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Sugar City #1
Love Bites
Falling in love is like swimming with sharks…
Sharona Blaire is only in Australia for a business audit, but she’s determined to make the most of her one free night. So when she spills her drink on a handsome stranger and they end up flirting, she does something completely out of character—she kisses him. But the prospect of taking it further totally freaks her out…almost as much as discovering the next morning that the man she’s auditing is the sexy, tanned stranger she left with zero explanation.
An audit during his crew’s most important expedition yet is a complication marine biologist Jeff Cruz doesn't need—especially when the auditor is the gorgeous, fascinating woman from the night before. Out at sea with nowhere to run, he’s forced to admit Sharona draws him in like a shark to blood. But Jeff's one passion is his job, and nothing—not even love—will get its hooks in him...
Sharona Blaire is only in Australia for a business audit, but she’s determined to make the most of her one free night. So when she spills her drink on a handsome stranger and they end up flirting, she does something completely out of character—she kisses him. But the prospect of taking it further totally freaks her out…almost as much as discovering the next morning that the man she’s auditing is the sexy, tanned stranger she left with zero explanation.
An audit during his crew’s most important expedition yet is a complication marine biologist Jeff Cruz doesn't need—especially when the auditor is the gorgeous, fascinating woman from the night before. Out at sea with nowhere to run, he’s forced to admit Sharona draws him in like a shark to blood. But Jeff's one passion is his job, and nothing—not even love—will get its hooks in him...
146 pages, ebook
First published August 17, 2014
11 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Ophelia London
21 books500 followersUSA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas, and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A self-proclaimed Southern Woman, she enjoys cupcakes, planking, reruns of Dawson’s Creek and obsessing over her Italian Greyhound, Peanut. Ophelia is the author of SUMMER AT MOUNT JOY, book #4 in her Sugar City series! As well as the Honey Brook series, the Perfect Kisses series, the Abby Road series, and other adult, NA and YA sweet romances. Visit her books HERE. But don't call when she's streaming The Golden Girls. #PaceyLove
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 12, 2014
Love Bites is a short, sweet cute read that leaves you with a good case of the warm and fuzzies. Jeff and Sharona (yes, in my head I was singing the song) were completely endearing loveable characters and Ophelia London brought this novella to life with her descriptions, detail and the fun and sexiness she injected.
Before I started reading, one of my loveliest friends explained she may have watched some 'sharkporn' for research purposes as she read it. Intrigued, I proceeded to do the same and it not only helped visualise what Jeff was describing but I also discovered sharks are the Christian Grey of the ocean. So not only is Love Bites romantic, it's educational.
I could have happily read a full length book based on the subject matter, the characters and the romance, and despite wanting more of Jeff 'Great White' Cruz, his piercingly sexy blue eyes and Aussie accent, it was a great start to the Sugar City series.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Before I started reading, one of my loveliest friends explained she may have watched some 'sharkporn' for research purposes as she read it. Intrigued, I proceeded to do the same and it not only helped visualise what Jeff was describing but I also discovered sharks are the Christian Grey of the ocean. So not only is Love Bites romantic, it's educational.
I could have happily read a full length book based on the subject matter, the characters and the romance, and despite wanting more of Jeff 'Great White' Cruz, his piercingly sexy blue eyes and Aussie accent, it was a great start to the Sugar City series.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
September 3, 2014
I love to read clean romance. I don't want the details, I much prefer scenes to fade to black and have the door close. Entangled's Bliss line always closes the door but the problem with this line of book is that you never know how much lead up and foreplay you will get before the door closes. Some of their titles are squeaky clean and others push the limits. They are cute, quirky, quick reads that usually have an enjoyable story line so I keep reading these titles hoping the next one will be one I love.
Loved Bites pushed the limits. There was a lot of innuendo, roaming hands and foreplay described. It didn't cross the line into their "Red Hot Bliss" line of books but it had more content than the previous books of Ophelia's that I have read and loved. The entire book took place over the course of little more than 24 hours. Within 24 hours of actually meeting the main characters are sleeping together. That's not a lot of time for anything more than lust and desire to develop which is probably what turned me off and lowered my overall opinion of the book.
I really liked the shark elements of the story and was interested in the little mystery as to what was going on and what secrets were being kept hidden. I've read several of Ophelia's books and she manages to hook me and keep me reading every time.
If you read typical romance this will be mild to you and you will probably wonder what my issue is. If you are a squeaky clean reader this one is probably not for you.
3starss
Rating: 3 Stars - Worth reading
Content: insta-love which felt more like insta-lust (the whole book takes place in little more than 24 hours), lots of innuendo, no actual sex scene but lots of lead up to it, sexual tension, foreplay and some language.
Source: Netgalley
Loved Bites pushed the limits. There was a lot of innuendo, roaming hands and foreplay described. It didn't cross the line into their "Red Hot Bliss" line of books but it had more content than the previous books of Ophelia's that I have read and loved. The entire book took place over the course of little more than 24 hours. Within 24 hours of actually meeting the main characters are sleeping together. That's not a lot of time for anything more than lust and desire to develop which is probably what turned me off and lowered my overall opinion of the book.
I really liked the shark elements of the story and was interested in the little mystery as to what was going on and what secrets were being kept hidden. I've read several of Ophelia's books and she manages to hook me and keep me reading every time.
If you read typical romance this will be mild to you and you will probably wonder what my issue is. If you are a squeaky clean reader this one is probably not for you.
3starss
Rating: 3 Stars - Worth reading
Content: insta-love which felt more like insta-lust (the whole book takes place in little more than 24 hours), lots of innuendo, no actual sex scene but lots of lead up to it, sexual tension, foreplay and some language.
Source: Netgalley
July 30, 2014
Super fun and fluffy, exactly what I was looking for.
Loved the dual POV. Sharona and Jeff are both stubborn and snarky and I really liked seeing each character through the other's eyes. There was a lot of UST, which is my favorite, and some hot kisses.
All in all, a quick read that definitely had me wanting more. I'll be reading all of the books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Loved the dual POV. Sharona and Jeff are both stubborn and snarky and I really liked seeing each character through the other's eyes. There was a lot of UST, which is my favorite, and some hot kisses.
All in all, a quick read that definitely had me wanting more. I'll be reading all of the books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
March 9, 2016
This was a wonderful novella.
I liked Jeff and Sharona so much. It was a short lovable and sexy story without any love making scenes (apart from the hot kisses).
I loved the love bite on Jeff's neck it showed possessiveness and lust though I'm not a fun of love bites.
It was an amazing read.
I liked Jeff and Sharona so much. It was a short lovable and sexy story without any love making scenes (apart from the hot kisses).
I loved the love bite on Jeff's neck it showed possessiveness and lust though I'm not a fun of love bites.
It was an amazing read.
August 18, 2014
This is a story of 2 people once bitten and twice shy, so to speak! Sharona and Jeff both have been burned and are skittish with relationships. They are both passionate about what they do; which is that Sharona is an accountant who has passion in what she does and genuinely wants to help people. Jeff is a Discovery Channel shark man with passion for learning more about sharks. He comes complete with real life shark bite scars.
When Sharona drops her tomato juice laden drink on Jeff while in the airplane to Australia, she is mortified. When she does it again on land by accident (again), she is humiliated. Then she finds herself kissing him first at the hotel they both happen to be at and then she almost makes it to his room but tells him she will be right back. She then gets cold feet and never returns. So when she sees that he is the same man who she is here for auditing the next morning again she is mortified. She owes him an explanation.
Jeff is trying to get back his trackers for his research project. Sharona only hears that they harpoon tags in the sharks. She learns later that he has found a way to put on the tracker without physically penetrating the shark. This is his secret for now; he isn’t ready to share it with the world. He also isn’t ready for the overwhelming chemistry that Sharona and he share.
While learning about sharks, Sharona finds that there is little information about some of the sharks mating rituals. They give what he called love bites. They are very rough and physical and scars are left from it. So in a moment of passion on the ship, she gives him a “love bite”.
Then at the end of the day trip and returning to shore, Jeff believes something a reporter said about Sharona and sends her on her way without even asking if what he heard was true. Sharona and Jeff are left heartbroken. So if you want to know how that misunderstanding gets fixed you will have to read it yourself.
The only thing that I didn’t like was that it took a while for me to get into the book.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to give my husband a love bite!
When Sharona drops her tomato juice laden drink on Jeff while in the airplane to Australia, she is mortified. When she does it again on land by accident (again), she is humiliated. Then she finds herself kissing him first at the hotel they both happen to be at and then she almost makes it to his room but tells him she will be right back. She then gets cold feet and never returns. So when she sees that he is the same man who she is here for auditing the next morning again she is mortified. She owes him an explanation.
Jeff is trying to get back his trackers for his research project. Sharona only hears that they harpoon tags in the sharks. She learns later that he has found a way to put on the tracker without physically penetrating the shark. This is his secret for now; he isn’t ready to share it with the world. He also isn’t ready for the overwhelming chemistry that Sharona and he share.
While learning about sharks, Sharona finds that there is little information about some of the sharks mating rituals. They give what he called love bites. They are very rough and physical and scars are left from it. So in a moment of passion on the ship, she gives him a “love bite”.
Then at the end of the day trip and returning to shore, Jeff believes something a reporter said about Sharona and sends her on her way without even asking if what he heard was true. Sharona and Jeff are left heartbroken. So if you want to know how that misunderstanding gets fixed you will have to read it yourself.
The only thing that I didn’t like was that it took a while for me to get into the book.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to give my husband a love bite!
August 18, 2014
First and foremost, Shark Week just finished but I'm still dealing with my shark obsession and this book goes perfectly with that. Second, I love Bliss Imprint books and I'm in desperate need of a break from emotional, angst filled reads. Also, I love books where people "hook up" thinking they'll never see each other again and then end up having to work together.
There is a hot guy with an accent, shouldn't that be enough to draw you into this book? No? Well how about little bit of danger and excitement, sharks & deep seas?
Jeff and Sharona fall for each other very quickly but it's done the right way, so that it's not completely roll-your-eyes unbelievable. A hero that is more of a relationship kind of guy, than a one-night stand kind of guy, Jeff is super swoonworthy. Sharona is strong and sweet, just how I like my heroines. Their chemistry was perfect and this book had just the right amount of heat without being naughty.
I just wish that it was a full length novel because I wasn't ready to stop reading about them.
This is the first book I've read from this author but I liked it so much I've already one-clicked on Falling for Her Soldier.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
There is a hot guy with an accent, shouldn't that be enough to draw you into this book? No? Well how about little bit of danger and excitement, sharks & deep seas?
Jeff and Sharona fall for each other very quickly but it's done the right way, so that it's not completely roll-your-eyes unbelievable. A hero that is more of a relationship kind of guy, than a one-night stand kind of guy, Jeff is super swoonworthy. Sharona is strong and sweet, just how I like my heroines. Their chemistry was perfect and this book had just the right amount of heat without being naughty.
I just wish that it was a full length novel because I wasn't ready to stop reading about them.
This is the first book I've read from this author but I liked it so much I've already one-clicked on Falling for Her Soldier.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 10, 2016
4-1/2 stars.
You already know I ♥ Ophelia London, so I was crazy excited when I saw this new series from her, and ya'll--it's so sweet and cute. I loved these characters! I don't think I've read a book with a marine biologist before but dang! Jeff was the perfect mix of sexy and nerdy and gah! Sharona (geez, I cannot say her name without singing m-m-m-my sharona in my head every. single. time), anyway, Sharona was sassy and spontaneous, and I really liked her, too.
Just the right amount of fluff with plenty of swoon, Love Bites is a promising start to the new Sugar City series, and I can't wait for more. You'll like this one!
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
You already know I ♥ Ophelia London, so I was crazy excited when I saw this new series from her, and ya'll--it's so sweet and cute. I loved these characters! I don't think I've read a book with a marine biologist before but dang! Jeff was the perfect mix of sexy and nerdy and gah! Sharona (geez, I cannot say her name without singing m-m-m-my sharona in my head every. single. time), anyway, Sharona was sassy and spontaneous, and I really liked her, too.
Just the right amount of fluff with plenty of swoon, Love Bites is a promising start to the new Sugar City series, and I can't wait for more. You'll like this one!
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
June 22, 2015
This book was such a fun, sexy read. I read it in one sitting not wanting to put it down. I was smiling and laughing right along with all the wit and sarcasm. I really enjoyed the characters and LOVED that both points of view were covered. Loved to hear his thoughts and hers! And Chapter 8 was so steamy hot! What I love about London is that you get all the sexy kissing! Loved. Will definitely continue the series.
December 5, 2015
Another GREAT fun afternoon read this past weekend for me!
I'll start by saying that my favorite part of this book was the dual POV. Somehow, for me, these types of books are more enjoyable because there's zero guessing about anything. You know what's in everyone's head!
The story was sexy and fun and a page turner. Once again, I look forward to more of this series and author!
Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'll start by saying that my favorite part of this book was the dual POV. Somehow, for me, these types of books are more enjoyable because there's zero guessing about anything. You know what's in everyone's head!
The story was sexy and fun and a page turner. Once again, I look forward to more of this series and author!
Thank you NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 13, 2017
Cute. I literally read that in like 30, 40 minutes. Very short read.
August 9, 2014
This was a fun and sexy read. I loved the characters and that there was a dual POV of Jeff and Sharona. I liked that these characters were unique. There were moments when the book seems rushed and a bit too short for my liking but I still rather enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a great book that can be a mini escape for you this book might be for you.
August 8, 2014
Super fun sexy read. If you are looking for a light quick read this one is perfect. The characters and writing are great and you will be able to consume this one in an afternoon. Perfect relaxing book.
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
August 18, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Being a book in Entangled’s Bliss line, Love Bites is on the sweeter side of romance, however it is still every bit as sexy as I’ve come to expect from author Ophelia London. Every time I read a book by her within the first chapter she has me hooked and this book is no different. An almost one night stand turns very interesting when a scientist and the woman sent to audit his research share an intriguing evening that they need to keep to themselves for professional reasons. Sizzling sexual chemistry combined with interesting characters and a fast paced story made this book one fantastic little story.
On the eve of an assignment Sharona Blaire finds herself showering a man with a drink for the second time in one day and then she finds out that it is the same man. He’s not worse for the wear and an evening of extreme flirting, a drink or two, a hot make out session followed by her chickening out and leaving him hanging only to find the next day that her sexy blue-eyed stranger is the man whose project she’s been sent to audit is none other than Jeff Cruz otherwise known as Great White Cruz; a fairly famous great white shark hunter/activist. Can you say awkward? I really enjoyed watching these two try and not give in to the undeniable chemistry between them while both trying to complete their jobs to the best of their ability.
Although their relationship moved every quickly, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this couple and while I would have loved more time with them I was still completely satisfied by the ending and the promise of their happily ever after.
If you enjoy the sweeter side of romance then I urge you to check out Love Bites by Ophelia London, you won’t be disappointed and you may just find another author to add to your must read list.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Being a book in Entangled’s Bliss line, Love Bites is on the sweeter side of romance, however it is still every bit as sexy as I’ve come to expect from author Ophelia London. Every time I read a book by her within the first chapter she has me hooked and this book is no different. An almost one night stand turns very interesting when a scientist and the woman sent to audit his research share an intriguing evening that they need to keep to themselves for professional reasons. Sizzling sexual chemistry combined with interesting characters and a fast paced story made this book one fantastic little story.
On the eve of an assignment Sharona Blaire finds herself showering a man with a drink for the second time in one day and then she finds out that it is the same man. He’s not worse for the wear and an evening of extreme flirting, a drink or two, a hot make out session followed by her chickening out and leaving him hanging only to find the next day that her sexy blue-eyed stranger is the man whose project she’s been sent to audit is none other than Jeff Cruz otherwise known as Great White Cruz; a fairly famous great white shark hunter/activist. Can you say awkward? I really enjoyed watching these two try and not give in to the undeniable chemistry between them while both trying to complete their jobs to the best of their ability.
Although their relationship moved every quickly, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this couple and while I would have loved more time with them I was still completely satisfied by the ending and the promise of their happily ever after.
If you enjoy the sweeter side of romance then I urge you to check out Love Bites by Ophelia London, you won’t be disappointed and you may just find another author to add to your must read list.
August 24, 2014
Bliss books always deliver a sweet love story. This one sure does. I need to just start with the title. It's brilliant. I so love when the title has meaning in the story and this one plays a fun role. Oh, no...I will not tell. But you're sure to enjoy it as much as I did. Hehe.
An almost one-night stand has these two avoiding each other the next day when they discover they are going to be working together - what could be more fun.
It's novella length and a fast read but it's a complete story. Told in 3rd person, it was still from a POV. I prefer that kind of 3rd person. It changed back and forth between Jeff and Sharona's POV. I preferred Jeff's POV but I loved listening to his voice through Sharona's POV. Oh yes, he has an Australian accent. I could just hear it.
Woven between the fun location of Australia and the exciting shark observations is a lot of chemistry, some interesting methods of dealing with shock, and some great characters.
I enjoyed getting to know these two. It was great not dealing with chapters of angst but just a few pages before things resolved. The relationship did take on an insta-love thing but a lot was packed into the one day they spend with each other so I was good with it.
If you need a few hours of distraction in a great, sweet love story, then one-click this one for sure.
An almost one-night stand has these two avoiding each other the next day when they discover they are going to be working together - what could be more fun.
It's novella length and a fast read but it's a complete story. Told in 3rd person, it was still from a POV. I prefer that kind of 3rd person. It changed back and forth between Jeff and Sharona's POV. I preferred Jeff's POV but I loved listening to his voice through Sharona's POV. Oh yes, he has an Australian accent. I could just hear it.
Woven between the fun location of Australia and the exciting shark observations is a lot of chemistry, some interesting methods of dealing with shock, and some great characters.
I enjoyed getting to know these two. It was great not dealing with chapters of angst but just a few pages before things resolved. The relationship did take on an insta-love thing but a lot was packed into the one day they spend with each other so I was good with it.
If you need a few hours of distraction in a great, sweet love story, then one-click this one for sure.
August 22, 2014
Love Bites was a super fast read and one that left you filled with warmth and grin plastered to your face. Sharona and Jeff meet in an unfortunate way, at least for Jeff. I’m not too sure anyone would be as calm as Jeff was when having a Bloody Mary spilled all over himself during a long 24 hour flight, but then again, this spill leads up to a whole lot more.
Sharona has traveled down under for a quick business trip and to get away from her boss/ex-fiance.
Jeff is back home to collect some data for his shark research.
When these two seem to keep bumping into each other, it’s no surprise that Sharona’s business trip involves this sexy Aussie. The one and only Jeff, whom she accidentally spilled not one, but two drinks on the day before.
Like I said, this is a quick read but it’s definitely not lacking the romance! There were times I completely forgot they were aboard a boat just off the Australian coast. Ophelia London definitely knows how to rock the boat [in a good way] with these two! I loved their chemistry. I loved Jeff’s Aussie accent. (I mean, let’s get real…who doesn’t love a man with an accent?) And I loved that both POVs were covered.
Summer isn’t over just yet, and this is the perfect novella to take you on a quick trip down under.
Sharona has traveled down under for a quick business trip and to get away from her boss/ex-fiance.
Jeff is back home to collect some data for his shark research.
When these two seem to keep bumping into each other, it’s no surprise that Sharona’s business trip involves this sexy Aussie. The one and only Jeff, whom she accidentally spilled not one, but two drinks on the day before.
Like I said, this is a quick read but it’s definitely not lacking the romance! There were times I completely forgot they were aboard a boat just off the Australian coast. Ophelia London definitely knows how to rock the boat [in a good way] with these two! I loved their chemistry. I loved Jeff’s Aussie accent. (I mean, let’s get real…who doesn’t love a man with an accent?) And I loved that both POVs were covered.
Summer isn’t over just yet, and this is the perfect novella to take you on a quick trip down under.
August 13, 2014
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
First of all, I love these characters. Sharona is a klutz after my own heart. Jeff is funny, smart, and caring. Jeff Cruz is a hometown Aussie boy turned hero. He’s a marine biologist specializing in Great White Sharks. Jeff has dedicated his life to learning about them. Sharona Blake is an auditor for SED Independent Auditors of Miami-Dade County. She’s contracted by the University of Miami to perform an audit on how Jeff and his team allocates the money he receives from sponsors.
Fate has a way of intervening in your life, just when you least expect it and need it. And fate definitely played a big rule with these two getting together. I found Love Bites to be sweet and entertainly funny. I also found myself having to look up what love bites actually were. Yeah, I’m not sure I will ever get #sharkporn out of my head. My only complaint is that some issues were left unresolved and the ending left me wanting more.
Source: Publisher
by Kim
First of all, I love these characters. Sharona is a klutz after my own heart. Jeff is funny, smart, and caring. Jeff Cruz is a hometown Aussie boy turned hero. He’s a marine biologist specializing in Great White Sharks. Jeff has dedicated his life to learning about them. Sharona Blake is an auditor for SED Independent Auditors of Miami-Dade County. She’s contracted by the University of Miami to perform an audit on how Jeff and his team allocates the money he receives from sponsors.
Fate has a way of intervening in your life, just when you least expect it and need it. And fate definitely played a big rule with these two getting together. I found Love Bites to be sweet and entertainly funny. I also found myself having to look up what love bites actually were. Yeah, I’m not sure I will ever get #sharkporn out of my head. My only complaint is that some issues were left unresolved and the ending left me wanting more.
Source: Publisher
August 12, 2014
If you are looking for a quick afternoon read then look no farther than Love Bites. I devoured this book in one sitting and got totally lost in the story.
Jeff and Sharona are fantastic characters. From the moment they meet to the very last sentence you will be drawn to these two.
I had to chuckle at the fact that Sharona spills a drink on Jeff not once but twice. It's something I would be unlucky enough to do. Not only does she do this, but she is also there to audit his work. This leads to a rather enlightening and entertaining boat ride.
One thing the author has done is to get the Aussie phrases and sites right. It was fun to see our vernacular used and used correctly. Thank you Ophelia London.
I am hoping this is the first in a new series as I would like to see more of Jeff and Sharona. Either way it was a fun read and it shows why this author is on my auto buy list.
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
Jeff and Sharona are fantastic characters. From the moment they meet to the very last sentence you will be drawn to these two.
I had to chuckle at the fact that Sharona spills a drink on Jeff not once but twice. It's something I would be unlucky enough to do. Not only does she do this, but she is also there to audit his work. This leads to a rather enlightening and entertaining boat ride.
One thing the author has done is to get the Aussie phrases and sites right. It was fun to see our vernacular used and used correctly. Thank you Ophelia London.
I am hoping this is the first in a new series as I would like to see more of Jeff and Sharona. Either way it was a fun read and it shows why this author is on my auto buy list.
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
August 26, 2014
My thoughts:
Sharks & Romance!
"I don't spill my drinks on just any man, you know." She touched his cheek. "only dashing shark lovers with panty dropping accents."
LOVE BITES by Ophelia London is the first book in her new Entangled Bliss series, Sugar City. I was in shark week withdrawal until I discovered LOVE BITES. I found it to be the perfect beach read and the answer to my shark obsession. It's a quick read at just 117 pages. It grabbed my attention from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. This is the fourth book I've read by Ophelia and each one has been a fun and sexy treat.
My full review has been posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Sharks & Romance!
"I don't spill my drinks on just any man, you know." She touched his cheek. "only dashing shark lovers with panty dropping accents."
LOVE BITES by Ophelia London is the first book in her new Entangled Bliss series, Sugar City. I was in shark week withdrawal until I discovered LOVE BITES. I found it to be the perfect beach read and the answer to my shark obsession. It's a quick read at just 117 pages. It grabbed my attention from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. This is the fourth book I've read by Ophelia and each one has been a fun and sexy treat.
My full review has been posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
November 19, 2015
Sharona went to Australia for work, but on the way there she already catches the eye of a gorgeous guy named Jeff, when she accidentally spills the drink on him. That’s not the first nor last time it happens, on the second time they actually hit it off, but when things are about to get hot, she freaks out and leaves him waiting for her. The next morning, when she going to a auditing, Jeff and Sharona meet once again and that gives them the time to either work through their issues or end everything before it even started.
It’s a short and sweet romance. I liked the setting in the book, the warm and summery Australia seemed a good choice on a rainy autumn day. The characters were likeable and relatable, even though the story is short, which means there isn’t a lot of character development.
It’s a short and sweet romance. I liked the setting in the book, the warm and summery Australia seemed a good choice on a rainy autumn day. The characters were likeable and relatable, even though the story is short, which means there isn’t a lot of character development.
August 24, 2014
4.5 stars
Love Bites was such a fun and entertaining read.
I'm a huge fan of Ophelia London's writing and once again she's given us a great story with lovable and relatable characters.
From the first page I knew I was going to enjoy this short story, once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Loved the chemistry between Sharona and Jeff!
Also it was an added bonus that Jeff was a fellow Aussie ;)
Great writing, great story, what a great way to spend my afternoon, thank you Ophelia London.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Entangled Bliss for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Love Bites was such a fun and entertaining read.
I'm a huge fan of Ophelia London's writing and once again she's given us a great story with lovable and relatable characters.
From the first page I knew I was going to enjoy this short story, once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Loved the chemistry between Sharona and Jeff!
Also it was an added bonus that Jeff was a fellow Aussie ;)
Great writing, great story, what a great way to spend my afternoon, thank you Ophelia London.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Entangled Bliss for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 18, 2014
Love Bites by Ophelia London is the perfect bite of romance for an afternoon of reading pleasure. Coincidence or not, I loved that I was reading this while also watching Shark Week. ;) Sharona and Jeff are both characters that I really liked right from the beginning. I spent a lot of the book in angst over when they would be together. This novella is the perfect start to a series. I loved the interaction and the backdrop of the sharks. It is a perfect pick-me-up with palpable chemistry making me want more.
I received a complimentary eARC for review purposes - this did not influence my review.
I received a complimentary eARC for review purposes - this did not influence my review.
August 19, 2014
**A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review**
Great quick read which was made even better when you had dual POV shown in the book. Loved Sharona and Jeff who were both so very stubborn and had to be right about everything. .These characters had been hurt before so they were leery of being hurt again. As the story progresses, you see them thaw toward each other and their hearts open. This was a great read and I loved it. Great story , one worth reading. I highly recommend this story! Fast paced,, great writing, wonderful duel pov and steamy love scenes. What more can you ask for ….
My rating:4 star ***
Great quick read which was made even better when you had dual POV shown in the book. Loved Sharona and Jeff who were both so very stubborn and had to be right about everything. .These characters had been hurt before so they were leery of being hurt again. As the story progresses, you see them thaw toward each other and their hearts open. This was a great read and I loved it. Great story , one worth reading. I highly recommend this story! Fast paced,, great writing, wonderful duel pov and steamy love scenes. What more can you ask for ….
My rating:4 star ***
August 7, 2014
I liked this book even though it was kind of short. I would have really liked to see what happened with her boss and see what happens with their relationship. It just left me feeling a little rushed and unsatisfied. But the overall story was really good though. It takes place over two days and these two main characters connect immediately. Their feelings are very intense and really pull the reader into the story. Good read!
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For more reviews, go to bbsbookreviews.com
August 18, 2014
Who said biting couldn't be fun?
This was the perfect read during shark week. I look forward to it every year. After reading the synopsis of Love Bites I knew it would become one of my favorites. Ophelia London did not disappoint. It was refreshing to read a unique love story. I mean how many romances have you read involving sharks and a sexy man? If you're looking for a quick and flirty read this is it!
This was the perfect read during shark week. I look forward to it every year. After reading the synopsis of Love Bites I knew it would become one of my favorites. Ophelia London did not disappoint. It was refreshing to read a unique love story. I mean how many romances have you read involving sharks and a sexy man? If you're looking for a quick and flirty read this is it!
August 16, 2014
Thank you to Entangled for giving me a chance to read this book
With that being said I found this book a tad bit boring. It was a little tame for me as far as what I normally read. I never felt like the characters really connected. I didn't feel that sexual tension at all between these characters.
With that being said I found this book a tad bit boring. It was a little tame for me as far as what I normally read. I never felt like the characters really connected. I didn't feel that sexual tension at all between these characters.
August 18, 2014
A fun sexy read. The perfect read for beach, unless you are afraid of sharks. I devoured this book in one afternoon, could not put it down. Loved the characters of Sharona and Jeff. This book had me laughing out loud, two drinks spilled on Jeff. Ok, so I will admit I did sing My Sharona, in my head a few times while reading. Highly recommend for a fun summer read.
September 4, 2014
I hate it when the free Friday book is so stupid. I've read better from this author. I think she was probably sitting around watching Shark Week and decided to throw a romance novel together during commercials. That's what it felt like. I bet I'm right.
January 2, 2016
So cute!
August 16, 2014
This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
Sharona Blaire is an auditor who is travelling from Miami to Sydney on business. Wandering into first class by mistake, Sharona compounds her errors by accidentally tipping a whole Bloody Mary over one of the first class passengers as she escorted back to economy class. Later that evening Sharona goes to the hotel bar to relax. Deciding that the night is a bust she turns around to walk away, and manages to spill her drink over a gorgeous stranger – the same gorgeous stranger – for the second time that day. This breaks the ice and they start to talk, finding they have a real connection.
Although Sharona has never been a one night stand kind of girl she feels she could do with a confidence boost. She broke off her relationship with her fiancé (also her boss) about 6 months ago. He didn’t respect her then, and he doesn’t respect her now, meaning her work life is under pressure too. She isn’t looking forward to the next day’s work either, and she’s longing for a chance to escape reality, just for a little while, but will she go through with it?
"Something about being halfway around the world made her feel... unencumbered. Or maybe it was the effects of her Long Island iced tea combined with his dreamy, ocean-blue eyes."
Although Jeff is not somebody who makes a habit of having no strings attached nights of passion the American hottie he has just met who is insisting on no names or personal details being exchanged is hard to resist as the attraction between them is pretty intense. Conservation scientist Jeff is also fairly new on the singles scene – his marriage broke down a while ago after his wife betrayed his trust to sell some of his intellectual property and he hasn’t been interested in putting himself out there until the temptation of tonight. Although Jeff loves his job, he’s dreading tomorrow, as he’ll have the distraction of having to deal with an auditor...
This was a very interesting setting for a romance – a research boat looking at the travel and mating habits of the great white shark. There is a level of resentment and distrust between the main characters due to how the previous night ended and the baggage from their respective exes.
Sharona seemed very nice, although why she continued to work with her foul ex was a mystery, an auditing job isn’t that hard to come by! So often in romances the protagonists have really glamorous jobs and I thought it made a nice change to have a more prosaic profession. Jeff was a super hot, intelligent conservationist with a good sense of humour, described as having a grin that was 'an interesting cross between Han Solo and Thor'. What’s not to like?!
Since this is a novella there wasn’t much time for the story to build and their relationship developed between them very quickly, but given the nature of the setting, a one day boat trip with some time at the hotel before and after things would have to develop quickly to have any kind of story. There was a grand gesture which I felt was unnecessary and also a little unbelievable, but I thought this was an enjoyable story, and just the ticket if you wanted a quick escape with a short, untaxing read. I'd rate this as 3½ stars.
*Many thanks to the publishers, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
Sharona Blaire is an auditor who is travelling from Miami to Sydney on business. Wandering into first class by mistake, Sharona compounds her errors by accidentally tipping a whole Bloody Mary over one of the first class passengers as she escorted back to economy class. Later that evening Sharona goes to the hotel bar to relax. Deciding that the night is a bust she turns around to walk away, and manages to spill her drink over a gorgeous stranger – the same gorgeous stranger – for the second time that day. This breaks the ice and they start to talk, finding they have a real connection.
Although Sharona has never been a one night stand kind of girl she feels she could do with a confidence boost. She broke off her relationship with her fiancé (also her boss) about 6 months ago. He didn’t respect her then, and he doesn’t respect her now, meaning her work life is under pressure too. She isn’t looking forward to the next day’s work either, and she’s longing for a chance to escape reality, just for a little while, but will she go through with it?
"Something about being halfway around the world made her feel... unencumbered. Or maybe it was the effects of her Long Island iced tea combined with his dreamy, ocean-blue eyes."
Although Jeff is not somebody who makes a habit of having no strings attached nights of passion the American hottie he has just met who is insisting on no names or personal details being exchanged is hard to resist as the attraction between them is pretty intense. Conservation scientist Jeff is also fairly new on the singles scene – his marriage broke down a while ago after his wife betrayed his trust to sell some of his intellectual property and he hasn’t been interested in putting himself out there until the temptation of tonight. Although Jeff loves his job, he’s dreading tomorrow, as he’ll have the distraction of having to deal with an auditor...
This was a very interesting setting for a romance – a research boat looking at the travel and mating habits of the great white shark. There is a level of resentment and distrust between the main characters due to how the previous night ended and the baggage from their respective exes.
Sharona seemed very nice, although why she continued to work with her foul ex was a mystery, an auditing job isn’t that hard to come by! So often in romances the protagonists have really glamorous jobs and I thought it made a nice change to have a more prosaic profession. Jeff was a super hot, intelligent conservationist with a good sense of humour, described as having a grin that was 'an interesting cross between Han Solo and Thor'. What’s not to like?!
Since this is a novella there wasn’t much time for the story to build and their relationship developed between them very quickly, but given the nature of the setting, a one day boat trip with some time at the hotel before and after things would have to develop quickly to have any kind of story. There was a grand gesture which I felt was unnecessary and also a little unbelievable, but I thought this was an enjoyable story, and just the ticket if you wanted a quick escape with a short, untaxing read. I'd rate this as 3½ stars.
*Many thanks to the publishers, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book for my honest review.
August 11, 2014
* I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
When Sharona (yep, like the song) is given the assignment to travel halfway across the world to Australia to audit a team of marine biologists she expects to get in, get it done, and go home. The trip to starts off poorly, with a spilled Bloody Mary on herself and an unknown passenger,as well as lost luggage. Despite this, Sharona decides to let go for the night and visit the hotel bar, where she promptly spills her second drink of the day on herself and again on a stranger. When she finally stops apologizing and gets a good luck at the handsome stranger, she realizes that things might actually be starting to look up.
Marine biologist Jeff Cruz is back in his home country of Australia to collect data on sharks that he's spent years studying. He thought maybe he had only imagined someone spilling a drink on him on the plane ride, considering he'd been sleeping at the time and no one was there when he awoke. But when a second drink is spilled on him in his hotel bar, and he hears that same voice apologizing, this time he knows it's for real. Jeff can certainly forgive a beautiful woman a little clumsiness, as long as she is willing to share a few drinks with him.
Sharona is fresh off of a bad breakup and while she is no used to picking up guys in bars, the attraction is immediate and soon the flirting gets pretty hot and heavy. Sharona surprise herself by kissing Jeff, and soon they are both making plans for something more. But at the last minute Sharona admits to herself that she is simply not a one night stand kind of girl and sneaks off to her room, leaving Jeff frustrated and wondering if he'll ever see her again. Imagine both their surprise when bright and early the next morning Sharona arrives to audit Jeff's boat.
This was a very cute and quick read. I usually don't care for books where the romance moves along this quickly because it typically seems rushed and completely unrealistic. This entire novella takes place over the course of only 48 hours and has an actually HEA, not just a HFN)(happy for now) ending, but I didn't feel that it was rushed at all, I think it flowed really well. I really appreciate that the author did some research about sharks, marine biology, and tracking systems. I really am impressed by Ophelia London, I've never read her before and I think her writing style of switching point of views from the hero to the heroine to be very interesting. She managed to make the pov transitions smoothly. She also was able to successful write a pretty hot romance that doesn't actually include a traditional love scene.
When Sharona (yep, like the song) is given the assignment to travel halfway across the world to Australia to audit a team of marine biologists she expects to get in, get it done, and go home. The trip to starts off poorly, with a spilled Bloody Mary on herself and an unknown passenger,as well as lost luggage. Despite this, Sharona decides to let go for the night and visit the hotel bar, where she promptly spills her second drink of the day on herself and again on a stranger. When she finally stops apologizing and gets a good luck at the handsome stranger, she realizes that things might actually be starting to look up.
Marine biologist Jeff Cruz is back in his home country of Australia to collect data on sharks that he's spent years studying. He thought maybe he had only imagined someone spilling a drink on him on the plane ride, considering he'd been sleeping at the time and no one was there when he awoke. But when a second drink is spilled on him in his hotel bar, and he hears that same voice apologizing, this time he knows it's for real. Jeff can certainly forgive a beautiful woman a little clumsiness, as long as she is willing to share a few drinks with him.
Sharona is fresh off of a bad breakup and while she is no used to picking up guys in bars, the attraction is immediate and soon the flirting gets pretty hot and heavy. Sharona surprise herself by kissing Jeff, and soon they are both making plans for something more. But at the last minute Sharona admits to herself that she is simply not a one night stand kind of girl and sneaks off to her room, leaving Jeff frustrated and wondering if he'll ever see her again. Imagine both their surprise when bright and early the next morning Sharona arrives to audit Jeff's boat.
This was a very cute and quick read. I usually don't care for books where the romance moves along this quickly because it typically seems rushed and completely unrealistic. This entire novella takes place over the course of only 48 hours and has an actually HEA, not just a HFN)(happy for now) ending, but I didn't feel that it was rushed at all, I think it flowed really well. I really appreciate that the author did some research about sharks, marine biology, and tracking systems. I really am impressed by Ophelia London, I've never read her before and I think her writing style of switching point of views from the hero to the heroine to be very interesting. She managed to make the pov transitions smoothly. She also was able to successful write a pretty hot romance that doesn't actually include a traditional love scene.
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