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www.girl-gear #1
All Tied Up
Wicked games . . .
The gIRL: When it comes to playing games, Webzine editor Macy Webb is the absolute best. Her latest idea for her girl-games column — an adult scavenger hunt where each half of a couple has to discover their partner's deepest secrets of mind...and body.
The gUY: Attorney Leo Redding wouldn't have been Macy's first choice for a playmate. Not that he isn't gorgeous and sexy — actually, maybe he's too much of all that. And while she's certain she can get into his head, she's got her work cut out for her getting into his bed...and staying out of love!
The gIRL: When it comes to playing games, Webzine editor Macy Webb is the absolute best. Her latest idea for her girl-games column — an adult scavenger hunt where each half of a couple has to discover their partner's deepest secrets of mind...and body.
The gUY: Attorney Leo Redding wouldn't have been Macy's first choice for a playmate. Not that he isn't gorgeous and sexy — actually, maybe he's too much of all that. And while she's certain she can get into his head, she's got her work cut out for her getting into his bed...and staying out of love!
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
430 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Alison Kent
129 books641 followersI often read of or hear about authors who knew they were meant to tell stories from the time they left the crib. Me? I didn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was thirty years old - and then sold my first book at thirty-four. Still, it was obvious that I always knew I was going places.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
Like so many other authors, I was a voracious reader from day one, devouring everything from Nancy Drew to My Friend Flicka, which I remember sitting hovered over the heater vent in the kitchen floor to read while my father made his coffee.
I moved on to my mother's Phyllis Whitney, Dorothy Eden, and Mary Stewart gothics before discovering my first true romances written by Lucy Walker and set in the Australian Outback. And then, at last, when I was 18 I found 'The Flame and the Flower'. (My son almost spent his life as Brandon because of that, but I spared him and named him Casey instead!)
Why write romance? Because love stories have always been a major part of the books I've loved. Father Ralph and Meggie Cleary. (I did name my daughter Megan after reading The Thorn Birds! Do you see a trend here?) The aforementioned Brandon Birmingham and Heather Simmons. Wolf Mackenzie and Mary Potter.
Even more so, it's because I love writing romance heroes. The men who sweep both heroines and readers off their feet - not to mention their authors, too!
I've spent several years happily writing action adventure romance for Kensington Brava along with hot and sexy series romances for Harlequin Blaze. Now I'm thrilled to be a launch author for Vows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 30, 2010
I was going through stacks of old books and found this one. I sat down for a quick reread and remembered that Kent can write hot like nobody's business. Wow.
June 24, 2013
I really should have started this series in the right order, as it would have helped a little to understand some of what was only hinted at in the second book. All those books evolve one after the other and do not make for fully independent reading in my opinion.
I was not totally convinced by the explanations behind Macy's childish looking behavior, though the disclosure scene was rather more moving than what I expected. I really liked the way the relationship between Leo and Macy started, all on the wrong foot and the accumulation of bad lawyer jokes.
A short but very pleasant and easy reading.
I was not totally convinced by the explanations behind Macy's childish looking behavior, though the disclosure scene was rather more moving than what I expected. I really liked the way the relationship between Leo and Macy started, all on the wrong foot and the accumulation of bad lawyer jokes.
A short but very pleasant and easy reading.
February 29, 2012
I enjoyed this. I like Kent's writing style a lot, and I would definitely read this book again. There were a few jokes that were a little bawdy for my taste, but overall I found this a very easy and entertaining read. I liked the characters. Macy is fun and spunky, and Leo is sexy as hell. Although I don't personally identify with Macy's extremely extroverted personality, Kent made it easy for me to understand. I also found the reveal about her past very touching.
September 17, 2013
Great start to the series. Loved Leo and Macy, and Eric and Chloe. I can't wait to read about the rest.
February 23, 2019
I didn't like the book, they try to focus too much on psychological aspects of their relationships and at moments it became too annoying for me. She is too childish, he is to stiff and judgy. The other couple presented has problems with commitment and getting to know each other. All this couple's could do was have sex. I didn't feel invested in them nor did I relate to any of the characters. All of them felt too... superficial.
There are some parts were we get to know the main characters and their back stories, but her being childish because playing saved her father's life and him being stiff because of his mother abandoning him is not going to make me love the characters when there is nothing lovable about them. She is annoying and he is bipolar.
I also didn't like the writing. At times I didn't know if is skipped thru sentences because there were things that happened without the book telling me or explaining me. The rules of friendship were never explained, they were just mentioned and the author assumed we just HAVE to know that there is a rule for not hurting (i mean like playfully hurting not aggressively) your bff... so when it's mentioned, it's out of nowhere. There are other Times where she reacts to something but the sentences and paragraphs before don't have anything for her to react to. I don't know if I was to annoyed by the plot of a sexual game questionnaire that I wasn't paying attention, but I didn't like the book overall.
There are some parts were we get to know the main characters and their back stories, but her being childish because playing saved her father's life and him being stiff because of his mother abandoning him is not going to make me love the characters when there is nothing lovable about them. She is annoying and he is bipolar.
I also didn't like the writing. At times I didn't know if is skipped thru sentences because there were things that happened without the book telling me or explaining me. The rules of friendship were never explained, they were just mentioned and the author assumed we just HAVE to know that there is a rule for not hurting (i mean like playfully hurting not aggressively) your bff... so when it's mentioned, it's out of nowhere. There are other Times where she reacts to something but the sentences and paragraphs before don't have anything for her to react to. I don't know if I was to annoyed by the plot of a sexual game questionnaire that I wasn't paying attention, but I didn't like the book overall.
July 17, 2024
4 Stars
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Straightlaced/Wild Child, Forced Proximity
I hunted this book down for the cover, which just feeds my id directly. Can we talk about a book from 2002 containing bondage? From a major publisher? I didn’t know such content was available at the time.
Freewheeling, fun and fancy free Macy Webb is the editor for webzine (!!!) gIRL-gEAR, in charge of their column that has a focus on relationships and sexy times. Her newest game that she needs play-tested is a relationship scavenger hunt, and her testers are her fellow gIRL-gEAR coworkers and the men that will become love interests in later books. And naturally, she gets paired with uber uptight, closed-off lawyer Leo Redding. Later, Macy’s roommate, Laurin, moves out at the exact time Leo is getting his condo remodeled, so the two move in together, to try to win the game and Definitely Not bang each others brains out. They fail, of course. (There is also a subplot about Laurin and her guy’s relationship problems. It’s kind of a non entity, to be honest.)
This one is kind of a hard one to rate. I found a lot of how Leo describes Macy as a bit uncomfortable. He says she is a childlike a lot, which…is…not great. Especially since she’s a self-sufficient career woman. There is a lot in this book about growing up, which might be a sign of what the economy was like in the early 2000s more than anything else.
Speaking of which, this book is SUCH a time capsule. I was absolutely delighted by the references to one of the women having “curves like JLo” and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon being called heartthrobs. Every deeply early 2000s reference brought me such joy.
The last fifth of the book was where it really shined. We finally get pretty important context about Macy, and Leo finally stops judging her for wanting fun. And his turn at the end is really sweet. If it had been given more time to breathe, I think I would have rated this book a bit higher.
Oh, and given that this is a Blaze, I should probably talk about the sexy times. They were pretty solid, with a fair amount of variety. And again, shocked at bondage being on page from a major publisher in 2002. Category truly is the Wild West of the publishing world.
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Straightlaced/Wild Child, Forced Proximity
I hunted this book down for the cover, which just feeds my id directly. Can we talk about a book from 2002 containing bondage? From a major publisher? I didn’t know such content was available at the time.
Freewheeling, fun and fancy free Macy Webb is the editor for webzine (!!!) gIRL-gEAR, in charge of their column that has a focus on relationships and sexy times. Her newest game that she needs play-tested is a relationship scavenger hunt, and her testers are her fellow gIRL-gEAR coworkers and the men that will become love interests in later books. And naturally, she gets paired with uber uptight, closed-off lawyer Leo Redding. Later, Macy’s roommate, Laurin, moves out at the exact time Leo is getting his condo remodeled, so the two move in together, to try to win the game and Definitely Not bang each others brains out. They fail, of course. (There is also a subplot about Laurin and her guy’s relationship problems. It’s kind of a non entity, to be honest.)
This one is kind of a hard one to rate. I found a lot of how Leo describes Macy as a bit uncomfortable. He says she is a childlike a lot, which…is…not great. Especially since she’s a self-sufficient career woman. There is a lot in this book about growing up, which might be a sign of what the economy was like in the early 2000s more than anything else.
Speaking of which, this book is SUCH a time capsule. I was absolutely delighted by the references to one of the women having “curves like JLo” and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon being called heartthrobs. Every deeply early 2000s reference brought me such joy.
The last fifth of the book was where it really shined. We finally get pretty important context about Macy, and Leo finally stops judging her for wanting fun. And his turn at the end is really sweet. If it had been given more time to breathe, I think I would have rated this book a bit higher.
Oh, and given that this is a Blaze, I should probably talk about the sexy times. They were pretty solid, with a fair amount of variety. And again, shocked at bondage being on page from a major publisher in 2002. Category truly is the Wild West of the publishing world.
September 11, 2018
MAGICAL
Alison Kent is new to me but her writing is magical. I felt all the feels in this book like I knew all these characters as my besties. Macy was so childlike and fey, with her night lights and zoo painted ceiling, always needing noise and confusion around to calm her down. Totally opposite of Leo, calm, sophisticated, by the book lawyer, no nonsense. Until the game night scavenger hunt knocks them all off their feet. Leo sees something in Macy he had never felt in another woman. A fire, a flare, a spark that lights a part of him that has never before been uncovered. Macy is drawn to Leo like a beautiful butterfly to a flame. Anton and Lauren have to figure out if their relationship is based on sex alone. The dance these characters perform is so beautifully choreographed that it is a privilege to witness. Dual point of views make it so much more fascinating. I will be watching for much more from this author.
Alison Kent is new to me but her writing is magical. I felt all the feels in this book like I knew all these characters as my besties. Macy was so childlike and fey, with her night lights and zoo painted ceiling, always needing noise and confusion around to calm her down. Totally opposite of Leo, calm, sophisticated, by the book lawyer, no nonsense. Until the game night scavenger hunt knocks them all off their feet. Leo sees something in Macy he had never felt in another woman. A fire, a flare, a spark that lights a part of him that has never before been uncovered. Macy is drawn to Leo like a beautiful butterfly to a flame. Anton and Lauren have to figure out if their relationship is based on sex alone. The dance these characters perform is so beautifully choreographed that it is a privilege to witness. Dual point of views make it so much more fascinating. I will be watching for much more from this author.
December 23, 2017
Non mi è piaciuto. Ho saltato diversi passaggi, concentrandomi sul rapporto fra i protagonisti, che battibeccavano parecchio. I loro dialoghi sono l’unica cosa che mi ha trattenuta dall’abbandonare il romanzo. Le prime 50 pagine mi sono annoiata profondamente, leggendo di una tizia che organizza un gioco di coppia per sperimentare un format da proporre sul suo sito web. Poi finalmente è arrivata un po’ di quella “tentazione” che promette la copertina, sia pure velata e molto semplice. Quando il fuoco fra i due protagonisti deflagra, si assiste alla nascita del loro rapporto, ironica e apparentemente superficiale. Poi – finalmente – il romanzo finisce e diciamo che qual cosina mi è piaciuto, ma è talmente poco da non reggere l’intero romanzo.
December 31, 2018
They say opposites attract and that couldn't be more true with free spirited Macy and straight laced Leo. Macy and her friends successful run an online magazine with Macy leading the charge on the fun and adult games portion of the website. As she comes up with the games she likes to try them out on her friends first. The latest game night leads her to be paired with attorney Leo and as they start a sexy scavenger hunt they get to know each other on a much deeper level. As they get to know each other on a more personal level they have to decide if they are ready to change their idea of what their ideal partner is because they may have found them in the most unexpected place. Fun read!
September 23, 2017
Fun book!
What a fun and entertaining book. Can a grown up woman who acts like a child even dressed like one, find love with a corporate attorney who is very grown up?
Enjoyable and exciting book. Can wait to continue reading the other books in the series.
What a fun and entertaining book. Can a grown up woman who acts like a child even dressed like one, find love with a corporate attorney who is very grown up?
Enjoyable and exciting book. Can wait to continue reading the other books in the series.
February 8, 2019
Well this one is different. Was well written but a little to much distress. To many problems. This isn't you quick easy read but I do encourage everyone to give it a chance. I did enjoy this book but it was slow in places. As I said give it a chance!!!
March 19, 2019
Slow moving
Macy and her coworkers take a long time to get to the point in this story. It is probably just not my type of story.
I do have to say it is very well written and Ms. Kent has a mastery of descriptive words, sentences, and paragraphs.
Macy and her coworkers take a long time to get to the point in this story. It is probably just not my type of story.
I do have to say it is very well written and Ms. Kent has a mastery of descriptive words, sentences, and paragraphs.
August 19, 2019
Complex characters are the best kind.
A very well done book. Past events shape us. The book's characters acknowledge this and decide whether to break free or not. A happy ending for Macy and Leo.
A very well done book. Past events shape us. The book's characters acknowledge this and decide whether to break free or not. A happy ending for Macy and Leo.
January 6, 2018
SERIOUSLY cute book, great characters, was very entertaining. Part of a series I may re-visit.
February 3, 2019
5+ Star's
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are laugh out loud funny, very steamy, and oh so romantic.
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are laugh out loud funny, very steamy, and oh so romantic.
February 4, 2019
Confusing
Hard to follow, and made it hard to relate to characters. Book was hard to start, and had to keep re-reading to make sure I wasn't missing something.
Hard to follow, and made it hard to relate to characters. Book was hard to start, and had to keep re-reading to make sure I wasn't missing something.
February 4, 2019
Girl Gear
Easy read, a little slow to get to the story line.
I also felt that the numerous
explicit sex scenes were not needed to relate to the story
Easy read, a little slow to get to the story line.
I also felt that the numerous
explicit sex scenes were not needed to relate to the story
February 22, 2019
A waste of time...
March 22, 2019
It was fun
How could one little game lead to do much trouble? A scavenger hunt about feelings digs up old wounds and new revelations, plus plenty of sexy times.
How could one little game lead to do much trouble? A scavenger hunt about feelings digs up old wounds and new revelations, plus plenty of sexy times.
August 9, 2019
Meh. A quick chick lit book. I felt like I never really got to know the characters.
added-it
January 29, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/29/2021)! 🎁
April 24, 2023
Excellent Novel
Alison Kent is an excellent author who creates characters which tell the experiences of their lives with detail and insight.
Alison Kent is an excellent author who creates characters which tell the experiences of their lives with detail and insight.
November 2, 2025
3.5 stars
I liked the characters and the plot. Everything see,ed rushed and a little unrealistic. The perfect harlequin romance. I liked the banter and it was a quick read.
I liked the characters and the plot. Everything see,ed rushed and a little unrealistic. The perfect harlequin romance. I liked the banter and it was a quick read.
May 26, 2019
It is a great book to read
March 11, 2019
This was a cute story, and while I haven't read the rest of the series yet, it's on my TBR list. I liked the characters a lot and the idea of a sexual treasure hunt is fun. This is a fun enemies to lovers arc. These two are sure the other is the last person they would ever date. But when roommating makes sense, all bets are off. Their road to true love has a lot of pit stops, but it all comes about naturally and makes us like the characters more.
May 29, 2020
Bit disappointed in this one. The synopsis of the adults only scavenger hunt was such a cool premise. However, it really wasn't executed in a way that actually incorporated it into the plot. There was a lot of talk about the scavenger hunt as a theory but no actual showing of people partaking in the scavenger hunt. We didn't even end up finding out what Macy and Leo found out about each other that was on their lists. That being said, there were some hot scenes! And I liked that the book didn't end with a proposal as so many of these kinds of books do. However, I did find the L word to be dropped a bit early... didn't feel like the really knew each other. Meh I dunno. I had higher hopes for this one but it was still an entertaining read. I'm not sure that I'll continue with the series though.
October 25, 2016
"«So che sto per dire una cosa inutile, ma questo è un foglio di carta in bianco. Lo stesso che ti ho dato io.»
Lui scosse adagio la testa, la mano appoggiata sul foglio. «No, Macy. Ti sto dando di più.»
Lei girò il foglio. E lì, sul retro, scritte a inchiostro in lettere maiuscole, c'erano due parole. Due parole che le fecero venire le lacrime agli occhi e battere forte il cuore. Se quello era un sogno, non voleva risvegliarsi mai più."
Lui scosse adagio la testa, la mano appoggiata sul foglio. «No, Macy. Ti sto dando di più.»
Lei girò il foglio. E lì, sul retro, scritte a inchiostro in lettere maiuscole, c'erano due parole. Due parole che le fecero venire le lacrime agli occhi e battere forte il cuore. Se quello era un sogno, non voleva risvegliarsi mai più."
June 2, 2012
besides the cover and all... it reminded me of boycotts and barflies. I thought the book was ok, the storly line wasn't all that interesting.
January 16, 2017
DNF @40%
Orribile!
E' scritto talmente male che non ci ho capito una cippa!
Evitatelo!!!!!!!!
Orribile!
E' scritto talmente male che non ci ho capito una cippa!
Evitatelo!!!!!!!!
May 30, 2012
what........the heck did i just read?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews