Wasted

Whiskey Nights #1

by Suzannah Daniels

It all started with sex on the beach…the drink, not…you know.As a bartender, Mason Cambridge often charmed beautiful women who ordered up cocktails on his shift. It was part of his job after all, and he needed the tips—badly. When Lexi Swafford plopped her pretty little tail down on the bar stool, Mason offered her a drink. He had no idea that he would soon be working with her or that he’d be letting her room with him until her new apartment was ready.In fact, once Lexi Swafford landed in Creekview, Tennessee, life as Mason Cambridge knew it would cease to exist…because after a night of drinking away the agony of his loneliness, one touch from her would change everything.WASTED is a new adult contemporary romance recommended for adult readers due to mature content.It is the first book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book in this series will focus on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones. Many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.WHISKEY NIGHTS series #1Ignited #2Deceived #3Betrayed #4Seduced #5 (Release date to be announced.)

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, New Adult Romance

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

Suzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words for as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing.

She has an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, but her passion is writing.

She is the author of multiple romances, including the Whiskey Nights Series (new adult contemporary), the Dangerous Trilogy (young adult contemporary), and the Vampire's Bane Series (young adult paranormal).

Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband. Her son and daughter live nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix named Achilles, a Basset Hound named Annabelle, a Shih Tzu named MooMoo, and a mixed breed named Oliver.

She loves to hear from her readers. Her email address is SuzannahDaniels@epbfi.com.

Reviews

[TeriLyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Wasted generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

4 Sex on the Beach Stars

Having never read a title by this author before I hadn’t known what to expect from her stories when I signed up to read Wasted. The blurb certainly intrigued me and the cover is beyond hot. After reading the tangled, twisty, fun, love story of Mason Cambridge and Lexi Swafford I can officially say Suzannah Daniels lured me into her both intriguing and hot world of Whiskey Nights.

A contemporary, new adult story with compelling characters and easy prose compromises the pages of Wasted. Humor weaves through the story perfectly. A bit angst leaves us on the edge of our seats with Mason and Lexi. Witty, catching dialogue flows evenly throughout. And a secondary cast that captures our attention as much as the main characters.

Mason Cambridge breaks readers hearts with his fragile emotions escaping from a past that’s left him scarred. He’s a charmer, a no-strings-attached bad boy with a penchant for booze. He’s enigmatic and alluring to Lexi Swafford – the put together yet discovering herself young woman. Mason is as alluring to the reader as he is to Lexi. He's haunted by something and Lexi makes it her mission to not only find out what but to help him fix the hurt. She’s the kind of girl who’s up front about her expectations. Lexi’s not judgmental but she also doesn’t pretend to be something she’s not. The two of them light fires in each other setting off sparks that were quite fun to read.

The story didn’t get a full five stars from me because although I sat down in one sitting to read it (due to length and being properly absorbed in the story) there were times I found it a bit predictable and assuming. Mason and Lexi both hide secrets from each other, hers more obvious than his. There were times I thought to myself, Lexi in particular, why aren’t they more forthcoming? It added to the angst and suspense of the secrets only for a certain length of the story. As the conflict arises and the resolution stems from those secrets I found myself pleasantly placated. Although I do wish we got more of an epilogue with these two, I'm hopeful we'll see some progression of their future with the next books in the series through the eyes of the secondary characters.

If you’re in the mood for new adult love between two funny, witty characters with secrets this is the story for you. Suzannah Daniels wrote an engaging story with Wasted. I’m intrigued and interested in the lives of the secondary characters as well and very much look forward to the Hawk’s story in book two of the Whisky Nights series.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

FREE on Amazon

[Kristen Holt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, should I be snarky and honest? Or, should I be kind and honest? Decisions, decisions! Well, honesty at the least...here goes...

I did not like this book.

I did not understand or believe the connection between Lexi and Mason.

I did not understand or believe the attraction between them.

Now don't get me wrong, I love me some push and pull in a romance novel, but this was waaaayyyy too much push, and not enough pull. So much of this book was spent in the push phase, that when we eventually got to the pull, it's impact was greatly diminished. The author passed up a huge opportunity to make those scenes sweeter, sexier, and more important. Instead, she rather glossed over them, and they were overshadowed by filler.

I hated the OW/OM drama, found it unnecessary, but a rather classic theme in New Adult. I only wish that someone would find a unique way to write it, rather than rehashing the same boring tropes over and over.

I did not like the cover, I don't know why, but there it is.

Wasted is a perfect name for this book, though. Wasted opportunities. Wasted sweet scenes. Wasted sexy times. Wasted time reading this book.

Huh. I guess snarky wins out after all.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Suzannah Daniels has done it again! Another amazing story that just moves you. I loved the characters and flow of Wasted, truly amazing. Mason is friendly with all the girls that enter "his" bar, he's known as a lady's man. He has worked his ass off to try to buy the bar from the current owner but time is running out and the pressure is on. Lexi is new in town and finds herself working next to Mason. She's came into town with one purpose, which didnt include finding herself in the arms of Mason. I really enjoy reading Suzannah Daniels work and can't wait to see what she has in store next for us with this series.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars!! I skimmed about half of this book, I mean I was liking it at the start but somewhere about the 30-40% mark it started losing me and I just couldn't get back into it.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/27/2018)! 💝

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars. Not a favorite but will continue the series.

[Helena Rizzuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially when I was asked to read this, i was hesitant because Im not generally a fan of NA reading material. However, with Wasted, Miss Daniels has managed to change my mind. And in a great way. Mason is a heartbreaker and a panty dropper. However, Miss Daniels did an excellent job at portraying that Mason was a much more complex man. He has humor but he had a darkness in him that made me want to dig it out and make him feel like the man he knows he should be, or the man I knew he was capable of being. He was an excellent choice in written character and I'm confident that anyone who reads this, will most likely fall in love with Mason as I have. Even with his tendencies to lean on alcohol, he was super redeemable and the author did a great job in making sure the reader would like Mason. Lexi is a fixer. Pure and simple. She knows there's something going on with Mason and is determined to help. Shes blunt, shes honest and doesn't play games. I like that the author made Lexi a woman who had values and stuck to them. I especially like that Lexi wasn't weak. Miss Daniels portrayed Lexi as a normal woman that anyone would be able to identify with. She was a good match for Mason and although there were some rought spots, Im glad that Lexi was written as she was. I really found myself being in awe of these two because what Mason was, Lexi couldn't tolerate. Yet, these two are the perfect ying to each others yang. The overall plot, ill be honest, didn't read as new adult. And I find myself anxiously diving into the next book in this series because Miss Daniels is a goddess of words.

Review provided on behalf of Back Off My Book Boyfriend

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books Suzannah has written I'm going to love this series. I loved Mason, he was quirky, "you move fast, don't ya, love?" I smiled, unable to stop my perusal from dripping to the V lines that disappeared into low-riding jeans." Our girl Lexi is a saucy thing, "I'm not trying to tell you what to do. By all means, if you want to spend your life chasing meaningless relationships, that's your prerogative. All I'm asking is that you keep the naked ladies in your room." Sometimes our girl knows how shock Mason, "he choked on his food and took a long wig of juice. The corner of his mouth tilted upward. "Why, Lexi. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you liked looking at my chest." He's so easy going, "I reached for her, pulling her back toward me. "Well, look at you. Who could blame me for wanting to participate in a little hanky-panky." I can't wait for Hawk's story.

[Melissa Cheslog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Mason and Lexi set in Creekview. It is a story about a guy with much pain in his life and he has been trying to make amends for his mistakes and those mistakes of others. He has suffered much in his life and sacrificed so much as well. Lexi has recently moved to Creekview after graduating college with her business degree. They both work at the bar with Mason showing Lexi the ropes. The bar is up for sale as the current owner wants to retire and move to Florida to be with his daughter. The story is well written and flows very well through the plot. I enjoyed reading this story. The characters are nicely developed and the dialogue is sincere and not forced. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[C Jia Ming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 7.5/10 stars

I love how the plot is very slow paced. It gives us readers time to warm towards the characters and the growth of the plot.

I really enjoyed reading Wasted because I just feel like both or all characters in this book should have another go at love even though they have a messy past. It really draws out some of your emotions (*like when Mason talked about his premature child* etc)

I quite recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a good, slow contemporary romance book to immerse yourself into this world and allow yourself to look at things in another perspective! :)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Excited for the next book, even tho we didn't get to know much about hawk, except he's a sexy as sin fireman! ;)

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Cat Fu (carocat) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Convenient and boring with a side of alcoholism.

[baps sieperda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a easy reader, with good sentences for quick reading ,its well written
The text is easy and smooth reader, love that!
And in a amazing way!the book embrases me
And while reading i,ll feel a kind of happiness
Because of the humoristic way it is written by the author
Its great fun to read who the two main chatacters mason and lexi interact to each other!i admire the author for that，i
Iconclusion : a nice book to read!
rating a 4 star

[Randy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book that gives you turns not expected

This book grabbed me and then the shockers I never expected. Mason and Lexi have a unhealthy battle that you do not see successful. Then you get thrown for some loops. I really did not expect the twist and turns. What shockers. You will love it.

[Swtdrms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the story started out quickly with the characters trusting one another quicker than I would believe in life, the story read well. The characters were engaging and the love story was believable. I may be reading the next book in this series!

[Susanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex on the beach

This story surrounded by a pub, drinks, and the feeling of being at Cheers, was overall a good read. Quality writing, good proofreading, and a happy ending. Very believable story about people one can relate to. Enjoy!

[iDreem2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 overall stars

Couple 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫 flat characters, annoying heroine/ MFC
Plot 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Story 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Sex 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫
Series 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫 I only kind of want to see Serene's story. The other MFCs sound as whinny and annoying as this female MC🙄

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book with a good story line kept you involved the whole time and I will read definitely read the next one in line of this series

[Bambi Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I loved this book. The characters felt like friends and it made me laugh and tear up, too. I’ve got to check out the rest of the series!!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Cute little story of 2 people, that both had a past. He was much more complicated and broken than her. Together they find peace.

[Leigh Sonnekus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed It!

I enjoyed Mason and Lexi’s story. I love how Lexi stood her ground about not just having a fling, which led to them being friends first. Slight twist on both their sides, 3/5 heat factor and HEA

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by a new-to-me author did not disappoint. Mason and Lexi getting to know each other and a secret to be revealed and overcome.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read with a predictable but happy ending. Really liked the characters and the complexity of the back stories. Very steamy in places!!

[BleuBelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 60%
Boring.

[Deanna Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book and enjoyed it so far…

Really don’t know what to say about this book but, a good dramas on these both characters…

Looking forward to read more book series soon….

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice emotional start to what will be a wonderful series. Be sure to have a tissue ready while reading about Mason and Lexi's story.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #2 for Popculture readathon. Read a book you forgot was on your TBR.

More of a 2.5.

The build up of the novel between Mason and Lexi was okay. But the beginning was ridiculous (she moves into the guy's house as a roommate after meeting him once?! No). And actual sex on the beach (the drink and the act) are not sexy. SAND. Ew.

Also Mason's borderline alcoholism and TW/CW of infant death and infidelity.

Meh, it was okay. I didn't really like Mason or Lexi very much. I didn't connect with the characters, and the plot was all over the place. I felt like it was trying too hard to be dark and brooding, but didn't pull it off.

Won't continue with the series.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered an ARC of Wasted in exchange for an honest review. First off, I'd like to just say that I was thrilled to be able to read the book before it was released, and secondly, I'm giving it a solid 4 stars.

Wasted is the story of Mason Cambridge, a twenty-something bartender who seems like your typical charming sort of guy you love to hate at times; someone who has the easiest life ever. He gets any woman he wants, has great friends, and lives life as though he has no cares in the world. But Mason has secrets from his past that tend to haunt him. Does anyone truly know the real Mason?

Enter Lexi Swafford, a recent college graduate who just moved back to her hometown of Creekview. She's looking for a job, an apartment, and to reconnect with some old friends. What she doesn't count on is her first meeting with Mason Cambridge and where that just might lead.

When Lexi begins working at the bar, she eases right into her duties as bartender in training under Mason's guidance. When she begins rooming with him at his apartment, things remain easygoing and professional between the pair. Soon, though, their friendship begins to become something more.

Lexi and Mason both agree to take things slow and see where their tentative new relationship may go. But when demons from Mason's past, and even one from Lexi's past, begin to take over, the pair struggle to maintain even their friendship.

Will Mason and Lexi survive their pasts catching up to them? Can love and friendship triumph? Or will it all be wasted?

I have to admit, within the first 3% of the book, I was immediately hooked due to the fun, flirty, friendly banter between Mason and Lexi. They both seemed at ease with one another, and they could easily handle themselves during their first couple of encounters. It was easy to feel as though you'd known these two characters your entire life.

Also, I rather enjoyed how almost all of the chapters were named after an alcoholic beverage, even if the chapter may not have had anything to do with said drink. It was incorporated in some way, and I thought that was nifty.

The dialogue flows between all of the characters. Mason's friends are likeable when they put in appearances. Seren, Lexi's friend, is also an amiable character. You honestly feel like these people could be your friends.

The plot flows and moves along with an easy pace, making the reader feel happy at times, sad at times, and occasionally even angry at times. Both Mason and Lexi have moments where you want to hug them both or slap them upside the head and tell them to stop being so dumb. It's quite entertaining, actually.

Overall, I would give Wasted 4 stars. It was a really fun read, and I was quickly and easily sucked into the world of Mason and Lexi. I can also say I am now looking forward to the second book in the series.

If you're looking for a story with romance, a touch of suspense, and a lot of awesomeness, definitely pick up a copy of Wasted. I guarantee you won't regret it.