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Wicked Brand #1
Wicked Takeover
She’s just inherited a tattoo parlor, and the hunk who comes with it.
Lauren’s in a helluva mess. Not only has she lost her corporate job, her long-absent father just left her a struggling tattoo parlor along with the virile dude who runs it. Dante’s sinfully hot with a killer smile and inked biceps. Lauren’s full-figured, sorta pretty and wanting him badly. Dream on. She’s here to sell the place as quickly as possible for some much-needed cash.
Dante sees the heat in Lauren’s eyes despite her conservative appearance. He recognizes the dynamite woman she could be if she’d just loosen up and have some wicked fun. Dominance and submission. Making love in a public place. Having her lush body always accessible to and ready for his.
Carnal games seduce them until lust turns to surprising need and friendship to something much deeper.
A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
9 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Tina Donahue
108 books656 followersI'm an Amazon and international bestselling novelist who writes passionate romance for every taste - 'heat with heart' - for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Romantic Times, and numerous online sites have praised my work. I've won Readers' Choice Awards, was named a finalist in the EPIC competition, received a Book of the Year Award, The Golden Nib Award, awards of merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competitions, and second place in the NEC RWA contests. I'm featured in the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market. Before penning romances, I worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.
On a less serious note: I'm an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, brake for Mexican restaurants, and have been known to moan like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" while wolfing down tostadas. I've flown a single-engine airplane (freaking scary), rewired an old house using an 'electricity for dummies' book, and am horribly shy despite the hot romances I write.
You can find me here:
FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DonahueTina1/
Website/Blog: http://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1wFmIu6
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ziy4IU
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1Dl8DHy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tina-...
Triberr: http://bit.ly/1CE2ec7
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1yFLeMx
Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/1ChWFkO
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author...
My page at TRR: http://bit.ly/1vb7eEc
Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K
Romance Books 4 US: http://bit.ly/1JPtfeS
Dirty Birdies: http://bit.ly/2xBHnI0
On a less serious note: I'm an admitted and unrepentant chocoholic, brake for Mexican restaurants, and have been known to moan like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" while wolfing down tostadas. I've flown a single-engine airplane (freaking scary), rewired an old house using an 'electricity for dummies' book, and am horribly shy despite the hot romances I write.
You can find me here:
FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DonahueTina1/
Website/Blog: http://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1wFmIu6
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ziy4IU
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1Dl8DHy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tina-...
Triberr: http://bit.ly/1CE2ec7
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1yFLeMx
Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/1ChWFkO
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author...
My page at TRR: http://bit.ly/1vb7eEc
Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K
Romance Books 4 US: http://bit.ly/1JPtfeS
Dirty Birdies: http://bit.ly/2xBHnI0
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 8, 2017
The last thing Lauren wanted was to claim an inheritance left to her by her estranged father, but desperate times call for desperate measures. So it’s with a desperation to stay afloat and a determination to save herself from stringent financial ruin, that Lauren finds herself managing her late father’s struggling tattoo parlor.
In her formal office suit and modest professionalism, Lauren stands out like a sore thumb. But it’s the stud running the show that has her rethinking her master plan.
Dante is every dirty sexy fantasy Lauren’s ever had (and then some) come to life. He’s amazing, thoughtful, smart, sexy as all get-out and somehow as into Lauren as she is into him. The plan was simple. She’d go in, do some damage control and sell the place as soon as humanly possible.
But Dante isn’t just a pretty face with a boat load of charisma and charm. He sets out to show Lauren the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.
This was such a cute and uplifting reading. The characters are fleshed out, the emotion is poignant and the heat is packed in tight and non-stop. I wish we would have gotten just a smidge more closure for Lauren regarding her father. It’s lightly touched on (not nearly enough imo) and then it kind of just gets left hanging.
I enjoyed meeting the side characters as much as the MCs. Van Gogh for one was beyond interesting and Jasmina, well she’s a fire cracker too :) I would recommend as a fun and easy beach read.
Favorite Line
That whole intro scene pretty much set the mood of this read. It was funny, sweet and scorching hot. The attraction is instant and the deeper pull follows quickly.
* * *ARC provided for an honest review* * *
SAFETY
In her formal office suit and modest professionalism, Lauren stands out like a sore thumb. But it’s the stud running the show that has her rethinking her master plan.
Dante is every dirty sexy fantasy Lauren’s ever had (and then some) come to life. He’s amazing, thoughtful, smart, sexy as all get-out and somehow as into Lauren as she is into him. The plan was simple. She’d go in, do some damage control and sell the place as soon as humanly possible.
But Dante isn’t just a pretty face with a boat load of charisma and charm. He sets out to show Lauren the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.
This was such a cute and uplifting reading. The characters are fleshed out, the emotion is poignant and the heat is packed in tight and non-stop. I wish we would have gotten just a smidge more closure for Lauren regarding her father. It’s lightly touched on (not nearly enough imo) and then it kind of just gets left hanging.
I enjoyed meeting the side characters as much as the MCs. Van Gogh for one was beyond interesting and Jasmina, well she’s a fire cracker too :) I would recommend as a fun and easy beach read.
Favorite Line
She hoped he hadn’t inked his balls and cock. His equipment had to be as awesome as the rest of him. No way could anyone improve on nature’s perfection.
That whole intro scene pretty much set the mood of this read. It was funny, sweet and scorching hot. The attraction is instant and the deeper pull follows quickly.
* * *ARC provided for an honest review* * *
SAFETY
July 25, 2017
The father she knew as a young child left for work one day and never came home, throwing both Lauren and her mother into poverty and the pain of being abandoned. Now an educated adult who has just lost her job, Lauren finds she has inherited her estranged father’s business, a tattoo parlor. The very conservative and self-proclaimed “curvy” woman is determined to sell the shop and move on with life, hopefully a life that includes a job.
When Lauren first saw the handsome and intelligent Dante at Wicked Brand, she vacillates between lust and self-deprecation, certain that her less than perfect body would never interest the ma in front of her. Clearly she had no idea the effect she had on Dante who prefers “meat” on his women.
As Lauren wrestles with selling the shop and finding a job, her inner bad girl takes a carnal vacation dreaming of all the things Dante could do for her, to her and with her. Imagine her delight when she discovers that reality is far better than her dreams. As Dante plays Dom, Lauren finds that nothing is more important than their sexual acrobatics, any place, any time, any way.
Of course there are secrets, some not worth keeping, some not to be kept for long, but neither Dante nor Lauren feel they can share like they can share their bodies. (?????) WICKED TAKEOVER by Tine Donahue is erotic romance, dipped in quirky humor, major insecurities and massive decisions, but in the end, it is the sex that drives this tale. Fabulous secondary characters are glossed over, the concept of a tattoo parlor is glossed over, unless the discussion is about penis tattoos, naked clients and Lauren’s insecurities about their “perfect” bodies next to hers as she sucks down a Dove Bar.
This tale could have been so much “more” if there were more story and fewer orgasms. I think it's time to get over "less than perfect" bodies and move along. This isn’t my favorite from this author.
I received an ARC edition from Entangled: Scorched in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Wicked Brand - Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched (August 7, 2017)
Publication Date: August 7, 2017
Genre: Erotic Romance
Print Length: 210 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
When Lauren first saw the handsome and intelligent Dante at Wicked Brand, she vacillates between lust and self-deprecation, certain that her less than perfect body would never interest the ma in front of her. Clearly she had no idea the effect she had on Dante who prefers “meat” on his women.
As Lauren wrestles with selling the shop and finding a job, her inner bad girl takes a carnal vacation dreaming of all the things Dante could do for her, to her and with her. Imagine her delight when she discovers that reality is far better than her dreams. As Dante plays Dom, Lauren finds that nothing is more important than their sexual acrobatics, any place, any time, any way.
Of course there are secrets, some not worth keeping, some not to be kept for long, but neither Dante nor Lauren feel they can share like they can share their bodies. (?????) WICKED TAKEOVER by Tine Donahue is erotic romance, dipped in quirky humor, major insecurities and massive decisions, but in the end, it is the sex that drives this tale. Fabulous secondary characters are glossed over, the concept of a tattoo parlor is glossed over, unless the discussion is about penis tattoos, naked clients and Lauren’s insecurities about their “perfect” bodies next to hers as she sucks down a Dove Bar.
This tale could have been so much “more” if there were more story and fewer orgasms. I think it's time to get over "less than perfect" bodies and move along. This isn’t my favorite from this author.
I received an ARC edition from Entangled: Scorched in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Wicked Brand - Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched (August 7, 2017)
Publication Date: August 7, 2017
Genre: Erotic Romance
Print Length: 210 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 27, 2014
Unfortunately I struggled to finish this , on nearly every page the couple were either thinking about having sex or having sex now don't get me wrong I love a good sex scene and I don't mind lots of them but not to the point that there's more sex than story.
July 24, 2017
Admittedly I wanted to read this book for more than the enticing blurb, the story takes place close to where I live. I know the neighborhood. It's trendy, arty and great food. So a tattoo parlor would not be out of place there. It's a wonderful area that has been revitalized and anything you could want is there.
Lauren was way past being down on her luck, being let go from a corporate job due to downsizing and unable to find another job, being in debt and what does she get in return? She inherits a tattoo parlor from a father who left she and her mother when she was 5. Never saw or heard from him again. It destroyed her mother and Lauren has never been able to trust that anyone she lets in close won't leave her. Part of it is her poor body image, she's a curvy girl. She doesn't see herself as desirable, and certainly not someone worthy of a long term commitment. Bring in Dante. Sigh.
When Lauren goes to visit what she inherits, she watches at first, seeing a young girl who she measures herself against dash up the street wearing not too much. She walks in and she meets Dante, he thinks she's there for a tat or piercing, she's just taking in all the art on the walls and photos of the piercings and is that what she thinks it is tattoo on a man's genital area including his penis? Yep, it is.
She informs Dante who she is, tells him she owns the business now and him. He introduces Van Gogh another very talented artist and tattoo artist and when Miss cutie, Jasmina pops back in, she's got lunch for everyone. Of course, this group is like family, they invite her to eat. She turns them down even though she hasn't eaten a real meal since she can remember. She lives on PB&J. She's tells them she's looking to sell the business and also looking for a job for herself, explaining the situation. Or at least in part. Certainly not the details of her father, because her father helped everyone in that business of his, helping them out when no one else would. Confused, this seems to add to her misconceptions about herself and wondering who her Dad really was.
Lauren hits it off in a big way with Dante and with Jasmina encouraging her, the two start off slow, a dinner here and there and then like a bottle rocket the sex just explodes. Sex can be not done, well done or overdone. In this book, it was a bit overdone and didn't add to the story. I do understand what the author was trying to get across and that was Dante's desire for her and her for him. Even though her self talk was they were just friends. Well wow, if that's what friends do.... yes indeed!
Lauren finally tells Dante about her father and why she feels the way she does, but still doesn't admit her physical appearance and self doubt and Dante's made in clear to her he loves curvy women.
This girl has the worst self esteem for an HR manager, holy crow.
Let me round this out here because I can digress forever, Dante reveals some personal things about his life to her also. Things that he feels may make her run away. They have their ups and downs.
I loved all the characters in the book, even the quiet rarely seen Van Gogh. We meet some of Dante's family and since this is book one I see a lot of potential stories ahead coming off this first book.
Good solid bones to the plot line.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**
Lauren was way past being down on her luck, being let go from a corporate job due to downsizing and unable to find another job, being in debt and what does she get in return? She inherits a tattoo parlor from a father who left she and her mother when she was 5. Never saw or heard from him again. It destroyed her mother and Lauren has never been able to trust that anyone she lets in close won't leave her. Part of it is her poor body image, she's a curvy girl. She doesn't see herself as desirable, and certainly not someone worthy of a long term commitment. Bring in Dante. Sigh.
When Lauren goes to visit what she inherits, she watches at first, seeing a young girl who she measures herself against dash up the street wearing not too much. She walks in and she meets Dante, he thinks she's there for a tat or piercing, she's just taking in all the art on the walls and photos of the piercings and is that what she thinks it is tattoo on a man's genital area including his penis? Yep, it is.
She informs Dante who she is, tells him she owns the business now and him. He introduces Van Gogh another very talented artist and tattoo artist and when Miss cutie, Jasmina pops back in, she's got lunch for everyone. Of course, this group is like family, they invite her to eat. She turns them down even though she hasn't eaten a real meal since she can remember. She lives on PB&J. She's tells them she's looking to sell the business and also looking for a job for herself, explaining the situation. Or at least in part. Certainly not the details of her father, because her father helped everyone in that business of his, helping them out when no one else would. Confused, this seems to add to her misconceptions about herself and wondering who her Dad really was.
Lauren hits it off in a big way with Dante and with Jasmina encouraging her, the two start off slow, a dinner here and there and then like a bottle rocket the sex just explodes. Sex can be not done, well done or overdone. In this book, it was a bit overdone and didn't add to the story. I do understand what the author was trying to get across and that was Dante's desire for her and her for him. Even though her self talk was they were just friends. Well wow, if that's what friends do.... yes indeed!
Lauren finally tells Dante about her father and why she feels the way she does, but still doesn't admit her physical appearance and self doubt and Dante's made in clear to her he loves curvy women.
This girl has the worst self esteem for an HR manager, holy crow.
Let me round this out here because I can digress forever, Dante reveals some personal things about his life to her also. Things that he feels may make her run away. They have their ups and downs.
I loved all the characters in the book, even the quiet rarely seen Van Gogh. We meet some of Dante's family and since this is book one I see a lot of potential stories ahead coming off this first book.
Good solid bones to the plot line.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review**
July 17, 2015
"Wicked Amazing! Best Takeover ever!"
This is the second Takeover book I have read and they are both Incredible!. I hated seeing the book come to a end I just wanted to keep on reading about Dante and Lauren. It was just that marvelous!. There really is no word for this book but WOW!! . The story line is fantastic. The characters are beyond Awesome! Dante is just so sexy he is such a dream man, sweet, caring major Alpha Male :) . Lauren is a feisty, spunky,curvy Woman that is sweet, funny and sexy. The two make the perfect couple and the sex scene's are just out of this world Incredible!. I hope Tina will write lots more of these Takeover books they are by far her best books ever! . You need to read the Takeovers and you will see what I mean :) .
This is the second Takeover book I have read and they are both Incredible!. I hated seeing the book come to a end I just wanted to keep on reading about Dante and Lauren. It was just that marvelous!. There really is no word for this book but WOW!! . The story line is fantastic. The characters are beyond Awesome! Dante is just so sexy he is such a dream man, sweet, caring major Alpha Male :) . Lauren is a feisty, spunky,curvy Woman that is sweet, funny and sexy. The two make the perfect couple and the sex scene's are just out of this world Incredible!. I hope Tina will write lots more of these Takeover books they are by far her best books ever! . You need to read the Takeovers and you will see what I mean :) .
August 5, 2017
Author Tina Donahue scored major points with Wicked Takeover. She managed to hide an empowering message inside a sensual delight. With Dante and Lauren, Ms. Donahue sets to building a legacy of positivity. Lauren and Dante are different, but yet the same. He's a tattoo artist, with an eye for beauty and a body full of art. She's an insecure sweetheart with body image issues and a beautiful soul. Both are outsiders, searching for a place to belong. The beauty of Wicked Takeover is that once the sexy scenarios are cleared away, the underlying message still stands. True beauty shines from within and that's a message that never gets old.
August 12, 2017
copy received through Netgalley
Lauren finds herself in a tight bind. She lost her job, her benefits are about to run out and so is her savings. The father that abandoned her as a child has left her a tattoo shop. It is not a big money maker so Lauren must make the decision to find a new job and/or sell the shop. She comes to care for the people who run the shop, especially Dante. They spend a lot of time fantasizing about sex with each other before the deed actually get done. From that point on its constant. I never felt like I got a chance to actually get to know them. Some things are revealed toward the end but for the most part, I found myself skimming through most of the book
Lauren finds herself in a tight bind. She lost her job, her benefits are about to run out and so is her savings. The father that abandoned her as a child has left her a tattoo shop. It is not a big money maker so Lauren must make the decision to find a new job and/or sell the shop. She comes to care for the people who run the shop, especially Dante. They spend a lot of time fantasizing about sex with each other before the deed actually get done. From that point on its constant. I never felt like I got a chance to actually get to know them. Some things are revealed toward the end but for the most part, I found myself skimming through most of the book
August 5, 2017
Wicked Takeover by Tina Donahue
Wicked Brand #1
Great introduction to a new series!
Lauren has lost her job, has no family and has inherited a tattoo parlor from a father she has not seen in over 20 years. She has wanted nothing to do with her father but the possibility that the shop might bring income to her depleted accounts is something she cannot ignore. So, off she goes to check out Wicked Brand.
Dante, Van Gogh and Jasmina are the people manning the shop. Van Gogh is a young artist that is able to create masterpieces on skin or off but he is a quiet soul who no doubt has an interesting backstory we do not hear in this book – I do want to hear it. Jasmina is also young, in college and beautiful within and without – I look forward to hearing her love story in the future. Dante is older and almost a father figure to the two younger employees. He is in charge, the manager, deals with just about everything, is paternal in some ways to the younger two and a whole lot more than a tattoo artist – he knew Lauren’s father and has a huge family – one brother joins the tattoo team at the end of this book so my guess is that he will have a book of his own in the future.
As for this story – it is about family and what is truly important in life – is it money or is there more than money that is of greater importance. Well, Lauren is feeling the need for money and Dante is on the other side of that thought so the two bump heads sometimes. Lauren has body image issues and Dante thinks her body is fine – more than fine, in fact. The two spend a lot of time thinking steamy thoughts then eventually acting some of them out. They hit a bump in the road – related to the money – and do manage to work it out to provide a HEA by the end of the book.
I liked the story and would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Scorched for the ARC – I am eager to read book two in the series – this is my honest review.
4 Stars
Wicked Brand #1
Great introduction to a new series!
Lauren has lost her job, has no family and has inherited a tattoo parlor from a father she has not seen in over 20 years. She has wanted nothing to do with her father but the possibility that the shop might bring income to her depleted accounts is something she cannot ignore. So, off she goes to check out Wicked Brand.
Dante, Van Gogh and Jasmina are the people manning the shop. Van Gogh is a young artist that is able to create masterpieces on skin or off but he is a quiet soul who no doubt has an interesting backstory we do not hear in this book – I do want to hear it. Jasmina is also young, in college and beautiful within and without – I look forward to hearing her love story in the future. Dante is older and almost a father figure to the two younger employees. He is in charge, the manager, deals with just about everything, is paternal in some ways to the younger two and a whole lot more than a tattoo artist – he knew Lauren’s father and has a huge family – one brother joins the tattoo team at the end of this book so my guess is that he will have a book of his own in the future.
As for this story – it is about family and what is truly important in life – is it money or is there more than money that is of greater importance. Well, Lauren is feeling the need for money and Dante is on the other side of that thought so the two bump heads sometimes. Lauren has body image issues and Dante thinks her body is fine – more than fine, in fact. The two spend a lot of time thinking steamy thoughts then eventually acting some of them out. They hit a bump in the road – related to the money – and do manage to work it out to provide a HEA by the end of the book.
I liked the story and would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Scorched for the ARC – I am eager to read book two in the series – this is my honest review.
4 Stars
August 15, 2017
Lauren is running out on her luck, having lost her job she has little to keep her afloat. However having inherited a tattoo parlour from her estranged father who she had not seen since he walked out on his family over twenty years ago, she looks as this to be her life saver.
Her plans at selling the business quickly become extinguished once she meets the three people who run the business especially the sexy and beguiling Dante. The two strike up an intense game of will they won’t they with plenty of hot rated day dreams in between. Lauren feels she has no chance with Dante due to her additional curves but little does she know she is exactly what Dante had been looking for all these years.
There were plenty of secrets and hidden depths in this sexy intense read that I read in one sitting. I would have preferred more depth though in the development of the relationship between Dante and Lauren as opposed to the multitude of erotic interludes they both created.
Overall a hot lusty read with enough plot line to keep me engaged but this could have been so much more. Three and a half stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the Publishers, Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Her plans at selling the business quickly become extinguished once she meets the three people who run the business especially the sexy and beguiling Dante. The two strike up an intense game of will they won’t they with plenty of hot rated day dreams in between. Lauren feels she has no chance with Dante due to her additional curves but little does she know she is exactly what Dante had been looking for all these years.
There were plenty of secrets and hidden depths in this sexy intense read that I read in one sitting. I would have preferred more depth though in the development of the relationship between Dante and Lauren as opposed to the multitude of erotic interludes they both created.
Overall a hot lusty read with enough plot line to keep me engaged but this could have been so much more. Three and a half stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the Publishers, Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2017
I rarely read blurbs of books but this one I did and it totally made me want to read it. Lauren's Dad left when she was younger. He hasn't heard from him but after he passes she inherited his business, Wicked Brand. In the beginning Lauren is a mess. She's struggling to pay bills and just wants to sell Wicked Brand. When she meets Dante, that was a little funny. Dante has been running Wicked Brand. He's super smart and sexy. I kind figured he had a secret when Jasmina said "Dante's just kidding. He's the one with the brains. He's__" That line pulled me further into the story. I wasn't really hooked on the story until then. I was like Dante is what? I couldn't put it down I had to know. Money isn't something Dante focuses on very much. He's a very interesting guy. Dante and Lauren have great chemistry and they are some steamy scenes. This one was a good quick read.
August 14, 2017
Lauren has lost her corporate job and now is going to sell the tattoo parlor which she inherited for some much needed cash. When she meets tattooist Dante, he sees much more than what is standing in front of him. As for Lauren the poor girl can hardly form sentences upon seeing Dante…even if she is there to sell the place. I loved the storyline between these two. This was a little, flirty read that left you feeling oh, so good.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a free and honest review.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a free and honest review.
August 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review.
This is a cute, quick story about Lauren, a human resources manager that gets let go from her job, inherits a Tattoo Shop and meets a man who introduces her to the joys of her body. I liked this story but wish the author dug a little deeper into the characters. I felt that their relationship was sex scene after sex scene with hardly any story, I wanted more story, more connection to the characters. Overall this is a well written story but just not enough depth for me.
This is a cute, quick story about Lauren, a human resources manager that gets let go from her job, inherits a Tattoo Shop and meets a man who introduces her to the joys of her body. I liked this story but wish the author dug a little deeper into the characters. I felt that their relationship was sex scene after sex scene with hardly any story, I wanted more story, more connection to the characters. Overall this is a well written story but just not enough depth for me.
August 6, 2017
I know this is an erotic romance and the steam is important but I still want more of a story to go along with the sex. The writing is good and the story could have been great but it fell short for me. The characters are interesting especially some of the secondary ones however Lauren and her insecurities are annoying. Thankfully Dante is one dominating hottie. This story has a touch of humor, lots of lies and secrets, and definitely lots of orgasms!
September 6, 2017
Sizzling goodness! I truly enjoyed reading this one :) Donahue's work is excellent! Great character connections and backstories for each that lead to awesome chemistry between them. Definitely a must read in the romance department. I thoroughly enjoyed the sex, I did wish for a tad more story. But overall something that will keep you warm at night!
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
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August 31, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. Well, did not enjoy it, however the writing was good so I could not give it less stars. We could have really had a great story, and the character could have been developed more if the author would have given them time to get to know each other than just hitting the sheets.
August 14, 2017
Lauren is a twenty-five year old who finds herself in quite the pickle. She's been unemployed since her HR job was out sourced and she's been unable to secure a new one. Her savings are dwindling fast. One day she gets a letter stating her estranged father has passed and she's inherited a tattoo shop. Her first thought is to liquidate everything, only the lawyer fees would make it virtually impossible to recoup any money. She decides to check it out herself and sell what she can.
Lauren's first impression of the shop is its very neat and clean. The artwork is amazing. Then she meets the employees and she likes them all, especially Dante. He's all muscle, tats, and sexy as hell. But he would never go for a bigger girl like herself would he?
Dante....oooooh boy! What a charmer he is! I loved him from the start! Yes he's got the whole package going on visually, but he's also kind, sweet, and caring. He's wowed by Lauren right away! He knows she has the power to make or break the shop, so he strives to help her in any way she can. Their sparks keep getting stronger and much harder to contain.
When fantasies morph into the real thing! Yowza! These two are hot together! Dante takes her on a journey to realize money isn't everything, it's the people you meet along the way. Lauren slowly sees this and is ultimately torn about getting a new job away from the shop, or even selling the shop itself. But Dante and she aren't just friends, are we??
Such a fun and enlightening read! Lauren had a one track mind, and through Dante's love of life itself-food, fun, family- he slowly changes Lauren's view. Yes she has some issues when it came to her father, and that rears its head now and again, but she seemed open to what Dante was showing her. I would have liked maybe a bit more closure on her father issue, but oh well. I really liked their romantic journey anyway!
I also really enjoyed meeting all the characters that made up the Wicked Brand tattoo shop! Van Gogh and Jasmina both deserve stories too!
4 Stars/4 Flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for a voluntary review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions
Lauren's first impression of the shop is its very neat and clean. The artwork is amazing. Then she meets the employees and she likes them all, especially Dante. He's all muscle, tats, and sexy as hell. But he would never go for a bigger girl like herself would he?
Dante....oooooh boy! What a charmer he is! I loved him from the start! Yes he's got the whole package going on visually, but he's also kind, sweet, and caring. He's wowed by Lauren right away! He knows she has the power to make or break the shop, so he strives to help her in any way she can. Their sparks keep getting stronger and much harder to contain.
When fantasies morph into the real thing! Yowza! These two are hot together! Dante takes her on a journey to realize money isn't everything, it's the people you meet along the way. Lauren slowly sees this and is ultimately torn about getting a new job away from the shop, or even selling the shop itself. But Dante and she aren't just friends, are we??
Such a fun and enlightening read! Lauren had a one track mind, and through Dante's love of life itself-food, fun, family- he slowly changes Lauren's view. Yes she has some issues when it came to her father, and that rears its head now and again, but she seemed open to what Dante was showing her. I would have liked maybe a bit more closure on her father issue, but oh well. I really liked their romantic journey anyway!
I also really enjoyed meeting all the characters that made up the Wicked Brand tattoo shop! Van Gogh and Jasmina both deserve stories too!
4 Stars/4 Flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for a voluntary review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions
September 19, 2014
I loved this story from Tina! It touches base with so many things thst affect us all and the chemistry snd scenes are hot between Lauren and Dante! They both have issues they need to overcome, but they find spending time with each other a great time and getting out of Lauran's comfort zone with herself, but sexually she knows what she wants. This is a definite must buy and read!
August 13, 2017
Wicked Takeover
This is the romance novel that broke the proverbial romance novel loving streak. It’s by entangled, but not the imprint by them that I love. A different imprint, and I’m just finding it lacklustre.
It felt like all window dressing for exposition sex. I’m not against exposition sex. Just the rest of the story elements didn’t ring true for me.
We have a woman who got laid off from her HR job, and then came into an inheritance of a tattoo parlour. So here she is trying to figure out what to do with this inheritance that barely turns a profit. She’s put in a position where she can’t make cuts, and is hanging out at this store doing pretty much nothing all day, applying for HR jobs. Also there is a hot tattoo artists, who knew her father, who walked out on her as a kid, so he knows the dad’s side of the story which she is obviously missing, and he also had his own past we must learn about.
The beginning is filled with them describing each other as being kind and nice, or whatever bland comparisons that make me want to roll my eyes, before they even got to know each other. It is all tell not show, and it drove me crazy. We have a few scenes of them kind of getting to know each other, but mostly it’s filled with wanton lust.
Then we get to the hooking up. But here she is being shy with her body. Oh, I’m bigger and nobody could possibly want that. Certainly not this guy who has his hands all over me. I really hate the innocent act, and the nobody loves me act. Not for me.
Afterwards she spends a lot of time thinking oh this is just temporary, he can’t possibly want me long term. Without having a conversation with each other. EYE ROLL!
There is more sexy times.
Then we get her dad’s backstory, which is just an info dump.
Then we get her challenging him.
Then we get his backstory. Turns out he was rich, and gave it all up. He minimized but is financially secure. Of course he doesn’t have to worry about money, because he has a back up. She doesn’t.
Then she gets a job offer, and an offer to buy the tattoo shop all in one day. But obviously there are issues with both, which force a confrontation for her to be like, no, I want to stay here and do this thing.
Then we have an epilogue that ties everything up. She turned the store around and it turns a profit, and he goes back to law. And all there financial woes are solves, because they chose each other.
The problem solving in this book, was info dumpy, and not at all a build of elements that had been placed there. It’s all about the sex, and the story is just window dressing. At the end I was just skimming for the sex, and the info that tied up the threads of the story.
There where also a lot of moments where the overall description jumped me from the story. Every time she used the word belly, I though of Santa clause and his bowl full of jelly like belly. Also the word channel to describe the vagina. I mean a few times I would have let it pass, but after awhile, I was like, can we not find something different to describe this. I also remember a scene where she snuggled up to him, before sex. Like to get closed to him, when they are getting hot and heavy. Snuggling is for after sex, let’s me clear about that. There was also a moment where she describes how he smells, while his tongue is plunging in her mouth. That moment should have gone to taste and texture. Smell was not what I needed in that moment.
If you want exposition sex, then this book has it. But the rest of it, just fell flat for me. It felt like it was a rushed job, and attention to detail wasn’t paid. A book turned out for the sake of not becoming irrelevant.
I will say that it had a great cover, and some good reviews on the entangled site that encouraged me to buy it. So the marketing for this, was well done.
This is the romance novel that broke the proverbial romance novel loving streak. It’s by entangled, but not the imprint by them that I love. A different imprint, and I’m just finding it lacklustre.
It felt like all window dressing for exposition sex. I’m not against exposition sex. Just the rest of the story elements didn’t ring true for me.
We have a woman who got laid off from her HR job, and then came into an inheritance of a tattoo parlour. So here she is trying to figure out what to do with this inheritance that barely turns a profit. She’s put in a position where she can’t make cuts, and is hanging out at this store doing pretty much nothing all day, applying for HR jobs. Also there is a hot tattoo artists, who knew her father, who walked out on her as a kid, so he knows the dad’s side of the story which she is obviously missing, and he also had his own past we must learn about.
The beginning is filled with them describing each other as being kind and nice, or whatever bland comparisons that make me want to roll my eyes, before they even got to know each other. It is all tell not show, and it drove me crazy. We have a few scenes of them kind of getting to know each other, but mostly it’s filled with wanton lust.
Then we get to the hooking up. But here she is being shy with her body. Oh, I’m bigger and nobody could possibly want that. Certainly not this guy who has his hands all over me. I really hate the innocent act, and the nobody loves me act. Not for me.
Afterwards she spends a lot of time thinking oh this is just temporary, he can’t possibly want me long term. Without having a conversation with each other. EYE ROLL!
There is more sexy times.
Then we get her dad’s backstory, which is just an info dump.
Then we get her challenging him.
Then we get his backstory. Turns out he was rich, and gave it all up. He minimized but is financially secure. Of course he doesn’t have to worry about money, because he has a back up. She doesn’t.
Then she gets a job offer, and an offer to buy the tattoo shop all in one day. But obviously there are issues with both, which force a confrontation for her to be like, no, I want to stay here and do this thing.
Then we have an epilogue that ties everything up. She turned the store around and it turns a profit, and he goes back to law. And all there financial woes are solves, because they chose each other.
The problem solving in this book, was info dumpy, and not at all a build of elements that had been placed there. It’s all about the sex, and the story is just window dressing. At the end I was just skimming for the sex, and the info that tied up the threads of the story.
There where also a lot of moments where the overall description jumped me from the story. Every time she used the word belly, I though of Santa clause and his bowl full of jelly like belly. Also the word channel to describe the vagina. I mean a few times I would have let it pass, but after awhile, I was like, can we not find something different to describe this. I also remember a scene where she snuggled up to him, before sex. Like to get closed to him, when they are getting hot and heavy. Snuggling is for after sex, let’s me clear about that. There was also a moment where she describes how he smells, while his tongue is plunging in her mouth. That moment should have gone to taste and texture. Smell was not what I needed in that moment.
If you want exposition sex, then this book has it. But the rest of it, just fell flat for me. It felt like it was a rushed job, and attention to detail wasn’t paid. A book turned out for the sake of not becoming irrelevant.
I will say that it had a great cover, and some good reviews on the entangled site that encouraged me to buy it. So the marketing for this, was well done.
July 26, 2017
Original review can be found at Freeing Fantasy. You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Bloglovin.
ARC of Wicked Takeover provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC of Wicked Takeover provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
Wicked Takeover had a very interesting concept of an independent corporate woman, Lauren, who was let go from her job and then inherited a tattoo shop. There she meets Dante and falls in instant lust, plus it helps that he's actually a great guy too. I loved the whole tattoo shop idea and the employees who worked there. The only thing is I wish the other artist in the shop had more personality. He was an amazing artist and very talented but personality wise, he was just there and always moping. He never really showed much interaction with the rest of them and that kind of bugged me.
Lauren was a cool character and I loved that she wasn't a size 2. She was described as independent and didn't rely on anyone to get herself by. She actually preferred to struggle on her own then take anything away from anyone else and I thought that was very admirable. Problem was, she was extremely self-conscious about her weight and didn't think she was good looking. A part of me just really want's to see a full figured woman who is confident.
Dante had a very interesting back story. He wasn't just some hot tattoo artist who wanted to bone constantly, though they did bone constantly. Which brings up another thing. I felt like this book, for the most part, was all about the sex. Every other page they were either having sex or thinking about having sex. Yes, I know this is a romance and sex is the lure to romance novels, but if there's no story to it than the whole thing falls flat. Wicked Takeover did have a story to it, but I felt like it was some what ignored and could have had so much more done with it.
For the most part, it was a good book, and very steamy. Even though I had my own issues with it here and there it was still an easy enjoyable read.
August 14, 2017
Lauren has no choice but to accept the inheritance her father left her, especially since losing her job and needing an influx of cash to survive. However, she doesn't know the first thing about tattoo parlors or even how to run one, so she'll have to learn quickly. Yet, working alongside Dante, the sexy tattoo artist that runs it has her off-balance and her mind more focused on him than her dire financial situation. Will Dante be able to convince Lauren that money isn't everything and that forever after is the key to happiness?
This was a story that gave me mixed feelings from start to finish. There were things that I loved such as the hero and his back story and the secondary characters in the people that work at the tattoo parlor that have a love for their jobs and a love for life. Then there were things that I was frustrated by such as the plot that I thought didn't have enough of a storyline to make me want to sit down and read this book in one sitting and the heroine's situation that made me believe the heroine wasn't doing enough to rectify the fact that she was jobless. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine's situation, as she's running low on money and needs to find a way to change her luck. Will she find a job that will give her the chance to get back on her feet?
As for the main characters, I really liked the hero. He's confident, charming and I liked what he's done with his life because he'd burned out from being a successful lawyer and being a tattoo artist has given him the chance to see the good in people again and not make him feel like he's doing wrong by people. I also liked how the hero interacted sometimes teasingly with the heroine and was determined to show her that money wasn't everything. Didn't she realize that happiness was the key to life? While the heroine, she's been through a lot in her life and she finds it hard to accept her inheritance because of what her father did. Yet, I could understand why she felt the need to accept. It wasn't as if she had any other choice. However, I was frustrated by the fact that I felt the heroine wasn't doing enough to help herself with her job situation. Why couldn't she accept something any sort of job until something better came along in her field?
Overall, Ms. Donahue has penned a story that I did like where the chemistry between this couple was well-built and the romance spilled over onto the pages in steamy sex scenes. Yet, I just wished there had been a few more obstacles for this couple to overcome. The way this story ended was good, but I was hoping for more. Didn't the heroine deserve to be chased after? Wouldn't distance have been the perfect opportunity for the hero to realize that what he had with the heroine was worth fighting for? Moreover, I liked the decision the hero made when it came to his career, as second chances are worth pursuing. I would recommend Wicked Takeover by Tina Donahue, if you enjoy contemporary romance with plenty of spice or books by authors LA Casey, Lexi Blake, Lili Valente or Tessa Bailey.
August 1, 2017
Lauren Simms has just lost her job and discovers that her absentee father has just died leaving her a tattoo parlor called Wicked Brand in West Palm Beach. Knowing she needs money to survive she knows she must sell the shop when she struggles finding a new job.
Dante Avana is the manager at Wicked Brand and he along with tattoo artist extraordinaire Van Gogh and receptionist Jasmina keep the place running. He is extremely attracted to Lauren but understands that she must do what is right for her with the shop, even if it means selling the place.
As Lauren begins looking at the books she begins to get close to everyone at the shop. Soon she finds herself falling for Dante and begins a relationship with him. When opportunities arise for herself in regards to a job and the selling the shop will she take the chance or will she take what is right in front of her?
This was a great read on finding yourself and overcoming what is in the past. Lauren partly struggled with the shop as it was her dad's and she felt as though he abandoned her and then didn't want any part of something that came from him. She was jealous that the people who worked with him had a relationship with him while she didn't yet she was embraced by them all even though they knew she was planning on selling.
Dante was awesome and I loved the dinner he and Lauren had at the Cuban restaurant!! Super hot!! He was into BDSM and treated Lauren like an absolute queen! I will never look at a Merry-Go-Round the same again! I loved how Dante realized what was important to him and that it wasn't money that made him happy.
I loved the ending and was glad that everything worked out the way it should!!
Great read!
Dante Avana is the manager at Wicked Brand and he along with tattoo artist extraordinaire Van Gogh and receptionist Jasmina keep the place running. He is extremely attracted to Lauren but understands that she must do what is right for her with the shop, even if it means selling the place.
As Lauren begins looking at the books she begins to get close to everyone at the shop. Soon she finds herself falling for Dante and begins a relationship with him. When opportunities arise for herself in regards to a job and the selling the shop will she take the chance or will she take what is right in front of her?
This was a great read on finding yourself and overcoming what is in the past. Lauren partly struggled with the shop as it was her dad's and she felt as though he abandoned her and then didn't want any part of something that came from him. She was jealous that the people who worked with him had a relationship with him while she didn't yet she was embraced by them all even though they knew she was planning on selling.
Dante was awesome and I loved the dinner he and Lauren had at the Cuban restaurant!! Super hot!! He was into BDSM and treated Lauren like an absolute queen! I will never look at a Merry-Go-Round the same again! I loved how Dante realized what was important to him and that it wasn't money that made him happy.
I loved the ending and was glad that everything worked out the way it should!!
Great read!
August 26, 2017
I have to admit I was expecting more from Wicked Takeover. I wanted more character development, more story development, but what I got was basically erotica with little storyline or plot movement.
Lauren is about down to her last dollar when she finds she's inherited a tattoo parlor from her estranged father, the father who went to work one day when she was a child and just never returned. When she goes in to assess the parlor so she can sell it, she's astonished to find that she's attracted to the hot manager, Dante. They're soon hitting the sheets, but there's a clock ticking away at what could be a fabulous relationship. She intends on selling the tattoo shop and find a job in her field (HR), so sticking around to be with Dante isn't in her plans.
Wicked Takeover could have been so good. There was potential for a hot, exciting relationship between two interesting characters, but it just fell flat. Well, not entirely flat, as their chemistry is electric. But, the sex overtook any chance of building a strong, lasting relationship. And Lauren's constant, massive body insecurities were also a big obstacle to any potential relationship. I had wanted this to be an edgy, opposites attract, DEEP story and what I got was basically just lots of sex, good sex, yes, but still mostly just sex. A big disappointment, to be honest.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Lauren is about down to her last dollar when she finds she's inherited a tattoo parlor from her estranged father, the father who went to work one day when she was a child and just never returned. When she goes in to assess the parlor so she can sell it, she's astonished to find that she's attracted to the hot manager, Dante. They're soon hitting the sheets, but there's a clock ticking away at what could be a fabulous relationship. She intends on selling the tattoo shop and find a job in her field (HR), so sticking around to be with Dante isn't in her plans.
Wicked Takeover could have been so good. There was potential for a hot, exciting relationship between two interesting characters, but it just fell flat. Well, not entirely flat, as their chemistry is electric. But, the sex overtook any chance of building a strong, lasting relationship. And Lauren's constant, massive body insecurities were also a big obstacle to any potential relationship. I had wanted this to be an edgy, opposites attract, DEEP story and what I got was basically just lots of sex, good sex, yes, but still mostly just sex. A big disappointment, to be honest.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
August 10, 2017
I must admit that I had underestimated the amount of sex this book would include. As this is not the book's fault but mine, it has no effect on my rating. I just mention it because, even though it is well written, I felt like skipping a lot of pages when Lauren and Dante got started...
On the whole, it was a nice story with very unique and amazing characters. Dante is simply great, reading about him, well, I guess, he is the sort of guy, most women dream of (which of course, is also part of the problem, at least for Lauren who is rather self-conscious due to her shyness and her figure), Lauren is sweet and you just hope that she starts to believe in herself and in Dante and his feelings.
Oh, and don't forget Van Gogh and Jasmina, they are sweet and, well, let's just face it, Van Gogh is the proverbial genius, artistic, amazing but socially completely inept.
I was very happy to see Lauren find love with Dante but somehow the whole story made a turn into, well, a kind of fairytale land in the end, when in a very short time everything just turned out more than well.
Somehow, in the span of less than a year, dreams come true and miracles happen. Okay, something like that.
Nevertheless, it is a nice story and worth reading!
On the whole, it was a nice story with very unique and amazing characters. Dante is simply great, reading about him, well, I guess, he is the sort of guy, most women dream of (which of course, is also part of the problem, at least for Lauren who is rather self-conscious due to her shyness and her figure), Lauren is sweet and you just hope that she starts to believe in herself and in Dante and his feelings.
Oh, and don't forget Van Gogh and Jasmina, they are sweet and, well, let's just face it, Van Gogh is the proverbial genius, artistic, amazing but socially completely inept.
I was very happy to see Lauren find love with Dante but somehow the whole story made a turn into, well, a kind of fairytale land in the end, when in a very short time everything just turned out more than well.
Somehow, in the span of less than a year, dreams come true and miracles happen. Okay, something like that.
Nevertheless, it is a nice story and worth reading!
August 15, 2017
Lauren just lost her job in HR, but hey, she'll bounce back thanks to a business she just inherited...wait, it's a tattoo shop? Umm...
Dante, the man that runs said tattoo shop, sees the conservative dripping from Lauren, yet, he sees the heat too.
The two are on different sides as Lauren is determined to sell the shop, turning a profit so she can return to her previous life, but Dante refuses to let that happen. However, they do have something in common...an explosive chemistry for one another, something neither can resist.
As these two begin spending more time together, they begin building a friendship, as well as ensuring the success of the business. What starts out as fun is quickly becoming so much more, something that could change their lives forever.
Will Lauren ever have closure regarding her estranged father and his death? Can Dante convince Lauren to give them, and the shop, a chance? Is Dante just using Lauren for a good time with the bonus of getting his way? Or is he truly hoping for more, and permanent? Is there a HEA for them?
One-click now and follow along as two people, seemingly from completely different worlds, discover a love that overcomes all obstacles.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Dante, the man that runs said tattoo shop, sees the conservative dripping from Lauren, yet, he sees the heat too.
The two are on different sides as Lauren is determined to sell the shop, turning a profit so she can return to her previous life, but Dante refuses to let that happen. However, they do have something in common...an explosive chemistry for one another, something neither can resist.
As these two begin spending more time together, they begin building a friendship, as well as ensuring the success of the business. What starts out as fun is quickly becoming so much more, something that could change their lives forever.
Will Lauren ever have closure regarding her estranged father and his death? Can Dante convince Lauren to give them, and the shop, a chance? Is Dante just using Lauren for a good time with the bonus of getting his way? Or is he truly hoping for more, and permanent? Is there a HEA for them?
One-click now and follow along as two people, seemingly from completely different worlds, discover a love that overcomes all obstacles.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
November 6, 2017
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars but I am rounding up to be fair since some of this review may be personal preference.
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book. Lauren meets Dante when she finds out her long lost Dad leaves her a tattoo parlor in his will. While struggling to make ends meets in her own life, she now has to take on the tattoo shop, which is barely surviving, and fight her attraction to Dante, who is also managing to come to terms with his new life.
I thought both characters were easy to relate to and that part of the story really sucked me in. I found this book fun, exciting, and intense, and I was really worried about how this book would end.
That being said there were some things that I really feel took away from the story. I didn’t feel that there was a lot of build up or “evidence” to back up the way both characters said they were feeling. The other issue for me (and this may be a complete personal issue) was that all parts that were intimate were a little dated and awkward. The way that they were described took away from the actual scene for me
All of this being said , I would say that it is worth the read and a book that I think you will enjoy.
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book. Lauren meets Dante when she finds out her long lost Dad leaves her a tattoo parlor in his will. While struggling to make ends meets in her own life, she now has to take on the tattoo shop, which is barely surviving, and fight her attraction to Dante, who is also managing to come to terms with his new life.
I thought both characters were easy to relate to and that part of the story really sucked me in. I found this book fun, exciting, and intense, and I was really worried about how this book would end.
That being said there were some things that I really feel took away from the story. I didn’t feel that there was a lot of build up or “evidence” to back up the way both characters said they were feeling. The other issue for me (and this may be a complete personal issue) was that all parts that were intimate were a little dated and awkward. The way that they were described took away from the actual scene for me
All of this being said , I would say that it is worth the read and a book that I think you will enjoy.
August 8, 2017
the wicked brand series kicks off with wicked takeover, where lauren and dante develop a thrilling sex connection and a relationship worth fighting for. if only either of them had the guts to actually express what they want clearly.
they're actually really good at doing that in the bedroom, or not the bedroom, because most of the time they're having sex in public or semi-public places. it's kind of their thing. but they are both on the same page and clearly hot for each other.
the problem is that when it comes about talking about what they really want for the future, they both think that the other person isn't in for the long haul. and there is literally a scene where they are arguing about their future and are totally talking at cross purposes. it's actually kind of funny and once they both realize that they are being ridiculous it all ends well.
this was an enjoyable, sexy read. the chemistry between dante and lauren is strong. and i liked that dante was latino, and appreciated how the author brought his latino heritage into the story, i think he was supposed to be cuban, but to me it seemed like there was some blurring between puerto rican and cuban. it was clear to me that the author was not latina, and did her best to research the cuisine and such, but some of her descriptions were slightly off and the spanish phrases had clearly been crafted with google translate and not a native spanish speaker because they were just not right. this is a pet peeve of mine actually, and hopefully, there were corrections made before the galley went to press, but given that i see poorly worded spanish in published novels all the time, i'm not really holding my breath.
**wicked takeover will publish on august 7, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (scorched) in exchange for my honest review.
they're actually really good at doing that in the bedroom, or not the bedroom, because most of the time they're having sex in public or semi-public places. it's kind of their thing. but they are both on the same page and clearly hot for each other.
the problem is that when it comes about talking about what they really want for the future, they both think that the other person isn't in for the long haul. and there is literally a scene where they are arguing about their future and are totally talking at cross purposes. it's actually kind of funny and once they both realize that they are being ridiculous it all ends well.
this was an enjoyable, sexy read. the chemistry between dante and lauren is strong. and i liked that dante was latino, and appreciated how the author brought his latino heritage into the story, i think he was supposed to be cuban, but to me it seemed like there was some blurring between puerto rican and cuban. it was clear to me that the author was not latina, and did her best to research the cuisine and such, but some of her descriptions were slightly off and the spanish phrases had clearly been crafted with google translate and not a native spanish speaker because they were just not right. this is a pet peeve of mine actually, and hopefully, there were corrections made before the galley went to press, but given that i see poorly worded spanish in published novels all the time, i'm not really holding my breath.
**wicked takeover will publish on august 7, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (scorched) in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2017
I was asked to review this e-book arc from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Lauren is down on her luck. She just lost her HR job and finds out that her father died.
Her father left her a tattoo shop, Wicked Brand. The shop is doing Ok but Lauren still has to pay her bills and her students loans so she walks into the shop thinking she is going to find a buyer and sell the shop. She wasn't counting on Dante though.
Dante is the manager and a tattoo artist, a sexy hunky Latino man. Lauren is immediately drawn to him but also knows that guys like him don't go for guys like her. Or do they?
Lauren and Dante start spending more time together as Lauren is learning the business, applying for HR jobs and trying to find a buyer. Spending so much time together that an undeniably attraction grows between the two and some very steamy, fan worthy naked times ensue.
I really enjoyed this story and I read it so quickly. I am a sucker for tattoo stories and Dante is just so sweet and although the book is a lot of naked times it also has some underlying story that I really connected with. I think I would definitely read more from this author.
Lauren is down on her luck. She just lost her HR job and finds out that her father died.
Her father left her a tattoo shop, Wicked Brand. The shop is doing Ok but Lauren still has to pay her bills and her students loans so she walks into the shop thinking she is going to find a buyer and sell the shop. She wasn't counting on Dante though.
Dante is the manager and a tattoo artist, a sexy hunky Latino man. Lauren is immediately drawn to him but also knows that guys like him don't go for guys like her. Or do they?
Lauren and Dante start spending more time together as Lauren is learning the business, applying for HR jobs and trying to find a buyer. Spending so much time together that an undeniably attraction grows between the two and some very steamy, fan worthy naked times ensue.
I really enjoyed this story and I read it so quickly. I am a sucker for tattoo stories and Dante is just so sweet and although the book is a lot of naked times it also has some underlying story that I really connected with. I think I would definitely read more from this author.
August 21, 2017
What a fun, hot read! Lauren's lost her job and hasn't been able to find anything in months and is wondering what she'll do when she finds out she's inherited a tattoo shop from the father who ran out on them when she was little. When she arrives to check it out she meets the resident hottie, Dante, who ends up taking center stage in her erotic dreams. But she needs to sell it so she has money and needs to find a new job still, so there's no time to play with him. Dante wants Lauren also and won't take no for an answer. When feeling become more then friendship can she still walk away?
Another delightful read by this author. Lauren and Dante aren't just a meet and fall into bed couple, they make their way to falling into bed (or the office in their case). On the way there's humor and also sadness about the past and new friends to help Lauren make her decisions and provide Dove Bars. Fully recommend it to anyone who loves a good story! I received a copy under no obligation.
Another delightful read by this author. Lauren and Dante aren't just a meet and fall into bed couple, they make their way to falling into bed (or the office in their case). On the way there's humor and also sadness about the past and new friends to help Lauren make her decisions and provide Dove Bars. Fully recommend it to anyone who loves a good story! I received a copy under no obligation.
August 1, 2017
When Lauren inherits a tattoo shop from her estranged father, she must decide if she will sell it or keep it. Considering that she lost her job almost 6 months before, she has to find a new job for herself and/or sell the tattoo parlor.
Even though this story is told from a dual POV, I felt like I really didn't know either character as well as I would have liked to. Especially Dante, we don't find out what his back story is until towards the end of the book. I did appreciate Dante's love of a curvy woman though!
What this book lacks in romantic storytelling, it makes up for with a plethora of sex. It didn't seem like the couple wanted to share their lives but definitely their bodies. All the pieces for a good romance were there, I think the author could have make the relationship a bit stronger before the continuous sex.
♥♥♥ 3/5 Hearts
Even though this story is told from a dual POV, I felt like I really didn't know either character as well as I would have liked to. Especially Dante, we don't find out what his back story is until towards the end of the book. I did appreciate Dante's love of a curvy woman though!
What this book lacks in romantic storytelling, it makes up for with a plethora of sex. It didn't seem like the couple wanted to share their lives but definitely their bodies. All the pieces for a good romance were there, I think the author could have make the relationship a bit stronger before the continuous sex.
♥♥♥ 3/5 Hearts
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