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Last Call
My name is Mariah Huxley, and I’m a reformed slut. The only year I attended college, I spent on my back, living on a constant high from sex and booze. That was, until my wayward ways left me with the greatest responsibility one could have. Fast forward seven years, and I am Mariah Huxley, a twenty-six-year-old, single mother, living in the unforgiving world as an adult. I work hard to take care of us, and I am happy. I’m happy until I close my eyes at night and realize that’s not the case at all. Something is missing. My soul, my body, and my heart—they've all been drained of anything exciting. That’s until the night I finally allow myself to live, and I meet him.When he touches me, I awaken and slowly become resurrected. However, will the relationship we've started be one I’m prepared to handle? I am strong enough to endure many things, but am I strong enough to sustain this connection with him.My name is Jason Cain, and I am who I am. Some may call me determined, but the majority of society views me as a prick. To them, I’m an arrogant jerk who defies the standard rules of life to get what I want. I couldn't agree more. I was born on the streets, loved by no one. The only person I had was me. Once adopted by the state, I vowed to myself to become a man of means. I vowed to become a man who would be respected from the moment I walked in a room.Fast forward several years, and I am Jason Cain, a thirty-two-year-old, successful entrepreneur, and self-made millionaire. My life is all about time, which includes making gut reaction business deals, growing my empire, and being in the company of beautiful women. I have time for only one thing, my satisfaction. That’s until the night she strolls into my nightclub.When she touches me, I feel every wall I’ve built up slowly crumble around me. I disintegrate. However, will the relationship we've started be one I can leave behind? Or will I lose the part of me that’s kept me going my entire life? Am I strong enough to survive her? Or will this be our last call?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2014
9 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Brannon
20 books366 followersM.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 29, 2014
It had its moments—hot, sweet, and very adorable—but it was mostly every bit the cliche that one would typically expect from this kind of plot.
April 30, 2017
Ok, so this was really weird. And not in an it's-weird-but-it's-addictive kind of way. NO. More like omg-are-they-for-real weird.
I don't have much to say about the heroine - after all I only read 5% of the book... but her best friends were SO annoying!! They couldn't make a sentence without saying "bitch" or "slut". It's actually really upsetting because the descriptions weren't so bad, but the dialogues?! Come on! They talk but don't say anything interesting, they repeat the same things over and over again, they tell each other how beautiful and fantastic they are... I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes so... Yeah, not for me.
I don't have much to say about the heroine - after all I only read 5% of the book... but her best friends were SO annoying!! They couldn't make a sentence without saying "bitch" or "slut". It's actually really upsetting because the descriptions weren't so bad, but the dialogues?! Come on! They talk but don't say anything interesting, they repeat the same things over and over again, they tell each other how beautiful and fantastic they are... I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes so... Yeah, not for me.
September 22, 2014
~5 AWESOME STARS~
Let me just begin by saying, I love this woman! I would give this book a gazillion stars if I could. Last Call is her newest book and is different from her other fantastic series, Sulfur Heights. While that series is darker, Last Call is a romantic comedy even though the characters do have things from their past that affect them in the present.
Mariah is a twenty-six-year-old single mom. Her son is the result of a wild year in college filled with booze and sex. But, she is a very responsible mother who puts the needs of her son, Royce, before anything else. But, she finds herself missing someone to share her life with. Enter Jason Cain, the arrogant, sexy, self-made millionaire. The two meet at his nightclub, Toxic, while she is there with her friends celebrating her birthday. They share a mind-blowing sexual encounter in his office that night. They don’t expect to see each other again, because, of course, they don’t do relationships. Fate intervenes, and when they meet later, they agree to a “sex-only” relationship which turns out not to be so simple when they begin falling for each other. Will they cling to their pasts and remain alone, or take a chance and grab happiness? Read on to find out!!!!
There are so many things I loved about this book. One is M.S. Brannon’s humor. OMG, there were times I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes, especially where Mariah’s friends and family were concerned. This is the stuff you see in movies! There was sadness as well, but her humor always shone through. Her characters were so real to me that I felt like I knew them. Mariah is snarky and has a wicked sense of humor, but underneath it all, she has a heart of gold and one worthy of a good man to love. She’s a loyal friend and fantastic mother! The relationship she shares with Royce jumps off every page of this book. Everything she does if for him. And Royce…I’m in love with this child. He has his mother’s sense of humor, and I loved his scenes with Jason! He puts this big, sexy millionaire in his place several times. I had a love/hate relationship with Jason. Love finally won out in the end for me, but there were times I wanted to black both of his eyes where Mariah was concerned. I think I may have called him a couple of bad names throughout the book too. But, again, he redeemed himself! Mariah’s friends and family were hysterical. Even though some of them only had bit parts in this book, their personalities made me remember them.
What else can I say except, this book was a perfect blend of love, sex, humor, family, and friendship, all the things that make life worth living, right? As I say in all my reviews, M.S. Brannon is perfection. She always writes from the heart whether it’s loss and devastation or love and laughter. It’s these things that made me love her from the beginning and these things that continue to make her one of my favorite writers.
P.S. This would make a fantastic movie!!!!
Let me just begin by saying, I love this woman! I would give this book a gazillion stars if I could. Last Call is her newest book and is different from her other fantastic series, Sulfur Heights. While that series is darker, Last Call is a romantic comedy even though the characters do have things from their past that affect them in the present.
Mariah is a twenty-six-year-old single mom. Her son is the result of a wild year in college filled with booze and sex. But, she is a very responsible mother who puts the needs of her son, Royce, before anything else. But, she finds herself missing someone to share her life with. Enter Jason Cain, the arrogant, sexy, self-made millionaire. The two meet at his nightclub, Toxic, while she is there with her friends celebrating her birthday. They share a mind-blowing sexual encounter in his office that night. They don’t expect to see each other again, because, of course, they don’t do relationships. Fate intervenes, and when they meet later, they agree to a “sex-only” relationship which turns out not to be so simple when they begin falling for each other. Will they cling to their pasts and remain alone, or take a chance and grab happiness? Read on to find out!!!!
There are so many things I loved about this book. One is M.S. Brannon’s humor. OMG, there were times I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes, especially where Mariah’s friends and family were concerned. This is the stuff you see in movies! There was sadness as well, but her humor always shone through. Her characters were so real to me that I felt like I knew them. Mariah is snarky and has a wicked sense of humor, but underneath it all, she has a heart of gold and one worthy of a good man to love. She’s a loyal friend and fantastic mother! The relationship she shares with Royce jumps off every page of this book. Everything she does if for him. And Royce…I’m in love with this child. He has his mother’s sense of humor, and I loved his scenes with Jason! He puts this big, sexy millionaire in his place several times. I had a love/hate relationship with Jason. Love finally won out in the end for me, but there were times I wanted to black both of his eyes where Mariah was concerned. I think I may have called him a couple of bad names throughout the book too. But, again, he redeemed himself! Mariah’s friends and family were hysterical. Even though some of them only had bit parts in this book, their personalities made me remember them.
What else can I say except, this book was a perfect blend of love, sex, humor, family, and friendship, all the things that make life worth living, right? As I say in all my reviews, M.S. Brannon is perfection. She always writes from the heart whether it’s loss and devastation or love and laughter. It’s these things that made me love her from the beginning and these things that continue to make her one of my favorite writers.
P.S. This would make a fantastic movie!!!!
September 26, 2014
This a first time book for me from M.S. Brannon and I have to say I really enjoyed it!
October 4, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
Rating: 4.5 Stars
It was supposed to be just a random hook up. But the first time they did it – explosions were all over the place. It was an epic night that neither of them had forgotten. For a single mom, Mariah Huxley was experiencing a drought on her sex life, but when her friends pushed her to finally come out from her hiding place and party with them, she didn’t expect to have a mind-blowing, toe-curling, completely out of the world experience with the young, ruthless businessman, Jason Caine.
He was eighteen when he first saw her, and now that he found her once again, Jason needed to get his fixed. He needed to have her NOW. TONIGHT. When he finally did, she was like a drug, and he was hooked. But first, they needed to set some ground rules – because no matter how much he craved her, he could not give something he was sure she wanted or she’d crave: LOVE.
Unlike Mariah, who might have gotten pregnant at 19, her family still loved her. Growing up in foster homes and being passed around didn’t make Jason’s childhood memorable. He was the classic story of from rags to riches, and he made his way to the top by building walls around his heart. But Mariah seemed to know how to break his impenetrable walls and it was scaring him.
Can what started out to be a one-night stand, and a series of hook-ups turned out to be something more? Or will his past make him let go of what might be the best thing that has ever happened to him?
You will love the characters, even the secondary ones – from Mariah’s friends Shelby & Giselle to her sisters who were just awesome, and a great support system. This wasn’t an easy ride for the both of them, especially for Jason. He struggled with his feelings. He didn’t know he was capable of love. He needed some good wake up call. Good thing her sister wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thinks of him. And Royce – I so adore this kid! He can really kick some serious a**!!!
MS Brannon surprised me. Having read the Sulfur Heights Series, the Last Call is a breather. It’s hot, sexy, witty and an engaging read that will keep you up, all warm & fuzzy through the night.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
Rating: 4.5 Stars
It was supposed to be just a random hook up. But the first time they did it – explosions were all over the place. It was an epic night that neither of them had forgotten. For a single mom, Mariah Huxley was experiencing a drought on her sex life, but when her friends pushed her to finally come out from her hiding place and party with them, she didn’t expect to have a mind-blowing, toe-curling, completely out of the world experience with the young, ruthless businessman, Jason Caine.
He was eighteen when he first saw her, and now that he found her once again, Jason needed to get his fixed. He needed to have her NOW. TONIGHT. When he finally did, she was like a drug, and he was hooked. But first, they needed to set some ground rules – because no matter how much he craved her, he could not give something he was sure she wanted or she’d crave: LOVE.
Unlike Mariah, who might have gotten pregnant at 19, her family still loved her. Growing up in foster homes and being passed around didn’t make Jason’s childhood memorable. He was the classic story of from rags to riches, and he made his way to the top by building walls around his heart. But Mariah seemed to know how to break his impenetrable walls and it was scaring him.
Can what started out to be a one-night stand, and a series of hook-ups turned out to be something more? Or will his past make him let go of what might be the best thing that has ever happened to him?
You will love the characters, even the secondary ones – from Mariah’s friends Shelby & Giselle to her sisters who were just awesome, and a great support system. This wasn’t an easy ride for the both of them, especially for Jason. He struggled with his feelings. He didn’t know he was capable of love. He needed some good wake up call. Good thing her sister wasn’t afraid to tell him what she thinks of him. And Royce – I so adore this kid! He can really kick some serious a**!!!
MS Brannon surprised me. Having read the Sulfur Heights Series, the Last Call is a breather. It’s hot, sexy, witty and an engaging read that will keep you up, all warm & fuzzy through the night.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
September 24, 2014
I should start by saying M.S. Brannon is one of my favorite indie romance authors. I love her Sulfur Heights series. Last Call was her first venture into more of a romantic comedy (aka book that won’t tear your heart out like the Sulfur Heights series), so I was excited to check it out. As promised, Last Call was a lot lighter than the gritty and raw series I love so much!
I was worried that Last Call would either not be light at all (since her other series is so the opposite of light) or it would be too light and lose all of the characteristics I love about her other series. The gritty characters are so captivating in the Sulfur Heights series and I was afraid Mariah and Jason would be more difficult to connect with. I shouldn’t have worried at all. Last Call was the perfect blend of everything I love about her other series and the light, more fun characteristics of any romantic comedy/contemporary romance.
Brannon was able to give readers drama, suspense, and tons of romantic conflict while being lighthearted. Mariah’s kid, Royce, was absolutely hilarious. Her family and friends provided a lot of comedic relief, and even Jason had some fun moments. I loved the characters so much and I think that’s a big part of why I loved Last Call. With that being said, there were also plenty of serious moments and some seriously steamy moments, too. The types of feelings churning inside of Mariah and Jason were hard for either of them to admit to or act on and they had a lot of inner turmoil going on.
Jason was a self made millionaire and Mariah was just an ordinary girl, but Last Call is so not your run of the mill rich guy romance (and I know that because I HATE those kinds of books). I’m sure if those terrible 50 Shades types of books are your thing, you’ll still enjoy Brannon’s books, but I feel like her characters are so much more complex and relatable than other romance novels. Nothing feels stale or overdone because her books are so refreshing. (And there’s no innocent girl who bites her lip and stands there awkwardly. Brannon’s characters always have a TON of personality).
Nothing will replace the Evan’s brothers of the Sulfur Heights series, but I was seriously impressed with Last Call and I definitely recommend it to fans of contemporary romance!
I was worried that Last Call would either not be light at all (since her other series is so the opposite of light) or it would be too light and lose all of the characteristics I love about her other series. The gritty characters are so captivating in the Sulfur Heights series and I was afraid Mariah and Jason would be more difficult to connect with. I shouldn’t have worried at all. Last Call was the perfect blend of everything I love about her other series and the light, more fun characteristics of any romantic comedy/contemporary romance.
Brannon was able to give readers drama, suspense, and tons of romantic conflict while being lighthearted. Mariah’s kid, Royce, was absolutely hilarious. Her family and friends provided a lot of comedic relief, and even Jason had some fun moments. I loved the characters so much and I think that’s a big part of why I loved Last Call. With that being said, there were also plenty of serious moments and some seriously steamy moments, too. The types of feelings churning inside of Mariah and Jason were hard for either of them to admit to or act on and they had a lot of inner turmoil going on.
Jason was a self made millionaire and Mariah was just an ordinary girl, but Last Call is so not your run of the mill rich guy romance (and I know that because I HATE those kinds of books). I’m sure if those terrible 50 Shades types of books are your thing, you’ll still enjoy Brannon’s books, but I feel like her characters are so much more complex and relatable than other romance novels. Nothing feels stale or overdone because her books are so refreshing. (And there’s no innocent girl who bites her lip and stands there awkwardly. Brannon’s characters always have a TON of personality).
Nothing will replace the Evan’s brothers of the Sulfur Heights series, but I was seriously impressed with Last Call and I definitely recommend it to fans of contemporary romance!
June 11, 2015
Though M.S. Brannon is known for her darker stories from her Sulfur Heights series, she does an amazing job of switching gears for this Rom Com! This story isn't all hearts and flowers, but is definitely more light hearted than her previous series.
The very beginning of the book hooks you in. Seriously, don't tell me you don't watch porn with your girlfriends on a night in. We all do it and it makes for a night of fun and laughter, and that's exactly how the beginning of this book starts! Then with the help of Mariah's friends and little boy, she keeps you laughing throughout!
Throughout the story, Mariah and Jason has some serious chemistry that just catches the pages on fire. Though they both have some things in their past that they don't want the other to know, they can't seem to keep away from each other (though they try many many times).
Mariah and Jason tend to let their pasts lead them in a direction that may lead to a road of lonely nights and sadness. Will they ever realize that if they just gave into their feelings, they might find something they never thought they would have?
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh until you cry and make your heart ache at the same time, this is the book for you.
I can't wait to see what M.S. Brannon comes up with next!
The very beginning of the book hooks you in. Seriously, don't tell me you don't watch porn with your girlfriends on a night in. We all do it and it makes for a night of fun and laughter, and that's exactly how the beginning of this book starts! Then with the help of Mariah's friends and little boy, she keeps you laughing throughout!
Throughout the story, Mariah and Jason has some serious chemistry that just catches the pages on fire. Though they both have some things in their past that they don't want the other to know, they can't seem to keep away from each other (though they try many many times).
Mariah and Jason tend to let their pasts lead them in a direction that may lead to a road of lonely nights and sadness. Will they ever realize that if they just gave into their feelings, they might find something they never thought they would have?
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh until you cry and make your heart ache at the same time, this is the book for you.
I can't wait to see what M.S. Brannon comes up with next!
October 3, 2014
Amazing sexy and funny!
Mariah is a single mother of a 6 year old boy Royce. She has great family and amazing friends but is missing something in her life. She was wild in Collage but once she found out she was pregnant she became who she needed to be to be a good mom for her son.
Jason owns the bar Toxic where he first sees Mariah while she is out with her friends. Josh is viewed as a arrogant jerk. He is a successful entrepreneur, and self-made millionaire. Doing what he can to make his own way since he grew up with no love.
Things change when their eyes meet. his touch awakens her her touch has him feeling his walls coming down.
This was a funny sexy story. The chemistry is hot and made me need a cold shower. I love to read the love and bond Mariah has with her son. I love how Royce put josh in his place! Loved his character so much!
Josh did make me want to hit him a time or two.
I dont want to spoil this for anyone so im stopping here before i get really into a review and leave spoilers all over because i always have a hard time with that. But this is a wonderfully written book by an amazing author and all i can say is its a must read!!
Do not miss out!!!
Mariah is a single mother of a 6 year old boy Royce. She has great family and amazing friends but is missing something in her life. She was wild in Collage but once she found out she was pregnant she became who she needed to be to be a good mom for her son.
Jason owns the bar Toxic where he first sees Mariah while she is out with her friends. Josh is viewed as a arrogant jerk. He is a successful entrepreneur, and self-made millionaire. Doing what he can to make his own way since he grew up with no love.
Things change when their eyes meet. his touch awakens her her touch has him feeling his walls coming down.
This was a funny sexy story. The chemistry is hot and made me need a cold shower. I love to read the love and bond Mariah has with her son. I love how Royce put josh in his place! Loved his character so much!
Josh did make me want to hit him a time or two.
I dont want to spoil this for anyone so im stopping here before i get really into a review and leave spoilers all over because i always have a hard time with that. But this is a wonderfully written book by an amazing author and all i can say is its a must read!!
Do not miss out!!!
October 2, 2014
Finished this book with one sitting! It was hot, sexy, funny read. Very rarely I read romance with so much funny details.
Mariah is a woman who has a son and seven years hasn't have a man in her bed. She desiced: NO MEN!
Jason is millionaire and playboy. He doesn't need a woman in his life. He just need quickie with sexy woman. Until he meets Mariah.
When you read about their meeting you immediately can feel sparks.
Jason offer Mariah to become his f*ck buddy. And she agrees. They have couple of rules, one of them no fell in love.... When Mariah starting to feel in love with him, and when she tells that to Jason he starting acting like a big jerk. I really hate him then.
Ladies, believe you need to read this book. You will laugh, cry and drop your panties! ;)
ARC Provided in exchange for an honest review
Mariah is a woman who has a son and seven years hasn't have a man in her bed. She desiced: NO MEN!
Jason is millionaire and playboy. He doesn't need a woman in his life. He just need quickie with sexy woman. Until he meets Mariah.
When you read about their meeting you immediately can feel sparks.
Jason offer Mariah to become his f*ck buddy. And she agrees. They have couple of rules, one of them no fell in love.... When Mariah starting to feel in love with him, and when she tells that to Jason he starting acting like a big jerk. I really hate him then.
Ladies, believe you need to read this book. You will laugh, cry and drop your panties! ;)
ARC Provided in exchange for an honest review
November 28, 2015
This book was such a great read!!! Not only was the heroine a feisty and strong woman but the lead male was so swoon worthy!! Mariah was such a great character. She was a loving mother to her son, he came first in everything. She was loyal, caring, selfless, feisty, sexy, and loving. She never cared about Jason's money or what he possessed, she cared about him and who he was inside. Jason was very closed off to people, but he felt a pull towards Mariah. He tried to pull away and keep her at a distance but he discovered that she was what was missing from his life, she made him whole. I loved Mariah's girlfriends, they made me laugh throughout the whole book. This book was another great one by M.S. Brannon and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!!!
September 30, 2014
This was a hilarious RomCom by one of my favorite authors. It was a huge turn around from her emotionally heart twisting series of Sulfur Heights. Royce was my favorite charactor in the book.
Mariah & her friends will leave in giggles throughout and Jason will leave you panting for more one minute & want to slap him the next. Lots of sexy smut so get ready to read this book in one setting because you won't want to put it down till the end.
Mariah & her friends will leave in giggles throughout and Jason will leave you panting for more one minute & want to slap him the next. Lots of sexy smut so get ready to read this book in one setting because you won't want to put it down till the end.
September 23, 2014
whooop!! I've been waiting ages for this book and now if finally read it I really enjoyed it.. I couldn't put it down even while I was eating my dinner...
it was funny and hot and I bloody enjoyed it!!
I felt the kid was at the right age with the way he spoke and what he kept coming out with (which was so funny) as I've read books with 3/4 hear old's speaking like a 8 year old, it made it much more realistic...
can't wait to read more of your work !!
it was funny and hot and I bloody enjoyed it!!
I felt the kid was at the right age with the way he spoke and what he kept coming out with (which was so funny) as I've read books with 3/4 hear old's speaking like a 8 year old, it made it much more realistic...
can't wait to read more of your work !!
September 24, 2014
I didn't quite know what to expect when MS Brannon popped up with a romantic comedy. I mean, she's known for ripping my heart out and stomping on it before she puts it back together with her Sulfur Heights Series; therefore, I was a little intrigued to see how she would do with a lighter story.
I was definitely not disappointed! The humor left me rolling, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story that went with it.
I was definitely not disappointed! The humor left me rolling, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story that went with it.
September 24, 2014
Editorial Review.
After reading the Sulfer Heights series and all their emotional filled heart ache, I had no doubt in my mind Brannon could flip from making you cry to making you laugh until you felt like you would pee your pants!
Mariah, her friends, her family, and her son had me in stitches, whereas Jason and all his loneliness made me sad.
After reading the Sulfer Heights series and all their emotional filled heart ache, I had no doubt in my mind Brannon could flip from making you cry to making you laugh until you felt like you would pee your pants!
Mariah, her friends, her family, and her son had me in stitches, whereas Jason and all his loneliness made me sad.
September 29, 2014
Pretty fast paced read. Liked the corkiness of Mariah and her friends. Felt Jason was a little over dramatic at times with his wishy washy feelings. He seemed to disappear for days or weeks at a time never really giving and explanation and Mariah seemed fine with it figuring he wasn't really into her.
September 29, 2014
Storyline was great, herioine was great
Hero was meh..he annoyed me, yes he was some hot millionaire but nope just nope.
And the reason why I don't give this book 5 stars is the WRITING STYLE, it was like really bad it bothered me too much.
Hero was meh..he annoyed me, yes he was some hot millionaire but nope just nope.
And the reason why I don't give this book 5 stars is the WRITING STYLE, it was like really bad it bothered me too much.
October 1, 2014
Like the story,they learn to trust and move on.
August 21, 2018
3.5 stars! I enjoyed the story but couldn't really connect with characters. It was just OK for me.
June 13, 2017
Nope. Nope. And nope.
First of all, it read like a third grade 'how to' assignment. First, I looked at him. Then he looked at me. Next, we walked towards each other. Finally, we kissed.
I kid you not. I can't think of any other authors that start a sentence with 'next,' mid story. That is just asking for someone to judge it.
Now, aside from the writing style, the storyline itself was lacking so freaking much! You do realize love grows from something more than just screwing, right? Because it didn't seem like it. The author jumped ahead weeks at a time with no character growth. It was moments of screwing here and there, then BAM instalove. No talking, just screwing, then love. Nope. Doesn't happen like that.
To top it off, the douchebag actually tells the heroine he felt like hitting her! WTF?
The characters in the book were either over the top obnoxious or tremendously boring. There was no real back story laid out to give them depth and everything was rushed. Something I always hear authors state is the rule of 'show, don't tell.' This author missed that one by a mile... or twenty.
First of all, it read like a third grade 'how to' assignment. First, I looked at him. Then he looked at me. Next, we walked towards each other. Finally, we kissed.
I kid you not. I can't think of any other authors that start a sentence with 'next,' mid story. That is just asking for someone to judge it.
Now, aside from the writing style, the storyline itself was lacking so freaking much! You do realize love grows from something more than just screwing, right? Because it didn't seem like it. The author jumped ahead weeks at a time with no character growth. It was moments of screwing here and there, then BAM instalove. No talking, just screwing, then love. Nope. Doesn't happen like that.
To top it off, the douchebag actually tells the heroine he felt like hitting her! WTF?
The characters in the book were either over the top obnoxious or tremendously boring. There was no real back story laid out to give them depth and everything was rushed. Something I always hear authors state is the rule of 'show, don't tell.' This author missed that one by a mile... or twenty.
Read
August 25, 2025This book was awesome. Funny and light, deep and angsty. It has everything rolled into one perfect package. The hero is sexy and a bit tortured and the heroine strong yet lonely. Put them together and they can potentially find what it takes to make them whole--add in Mariah's son and family and you've got a page-turner. I literally pulled an all-nighter to finish reading this book. Royce, Mariah's seven-year-old son, had me cracking up. I love that kid. This was my first book from M.S. Brannon and it was so good, I'm going to be checking out the backlist.
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Last Call is the first book that I have ever read by M.S. Brannon, but this one really drew me in with the blurb. I really thought that I was going to love this book, and while I did enjoy it for the most part it wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was good, but it just wasn't as engaging as I had hoped for, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. I was looking for more depth and character development, and I felt like we just didn't get enough of either.
Mariah Huxley is a self proclaimed reformed slut. After a drunken weekend left her pregnant and alone, she is now a single mother trying to cope seven years later. She works hard and does her best to provide for her son Royce, but Mariah hasn't been with a man in years and feels lonely. When her friends drag her out for her birthday, she meets the sexy club owner Jason Cain. The passion and attraction between them is instant, but Jason doesn't do relationships and isn't looking for anything more than a hookup. But as Jason finds it hard to think of anything but Mariah, he soon makes an agreement with her to have sex when they want with no strings attached. But the more they see each other the more their feelings begin to grow. Before long, Jason and Mariah are in deeper than they ever imagined. But when Jason finds out about Mariah's son Royce and things quickly get complicated, they both begin to wonder if it is the beginning of the end for them.
I found it hard to connect with these characters. For some reason, I felt like Jason was really hard to like. He was sexy and successful, but I felt like we never really got to know him beyond the surface. He puts up a facade, and he had a lot of pain and insecurities from his childhood. But I felt like we just never really got to see enough of what had caused him to be the way he was. He was attracted to Mariah and even acknowledged his feelings for her, but yet he feared that she would leave him and so he didn't want to allow himself to admit to her that he cared for her. I just didn't understand him, and I think a lot of that was because I felt like I didn't really know him. Mariah was so great with her son Royce, and I loved that he was her priority. She loved him so much and he didn't seem to be a mistake to her, even though she had him young and didn't know his father. But I didn't really understand her actions when it came to Jason. I felt the chemistry and attraction between them, but I didn't see why she would say that she wouldn't let things go further and then she did every time. She enjoyed the physical connection they shared, but I felt like she kind of let him walk all over her. He would make her mad, but she would quickly get over it when he used sex to distract her. I just didn't understand, and I felt like part of the problem is that I just didn't really know Jason or feel as though Mariah did either.
Overall, this was a mostly enjoyable read. It had a lot of really cute and funny moments, especially those with Royce. He was adorable, and I loved every part of this story that he was in. I felt like he really made this book, and without him I am not sure I would have wanted to finish. He was just too cute for words, and I couldn't help but want to see more of him. I feel like Jason and Mariah had a lot of potential as a couple, and I enjoyed the steamy side to their relationship. I just wish that we would have seen more of an emotional connection develop between them. It would have been nice to see them both really open up to one another about their pasts, and explain to each other what really made them into the people they were. I think that if you are looking for a cute standalone story with a happy ending then you might give this one a shot. But if you are looking for a story with a lot of depth and a strong emotional connection as well as physical, then this one might not be for you.
**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**
Last Call is the first book that I have ever read by M.S. Brannon, but this one really drew me in with the blurb. I really thought that I was going to love this book, and while I did enjoy it for the most part it wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was good, but it just wasn't as engaging as I had hoped for, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. I was looking for more depth and character development, and I felt like we just didn't get enough of either.
Mariah Huxley is a self proclaimed reformed slut. After a drunken weekend left her pregnant and alone, she is now a single mother trying to cope seven years later. She works hard and does her best to provide for her son Royce, but Mariah hasn't been with a man in years and feels lonely. When her friends drag her out for her birthday, she meets the sexy club owner Jason Cain. The passion and attraction between them is instant, but Jason doesn't do relationships and isn't looking for anything more than a hookup. But as Jason finds it hard to think of anything but Mariah, he soon makes an agreement with her to have sex when they want with no strings attached. But the more they see each other the more their feelings begin to grow. Before long, Jason and Mariah are in deeper than they ever imagined. But when Jason finds out about Mariah's son Royce and things quickly get complicated, they both begin to wonder if it is the beginning of the end for them.
I found it hard to connect with these characters. For some reason, I felt like Jason was really hard to like. He was sexy and successful, but I felt like we never really got to know him beyond the surface. He puts up a facade, and he had a lot of pain and insecurities from his childhood. But I felt like we just never really got to see enough of what had caused him to be the way he was. He was attracted to Mariah and even acknowledged his feelings for her, but yet he feared that she would leave him and so he didn't want to allow himself to admit to her that he cared for her. I just didn't understand him, and I think a lot of that was because I felt like I didn't really know him. Mariah was so great with her son Royce, and I loved that he was her priority. She loved him so much and he didn't seem to be a mistake to her, even though she had him young and didn't know his father. But I didn't really understand her actions when it came to Jason. I felt the chemistry and attraction between them, but I didn't see why she would say that she wouldn't let things go further and then she did every time. She enjoyed the physical connection they shared, but I felt like she kind of let him walk all over her. He would make her mad, but she would quickly get over it when he used sex to distract her. I just didn't understand, and I felt like part of the problem is that I just didn't really know Jason or feel as though Mariah did either.
Overall, this was a mostly enjoyable read. It had a lot of really cute and funny moments, especially those with Royce. He was adorable, and I loved every part of this story that he was in. I felt like he really made this book, and without him I am not sure I would have wanted to finish. He was just too cute for words, and I couldn't help but want to see more of him. I feel like Jason and Mariah had a lot of potential as a couple, and I enjoyed the steamy side to their relationship. I just wish that we would have seen more of an emotional connection develop between them. It would have been nice to see them both really open up to one another about their pasts, and explain to each other what really made them into the people they were. I think that if you are looking for a cute standalone story with a happy ending then you might give this one a shot. But if you are looking for a story with a lot of depth and a strong emotional connection as well as physical, then this one might not be for you.
**ARC Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**
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September 17, 2025This book was awesome. Funny and light, deep and angsty. It has everything rolled into one perfect package. The hero is sexy and a bit tortured and the heroine strong yet lonely. Put them together and they can potentially find what it takes to make them whole--add in Mariah's son and family and you've got a page-turner. I literally pulled an all-nighter to finish reading this book. Royce, Mariah's seven-year-old son, had me cracking up. I love that kid. This was my first book from M.S. Brannon and it was so good, I'm going to be checking out the backlist.
October 19, 2014
This was a fun, sexy, laugh out loud story. The chemistry is hot and keeps the fires burning through the entire story!. I enjoyed reading how much love Mariah had for her son and her friends. How she struggles to blend her desire for Jason with her life as a mom.
Mariah is a single mother living in Florida,away from a close family, but with amazing friends and her six year old son Royce, she feels her life is good. But as much as she loves her friends and family, her friends insist she is missing something in her life. She was wild in her her college days, but once she found out she was pregnant from a one night drunken party, she gave it all up, got a good job and was trying to raise her son the best she could. She allows herself one night a month to let it all go with her best friends. That is how Jason enters Mariahs life.
Jason owns the bar Toxic where Mariah and her friends love to go for a night out. He has come home after launching his latest nightclub. He is tired, ready to have some order for a while. He is a self-made millionaire. A boy who came from a long line of foster homes. He does what he can to make his own way since he grew up with no love. Burt he is determined to let no one get close.
He sees the woman who has haunted his dreams for the last seven years. When he gets her attention the fire is immediate, his touch awakens her all her sexual desires and has him feeling his walls coming down. But can they keep their relationship a secret? Will they both want more as the heat builds? Can Jason accept love from Mariah and Royce?
Mariah is a single mother living in Florida,away from a close family, but with amazing friends and her six year old son Royce, she feels her life is good. But as much as she loves her friends and family, her friends insist she is missing something in her life. She was wild in her her college days, but once she found out she was pregnant from a one night drunken party, she gave it all up, got a good job and was trying to raise her son the best she could. She allows herself one night a month to let it all go with her best friends. That is how Jason enters Mariahs life.
Jason owns the bar Toxic where Mariah and her friends love to go for a night out. He has come home after launching his latest nightclub. He is tired, ready to have some order for a while. He is a self-made millionaire. A boy who came from a long line of foster homes. He does what he can to make his own way since he grew up with no love. Burt he is determined to let no one get close.
He sees the woman who has haunted his dreams for the last seven years. When he gets her attention the fire is immediate, his touch awakens her all her sexual desires and has him feeling his walls coming down. But can they keep their relationship a secret? Will they both want more as the heat builds? Can Jason accept love from Mariah and Royce?
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars. The premise of this book was great but for some reason the execution of the story just didn't really click with me. Jason Cain is the owner of several high class nightclubs but as a child he was in foster care and bounced around from one family to the next. He did not trust himself to fall in love because anyone he truly loved always left him.
Mariah is a single mother who seven years ago participated in an orgy at school and got pregnant. She has no idea who the father is but got a beautiful 6 year old son out of the deal. She hasn't had sex since, but is doing her best to raise her son surrounded by good friends and a large and loving family.
For reasons never really explained (unless I missed it) Jason saw Mariah years ago and has dreamed about her ever since. He even had a tattoo that was in her likeness. Now, seven years later he sees her again at his Miami nightclub and he must have her. The sex is incredible and they agree to have a sex only relationship. No falling in love, no sharing personal lives and thoughts. Well, we all know how that turns out.
Why this didn't really work for me. (l) I didn't really understand Jason's initial infatuation. (2) There was way too much "when this all ends" moments for both of them. It hadn't ended yet, but they worried about it constantly. (3) Finally when Mariah realizes the depths of her feelings she has far too many moments of should I tell him or not. GEEZ, just tell him!
So it as okay but it could have been so much better.
Mariah is a single mother who seven years ago participated in an orgy at school and got pregnant. She has no idea who the father is but got a beautiful 6 year old son out of the deal. She hasn't had sex since, but is doing her best to raise her son surrounded by good friends and a large and loving family.
For reasons never really explained (unless I missed it) Jason saw Mariah years ago and has dreamed about her ever since. He even had a tattoo that was in her likeness. Now, seven years later he sees her again at his Miami nightclub and he must have her. The sex is incredible and they agree to have a sex only relationship. No falling in love, no sharing personal lives and thoughts. Well, we all know how that turns out.
Why this didn't really work for me. (l) I didn't really understand Jason's initial infatuation. (2) There was way too much "when this all ends" moments for both of them. It hadn't ended yet, but they worried about it constantly. (3) Finally when Mariah realizes the depths of her feelings she has far too many moments of should I tell him or not. GEEZ, just tell him!
So it as okay but it could have been so much better.
October 12, 2014
M.S.Brannon is the author of one of my all time favorite series, the Sulfur Heights Series. With Sulfur Heights beings such an intense emotional read I wasn't sure what to expect out of Last Call knowing that it was the authors first release of a romantic comedy. Well....I LOVED IT.
I felt like Last call had the perfect blend of suspense, humor, drama and romance with just enough heartache mixed in. Jason was a self made millionaire who one minute I was sighing over and the next minute I wanted to kill him. Maria was just your ordinary girl who was trying to make better decisions for herself and child, hoping not to repeat mistakes she made when she was younger, when it came to relationships. When Jason sees her for the firs time at his club TOXIC he knows he can't let her walk away without having just a taste, nothing serious, nothing long term just.....something.
I absolutely loved Mariah's son Royce, what a character funny kid. I loved Mariah's interactions with her friends and family, they definitely provided plenty of comedy.There were also plenty of serious moments and heartwarming moments. And don't worry
you also get your very hot and steamy moments. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jason and Mariah.
I can't wait to see what M.S. Brannon gives us next.
I felt like Last call had the perfect blend of suspense, humor, drama and romance with just enough heartache mixed in. Jason was a self made millionaire who one minute I was sighing over and the next minute I wanted to kill him. Maria was just your ordinary girl who was trying to make better decisions for herself and child, hoping not to repeat mistakes she made when she was younger, when it came to relationships. When Jason sees her for the firs time at his club TOXIC he knows he can't let her walk away without having just a taste, nothing serious, nothing long term just.....something.
I absolutely loved Mariah's son Royce, what a character funny kid. I loved Mariah's interactions with her friends and family, they definitely provided plenty of comedy.There were also plenty of serious moments and heartwarming moments. And don't worry
you also get your very hot and steamy moments. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jason and Mariah.
I can't wait to see what M.S. Brannon gives us next.
April 7, 2016
Mariah Huxley is a 26 year old single mother she loves her son and she loves her life but, something is missing. See before she became pregnant with her son she was somewhat of a slut, she doesn't know who her son's father is all she knows is that her son is now the love of her life and she has changed her ways. She has not been with another man since she found out she was pregnant.
It's been six years, but that's about to change. when she goes out to a club with her besties she meets Jason Cain who is a gorgeous self-made millionaire that, with one touch, has her feeling things she hasn't felt in six long years. Jason is also having strong feelings but between the two of them they are so stubborn they keep one another at arms length.
I did love both Mariah and Jason the two together can sure steam up some windows, but they are both so stubborn when it comes to going beyond casual and it only hurts them more in the end. Truth is, no matter how frustrating the two are I loved them both and their story.
It's been six years, but that's about to change. when she goes out to a club with her besties she meets Jason Cain who is a gorgeous self-made millionaire that, with one touch, has her feeling things she hasn't felt in six long years. Jason is also having strong feelings but between the two of them they are so stubborn they keep one another at arms length.
I did love both Mariah and Jason the two together can sure steam up some windows, but they are both so stubborn when it comes to going beyond casual and it only hurts them more in the end. Truth is, no matter how frustrating the two are I loved them both and their story.
October 20, 2014
Mariah's friends decide that it's time for her to get out and find a man. It has been 7 years since she has had one in her life. They go out to a club and she meets Jason and share a moment of passion. He approaches her later and asks if they could be friends with benefits. Actually it's less than that due to the "rules" established including staying out of each others personal lives which nixes the friends part of friends with benefits. What they are is unbelievably blazing together.
Then their worlds collide when Mariah gets hurt on the beach with her son and Jason rescues her. Jason and her son bond so quickly and he begins to wonder if he could have more with her. My heart broke a little for him as he shares his story. I loved them together. I also loved her family and friends especially her spunky little man. One of my favorite moments is when he shares a private moment with Jason on the beach talking about dads and how much he loves his mom.
I give Last Call 5 hearts!
Then their worlds collide when Mariah gets hurt on the beach with her son and Jason rescues her. Jason and her son bond so quickly and he begins to wonder if he could have more with her. My heart broke a little for him as he shares his story. I loved them together. I also loved her family and friends especially her spunky little man. One of my favorite moments is when he shares a private moment with Jason on the beach talking about dads and how much he loves his mom.
I give Last Call 5 hearts!
October 13, 2014
Wow. This is...
Let me start with how big a fan I am of the Sulfur Heights series. Those characters had deep souls that I sincerely connected with, cried with, laughed with, fought with and was deeply affected by when reading.
After reading reviews for Last Call... I thought I just hAD to read.
The writing seemed choppy. Albeit this is supposed to be a standalone..... There was no depth to the chick and the dude. There was no hero nor heroine. I just expected more. It was a much more elementary level of a story for me compared to SH. I wasn't expecting a tear inducing sobbing gut punch of a story. I truly expected the romantic comedy that would make me giggle and bust a gut from laughing with the characters but instead I found none of it relatable.
Sigh. I really wanted to like it.
Let me start with how big a fan I am of the Sulfur Heights series. Those characters had deep souls that I sincerely connected with, cried with, laughed with, fought with and was deeply affected by when reading.
After reading reviews for Last Call... I thought I just hAD to read.
The writing seemed choppy. Albeit this is supposed to be a standalone..... There was no depth to the chick and the dude. There was no hero nor heroine. I just expected more. It was a much more elementary level of a story for me compared to SH. I wasn't expecting a tear inducing sobbing gut punch of a story. I truly expected the romantic comedy that would make me giggle and bust a gut from laughing with the characters but instead I found none of it relatable.
Sigh. I really wanted to like it.
October 27, 2014
Ok... I am dying here. Of laughter that is. I LOVE THIS READ. Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good witty read. The only language I speak fluently is sarcasm. This read was right up my alley. Brannon was a genius writing this.
Royce! I love that kid! He is as witty and funny as his mother. My favorite parts of this book feature the little man. Mariah is a great character too. She may have had a rough past but she is a great mother. Like her son, she is witty and so easy to relate to. Jason, he was a little hard for me to like. He pulled out in the end and I really enjoyed his character over all. I just can't say I was in love with him. Although, he does have that sexy jackass kind of personality that so many girls seem to love. And I love when a woman can put a man like that in his place. This read was perfect for me. I loved every second of it!!
Royce! I love that kid! He is as witty and funny as his mother. My favorite parts of this book feature the little man. Mariah is a great character too. She may have had a rough past but she is a great mother. Like her son, she is witty and so easy to relate to. Jason, he was a little hard for me to like. He pulled out in the end and I really enjoyed his character over all. I just can't say I was in love with him. Although, he does have that sexy jackass kind of personality that so many girls seem to love. And I love when a woman can put a man like that in his place. This read was perfect for me. I loved every second of it!!
October 23, 2014
3.5 stars
I received this book for an honest review. I thought this was an ok book. The premise of the story I thought was good. I just did not connect with the characters. There are parts of the story that I thought were very hot and sexy.
Jason is Millionaire who owns many successful bars/clubs. He knows what he wants and he wants Mariah who is a single mother who is trying to make it day by day. They meet in a bar and find a connection. Jason doesn't want any strings and Mariah agrees to this because she has enough strings.
It was a good story I just didn't personally connect with the characters. I wish there were more between the characters than just hot sex.
I received this book for an honest review. I thought this was an ok book. The premise of the story I thought was good. I just did not connect with the characters. There are parts of the story that I thought were very hot and sexy.
Jason is Millionaire who owns many successful bars/clubs. He knows what he wants and he wants Mariah who is a single mother who is trying to make it day by day. They meet in a bar and find a connection. Jason doesn't want any strings and Mariah agrees to this because she has enough strings.
It was a good story I just didn't personally connect with the characters. I wish there were more between the characters than just hot sex.
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