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The Lawson Brothers #1
Love So Hot
Bank Teller and all around good girl, Sydney McKnight, is tired of being the girl all the guys want to have as a friend. Who better to help unleash her inner vixen than her best friend and secret crush, Brody Lawson? Only, Sydney has no idea how to ask him, without their friendship going up in flames, until that is, the town of Jessamine's annual Firemen's Auction gives her the perfect excuse to set her plan into motion.
Fire Captain Brody Lawson has been in love with his best friend, Sydney, for years, but he would never risk their friendship by confessing his feelings to her. So, when Sydney beats out the competition to buy his time at the annual Firemen's Auction, Brody can hardly believe his luck until she asks him to teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman.
Now, it’s up to Brody to show Sydney how perfect she already is and convince her that the only man for her is him, because if Sydney is going to seduce any man, it’s going to be him. And once he has her in his bed, he’s not letting her go.
Fire Captain Brody Lawson has been in love with his best friend, Sydney, for years, but he would never risk their friendship by confessing his feelings to her. So, when Sydney beats out the competition to buy his time at the annual Firemen's Auction, Brody can hardly believe his luck until she asks him to teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman.
Now, it’s up to Brody to show Sydney how perfect she already is and convince her that the only man for her is him, because if Sydney is going to seduce any man, it’s going to be him. And once he has her in his bed, he’s not letting her go.
Unknown Binding
First published January 5, 2015
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About the author
Marquita Valentine
75 books1,734 followersMarquita Valentine is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance.
When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south.
You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/3XFh3k
When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south.
You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/3XFh3k
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
January 21, 2018
2.5*
(Tanja ne brat tega, LOL)
Somehow, I enjoyed the writing style and was compelled to finish this book, but....
Oh, boy. *facepalm*
I've read many friends-lovers trope romances, but the plot of this one was by far the most laughable. Start to finish ridiculous.
SPOILER and RANT alert!!!
I might read smth else by this author. Maybe even continue this series. Who knows?
(Tanja ne brat tega, LOL)
Somehow, I enjoyed the writing style and was compelled to finish this book, but....
Oh, boy. *facepalm*
I've read many friends-lovers trope romances, but the plot of this one was by far the most laughable. Start to finish ridiculous.
SPOILER and RANT alert!!!
I might read smth else by this author. Maybe even continue this series. Who knows?
August 18, 2015
Hmm. I understand other people resented the hero having a 'friends with benefits' arrangement with Cherry. That didn't bother me and, TBH, it was no such thing. He was a nice guy.
This was a fairly typical plot. Best friends forever in a small town, both secretly in love with each other. What did make my blood pressure rise was that Brody drives off every man that is interested in Sydney - her last date gave her a fist pump and then left with two other women. Now clearly that was a sleazy thing to do but he was intimidated by Brody. So, Brody is in a reasonably long-term relationship with Cherry (she has bid on him every year at the charity auction that it is 'known' that she always wins Brody) but he has effectively sabotaged any chance Sydney has at a relationship. Somewhere she says she has been on a lot of first dates and that guys always put her in the friend-zone. Actually the more I think about it the more angry this makes me.
So, everyone in town knows that the two of them are in love - so instead of someone sitting at a bar or restaurant with a small group including the two of them and saying "its clear that you two love each other, you aren't just best friends and everyone else can see it" they hatch an elaborate plot like 12 year olds to make Brody jealous enough to say something. This involves pretending to like Brody's rookie fire-fighter, bidding on Brody at the charity auction, asking Brody to teach Sydney how to seduce a man and other nonsense.
As is often the case with series like these, I found another couple more intriguing than the subjects of the current story, Tristan and Lemon. I had thought (and typed) that they would be the subjects of the next book but instead it is the black sheep brother of the family who has just been released from prison for fraud.
I would probably read more of these but it would have to be a low price point - 99p?
This was a fairly typical plot. Best friends forever in a small town, both secretly in love with each other. What did make my blood pressure rise was that Brody drives off every man that is interested in Sydney - her last date gave her a fist pump and then left with two other women. Now clearly that was a sleazy thing to do but he was intimidated by Brody. So, Brody is in a reasonably long-term relationship with Cherry (she has bid on him every year at the charity auction that it is 'known' that she always wins Brody) but he has effectively sabotaged any chance Sydney has at a relationship. Somewhere she says she has been on a lot of first dates and that guys always put her in the friend-zone. Actually the more I think about it the more angry this makes me.
So, everyone in town knows that the two of them are in love - so instead of someone sitting at a bar or restaurant with a small group including the two of them and saying "its clear that you two love each other, you aren't just best friends and everyone else can see it" they hatch an elaborate plot like 12 year olds to make Brody jealous enough to say something. This involves pretending to like Brody's rookie fire-fighter, bidding on Brody at the charity auction, asking Brody to teach Sydney how to seduce a man and other nonsense.
As is often the case with series like these, I found another couple more intriguing than the subjects of the current story, Tristan and Lemon. I had thought (and typed) that they would be the subjects of the next book but instead it is the black sheep brother of the family who has just been released from prison for fraud.
I would probably read more of these but it would have to be a low price point - 99p?
January 1, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
If you are a fan of best friends to lovers romance and quirky small town charm then I highly recommend you to read Love So Hot by Marquita Valentine. If you haven't known by now, I adore and love this author and her writing. She has a magically way of making you fall in love with her lovable cast of characters and of course leave readers like myself with hearts fluttering for those Lawson brothers. And in Love So Hot, Ms. Valentine turned up the heat level as two best friends, Sydney McKnight and Brody Lawson slowly danced around each other as they try to fight their sexual and emotional attraction to one another. What started off as a teaching lesson on seduction soon finds Brody and Sydney falling deep for one another. So what happens when the lessons on seduction gets blurred with the matters of the heart? Can Sydney tell Brody that she has and always been in love with him?
Love So Hot was sweet, charming, and sexy!!! I love the friendship of Brody and Sydney and of course the meddling Cherry McCoy. Although Brody and Sydney needed a good slap to their heads and encouragement to finally admit the truth about their feelings, I did enjoy their playful lessons on seduction. I must say Brody definitely turned up the heat in this explosive love of passion and friendship. So if you are looking for a love story that is hot then I suggest you read Love So Hot by Marquita Valentine. Ms. Valentine will definitely have you ringin' the alarms because Brody and Sydney are fiery hot!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Marquita Valentine
If you are a fan of best friends to lovers romance and quirky small town charm then I highly recommend you to read Love So Hot by Marquita Valentine. If you haven't known by now, I adore and love this author and her writing. She has a magically way of making you fall in love with her lovable cast of characters and of course leave readers like myself with hearts fluttering for those Lawson brothers. And in Love So Hot, Ms. Valentine turned up the heat level as two best friends, Sydney McKnight and Brody Lawson slowly danced around each other as they try to fight their sexual and emotional attraction to one another. What started off as a teaching lesson on seduction soon finds Brody and Sydney falling deep for one another. So what happens when the lessons on seduction gets blurred with the matters of the heart? Can Sydney tell Brody that she has and always been in love with him?
Love So Hot was sweet, charming, and sexy!!! I love the friendship of Brody and Sydney and of course the meddling Cherry McCoy. Although Brody and Sydney needed a good slap to their heads and encouragement to finally admit the truth about their feelings, I did enjoy their playful lessons on seduction. I must say Brody definitely turned up the heat in this explosive love of passion and friendship. So if you are looking for a love story that is hot then I suggest you read Love So Hot by Marquita Valentine. Ms. Valentine will definitely have you ringin' the alarms because Brody and Sydney are fiery hot!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Marquita Valentine
January 29, 2015
I'm not a fan of best friends to lovers stories, they don't make sense to me. I can't accept that a woman will keep on being close friends with a man whilst he is bedding another woman. It is the height of masochism or of stupidity. I would rather end the friendship and move away, so the sight of the man I love with another woman doesn't break my heart constantly.
That said, the story was very entertaining although not very believable for me. Who can believe that the woman who was Brody's lover, breaks up with him for no apparent reason, and is now helping Sydney land the man? I decided to look at the story as a humorous story, with Luke doing the comic relief, and then it made sense.
Sydney has always been in love with Brody and Brody with her, but for some reason, neither of them dares take action on their feelings, afraid to lose the friendship. Cherry, Brody's latest lover, decides to help Sydney land her man by bidding on Brody in a Firemen's auction and asking him to teach her how to seduce a man. There's a fireman rookie who is interested in Sydney and driving Brody crazy trying to get Brody to help him with Sydney. And that is precisely the man that Sydney pretends to be interested in. The plot is perfect for some funny moments, and other hot moments as they embark on a hot affair, that is supposed to be "training".
I liked the secondary plots much better and I'm looking forward to Lemon and Tristan's story, and Bailey and Lucas' story too. They sound much more intriguing and I can hardly wait to get their stories.
That said, the story was very entertaining although not very believable for me. Who can believe that the woman who was Brody's lover, breaks up with him for no apparent reason, and is now helping Sydney land the man? I decided to look at the story as a humorous story, with Luke doing the comic relief, and then it made sense.
Sydney has always been in love with Brody and Brody with her, but for some reason, neither of them dares take action on their feelings, afraid to lose the friendship. Cherry, Brody's latest lover, decides to help Sydney land her man by bidding on Brody in a Firemen's auction and asking him to teach her how to seduce a man. There's a fireman rookie who is interested in Sydney and driving Brody crazy trying to get Brody to help him with Sydney. And that is precisely the man that Sydney pretends to be interested in. The plot is perfect for some funny moments, and other hot moments as they embark on a hot affair, that is supposed to be "training".
I liked the secondary plots much better and I'm looking forward to Lemon and Tristan's story, and Bailey and Lucas' story too. They sound much more intriguing and I can hardly wait to get their stories.
March 29, 2019
If I could, this book would be negative stars, it's that bad.
Brody and Sydney have been best friends since highschool, with Sydney having always been in love with him and he liking her. They're now older and Brody supposedly is in love with her, all while screwing another girl and letting everyone think they are serious. Not only that, but he purposely prevents other guys from being near Sydney because he needs to protect her.
Sydney feels bad about herself and her body, because Brody is a hypocrite and won't let her near guys. He gets to screw for years and he gets angry when she is shown interest from another man.
What pisses me off the most, is how Sydney feels guilty over decieving him and leading him to believe she wants to seduce Kyle, Brody's coworker. And then all Brody has to do, in the very last pages of the book is say I love you and she forgives him for making her feel like crap, keeping guys away from her, screwing other ladies, rejecting her time and time again, and so much more.
This entire book sucks and how it has any stars is beyond me.
Brody and Sydney have been best friends since highschool, with Sydney having always been in love with him and he liking her. They're now older and Brody supposedly is in love with her, all while screwing another girl and letting everyone think they are serious. Not only that, but he purposely prevents other guys from being near Sydney because he needs to protect her.
Sydney feels bad about herself and her body, because Brody is a hypocrite and won't let her near guys. He gets to screw for years and he gets angry when she is shown interest from another man.
What pisses me off the most, is how Sydney feels guilty over decieving him and leading him to believe she wants to seduce Kyle, Brody's coworker. And then all Brody has to do, in the very last pages of the book is say I love you and she forgives him for making her feel like crap, keeping guys away from her, screwing other ladies, rejecting her time and time again, and so much more.
This entire book sucks and how it has any stars is beyond me.
October 8, 2015
With the reviews and the praises regarding the author, I expected at least a 4 star read. Guess not. Read the following.
Pros:
Good English.
Nice characters.
Cons:
VERY common plot, making it extremely unoriginal. At least, if written a bit uniquely, it would be good but nah.
Fast paced to the point where it seems that you cannot keep track and you can't seem to bother either.
Too short. More intimacy would make it a little better.
Not attention-grabbing or actually fun.
It lacks the real quality.
Gets annoying at the end.
Pros:
Good English.
Nice characters.
Cons:
VERY common plot, making it extremely unoriginal. At least, if written a bit uniquely, it would be good but nah.
Fast paced to the point where it seems that you cannot keep track and you can't seem to bother either.
Too short. More intimacy would make it a little better.
Not attention-grabbing or actually fun.
It lacks the real quality.
Gets annoying at the end.
February 12, 2016
I wasn't in a reading mood but this book held my attention, once I had already dropped three others.
It's easy to read, hot and I really liked it. But it annoyed me to no end when side chatacters think they know what's best for the main couple. No matter the book I hate that, and I saw it a lot in Love So Hot. But I'm interested in the author, so I will continue the series.
It's easy to read, hot and I really liked it. But it annoyed me to no end when side chatacters think they know what's best for the main couple. No matter the book I hate that, and I saw it a lot in Love So Hot. But I'm interested in the author, so I will continue the series.
February 12, 2020
I enjoy this author's work and I think that it is some of her earlier work. So I decided to try these Lawson Brothers out.
This is a best friends to lovers romance and it was painful at times. Navigating their new relationship status. I thought it would be weird if the Hero's ex would help the heroine but it wasn't. It was sweet in a way and hilarious.
It is a good start to the series but the Hero is an idiot. Moving on!
This is a best friends to lovers romance and it was painful at times. Navigating their new relationship status. I thought it would be weird if the Hero's ex would help the heroine but it wasn't. It was sweet in a way and hilarious.
It is a good start to the series but the Hero is an idiot. Moving on!
January 19, 2015
I've never been a huge fan of friends to lovers stories and Love So Hot is a perfect example of why. How can you be best friends with someone for years and not know that they're in love with you or vice versa? I mean, you would think it would be pretty obvious, right?!
That being said, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read about a sexy firefighter and I had hoped that Brody and Sydney's story would surpass my expectations. Unfortunately it didn't quite do it for me.
Brody and Sydney have been best friends for years and Sydney has always been in love with him, while he recently realized that he was in love with her. With the help of her friends, Sydney gets Brody to teach her to seduce a fellow firefighter, all the while hoping that he'll realize that he's in love with her. Of course Brody agrees while hoping that she'll fall in love with him... See where this is going?
I had a really hard time connecting with both Sydney and Brody. In all honesty, I didn't really feel the love that they supposedly felt for each other... Especially toward the end when Brody totally shut down on her when he found out that she wasn't really trying to seduce another firefighter in the first place.
While I didn't exactly love the story, I absolutely loved Kyle... The rookie firefighter that Sydney supposedly had her sights set on. And honestly, he's the only reason I gave Love So Hot 3 stars instead of 2. The epilogue did intrigue me though so I'll probably check out Lucas' story, Love So True, when it comes out.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read about a sexy firefighter and I had hoped that Brody and Sydney's story would surpass my expectations. Unfortunately it didn't quite do it for me.
Brody and Sydney have been best friends for years and Sydney has always been in love with him, while he recently realized that he was in love with her. With the help of her friends, Sydney gets Brody to teach her to seduce a fellow firefighter, all the while hoping that he'll realize that he's in love with her. Of course Brody agrees while hoping that she'll fall in love with him... See where this is going?
I had a really hard time connecting with both Sydney and Brody. In all honesty, I didn't really feel the love that they supposedly felt for each other... Especially toward the end when Brody totally shut down on her when he found out that she wasn't really trying to seduce another firefighter in the first place.
While I didn't exactly love the story, I absolutely loved Kyle... The rookie firefighter that Sydney supposedly had her sights set on. And honestly, he's the only reason I gave Love So Hot 3 stars instead of 2. The epilogue did intrigue me though so I'll probably check out Lucas' story, Love So True, when it comes out.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2015
Love So Hot is a sweet friends to lover’s story that made me laugh, swoon and smile. I enjoyed this story, the two main characters were cute, but it was the side characters that really made the story for me. They helped the main characters, Sydney and Brody see their real feelings for each other plus they were so funny. I really hope they will get their own books too.
Sydney McKnight lives a simple life in her small town as a single woman going from one bad date to the next that only last one date long. The only man in her life is her best friend Brody Lawson and the only man she has real feelings for but can’t have.
Brody Lawson, fire captain and small town hero has been in love with his best friend Sydney for years, but he would never risk his friendship with her by telling her. Things change for Sydney and Brody when Sydney wins Brody at the annual fireman’s auction. Sydney and friends come up with a plan to have Brody teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman. No better way to get Brody to admit his feelings, then with a little jealous.
Arc provided by the author for an honest review.
Sydney McKnight lives a simple life in her small town as a single woman going from one bad date to the next that only last one date long. The only man in her life is her best friend Brody Lawson and the only man she has real feelings for but can’t have.
Brody Lawson, fire captain and small town hero has been in love with his best friend Sydney for years, but he would never risk his friendship with her by telling her. Things change for Sydney and Brody when Sydney wins Brody at the annual fireman’s auction. Sydney and friends come up with a plan to have Brody teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman. No better way to get Brody to admit his feelings, then with a little jealous.
Arc provided by the author for an honest review.
November 22, 2020
This story gripped my heart. Sydney McKnight has been in love with her best friend, Brody Lawson, since they were little. He has just never known that she secretly pines for him. Though Sydney is done pining and wants to find a way to make things be known. With the help of a friend, Sydney decides to trick Brody into helping her learn to be sexy so she get whomever she wants.
Brody Lawson knows that he will always have Sydney in his corner. They have been friends for as long as he can remember. Though her asking to help him get a guy is not what he was expecting. He also slowly realizes that he may not be able to let go of Syd when she does decide that she doesn’t need anymore help.
This is by far one of my favorite friends to lovers. I love how both of these characters were written and immediately got hooked on this series.
Brody Lawson knows that he will always have Sydney in his corner. They have been friends for as long as he can remember. Though her asking to help him get a guy is not what he was expecting. He also slowly realizes that he may not be able to let go of Syd when she does decide that she doesn’t need anymore help.
This is by far one of my favorite friends to lovers. I love how both of these characters were written and immediately got hooked on this series.
October 15, 2019
kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I officially name Ms Valentine as one of my favorite authors.
As always she managed to leave a smile on my face after pages and pages of my heart lurching over not sure how a fictional couple could make me feel so many things. The friends-not-friends trope always gets me good. I wanted to hit Brody over the head with something and at the same time loved reading the drama (sorry guys, I’m a little dramatic like that). Despite everything we could always expect a happy ending and that’s what we got. After a lot of maybes. I’m really dying to read Lemon’s and Tristan’s story after this. I hope I’ll be able to find that too. Happy reading folks!
I officially name Ms Valentine as one of my favorite authors.
As always she managed to leave a smile on my face after pages and pages of my heart lurching over not sure how a fictional couple could make me feel so many things. The friends-not-friends trope always gets me good. I wanted to hit Brody over the head with something and at the same time loved reading the drama (sorry guys, I’m a little dramatic like that). Despite everything we could always expect a happy ending and that’s what we got. After a lot of maybes. I’m really dying to read Lemon’s and Tristan’s story after this. I hope I’ll be able to find that too. Happy reading folks!
February 15, 2015
Rather lukewarm
Thought the story just didn't flow. Had no bones,jerky story line. Best part-sex scenes-missing passion! I didn't feel he cherished her-he just wanted to get off himself And his" ex"being the one to help his new girlfriend figure him out--no way.
Thought the story just didn't flow. Had no bones,jerky story line. Best part-sex scenes-missing passion! I didn't feel he cherished her-he just wanted to get off himself And his" ex"being the one to help his new girlfriend figure him out--no way.
November 13, 2015
I mean if you want something completely predictable as a buffer whilst you look for books you actually want to read, this is it. I am being nice giving it two, cause I like some of marquita valentine's books
March 22, 2016
Sweet,short story from best friends to lovers with a little rump on the road. Fast read to put you in happy place.
January 9, 2016
I absolutely love best friends to lovers stories and I'm so glad this was the first book in this new series by Valentine.
Sydney and Brody have been best friends for 23 years but lately they have been feeling differently towards one another. Both don't want to ruin their friendship so they keep it inside until things start to get a little complicated. They both play games to find out if the other feels the same but things could go horribly wrong.
So Brody is a total ladies man and is dating Cherry while he is in love with his best friend. Can we say awkward?! Plus he keeps all the guys away from her which was totally selfish of him while he was doing whatever he wanted. When Cherry offers to help Sydney win her man she accepts but it might be more difficult then either predicted.
I felt this was a great first book for getting to know the Lawson brothers. And after reading this one I am dying to know what each brother does and how they win the girl of their dreams.
If you are looking for a sweet small town romance I definitely suggest giving this series a try!
October 19, 2015
Juvenile and pretty much all based on a big misunderstanding that could have/should have been solved fairly quickly, but then that would mean the author would have had to get creative with the plot. I'm sorry, I know that's mean, but this story really annoyed me. For two people afraid to admit they love each other, they were way too fast in jumping into bed for the ridiculous reason they did IMO. The whole book was pretty fast and I felt like I missed big chunks of the story and just got the condensed version. It just all seemed childish. With all the tricks and mind games with all the characters, it just felt like a plot better suited for YA or highschoolers.
And then, to top it off, my biggest pet peeve: All through the book I felt like they were beating me over the head with teasers for future books in the series. The epilogue wasn't even about the main characters! It was a teaser for the next book.
And then, to top it off, my biggest pet peeve: All through the book I felt like they were beating me over the head with teasers for future books in the series. The epilogue wasn't even about the main characters! It was a teaser for the next book.
January 7, 2018
Love So Hot was pretty lukewarm for me. Haha, look at me with the cheesy puns.
Really, though, I felt like the story lacked content and the characters were flat. Not to mention it was a small town where apparently the mere mention of a co-ed camping trip was scandalous, but seduction included a passionate kissing session upon meeting??? This book was way left of center from what I normally read content-wise, but forgetting all of that - we need a little “book” to go with the book.
I did, however finish this book. I was constantly hoping there would be more, and I just had to wait for it, but nope.
Really, though, I felt like the story lacked content and the characters were flat. Not to mention it was a small town where apparently the mere mention of a co-ed camping trip was scandalous, but seduction included a passionate kissing session upon meeting??? This book was way left of center from what I normally read content-wise, but forgetting all of that - we need a little “book” to go with the book.
I did, however finish this book. I was constantly hoping there would be more, and I just had to wait for it, but nope.
December 24, 2015
I really enjoyed Sydney and Brody's story.
Friends to lovers - Sydney and Brody have been friends forever. And they are both secretly in love with each other. But no one wants to confess their feelings for each other because they don't want to ruin their friendship.
So Sydney asks Brody to help teach her the art of seduction.
You know what's going to happen here. Despite it's predictability, the story held my attention and I wanted to know how it would all play out.
Easy, romantic, light read!
Friends to lovers - Sydney and Brody have been friends forever. And they are both secretly in love with each other. But no one wants to confess their feelings for each other because they don't want to ruin their friendship.
So Sydney asks Brody to help teach her the art of seduction.
You know what's going to happen here. Despite it's predictability, the story held my attention and I wanted to know how it would all play out.
Easy, romantic, light read!
August 25, 2017
Love so Hot was a good read I have to admit. I like the plot even though it's a very usual troupe. friends to lovers with the combination of hidden boyfriend.
if anything, I like that they added an itty bit of religion in there.
the book can be steamy and swoony. very cliche on the ending and resolution. and i have a feeling this book is definitely on the lighter story lines in the series.
did it convince me to read the rest of the series? not really. i like the sound of the next book after this, but it wasn't amazing enough for me to do so.
i still enjoyed reading it though.
if anything, I like that they added an itty bit of religion in there.
the book can be steamy and swoony. very cliche on the ending and resolution. and i have a feeling this book is definitely on the lighter story lines in the series.
did it convince me to read the rest of the series? not really. i like the sound of the next book after this, but it wasn't amazing enough for me to do so.
i still enjoyed reading it though.
July 28, 2015
4 1/2 stars!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: The "friends to lovers" trope is like my own personal form of catnip, so knew I would like this book. I just didn't realize that I would LOVE it.
Well you can add Marquita Valentine to my list of my favorite authors! This was my first book of hers and now I want to read ALL OF THEM.
Brody and Sydney are best friends and they love each other. Of course neither of them has said that out loud, so they just assume that the other is perfectly fine with the way things are. Enter Cherry McCoy, Brody's kind of current girlfriend, then ex-girlfriend, and Sydney's new best friend.
Sydney, with the help of Cherry, come up with a plan. Sydney will bid on Brody at the annual charity auction and hopefully win. Things don't go as they planned and Sydney blurts out that she bid (and won!) on Brody so he could teach her how to seduce a man. Brody assumes that man is his co-worker and much younger, Kyle. Sydney doesn't tell him he is wrong and while Brody is not happy about it, he agrees. Meanwhile Sydney is hoping that while he is teaching her how to seduce Kyle, he will realize that he wants Sydney all to himself. Sounds like a good plan right? What could go wrong?
Of course as these "lessons" progress, it is very clear that there is more between them than just friendship. There is the foundation for a great romantic relationship. They also have ridiculous chemistry. I loved them as a couple and I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to get the part where they say "I love you." I always find that part so satisfying...especially in this type of book.
The book is full of awesome characters and I can't wait to encounter them/learn more about them in future books. And those McCoy sisters...they are like real life fairy freaking god mothers. I love them. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for them!
Come back tomorrow for my review of the next book in the series, Love So True!
But for now let's all bask in the glow of what was Brody & Sydney's first kiss....
Phew! I need to go cool down. Go 1-click this book!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: The "friends to lovers" trope is like my own personal form of catnip, so knew I would like this book. I just didn't realize that I would LOVE it.
Well you can add Marquita Valentine to my list of my favorite authors! This was my first book of hers and now I want to read ALL OF THEM.
Brody and Sydney are best friends and they love each other. Of course neither of them has said that out loud, so they just assume that the other is perfectly fine with the way things are. Enter Cherry McCoy, Brody's kind of current girlfriend, then ex-girlfriend, and Sydney's new best friend.
Sydney, with the help of Cherry, come up with a plan. Sydney will bid on Brody at the annual charity auction and hopefully win. Things don't go as they planned and Sydney blurts out that she bid (and won!) on Brody so he could teach her how to seduce a man. Brody assumes that man is his co-worker and much younger, Kyle. Sydney doesn't tell him he is wrong and while Brody is not happy about it, he agrees. Meanwhile Sydney is hoping that while he is teaching her how to seduce Kyle, he will realize that he wants Sydney all to himself. Sounds like a good plan right? What could go wrong?
Of course as these "lessons" progress, it is very clear that there is more between them than just friendship. There is the foundation for a great romantic relationship. They also have ridiculous chemistry. I loved them as a couple and I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to get the part where they say "I love you." I always find that part so satisfying...especially in this type of book.
The book is full of awesome characters and I can't wait to encounter them/learn more about them in future books. And those McCoy sisters...they are like real life fairy freaking god mothers. I love them. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for them!
Come back tomorrow for my review of the next book in the series, Love So True!
But for now let's all bask in the glow of what was Brody & Sydney's first kiss....
She pinned her beautiful eyes on him and said, “Hello, Brody.”
His gut clenched. For a long minute, he imagined that he was the man she wanted to seduce. Actually, he would have to pretend he was that man the entire time until she came to her senses. “That’s not how you greet the man you want to get sweaty with.”
“What would you do?”
With a slow smile, he stepped closer to her, taking the flowers and tossing them on the dining room table. He slid his hand around her neck, savoring the feel of her warm, silky skin.
She blinked up at him, slowly. “I’m not sure—”
Dipping his head, he started at the corner of her mouth, effectively cutting her off while teasing the seam of it with little bites designed to make her gasp. But even when her plump lips parted, he didn’t take the invitation to come inside.
Instead, he spent time on her lower lip, worrying it. Sucking it inside of his mouth and nibbling. He used his other hand to cup the side of her face, stroking her cheek.
She pressed herself against him, and he groaned a little. Yeah, he liked the feel of her. No, not liked. He loved the feel of her.
Finally, their tongues met. Slowly, taking their time as they curled around each other, rubbing, and then thrusting. She made a sweet little noise in the back of her throat, and he let go of her face and neck to run his hands down the sides of her body to cup her ass.
He squeezed, enjoying the feel of every delicious curve. “Damn fine ass,” he said against her mouth.
Her hands, before so very passive and gently placed on his chest, stole up to his neck, her fingers going into his hair to massage his scalp.
Panting, she pulled away slightly and he almost spoke, almost ruined the moment, but he waited and he was rewarded for his patience. She gave him the sultriest look he’d ever seen and went back to kissing him, pressing herself more fully against him.
They stood there, for hours or minutes—days—while they made out. Hell, they could have stood there for the rest of time. He didn’t know, and he didn’t care. All he could taste was her. All he could feel was her. It was everything he ever wanted.
Everything he could ever need for the rest of his life was right here in his arms, but he wanted more. He was hard, aching to be inside of her. Aching to taste her.
With a groan, he made himself stop kissing her. Made himself take a deep breath and urge his racing heart to calm. Resting his forehead against hers, he said, “That’s how you greet a man."
Phew! I need to go cool down. Go 1-click this book!!
February 9, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Marquita Valentine and pretty much devour her books as soon as they hit my kindle...usually. Somehow Love So Hot was still sitting on my kindle waiting to be read. When I was offered the opportunity to review the audiobook, I jumped at the chance.
Love So Hot was an awesome story! I love the friends-to-lovers troupe and it was done absolutely perfectly in my opinion. I will say the fact that Cherry, Brody's ex and Sydney's new friend, was the one to help Sydney made me laugh out loud more than once. Add in sexy young firefighter Kyle, who is diligently pursuing Sydney and asking Brody for advise, and the Sydney/Brody/Kyle triangle was perfect.
I adored both Brody and Sydney from the moment they each appeared on the page. I loved they both had feelings for one another beyond friendship, but were afraid of acting on it and messing up their lifelong friendship. However, from the moment they shared their very first kiss, I knew there was no going back for either of them. I loved them as a couple and adored they were friends first. They had amazing chemistry and seriously couldn't keep their hands off one another once they finally took that step.
I have to say some of Cherry's advise to Sydney totally had me laughing out loud at times. Add in Kyle and his constant questions to Brody to how to win over Sydney and I couldn't stop laughing. Love So Hot was a winner for me from the very beginning. I decided to listen to the audiobook since I was so far behind in my TBR list, and I'm so glad I did. Piper Goodeve is a new to me narrator, and I felt like she did an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. Her voices were spot-on for each character. I not only highly recommend the book Love So Hot, but I highly recommend the audiobook as well. I loved it so much, I bought the next 3 books in the series in audio as soon as I finished listening to book 1.
Marquita Valentine gives her readers an absolutely perfect friends-to-lovers story with Love So Hot. She also made me fall in love with many of the Lawson brothers and I absolutely couldn't stop with just Love So Hot. I've now listened to the first 4 books and can't wait to get book 5 in January.
Audiobook copy provided for honest review
Love So Hot was an awesome story! I love the friends-to-lovers troupe and it was done absolutely perfectly in my opinion. I will say the fact that Cherry, Brody's ex and Sydney's new friend, was the one to help Sydney made me laugh out loud more than once. Add in sexy young firefighter Kyle, who is diligently pursuing Sydney and asking Brody for advise, and the Sydney/Brody/Kyle triangle was perfect.
I adored both Brody and Sydney from the moment they each appeared on the page. I loved they both had feelings for one another beyond friendship, but were afraid of acting on it and messing up their lifelong friendship. However, from the moment they shared their very first kiss, I knew there was no going back for either of them. I loved them as a couple and adored they were friends first. They had amazing chemistry and seriously couldn't keep their hands off one another once they finally took that step.
I have to say some of Cherry's advise to Sydney totally had me laughing out loud at times. Add in Kyle and his constant questions to Brody to how to win over Sydney and I couldn't stop laughing. Love So Hot was a winner for me from the very beginning. I decided to listen to the audiobook since I was so far behind in my TBR list, and I'm so glad I did. Piper Goodeve is a new to me narrator, and I felt like she did an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. Her voices were spot-on for each character. I not only highly recommend the book Love So Hot, but I highly recommend the audiobook as well. I loved it so much, I bought the next 3 books in the series in audio as soon as I finished listening to book 1.
Marquita Valentine gives her readers an absolutely perfect friends-to-lovers story with Love So Hot. She also made me fall in love with many of the Lawson brothers and I absolutely couldn't stop with just Love So Hot. I've now listened to the first 4 books and can't wait to get book 5 in January.
Audiobook copy provided for honest review
January 17, 2015
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kimberlyfaye reads
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I knew I had to read Love So Hot the minute I saw it announced. Firstly, it was written by Marquita Valentine, whose hot and sexy Southern boys kept me enthralled during the Boys of the South series. Then I read the blurb and saw it was a book with a secret best friend crush and I was even more excited. I know there have been a thousand books written about this trope, but I don't care. I'm a sucker for it.
In Love So Hot, Sydney propositions her best friend, Brody, to teach her the art of seduction. She has a crush on Brody and has for a long time, so there might be a hint of an ulterior motive behind her request. She doesn't know it yet, but the feeling is mutual and Brody's been trying to deal with the attraction for a long time.
I really liked Sydney and Brody together. Because they were friends first and had been through so much together, things just seemed to flow naturally for the two of them. They were such a great fit it's kinda difficult to understand why neither of them owned up to their feelings sooner. They had tons of chemistry and once the, ahem, "lessons" started, there were definitely fireworks.
Love So Hot was one of those books that I just blew straight through without stopping. It was fun and sexy – not too deep or too angsty. It was a great introduction to a new series. Jessamine is full of interesting characters and I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of them soon in the coming books. I, for one, can't wait!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I knew I had to read Love So Hot the minute I saw it announced. Firstly, it was written by Marquita Valentine, whose hot and sexy Southern boys kept me enthralled during the Boys of the South series. Then I read the blurb and saw it was a book with a secret best friend crush and I was even more excited. I know there have been a thousand books written about this trope, but I don't care. I'm a sucker for it.
In Love So Hot, Sydney propositions her best friend, Brody, to teach her the art of seduction. She has a crush on Brody and has for a long time, so there might be a hint of an ulterior motive behind her request. She doesn't know it yet, but the feeling is mutual and Brody's been trying to deal with the attraction for a long time.
I really liked Sydney and Brody together. Because they were friends first and had been through so much together, things just seemed to flow naturally for the two of them. They were such a great fit it's kinda difficult to understand why neither of them owned up to their feelings sooner. They had tons of chemistry and once the, ahem, "lessons" started, there were definitely fireworks.
Love So Hot was one of those books that I just blew straight through without stopping. It was fun and sexy – not too deep or too angsty. It was a great introduction to a new series. Jessamine is full of interesting characters and I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of them soon in the coming books. I, for one, can't wait!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2015
The title certainly lives up to its name. Love So Hot is a wonderful story of two friends who've always been in love with one another but unable to move out of the boundaries they've made for each other. It takes some help for Sydney and Brody to see risking their friendship just might be worth it.
This is the first book in a new series by Marquita Valentine. There is mention of some characters from other series, but it's brief, just in passing. I feel like I read this book in no time at all. I really liked Brody and Sydney. I especially felt bad for Sydney, not just because she was suffering from unrequited love, but because Brody had ensured she'd be unsuccessful at finding love locally. The chemistry they had was amazing, but Brody was really obtuse. I wasn't ever really fully sure why he was so determined on not pursuing Sydney.
While some might think they friends to lovers trope is over used, Marquita still managed to find a way to keep it from becoming cliched. I loved getting to meet the Lawsons and the other families in Jessamine. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the ones that follow. I already have my eye on a potential couple I can't wait to read about!
This is the first book in a new series by Marquita Valentine. There is mention of some characters from other series, but it's brief, just in passing. I feel like I read this book in no time at all. I really liked Brody and Sydney. I especially felt bad for Sydney, not just because she was suffering from unrequited love, but because Brody had ensured she'd be unsuccessful at finding love locally. The chemistry they had was amazing, but Brody was really obtuse. I wasn't ever really fully sure why he was so determined on not pursuing Sydney.
While some might think they friends to lovers trope is over used, Marquita still managed to find a way to keep it from becoming cliched. I loved getting to meet the Lawsons and the other families in Jessamine. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as the ones that follow. I already have my eye on a potential couple I can't wait to read about!
April 9, 2016
Brody Lawson and Sydney McKnight have been best friends for years, both secretly in love with the other but unwilling to admit it for fear of risking their easygoing, special bond. Sydney is sick of being friend zoned by not only every man in town, but especially Brody.
With the help of Sydney's friends - Lemon, a beauty queen nursing a broken heart, and Cherry, who's also Brody's ex - a plan is devised for Sydney to get her man that includes a smitten and persistent rookie firefighter, a charity bachelor auction, a sultry makeover and some private lessons in the art of seduction.
Just when everything seems to be coming together, a poorly timed confession fuels Brody's guilt, he reacts harshly and his stubborn pride gets in the way. It takes Cherry dropping a bomb to get Brody moving, but is he too late?
This was my first book by Marquita Valentine, and I really enjoyed it. Several of my favorite boxes were ticked off here: a small town romance, friends-to-lovers, firefighter, big families. I devoured it in a few hours, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and this author.
With the help of Sydney's friends - Lemon, a beauty queen nursing a broken heart, and Cherry, who's also Brody's ex - a plan is devised for Sydney to get her man that includes a smitten and persistent rookie firefighter, a charity bachelor auction, a sultry makeover and some private lessons in the art of seduction.
Just when everything seems to be coming together, a poorly timed confession fuels Brody's guilt, he reacts harshly and his stubborn pride gets in the way. It takes Cherry dropping a bomb to get Brody moving, but is he too late?
This was my first book by Marquita Valentine, and I really enjoyed it. Several of my favorite boxes were ticked off here: a small town romance, friends-to-lovers, firefighter, big families. I devoured it in a few hours, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and this author.
December 24, 2014
Sydney that girl sometimes does things to an extreme, "here you go." She thrust out the bat and almost smacked Brody in the groin." Brody is a very affectionate man, and he loves his girl's a**, "he let go of her face and neck to run his hands down the sides of her body to cup her a**. He squeezed, enjoying the feel of every delicious curve. "Damn fine a**," he said against her mouth." Sometimes Sydney catches him off guard and his reactions are funny, "but all he did was let his hot, appreciative gaze roam over her. "Damn, woman." I can't wait to see more in this series I love Marquita's books and I love the men that come out of her head.
December 27, 2014
An excellent start to a new series from this author. This is a friends to lovers story that is humorous and heart touching. It was also nice to see references to characters and places in the Holland Springs series. A great story, characters, and writing make this one for the must read pile. I highly recommend it.
February 6, 2015
This is laugh-out-loud good! Hot firefighter, Brody and bank-teller, Sydney have been best friends all of their lives but they are secretly in love with each other. They need help moving to the next level. Surprisingly, help comes in the form of a rookie firefighter with the hots for Sydney along with Cherry, Brody's ex-girlfriend.
August 31, 2015
it was a quick, light read about friends to lovers who both secretly loved each other. it was typical and formulaic but i was more intrigued with the secondary story between Brody's brother Tristan and his love/hate relationship with Lemon. This story was good enough for me to continue with the series
August 13, 2015
Love a good best friend to lover story!
Love a good best friend to lover story! Brody is head over heels for his best friend good thing his best friend Syd is head over heels for him ......now to take the plunge and tell one another! This is going to b a great series !
Love a good best friend to lover story! Brody is head over heels for his best friend good thing his best friend Syd is head over heels for him ......now to take the plunge and tell one another! This is going to b a great series !
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