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House of Payne #2
Scout
There’s no doubt that Scout Upton earned her nickname. From the time she was an orphan bouncing from foster home to foster home like an unwanted stray, she’s had an uncanny ability to scout out trouble. Now an integral part of House Of Payne’s dominance in the world of ink, her “trouble” alarm triggers every time world-renowned fashion photographer, Ivar Fournier, comes around.
Former model-turned-photographer, Ivar is notorious for making or breaking supermodels, both on camera and off. But when it comes to Scout, he can’t get a foot in the door. She doesn’t buy his charm or his story of wanting to spotlight body art for his next exhibit. Maybe because that’s exactly what it is—a story. Despite being born in a world of privilege, there’s a terrible darkness behind his practiced smile, and it all stems from a past he needs to understand. Scout holds the key to that mysterious past, and if he has to break her apart to get it, that’s exactly what he’ll do.
95,000 words
***This is the second book of the House Of Payne series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to adult language and sexual content***
Former model-turned-photographer, Ivar is notorious for making or breaking supermodels, both on camera and off. But when it comes to Scout, he can’t get a foot in the door. She doesn’t buy his charm or his story of wanting to spotlight body art for his next exhibit. Maybe because that’s exactly what it is—a story. Despite being born in a world of privilege, there’s a terrible darkness behind his practiced smile, and it all stems from a past he needs to understand. Scout holds the key to that mysterious past, and if he has to break her apart to get it, that’s exactly what he’ll do.
95,000 words
***This is the second book of the House Of Payne series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to adult language and sexual content***
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2015
55 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 25, 2015
Loved both characters and adored the sweetest progression of their feelings growing stronger and stronger. Two discarded souls finding a home in each other.
This fit my safety standards..
No om or ow drama at all.
I do not care about the past of the characters.
This fit my safety standards..
No om or ow drama at all.
I do not care about the past of the characters.
March 25, 2017
You know when you're reading a book and you can see the ignition point coming and you know it's going to be bad because lies never make things easier when they're found out? Yeaaaaah. Stacy Gail gets me right in the heart when she lines up these events and you can see them teetering like a house of cards, ready to fall over at the slightest upset.
*stares at everyone*
I like Scout. I felt for her what with her past and the issues she has with trust. But... BUT it was Ivar who killed me dead this time. Ivar with his terrible childhood and desire for the truth about who he is. Ivar who is used to being used and doesn't even realize how desperately he wants a place to belong.
That said, I did love how Scout and her "stray" foster sisters banded together. I liked when Scout is given a hard truth about her inability to trust and she sees how her past makes her unforgiving about some things that need to be forgiven upon occasion. I liked her. I genuinely liked her and the relationships she cultivates with those she interacts with. Not going to lie, I liked when she went batshit crazy on Twist and Angel, too. Sometimes a girl just needs to lose her cool to make things happen.
I have Twist's story in hand and I'm ready to dive in. (Also, Sass and Rude? YES? Although we barely got to know the two of them, I'm ALL OVER THAT!)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
*stares at everyone*
I like Scout. I felt for her what with her past and the issues she has with trust. But... BUT it was Ivar who killed me dead this time. Ivar with his terrible childhood and desire for the truth about who he is. Ivar who is used to being used and doesn't even realize how desperately he wants a place to belong.
That said, I did love how Scout and her "stray" foster sisters banded together. I liked when Scout is given a hard truth about her inability to trust and she sees how her past makes her unforgiving about some things that need to be forgiven upon occasion. I liked her. I genuinely liked her and the relationships she cultivates with those she interacts with. Not going to lie, I liked when she went batshit crazy on Twist and Angel, too. Sometimes a girl just needs to lose her cool to make things happen.
I have Twist's story in hand and I'm ready to dive in. (Also, Sass and Rude? YES? Although we barely got to know the two of them, I'm ALL OVER THAT!)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 18, 2017
Ivar (H) is so freaking hot! I love the angst and the grovelling! There’s no cheating and ow/om drama.
May 10, 2016
3.5 stars.
This could've been as awesome as the first book if Scout didn't turned into a whiny selfish bitch who just couldn't get over her self pity and insecurity.
So, you're a foster kid from the rough side of Chicago who never felt belong? Boohoo. While Ivar was What a winner you are, Scout.
Gah, really though. She didn't even apologize for all the hurtful things she said to Ivar. SMH.
This could've been as awesome as the first book if Scout didn't turned into a whiny selfish bitch who just couldn't get over her self pity and insecurity.
So, you're a foster kid from the rough side of Chicago who never felt belong? Boohoo. While Ivar was What a winner you are, Scout.
Gah, really though. She didn't even apologize for all the hurtful things she said to Ivar. SMH.
December 26, 2016
Scout Upton works hard at her job running the House of Payne, that is why when she has time off she takes it. Ivar Fournier has been relentless in his pursuit of trying to get a behind the scenes look at House of Payne, but Scout had been burned before when she let someone else in and she wont repeat that mistake again. Ivar has other ideas, he is intrigued by Scout and when she finally gives in to the attraction she doesn't know that Ivar was interested in her for a different reason altogether. Can she put her trust in a man who met her under a web of lies?
Scout is a handful, I have liked her in every story and she does not disappoint in this one. Ivar is charismatic but has some major secrets that could destroy everything he is building with Scout. Very unexpected story, was not expecting the twists in this one.
Scout is a handful, I have liked her in every story and she does not disappoint in this one. Ivar is charismatic but has some major secrets that could destroy everything he is building with Scout. Very unexpected story, was not expecting the twists in this one.
May 27, 2020
Still sniffling...
Amazing love story. I loved this one even more than the first and I loved that one too! I’m really liking this author’s writing and the unique storylines. It’s refreshing.
Amazing love story. I loved this one even more than the first and I loved that one too! I’m really liking this author’s writing and the unique storylines. It’s refreshing.
August 10, 2015
⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️
* * * S P O I L E R S * * *
♦️BOOK: #2, HOUSE OF PAYNE series, 95k words.
♦️WRITING: Great! - Witty, natural dialogue. Dual, alternating POV.
♦️EDITING: Minimal errors found - only a couple missing/incorrect words
♦️HERO: Ivar "Trouble" Fournier, --World renowned fashion photographer, former male supermodel. Tormented and broken by his horrendous upbringing. Irresistibly gorgeous, charming, wealthy, sophisticated, formal, blue-blooded, ladies man.
"Sure, she liked the look of him— killer blue eyes, sculpted square jaw and suave manners that belonged in some hoity-toity chateau." "He could probably charm the birds right out of their frigging feathers if he put his mind to it."
♦️HEROINE: Theresa “Scout” Upton, 26--Office manager at House Of Payne, "scouts" out sources of trouble for Payne. Confident, driven, organized, smart-mouthed, no-nonsense, hardcore realist. A tough, blue-collar orphan raised in foster care.
“So, sweet talk won’t fly with me, pal, and it sure as hell won’t distract me from finding out what the hell it is you’re actually doing here. It will, however, piss me off.” “What a strange woman you are, to be infuriated by sweet talk.” “Now you’re getting it. I equate sweet talk with manipulation, so if you’re jonesing to see me in beast- mode, you’re doing it right.”
♦️HEAT: Medium, 3.5/5 - 4 hot sex scenes. Exhibitionism (light). H has "miraculous penis powers” (can control his climaxes/ejaculations).
“There will be no sleeping for either of us, ma trésor. There will only be fucking, and fucking, and even more fucking, and if you lose consciousness it will be due only to pleasure or exhaustion, or a perfect mixture of both. This is my goal.”
♦️WHAT WORKED:
--Scout's rockabilly, retro, pinup-girl style.
--Ivar's yummy French accent and he says some of the sweetest stuff ever!
--The H & h are both survivors.
"It was the loneliest feeling in the world, to be so utterly at the mercy of others, and to be voiceless when it came to crying out for help. When they’d been kids, they hadn’t had anyone to cry out to. No hero had been waiting in the wings to save them, so they’d had to save themselves."
--Scout's foster sisters were pretty awesome and dished out some really great advice!
--Mama Coco and Papa Bolo, her foster parents were wonderful.
--The Navy Pier cat was a sweet addiction to this story and Ivar talking to her was very funny!
--The H & h picnicking in a blanket fort during a storm.
--Ivar's persistence and refusal to give up on Scout that ultimately won her over.
--the private photo exhibit where Scout learns how Ivar feels about her.
"This picture alone shows your worth, ma trésor, and it is a worth that is beyond measure.”
"...each of these photos represent a moment when a part of my heart became yours."
--the epilogue!!!
♦️WHAT DID NOT WORK:
There really wasn't much that I didn't enjoy. There's only one thing that I wasn't thrilled about...
--the h shows no jealousy at all, not even in her own head, which is a little unrealistic. H photographs supermodels for a living and is known to sleep with them. She has seen pictures of the H in several compromising positions, which is kinda skeevy. I wouldn't want pictures of the man I'm with banging a bunch of other chicks all over the internet for friends/family and the world to see.
♦️WARNINGS: H suffered extreme child abuse by family, raped as a young teen by a woman 3 times his age who also forced him to prostitute himself, raped by a man.
♦️ENDING: HEA. Epilogue - very sweet, about 5 years later. NO cliffhanger.
♦️QUOTE:
"If his kisses were put before a blind test panel, nine women out of ten would approve, with the tenth checking the wrong box because she was so blown away."
* * * S P O I L E R S * * *
♦️BOOK: #2, HOUSE OF PAYNE series, 95k words.
♦️WRITING: Great! - Witty, natural dialogue. Dual, alternating POV.
♦️EDITING: Minimal errors found - only a couple missing/incorrect words
♦️HERO: Ivar "Trouble" Fournier, --World renowned fashion photographer, former male supermodel. Tormented and broken by his horrendous upbringing. Irresistibly gorgeous, charming, wealthy, sophisticated, formal, blue-blooded, ladies man.
"Sure, she liked the look of him— killer blue eyes, sculpted square jaw and suave manners that belonged in some hoity-toity chateau." "He could probably charm the birds right out of their frigging feathers if he put his mind to it."
♦️HEROINE: Theresa “Scout” Upton, 26--Office manager at House Of Payne, "scouts" out sources of trouble for Payne. Confident, driven, organized, smart-mouthed, no-nonsense, hardcore realist. A tough, blue-collar orphan raised in foster care.
“So, sweet talk won’t fly with me, pal, and it sure as hell won’t distract me from finding out what the hell it is you’re actually doing here. It will, however, piss me off.” “What a strange woman you are, to be infuriated by sweet talk.” “Now you’re getting it. I equate sweet talk with manipulation, so if you’re jonesing to see me in beast- mode, you’re doing it right.”
♦️HEAT: Medium, 3.5/5 - 4 hot sex scenes. Exhibitionism (light). H has "miraculous penis powers” (can control his climaxes/ejaculations).
“There will be no sleeping for either of us, ma trésor. There will only be fucking, and fucking, and even more fucking, and if you lose consciousness it will be due only to pleasure or exhaustion, or a perfect mixture of both. This is my goal.”
♦️WHAT WORKED:
--Scout's rockabilly, retro, pinup-girl style.
--Ivar's yummy French accent and he says some of the sweetest stuff ever!
--The H & h are both survivors.
"It was the loneliest feeling in the world, to be so utterly at the mercy of others, and to be voiceless when it came to crying out for help. When they’d been kids, they hadn’t had anyone to cry out to. No hero had been waiting in the wings to save them, so they’d had to save themselves."
--Scout's foster sisters were pretty awesome and dished out some really great advice!
--Mama Coco and Papa Bolo, her foster parents were wonderful.
--The Navy Pier cat was a sweet addiction to this story and Ivar talking to her was very funny!
--The H & h picnicking in a blanket fort during a storm.
--Ivar's persistence and refusal to give up on Scout that ultimately won her over.
--the private photo exhibit where Scout learns how Ivar feels about her.
"This picture alone shows your worth, ma trésor, and it is a worth that is beyond measure.”
"...each of these photos represent a moment when a part of my heart became yours."
--the epilogue!!!
♦️WHAT DID NOT WORK:
There really wasn't much that I didn't enjoy. There's only one thing that I wasn't thrilled about...
--the h shows no jealousy at all, not even in her own head, which is a little unrealistic. H photographs supermodels for a living and is known to sleep with them. She has seen pictures of the H in several compromising positions, which is kinda skeevy. I wouldn't want pictures of the man I'm with banging a bunch of other chicks all over the internet for friends/family and the world to see.
♦️WARNINGS: H suffered extreme child abuse by family, raped as a young teen by a woman 3 times his age who also forced him to prostitute himself, raped by a man.
♦️ENDING: HEA. Epilogue - very sweet, about 5 years later. NO cliffhanger.
♦️QUOTE:
"If his kisses were put before a blind test panel, nine women out of ten would approve, with the tenth checking the wrong box because she was so blown away."
February 10, 2015
Loved it!!
Oh my goodness!! I enjoyed Scout in Payne's book, she was a no nonsense chick. In her book I LOVE her!! Not only is she no nonsense she has been through so much and still can see beauty in the world. Ivar is such a lost puppy I want to bring him home. He needs her because he's looking into his life, but what he finds with Scout is himself!! As much beauty as she sees in herself she can't believe in it when it comes to herself and that is why deep down she need him!! Can't wait to read more in the House of Payne series!!!!
Oh my goodness!! I enjoyed Scout in Payne's book, she was a no nonsense chick. In her book I LOVE her!! Not only is she no nonsense she has been through so much and still can see beauty in the world. Ivar is such a lost puppy I want to bring him home. He needs her because he's looking into his life, but what he finds with Scout is himself!! As much beauty as she sees in herself she can't believe in it when it comes to herself and that is why deep down she need him!! Can't wait to read more in the House of Payne series!!!!
June 3, 2015
I really, really liked this book. I loved Scout. She was strong and self assured, while also being vulnerable and unsure of her worth. She came from a tough background and yet managed to find the beauty all around her. And Ivar - poor, sweet Ivar - who suffered just as much but on the opposite end of the scale. I enjoyed watching their developing relationship and really connected to how they found the missing piece of their life in each other.
February 25, 2015
Great characters great story
I think I would love for this series to never end. Stacy Gail has wrote a great love story and I for one can not wait for more to this. I totally lost myself in this book.
I think I would love for this series to never end. Stacy Gail has wrote a great love story and I for one can not wait for more to this. I totally lost myself in this book.
December 22, 2015
I love this book <3 I think this might be the angstiest book in this series so far, and I love me some good angst. And I love Scout. She was such a great heroine <3
January 21, 2018
I read the first House of Payne book before I read this one, and I definitely liked this one better (even though I liked the first one too!). I really loved this one because the hero and the heroine are both very supportive of each other.
I saw the author mention on her Instagram account that she has been told before that heroines should never have to "save" heroes - the heroes should be the ones who do the saving. To me this is just so wrong and in fact I really dislike it when the heroine is the only one who has to be saved, while the hero has no problems or no need of his woman's support.
In this book there was a definite need from both hero and heroine to be supported by their partner, and each partner gave so much emotionally (and physically, wooooahhhh!) to the other. This was why I particularly liked this book and would recommend it to any other readers who like a strong heroine who helps her hero tackle his emotional woes, etc.
Did I mention the book is also hot and steamy? If not, well, it is - so I recommend it for that reason too! :)
I saw the author mention on her Instagram account that she has been told before that heroines should never have to "save" heroes - the heroes should be the ones who do the saving. To me this is just so wrong and in fact I really dislike it when the heroine is the only one who has to be saved, while the hero has no problems or no need of his woman's support.
In this book there was a definite need from both hero and heroine to be supported by their partner, and each partner gave so much emotionally (and physically, wooooahhhh!) to the other. This was why I particularly liked this book and would recommend it to any other readers who like a strong heroine who helps her hero tackle his emotional woes, etc.
Did I mention the book is also hot and steamy? If not, well, it is - so I recommend it for that reason too! :)
June 22, 2018
Scout
I loved this book so much, I think Scout is my favorite character ever. She came from nothing and grew into a unique woman who could solve world hunger if it was put on her plate. Ivars story my god! The scene in Scouts bedroom the morning after they hooked up where he told her about his life as a model, it broke my heart. I can't believe he caught that cat and took her home that was the epitome of hilarious. His poor assistant! This story flowed so well and the plot line is just amazing the only thing I could ask for is hotter sex scenes. It kind of skips over the scenes instead of going into detail it's more imagination based. She puts the beginning details on the scene but is vague enough where you can imagine it however you choose. All in all a great second book in this series and I'll definitely be reading the rest.
I loved this book so much, I think Scout is my favorite character ever. She came from nothing and grew into a unique woman who could solve world hunger if it was put on her plate. Ivars story my god! The scene in Scouts bedroom the morning after they hooked up where he told her about his life as a model, it broke my heart. I can't believe he caught that cat and took her home that was the epitome of hilarious. His poor assistant! This story flowed so well and the plot line is just amazing the only thing I could ask for is hotter sex scenes. It kind of skips over the scenes instead of going into detail it's more imagination based. She puts the beginning details on the scene but is vague enough where you can imagine it however you choose. All in all a great second book in this series and I'll definitely be reading the rest.
March 7, 2019
Great story
I loved Scout's story. What an amazing love story. This book made me ugly cry and laugh. And as a reader when a book is able to do this you know you have found a treasure. Buy this book and enjoy it!
I loved Scout's story. What an amazing love story. This book made me ugly cry and laugh. And as a reader when a book is able to do this you know you have found a treasure. Buy this book and enjoy it!
September 7, 2024
Poignant
The world is full of people and some are kind and helpful. Sadly there was are far too many who are cruel and evil. Making an escape and finding a happy life is a worthy struggle for our two brave souls. Have a tissue handy but it was so good
The world is full of people and some are kind and helpful. Sadly there was are far too many who are cruel and evil. Making an escape and finding a happy life is a worthy struggle for our two brave souls. Have a tissue handy but it was so good
March 27, 2018
I loved book one and was shocked I almost loved this one (book 2) even more! I really felt the characters could be people I know. I can't wait to read book 3.
March 31, 2018
This is a beautiful story full of pain and finally finding your place and worth in the world. It was gorgeous. Well done Stacy.
April 15, 2024
Well!! I've been muttering in my reviews about authors using a tried and true "formula" in their work and how it's refreshing when they don't use it and give us something new. The one thing I truly did not expect was that an author could turn that formula on it's head and make it her bitch! Stacy Gail did exactly that, and taught an old jaded reader that sometimes it's not the formula that's wrong but the way it's been used.
As with all books when a reader is invested in the characters they are also braced for the pain, you know it's coming, it has to for there to be a story, so you chew your nails, and read every word with a slow tightening in your gut, waiting for the pain to start.
Pretty much like getting a tattoo, it hurts, you know it hurts, whether it's your first or your tenth, you know the pain is coming. But the pain is not only the physical part of having needles driving ink under your skin, the pain is also about waiting for that end moment, knowing you are completely at the Artists mercy, because whatever he's etching into your body is there for the rest of your life, good or bad you are stuck with it.
Much like reading a book, you can't unread it, you might in time forget about it if it was faint and not too impact full, but if it's a good story done badly it will literally hound you with those bad emotions every time you think of it, see the cover, or pick up a book in the same genre.
Which brings me to Scout's story, and warning this could be a little long winded.
Now I'm off to read Twist's story, and again I am braced for the pain but there is a feeling of comfort along it, because I now know this tattoo artist author and I'm coming to believe that I won't get a sombrero wearing frog riding a chicken.
As with all books when a reader is invested in the characters they are also braced for the pain, you know it's coming, it has to for there to be a story, so you chew your nails, and read every word with a slow tightening in your gut, waiting for the pain to start.
Pretty much like getting a tattoo, it hurts, you know it hurts, whether it's your first or your tenth, you know the pain is coming. But the pain is not only the physical part of having needles driving ink under your skin, the pain is also about waiting for that end moment, knowing you are completely at the Artists mercy, because whatever he's etching into your body is there for the rest of your life, good or bad you are stuck with it.
Much like reading a book, you can't unread it, you might in time forget about it if it was faint and not too impact full, but if it's a good story done badly it will literally hound you with those bad emotions every time you think of it, see the cover, or pick up a book in the same genre.
Which brings me to Scout's story, and warning this could be a little long winded.
Now I'm off to read Twist's story, and again I am braced for the pain but there is a feeling of comfort along it, because I now know this
August 9, 2015
Ivar and Scout both have a hard shell around their hearts. They also have this sense for trouble and to see what's really beneath the layers of people to see who they really are.
Ivar concocts a plan to run into Scout outside of the business realm of life. He's on a mission to find something out about his life and he thinks Scout has the answers. However, he learns Scout is not what he was expecting, which is a very good thing.
Scout nicknames Ivar as trouble as he trips all of her red alert alarms for trouble the instant they meet. She's not willing to budge on giving him an inch until she has to use him as a date to a family function. Her world, as she knows it, tilts off it's axis- causing everything to change. Which is a good thing as she decides in the end it's best to just go all in.
Ivar and Scout didn't have a great life- especially Ivar's. It was sad and appalling and just heartbreaking. Scout didn't have it great but she turned out better than Ivar did in the long run. These two have battle-scared souls and a thick skin. They will need to learn to let down the guard, slowly pull back the layers, to get to the heart of their issues and their feelings for each other.
What I liked:
1. Ivar
2. Ivar and Scout's relationship
3. Scout's family
4. The fort
5. The last art exhibit
6. Scout, she was badass
7. The epilogue
What I didn't love:
1. How long it took Scout to believe in what Ivar was telling her. It drove me NUTS and knocked the rating down for me. I felt it dragged out way too long. He was really trying~ give the man a break already.
Ivar concocts a plan to run into Scout outside of the business realm of life. He's on a mission to find something out about his life and he thinks Scout has the answers. However, he learns Scout is not what he was expecting, which is a very good thing.
Scout nicknames Ivar as trouble as he trips all of her red alert alarms for trouble the instant they meet. She's not willing to budge on giving him an inch until she has to use him as a date to a family function. Her world, as she knows it, tilts off it's axis- causing everything to change. Which is a good thing as she decides in the end it's best to just go all in.
Ivar and Scout didn't have a great life- especially Ivar's. It was sad and appalling and just heartbreaking. Scout didn't have it great but she turned out better than Ivar did in the long run. These two have battle-scared souls and a thick skin. They will need to learn to let down the guard, slowly pull back the layers, to get to the heart of their issues and their feelings for each other.
What I liked:
1. Ivar
2. Ivar and Scout's relationship
3. Scout's family
4. The fort
5. The last art exhibit
6. Scout, she was badass
7. The epilogue
What I didn't love:
1. How long it took Scout to believe in what Ivar was telling her. It drove me NUTS and knocked the rating down for me. I felt it dragged out way too long. He was really trying~ give the man a break already.
June 7, 2015
I really love this series. Although each character has a deep history they need to take the time to address, it simply adds to appreciation they find in their lovers.
In this story of Ivar the mysterious photographer and Scout or badass second in command for House of Payne you can see just how ones past and secrets can take a tole on a relationship. As these two establish a relationship they each learn about the pain the other works through everyday; abandonment and trust issues to feeling like the bottom will drop out at any moment.
Scout takes a chance and goes against her sixth sense to scope out trouble and avoid it at any cost. She takes a chance on Ivar and showing him her innermost secrets and insecurities. All the while she can't help but feel like he is hiding something.
Ivar has secrets he is trying to discover about his past and needs things from Scout to get his answers. But along the way the connection he feels with her changes his plan.
How will this all work out when two fragile people test their hard earned fragile trust and new found love?
This story was a great read, I could not put it down until I devoured every page!
In this story of Ivar the mysterious photographer and Scout or badass second in command for House of Payne you can see just how ones past and secrets can take a tole on a relationship. As these two establish a relationship they each learn about the pain the other works through everyday; abandonment and trust issues to feeling like the bottom will drop out at any moment.
Scout takes a chance and goes against her sixth sense to scope out trouble and avoid it at any cost. She takes a chance on Ivar and showing him her innermost secrets and insecurities. All the while she can't help but feel like he is hiding something.
Ivar has secrets he is trying to discover about his past and needs things from Scout to get his answers. But along the way the connection he feels with her changes his plan.
How will this all work out when two fragile people test their hard earned fragile trust and new found love?
This story was a great read, I could not put it down until I devoured every page!
June 17, 2016
I was very leary of read this book when it was first released. I even went so far as skipping it and read all the other books in the series. I can't say exactly why I skipped it but I was too keen on the idea of a former male supermodel. It just screams "a&&hole"!! Boy am I glad I decided to read this one after all!!! Scout is by far one of my favorite characters every. She's a former "stray" turned gatekeeper to all things Payne. She has an amazing attitude and is a no holds bar kind of chick. I love her pin up look and would give anything to be just like her. She falls for a bad boy former supermodel turned photography. She has a special skill of sniffing out trouble and she knew from the start that Ivar was trouble....she just didn't know how much!!! Ivar is not your typical former supermodel. He is driven when it comes to his art and he has an eye for beauty. I loved this book and it made me want to reread the series!!! I'm so glad I took another chance on this book!!!
February 3, 2015
Well Stacy Gail has done it again, I loved House of Payne: Payne and wondered if the next in the series could possibly be as good and I'm delighted to say that yes it can. In Scout and Ivar Gail has created character's that defy expectation, especially in the case of Ivar. On the surface they appear to be from completely different backgrounds and as though they couldn't have anything in common. The reality is very different, and as they teach one another about love and trust the relationship they build brought tears to my eyes. I ached for the childhood's they endured but it was lovely to see them finally overcome their past and build a future together. Slight spoiler..... There's an epilogue, it made me cry!
I cannot recommend this enough, it's brilliantly written and the storyline kept me totally absorbed (the price is brilliant too!). I can't wait to read the next in the series House of Payne: Twist
I cannot recommend this enough, it's brilliantly written and the storyline kept me totally absorbed (the price is brilliant too!). I can't wait to read the next in the series House of Payne: Twist
June 23, 2016
Scout is book two in the House of Payne series by Stacy Gail and can be read as a stand-alone, but read Payne's book first because it's amazing! Stacy Gail has something super special in this series, so many amazing characters that drag you in and keep you immersed in their world until the late hours of the night. I one more chaptered this book until the last page.
Ivar made me want to throttle him, stupid men. Seriously. He was such a sweet, sexy man, but what a delusional jerk for trying to have his cake and eat it too. (There is no cheating in this book.) Scout, God love her, she is such a feisty character. I wish I had half of her spunk. She's the kind of chick you want to be BFFs with.
So much chemistry and romance. Push and pull. And heartbreaking betrayals. Oh, and blanket forts, everyone needs a good blanket fort. A must read!
Five Stars and Five Wet Panties.
Ivar made me want to throttle him, stupid men. Seriously. He was such a sweet, sexy man, but what a delusional jerk for trying to have his cake and eat it too. (There is no cheating in this book.) Scout, God love her, she is such a feisty character. I wish I had half of her spunk. She's the kind of chick you want to be BFFs with.
So much chemistry and romance. Push and pull. And heartbreaking betrayals. Oh, and blanket forts, everyone needs a good blanket fort. A must read!
Five Stars and Five Wet Panties.
August 15, 2018
I loved Scout - she was a take no prisoner kind of woman. She's been burned in the past so she has a hard time trusting men. She can spot trouble before it comes trouble.
She meets Ivar and KNOWS he's just going to be trouble. She isn't wrong but what kind of trouble is he going to be? Trouble to the House of Payne or trouble to her heart? Will he be able to tell her his secrets before it's too late? Will she be able to trust him when she finds out? Will he be able to break down her walls?
Good lawd this woman writes men who will make you swoon. Each men is alpha, hot as hades, sweet, protective and will do anything to make their woman happy. Each book makes me laugh and cry and I absolutely love this series.
She meets Ivar and KNOWS he's just going to be trouble. She isn't wrong but what kind of trouble is he going to be? Trouble to the House of Payne or trouble to her heart? Will he be able to tell her his secrets before it's too late? Will she be able to trust him when she finds out? Will he be able to break down her walls?
Good lawd this woman writes men who will make you swoon. Each men is alpha, hot as hades, sweet, protective and will do anything to make their woman happy. Each book makes me laugh and cry and I absolutely love this series.
February 7, 2015
Loved this book didn't read first book just dived into this one Scout is my kind of heroine kind loving strong sassy beautiful even though her childhood was bad she didn't let that alter her perspective of life and good people she was surrounded by Ivar was a wonderfully sexy alpha male strong and caring his childhood was terrible the things he had to endure were inhuman the cow of a grandmother omg I wanted to throat punch her glad she got what she deserved the twist was unexpected from me I was like omg I didn't see that coming love love love HEA And the epilogue was amazing can't wait for Twist and Rudes book!!!
August 7, 2016
Love story or life's story?
Stacy Gail is an artist in the way she paints her stories. Her characters are in technicolor! You can NOT put the story down as it opens in front of your eyes. You are part of the family when you are reading her stories. You feel like you're part of the action, whether it be ridding alone on a ferries wheel or crawling into a blanket fort for a picnic. You will laugh along with them during their highs and cry during the heart breaks. Stacy Gail has a great series here, I look forward to dive into Twist and Angels story.
Stacy Gail is an artist in the way she paints her stories. Her characters are in technicolor! You can NOT put the story down as it opens in front of your eyes. You are part of the family when you are reading her stories. You feel like you're part of the action, whether it be ridding alone on a ferries wheel or crawling into a blanket fort for a picnic. You will laugh along with them during their highs and cry during the heart breaks. Stacy Gail has a great series here, I look forward to dive into Twist and Angels story.
September 21, 2019
I love how developed the characters are with painful back stories to successful careers, even a detailed penchant for a particular fashion period that flows through to many aspects of Scouts life.
Really enjoyed the imagery, overcoming conditioning & beautiful HEA.
Really enjoyed the imagery, overcoming conditioning & beautiful HEA.
March 6, 2015
a weed is but an unloved flower - bah, this was so good!
October 20, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. Scout and Ivar both were such strong characters. The way their relationship progressed was beautiful. Loved it!
June 12, 2015
What a great read I love how we were ablet o see both Scout and Ivar work through their issues and come out the better for it.
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