While I wasn't sure about book one, I am glad I continued with the series. It is cute and fun while also steamy and seductive.
Ethan is crass and vulgar. He has a predilection for using the f-bomb and talking dirty. If this offends you, this is probably not the series for you. This being said, he also has a sweetness to him he does well to hide but for with Ashley.
Ashley is intelligent and spreading her sexual wings, so to speak. She's still not sure she's doing the right thing, but it feels so good. Plus, she may have just fallen in love with her stepbrother...
One thing that's really stood about about this series is how directly Ethan talks to the reader as if in a conversation and/or reacting to them. I'm not sure I exactly like this approach to writing, but it hasn't put me off either. Prepare to be sworn at repeatedly and told to mind your own f**king business. Ashley doesn't do this so much. She's technically talking to the reader as well, but it doesn't feel like it so much. It's not in your face like with Ethan. It's not so much her interacting with the reader as it is a narrative. I tend to like this approach more, but I love reading Ethan's chapters and finding out what's going on in his head.
In this story, Ethan reverts back to his a**hole ways. With the parents being home early, his and Ashley's deal must end. Though he doesn't see it this way, Ethan returns to being a jerk in an effort to protect himself. It's the best armor he has and he's wielding it full force.
Ashley isn't happy about the early return of their parents either. She's come to accept the fact that she's in love with Ethan and therefore completely screwed. She's hurt by Ethan's behavior and doesn't want this distance between them. It's a good thing she has Jake as an excuse for being upset or there would be a lot of uncomfortable explaining to do to her mother and stepdad.