I just wish that the ending had been written a little bit different so that it was more believable. Overall though, a quick brain candy sort of read and I am looking forward to reading more about the Fulton sisters in the other books of the series.
Add Playing it Close to Kat Latham to Goodreads (Click here for my review)
Add Catching Cameron by Julie Brannagh to Goodreads (Click here for my review)
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
April 27, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Various States of Undress: Carolina is my first Laura Simcox book, and I really enjoyed it! This book was such a sweet and easy read that I just kept reading until I had finished the entire book. I really loved that this book had romance and some humor to it, and it was the perfect light read that I was looking for. I can't wait to read more in this series and from Laura Simcox in the future!
After Carolina Fulton, daughter of the President of the United States, finds her fiance cheating on her she decides that she needs a break. She heads out to her family's cabin in Wyoming and ends up getting snowed in with her super hot Secret Service agent Jake. Carolina had fantasized about him for months, and with just the two of them being locked in a cabin alone things quickly heat up between them. But as they explore the attraction and chemistry between them, feelings begin to grow as they get to know each other. They both know that their relationship has a deadline, and that as things currently stand they are unable to have any kind of future together. But with Carolina's interest in school changing and Jake's long forgotten dream of a career in baseball, can the two of them risk everything by changing the path their lives are on and taking a chance on each other?
I really loved both Jake and Carolina. I thought that they were both great, and I was rooting for them from the very start. Both Jake and Carolina are sweet and open, and I loved how easy things were between them. Their relationship was so natural, and the only real issues or drama that they had were outside influences. It was really refreshing to see a hero and heroine that could be honest and discuss their feelings and to find a relationship that was constantly being dragged down by drama and angst. Jake and Carolina had great chemistry together and you could feel their attraction. But they clicked emotionally as well, and I thought that they had a really strong connection between them. They were able to be themselves with each other, and I think that they were the perfect match for the other.
Overall, I thought that this book was really good and I loved Jake and Carolina. I did feel that even though I enjoyed that there wasn't a lot of drama, that the conflict was a little weak. Their only real problem was that their current circumstances kept them from a relationship and that was easily fixed. I kept waiting for something else to happen, and it never did. I was expecting an attack or something that just never came. But honestly this book was still good, and I really liked that it was such a sweet and easy read. I would recommend this one to Contemporary fans looking for a true romance with little to no drama or complications. This one was easy to get lost in and the little bits of humor and playfulness balanced perfectly with the sweet and sexy. Carolina and Jake's relationship is worth the read, and I am looking forward to reading about Carolina's sisters in the future.
**ARC Provided by Edelweiss**
Various States of Undress: Carolina is my first Laura Simcox book, and I really enjoyed it! This book was such a sweet and easy read that I just kept reading until I had finished the entire book. I really loved that this book had romance and some humor to it, and it was the perfect light read that I was looking for. I can't wait to read more in this series and from Laura Simcox in the future!
After Carolina Fulton, daughter of the President of the United States, finds her fiance cheating on her she decides that she needs a break. She heads out to her family's cabin in Wyoming and ends up getting snowed in with her super hot Secret Service agent Jake. Carolina had fantasized about him for months, and with just the two of them being locked in a cabin alone things quickly heat up between them. But as they explore the attraction and chemistry between them, feelings begin to grow as they get to know each other. They both know that their relationship has a deadline, and that as things currently stand they are unable to have any kind of future together. But with Carolina's interest in school changing and Jake's long forgotten dream of a career in baseball, can the two of them risk everything by changing the path their lives are on and taking a chance on each other?
I really loved both Jake and Carolina. I thought that they were both great, and I was rooting for them from the very start. Both Jake and Carolina are sweet and open, and I loved how easy things were between them. Their relationship was so natural, and the only real issues or drama that they had were outside influences. It was really refreshing to see a hero and heroine that could be honest and discuss their feelings and to find a relationship that was constantly being dragged down by drama and angst. Jake and Carolina had great chemistry together and you could feel their attraction. But they clicked emotionally as well, and I thought that they had a really strong connection between them. They were able to be themselves with each other, and I think that they were the perfect match for the other.
Overall, I thought that this book was really good and I loved Jake and Carolina. I did feel that even though I enjoyed that there wasn't a lot of drama, that the conflict was a little weak. Their only real problem was that their current circumstances kept them from a relationship and that was easily fixed. I kept waiting for something else to happen, and it never did. I was expecting an attack or something that just never came. But honestly this book was still good, and I really liked that it was such a sweet and easy read. I would recommend this one to Contemporary fans looking for a true romance with little to no drama or complications. This one was easy to get lost in and the little bits of humor and playfulness balanced perfectly with the sweet and sexy. Carolina and Jake's relationship is worth the read, and I am looking forward to reading about Carolina's sisters in the future.
**ARC Provided by Edelweiss**
May 24, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Carolina Fulton sure knows how to break an engagement. After catching her cheating fiancé touching another woman, she breaks it off in style and decided to have a break from her busy and media-infested life in Washington. She knows the perfect place to find that relaxation – their family’s cabin in Wyoming. And it’s the perfect time of the year since it was snowing there – she loves the cold weather. But of course, she’s not coming alone. As the president’s daughter, a Secret Service should be with her to protect her. If only this particular agent wasn’t that young and hot. Ignoring him would be useless – this guy has irresistible written all over him. Exercising her self-control would require a great effort.
Jake Baxter was attracted to her, and knowing better than to act on the attraction, he tries to stop it. Developing feelings for the clients was not on his job description. His duty was to protect her, not to fantasize about her. Hating the cold, Carolina might be the only thing that comes good in Wyoming, and being with her trapped due to the raging blizzard had intensified his attraction.
Both may have come from different walks of life, and had way different back grounds, but they share one commonality – their unhappiness with their present situation. Whereas Carolina wanted the change and would embrace it with open arms, ready to jump at any opportunity, Jake was still torn. The honor of being the youngest Secret Service, and following his father’s footsteps, made him feel content. Carolina wanted them both to be happy, and if she could only convince him… She did something unthinkable, and I might have applaud her if not for the fact that she did it behind his back. She would do anything not only to be with him, but to make him happy as well – if only he would realize it and stop being stubborn too!
The coldness of the setting didn’t stop the flames to ignite between these two, not to mention a meddling scary friend, whom I completely adore, and Carolina’s family who surprisingly had her back, and supported her decisions.
This story reminds me so much of Chasing Liberty and The First Daughter (both movies I so love, by the way) – the president’s daughter falling in love with a sexy Secret Service Agent. It’s not a new plot, but Laura made sure there is something new to it that would have you pinning over the characters, and wishing them their happy ending. I had fun reading, I was thoroughly entertained, found myself falling in love and swooning over the sexy and sinful Jake Baxter.
✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Carolina Fulton sure knows how to break an engagement. After catching her cheating fiancé touching another woman, she breaks it off in style and decided to have a break from her busy and media-infested life in Washington. She knows the perfect place to find that relaxation – their family’s cabin in Wyoming. And it’s the perfect time of the year since it was snowing there – she loves the cold weather. But of course, she’s not coming alone. As the president’s daughter, a Secret Service should be with her to protect her. If only this particular agent wasn’t that young and hot. Ignoring him would be useless – this guy has irresistible written all over him. Exercising her self-control would require a great effort.
Jake Baxter was attracted to her, and knowing better than to act on the attraction, he tries to stop it. Developing feelings for the clients was not on his job description. His duty was to protect her, not to fantasize about her. Hating the cold, Carolina might be the only thing that comes good in Wyoming, and being with her trapped due to the raging blizzard had intensified his attraction.
Both may have come from different walks of life, and had way different back grounds, but they share one commonality – their unhappiness with their present situation. Whereas Carolina wanted the change and would embrace it with open arms, ready to jump at any opportunity, Jake was still torn. The honor of being the youngest Secret Service, and following his father’s footsteps, made him feel content. Carolina wanted them both to be happy, and if she could only convince him… She did something unthinkable, and I might have applaud her if not for the fact that she did it behind his back. She would do anything not only to be with him, but to make him happy as well – if only he would realize it and stop being stubborn too!
The coldness of the setting didn’t stop the flames to ignite between these two, not to mention a meddling scary friend, whom I completely adore, and Carolina’s family who surprisingly had her back, and supported her decisions.
This story reminds me so much of Chasing Liberty and The First Daughter (both movies I so love, by the way) – the president’s daughter falling in love with a sexy Secret Service Agent. It’s not a new plot, but Laura made sure there is something new to it that would have you pinning over the characters, and wishing them their happy ending. I had fun reading, I was thoroughly entertained, found myself falling in love and swooning over the sexy and sinful Jake Baxter.
✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
August 1, 2014
Light, sweet, utterly sexy and had me in a total read girl bliss. *nods* Various States of Undress: Carolina was the perfect summer treat! Even if it did take place almost entirely during a winter blizzard. lol The cover on this one snagged me and oh I am so glad it did!
The quick of it is that the President's daughter needs a little time away from the limelight after a messy break up. A couple weeks away in their family's mountain cabin is just what's in order only things get a little heated when a winter blizzard traps her and the Secret Service agent that guards her-- and that she'd had her eye on --for the last little spell. And, whew, heat up they do!
Jake and Carolina just made me smile. They were too cute! He's a wee bit too serious there at the start and Carolina trying to break free of always being in the limelight and finally having a little room to breathe which made for some interesting moments as they settled in together for her vacation. They had a nice back and forth going and some teasing added in which was fun though lordy there was a bit of male induced fretting over bring proper and all seeing he was supposed to be protecting her not, well, feeling her up. There was a lot of light hearted moments but also so serious mixed in as the two started tackling the their lives and the fact that neither was really all that happy with the path they were on. It was nice seeing them opening up a little even if it was slow going. And whew boy the steamy bits were real nice once they got past the whole protector-protectee bit.
All in all, Various States of Undress: Carolina was a endearingly delightful romance. It had me smiling. Had me sighing in girly bliss a couple times. And totally charmed with the First Family and those charged with keeping them safe. I'm so looking forward to the next one and seeing what Carolina's sister gets herself up to.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
The quick of it is that the President's daughter needs a little time away from the limelight after a messy break up. A couple weeks away in their family's mountain cabin is just what's in order only things get a little heated when a winter blizzard traps her and the Secret Service agent that guards her-- and that she'd had her eye on --for the last little spell. And, whew, heat up they do!
"How can I think about anything else but sex? It's hard to focus when you keep seducing me, you know."
"What? Weren't you the one who woke me up at three a.m.?" She laughed. "And then kept me up until dawn?"
He straightened up. "You didn't complain at the time."
"I'm not complaining now." Holding onto the edge of the counter, she leaned forward until her breasts brushed against his rib cage. "Now about those hot dogs..."
He shook his head. "Be my guest. I don't want any."
She leaned closer. "I don't want any of the hot dogs in the pan. But there's one in particular..." Then she blushed and crinkled up her cute nose. "I can't believe I just said that."
Jake and Carolina just made me smile. They were too cute! He's a wee bit too serious there at the start and Carolina trying to break free of always being in the limelight and finally having a little room to breathe which made for some interesting moments as they settled in together for her vacation. They had a nice back and forth going and some teasing added in which was fun though lordy there was a bit of male induced fretting over bring proper and all seeing he was supposed to be protecting her not, well, feeling her up. There was a lot of light hearted moments but also so serious mixed in as the two started tackling the their lives and the fact that neither was really all that happy with the path they were on. It was nice seeing them opening up a little even if it was slow going. And whew boy the steamy bits were real nice once they got past the whole protector-protectee bit.
All in all, Various States of Undress: Carolina was a endearingly delightful romance. It had me smiling. Had me sighing in girly bliss a couple times. And totally charmed with the First Family and those charged with keeping them safe. I'm so looking forward to the next one and seeing what Carolina's sister gets herself up to.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
May 30, 2014
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
This was my introduction to Laura’s work and I was extremely happy with the outcome. I fell in love with the synopsis of this book and had a major fangirl moment when it uploaded to my iPad. Reading about the forbidden relationship between a President’s daughter and her Secret Service agent is just too intriguing to pass up – I’m Australian, that kind of stuff doesn’t even happen here. I live my life vicariously through books and this just ticked off another adventure for me.
Carolina is the daughter of the President of the United States and discovers that he fiancé is a cheating swine. In order to move on, Carolina believes that she needs to get some space from all of the drama and finds herself visiting her family’s cabin in Wyoming. Turns out that things get a whole lot concerning when a snowstorm hits, leaving Carolina stuck in close confines with her Secret Service agent, Jake. When sparks fly between the two, they know that their time together can only be short – savouring every moment of their brief affair. They discover that the paths they are following are anything but what they really want. Can they make a relationship work? Will they meet each other in the middle and sacrifice everything for love?
I loved Carolina. I loved Jake. Laura has provided us with some incredible characters that are easy to like and love. From the second I started this book, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop reading and I needed to know what would happen next for Carolina and Jake. Fair enough to say, I am now a fan of Laura.
I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. There was something missing from the story which I think was the fact that their problems could have been solved a whole lot earlier and easier but nevertheless, I still loved Carolina and Jake’s story. This was and easy and entertaining read and should be considered by all Romance readers. I cannot wait to read the next books in this collection that follow the futures of Carolina’s sisters.
“I’m always careful.” And he was. But he’d been so busy protecting everything else that he’d left one thing completely and ironically vulnerable. His heart.
This was my introduction to Laura’s work and I was extremely happy with the outcome. I fell in love with the synopsis of this book and had a major fangirl moment when it uploaded to my iPad. Reading about the forbidden relationship between a President’s daughter and her Secret Service agent is just too intriguing to pass up – I’m Australian, that kind of stuff doesn’t even happen here. I live my life vicariously through books and this just ticked off another adventure for me.
Carolina is the daughter of the President of the United States and discovers that he fiancé is a cheating swine. In order to move on, Carolina believes that she needs to get some space from all of the drama and finds herself visiting her family’s cabin in Wyoming. Turns out that things get a whole lot concerning when a snowstorm hits, leaving Carolina stuck in close confines with her Secret Service agent, Jake. When sparks fly between the two, they know that their time together can only be short – savouring every moment of their brief affair. They discover that the paths they are following are anything but what they really want. Can they make a relationship work? Will they meet each other in the middle and sacrifice everything for love?
I loved Carolina. I loved Jake. Laura has provided us with some incredible characters that are easy to like and love. From the second I started this book, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop reading and I needed to know what would happen next for Carolina and Jake. Fair enough to say, I am now a fan of Laura.
I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. There was something missing from the story which I think was the fact that their problems could have been solved a whole lot earlier and easier but nevertheless, I still loved Carolina and Jake’s story. This was and easy and entertaining read and should be considered by all Romance readers. I cannot wait to read the next books in this collection that follow the futures of Carolina’s sisters.
“I’m always careful.” And he was. But he’d been so busy protecting everything else that he’d left one thing completely and ironically vulnerable. His heart.
June 30, 2014
This story has quite a bit of promise - Carolina Fulton, the president's daughter finds her fiance cheating on her, and she decides to get away from it all by taking a trip up to her family's cabin in Wyoming. Her super-hot Secret Service agent, Jake Baxter, accompanies her, and the two of them are stuck in the cabin for almost two weeks due to a crazy Wyoming winter storm.
I really liked the first third of this story. Carolina's family is dynamic and her inner voice is humorous. I felt I was being told (more than shown) that her personality is a repressed one. She's required to always be put-together and doesn't display any true emotions in the political circles she circulates. Her mom is a warm character, and her dad, what glimpses we see of him, also seem like a genuine dad. However, that's about all I could get from the novel.
Roger, the fiance, was a very typical "not-cool" guy. He was described as less-than-attractive, which I found to be a little strange. He was put against the super-alpha hotness of Jake, so of course he came up short, but it would've been nice not to have the visual of a "weak chin" and "aristocratic cheekbones." I mean, she's supposed to be a strong woman. The president - her dad - gave the blessing. If this guy is so weak and weaselly, what did she see in him in the first place? It was never fully explained. I was simply expected to believe she never had any feelings towards him, all the while planning a wedding on White House grounds.
Fast forward through the book, and it quickly became more about sex than love. In the span of two weeks, Carolina realized Jake is the man of her dreams, she invades on his personal family life, convinces him to have sex with her (his job/future/what he's worked so hard for be damned) and realizes she's in love with him.
I didn't buy it. The sex was hot, Jake was a well-rounded character, and I liked Carolina's parents. However, I didn't like Carolina's character development and I strongly disliked the jump from "he's so hot" to "he's my soul mate."
Three stars.
*Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC of this book by the publisher.*
I really liked the first third of this story. Carolina's family is dynamic and her inner voice is humorous. I felt I was being told (more than shown) that her personality is a repressed one. She's required to always be put-together and doesn't display any true emotions in the political circles she circulates. Her mom is a warm character, and her dad, what glimpses we see of him, also seem like a genuine dad. However, that's about all I could get from the novel.
Roger, the fiance, was a very typical "not-cool" guy. He was described as less-than-attractive, which I found to be a little strange. He was put against the super-alpha hotness of Jake, so of course he came up short, but it would've been nice not to have the visual of a "weak chin" and "aristocratic cheekbones." I mean, she's supposed to be a strong woman. The president - her dad - gave the blessing. If this guy is so weak and weaselly, what did she see in him in the first place? It was never fully explained. I was simply expected to believe she never had any feelings towards him, all the while planning a wedding on White House grounds.
Fast forward through the book, and it quickly became more about sex than love. In the span of two weeks, Carolina realized Jake is the man of her dreams, she invades on his personal family life, convinces him to have sex with her (his job/future/what he's worked so hard for be damned) and realizes she's in love with him.
I didn't buy it. The sex was hot, Jake was a well-rounded character, and I liked Carolina's parents. However, I didn't like Carolina's character development and I strongly disliked the jump from "he's so hot" to "he's my soul mate."
Three stars.
*Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC of this book by the publisher.*
March 9, 2016
Eh...
Let me start at the beginning...I'm in a reading rut and when that happens, I eventually watch too much TV. And when THAT happens I watch things I wouldn't normally watch. Like The Bodyguard (yes, the Kevin/Whitney movie...don't judge me ;) which made me want a better bodyguard story. Which led me to this book because it was rec'd (I think) on a blog. That's how I ended up here.
So this is a bodyguard (he's Secret Service to the daughter of POTUS) but there's no real guarding because there's no threat. Now it's clear from the blurb that this isn't a suspense so I thought, oooo - now the suspense won't get in the way of the romance. Well, it turns out that no suspense made this wayyyyy boooooooring. And to top it off, the heroine just broke off an engagement with a d-bag (because there's no way an ex could just be normal) who she caught cheating (because there's no way she could have just broken it off without REASONS!!!). Can we say rebound?
And that's a huge problem for me, the excuse is that she wasn't really into the fiance and just let the whole situation get steamrolled which is why she's not really bothered about the break up since the guy was a jerk. A jerk she kept on dating and agreed to marry. Can we say doormat?
The hero is fine other than he also has a good life going, a good job he's excelled at, but he's unsatisfied (for REASONS!!!). And as much as he's devoted to his job, he doesn't really hesitate to jump into a romantic relationship with his protectee despite potential consequences.
Basically, this is a story about two people who have pretty good lives but are unhappy/unfulfilled for REASONS!!! and after a week or so stranded in cabin are in wuv, twu, wuv but because the word count wasn't completed yet, there's some melodramatic bs that 'broke' them up before the hero came to his senses and BAM! it's HEA with wedding plans.
This was a relatively short story that took me forever to finish because it wasn't really a bodyguard story (boring in terms of action since there was none) and I couldn't connect with the characters.
Let me start at the beginning...I'm in a reading rut and when that happens, I eventually watch too much TV. And when THAT happens I watch things I wouldn't normally watch. Like The Bodyguard (yes, the Kevin/Whitney movie...don't judge me ;) which made me want a better bodyguard story. Which led me to this book because it was rec'd (I think) on a blog. That's how I ended up here.
So this is a bodyguard (he's Secret Service to the daughter of POTUS) but there's no real guarding because there's no threat. Now it's clear from the blurb that this isn't a suspense so I thought, oooo - now the suspense won't get in the way of the romance. Well, it turns out that no suspense made this wayyyyy boooooooring. And to top it off, the heroine just broke off an engagement with a d-bag (because there's no way an ex could just be normal) who she caught cheating (because there's no way she could have just broken it off without REASONS!!!). Can we say rebound?
And that's a huge problem for me, the excuse is that she wasn't really into the fiance and just let the whole situation get steamrolled which is why she's not really bothered about the break up since the guy was a jerk. A jerk she kept on dating and agreed to marry. Can we say doormat?
The hero is fine other than he also has a good life going, a good job he's excelled at, but he's unsatisfied (for REASONS!!!). And as much as he's devoted to his job, he doesn't really hesitate to jump into a romantic relationship with his protectee despite potential consequences.
Basically, this is a story about two people who have pretty good lives but are unhappy/unfulfilled for REASONS!!! and after a week or so stranded in cabin are in wuv, twu, wuv but because the word count wasn't completed yet, there's some melodramatic bs that 'broke' them up before the hero came to his senses and BAM! it's HEA with wedding plans.
This was a relatively short story that took me forever to finish because it wasn't really a bodyguard story (boring in terms of action since there was none) and I couldn't connect with the characters.
May 24, 2014
I was provide a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, and how the book turn out to be, I found this story so sweet, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Caroline, she is the daughter of the president of the unite state. for the last two months she has being attending to charity parties. And meeting now she was in one of those, she is engage to Roger, while the party was taking place at the white house, Caroline was not feeling good and she just wanted to leave, after sending Roger a text asking him where he was, Roger made a mistake of telling her that he would be up in a second, that's when she knew where he could be, when she when down the stair and about to open the door, to the to the room, in step Jake, now Jake is a her secret service agent, he is the youngest one to ever guard the first family, when he block her way to go in to the room, that's when they heard what was going on inside, Caroline ask Jake to please move out of her way, and when he did and she open the door and walk in, she caught Roger cheating on her, that was the night that she talk to her dad, and after talking to him, she mention of going to the family cabin, her dad was not thrill about that, the following day after she got out of class, she when back to her apartment, and bought the tickets to go to her family cabin, but what she was not expecting was to get a blizzard, and be trap in the cabin with Jake. would they stop fighting the attraction that they feel for each other, or would Jake stay away from Caroline.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the way that Caroline and Jake are with each other, and how much they love each other. Author Laura Simcox THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this amazing book love it. Cant wait to read about the other two sister.
I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, and how the book turn out to be, I found this story so sweet, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Caroline, she is the daughter of the president of the unite state. for the last two months she has being attending to charity parties. And meeting now she was in one of those, she is engage to Roger, while the party was taking place at the white house, Caroline was not feeling good and she just wanted to leave, after sending Roger a text asking him where he was, Roger made a mistake of telling her that he would be up in a second, that's when she knew where he could be, when she when down the stair and about to open the door, to the to the room, in step Jake, now Jake is a her secret service agent, he is the youngest one to ever guard the first family, when he block her way to go in to the room, that's when they heard what was going on inside, Caroline ask Jake to please move out of her way, and when he did and she open the door and walk in, she caught Roger cheating on her, that was the night that she talk to her dad, and after talking to him, she mention of going to the family cabin, her dad was not thrill about that, the following day after she got out of class, she when back to her apartment, and bought the tickets to go to her family cabin, but what she was not expecting was to get a blizzard, and be trap in the cabin with Jake. would they stop fighting the attraction that they feel for each other, or would Jake stay away from Caroline.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the way that Caroline and Jake are with each other, and how much they love each other. Author Laura Simcox THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this amazing book love it. Cant wait to read about the other two sister.
August 18, 2014
Laura Simcox's Various States of Undress: Carolina is a fun, flirty, and touching read!
****1/2
Various States of Undress: Carolina is a fun and flirty read - plus it also points out how some of us may become frozen in our lives - living out dreams of others instead of our own. Oh, that sounds a bit serious, right? Well, yes, there are serious bits to this story of a President's daughter on the run from the paparazzi with her very own Secret Service bodyguard. (And who wouldn't want this agent guarding their body!)
I totally "got" Carolina. From the moment she went in search of her wayward fiancé, because she needed support - or a public glad-hander - to get through a party filled with perfectly coiffed and elegantly dressed DC denizens. I knew who she was. She was me. Well, sort of me. In the best way. So for a little over an hour, I settled in to her and Jake's - and just enjoyed the heck out of it.
Carolina and Jake are obviously attracted to one another and their romance - a foregone conclusion. Will it work out? Well that is the question as Jake seems to honorable and married to his career to ever give it up - even for Carolina. While Carolina seems able to grow and see herself a bit more clearly, she's still vulnerable, especially after discovering her fiancé providing behind-closed-doors service to a White House receptionist.
Simcox shares this story with humor and heart - and it's one that I recommend without reservation. If you're looking for a fun, sweet romance with more than a bit of heat and heart - Laura Simcox's Various States of Undress: Carolina is the book for you. Grab it this week as it will still be on sale for $0.99. I've already pre-ordered the next two books in the series that feature Carolina's sisters: Various States of Undress: Virginia (pub date: Oct 7, 2014) and Various States of Undress: Georgia (pub date: Jan 6, 2015)
****1/2
Various States of Undress: Carolina is a fun and flirty read - plus it also points out how some of us may become frozen in our lives - living out dreams of others instead of our own. Oh, that sounds a bit serious, right? Well, yes, there are serious bits to this story of a President's daughter on the run from the paparazzi with her very own Secret Service bodyguard. (And who wouldn't want this agent guarding their body!)
I totally "got" Carolina. From the moment she went in search of her wayward fiancé, because she needed support - or a public glad-hander - to get through a party filled with perfectly coiffed and elegantly dressed DC denizens. I knew who she was. She was me. Well, sort of me. In the best way. So for a little over an hour, I settled in to her and Jake's - and just enjoyed the heck out of it.
Carolina and Jake are obviously attracted to one another and their romance - a foregone conclusion. Will it work out? Well that is the question as Jake seems to honorable and married to his career to ever give it up - even for Carolina. While Carolina seems able to grow and see herself a bit more clearly, she's still vulnerable, especially after discovering her fiancé providing behind-closed-doors service to a White House receptionist.
Simcox shares this story with humor and heart - and it's one that I recommend without reservation. If you're looking for a fun, sweet romance with more than a bit of heat and heart - Laura Simcox's Various States of Undress: Carolina is the book for you. Grab it this week as it will still be on sale for $0.99. I've already pre-ordered the next two books in the series that feature Carolina's sisters: Various States of Undress: Virginia (pub date: Oct 7, 2014) and Various States of Undress: Georgia (pub date: Jan 6, 2015)
June 2, 2014
Are you looking for a fun and quick light read? Well, this is the book for you! I loved this story. I thought it was sweet and adorable.
Carolina Fulton is the First Daughter. Her father is the President of the Unites States. Imagine what that must be like? She is engaged to a colossal jerk, whom she is not even sure she likes, never mind loves. In the blink of an eye, her life implodes. Carolina decides to go to her family's cottage in Wyoming to get away from it all and work on her passion, photography.
Since she is the First Daughter, she needs to have Secret Service with her at all times. Luckily for her, her assigned agent is super smoking hot. Carolina has always thought Elite agent Jake was a hotty. As luck would have it. Jake is assigned to go with Carolina to Wyoming. Even luckier, the two of them get snowed in for a while. Just the two of them with no other agents!
I loved the chemistry between these two. Even though they both try to fight it, they can't but end up in bed together. I thought the two of them were adorable. If you have ever been snowed in, you know what it is like to be stuck inside for long periods of time. If can either make or break you as a couple.
Carolina Fulton is the First Daughter. Her father is the President of the Unites States. Imagine what that must be like? She is engaged to a colossal jerk, whom she is not even sure she likes, never mind loves. In the blink of an eye, her life implodes. Carolina decides to go to her family's cottage in Wyoming to get away from it all and work on her passion, photography.
Since she is the First Daughter, she needs to have Secret Service with her at all times. Luckily for her, her assigned agent is super smoking hot. Carolina has always thought Elite agent Jake was a hotty. As luck would have it. Jake is assigned to go with Carolina to Wyoming. Even luckier, the two of them get snowed in for a while. Just the two of them with no other agents!
I loved the chemistry between these two. Even though they both try to fight it, they can't but end up in bed together. I thought the two of them were adorable. If you have ever been snowed in, you know what it is like to be stuck inside for long periods of time. If can either make or break you as a couple.
May 31, 2014
Way sexier than I imagined, this story sucked me in and didn’t let go until I was satisfied at the end. The sexual tension that builds with Carolina Fulton and her very sexy Secret Service agent Jake Baxter practically leapt off the page and grabbed me by the throat and just wouldn’t let go.
When they came together it was explosive, and I hoped and hoped that they would make it work because I came to love the idea of them together. It was probably better because of the forbidden aspect of their relationship. After all, the First Daughter should not be dating the agent who is in charge of her protection, but when isolated and snowed in, well things happen. The author does a fabulous job making the progression of their relationship very believable.
I do know that I highly anticipate the rest of the series, and will be watching this author. She’s done something that hasn’t been done in a while, she allowed me to get completely lost in the world she’s created.
Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books
When they came together it was explosive, and I hoped and hoped that they would make it work because I came to love the idea of them together. It was probably better because of the forbidden aspect of their relationship. After all, the First Daughter should not be dating the agent who is in charge of her protection, but when isolated and snowed in, well things happen. The author does a fabulous job making the progression of their relationship very believable.
I do know that I highly anticipate the rest of the series, and will be watching this author. She’s done something that hasn’t been done in a while, she allowed me to get completely lost in the world she’s created.
Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books
January 9, 2015
This is a great book for a cold winter's evening or any time of year. Carolina and Jake sure heat up that cabin in the Wyoming woods!
Carolina Fulton is still getting used to her father being the President of the United States, when she gets a devastating shock from her fiance. So she decides to take a break from her master's program and head to the family's cabin in Wyoming for a chance to recharge and reevaluate her life. Luckily for her, a sudden blizzard strands her in the cabin with only her super sexy secret service agent, Jake Baxter, to keep her company.
She's supposed to be working on her photography, and Jake is supposed to be on guard 24/7. Only trouble is, Jake is the only thing she wants to focus on, but he may have too many layers of protection around his own heart.
Carolina Fulton is still getting used to her father being the President of the United States, when she gets a devastating shock from her fiance. So she decides to take a break from her master's program and head to the family's cabin in Wyoming for a chance to recharge and reevaluate her life. Luckily for her, a sudden blizzard strands her in the cabin with only her super sexy secret service agent, Jake Baxter, to keep her company.
She's supposed to be working on her photography, and Jake is supposed to be on guard 24/7. Only trouble is, Jake is the only thing she wants to focus on, but he may have too many layers of protection around his own heart.
February 13, 2016
I'm not sure what to rate this book. I think part of the reason I wasn't that into it was that the author's voice didn't really work for me (which is not really their fault). But overall I found the story wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, so I rated it low.
I didn't much like the initial chapters (and nearly dnf-ed the book then), but once they got to the cabin I found it improved somewhat. I also didn't find the character's motivations made much sense to me. Their dislike of their current positions and their true hopes and dreams for the future were introduced way too late. This contributed to their reasons for staying apart seeming silly and melodramatic.
Also, there was a lot of casual misogyny (particularly in the opening chapters) that was pretty hard to take.
I didn't much like the initial chapters (and nearly dnf-ed the book then), but once they got to the cabin I found it improved somewhat. I also didn't find the character's motivations made much sense to me. Their dislike of their current positions and their true hopes and dreams for the future were introduced way too late. This contributed to their reasons for staying apart seeming silly and melodramatic.
Also, there was a lot of casual misogyny (particularly in the opening chapters) that was pretty hard to take.
January 17, 2016
Three stars because I found it wildly unbelievable from the quick build of Carolina's relationship with Jake to the situation which leaves a president's daughter and her Secret Service detail marooned alone in the snowy wilderness for an endless time. Their new relationship and their new insights into themselves and their futures unfolded way too fast for me to really believe. This is a fast-paced new adult romance - if you like rebound stories where the woman has secretly been well over her last guy but unable to admit she's madly in lust (and later love) with the hot guy nearby, you'll like this one!
April 25, 2014
WELP!!!! To say that I loved this would be an UNDERSTATEMENT!!!! It was MAJORLY HOT and SUPER SWEET and ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!! I mean what's not to love about a story about the daughter of the President of the United States and her UBER-HAWT (youngest ever to guard the First Family), Secret Service agent!!! And that ending... *SWOON* 
I can't wait to read about the other two sisters; Virginia and Georgia!!!
*ARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Avon*
I can't wait to read about the other two sisters; Virginia and Georgia!!!
*ARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Avon*
May 16, 2014
Carolina is the daughter of the President of the United States and she catches her boyfriend with another woman, so she breaks up with him. She decides to get away from the media attention by going to her childhood cabin in the woods. Jake, her Secret Service agent, goes along and they are stranded in the cabin alone because of a blizzard.
This is a really cute story, but I kept expecting someone to attack Carolina so Jake could use his Secret Service skills.
Carolina plays an April Fool's Day joke on Jake that is very funny!
This is a really cute story, but I kept expecting someone to attack Carolina so Jake could use his Secret Service skills.
Carolina plays an April Fool's Day joke on Jake that is very funny!
June 10, 2014
I struggled a bit w/ rating this one a 4 or a 5, but in the end I had to go w/ a 4 because of one thing - After everything Jake & Carolina go through during their snowbound relationship, I didn't feel the way a couple of things played out flowed w/ the rest of the story. However, then the last chapters & epilogue were fairly redeeming, so... yeah. : )
I really enjoyed the character interaction & the way Carolina's family is as a First Family. There are a lot of very sweet moments, some tearing up moments, and some moments that had me giggling out loud, which I really enjoy! : )
I really enjoyed the character interaction & the way Carolina's family is as a First Family. There are a lot of very sweet moments, some tearing up moments, and some moments that had me giggling out loud, which I really enjoy! : )
July 21, 2014
Hi Laura,
First of all, Thanks for offering me a chance to read your book.
The book was an interesting read, with a fine story line. As a Mills and Boons classic counterpart, it hits the nail.
However, if it had included details of secret services, and used some of Jake's skills it would have come out even better. As I read through the story I was sort of expecting Roger to come back to attack her or some old enemy coming back, the excitement would have been built up.
thanks once again for providing me a chance to read your novel.
Best regards
Jayashree.R
First of all, Thanks for offering me a chance to read your book.
The book was an interesting read, with a fine story line. As a Mills and Boons classic counterpart, it hits the nail.
However, if it had included details of secret services, and used some of Jake's skills it would have come out even better. As I read through the story I was sort of expecting Roger to come back to attack her or some old enemy coming back, the excitement would have been built up.
thanks once again for providing me a chance to read your novel.
Best regards
Jayashree.R
October 31, 2016
I just never really got into it. I love the tropes involved (bodyguard! stuck snowed-in in a cabin!), but it didn't use them to their fullest (she was never in danger, the "forbidden love" didn't feel forbidden at all, and their cabin apparently has food and heat forever thanks to a magical generator). It felt pretty telly-not-showy, and I didn't ~feel the passion~ between the two of them. I didn't love the Big Misunderstanding nor the Subsequent Grovelling, either. But there's nothing terribly wrong about it.
Read
January 17, 2021First read - 13 to 14 December, 2014
4.5 stars
I loved Carolina and Jake, and stayed up well past bedtime to finish their story. My only problem with this is I felt like it wrapped up too quickly in the end but I liked the epilogue and hope to see more of them in the next book in the series!
Second read - 15 December, 2021
DNF
Wasn't engaged by this one on a second read. The plot and characters weren't convincing and the writing style didn't hook me. DNF and unhauled.
4.5 stars
I loved Carolina and Jake, and stayed up well past bedtime to finish their story. My only problem with this is I felt like it wrapped up too quickly in the end but I liked the epilogue and hope to see more of them in the next book in the series!
Second read - 15 December, 2021
DNF
Wasn't engaged by this one on a second read. The plot and characters weren't convincing and the writing style didn't hook me. DNF and unhauled.
May 28, 2014
I was given this book for an honest reveiw. I thought it was a very sweet book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. It was funny and sweet in all the right ways. I found myself rooting for Carolina. Just a very enjoyable read. As this was my first read by Laura Simcox it definatly will not be my last...
June 19, 2014
Enjoyed this story. Very sexy encounter between Jake and Carolina. Loved the ending and how they both found there real purpose. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 6, 2014
I so enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Keeper status: yes.
Keeper status: yes.
July 13, 2014
This is the perfect little quick afternoon read. No craziness , just 2 people in love and trying to figure it out. The main characters were easy to like without getting to involved.
July 26, 2014
a really good read, I enjoyed the story.
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