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Hearts of Stone #2
Entice
Entice is a sexy, humorous, second-chance love story.
Turns out I’ve been faking being an adult.
My job? My apartment? The pretty life I've built?
Let's just say I've made some mistakes.
I'm knee-deep in the mess I've made when I find him. Tall, dark-haired, and rough around the edges. The boy I never noticed is all grown up, in all the right ways. And he's not about to let me forget it.
He can try to pretend he's immune to our attraction. I'm trained in the art of persuasion and I love a challenge.
But how can he know the answers to questions I haven't thought to ask? I’ve been putting out fires, fighting like crazy to get my life back on track. And this man? He acts like he knows who's holding the match.
Maybe there's no such thing as mistakes.
What if it's all just sabotage?
Can be read as a standalone, but contains spoilers to Entangle.
Turns out I’ve been faking being an adult.
My job? My apartment? The pretty life I've built?
Let's just say I've made some mistakes.
I'm knee-deep in the mess I've made when I find him. Tall, dark-haired, and rough around the edges. The boy I never noticed is all grown up, in all the right ways. And he's not about to let me forget it.
He can try to pretend he's immune to our attraction. I'm trained in the art of persuasion and I love a challenge.
But how can he know the answers to questions I haven't thought to ask? I’ve been putting out fires, fighting like crazy to get my life back on track. And this man? He acts like he knows who's holding the match.
Maybe there's no such thing as mistakes.
What if it's all just sabotage?
Can be read as a standalone, but contains spoilers to Entangle.
286 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2015
37 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 15, 2015
Title: Entice
Series: Hearts of Stone,#2
Author: Veronica Larsen
Release date: 25th May, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Is it too soon to say Veronica Larsen is one of my favourite authors? This is the second book I've read by her and in fact the second book she's ever written. Entice is the second novel in the Hearts of Stone series; Entangle, being the first enamoured me to her and the follow up standalone, Entice cemented my adoration.
Emily Stone's life has recently hit a blip. Fired from her job as a law associate and forced to vacate her apartment, she has no choice other than to return to her hometown and dependable sister Alexis. Having left the popular home queen and returning in somewhat disgrace, revising and regrouping is at the top of her agenda.
Whilst visiting her favourite old haunt as a teenager she encounters a new face. A face she likes a lot. What she doesn't know if that she and the new "stranger" have history. Owen Grant's last encounter with Emily doesn't inspire much of welcome but his off putting, grouchy exterior only serves to increase her attraction and interest.
At first glance Emily is a beautiful, confident, snarky go-getter. Had Owen not had a glimpse of what lay beneath all those years ago, he'd be inclined to accept that version of her too. His intuitive nature and desire to reach all parts of her surpasses the anger he once held. The connection they have now is more than he would have dared to imagine.
I love the subtly in Veronica Larsen's storytelling. It's woven through the plot and the novels ambience. The conflict that presents itself in the latter stage of the book felt more believable but still unpredictable because of it. I like my characters to feel genuine and their lives authentic. Emily and Owen were certainly flawed but their weaknesses were compensated by the others strengths.
The Hearts of Stone series is one I'm sold on and as I
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January 19, 2022
Review originally posted on my blog: Mischievous Reads
*I received a review copy courtesy of the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or views regarding the book whatsoever.
Veronica Larsen has done it again! When I read the first book to the Hearts of Stone series, I was completely caught off guard by Entangle and didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I devoured it in a single night, hence, I had high hopes for her second book, Entice, and gladly, I was granted with another awesome book. (Woohoo!)
Veronica Larsen's writing is still fantastic as ever. Told in first person, in the perspective of Emily Stone, [Larsen] once again brings forth a story of romance and self discovery; passionate, intense and especially pertinent to those conflicted in regards of self-worth and self-preservation.
Introduced in the first novel as the heroine's younger sister, Emily now has her own story to tell in Entice. Out of a job due to her lack of self control when it comes to annoying ass hats, also known as her boss' clients, plus the fact that she's close to becoming homeless, Emily moves back to San Diego for the mean time to get her life sorted out, though meeting up with an old acquaintance wasn't in her agenda.
However, here comes the twist; regardless of how much of a potty mouth Emily may be and strong demeanor, she's a very broken character, especially hailing from a messy childhood due to an alcoholic and druggie mother. The moment she's stepped out of graduate school, she thinks she's got life figured out, but when everything takes a toll and goes downhill, she's knows she's going to have a hard time trying to get out of the whole mess.
Another thing I enjoyed while reading Entice is how it's like a companion novel to the first book, Entangle. The time frame in Entice begins pretty much at the 60%-70% mark of Entangle, hence, the character and scene crossovers. Well, basically, this just means, you need to read the first book before you head on to this just so you can get the full experience.
Entice was a wonderful novel, and I loved every bit of it... just the same as how I felt with Entangle, perhaps a little bit more. I felt for Emily and found her to be a very relatable and an admirable character. I adored the dynamic romance between Emily and her lover, and her relationship with her sister. Everything is just so on point and the wait for this second book was definitely worth it.
Now, if there would be a third book, I'm also most definitely excited for that!
*I received a review copy courtesy of the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or views regarding the book whatsoever.
Veronica Larsen has done it again! When I read the first book to the Hearts of Stone series, I was completely caught off guard by Entangle and didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I devoured it in a single night, hence, I had high hopes for her second book, Entice, and gladly, I was granted with another awesome book. (Woohoo!)
Veronica Larsen's writing is still fantastic as ever. Told in first person, in the perspective of Emily Stone, [Larsen] once again brings forth a story of romance and self discovery; passionate, intense and especially pertinent to those conflicted in regards of self-worth and self-preservation.
Introduced in the first novel as the heroine's younger sister, Emily now has her own story to tell in Entice. Out of a job due to her lack of self control when it comes to annoying ass hats, also known as her boss' clients, plus the fact that she's close to becoming homeless, Emily moves back to San Diego for the mean time to get her life sorted out, though meeting up with an old acquaintance wasn't in her agenda.
"When I was a teenager, I would look at people in their twenties and think they had everything figured out. Then I got to my twenties and realized it's an illusion. It's people in their thirties that are the real grownups; they're the ones that have their shit in line."Emily is a character I knew I would absolutely relate to, especially already having met her in the previous book. She's snarky, sarcastic, with inappropriate humor and lack of filter as her best friends, which is epically hilarious for someone who's an attorney. And boy, does she sound like a person I would totally love to hang out with.
However, here comes the twist; regardless of how much of a potty mouth Emily may be and strong demeanor, she's a very broken character, especially hailing from a messy childhood due to an alcoholic and druggie mother. The moment she's stepped out of graduate school, she thinks she's got life figured out, but when everything takes a toll and goes downhill, she's knows she's going to have a hard time trying to get out of the whole mess.
"I don't like to fail. Even if I seem to be pretty good at it."As much as I would love to talk about Emily's love interest, I would rather not spoil, however, he is a character that I very much enjoyed reading about and the perfect match for Emily. The romance is something to look forward to, although it kind of starts with a little bit of. It's a slow build up; undeniably sexy with a whole lot of tension.
Another thing I enjoyed while reading Entice is how it's like a companion novel to the first book, Entangle. The time frame in Entice begins pretty much at the 60%-70% mark of Entangle, hence, the character and scene crossovers. Well, basically, this just means, you need to read the first book before you head on to this just so you can get the full experience.
Entice was a wonderful novel, and I loved every bit of it... just the same as how I felt with Entangle, perhaps a little bit more. I felt for Emily and found her to be a very relatable and an admirable character. I adored the dynamic romance between Emily and her lover, and her relationship with her sister. Everything is just so on point and the wait for this second book was definitely worth it.
Now, if there would be a third book, I'm also most definitely excited for that!
June 3, 2015
Amy J reviews.....Entice (Hearts of Stone #2) by Veronica Larsen
4.5
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ENTANGLED
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4.5
Entice is a sexy, humorous, second-chance love story.
"I've never been tasted like this before. This man knows what he's doing. He knows how much pressure to put where, he knows how to weave over all the sensitive spots. When to be rough, when to pull back. He puts his whole damn head into it."
Are you Enticed yet? You should be. First off THAT FREAKING COVER! I love it. Something so simple but so perfect to the story. Sure it's eye catching but once you read the story it will become one of you faves.
I went into this story blind so there wouldn't be any expectations and so my review would be an organic reaction. Entice could definitely be read as a stand alone BUT if you have time...you really should read book 1 Entangle. The main characters of book 2 Entice, Owen and Emily, will resonate with readers and they will both have a special place in your heart after enduring their journey with them. Reading book 1 will pull the reader in even more to the story of these two sisters.
Have you ever been in that place , you know, the one where you "know better", you should be "settled", when your an official "adult"? You find yourself in your adult role and it... sucks ass? Not only did Emily finish law school she landed the ultimate grown up job, an attorney. Life is perfect or it should be. She should have been set right? We enter the story witnessing the ultimate Duct Tape moment . I found myself asking "did she really just say that out loud?" Oh yeah she did. I loved it , I wanted to be her... for a moment. Things downward spiral from there quickly- as they should right? I mean, the adult lesson of repercussions a/k/a responsibilities crashing down upon us when not dealt with blah blah blah. Emily finds out slowly but surely what happens when these adult expectations and responsibilities are ignored and finds herself going to "visit" her sister in her home town.
Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwennnn I love you! GAHHHH that back story is just too much, I wish I could have hugged him. Is he bitter? Maybe a little , or is that the proverbial jail surrounding his heart to protect him? So here we have two characters protecting themselves from what? We find out as the story progresses however Emily uses her past approach which she finds out the hard way it is the wrong path. She finds herself ENTICED by ALL the wrong answers.
Emily is one of the most realistic characters I've read. She could be ANY ONE OF US at any age. How far does she have to drift, will she stop drifting? Will she see the possible happiness that is straight in front of her? Can she do what it takes?
4.5 STARS
Well are you ENTICED yet? If not then watch the official trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UtVvMrq9uI
WARNING: If you read Entice first there will be spoilers to Entangle
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OTHER BOOKS BY VERONICA LARSEN
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July 12, 2016
If I wasn't already a massive fan of Veronica Larsen, I would be now. This book has pushed my love of her writing to an almost awkward place. Not stalkerish ... but close. The author once told me that I might find that the main character (Emily) just might be my spirit animal and I would have to agree with her wholeheartedly.
The characters are absolutely fabulous in Entice. To say that I'm slightly obsessed with tall, dark and hunky Owen would be an understatement. And Emily. This chick has no filter what so ever. The things that just fly out of her mouth are statements that I would NEVER consider saying but I've secretly always wanted to. I'll be honest, she has a serious case of verbal diarrhea. While I wouldn't want to be plagued with this affliction, it is hilarious to read. Emily is just brutally honest and she thinks that everyone is just dying to know what is on her mind. Now, that isn't always the case but again, it's fun to experience through these pages. And Owen was a perfect match for this fiery little woman. He didn't even flinch at the outrageous things that would fly out of Emily's mouth! It was fun just watching to see if he would ever have a reaction to her potty mouth. I won't tell you if he did, you definitely need to experience this one for yourself.
There's a pretty cool thing that Larsen has going on with this Hearts of Stone series. All of the books are considered standalone novels but if you read them in order, it enhances each of the stories so very much. Plus, all of them are great and you'll want to read them anyway, so you might as well read them in order, right?
I really don't have any critiques for this book. I adored everything about it; I enjoyed the pacing, the writing style, (especially) the characters and everything in between. These books are written in such a way that you really don't want to put them down and before you know it, you've missed lunch AND dinner and you are just wasting away but at the same time, totally satisfied because you're reading a book that you can't bring yourself to close.
Larsen has placed herself at the top of my MUST READ list and I know that I'll be a fan for life. Also ... this is one of those books that if we are going to be friends, you have to read it. No exceptions. Don't worry, you won't regret it.
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
June 28, 2015
*Received an ARC of this book from the author herself.*
This book was two times better than the first book! Don’t get me wrong, I loved the first book, but I enjoyed Emily’s story even more.
This is probably one of the books I’ve read in the “romance” genre where the two main characters (man and woman) saw each other again after years of being apart and they’re not obsessed with each other.
For example, it wasn’t like “I never stopped loving her, she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, I can’t live without her…” and the girl would be like, “He’s the most beautiful person I ever saw, I’m nothing without him.” I’m probably exaggerating, but you know what I mean.
It wasn’t cheesy, which was AWESOME and refreshing. They say the right things at the right time. There are romance novels that are really unrealistic, but I try to not pay attention very much and just focus more on the story instead of the couple’s sweet/romantic dialogs. I’m getting tired of men who are playboys in the beginning and suddenly they see this beautiful girl and they start changing right away. That’s not very realistic and I’m starting to not like it. *oups*
Anyway, back to Entice…
“I wanted you. You were all I could think about.”
The story focuses more on Emily and Owen. I thought I would learn more about Lex’s and Emily’s mom, but nope. It doesn’t really bother me, I just thought I would get more info on their family issue.
I loved how Emily doesn’t remember Owen at first and I really enjoyed reading the parts when she started flirting with him. It was very entertaining it made me laugh a few times.
I also liked the fact that it took Owen a little while until he started to show how he really felt about Emily.
There are more things in this book that I really loved and that made me crush on Owen, but I don’t want to spoil you guys!!!
I’d like to add that you should expect to read really HOT SCENES GUYS! HOT SCENES!
HOWEVER,
Please tell me there’s another book about Emily because after reading this I was just like… “Whaaaaat? That’s it!?” Her story is far from over and if there’s more, I’ll buy it without a doubt! If not, I’m writing an ending for them because the end is just unacceptable, it can't end that way!
This book was two times better than the first book! Don’t get me wrong, I loved the first book, but I enjoyed Emily’s story even more.
This is probably one of the books I’ve read in the “romance” genre where the two main characters (man and woman) saw each other again after years of being apart and they’re not obsessed with each other.
For example, it wasn’t like “I never stopped loving her, she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, I can’t live without her…” and the girl would be like, “He’s the most beautiful person I ever saw, I’m nothing without him.” I’m probably exaggerating, but you know what I mean.
It wasn’t cheesy, which was AWESOME and refreshing. They say the right things at the right time. There are romance novels that are really unrealistic, but I try to not pay attention very much and just focus more on the story instead of the couple’s sweet/romantic dialogs. I’m getting tired of men who are playboys in the beginning and suddenly they see this beautiful girl and they start changing right away. That’s not very realistic and I’m starting to not like it. *oups*
Anyway, back to Entice…
“I wanted you. You were all I could think about.”
The story focuses more on Emily and Owen. I thought I would learn more about Lex’s and Emily’s mom, but nope. It doesn’t really bother me, I just thought I would get more info on their family issue.
I loved how Emily doesn’t remember Owen at first and I really enjoyed reading the parts when she started flirting with him. It was very entertaining it made me laugh a few times.
I also liked the fact that it took Owen a little while until he started to show how he really felt about Emily.
There are more things in this book that I really loved and that made me crush on Owen, but I don’t want to spoil you guys!!!
I’d like to add that you should expect to read really HOT SCENES GUYS! HOT SCENES!
HOWEVER,
Please tell me there’s another book about Emily because after reading this I was just like… “Whaaaaat? That’s it!?” Her story is far from over and if there’s more, I’ll buy it without a doubt! If not, I’m writing an ending for them because the end is just unacceptable, it can't end that way!
May 3, 2015
Received as an ARC. If you haven't read the first book in this series and don't want spoilers, don't read this one.
This book is about Emily and Owen. Owen has loved Emily since high school but he never had the courage to talk to her. He had a letter and one chance meeting with her.
Emily is having a rough go at life. Getting fired and losing her apartment. She decides to visit her sister. Going home is hard for Emily. She thought she was getting out and starting over. Emily sees that her sister is struggling with a breakup. To see the connection between the sisters is just amazing.
Emily starts drinking to just help her cope. She visit an old hangout, the diner. She meets Owen. She is instantly intrigued by him but doesn't remember him. He does. Owen starts out hard. But Land on, what a character that little boy is.
Owen and Emily become friends and more but she is still drowning in her problems.
When she is confronted by Owen, the heartbreak come for Emily.
You see Emily fight and the accept her problem. She doesn't want to become her mother.
This was a wonderfully written book. You get a peek of another side of Alexis and Leo's story.
I hope there is another book with both couples and where they are headed .
This book is about Emily and Owen. Owen has loved Emily since high school but he never had the courage to talk to her. He had a letter and one chance meeting with her.
Emily is having a rough go at life. Getting fired and losing her apartment. She decides to visit her sister. Going home is hard for Emily. She thought she was getting out and starting over. Emily sees that her sister is struggling with a breakup. To see the connection between the sisters is just amazing.
Emily starts drinking to just help her cope. She visit an old hangout, the diner. She meets Owen. She is instantly intrigued by him but doesn't remember him. He does. Owen starts out hard. But Land on, what a character that little boy is.
Owen and Emily become friends and more but she is still drowning in her problems.
When she is confronted by Owen, the heartbreak come for Emily.
You see Emily fight and the accept her problem. She doesn't want to become her mother.
This was a wonderfully written book. You get a peek of another side of Alexis and Leo's story.
I hope there is another book with both couples and where they are headed .
February 11, 2016
Review to come
July 15, 2017
Az ötlet nagyon tetszett, hogy középsulis rajongás válik valóra felnőtt korban, és a férfi akit régen nem vett észre a nő. Az alkoholos nyomorgást viszont bénának találtam.
May 6, 2015
*Received an ARC of this book for a honest review from the author herself.*
***THIS MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS… PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION*** THANKS
I really loved book 1 (Lex & Leo) pssst..you need to read that
Anyway.. This is Emily & Owens book.. We first meet Emily and Owen in high school. Owen has had a fascination with Emily since the first time he saw her.. He just doesn’t know how to approach her and talk to her.. Emily gets her heart broken at the school dance.. Owen is there to witness.. and he tries to console her.. In return he gets his a$$ beat..
FAST FORWARD APPROX 10 YRS
We meet up with Emily at her current job.. pretty much low man on totem pole.. after working her butt off getting her law degree.. Client shows up.. Emily has to step in as BOSS IS OUT… Things happen and stuff gets said.. that can’t be taken back.. ** go choke on a dick** love that Emily looses her job and on the verge of losing her place to live due to building owner selling out.. She goes to stay with her sister Lex (book 1)
Insert Owen.. Oh Owen.. how I love thee.. He is such a sweet man.. and when Emily shows up at this fathers diner to work on her Resume and to eat of course.. she sees Owen.. of course she is smitten with him.. but his attitude.. yea well…. Owen knows right away who she is.. he would recognize her anywhere.. She has no clue who he is.. Eventually Owen tells her the story of how he knows her.. Tells her how he got his a$$ beat by her ex and it was a “Message from Emily” ..
I just want to say I loved Owen and Emily’s story.. I loved how it was not Insta Love.. They took their time.. you need to read it when you get the chance.. AND THAT LETTER AT THE END…..OMG!
Thank You Thank You Thank You for allowing me the honor of reading this beautiful story…
***THIS MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS… PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION*** THANKS
I really loved book 1 (Lex & Leo) pssst..you need to read that
Anyway.. This is Emily & Owens book.. We first meet Emily and Owen in high school. Owen has had a fascination with Emily since the first time he saw her.. He just doesn’t know how to approach her and talk to her.. Emily gets her heart broken at the school dance.. Owen is there to witness.. and he tries to console her.. In return he gets his a$$ beat..
FAST FORWARD APPROX 10 YRS
We meet up with Emily at her current job.. pretty much low man on totem pole.. after working her butt off getting her law degree.. Client shows up.. Emily has to step in as BOSS IS OUT… Things happen and stuff gets said.. that can’t be taken back.. ** go choke on a dick** love that Emily looses her job and on the verge of losing her place to live due to building owner selling out.. She goes to stay with her sister Lex (book 1)
Insert Owen.. Oh Owen.. how I love thee.. He is such a sweet man.. and when Emily shows up at this fathers diner to work on her Resume and to eat of course.. she sees Owen.. of course she is smitten with him.. but his attitude.. yea well…. Owen knows right away who she is.. he would recognize her anywhere.. She has no clue who he is.. Eventually Owen tells her the story of how he knows her.. Tells her how he got his a$$ beat by her ex and it was a “Message from Emily” ..
I just want to say I loved Owen and Emily’s story.. I loved how it was not Insta Love.. They took their time.. you need to read it when you get the chance.. AND THAT LETTER AT THE END…..OMG!
Thank You Thank You Thank You for allowing me the honor of reading this beautiful story…
June 4, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review!
*Bookaholic Confessions*
4 Emotional Stars
Emily and Owen were destined from the start. Their first true encounter after the prom, doesn’t register in Emily’s mind the same way it does for Owen. Owen gets a beating from Emily’s “boyfriend” after Owen goes to make sure she is ok…Because said boyfriend completely embarrasses her. This causes a lot of resentment when Emily comes back home from her life in San Francisco.
Emily runs in to Owen at his father’s diner while coming in for coffee one morning. Instant sparks. Unfortunately for Emily, Owens’ sparks are of anger.
Emily has a drink here and there to ease her fears and troubles when she returns from San Francisco. She tells off a client, gets fired, and then blacklisted by her former boss. She been trying to look for a job in San Francisco, but has had no luck. While at her friend’s house with her sister, she finds a job opportunity in her home town.
To see my full review click here
*Bookaholic Confessions*
4 Emotional Stars
Emily and Owen were destined from the start. Their first true encounter after the prom, doesn’t register in Emily’s mind the same way it does for Owen. Owen gets a beating from Emily’s “boyfriend” after Owen goes to make sure she is ok…Because said boyfriend completely embarrasses her. This causes a lot of resentment when Emily comes back home from her life in San Francisco.
Emily runs in to Owen at his father’s diner while coming in for coffee one morning. Instant sparks. Unfortunately for Emily, Owens’ sparks are of anger.
Emily has a drink here and there to ease her fears and troubles when she returns from San Francisco. She tells off a client, gets fired, and then blacklisted by her former boss. She been trying to look for a job in San Francisco, but has had no luck. While at her friend’s house with her sister, she finds a job opportunity in her home town.
To see my full review click here
June 1, 2015
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books☆☆
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
This was my first book from this author and I was presently surprised how well I liked it. Veronica has a writting style that draws you in wanting more. The characters are easily to fall for and you get loss in the emotions that come out.
Emily gets fired from her job. She goes to her sisters to find comfort. While there she visits the old diner she use to go to. While she is there she meets and young boy and a handsome man name Owen.
Owen has loved Emily from a far as long as he can remember but never had guts to act on it. After a fight he never wanted to see Emily again. When Emily comes in the diner all those feelings come back. He is angry but can he get past it and finely get the girl?
After taking the leap, can these two survive what is thrown at them or will it all go to heck?
Veronica, I love how you gave these characters so much emotion and you used real life situations. I'm looking forward to reading more from you.
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
This was my first book from this author and I was presently surprised how well I liked it. Veronica has a writting style that draws you in wanting more. The characters are easily to fall for and you get loss in the emotions that come out.
Emily gets fired from her job. She goes to her sisters to find comfort. While there she visits the old diner she use to go to. While she is there she meets and young boy and a handsome man name Owen.
Owen has loved Emily from a far as long as he can remember but never had guts to act on it. After a fight he never wanted to see Emily again. When Emily comes in the diner all those feelings come back. He is angry but can he get past it and finely get the girl?
After taking the leap, can these two survive what is thrown at them or will it all go to heck?
Veronica, I love how you gave these characters so much emotion and you used real life situations. I'm looking forward to reading more from you.
March 31, 2016
This one had a different feel than the other two. I applaud an author who can write a series that doesn't regurgitate the same tones, storylines and characters as the other books.
Although I liked Emily and her story way more than her sister and hers, the book felt a bit (I'm not sure if this is really the right word) preachy. Don't get me wrong; the topic the author dealt with here is an important one... one that usually doesn't get handled well. I can't say that she didn't do it justice. It's that I felt I was back handed with a bit of a moral lesson; it felt clunky and awkward, especially since it just kind of cut off the ending. It felt unfinished a too easy to be believable.
Since I read the third book in the series first, I know the abrupt ending of this book remains unfinished. The third book goes bank in time to tell Julia's story, which happens years before the other two books. I hope the author's next book includes some way to check up on these characters to see if their quick romance lasts.
Although I liked Emily and her story way more than her sister and hers, the book felt a bit (I'm not sure if this is really the right word) preachy. Don't get me wrong; the topic the author dealt with here is an important one... one that usually doesn't get handled well. I can't say that she didn't do it justice. It's that I felt I was back handed with a bit of a moral lesson; it felt clunky and awkward, especially since it just kind of cut off the ending. It felt unfinished a too easy to be believable.
Since I read the third book in the series first, I know the abrupt ending of this book remains unfinished. The third book goes bank in time to tell Julia's story, which happens years before the other two books. I hope the author's next book includes some way to check up on these characters to see if their quick romance lasts.
May 4, 2016
I love books with strong female characters. Emily is exactly that. She isn't perfect, but she's smart, funny, loyal and kind. Emily has a lot to come to terms with, emotional scars she hasn't dealt with. The story starts with Emily realizing that adulthood isn't always what one would imagine. Expectations don't always come to fruition regardless of how hard you push yourself or accomplish. Entice is a second chance story that involves second chances in life, love and growing up! I truly enjoyed this story! I absolutely loved Owen too! Owen is the hot, sexy, introspective, quiet, alpha male type! I wish Ms. Larsen would have written more of Owen's perspective. I am especially curious over what he was thinking during the first diner encounter and pretty much most of the story! This book held my interest throughout the entire story! Great characters, unique storyline, and it will touch your heart in so many ways!
I was provided a copy of Entice in exchange for a review.
I was provided a copy of Entice in exchange for a review.
November 4, 2016
I was very disappointed in this book. I wish we saw more of the guys point of view. I really didn't care about Emily at all. This was one of the most boring books I have read this year. Her alcohol struggle was bullshit. You are not an alcoholic in 60 days. Yes if a parent is an alcoholic you would be more susceptible to become one but it takes longer then two months to be classified as one. I get that the author was trying to bring awareness to this topic but she could have taken it to another level and brought the mother into it more. this book feel flat in everyway. I didn't like the main guy. he was really stiff and not very likeable. her previous books were more enjoyable and better character development.
December 6, 2016
**4.5stars - ARC received in return for honest review for Bookalicious Babes Blog**
Entice is story of love, mess, struggle, desire, addiction and happiness.
I loved that the characters had intertwining pasts but Emily had no idea of the relevance.
I fell in love with Owen, his love for Emily evident throughout. And damn he's HOT!! And the Sex scenes are HOT!!
Emily's character is fantastic, she's witty, sexy, strong and gets what she wants. Until she falls fowl to her 'predisposition'.
The story is written fantastically however, I would have liked to have read more Owen POV.
I'll definitely be reading more from Veronica.
Entice is story of love, mess, struggle, desire, addiction and happiness.
I loved that the characters had intertwining pasts but Emily had no idea of the relevance.
I fell in love with Owen, his love for Emily evident throughout. And damn he's HOT!! And the Sex scenes are HOT!!
Emily's character is fantastic, she's witty, sexy, strong and gets what she wants. Until she falls fowl to her 'predisposition'.
The story is written fantastically however, I would have liked to have read more Owen POV.
I'll definitely be reading more from Veronica.
May 3, 2015
* * ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
This is a great second chance at love book, buts it's different from the rest these characters know each other and but have no history. Owen and Emily went to school together and Owen liked Emily then but it went no further now Emily is back home and when she runs into Owen she doesn't quite remember him. I loved this book, it was like they were meeting for the first time, but it wasn't awkward. Owen is awesome and sweet and sexy. I really enjoyed this book and the sex scenes are HOT. definitely hope there is more.
This is a great second chance at love book, buts it's different from the rest these characters know each other and but have no history. Owen and Emily went to school together and Owen liked Emily then but it went no further now Emily is back home and when she runs into Owen she doesn't quite remember him. I loved this book, it was like they were meeting for the first time, but it wasn't awkward. Owen is awesome and sweet and sexy. I really enjoyed this book and the sex scenes are HOT. definitely hope there is more.
May 26, 2015
3.5 stars
September 16, 2019
This is my second Veronica Larsen story and I can confidently say that she knows how to create real and hilariously relatable female heroines. I thought Alexis was funny in the first book of the series, but Emily is just so awesome and strong and inspiring and messy (but like who isn’t, right?). I would LOVE to have a girlfriend like her.
Reading her story felt cozy and good for the soul! I sincerely adored it :)
Reading her story felt cozy and good for the soul! I sincerely adored it :)
May 30, 2021
Although there are some serious issues in the story, concerning drinking, I wasn't impressed. Especially ať the beginning Emily behaved like a man with blatant interest in sex only and the whole book felt like the story was only a filling between sex scenes. I expected more.
December 18, 2023
This was a pretty quick read because I had to turn the pages fast as my heart was pounding through most of this book! I really enjoyed this wild ride !
June 5, 2015
High school is hard, but when you are in love with a girl that doesn’t even know your name you learn that school isn't the worst part. It's being yourself, because you don't know who you are.
After years of watching Emily from a distance, Owen has finally the chance to speak to her, to make her see him. But the message sent through her boyfriend is enough to make him realize that he needs to change.
Years later, Emily comes back to San Diego after losing her job. It was meant to be just a visit but when she discovers that her ex-boss is telling everyone not to hire her, maybe it's time to come back home and have a fresh start. Everything has changed in the two years since she had last visited, including Lucas Grand, the man that had always listened to her problems. Now, at the dinner, she finds a younger version of Lucas, a hotter version.
Owen has the dark vibe she likes in a man. Learning that they studied at the same school and that he was obsessed with her is the common ground to know each other better, much better. And for a while everything seems fine, even London, Owen’s nine year old son likes her. But every calm sky is followed by a storm.
I liked to see the way Owen had grown up, from the shy litter boy to the well built cop. He is the stoic cop who tries to build a relationship with his son but when he sees Emily again, he knows that the words he had written to her years ago are still true - always.
She is always in his head and a chance with her is more that he had asked. He is sweet and tough at the same time. Emily is just the drop of adventure that he needs. But time didn’t cure her of her old ways of dealing with problems.
I liked the way Emily's relationship with her sister Lex developed as well as Owen and London’s, because both Emily and Owen exist inside their relationship but also outside of it. Both Owen and Emily had alcoholic parents and both followed in their steps but they learned something, they changed.
I feel that if I looked out my window I could see Emily and Owen, that's how real they seemed to me. Not just another romance book but a real life story.
SOME QUOTES I LIKED
“I'm the guy pining over the girl who not only doesn't know who I am, but is in the bathroom crying over another guy, altogether. To say I'm pathetic would be an understatement.”
“When I was a teenager, I would look at people in their twenties and think they had everything figured out. Then I got to my twenties and realized it's an illusion. It's people in their thirties that are the real grownups; they're the ones that have their shit in line.”
“Trying to keep a man in a relationship is like trying to keep a lion as a pet. You know they are inherently wild beasts, dangerous even. But when they come up and sniff your face, you start to think they're just misunderstood. They make you feel good about being able to tame them, feed them, learn their moods. Except they're never really tame. They're waiting for the moment when you leave the gate unlocked so they can eat you and run out to terrorize the neighborhood. It happens all the time.”
“Never go underwear shopping while horny”.
“In the end that's all that matters. Not what you want. Not what you feel. Not your words. Your actions. The things you actually do.”
“Some relationships are toxic. Trying to maintain them for the sake of it is like allowing a disease to eat away at you when you hold the antidote.”
After years of watching Emily from a distance, Owen has finally the chance to speak to her, to make her see him. But the message sent through her boyfriend is enough to make him realize that he needs to change.
Years later, Emily comes back to San Diego after losing her job. It was meant to be just a visit but when she discovers that her ex-boss is telling everyone not to hire her, maybe it's time to come back home and have a fresh start. Everything has changed in the two years since she had last visited, including Lucas Grand, the man that had always listened to her problems. Now, at the dinner, she finds a younger version of Lucas, a hotter version.
Owen has the dark vibe she likes in a man. Learning that they studied at the same school and that he was obsessed with her is the common ground to know each other better, much better. And for a while everything seems fine, even London, Owen’s nine year old son likes her. But every calm sky is followed by a storm.
I liked to see the way Owen had grown up, from the shy litter boy to the well built cop. He is the stoic cop who tries to build a relationship with his son but when he sees Emily again, he knows that the words he had written to her years ago are still true - always.
She is always in his head and a chance with her is more that he had asked. He is sweet and tough at the same time. Emily is just the drop of adventure that he needs. But time didn’t cure her of her old ways of dealing with problems.
I liked the way Emily's relationship with her sister Lex developed as well as Owen and London’s, because both Emily and Owen exist inside their relationship but also outside of it. Both Owen and Emily had alcoholic parents and both followed in their steps but they learned something, they changed.
I feel that if I looked out my window I could see Emily and Owen, that's how real they seemed to me. Not just another romance book but a real life story.
SOME QUOTES I LIKED
“I'm the guy pining over the girl who not only doesn't know who I am, but is in the bathroom crying over another guy, altogether. To say I'm pathetic would be an understatement.”
“When I was a teenager, I would look at people in their twenties and think they had everything figured out. Then I got to my twenties and realized it's an illusion. It's people in their thirties that are the real grownups; they're the ones that have their shit in line.”
“Trying to keep a man in a relationship is like trying to keep a lion as a pet. You know they are inherently wild beasts, dangerous even. But when they come up and sniff your face, you start to think they're just misunderstood. They make you feel good about being able to tame them, feed them, learn their moods. Except they're never really tame. They're waiting for the moment when you leave the gate unlocked so they can eat you and run out to terrorize the neighborhood. It happens all the time.”
“Never go underwear shopping while horny”.
“In the end that's all that matters. Not what you want. Not what you feel. Not your words. Your actions. The things you actually do.”
“Some relationships are toxic. Trying to maintain them for the sake of it is like allowing a disease to eat away at you when you hold the antidote.”
June 16, 2015
Panty Scorching-2
Storyline- First half 4 Second half 3
Angst- 2
Tissues-0
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 3.5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Entice is the second book in The Hearts of Stone series but can be read as a stand-alone. Emily and Owen first meet in high school. Well they don’t really meet, Owen basically was obsessed with Emily. Not in an overly creepy stalkerish kind of way but lets just say he loved her from afar. While the whole school saw the pretty popular girl who dates the schools hot shot jock, Owen could see past all that. He made himself a promise that before his senior year ended he would talk to her and tell her how he felt but thanks to Emily’s not to nice of a boyfriend that plan didn’t work out and he never got his chance to tell her.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to know what I think of you. Or the effect you have on me. The effect you’ve always had on me.”
Fast forward ten years and we meet up again with Emily she is in her late twenties and working as a law associate. She has a very sarcastic personality and I loved that about her. She has no filter and Unfortunately for her the some of the things that actually come out of her mouth don’t sit to well with other people, her boss included so she ends up getting fired and on top of that she is about to lose her apartment. So she does the only thing she can do and ends up going home to stay with her sister for a while to sort of regroup.
“The whole point of moving away was to start a new life. Staying here now would be like accepting defeat. Like moving backward. Failing. And I don’t like to fail. Even if I seem to be pretty good at it.”
While she is at home she visits her favorite diner, it’s a place that holds a special place in her heart for many reasons.
What she isn’t expecting when she goes in there is to come face to face with Owen, a hot guy she is instantly drawn to. So Emily doesn’t remember Owen, really has no clue who he is. Owen sure as hell remembers her and things don’t start out to smoothly for them at all. Even though Emily flirts like crazy with Owen he is moody and not willing to give her much. Slowly things change as the story progresses and the two start to get closer. But things for Emily continue to spiral more out of control. Owen cares for her and wants to help her through it but she needs to be willing to take responsibility for her actions and admit she wants help. I loved Owen, he is so sweet and so sexy. You can truly tell how he feels about her and you can tell Emily has some really strong feeling for him but she doesn’t exactly know how to deal with those feelings, but she is trying.Will Emily admit she needs Owen or will she realize it to late?
“This man brings me to my knees with the simplest of looks. He’s honest and sexy and unbelievably good-natured. This man is mine. All mine.”
This was a good read though I will admit I enjoyed the first half a lot better then the second. I was glued to the pages
until about 45 percent then there was just to much going on the second half. I wouldn’t have minded if it all fit together but I felt like there was so much thrown in the second half and it was much to rushed. I did enjoy the authors writing and I really enjoyed both Emily and Owen. I will defiantly read this author again.
http://thesmutbrarians.com/2015/06/05...
Storyline- First half 4 Second half 3
Angst- 2
Tissues-0
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 3.5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Entice is the second book in The Hearts of Stone series but can be read as a stand-alone. Emily and Owen first meet in high school. Well they don’t really meet, Owen basically was obsessed with Emily. Not in an overly creepy stalkerish kind of way but lets just say he loved her from afar. While the whole school saw the pretty popular girl who dates the schools hot shot jock, Owen could see past all that. He made himself a promise that before his senior year ended he would talk to her and tell her how he felt but thanks to Emily’s not to nice of a boyfriend that plan didn’t work out and he never got his chance to tell her.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to know what I think of you. Or the effect you have on me. The effect you’ve always had on me.”
Fast forward ten years and we meet up again with Emily she is in her late twenties and working as a law associate. She has a very sarcastic personality and I loved that about her. She has no filter and Unfortunately for her the some of the things that actually come out of her mouth don’t sit to well with other people, her boss included so she ends up getting fired and on top of that she is about to lose her apartment. So she does the only thing she can do and ends up going home to stay with her sister for a while to sort of regroup.
“The whole point of moving away was to start a new life. Staying here now would be like accepting defeat. Like moving backward. Failing. And I don’t like to fail. Even if I seem to be pretty good at it.”
While she is at home she visits her favorite diner, it’s a place that holds a special place in her heart for many reasons.
What she isn’t expecting when she goes in there is to come face to face with Owen, a hot guy she is instantly drawn to. So Emily doesn’t remember Owen, really has no clue who he is. Owen sure as hell remembers her and things don’t start out to smoothly for them at all. Even though Emily flirts like crazy with Owen he is moody and not willing to give her much. Slowly things change as the story progresses and the two start to get closer. But things for Emily continue to spiral more out of control. Owen cares for her and wants to help her through it but she needs to be willing to take responsibility for her actions and admit she wants help. I loved Owen, he is so sweet and so sexy. You can truly tell how he feels about her and you can tell Emily has some really strong feeling for him but she doesn’t exactly know how to deal with those feelings, but she is trying.Will Emily admit she needs Owen or will she realize it to late?
“This man brings me to my knees with the simplest of looks. He’s honest and sexy and unbelievably good-natured. This man is mine. All mine.”
This was a good read though I will admit I enjoyed the first half a lot better then the second. I was glued to the pages
until about 45 percent then there was just to much going on the second half. I wouldn’t have minded if it all fit together but I felt like there was so much thrown in the second half and it was much to rushed. I did enjoy the authors writing and I really enjoyed both Emily and Owen. I will defiantly read this author again.
http://thesmutbrarians.com/2015/06/05...
June 6, 2015
Entice is the second book in The Hearts of Stone series but can be read as a stand-alone. Emily and Owen first meet in high school. Well they don’t really meet, Owen basically was obessed with Emily. Not in an overly creepy stalkerish kind of way but lets just say he loved her from afar. While the whole school saw the pretty popular girl who dates the schools hot shot jock, Owen could see past all that. He made himeslf a promise that before his senior year ended he would talk to her and tell her how he felt but thanks to Emily’s not to nice of a boyfreind that plan didn’t work out and he never got his chance to tell her.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to know what I think of you. Or the effect you have on me. The effect you’ve always had on me.”
Fast forward ten years and we meet up again with Emily she is in her late twenties and working as a law associate. She has a very sarcastic personality and I loved that about her. She has no filter and Unfortunately for her the some of the things that actually come out of her mouth don’t sit to well with other people, her boss included so she ends up getting fired and on top of that she is about to lose her apartment. So she does the only thing she can do and ends up going home to stay with her sister for a while to sort of regroup.
“The whole point of moving away was to start a new life. Staying here now would be like accepting defeat. Like moving backward. Failing. And I don’t like to fail. Even if I seem to be pretty good at it.”
While she is at home she visits her favorite diner, it’s a place that holds a special place in her heart for many reasons. What she isn’t expecting when she goes in there is to come face to face with Owen, a hot guy she is instanlty drawn to. So Emily doesn’t remember Owen, really has no clue who he is. Owen sure as hell remembers her and things don’t start out to smoothly for them at all. Even though Emily flirts like crazy with Owen he is moody and not willing to give her much. Slowly things change as the story progresses and the two start to get closer. But things for Emily continue to spiral more out of control. Owen cares for her and wants to help her through it but she needs to be willing to take responsibilty for her actions and admit she wants help. I loved Owen, he is so sweet and so sexy. You can truly tell how he feels about her and you can tell Emily has some really strong feeling for him but she doesn’t exaclty know how to deal with those feelings, but she is trying.Will Emily admit she needs Owen or will she realize it to late?
“This man brings me to my knees with the simplest of looks. He’s honest and sexy and unbelivebly good-natured. This man is mine. All mine.”
This was a good read though I will admit I enjoyed the first half a lot better then the second. I was glued to the pages until about 45 percent then there was just to much going on the second half. I wouldn’t have minded if it all fit together but I felt like there was so much thrown in the second half and it was much to rushed. I did enjoy the authors writing and I really enjoyed both Emily and Owen. I will definelty read this author again. This book was a 3.5 star read for me.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to know what I think of you. Or the effect you have on me. The effect you’ve always had on me.”
Fast forward ten years and we meet up again with Emily she is in her late twenties and working as a law associate. She has a very sarcastic personality and I loved that about her. She has no filter and Unfortunately for her the some of the things that actually come out of her mouth don’t sit to well with other people, her boss included so she ends up getting fired and on top of that she is about to lose her apartment. So she does the only thing she can do and ends up going home to stay with her sister for a while to sort of regroup.
“The whole point of moving away was to start a new life. Staying here now would be like accepting defeat. Like moving backward. Failing. And I don’t like to fail. Even if I seem to be pretty good at it.”
While she is at home she visits her favorite diner, it’s a place that holds a special place in her heart for many reasons. What she isn’t expecting when she goes in there is to come face to face with Owen, a hot guy she is instanlty drawn to. So Emily doesn’t remember Owen, really has no clue who he is. Owen sure as hell remembers her and things don’t start out to smoothly for them at all. Even though Emily flirts like crazy with Owen he is moody and not willing to give her much. Slowly things change as the story progresses and the two start to get closer. But things for Emily continue to spiral more out of control. Owen cares for her and wants to help her through it but she needs to be willing to take responsibilty for her actions and admit she wants help. I loved Owen, he is so sweet and so sexy. You can truly tell how he feels about her and you can tell Emily has some really strong feeling for him but she doesn’t exaclty know how to deal with those feelings, but she is trying.Will Emily admit she needs Owen or will she realize it to late?
“This man brings me to my knees with the simplest of looks. He’s honest and sexy and unbelivebly good-natured. This man is mine. All mine.”
This was a good read though I will admit I enjoyed the first half a lot better then the second. I was glued to the pages until about 45 percent then there was just to much going on the second half. I wouldn’t have minded if it all fit together but I felt like there was so much thrown in the second half and it was much to rushed. I did enjoy the authors writing and I really enjoyed both Emily and Owen. I will definelty read this author again. This book was a 3.5 star read for me.
June 5, 2015
☆☆BOOK REVIEW☆☆
Book: Entice
Author: Veronica Larsen
Series: Heart of Stone
Release Date: May 25th 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:
Reviewer: Tricia Reads
Stars (Os):OOOOo
Product Description:
Turns out I’ve been faking being an adult.
My job? My apartment? The pretty life I've built?
Let's just say I've made some mistakes.
I'm knee-deep in the mess I've made when I find him. Tall, dark-haired, and rough around the edges. The boy I never noticed is all grown up, in all the right ways. And he's holding a grudge.
Let him try to pretend he's immune to our attraction. I'm trained in the art of persuasion and I love a challenge.
But how can he know the answers to questions I haven't thought to ask? I’ve been putting out fires, fighting like crazy to get my life back on track. And this man? He acts like he knows who's holding the match.
Maybe there's no such thing as mistakes.
What if it's all just sabotage?
-This novel contains sexually explicit content.
-Entice can be read as a standalone, but contains major spoilers to Entangle (Hearts of Stone, Book 1).
Review:
I was provided a free copy of the book for an honest review.
Veronica Larsen won me over.
Readers were introduced to Emily in Veronica’s first book Entangled. I have to admit I did not like Emily’s character. I found her selfish, inconsiderate, and self-centered. With that thought I wanted to see where the author would take this character and I have to say she did an amazing job of winning me over. The time lines of Entangle and Entice overlap, allowing the reader to get Emily’s POV on the events and her reason for her behavior. It also fills in the back story and gives you a glimpse at home Emily became who she was and how she survived. Emily really is a broken person who is just trying to be better than her childhood upbringing with a single mother with a drug and alcohol addiction.
Emily’s life is falling apart. She is fired her job and is about to become homeless. She goes to stay with her sister (who is unaware of everything going on with her sister) where Emily becomes reacquainted with Owen.
“It’s been awhile since I laid eyes on a man I could consume with my eyes and he looks more appetizing than my food. The type of man you can’t look at without imagining yourself doing things to him. Or better still imagining him doing things to you.”
Owen has his own baggage and experiences involving Emily back in their days in High School.
The two come together and challenge each other, heal each other and ultimately fall in love with each other. The author does an amazing job build the story and plot line that is believable. I could not put it down and thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Owen’s story. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Hopefully there will be more to Hearts of Stone series in the future.
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/veronicalarsen
Website: http://www.veronicalarsenbooks.com
Twitter username: @author_VLarsen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorveroni...
Newsletter: http://veronicalarsenbooks.com/newsle...
Book: Entice
Author: Veronica Larsen
Series: Heart of Stone
Release Date: May 25th 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:
Reviewer: Tricia Reads
Stars (Os):OOOOo
Product Description:
Turns out I’ve been faking being an adult.
My job? My apartment? The pretty life I've built?
Let's just say I've made some mistakes.
I'm knee-deep in the mess I've made when I find him. Tall, dark-haired, and rough around the edges. The boy I never noticed is all grown up, in all the right ways. And he's holding a grudge.
Let him try to pretend he's immune to our attraction. I'm trained in the art of persuasion and I love a challenge.
But how can he know the answers to questions I haven't thought to ask? I’ve been putting out fires, fighting like crazy to get my life back on track. And this man? He acts like he knows who's holding the match.
Maybe there's no such thing as mistakes.
What if it's all just sabotage?
-This novel contains sexually explicit content.
-Entice can be read as a standalone, but contains major spoilers to Entangle (Hearts of Stone, Book 1).
Review:
I was provided a free copy of the book for an honest review.
Veronica Larsen won me over.
Readers were introduced to Emily in Veronica’s first book Entangled. I have to admit I did not like Emily’s character. I found her selfish, inconsiderate, and self-centered. With that thought I wanted to see where the author would take this character and I have to say she did an amazing job of winning me over. The time lines of Entangle and Entice overlap, allowing the reader to get Emily’s POV on the events and her reason for her behavior. It also fills in the back story and gives you a glimpse at home Emily became who she was and how she survived. Emily really is a broken person who is just trying to be better than her childhood upbringing with a single mother with a drug and alcohol addiction.
Emily’s life is falling apart. She is fired her job and is about to become homeless. She goes to stay with her sister (who is unaware of everything going on with her sister) where Emily becomes reacquainted with Owen.
“It’s been awhile since I laid eyes on a man I could consume with my eyes and he looks more appetizing than my food. The type of man you can’t look at without imagining yourself doing things to him. Or better still imagining him doing things to you.”
Owen has his own baggage and experiences involving Emily back in their days in High School.
The two come together and challenge each other, heal each other and ultimately fall in love with each other. The author does an amazing job build the story and plot line that is believable. I could not put it down and thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Owen’s story. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Hopefully there will be more to Hearts of Stone series in the future.
Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/veronicalarsen
Website: http://www.veronicalarsenbooks.com
Twitter username: @author_VLarsen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorveroni...
Newsletter: http://veronicalarsenbooks.com/newsle...
June 3, 2015
Emily is an unabashed heroine who says what she thinks, even when she doesn’t mean to. She is hilarious. She’s sort of out of control and a bit ridiculous, but I loved it. She’s an attorney [enter, bias] and she’s pretty sure she’s pretending to be an adult [oh, hi. is this an autobiography? I don’t remember signing a release, but….]. She’s forced to meet with a client while her boss, the Real Attorney, is running late. And her brain and mouth decide not to work together and she actually SAYS what she means to THINK. And fuck if I didn’t laugh out loud and choke on my drink. It’s actually sort of surprising that something like that hasn’t happened to me yet.
So, she loses her job. Loses her apartment. and loses all sense of what the hell she’s supposed to be doing with her life. Being an adult is supposed to be awesome, but everyone forgets to tell you what to do when you GET THERE. Instead, people focus on: ‘go to school’, ‘get a job’, ‘be just like everyone else, but be unique’. LIFE IS HARD.
She sort of moves back in with her sister, even though her sister doesn’t really know that she’s moved in. She’ll tell her if she needs to. And then she runs into Owen. Beautiful, wonderfully sweet, adorable, heart-stopping, Owen.
Owen may have been a little thing back in high school, but he’s allllll man now. Holy Jesus, he’s hot. Very, very hot. This book delves into a deeper connection than just sex and it’s mostly about Emily floundering around while Owen stands there being the incredibly solid rock of a man that he is. He’s an anchor that she can grab onto, but she doesn’t know how to do that without letting go of the flimsy raft she’s floating on.
Owen’s not without his own issues in life, and I was actually surprised when I found out a few things about him. However, none of that information turns you off. If you’re looking for a steadfast book boyfriend who isn’t going to mess with your emotions, then you need to jump on Owen. Hard. and against the walls. and on the counter. *shudders*
This is a seriously fantastic book. I loved Emily fiercely & Owen made my heart (and other places) throb. SO GOOD! – 4.5 stars –
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
So, she loses her job. Loses her apartment. and loses all sense of what the hell she’s supposed to be doing with her life. Being an adult is supposed to be awesome, but everyone forgets to tell you what to do when you GET THERE. Instead, people focus on: ‘go to school’, ‘get a job’, ‘be just like everyone else, but be unique’. LIFE IS HARD.
She sort of moves back in with her sister, even though her sister doesn’t really know that she’s moved in. She’ll tell her if she needs to. And then she runs into Owen. Beautiful, wonderfully sweet, adorable, heart-stopping, Owen.
Owen may have been a little thing back in high school, but he’s allllll man now. Holy Jesus, he’s hot. Very, very hot. This book delves into a deeper connection than just sex and it’s mostly about Emily floundering around while Owen stands there being the incredibly solid rock of a man that he is. He’s an anchor that she can grab onto, but she doesn’t know how to do that without letting go of the flimsy raft she’s floating on.
Owen’s not without his own issues in life, and I was actually surprised when I found out a few things about him. However, none of that information turns you off. If you’re looking for a steadfast book boyfriend who isn’t going to mess with your emotions, then you need to jump on Owen. Hard. and against the walls. and on the counter. *shudders*
This is a seriously fantastic book. I loved Emily fiercely & Owen made my heart (and other places) throb. SO GOOD! – 4.5 stars –
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
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June 3, 2015
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
Entice is the second book in the Hearts of Stone series by Veronica Larsen. I read it as a stand-alone. Emily has been fired from her job as an attorney and decides to seek solace with her older sister until can get another job lined-up after the holidays. Returning to the town Emily grew-up in, she decides to visit one of her favorite places to escape to when she was a teenager; a little restaurant. This restaurant was Emily’s safe place to be herself. She was away from the others that were her so called “friends”. Here she could actually relax and be her true self. She often found herself visiting with the middle-aged owner, Lucas. When she steps into the restaurant, she isn’t met by Lucas but Mister tall, built, and sexy by the name of Owen. Emily soon finds out that
Owen is actually Lucas’s son and they went to high school together (although she doesn’t remember Lucas having a son or going to high school with him). Emily finds herself very attracted to Owen; he has felt the same way for Emily for many years. Eventually, Emily decides to stay in town, she finds a job, and begins dating Owen seriously. There is only one problem…….which I am not going to tell you or it would spoil everything!
I enjoyed this story very much. Emily and Owen had never actually dated, nor did Emily even realize that Owen existed which was a nice change from other books where the characters had always been infatuated with each other. Ms. Larsen built their relationship through her writing. I thought it was also a very realistic book as everything was not smooth sailing for Emily and Owen in their personal lives as well as their relationship. There was only one thing that I think could have been expanded and that is when Emily’s problem is revealed, she excepts it, then they all live happily-ever-after. I thought that this issue could have been addressed in more detail which would have left me feeling more satisfied as a reader. Overall, I thought it was an excellent book and plan to read the first book of the series as well as any books written after Entice.
Entice is the second book in the Hearts of Stone series by Veronica Larsen. I read it as a stand-alone. Emily has been fired from her job as an attorney and decides to seek solace with her older sister until can get another job lined-up after the holidays. Returning to the town Emily grew-up in, she decides to visit one of her favorite places to escape to when she was a teenager; a little restaurant. This restaurant was Emily’s safe place to be herself. She was away from the others that were her so called “friends”. Here she could actually relax and be her true self. She often found herself visiting with the middle-aged owner, Lucas. When she steps into the restaurant, she isn’t met by Lucas but Mister tall, built, and sexy by the name of Owen. Emily soon finds out that
Owen is actually Lucas’s son and they went to high school together (although she doesn’t remember Lucas having a son or going to high school with him). Emily finds herself very attracted to Owen; he has felt the same way for Emily for many years. Eventually, Emily decides to stay in town, she finds a job, and begins dating Owen seriously. There is only one problem…….which I am not going to tell you or it would spoil everything!
I enjoyed this story very much. Emily and Owen had never actually dated, nor did Emily even realize that Owen existed which was a nice change from other books where the characters had always been infatuated with each other. Ms. Larsen built their relationship through her writing. I thought it was also a very realistic book as everything was not smooth sailing for Emily and Owen in their personal lives as well as their relationship. There was only one thing that I think could have been expanded and that is when Emily’s problem is revealed, she excepts it, then they all live happily-ever-after. I thought that this issue could have been addressed in more detail which would have left me feeling more satisfied as a reader. Overall, I thought it was an excellent book and plan to read the first book of the series as well as any books written after Entice.
June 5, 2015
Emily thought that her life was going as planned. She has a job that she loved, even though she was not used to her abilities, okay she sort of liked not loved. But it is in law, her field. She had her apartment, that she needed a room mate to help pay for and would soon have to leave. Okay so she lived in the City that she loved and yes, she was happy. Maybe at best she was living, skimming by but was content. When all of that goes down the drain, so she runs to her home town for the holidays until she can get a handle on things. What she got was more than she had bargained for.
Owen, had to take some time off work to help his father, Lucas with the diner. He never thought that being here would bring back the one thing he loved more than anything and yeah the one person that broke him in his past. She never knew he even existed, would she remember him?
I loved this book because it was a full circle type of read that not only got your blood pumping when the sparks flew between Owen and Emily( not a spoiler you just know it will happen), but when they tackled the hard subjects that will make you worry you bottom lip and make you heart beat faster, you know this is simply amazing.
The characters in this book will bring you back to a time when maybe you were invisible or wanted to be. It will make you think about the "what of's" from you past. This might make you smile or cringe but in the end it will warm your heart knowing that you Veronica got you and brought you into her world of love, pain and regret. A world where Owen faced the one girl he never had the courage to talk to. A world where Emily has to face her inner self and ask the hard questions. A world where growing up is the key to everyone's happiness. You know the real world, with a dash of an HEA to make this book perfection!
Owen, had to take some time off work to help his father, Lucas with the diner. He never thought that being here would bring back the one thing he loved more than anything and yeah the one person that broke him in his past. She never knew he even existed, would she remember him?
I loved this book because it was a full circle type of read that not only got your blood pumping when the sparks flew between Owen and Emily( not a spoiler you just know it will happen), but when they tackled the hard subjects that will make you worry you bottom lip and make you heart beat faster, you know this is simply amazing.
The characters in this book will bring you back to a time when maybe you were invisible or wanted to be. It will make you think about the "what of's" from you past. This might make you smile or cringe but in the end it will warm your heart knowing that you Veronica got you and brought you into her world of love, pain and regret. A world where Owen faced the one girl he never had the courage to talk to. A world where Emily has to face her inner self and ask the hard questions. A world where growing up is the key to everyone's happiness. You know the real world, with a dash of an HEA to make this book perfection!
June 2, 2015
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but what I got was very seductive.
Emily has just been fired and about to be homeless and now she's not sure what to do except going to her sister's home, her hometown, for a breather. While there she makes a trip a place that brought her solace while in school. As she sat walked in, a man caught her attention. Something about him drew her to him. He was a stranger yet something about him was familiar. Owen is stand offish towards her due to something that happened years prior are her supposed behest.
Owen's always had a thing for Emily and when she walked into the diner, it took him by surprise. He may be wonder why she's there and although he puts up a hard demeanor, he's just as drawn to her today as he was all those years ago.
The more time they share together, the more deeply he falls for her. Emily is falling for him as well, but she's waiting for the other shoe to fall; there are some deep seated issues she's unwilling to come to grips with.
But when her demons threaten her and those around her, Emily is forced to face all her issues. But is it a little too late for her relationship with Owen? Only time will tell.
I loved this story. It had depth, passion, tension, angst, sensuality and self discovery. It wasn't about the hot, steamy sex (although there was some very sizzling moments), the underlying story was about Emily coming into her own. Learning that she is worth the happiness. Grabbing life by both hands is better than always worrying that something is going to go horribly wrong. A great message within an amazing story.
Emily has just been fired and about to be homeless and now she's not sure what to do except going to her sister's home, her hometown, for a breather. While there she makes a trip a place that brought her solace while in school. As she sat walked in, a man caught her attention. Something about him drew her to him. He was a stranger yet something about him was familiar. Owen is stand offish towards her due to something that happened years prior are her supposed behest.
Owen's always had a thing for Emily and when she walked into the diner, it took him by surprise. He may be wonder why she's there and although he puts up a hard demeanor, he's just as drawn to her today as he was all those years ago.
The more time they share together, the more deeply he falls for her. Emily is falling for him as well, but she's waiting for the other shoe to fall; there are some deep seated issues she's unwilling to come to grips with.
But when her demons threaten her and those around her, Emily is forced to face all her issues. But is it a little too late for her relationship with Owen? Only time will tell.
I loved this story. It had depth, passion, tension, angst, sensuality and self discovery. It wasn't about the hot, steamy sex (although there was some very sizzling moments), the underlying story was about Emily coming into her own. Learning that she is worth the happiness. Grabbing life by both hands is better than always worrying that something is going to go horribly wrong. A great message within an amazing story.
June 1, 2015
Entice was seeing a woman take a life changing look at her life with some hot erotic moments to steam it up. This was a standalone novel even though it is book 2 in the series. Emily thinks she has life figured out until she loses her job because she couldn't control her mouth. I admit I laughed myself silly during this part in the book. She is becoming homeless so now she is having to move back to her home town of San Diego while she gets her life and her self sorted out.
When she gets there she remembers she wasn't such a great person. She is forced to truly grow up, to face change and take a long look at her life. See who she is and who she has hurt. This kind of thing is life changing.
When reading this I felt that Emily was like a lot of the girls I grew up with. Trying to fight to live. In doing so bad choices could be made but they were in the intention to survive the crappy deal life dealt us. As an adult in charge of her life she needed to learn a different way. When she meets up with one of the guys she hurt and he lets her know he has grown up she can't help but notice. The sparks are flying between them even as he is fighting the attraction. The blow up is phenomenal.
This was a great book just from her growth stand point. The romance made it even better. The characters were ones I could certainly feel a connection to. This was a great book to read and one I would recommend to romance lovers all over as well as ones who want to read a feel good love story.
When she gets there she remembers she wasn't such a great person. She is forced to truly grow up, to face change and take a long look at her life. See who she is and who she has hurt. This kind of thing is life changing.
When reading this I felt that Emily was like a lot of the girls I grew up with. Trying to fight to live. In doing so bad choices could be made but they were in the intention to survive the crappy deal life dealt us. As an adult in charge of her life she needed to learn a different way. When she meets up with one of the guys she hurt and he lets her know he has grown up she can't help but notice. The sparks are flying between them even as he is fighting the attraction. The blow up is phenomenal.
This was a great book just from her growth stand point. The romance made it even better. The characters were ones I could certainly feel a connection to. This was a great book to read and one I would recommend to romance lovers all over as well as ones who want to read a feel good love story.
May 25, 2015
Entice is the story of Emily, who like so many in their mid-20s, struggles to accept her life as an adult. When her horrible, mind-numbing job comes to an abrupt end, it forces her into a new chapter of her life. Here she meets Owen, a man she has some history with, although she doesn't know the true impact. She's drawn to him, and him to her, and the chemistry between these two is undeniable. But potentially explosive.
I loved so much of this story. Her brash, unfiltered comments were refreshing, believable, and laugh-out-loud funny. The banter between Owen and Emily was pitch-perfect. The way their story was fully-developed and NOT insta-love, was top-notch. Giving them a shared history would have made it easy for Ms. Larsen to have one half of our couple already in love, and I was a big fan that the story did not go this route. I loved how Owen fought his past feelings and fell for the woman Emily is now, not the idea of her he had back in high school.
Life and love are messy, at times a struggle, and sometimes hilarious, and I thought "Entice" illustrated that beautifully. If you like layered, real characters, facing actual conflicts and dealing with believable issues, (and plenty of steamy scenes) this is the story for you. The writing is excellent, the story flows seamlessly, and I highly recommend!!
I loved so much of this story. Her brash, unfiltered comments were refreshing, believable, and laugh-out-loud funny. The banter between Owen and Emily was pitch-perfect. The way their story was fully-developed and NOT insta-love, was top-notch. Giving them a shared history would have made it easy for Ms. Larsen to have one half of our couple already in love, and I was a big fan that the story did not go this route. I loved how Owen fought his past feelings and fell for the woman Emily is now, not the idea of her he had back in high school.
Life and love are messy, at times a struggle, and sometimes hilarious, and I thought "Entice" illustrated that beautifully. If you like layered, real characters, facing actual conflicts and dealing with believable issues, (and plenty of steamy scenes) this is the story for you. The writing is excellent, the story flows seamlessly, and I highly recommend!!
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