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Dean Brothers & Friend #1-3
Give It Up
New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster knows what to do with the right man at the right time…
Some Like It Hot
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…
Playing Doctor
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
Some Like It Hot
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…
Playing Doctor
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
134 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 25, 2015
My review for Give It Up (Dean Brothers & Friend #1-3) is made up of three very short reviews. These three novellas have been released previously in seperate anthologies, but this is the first time they have been bundled together. Booker and Dean are brothers and Cary is their best friend
***He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.***
0 to Love in 24 hours.
That probably sounds a wee bit insta love, but I loved it. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of Booker and Frances. Next door neighbours and buds who hang is not all that Booker wants from Frannie. The challenge is to make her believe they were meant to be together, and, if his dreams come true, forever. A few obstacles need to be removed before this couple can take it from cookie making to bed shaking. I found this a very cute and quick read. Onwards…
***Some Like It Hot.***
0 to baby talk in 24 hours.
The smooth talking Dr Cary and the studious and sweet Nora, come together in Some Like It Hot. Cary has had the hots for Nora from the very beginning. She is the nurse at his best mate Axel's, Gyn/OB office. He’s asked her out numerous times but keeps getting knocked back. He finally overhears a conversation which sheds some light on her hesitations. Another fast paced rocket to love with these two, and only a few little bumps to smooth out. Onwards…
***Playing Doctor.***
0 to zippers down in 24 hours.
To be honest I was dreading Playing Doctor when I started it. Axel was such a manwhore that I thought it would be hard to see him having a realistic HEA. Then we meet Libby and some of the doubts disappear. She’s young…like really young compared to Doctor Hot’n’Stuff. Their issues to overcome are based around Axel’s belief that he’ll never want to be a one woman man and Libby’s strong minded independence. Playing Doctor ended up being a pretty sweet story with Axel taking care of Libby when she gets sick. This one was a little slower to get to the “love” but as it was longer than the first two, there was a little more time to get to that stage.
I enjoyed all three short stories even though I wished they were longer. Lots of insta-lusty, love, love and wedding bells are chiming, but for short stories like these, you have to leave reality at the door in some respects. There were sexy times aplenty, with enough storyline to hold my interest. I've been a fan of Lori Foster's for years and can't believe 2 out of the three stories had slipped past my notice. If you don't mind a little insta-love, with a decent amount of steam and a good chuckle as well, Give It Up will be perfect for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
To buy Give It Up from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1N7LFet
***He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.***
0 to Love in 24 hours.
That probably sounds a wee bit insta love, but I loved it. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of Booker and Frances. Next door neighbours and buds who hang is not all that Booker wants from Frannie. The challenge is to make her believe they were meant to be together, and, if his dreams come true, forever. A few obstacles need to be removed before this couple can take it from cookie making to bed shaking. I found this a very cute and quick read. Onwards…
***Some Like It Hot.***
0 to baby talk in 24 hours.
The smooth talking Dr Cary and the studious and sweet Nora, come together in Some Like It Hot. Cary has had the hots for Nora from the very beginning. She is the nurse at his best mate Axel's, Gyn/OB office. He’s asked her out numerous times but keeps getting knocked back. He finally overhears a conversation which sheds some light on her hesitations. Another fast paced rocket to love with these two, and only a few little bumps to smooth out. Onwards…
***Playing Doctor.***
0 to zippers down in 24 hours.
To be honest I was dreading Playing Doctor when I started it. Axel was such a manwhore that I thought it would be hard to see him having a realistic HEA. Then we meet Libby and some of the doubts disappear. She’s young…like really young compared to Doctor Hot’n’Stuff. Their issues to overcome are based around Axel’s belief that he’ll never want to be a one woman man and Libby’s strong minded independence. Playing Doctor ended up being a pretty sweet story with Axel taking care of Libby when she gets sick. This one was a little slower to get to the “love” but as it was longer than the first two, there was a little more time to get to that stage.
I enjoyed all three short stories even though I wished they were longer. Lots of insta-lusty, love, love and wedding bells are chiming, but for short stories like these, you have to leave reality at the door in some respects. There were sexy times aplenty, with enough storyline to hold my interest. I've been a fan of Lori Foster's for years and can't believe 2 out of the three stories had slipped past my notice. If you don't mind a little insta-love, with a decent amount of steam and a good chuckle as well, Give It Up will be perfect for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
To buy Give It Up from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1N7LFet
June 9, 2016
4.5 - ”I’m going to make up for lost time.” Stars!
Lori Foster, where have you been all my life!!!
Loved, loved, loved this collection of novellas. Ladies Meet Axel and Booker Dean, and their mutual friend Cary Rupert. Each guy gets his Happily Ever After over the space of a couple of years, and this set together works really well as although each novella focuses on one of them and the woman they fall in love with individually, you have the general development of them as friends/brothers as well.
”You’re ballsy!”
“I know.”
Whether you dip in and out or read the whole thing in one go, I just think this is a great collection of stories, the verbal sparring between the guys at points had me in fits of giggles. And each one of them has their own special brand of seduction that you can’t help but get a bit hot under the bra-straps for.
”Are you sure you’re good at this seduction stuff? Because from what I’ve seen, you’re batting a big fat zero.”
There is a little bit of everything spread over the three stories, most of your favourite tropes are covered in one way or another. Give it Up is the perfect light romantic reading escape, with nothing to deep or heavy to deal with, just yummy men, with swoony methods and likeable women, who are nothing out of the ordinary, except to the guys that fall in love with them.
”I can’t start figuring out when someday will be until I start making headway with you.”
Another author I have heard great things about, but never had the chance to read anything by up until now, and Lori Foster delivered for me on every level. I cannot wait to read more by her and soon!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Lori Foster, where have you been all my life!!!
Loved, loved, loved this collection of novellas. Ladies Meet Axel and Booker Dean, and their mutual friend Cary Rupert. Each guy gets his Happily Ever After over the space of a couple of years, and this set together works really well as although each novella focuses on one of them and the woman they fall in love with individually, you have the general development of them as friends/brothers as well.
”You’re ballsy!”
“I know.”
Whether you dip in and out or read the whole thing in one go, I just think this is a great collection of stories, the verbal sparring between the guys at points had me in fits of giggles. And each one of them has their own special brand of seduction that you can’t help but get a bit hot under the bra-straps for.
”Are you sure you’re good at this seduction stuff? Because from what I’ve seen, you’re batting a big fat zero.”
There is a little bit of everything spread over the three stories, most of your favourite tropes are covered in one way or another. Give it Up is the perfect light romantic reading escape, with nothing to deep or heavy to deal with, just yummy men, with swoony methods and likeable women, who are nothing out of the ordinary, except to the guys that fall in love with them.
”I can’t start figuring out when someday will be until I start making headway with you.”
Another author I have heard great things about, but never had the chance to read anything by up until now, and Lori Foster delivered for me on every level. I cannot wait to read more by her and soon!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
October 15, 2015
3 Hot, Spark Flashing Stars * * *
Lori Foster makes things happen... with a look, a glance or a touch of a hand...Snap and people are wanting to know so much more about each other then just their names.
This book contains 3 novellas, three shorties which give lots of quick lusty times. The stories have been published in other anthologies, but now together they make new sense as they are connected by being brothers and friends.
These reads are for the times when a little ramp up can go a long way.
A gifted copy was provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Lori Foster makes things happen... with a look, a glance or a touch of a hand...Snap and people are wanting to know so much more about each other then just their names.
This book contains 3 novellas, three shorties which give lots of quick lusty times. The stories have been published in other anthologies, but now together they make new sense as they are connected by being brothers and friends.
These reads are for the times when a little ramp up can go a long way.
A gifted copy was provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 25, 2015
3 SHORT stories all involving "insta" love.... not very believable.
October 13, 2015
ARC received for review
These three novellas were all previously published as parts of three different analogies. It's nice to see them all in the same place.
All of these guys were great and extra sweet and sexy. There was a whole lotta insta-love and insta-lust. My only complaint is that they were too short. I wanted to know more about all of them and all the ladies. They could have been so much more with some back story and interaction between the couples.
These three novellas were all previously published as parts of three different analogies. It's nice to see them all in the same place.
All of these guys were great and extra sweet and sexy. There was a whole lotta insta-love and insta-lust. My only complaint is that they were too short. I wanted to know more about all of them and all the ladies. They could have been so much more with some back story and interaction between the couples.
December 8, 2019
*I received a free copy of Give it Up from NetGalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Give it Up has three short stories inside, following two brothers and their best friend on their journey to love.
The first and last story made me swoon a bit, while the middle one did not really make me swoon.
All the stories are short, so there isn't much time for the readers to get to know the characters enough to be invested in their happiness, which is why I only gave it three stars.
Give it Up has three short stories inside, following two brothers and their best friend on their journey to love.
The first and last story made me swoon a bit, while the middle one did not really make me swoon.
All the stories are short, so there isn't much time for the readers to get to know the characters enough to be invested in their happiness, which is why I only gave it three stars.
December 12, 2019
First story I liked and was cute but super short so disappointing not more about this couple which is the one I did like.
Second couple was just meh and not enough to endure either of them and no real feeling for them individually or as a couple. Also really short
Third couple is brother of hero from first story and I was so not a fan of his in book 1 or 2 so ugh!! It was the longest book and honestly she could have saved this one. I didn't like the hero and wasn't a fan of the heroine either so I wasn't a fan of the couple and didn't believe in their falling in love.
Oh well
Second couple was just meh and not enough to endure either of them and no real feeling for them individually or as a couple. Also really short
Third couple is brother of hero from first story and I was so not a fan of his in book 1 or 2 so ugh!! It was the longest book and honestly she could have saved this one. I didn't like the hero and wasn't a fan of the heroine either so I wasn't a fan of the couple and didn't believe in their falling in love.
Oh well
November 16, 2015
Foster had me in stitches more than once with this one! With three bite sized doses of HEA that aren’t too predictable it was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Her approachable writing style doesn’t simply make me feel like I’m reading about real people, but that I’m getting to know them and becoming part of their lives for a short while. She really brings the pages to life. I really liked how the three novellas in this anthology meshed together, but also stood well on their own. Each story is short, sweet, and intensely hot, and together they tell the story of three incredible individuals in a captivating manner.
Give It Up? I’d gladly give up another afternoon to read this one again!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Give It Up? I’d gladly give up another afternoon to read this one again!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2015
I received a copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
Lori Foster once again brings us sensual, gorgeous, gallant men in this triple dose of short romance stories that will have your heart going pitter-patter. In fact, three of Lori Foster's leading men and the headstrong and sexy women that they fall for, might just be more than what the heart can take. She brings us Booker Dean, his brother Axel Dean, and Cary Rupert to woo, seduce, and captivate us.
He Sees You When You Are Sleeping
Booker Dean has himself stuck in a pickle this holiday season and is not sure how to find the solution. He is deeply attracted to and possibly in love with his good friend and next door neighbor Frances Kennedy. His only problems are: a current girlfriend that is keeping him from approaching Frannie with his intentions, and his doubt at what her feelings might be. If only he could let go of his past with Frannie and take hold of his future with her. I love that there were moments of hilarity, more than cookies baking in the kitchen, and plenty of unwrapping done under the tree. Booker and Frannie gave me plenty of laughter, heat, and a festive mood.
Some Like It Hot
During a heat wave, Cary Rupert finds that the sun isn't the only thing keeping him hot and even bothered. Nora Chilton, an employee of his best friend Axel, has him wanting to do more than chill with a beer after a long hot day at work. Nora has gotten under his skin for the past year and he wants her to know just how deep his feelings go. Nora is young, sexually inexperienced, and widowed. The last thing she wants his a smooth talker and a one night stand. Or is that really what he is after? Nora's sexy innocence and Cary's need meet in a an explosion hotter than the temperature around them. It was entertaining and hot to watch Cary chase after Nora with sexy intentions that are beyond Nora's wild dreams.
Playing Doctor
After being teased with Axel during He Sees You When Are Sleeping and Some Like it Hot, I was ready to sample a taste of Axel Dean and Libby Preston while enjoying every last tasty morsel. Axel, the hedonistic gynecologist has always over indulged in women and loves playing the field. Until he spots Libby at a business dinner party and decides to focus all of his desires and attention on her. Axel and Libby are my favorite out this compilation of sexy stories. Libby is sassy, independent, and driven to finish school. When a chance encounter leaves Libby shattered and vulnerable, Axel tries to resist, and sparks and funny moments follow. Axel Dean will have viewing a visit to the gynecologist in a completely new light.
Lori Foster knows how to deliver plenty of heat, humor, and heart even in smaller triple doses. I highly recommend for short, entertaining romance that will have falling in love over and over again.
Lori Foster once again brings us sensual, gorgeous, gallant men in this triple dose of short romance stories that will have your heart going pitter-patter. In fact, three of Lori Foster's leading men and the headstrong and sexy women that they fall for, might just be more than what the heart can take. She brings us Booker Dean, his brother Axel Dean, and Cary Rupert to woo, seduce, and captivate us.
He Sees You When You Are Sleeping
Booker Dean has himself stuck in a pickle this holiday season and is not sure how to find the solution. He is deeply attracted to and possibly in love with his good friend and next door neighbor Frances Kennedy. His only problems are: a current girlfriend that is keeping him from approaching Frannie with his intentions, and his doubt at what her feelings might be. If only he could let go of his past with Frannie and take hold of his future with her. I love that there were moments of hilarity, more than cookies baking in the kitchen, and plenty of unwrapping done under the tree. Booker and Frannie gave me plenty of laughter, heat, and a festive mood.
Some Like It Hot
During a heat wave, Cary Rupert finds that the sun isn't the only thing keeping him hot and even bothered. Nora Chilton, an employee of his best friend Axel, has him wanting to do more than chill with a beer after a long hot day at work. Nora has gotten under his skin for the past year and he wants her to know just how deep his feelings go. Nora is young, sexually inexperienced, and widowed. The last thing she wants his a smooth talker and a one night stand. Or is that really what he is after? Nora's sexy innocence and Cary's need meet in a an explosion hotter than the temperature around them. It was entertaining and hot to watch Cary chase after Nora with sexy intentions that are beyond Nora's wild dreams.
Playing Doctor
After being teased with Axel during He Sees You When Are Sleeping and Some Like it Hot, I was ready to sample a taste of Axel Dean and Libby Preston while enjoying every last tasty morsel. Axel, the hedonistic gynecologist has always over indulged in women and loves playing the field. Until he spots Libby at a business dinner party and decides to focus all of his desires and attention on her. Axel and Libby are my favorite out this compilation of sexy stories. Libby is sassy, independent, and driven to finish school. When a chance encounter leaves Libby shattered and vulnerable, Axel tries to resist, and sparks and funny moments follow. Axel Dean will have viewing a visit to the gynecologist in a completely new light.
Lori Foster knows how to deliver plenty of heat, humor, and heart even in smaller triple doses. I highly recommend for short, entertaining romance that will have falling in love over and over again.
August 16, 2018
All stories about doctors by Lori Foster.
Fun easy reads that fill the time without taking too much time. (commuter reads, lol!)
Some Like it Hot **
There really wasn't much to the story so it was like reading the opening and closing chapters of a book and skipping the middle. But I still liked the characters.
Cary has the hots for Nora, a nurse that works in his best friend's office. He's been jonesing for her for months but she is sceptical of his intentions.
Playing Doctor *** 3 stars
Anyways, it's short and sweet.
Axel is the older man, a doctor (34) and Libby is the younger woman he lusts after (21). She is a lot of things he wasn't expecting and it was fun watching him find out the truth. Not that she was hiding things from him, far from it, it was more that he kept making assumptions.
They are instantly attracted to each other at her snobby uncle's party. He thinks she's on the catering staff and at least a few years older than she is. She is quite level headed for such a young woman.
I liked that there was no real angst. Everything that I worried was going to go wrong went the other way because Axel was pretty honest with himself about his feelings for Libby, and Libby was no push over.
Only 3 stars because it was a little tooo easy and a little tooo insta. But it is quite short.
(I am glad I read this one before reading Booker's story as Axel comes across as a total sleazebag, check for STDs, kinda guy in that one. I would even go so far as to say a buffoon!)
He Sees You When You're Sleeping (currently reading) ** two stars
Well, that's a creepy title!
Booker Dean is Axel's younger brother. He is lusting after his next-door neighbour, Frances but is currently seeing Judith. How to dump Judith when Christmas is right around the corner? This was just boring... Well, except for the comedic input from Axel and Cary.
####################
I really need to read some of the anthologies i've accumulated over the years. I have these stories already in these anthologies... one of them actually in paperback format!;
"Jingle Bell Rock"; "He Sees You When You're Sleeping"
"Perfect for the Beach"; "Some Like It Hot"
"When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys"; "Playing Doctor"
Fun easy reads that fill the time without taking too much time. (commuter reads, lol!)
Some Like it Hot **
There really wasn't much to the story so it was like reading the opening and closing chapters of a book and skipping the middle. But I still liked the characters.
Cary has the hots for Nora, a nurse that works in his best friend's office. He's been jonesing for her for months but she is sceptical of his intentions.
Playing Doctor *** 3 stars
Anyways, it's short and sweet.
Axel is the older man, a doctor (34) and Libby is the younger woman he lusts after (21). She is a lot of things he wasn't expecting and it was fun watching him find out the truth. Not that she was hiding things from him, far from it, it was more that he kept making assumptions.
They are instantly attracted to each other at her snobby uncle's party. He thinks she's on the catering staff and at least a few years older than she is. She is quite level headed for such a young woman.
I liked that there was no real angst. Everything that I worried was going to go wrong went the other way because Axel was pretty honest with himself about his feelings for Libby, and Libby was no push over.
Only 3 stars because it was a little tooo easy and a little tooo insta. But it is quite short.
(I am glad I read this one before reading Booker's story as Axel comes across as a total sleazebag, check for STDs, kinda guy in that one. I would even go so far as to say a buffoon!)
He Sees You When You're Sleeping (currently reading) ** two stars
Well, that's a creepy title!
Booker Dean is Axel's younger brother. He is lusting after his next-door neighbour, Frances but is currently seeing Judith. How to dump Judith when Christmas is right around the corner? This was just boring... Well, except for the comedic input from Axel and Cary.
####################
I really need to read some of the anthologies i've accumulated over the years. I have these stories already in these anthologies... one of them actually in paperback format!;
"Jingle Bell Rock"; "He Sees You When You're Sleeping"
"Perfect for the Beach"; "Some Like It Hot"
"When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys"; "Playing Doctor"
November 17, 2015
Such a fun collection of stories, Lori Foster does not disappoint with this collection of stories. I don't even have a favorite I just know I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
November 11, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
Playing Doctor
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is November 24th, 2015**
This was the third and final story in the Give it Up series and I have to admit that Foster saved the best for last. This surprised me. Given Axel's juvenile behavior in the first two installments I full expected to dislike him. I actually liked him and I will tell you why.
The character of Libby actually had a backbone and she was not the dear in headlights no personality type of female that was featured in the first two. She actually had some spunk which made me identify and like her more.
Don't get me wrong. This story is essentially about the chemistry between the sheets between the two however at least there was a little bit of a backstory. Fan's of steamy will enjoy.
This was the best of the three
Some Like It Hot
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second story in the three that make up the Give it Up series. The expected publication date is November 24th 2015**
OK, I am struggling with what to say about this story that I didn't say about the first one. Due to the length, there is not a lot that I can say.
Did I like Carey better than Booker in the first story? They were both kind of the same. Both in love with a girl for a while and then all of a sudden making the big moves to seduce her. Both taking dominant roles in the relationship and the bedroom.
I liked the fact that the same characters are present in both stories thus far with Carey, Axel and Booker. I think it is safe to say the third story will be about Axel.
For those who are looking for a story that is more about the steam factor than the substance factor then this would be a good choice. Considering it is a novella this should be what you are looking for in this series
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is November 24th 2015**
This is a boxed set of three previously released stories by Foster under the title of Give it Up. I will be commenting on each individually. As an FYI, I could not find the previous releases so I am not sure if the names were changed for this set or if my powers of search were lacking.
This was a short novella about two people who are attracted to each other. By all accounts it should work however for myself it just seemed off balance and I will tell you why (potential spoilers).
1. The whole situation with Axel and Judith. I don't care if Booker had no feelings for her. First it breaks everything in the brother coded. Second, it is really creepy. Who wants their siblings left overs??
2. Booker was way too alpha male when interacting with Frances. I also found this creepy. If someone came on this strong to me out of nowhere I think I would be running in the other direction.
If you like your stories hot and heavy then this one will deliver on that front. Essentially the whole story is getting down to the bedroom scenes.
While this was a fast read it simply wasn't for me
Playing Doctor
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is November 24th, 2015**
This was the third and final story in the Give it Up series and I have to admit that Foster saved the best for last. This surprised me. Given Axel's juvenile behavior in the first two installments I full expected to dislike him. I actually liked him and I will tell you why.
The character of Libby actually had a backbone and she was not the dear in headlights no personality type of female that was featured in the first two. She actually had some spunk which made me identify and like her more.
Don't get me wrong. This story is essentially about the chemistry between the sheets between the two however at least there was a little bit of a backstory. Fan's of steamy will enjoy.
This was the best of the three
Some Like It Hot
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second story in the three that make up the Give it Up series. The expected publication date is November 24th 2015**
OK, I am struggling with what to say about this story that I didn't say about the first one. Due to the length, there is not a lot that I can say.
Did I like Carey better than Booker in the first story? They were both kind of the same. Both in love with a girl for a while and then all of a sudden making the big moves to seduce her. Both taking dominant roles in the relationship and the bedroom.
I liked the fact that the same characters are present in both stories thus far with Carey, Axel and Booker. I think it is safe to say the third story will be about Axel.
For those who are looking for a story that is more about the steam factor than the substance factor then this would be a good choice. Considering it is a novella this should be what you are looking for in this series
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is November 24th 2015**
This is a boxed set of three previously released stories by Foster under the title of Give it Up. I will be commenting on each individually. As an FYI, I could not find the previous releases so I am not sure if the names were changed for this set or if my powers of search were lacking.
This was a short novella about two people who are attracted to each other. By all accounts it should work however for myself it just seemed off balance and I will tell you why (potential spoilers).
1. The whole situation with Axel and Judith. I don't care if Booker had no feelings for her. First it breaks everything in the brother coded. Second, it is really creepy. Who wants their siblings left overs??
2. Booker was way too alpha male when interacting with Frances. I also found this creepy. If someone came on this strong to me out of nowhere I think I would be running in the other direction.
If you like your stories hot and heavy then this one will deliver on that front. Essentially the whole story is getting down to the bedroom scenes.
While this was a fast read it simply wasn't for me
November 20, 2018
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
4*
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
Short and steamy friends to lovers story. This was a fun and intense 24-hour story. Booker has finally realized that the reason the women he's dated lately don't do it for him is that he's fallen for his friend and next-door neighbor, Frances. But he's stuck in a relationship he hasn't figured out how to end until the arrival of his brother. I laughed out loud at Axel's description of the "attack" on him by Booker's girlfriend, and Booker's undisguised amusement - and gratitude. Moving to Frances's point of view, we have her dreaming of "What-She-Wants-Most" and being stuck in the friend zone. To say she was shocked by Booker's arrival and interest in her would be putting it mildly. I loved watching Booker put all that he's got into showing her he's serious, and Frances insisting she needs time (at least until the next day) to think about it. I was pretty impressed with Booker and how he didn't try to roll over her wishes to get what he wanted but promised to give her the time she asked for. But then a middle of the night encounter puts a strain on that promise. I loved their cookie-making efforts, and listening to all of Booker's plans as he tried to show her how he felt. One of the things I liked best was that he loves her just as she is. I loved seeing the effect on Frances as she slowly started to believe. The story concluded with a hilarious scene in Booker's apartment as Frances showed up to give him her answer.
Some Like It Hot
4*
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…
Another short and steamy read. Cary is Axel's best friend, and as such has been a part of Axel's love 'em and leave 'em club. But he's tired of the superficiality and one night stands. For the last eleven months, he has been intrigued and attracted by Axel's nurse Nora. Whenever he visited Axel's office, he took the time to talk to her. He asked her out multiple times, but she always shot him down. Just as he reached the end of his patience, he overheard a conversation that gave him insight into her reasons.
Nora was widowed six months into her marriage and is not very experienced. She wanted a man who is looking for forever and believed that Cary is not that man. She was afraid that if she gave in to his entreaties that she would fall for him and get her heart broken.
I loved the way that Cary was certain of what he wanted and that he had the patience to pursue it, though it was a close run thing at the end. Once he knew what the obstacles were, he put his mind to overcoming them. From the scene in Axel's office to his appearance at her home, Cary was determined to prove to her how serious he was. Yes, he got a little carried away at one point, which freaked Nora out and caused her to hurt him inadvertently. I loved the advice she received from her friend Liza and what she did with it. Her big moment at the end was great, especially when she accused Cary and Axel of behaving like little boys.
Playing Doctor
5*
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…
The final story in the anthology, this one is a bit longer and steamy with a side of sweet. Axel has been the biggest player of the three men, only hooking up with women who know the score. He looks on the now-married Booker and Cary with puzzlement, but also the occasional hint of envy and wondering if it's time to change his ways. As this story opened, Axel was an unwilling attendee at a party given by the hospital chief of staff. Bored, he amused himself watching the caterer as she went about her work and fantasizing about getting up close and personal with her.
Working her uncle's party was just one more step in Libby's determination to pay him back for taking her in after her mother's death. He's a cold man who constantly accused her of being like her flighty mother. Instead, Libby was determined to stick to her goals and finish her nursing degree, before leaving her uncle and his attitude behind her. This party was a little different, with the way that one of the doctors kept staring at her. She wouldn't mind staring back, but she had no room in her life for a man.
I could almost feel the heat coming off the pages as Axel's interest in Libby burned hotter by the minute. That heat flared to an inferno when he followed her outside and made his interest known. The banter between them was great, and things got interesting until Libby let slip some unexpected information. Imagine Libby's hurt, humiliation, and anger when Axel turned tail and all but ran away from her. A month later and neither one was able to forget their encounter, though having had a taste of the possibilities, Libby was ready to spread her wings and fly a little. Their next encounter was almost comical, as Libby chose a random doctor to visit to get birth control only to find Axel on the other end of the stethoscope. I adored his conversation with Nurse Nora (yes, Cary's Nora) as he attempted to explain, but also accepted the value of her advice.
I had to laugh as Axel showed up at Libby's door, determined to apologize, and had to listen to her bust his chops over his actions. I loved watching her run verbal circles around him until he ended up giving her exactly what she wanted, though he has advice to go along with it. Specifically, he warns her against investing in him emotionally. When they were done, I loved how each of them realized that there had been a deeper connection than either of them had expected or wanted. But before either of them can address the issue, Axel realized that Libby was burning with fever. My heart melted at his concern for her, in spite of his shock over another bit of previously unknown information. I laughed out loud as he called on Cary to make a house call. Cary had way too much fun jerking Axel's chain while doing his exam of Libby. It was sweet to see how well Axel took care of her, and how his feelings for her grew. Libby is skeptical, but Axel is determined and supportive of her goals. The ending was fantastic, with an interesting twist involving Libby's uncle.
4*
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
Short and steamy friends to lovers story. This was a fun and intense 24-hour story. Booker has finally realized that the reason the women he's dated lately don't do it for him is that he's fallen for his friend and next-door neighbor, Frances. But he's stuck in a relationship he hasn't figured out how to end until the arrival of his brother. I laughed out loud at Axel's description of the "attack" on him by Booker's girlfriend, and Booker's undisguised amusement - and gratitude. Moving to Frances's point of view, we have her dreaming of "What-She-Wants-Most" and being stuck in the friend zone. To say she was shocked by Booker's arrival and interest in her would be putting it mildly. I loved watching Booker put all that he's got into showing her he's serious, and Frances insisting she needs time (at least until the next day) to think about it. I was pretty impressed with Booker and how he didn't try to roll over her wishes to get what he wanted but promised to give her the time she asked for. But then a middle of the night encounter puts a strain on that promise. I loved their cookie-making efforts, and listening to all of Booker's plans as he tried to show her how he felt. One of the things I liked best was that he loves her just as she is. I loved seeing the effect on Frances as she slowly started to believe. The story concluded with a hilarious scene in Booker's apartment as Frances showed up to give him her answer.
Some Like It Hot
4*
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…
Another short and steamy read. Cary is Axel's best friend, and as such has been a part of Axel's love 'em and leave 'em club. But he's tired of the superficiality and one night stands. For the last eleven months, he has been intrigued and attracted by Axel's nurse Nora. Whenever he visited Axel's office, he took the time to talk to her. He asked her out multiple times, but she always shot him down. Just as he reached the end of his patience, he overheard a conversation that gave him insight into her reasons.
Nora was widowed six months into her marriage and is not very experienced. She wanted a man who is looking for forever and believed that Cary is not that man. She was afraid that if she gave in to his entreaties that she would fall for him and get her heart broken.
I loved the way that Cary was certain of what he wanted and that he had the patience to pursue it, though it was a close run thing at the end. Once he knew what the obstacles were, he put his mind to overcoming them. From the scene in Axel's office to his appearance at her home, Cary was determined to prove to her how serious he was. Yes, he got a little carried away at one point, which freaked Nora out and caused her to hurt him inadvertently. I loved the advice she received from her friend Liza and what she did with it. Her big moment at the end was great, especially when she accused Cary and Axel of behaving like little boys.
Playing Doctor
5*
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…
The final story in the anthology, this one is a bit longer and steamy with a side of sweet. Axel has been the biggest player of the three men, only hooking up with women who know the score. He looks on the now-married Booker and Cary with puzzlement, but also the occasional hint of envy and wondering if it's time to change his ways. As this story opened, Axel was an unwilling attendee at a party given by the hospital chief of staff. Bored, he amused himself watching the caterer as she went about her work and fantasizing about getting up close and personal with her.
Working her uncle's party was just one more step in Libby's determination to pay him back for taking her in after her mother's death. He's a cold man who constantly accused her of being like her flighty mother. Instead, Libby was determined to stick to her goals and finish her nursing degree, before leaving her uncle and his attitude behind her. This party was a little different, with the way that one of the doctors kept staring at her. She wouldn't mind staring back, but she had no room in her life for a man.
I could almost feel the heat coming off the pages as Axel's interest in Libby burned hotter by the minute. That heat flared to an inferno when he followed her outside and made his interest known. The banter between them was great, and things got interesting until Libby let slip some unexpected information. Imagine Libby's hurt, humiliation, and anger when Axel turned tail and all but ran away from her. A month later and neither one was able to forget their encounter, though having had a taste of the possibilities, Libby was ready to spread her wings and fly a little. Their next encounter was almost comical, as Libby chose a random doctor to visit to get birth control only to find Axel on the other end of the stethoscope. I adored his conversation with Nurse Nora (yes, Cary's Nora) as he attempted to explain, but also accepted the value of her advice.
I had to laugh as Axel showed up at Libby's door, determined to apologize, and had to listen to her bust his chops over his actions. I loved watching her run verbal circles around him until he ended up giving her exactly what she wanted, though he has advice to go along with it. Specifically, he warns her against investing in him emotionally. When they were done, I loved how each of them realized that there had been a deeper connection than either of them had expected or wanted. But before either of them can address the issue, Axel realized that Libby was burning with fever. My heart melted at his concern for her, in spite of his shock over another bit of previously unknown information. I laughed out loud as he called on Cary to make a house call. Cary had way too much fun jerking Axel's chain while doing his exam of Libby. It was sweet to see how well Axel took care of her, and how his feelings for her grew. Libby is skeptical, but Axel is determined and supportive of her goals. The ending was fantastic, with an interesting twist involving Libby's uncle.
November 21, 2015
Give It Up by Lori Foster
“Give It Up” by Lori Foster, a compilation of three connected stories previously published in separate anthologies re-released in one edition by Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp., is available for the first time this month.
These bachelors fall quick and hard, and waste no time letting the object of their desires and hopes know he’s coming for her and playing for keeps. If you don’t fall for Booker, you’ll like him. And, he’ll get ya ready for Cary and Axel — he’s a riot. Be prepared, these guys will grab ya for a ride you’ll enjoy so much you’ll be sad there aren’t more chapters.
“He Sees You When You’re Sleeping,” originally published in 2003
“He Sees You When You’re Sleeping” was a good warm up for this series about brothers Booker and Axel Dean and pal Cary Rupert, and the woman who capture this outlandish trio’s hearts.
This one starts with Booker extolling the virtues of the season and trying to figure out how to approach the woman who’s driving him crazy with need. His plan gets a jolt when Axel and Cary burst through his door with tons of nervous earnestly to telling him what transpired with his current girl, while trying not to poke the bear too hard.
The picture Axel paints is quite a vivid one, of Judith grabbing his “equipment” to leave no doubt exactly what she wanted from Booker’s brother. I admit it, I giggled.
They’re practically holding their breath, expecting Booker to lose it. Instead, he calmly hand them their coffee and a Christmas cookie and laughed. Inside, he was exhilarated because it meant he didn’t have to worry about being kind when officially ending things with Judith; he could just head on next door to Frances’ apartment and start convincing her to be his woman.
Heck, he’d waited long enough; after all, he knew from the first day they met she was The One but had been trying to extract himself from Judith.
Axel sees it as a perfect opportunity to head back out and find the oh-so-hot-to-trot Judith and make her prove her offer.
When Frances hears What-She-Wanted-Most knocking, because of course she knew Booker’s knock as well as his laugh and scent, she opens the door to finds a rakish just- showered, specially attentive Booker who invites himself in. He approaches her with an intimate awareness, and initiates suggestive teasing, inviting her to move in with him instead of just switching her bedroom so she can work in better lighting.
He won’t let her escape the mistletoe and kisses her in a manner that leaves no doubt platonic isn’t the direction he’s leading. When reality prevails and she remembers he’s dating someone else, she calls him on it. He admits he’s wanted to kiss her for a while, then wrings a confession of the same out of her. But, she doesn’t poach, so she denies it’ll happen again. He challenges her, bets she will.
She makes it clear she doesn’t want to be the rebound girl. But he assures her that’s not the case, that Judith didn’t dump him. When it becomes clear he didn’t officially end it with him either but he keeps trying to sweet talk her, Frances slams on the brakes, threatening to “unman” him with a knee if he doesn’t back up and quit trying to distract her from an explanation.
He does explain and helps her mover her bed, putting in a few innuendos, even helpfully pointing out that her new room shares a wall with his room in his apartment, imparting that he hasn’t been intimate in about a month and that had she but looked while in his company during that time she’d have noticed the physical evidence of his attraction to her. He even pulls a move inspired by Judy, grabs her hand and cups him, just to prove his point.
When she insists he formally end things with Judith, and give both of them time to think and adjust to this development in their relationships, he lays one on her — just to be sure she thinks of it.
He hears her next door, calls to her through the wall then on the phone. When he hears her getting up to go for a run, he stops her and convinces her its to late and cold, to come inside and make cookies with him. While mixing the dough, Booker tosses in a few reasons having him around all the time would be beneficial. He extols the merits of being together and lists all of the things about her he loves. Booker tells Frannie he knew things were over with Judith when he decided he’d rather watch football with her than have sex with Judith. He invites her to meet his parents on Christmas Day and invites himself to go with her to her parents’ on Christmas Eve.
Things get hot an heavy from there. But, after giving her an orgasm forgoes sex in favor of love — he promised to give her time.
I’m still not sure how the title fits the story, but there it is. Scenes featuring Axel and Cary were hilarious. Like Frick and Frack, they tumble in and stir it up. Clowns! Enjoyed the camaraderie between these three men.
“Some Like It Hot,” originally published in 2004
Your catch a glimpse of Cary in “He Sees You When You’re Sleeping,” but really learned to appreciate Mr. Rupert when the general practitioner persistently pursues the woman of his dreams, his buddy Axel’s nurse, Nora Chilton. He’s chatted her up for 11 months, and storms out after her sixth flat out refusal to go out with him.
Then, he inadvertently stumbles into a conversation between Nora and her co-worker, Liz, which sheds a little more light on the object of his desire and opens the door he promptly shoves his foot between the door and frame to prevent it from closing abruptly in his face.
She’s a widow, afraid she’ll care too much, give too much, want too much and he won’t. She was a virgin at her wedding; her husband died six months into their marriage.
Just so she knows he’s serious, he ushers her into Axel’s office, closes them in and plants one on her. it was an invasive kiss, gentle and sweet, soft and lingering. And it leaves Nora incoherent. When she finally can put two thoughts together, then voice them, she declines to kiss him back. He tells her so there’s no misunderstanding, he won’t give up on her and he loves kids, why else would he choose a discipline that allows him to work to keep them healthy. He doesn’t deny he wants to have sex with her so badly it hurts.
With that scent, that voice, the proximity, she can’t help but agree to go out with him. Actually, she wanted it all with him, but believes he only wants sex.
Par for the course, Axel busts in on them — they were in his office — and starts in on his buddy for his interest in Nurse Nora, who wears glasses, shapeless uniforms and her hair short. While busting his chops Axel also warns Cary Nora is his employee, for whom he feels a certain responsibility.
Cary tells him to think again, points out he makes her wear the shapeless shifts and finds her hair and glasses give Nora a studious, smart Halle Berry-esque sex appeal. Axel tells him he’s too besotted to hear anything but her praises he’s singing, then tells him to go after her, seduce her, cajole, reason — whatever works to get her in bed instead of tagging along with him for dinner.
Cary does; he follows her home and finds her in the pool. He tells her he wants her and she blurts with total conviction that he doesn’t want to get married. Sure she wouldn’t believe him if told her the truth, he tells her they haven’t even been on a date, she couldn’t possibly know yet what he wants. He tells her being with her feels right, he’s more interested in the long haul these days.
She explains her hangups, why she’s been reluctant to accept his offers or anyone’s for that matter in two years — feelings of inadequacy due to lack of prior experience and those not fulfilling at that. He’s determined to show her how easy and great it can be. When he gets ahead of her, he has to explain it’s all him, not her, who got a little too excited and couldn’t contain himself. He proves to her she can finish and they can be great together.
He’s so enthralled, he blurts out a proposal when they come to. She thinks he’s only offering because he heard her tell her coworker it’s what she wanted so she deflects, telling him she likes things as they are with him. He thinks she just doesn’t want him for the role.
After a pep talk, she decides not to sit on her hands pining, waiting for him to call to talk. She goes to him and has the pleasure of eavesdropping on his convo with Booker and Axel. Backbone stiff she wades in, takes him to task for roughhousing like a kid with the boys and sets things straight.
This one really got to me. The emotion, the connection. Has a few moments that’ll tug at the heart strings. Man, when these oh so eligible bachelors decide they’ve met their match, they don’t waste any time making the girl theirs.
“Playing Doctor,” originally published in 2006
Axel was fun fodder in the first two books, but man, I really learned to like the guy in this one. Sure, he’s a player and make no bones about it. When he first meets Libby Preston, he follows her into the garden at the party she was working, tempts and all but has her in the woods. But, she admits she’s a virgin and you see just how well he can throw on the brakes, put it in reverse and speed away.
She’s fed up with her uncle, the man who reluctantly allowed her to reside at his home when teenage Libby’s mother died. He makes her pay rent and her own college. She finally moves out into a tiny apartment, but she’s picking up very odd job she can to pay him for tuition, etc… He’s cold, judgmental and she’s had it.
She’s decided also that it sucks to be alone always. She deserves some fun. So she makes an appointment with an OB-GYN not directly affiliated with the hospital her uncle runs. Imagine the surprise of both when the doc turns out to be the man she met at the party; they hadn’t bothered with names at the time.
He tells her to cover herself and he’ll come back to talk. He’s just glad to know the name of the young woman he hasn’t been able to forget. He has to explain to dear Nurse Nora, who is now Cary’s wife, in the nicest possible way what caused the very young woman to scream and bolt. Nora tells him to go talk to Libby. He makes it through his day, then picks up the file.
She’s mortified, lonesome, mad, still achy wanting him, and just completely out of sorts. She’s feeling sorry for herself, purple nails, hair in weird multiple braids, when she open the door to find the oh so sexy Dr. Dean staring back at her.
She denies him entrance on first request and asks if he’s done apologizing, asks for what … giving her a bit, but not the whole meal, leading her on, implied false promises …
He says yes, that and so much more. He hasn’t been able to forget her. She took him by surprise at the party. He hasn’t been able to forget her, or what might have been. Then, he offers to help her… She pulls him close and asks how. He makes it clear he’s no commitment, and warns her against doing as many women her age do, get emotionally involved in physical relationships.
He brings her back to the reason for her visit, says since he delivered her first O, he feels a bit responsible for her so he offers her some advice. She makes it clear he owes her nothing, she’s not looking for forever, doesn’t have time for a full-time man in her life but is just dying to find out what she’s been missing.
He figures he can show her; he wants her. Just a few nights, no big deal — except the idea of her being his, for those few times, really appeals to him. He’s great, he takes care of her first.
She doesn’t realize til they’re joined that what was going on inside her was more than sex; he had her attention from the start.
When its over, she’s all, “wow” and he’s into holding her tight to him. She’s afraid this is it, he’s done and gonna leave. He gets up to fix himself food to recharge and come back. He’s back to watch the movie with her, talk and snuggle. Half-through the movie, he tells her it’s late. She assures him she’s not gonna cause a scene. He makes sure she knows he wants to stay, have her a few dozen more times before sunrise. As long as she can nap a little before. He agrees as long as he’s wrapped around her. He wants to spend the weekend with her, willing to work around her duties to her uncle.
Instead of dozing off, she’s out cold. He’s ready for more. She’s burning up, and when he reaches under her to move her, she’s limp. He’s drawn to her in a way that’s not just sexual. He tries rousing her with a little play. She shifts and moans, but it’s not a carnal sound. He realizes she’s not just warm blooded. She’s got fever. When she rouses, she’s groggy and obviously sick, tells him to leave. He realizes by her worsening symptoms she’s more than not feeling well, she’s got all the markers of pneumonia. She won’t let him take her to the hospital and finally admits her uncle is the chief of staff; he’ll find out about them if they go to the hospital.
She’s so weak. He scoops her up, won’t let go as he calls Cary, more knowledgeable in general med. He feels so good, she just gives in and puts her head on his shoulder.
He’s panicked. This is the game changer. Axel’s frantic with worry. When Cary mentions Libby’s seeing Axel, she denies it. Axel on the other insist she will be. He’s going to stay and take care of her. He’s hesitant to leave long enough to get the medicines she needs, tender as he tells her to sleep. He stays with her during the weekend, caring for her, finding contentment. And, from there on, she can’t shake him.
I want an Axel … hopefully, he’ll remain as enraptured after the newness of the situation wears off in a few months … or even a few years.
“Give It Up” by Lori Foster, a compilation of three connected stories previously published in separate anthologies re-released in one edition by Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp., is available for the first time this month.
These bachelors fall quick and hard, and waste no time letting the object of their desires and hopes know he’s coming for her and playing for keeps. If you don’t fall for Booker, you’ll like him. And, he’ll get ya ready for Cary and Axel — he’s a riot. Be prepared, these guys will grab ya for a ride you’ll enjoy so much you’ll be sad there aren’t more chapters.
“He Sees You When You’re Sleeping,” originally published in 2003
“He Sees You When You’re Sleeping” was a good warm up for this series about brothers Booker and Axel Dean and pal Cary Rupert, and the woman who capture this outlandish trio’s hearts.
This one starts with Booker extolling the virtues of the season and trying to figure out how to approach the woman who’s driving him crazy with need. His plan gets a jolt when Axel and Cary burst through his door with tons of nervous earnestly to telling him what transpired with his current girl, while trying not to poke the bear too hard.
The picture Axel paints is quite a vivid one, of Judith grabbing his “equipment” to leave no doubt exactly what she wanted from Booker’s brother. I admit it, I giggled.
They’re practically holding their breath, expecting Booker to lose it. Instead, he calmly hand them their coffee and a Christmas cookie and laughed. Inside, he was exhilarated because it meant he didn’t have to worry about being kind when officially ending things with Judith; he could just head on next door to Frances’ apartment and start convincing her to be his woman.
Heck, he’d waited long enough; after all, he knew from the first day they met she was The One but had been trying to extract himself from Judith.
Axel sees it as a perfect opportunity to head back out and find the oh-so-hot-to-trot Judith and make her prove her offer.
When Frances hears What-She-Wanted-Most knocking, because of course she knew Booker’s knock as well as his laugh and scent, she opens the door to finds a rakish just- showered, specially attentive Booker who invites himself in. He approaches her with an intimate awareness, and initiates suggestive teasing, inviting her to move in with him instead of just switching her bedroom so she can work in better lighting.
He won’t let her escape the mistletoe and kisses her in a manner that leaves no doubt platonic isn’t the direction he’s leading. When reality prevails and she remembers he’s dating someone else, she calls him on it. He admits he’s wanted to kiss her for a while, then wrings a confession of the same out of her. But, she doesn’t poach, so she denies it’ll happen again. He challenges her, bets she will.
She makes it clear she doesn’t want to be the rebound girl. But he assures her that’s not the case, that Judith didn’t dump him. When it becomes clear he didn’t officially end it with him either but he keeps trying to sweet talk her, Frances slams on the brakes, threatening to “unman” him with a knee if he doesn’t back up and quit trying to distract her from an explanation.
He does explain and helps her mover her bed, putting in a few innuendos, even helpfully pointing out that her new room shares a wall with his room in his apartment, imparting that he hasn’t been intimate in about a month and that had she but looked while in his company during that time she’d have noticed the physical evidence of his attraction to her. He even pulls a move inspired by Judy, grabs her hand and cups him, just to prove his point.
When she insists he formally end things with Judith, and give both of them time to think and adjust to this development in their relationships, he lays one on her — just to be sure she thinks of it.
He hears her next door, calls to her through the wall then on the phone. When he hears her getting up to go for a run, he stops her and convinces her its to late and cold, to come inside and make cookies with him. While mixing the dough, Booker tosses in a few reasons having him around all the time would be beneficial. He extols the merits of being together and lists all of the things about her he loves. Booker tells Frannie he knew things were over with Judith when he decided he’d rather watch football with her than have sex with Judith. He invites her to meet his parents on Christmas Day and invites himself to go with her to her parents’ on Christmas Eve.
Things get hot an heavy from there. But, after giving her an orgasm forgoes sex in favor of love — he promised to give her time.
I’m still not sure how the title fits the story, but there it is. Scenes featuring Axel and Cary were hilarious. Like Frick and Frack, they tumble in and stir it up. Clowns! Enjoyed the camaraderie between these three men.
“Some Like It Hot,” originally published in 2004
Your catch a glimpse of Cary in “He Sees You When You’re Sleeping,” but really learned to appreciate Mr. Rupert when the general practitioner persistently pursues the woman of his dreams, his buddy Axel’s nurse, Nora Chilton. He’s chatted her up for 11 months, and storms out after her sixth flat out refusal to go out with him.
Then, he inadvertently stumbles into a conversation between Nora and her co-worker, Liz, which sheds a little more light on the object of his desire and opens the door he promptly shoves his foot between the door and frame to prevent it from closing abruptly in his face.
She’s a widow, afraid she’ll care too much, give too much, want too much and he won’t. She was a virgin at her wedding; her husband died six months into their marriage.
Just so she knows he’s serious, he ushers her into Axel’s office, closes them in and plants one on her. it was an invasive kiss, gentle and sweet, soft and lingering. And it leaves Nora incoherent. When she finally can put two thoughts together, then voice them, she declines to kiss him back. He tells her so there’s no misunderstanding, he won’t give up on her and he loves kids, why else would he choose a discipline that allows him to work to keep them healthy. He doesn’t deny he wants to have sex with her so badly it hurts.
With that scent, that voice, the proximity, she can’t help but agree to go out with him. Actually, she wanted it all with him, but believes he only wants sex.
Par for the course, Axel busts in on them — they were in his office — and starts in on his buddy for his interest in Nurse Nora, who wears glasses, shapeless uniforms and her hair short. While busting his chops Axel also warns Cary Nora is his employee, for whom he feels a certain responsibility.
Cary tells him to think again, points out he makes her wear the shapeless shifts and finds her hair and glasses give Nora a studious, smart Halle Berry-esque sex appeal. Axel tells him he’s too besotted to hear anything but her praises he’s singing, then tells him to go after her, seduce her, cajole, reason — whatever works to get her in bed instead of tagging along with him for dinner.
Cary does; he follows her home and finds her in the pool. He tells her he wants her and she blurts with total conviction that he doesn’t want to get married. Sure she wouldn’t believe him if told her the truth, he tells her they haven’t even been on a date, she couldn’t possibly know yet what he wants. He tells her being with her feels right, he’s more interested in the long haul these days.
She explains her hangups, why she’s been reluctant to accept his offers or anyone’s for that matter in two years — feelings of inadequacy due to lack of prior experience and those not fulfilling at that. He’s determined to show her how easy and great it can be. When he gets ahead of her, he has to explain it’s all him, not her, who got a little too excited and couldn’t contain himself. He proves to her she can finish and they can be great together.
He’s so enthralled, he blurts out a proposal when they come to. She thinks he’s only offering because he heard her tell her coworker it’s what she wanted so she deflects, telling him she likes things as they are with him. He thinks she just doesn’t want him for the role.
After a pep talk, she decides not to sit on her hands pining, waiting for him to call to talk. She goes to him and has the pleasure of eavesdropping on his convo with Booker and Axel. Backbone stiff she wades in, takes him to task for roughhousing like a kid with the boys and sets things straight.
This one really got to me. The emotion, the connection. Has a few moments that’ll tug at the heart strings. Man, when these oh so eligible bachelors decide they’ve met their match, they don’t waste any time making the girl theirs.
“Playing Doctor,” originally published in 2006
Axel was fun fodder in the first two books, but man, I really learned to like the guy in this one. Sure, he’s a player and make no bones about it. When he first meets Libby Preston, he follows her into the garden at the party she was working, tempts and all but has her in the woods. But, she admits she’s a virgin and you see just how well he can throw on the brakes, put it in reverse and speed away.
She’s fed up with her uncle, the man who reluctantly allowed her to reside at his home when teenage Libby’s mother died. He makes her pay rent and her own college. She finally moves out into a tiny apartment, but she’s picking up very odd job she can to pay him for tuition, etc… He’s cold, judgmental and she’s had it.
She’s decided also that it sucks to be alone always. She deserves some fun. So she makes an appointment with an OB-GYN not directly affiliated with the hospital her uncle runs. Imagine the surprise of both when the doc turns out to be the man she met at the party; they hadn’t bothered with names at the time.
He tells her to cover herself and he’ll come back to talk. He’s just glad to know the name of the young woman he hasn’t been able to forget. He has to explain to dear Nurse Nora, who is now Cary’s wife, in the nicest possible way what caused the very young woman to scream and bolt. Nora tells him to go talk to Libby. He makes it through his day, then picks up the file.
She’s mortified, lonesome, mad, still achy wanting him, and just completely out of sorts. She’s feeling sorry for herself, purple nails, hair in weird multiple braids, when she open the door to find the oh so sexy Dr. Dean staring back at her.
She denies him entrance on first request and asks if he’s done apologizing, asks for what … giving her a bit, but not the whole meal, leading her on, implied false promises …
He says yes, that and so much more. He hasn’t been able to forget her. She took him by surprise at the party. He hasn’t been able to forget her, or what might have been. Then, he offers to help her… She pulls him close and asks how. He makes it clear he’s no commitment, and warns her against doing as many women her age do, get emotionally involved in physical relationships.
He brings her back to the reason for her visit, says since he delivered her first O, he feels a bit responsible for her so he offers her some advice. She makes it clear he owes her nothing, she’s not looking for forever, doesn’t have time for a full-time man in her life but is just dying to find out what she’s been missing.
He figures he can show her; he wants her. Just a few nights, no big deal — except the idea of her being his, for those few times, really appeals to him. He’s great, he takes care of her first.
She doesn’t realize til they’re joined that what was going on inside her was more than sex; he had her attention from the start.
When its over, she’s all, “wow” and he’s into holding her tight to him. She’s afraid this is it, he’s done and gonna leave. He gets up to fix himself food to recharge and come back. He’s back to watch the movie with her, talk and snuggle. Half-through the movie, he tells her it’s late. She assures him she’s not gonna cause a scene. He makes sure she knows he wants to stay, have her a few dozen more times before sunrise. As long as she can nap a little before. He agrees as long as he’s wrapped around her. He wants to spend the weekend with her, willing to work around her duties to her uncle.
Instead of dozing off, she’s out cold. He’s ready for more. She’s burning up, and when he reaches under her to move her, she’s limp. He’s drawn to her in a way that’s not just sexual. He tries rousing her with a little play. She shifts and moans, but it’s not a carnal sound. He realizes she’s not just warm blooded. She’s got fever. When she rouses, she’s groggy and obviously sick, tells him to leave. He realizes by her worsening symptoms she’s more than not feeling well, she’s got all the markers of pneumonia. She won’t let him take her to the hospital and finally admits her uncle is the chief of staff; he’ll find out about them if they go to the hospital.
She’s so weak. He scoops her up, won’t let go as he calls Cary, more knowledgeable in general med. He feels so good, she just gives in and puts her head on his shoulder.
He’s panicked. This is the game changer. Axel’s frantic with worry. When Cary mentions Libby’s seeing Axel, she denies it. Axel on the other insist she will be. He’s going to stay and take care of her. He’s hesitant to leave long enough to get the medicines she needs, tender as he tells her to sleep. He stays with her during the weekend, caring for her, finding contentment. And, from there on, she can’t shake him.
I want an Axel … hopefully, he’ll remain as enraptured after the newness of the situation wears off in a few months … or even a few years.
June 14, 2017
Love the fact that these connected stories were republished in one volume. Very cool.
April 19, 2017
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Give it Up is a book of 3 short stories.
Review to come...
Give it Up is a book of 3 short stories.
Review to come...
May 8, 2018
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping - 3.5 / 5 - Booker Dean has been in love with his neighbor, Frances for about a month now, but he hasn’t been able to make his move because he’s been trying to end it with his current girlfriend. When he finds out his soon to be ex-girlfriend made a move on his brother, Booker has the green light and finally goes after the girl he loves. This was really quite short. Sexy and kinda sweet and sexy at the same time, but not a whole lot happening here. Hardly any angst since both Booker and Frances love each other, but there’s her fear of being a rebound and then the little goof-up with her seduction attempt. It’s worth a read. I will say though, that this story had me reevaluating Axel Dean (I accidentally read his story first) - finding out that he’s such a horn dog that he got his brother’s permission to sleep with his brother’s ex-girlfriend and then went out and did it that night - Blech. Obviously Booker didn’t care, but it’s still pretty crass to even want to have sex with a woman your brother was in a relationship (and having sex) with.
Some Like it Hot - 3 /5 - Axel Dean’s friend, Doctor Cary Rupert has been in love with Axel’s nurse, Nora for nearly a year. He’s asked her out multiple times but she keeps turning him down. He finally eavesdrops on a conversation that explains why - she wants a relationship with the potential of marriage and kids and she knows that he’s been a manwhore and isn’t interested in those things (though why she couldn’t have just said that when she was turning him down, I don’t understand...but if she had, then there’s no story). So he sets out to seduce her and set her straight...in that order. That was my biggest problem with Cary. Here’s the woman he loves and he finds the one obstacle to it and he’s so focused on getting his dick into her that it takes him forever to explain that he wants more than sex and that particular message took forever to sink in. I did like that it was the heroine who had to do the crawling back to beg for forgiveness though.
Playing Doctor - 4 / 5 - Libby Preston is 21, a virgin and trying very hard to become a nurse so she can get out from under the control of her uncle Elwood, chief of staff at the local hospital. Axel Dean is 35, a doctor, very experienced and avoiding commitment with everything in him. He spots Libby at a party, where she’s working, and the sparks fly. But he slams on the brakes when he finds out she’s a virgin. But he can’t get her out of his mind and all the things he thinks should keep them apart, don’t seem to matter much anymore. This was pretty hysterical at times. I loved the reunion, when Libby finds out, most unfortunately, that the man she hooked up with at a party and whose name she never got (Axel) is in fact a gynecologist. The age difference didn’t bother me; it was emphasized initially, but then later used for humor. They were an amusing couple. I was put off a bit by how quickly the romance turned serious, especially given Libby’s plans for a career.
Some Like it Hot - 3 /5 - Axel Dean’s friend, Doctor Cary Rupert has been in love with Axel’s nurse, Nora for nearly a year. He’s asked her out multiple times but she keeps turning him down. He finally eavesdrops on a conversation that explains why - she wants a relationship with the potential of marriage and kids and she knows that he’s been a manwhore and isn’t interested in those things (though why she couldn’t have just said that when she was turning him down, I don’t understand...but if she had, then there’s no story). So he sets out to seduce her and set her straight...in that order. That was my biggest problem with Cary. Here’s the woman he loves and he finds the one obstacle to it and he’s so focused on getting his dick into her that it takes him forever to explain that he wants more than sex and that particular message took forever to sink in. I did like that it was the heroine who had to do the crawling back to beg for forgiveness though.
Playing Doctor - 4 / 5 - Libby Preston is 21, a virgin and trying very hard to become a nurse so she can get out from under the control of her uncle Elwood, chief of staff at the local hospital. Axel Dean is 35, a doctor, very experienced and avoiding commitment with everything in him. He spots Libby at a party, where she’s working, and the sparks fly. But he slams on the brakes when he finds out she’s a virgin. But he can’t get her out of his mind and all the things he thinks should keep them apart, don’t seem to matter much anymore. This was pretty hysterical at times. I loved the reunion, when Libby finds out, most unfortunately, that the man she hooked up with at a party and whose name she never got (Axel) is in fact a gynecologist. The age difference didn’t bother me; it was emphasized initially, but then later used for humor. They were an amusing couple. I was put off a bit by how quickly the romance turned serious, especially given Libby’s plans for a career.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
Review: Give it Up by Lori Foster http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3no
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Kindle | Amazon PBK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Three novellas about two brothers and a friend close enough to be a brother. They are fun light romances and I love how the three men banter and tease each other. Their relationship is just fun. I like the women they fall for also and the steamy romancing. My only complaint is that the relationships go from zero to marriage far too fast in the storyline. It just didn’t ring true enough for me to embrace on the first two stories but the last one seemed to flow in such a way that I could believe it. They were all around sweet stories.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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November 23, 2015
This book contains 3 novellas by Lori Foster that are previous stories that she released several years ago that are now together in one book. They were published in other anthologies and are now together now as they are about brothers and a friend and the stories are interwoven together.
Some Like It Hot—this is the story between Family practitioner Cary Ruper & nurse Nora Chilton. Cary wants nurse Nora- she is widowed and there is a chemistry between them. Yet she keeps turning him down. Until He turns up at her apartment.. Loved how this story turned out and how misconceptions ruled Nora in the beginning until the end when she came to realize what she wanted. Fantastic story with a sweet ending.
HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING – Hunky neighbor Booker Dean is in lust or really more to say in love with his next door neighbor Frances. He has never been able to act on it because he was dating someone but now he is free and able to act apon his feelings for Frances. But getting his skittish neighbor to stay still and listen, well that will be the ride of his life. Great Story will an awesome ending.
PLAYING DOCTOR --- Gynecologist Axel Dean meets and falls for beautiful Libby Preston without knowing much about her background. When he finds out who she is related to, that seems to change his feelings. He feels conflicted and it changes how he feels about her yet he cant get her out of his head. Will he or wont he for Libby?
All three stories are full of passion, romance, love and adventure. You wont go won’t with all three stories.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review****
Some Like It Hot—this is the story between Family practitioner Cary Ruper & nurse Nora Chilton. Cary wants nurse Nora- she is widowed and there is a chemistry between them. Yet she keeps turning him down. Until He turns up at her apartment.. Loved how this story turned out and how misconceptions ruled Nora in the beginning until the end when she came to realize what she wanted. Fantastic story with a sweet ending.
HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING – Hunky neighbor Booker Dean is in lust or really more to say in love with his next door neighbor Frances. He has never been able to act on it because he was dating someone but now he is free and able to act apon his feelings for Frances. But getting his skittish neighbor to stay still and listen, well that will be the ride of his life. Great Story will an awesome ending.
PLAYING DOCTOR --- Gynecologist Axel Dean meets and falls for beautiful Libby Preston without knowing much about her background. When he finds out who she is related to, that seems to change his feelings. He feels conflicted and it changes how he feels about her yet he cant get her out of his head. Will he or wont he for Libby?
All three stories are full of passion, romance, love and adventure. You wont go won’t with all three stories.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review****
March 2, 2016
Give it Up by Lori Foster is a collection of three novellas about good friends finding the loves of their lives. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the story of Booker Dean. What he wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires, and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping. Some Like It Hot is aboutfamily practitioner Cary Rupert. He wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered. Playing Doctor is about Dr. Axel Dean, who likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure.
Give it Up is good fun. All of the characters, from Booker to Libby are more than flat characters. Even in the short space we have with them, we see some history and hurt in the heroines, and the battles all the players have both with themselves and with each other. Since they are novellas, there is not a lot of time for drawn out crises or development. However, I felt that each story still has a solid arch and character development and present history to make the relationships develop quickly, but not completely unrealistically so. It is a well done collection.
Give it Up is a nice collection of quick, hot, and satisfying romances. Despite the shortness, and necessary fast pace, the characters are well developed and there is a good blend of heat and humor. A wonderful weekend read.
Give it Up is good fun. All of the characters, from Booker to Libby are more than flat characters. Even in the short space we have with them, we see some history and hurt in the heroines, and the battles all the players have both with themselves and with each other. Since they are novellas, there is not a lot of time for drawn out crises or development. However, I felt that each story still has a solid arch and character development and present history to make the relationships develop quickly, but not completely unrealistically so. It is a well done collection.
Give it Up is a nice collection of quick, hot, and satisfying romances. Despite the shortness, and necessary fast pace, the characters are well developed and there is a good blend of heat and humor. A wonderful weekend read.
November 24, 2015
Some Like it Hot...
Nora is a young widow, who knows she is not a one-night stand kinda girl. She waited until her wedding night the first time and learned what little she knew from her hubby. Now, with Cary chasing her, she knows she could never be the “party-girl” he is used to…but it’s it awesome turning a bad boy into your own personal bad boy! I really liked these two together and loved how Cary wanted to be the one for Nora.
Playing Doctor...
Midnight in the garden of good and evil…where Libby is the good and Axel is the evil…or a least the sexy beast tempting Libby out of her good girl standing. This was the highlight story of the anthology. While longer and more detailed, the story was also so realistic and honest. Both characters felt they needed to grow, change and be more…not just for someone else, but for themselves. That is the kind of growth that leads to true evolution. I truly enjoyed how Axel stepped back from his high paced career and his focus being himself and learned how to support and encourage Libby and by doing so he became not only a better person, but a better doctor.
He See's You When You're Sleeping...
Dating someone else, but still lusting after his neighbour. Sounds like a bad deal for Frances, who has been equally in lust with her neighbour, but she knows by looking at his current lover that she is not his type. Friends to lovers with a twist…yes please!
Nora is a young widow, who knows she is not a one-night stand kinda girl. She waited until her wedding night the first time and learned what little she knew from her hubby. Now, with Cary chasing her, she knows she could never be the “party-girl” he is used to…but it’s it awesome turning a bad boy into your own personal bad boy! I really liked these two together and loved how Cary wanted to be the one for Nora.
Playing Doctor...
Midnight in the garden of good and evil…where Libby is the good and Axel is the evil…or a least the sexy beast tempting Libby out of her good girl standing. This was the highlight story of the anthology. While longer and more detailed, the story was also so realistic and honest. Both characters felt they needed to grow, change and be more…not just for someone else, but for themselves. That is the kind of growth that leads to true evolution. I truly enjoyed how Axel stepped back from his high paced career and his focus being himself and learned how to support and encourage Libby and by doing so he became not only a better person, but a better doctor.
He See's You When You're Sleeping...
Dating someone else, but still lusting after his neighbour. Sounds like a bad deal for Frances, who has been equally in lust with her neighbour, but she knows by looking at his current lover that she is not his type. Friends to lovers with a twist…yes please!
November 6, 2015
Give it Up by Lori Foster
Compilation of three previously published works
Two brothers and a brother’s best friend star in this compilation. Each story is different and fun in its own right.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping: Booker Dean has the hots for his neighbor but is in a relationship, of sorts, with someone already. Once he is free to pursue her he pulls out all the stops and moves full steam ahead in his quest to woo and win Frances just before Christmas.
Some Like it Hot: Dr. Cary Rupert has been trying to get a date with nurse Nora Chilton for almost a year. Each time he heads over to his best friend’s office to ask her out she has turned him down. How and why things change and why she has turned Cary down so many times makes this a sweet but also very steamy read.
Playing Doctor: Dr. Axel Dean is a player. He is a hound and makes no promises to any of the women he spends time with. At a party one evening he sees a woman he wants, pursues her and then runs away leaving her rather frustrated. She is everything he says he does not want in a woman and yet he cannot forget her.
Thank you to Kensington Books – Zebra and Net Galley for the copy of this book to read and review.
Compilation of three previously published works
Two brothers and a brother’s best friend star in this compilation. Each story is different and fun in its own right.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping: Booker Dean has the hots for his neighbor but is in a relationship, of sorts, with someone already. Once he is free to pursue her he pulls out all the stops and moves full steam ahead in his quest to woo and win Frances just before Christmas.
Some Like it Hot: Dr. Cary Rupert has been trying to get a date with nurse Nora Chilton for almost a year. Each time he heads over to his best friend’s office to ask her out she has turned him down. How and why things change and why she has turned Cary down so many times makes this a sweet but also very steamy read.
Playing Doctor: Dr. Axel Dean is a player. He is a hound and makes no promises to any of the women he spends time with. At a party one evening he sees a woman he wants, pursues her and then runs away leaving her rather frustrated. She is everything he says he does not want in a woman and yet he cannot forget her.
Thank you to Kensington Books – Zebra and Net Galley for the copy of this book to read and review.
November 5, 2015
4.5 stars
These three novellas are just what I needed. Classic Lori Foster, the heroines have a special kind of sass and the heros, a cockiness that's so full of confidence that it rubs you in all the right ways.
I don't generally read anthologies, but I love Ms. Foster's work and hadn't remembered reading any of these so it was perfect for me. As it turns out, I read Axel's story before, but loved revisiting his fall from playboydom.
If you've never read Lori Foster, this is a great introduction to her work. And if you like these, you should see what she can do with a full novel. I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on, and am never disappointed. If you're familiar with Ms. Foster, you're probably not even reading this because you already know she brings the goods.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
These three novellas are just what I needed. Classic Lori Foster, the heroines have a special kind of sass and the heros, a cockiness that's so full of confidence that it rubs you in all the right ways.
I don't generally read anthologies, but I love Ms. Foster's work and hadn't remembered reading any of these so it was perfect for me. As it turns out, I read Axel's story before, but loved revisiting his fall from playboydom.
If you've never read Lori Foster, this is a great introduction to her work. And if you like these, you should see what she can do with a full novel. I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on, and am never disappointed. If you're familiar with Ms. Foster, you're probably not even reading this because you already know she brings the goods.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 23, 2015
Give It Up contains three short stories about two brothers and one of their friends finding their happy ever after. This was a very light, entertaining read with a lot of insta-love and insta-lust and nothing deep or problematic to get in the way of marriage proposals within a week. The most entertaining bits were the interactions between Alex, Booker and Cary.
I have never read anything by Lori Foster before, but I enjoyed her style of writing and would certainly try one of her full length publications. This served as a good introduction to the author. Thanks to Netgalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read anything by Lori Foster before, but I enjoyed her style of writing and would certainly try one of her full length publications. This served as a good introduction to the author. Thanks to Netgalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2015
Three previously published short stories now in one place - Perfect!! I loved these three stories with the 2 Dean brothers and good friend Cary Rupert. All strong, happy bachelors thinking life is perfect. That is until 3 equal strong women come barreling into their lives. Then everything they thought they wanted changes. Fast!!
Definitely recommend this one!!
Definitely recommend this one!!
December 27, 2015
2 1/2 stars. First two stories are very short and not that great with little plot. The guys are almost buffoons. The third story is longer, better and the guy more likeable.
July 29, 2022
Okay, this isn't going to be pretty so I'll keep it short and sweet. I am a big Lori Foster fan (her MMA series is one of my all-time favorites!), so it pains to me say this compilation was such a let-down. I understand that these are all short stories and therefore will be quick and may lack some development. But marriage proposals aren't needed for HEAs, and are totally unrealistic when the story is only four chapters long and the couples haven't even gone out on a date yet. That had me checking out of that one. In another story, the MMC bypasses the FMC's legitimate trepidation for a romantic relationship and her tragic backstory is glossed over almost completely. The last story is a bit longer than the rest and if there was a reason to give a star at all, this was it. It at least provided some character development, respects at least one or two boundaries the MC has, and shows the characters actually caring about one another. But Bottom line: If you're looking for a "Lori Foster" book, my recommendation is to skip this one.
November 3, 2021
Give it Up compiles three novellas that were published previously as part of different anthologies. I've been a fan of Lori Foster's writing and jumped at the chance to read these. As expected, these short stories had intriguing characters, some humor and were packed-full of steam. And although all three stories read as into-love romances, I enjoyed them all from start to finish. My favorite of the three had to be PLAYING DOCTOR because after meeting Axel I was especially curious and excited to see him fall head over heels in love. I have to say, it was everything I was hoping and more.
So if you don't mind short insta-lovey stories with plenty of steam, I definitely recommend this bundle. It was fun, sexy and a worthwhile read.
So if you don't mind short insta-lovey stories with plenty of steam, I definitely recommend this bundle. It was fun, sexy and a worthwhile read.
November 14, 2019
Cary’s story is my least favorite of the trio but still enjoyable. Bookers story is really cute and I loved the interplay and dialogue of the three men. A few laugh out loud moments. Axel and Libby were my favorite. I loved both characters and I especially loved that neither were looking for love but when it hit they knew it. I was slightly skeeved out by the fact that he never has relationships but also never goes more than a week without sex. That is a gigantic amount of sexual partners. Like 😮. That aside, I just loved their story.
October 4, 2021
Three stories, about the Dean brothers and their friend Cary Rupert.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
Booker Dean has got it bad for his friend and neighbor, Frances Kennedy.
Some Like It Hot
Cary Rupert can’t stop thinking about his friend’s office manager, Nora Chilton.
Playing Doctor
Axel Dean is intrigued and challenged by Libby Preston, but can’t wrap his head around the fact that the lovely Libby is untouched and far younger than he’s been in years.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
Booker Dean has got it bad for his friend and neighbor, Frances Kennedy.
Some Like It Hot
Cary Rupert can’t stop thinking about his friend’s office manager, Nora Chilton.
Playing Doctor
Axel Dean is intrigued and challenged by Libby Preston, but can’t wrap his head around the fact that the lovely Libby is untouched and far younger than he’s been in years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews