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Three Little Words #2
Light Me Up
For Rachel Hennessy, it’s been an interesting six months. Boyfriend? Cheated on her. Job? She totally just got fired. Starting her own wedding planning business sounds exciting … in theory. In reality, it’s completely terrifying. And on top of all that, the freaking cherry right on top? She just had an ill-timed, alcohol-instigated one-night stand with her bff Casey’s brother, Tate. Yeah, that Tate. The one that she’s had a teensy, inconvenient crush on for years.
But nothing about it is ill-timed or inconvenient for Tate Steadman. Because he finally feels free. Free of the oppressive relationship he’d been in for the past six years. Free to pursue Rachel, because one alcohol-fueled night was not even close to enough for him. He just wished she saw it that way. Because she makes him want more than he ever knew he was capable of.
When their one night has unexpected consequences, Rachel has no clue how to trust that he’s not just trying to be ‘the good guy’ who wants to do ‘the right thing’. And even though the chemistry between them practically burns down an entire city block when they’re together, she doesn’t know how to let down the concrete wall she’s built up around herself.
The ‘mistake’ of one evening can change the trajectory of two lives, but maybe a mistake is all they really need to push them right into true love.
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Light Me Up is a 90k word humorous contemporary romance with a moderate heat level, and is second in a series of standalones.
But nothing about it is ill-timed or inconvenient for Tate Steadman. Because he finally feels free. Free of the oppressive relationship he’d been in for the past six years. Free to pursue Rachel, because one alcohol-fueled night was not even close to enough for him. He just wished she saw it that way. Because she makes him want more than he ever knew he was capable of.
When their one night has unexpected consequences, Rachel has no clue how to trust that he’s not just trying to be ‘the good guy’ who wants to do ‘the right thing’. And even though the chemistry between them practically burns down an entire city block when they’re together, she doesn’t know how to let down the concrete wall she’s built up around herself.
The ‘mistake’ of one evening can change the trajectory of two lives, but maybe a mistake is all they really need to push them right into true love.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Light Me Up is a 90k word humorous contemporary romance with a moderate heat level, and is second in a series of standalones.
314 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 11, 2020
2.5 stars
October 7, 2015
You have the two protagonists, Tate and Rachel, who have feelings for one another; they have a one-night stand; she gets pregnant - all of which takes place by chapter 8. For the rest of the novel we're treated to Rachel going back and forth with her feelings for Tate. And when I say back and forth, I mean back and forth, back and forth, back and forth....well, you get the gist of it. I loved Tate and thought he was terrific and deserved better. I couldn't help but feel bad for him as Rachel was quite the bitch more often than not to him. I have to tell you that this merry-go-round became tiring very fast. I'm just surprised I made it to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2016
I mean this review with respect to the author and to the other reviewers who loved this book. I guess I'm just in the minority. I don't understand what I just read. There aren't too many characters that make me hate them. I mean, I know this is a work of fiction, but I just couldn't stand the h. I honestly loathed her. In an effort to keep this short, I'm just going to stick with my list of likes and dislikes.
What I liked:
1) The dual povs. Honestly, if I didn't hear from, the H (Tate), I wouldn't have finished this book. Rachel annoying the heck out of me.
2) Tate. He was amazing. I feel sorry for him when he admitted that he didn't know how to act around Rachel. She didn't make it easy for him at all. Did he make mistakes? Yes. But honestly, she was just awful and he deserved better than her.
3) It's bad when my favorite part of the book is when Tate is finally fed up with Rachel and tells her how he feels. Unfortunately, it took really long (read: a lot of suffering through Rachel's crap) to get to this part of the book.
4) No cheating or any ow/om drama. Although at one point I almost wanted Tate to go on a date someone else.
5) The epilogue was sweet, albeit sappy.
What I didn't like:
1) RACHEL. I think I hated her. She ruined this book for me. Is still don't get what her deal was.
2) How Liz and Casey never yell at Rachel about how she was treating Tate. Honestly? What.the.heck. Especially, Casey, who is Tate's sister. I know that wasn't even a real sentence, but that's just how annoyed I am at this whole book.
What I liked:
1) The dual povs. Honestly, if I didn't hear from, the H (Tate), I wouldn't have finished this book. Rachel annoying the heck out of me.
2) Tate. He was amazing. I feel sorry for him when he admitted that he didn't know how to act around Rachel. She didn't make it easy for him at all. Did he make mistakes? Yes. But honestly, she was just awful and he deserved better than her.
3) It's bad when my favorite part of the book is when Tate is finally fed up with Rachel and tells her how he feels. Unfortunately, it took really long (read: a lot of suffering through Rachel's crap) to get to this part of the book.
4) No cheating or any ow/om drama. Although at one point I almost wanted Tate to go on a date someone else.
5) The epilogue was sweet, albeit sappy.
What I didn't like:
1) RACHEL. I think I hated her. She ruined this book for me. Is still don't get what her deal was.
2) How Liz and Casey never yell at Rachel about how she was treating Tate. Honestly? What.the.heck. Especially, Casey, who is Tate's sister. I know that wasn't even a real sentence, but that's just how annoyed I am at this whole book.
July 6, 2016
Did not enjoy this one. Tate? Yes. Rachel? Oh my god annoying. And she had such promise for her own book when she was a secondary character in book one of the series. Oh, well.
June 8, 2015
4.5 Frustrating Stars
This is the second book in Karla's Three Little Words Series, which can be read as a stand alone. I was first introduced to the main characters Rachel and Tate in By Your Side and had a feeling they would end up together. I loved Rachel's spunk and couldn't wait to read more about her. We learned a little bit about Tate in her first book, which had me very intrigued.
Rachel is beautiful, sassy, witty and full of a fiery temperament. Tate is sexy, calm and reserved. They couldn't be more opposites but together they make each other better. They both secretly wanted each other and were cautious to act on it, until one drunken night.
"Rachel, one of the things I love most about you is your rough edges, that sharp tongue and with that keeps me on my toes. You, my love, are the most raw and real thing in my life, and I would never change a single thing about you."
This book had my feelings all over the place but the feeling I felt the most was frustration. I was so frustrated with Rachel, that I wished Tate would just shake her and tell her to get over it. I wish Tate was a little more authoritative towards Rachel but know that Rachel most likely wouldn't react well to it. There were moments when I laughed out loud, felt all warm and gushy inside and felt elated because I thought they were finally going to be together. That elation would then turn to frustration. Karla sure knows how to play with my emotions.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and didn't mind the frustration so much because it meant I was invested into the characters. I find it harder to connect to the characters I've been reading lately. The fact that I could connect to these characters shows that Karla's character development is very well. With that being said, I recommend this book to anyone who likes some angst in their romance.
October 11, 2019
Devoted Hero.
Pushing away from heroine.
Small ex drama.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating.
HEA.
Pushing away from heroine.
Small ex drama.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating.
HEA.
July 12, 2015
One night of hot passion between two people who have secretly longed for each other and what do you get??
I loved Tate. He is just a wonderful men who would do anything for Rachel. But, she was so mean to Tate at times I just teared up for him. He loves Rachel but, for some stupid reason she didn't want to see it. The story had so much potential but. It missed it's mark. Tate is the saving grace to the Book because in my opinion he deserved the happiness after getting out of a long relationship with a bitch and than Rachel turning into one. It definitely could have been better and I was disappointed in it.
I loved Tate. He is just a wonderful men who would do anything for Rachel. But, she was so mean to Tate at times I just teared up for him. He loves Rachel but, for some stupid reason she didn't want to see it. The story had so much potential but. It missed it's mark. Tate is the saving grace to the Book because in my opinion he deserved the happiness after getting out of a long relationship with a bitch and than Rachel turning into one. It definitely could have been better and I was disappointed in it.
August 1, 2020
Why, oh why, did the author have to make the heroine neurotic on top of everything else? Isn't it enough with the whole "younger-sister's-best-friend / best-friend's-older-brother / secret-crush / unplanned-pregnancy-after-a-one-night-stand" tropes she's got going on? Why ya gotta add the annoying "I'm-afraid-of-true-love-because-my-parents-are-manic-with-it-and-I'd-probably-will-be-too-and-God-I-don't-wanna-be-that-crazy-in-love-so-I'll-be-a-bitch-instead" trope as well?
Jeez, this books was a trope-a-palooza!
In a romance novel, there seems to be a very fine line between a sassy, headstrong female lead and a raging bitch, and all too often (to me, anyway) an author will cause their heroine to cross over that line, seemingly unintentionally, and it will make the heroine unlikable.
This heroine lived over that line. She would insist on making the hero agree that it was a bad idea to pursue anything between them (for some ridiculous reason that made sense only to her), and then be all hurt when he finally did! *eye roll* She would mistakenly assumed she knew what his feelings were, and then over-react according to that assumption. She would be bitchy to him for no real reason, and then excuse it as hormones. She came on to him, asked him to stay the night with her, then afterward, got pissy with him 'cause he teased her like he had a right to. She was incensed he was trying to trick her into falling for him by abiding to her request that he back off.
The parts that didn't make sense about Rachel's warped reasoning, was that, (1) she'd been in a committed relationship before, she'd already lived with a guy, before discovering he was cheating on her. So, she was not opposed to a relationship. Just to one with a guy who loved her and who she loved back. And (2) she was afraid of becoming her mother; overly emotional about the man she loved and her marriage. But, her mother was also just as overly emotional about her children, so why did Rachel never have any second thoughts or apprehension about becoming a mother, like she did about being with Tate? She already sounded as nuts as she was afraid of becoming.
By around the 60% mark, I thoroughly hated Rachel! She gave Tate the absolute barest minimum of affection, and he was sooo grateful for it every single time. It infuriated me that she forced him to walk on eggshells, just so as not to do anything that might spook her and make her run. He deserved so much better than to hope for the tiny bones she would throw him. The author must have hated him, because she totally screwed him over by sticking him with Rachel. Specially since he had already had to endure his bitchy ex for years. So not fair!
Jeez, this books was a trope-a-palooza!
In a romance novel, there seems to be a very fine line between a sassy, headstrong female lead and a raging bitch, and all too often (to me, anyway) an author will cause their heroine to cross over that line, seemingly unintentionally, and it will make the heroine unlikable.
This heroine lived over that line. She would insist on making the hero agree that it was a bad idea to pursue anything between them (for some ridiculous reason that made sense only to her), and then be all hurt when he finally did! *eye roll* She would mistakenly assumed she knew what his feelings were, and then over-react according to that assumption. She would be bitchy to him for no real reason, and then excuse it as hormones. She came on to him, asked him to stay the night with her, then afterward, got pissy with him 'cause he teased her like he had a right to. She was incensed he was trying to trick her into falling for him by abiding to her request that he back off.
The parts that didn't make sense about Rachel's warped reasoning, was that, (1) she'd been in a committed relationship before, she'd already lived with a guy, before discovering he was cheating on her. So, she was not opposed to a relationship. Just to one with a guy who loved her and who she loved back. And (2) she was afraid of becoming her mother; overly emotional about the man she loved and her marriage. But, her mother was also just as overly emotional about her children, so why did Rachel never have any second thoughts or apprehension about becoming a mother, like she did about being with Tate? She already sounded as nuts as she was afraid of becoming.
By around the 60% mark, I thoroughly hated Rachel! She gave Tate the absolute barest minimum of affection, and he was sooo grateful for it every single time. It infuriated me that she forced him to walk on eggshells, just so as not to do anything that might spook her and make her run. He deserved so much better than to hope for the tiny bones she would throw him. The author must have hated him, because she totally screwed him over by sticking him with Rachel. Specially since he had already had to endure his bitchy ex for years. So not fair!
May 27, 2015
4.5 stars
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I impatiently awaited Light Me Up ever since finishing the previous book, By Your Side, where we've been introduced to Rachel and Tate, and if you've read it, you could already see how dynamic mix of a couple they create.
The beginning was awesome, the banter between the main characters and their chemistry was irrevocably fantastic, they were constantly pushing each other's buttons, and literally lighting each other up! Being complete opposites they seemed to balance one another, Tate loosened up his stiff and serious demeanor a bit, and for Rachel he was the safe haven and voice of reason she needed.
Tate was near perfection, yet sometimes he appeared to be too soft and patient, he was a real saint to endure Rachel's craziness, I wanted him to leave her for me, I could be his naughty assistant ;)
I feel Rachel, despite her madness and ginger temperament, could have gotten her shit together way sooner, just stopped running away and fighting so much against them being together. There was a moment at 80% I think, when I just wanted to throw my ereader against the wall. I am very glad the heroine at last opened her eyes but once again, it almost bordered on a major irritation, like: "Don't keep calm, slap that bitch, hard." ;) (hey, maybe Rachel could use a good spanking, fifty-shades style? lol)
I had high hopes for this book after loving the first one so much and here the author delivers with another heartwarming story. It's a must read for every romance lover :) I laughed a lot while reading Light Me Up and I loved the ending, the epilogue, it was so sweet and touching I felt my eyes water while reading the last couple pages...
Now I really can't wait for the next and unfortunately last book in the series, it's time for my girl Liz to find love, yay! <3
Favorite quotes:
<3
<3
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I impatiently awaited Light Me Up ever since finishing the previous book, By Your Side, where we've been introduced to Rachel and Tate, and if you've read it, you could already see how dynamic mix of a couple they create.
The beginning was awesome, the banter between the main characters and their chemistry was irrevocably fantastic, they were constantly pushing each other's buttons, and literally lighting each other up! Being complete opposites they seemed to balance one another, Tate loosened up his stiff and serious demeanor a bit, and for Rachel he was the safe haven and voice of reason she needed.
Tate was near perfection, yet sometimes he appeared to be too soft and patient, he was a real saint to endure Rachel's craziness, I wanted him to leave her for me, I could be his naughty assistant ;)
I feel Rachel, despite her madness and ginger temperament, could have gotten her shit together way sooner, just stopped running away and fighting so much against them being together. There was a moment at 80% I think, when I just wanted to throw my ereader against the wall. I am very glad the heroine at last opened her eyes but once again, it almost bordered on a major irritation, like: "Don't keep calm, slap that bitch, hard." ;) (hey, maybe Rachel could use a good spanking, fifty-shades style? lol)
I had high hopes for this book after loving the first one so much and here the author delivers with another heartwarming story. It's a must read for every romance lover :) I laughed a lot while reading Light Me Up and I loved the ending, the epilogue, it was so sweet and touching I felt my eyes water while reading the last couple pages...
Now I really can't wait for the next and unfortunately last book in the series, it's time for my girl Liz to find love, yay! <3
Favorite quotes:
<3
<3
June 17, 2015
4.5 stars
September 14, 2020
I am hooked on this series. When I started reading and realized the main character was Rachel, I immediately was hoping the male lead was Tate, Casey’s brother, and YES! It was and it was so satisfyingly good.
June 28, 2015
*An e-ARC was graciously provided in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the first book of this series so I didn't pass at the opportunity to read the second one! Like the first one, Light Me Up is a delightful read. Karla Sorensen delivered the story with a refreshing and enjoyable voice, minced greatly with rich and remarkable characters.
She had an incredible, and somewhat terrifying, ability to hold her own.
Rachel is drowning in dilemmas. After being fired from her job, she ended up drinking too hard and sleeping with his best friend’s brother, Tate. As if not remembering what happened between them wasn’t enough, she ended up pregnant with his child. Rachel was strong, independent, and empowered. But I have to be honest and say that Rachel has been a source of the few annoyances I felt in the book. There were just times when she was holding back too much. She was free but she was so afraid of letting go. Nonetheless, I love her uniqueness and the streak of badassness she showed in the story.
He’s so far under my skin that he absolutely terrifies me. And it would kill me to trap him somewhere he didn’t really want to be.
Tate Steadman always did the right thing. So when he found out that the most memorable night he had with the most unexpected woman has bore them a child, he had to do the right thing. But he didn’t know that doing the right thing could also feel soooo right. I have to say that I loved everything about Tate’s character. He was sincere, sweet, and patient. His genuineness in the way he treated Rache went straight through my heart.
“If I could be fearless for anyone,” she whispered against his lips, “I promise, it would be you.”
I love how Rachel and Tate’s chemistry was established. The attraction was evident so I revelled on the little banters and awkward sweet moments that they shared. However, I, being a self-proclaimed hoarder of romantic feelings, felt like their chemistry could’ve blazed more than it did in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I looooove each moment Rachel and Tate had in the book. I just felt like there could be more. The story, however, flowed nicely and it was always so hard to let go of the story each time I had work to do. The author made characters that wracked my head and always managed to drag me back to their story (even if it’s 2 in the morning). I’ll definitely recommend this book to all romance lovers! Karla Sorensen is a new voice we should look out for!! I can’t wait for her next book!
I loved the first book of this series so I didn't pass at the opportunity to read the second one! Like the first one, Light Me Up is a delightful read. Karla Sorensen delivered the story with a refreshing and enjoyable voice, minced greatly with rich and remarkable characters.
She had an incredible, and somewhat terrifying, ability to hold her own.
Rachel is drowning in dilemmas. After being fired from her job, she ended up drinking too hard and sleeping with his best friend’s brother, Tate. As if not remembering what happened between them wasn’t enough, she ended up pregnant with his child. Rachel was strong, independent, and empowered. But I have to be honest and say that Rachel has been a source of the few annoyances I felt in the book. There were just times when she was holding back too much. She was free but she was so afraid of letting go. Nonetheless, I love her uniqueness and the streak of badassness she showed in the story.
He’s so far under my skin that he absolutely terrifies me. And it would kill me to trap him somewhere he didn’t really want to be.
Tate Steadman always did the right thing. So when he found out that the most memorable night he had with the most unexpected woman has bore them a child, he had to do the right thing. But he didn’t know that doing the right thing could also feel soooo right. I have to say that I loved everything about Tate’s character. He was sincere, sweet, and patient. His genuineness in the way he treated Rache went straight through my heart.
“If I could be fearless for anyone,” she whispered against his lips, “I promise, it would be you.”
I love how Rachel and Tate’s chemistry was established. The attraction was evident so I revelled on the little banters and awkward sweet moments that they shared. However, I, being a self-proclaimed hoarder of romantic feelings, felt like their chemistry could’ve blazed more than it did in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I looooove each moment Rachel and Tate had in the book. I just felt like there could be more. The story, however, flowed nicely and it was always so hard to let go of the story each time I had work to do. The author made characters that wracked my head and always managed to drag me back to their story (even if it’s 2 in the morning). I’ll definitely recommend this book to all romance lovers! Karla Sorensen is a new voice we should look out for!! I can’t wait for her next book!
June 23, 2015
I really liked the sound of Light Me Up when I read the synopsis. It is nice to see the path a couples road takes following the aftermath of a blazing night together. Told in third person narrative, mainly focusing on Rachel with the alternating perspective woven through the narrative. Personally, I prefer the use of first person narrative as I feel I bond on a deeper level with the characters. However, in this case it allowed Karla Sorensen to demonstrate the far-reaching consequences of emotional issues when a character hasn’t come to terms with them as yet.
I really loved how Karla mixed up the romantic tropes within Light Me Up with Rachel being the commitment-phobe and Tate being the clueless romantic. Speaking of Tate, I absolutely adored that man. He is the kind of main character you want to be real so you can have him for yourself. He is committed to making things work with Rachel, even if he has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth, lol.
Both Tate and Rachel are very mature in their attitude and surprisingly calm under the circumstances. Thier reactions were priceless and a joy to witness. Their partnership was just that, they worked together toward a common goal. It was obvious, as an outside observer just how perfect Tate and Rachel were for each other. The chemistry between them nearly set the page on fire.
Unfortunately, Rachel has so many deep-rooted emotional issues creating a rough road on the path to happiness.
Karla shows how profoundly observing our parents relationships shapes the way we view and therefore, undertake our own relationships, both good and bad. Providing a deeper level of understanding to Rachel’s issues. Rachel’s character growth and the breakdown of her emotional barriers is an amazing journey to follow.
Above all else Light Me Up has an overwhelming sense of hope and the glimmer of the Happily Ever After permeating the narrative.
I really loved how Karla mixed up the romantic tropes within Light Me Up with Rachel being the commitment-phobe and Tate being the clueless romantic. Speaking of Tate, I absolutely adored that man. He is the kind of main character you want to be real so you can have him for yourself. He is committed to making things work with Rachel, even if he has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth, lol.
Both Tate and Rachel are very mature in their attitude and surprisingly calm under the circumstances. Thier reactions were priceless and a joy to witness. Their partnership was just that, they worked together toward a common goal. It was obvious, as an outside observer just how perfect Tate and Rachel were for each other. The chemistry between them nearly set the page on fire.
Unfortunately, Rachel has so many deep-rooted emotional issues creating a rough road on the path to happiness.
Karla shows how profoundly observing our parents relationships shapes the way we view and therefore, undertake our own relationships, both good and bad. Providing a deeper level of understanding to Rachel’s issues. Rachel’s character growth and the breakdown of her emotional barriers is an amazing journey to follow.
Above all else Light Me Up has an overwhelming sense of hope and the glimmer of the Happily Ever After permeating the narrative.
June 26, 2015
I'm giving this book a 3.5/5. This is my first book by Karla Sorensen and I'm not at all disappointed. It's book two in the Three Little Words series, but I haven't read one and I was still OK ... but I hear you should read one because it's so good, so I'm sure I will go back for it.
I think I had the biggest love/hate with this book. In the best and worst way. I loved the characters. I REALLY loved Tate. I love his devotion and they way he wouldn't give up. But he wasn't unrealistic because he still lost his temper in an argument. At times I felt bad for him because it almost seemed impossible. But mostly I just wanted to jump his bones. LOL!!
I also loved Rachel, she was ballsy and funny and brass and bold. She was a real character and I just enjoyed her. She made me laugh at loud more times than I can count. But HOT DAMN!!! She is stubborn. I wanted to slap her in the face more often than not. Here comes the love/hate. LOL. But the thing is, I think Karla wrote her that way because just when you are ready to give up on her, she admits her weaknesses and her stubbornness. She KNOWS what's going on. So it kind of makes it ok.
However, there were times where I just forgot WHY she was so stubborn. She would get all worked up and say she couldn't be with him and ... I just couldn't remember why. I think I wish the reason was made to be a bigger deal than it was so it played a more prevalent role in the book and made Rachel's actions more acceptable.
Otherwise, the book was good. It was an easy, quick read. The side characters were fun and made sense and I look forward to the next book. Hell, I look forward to the first one. I'm actually pretty excited about Casey. I think I connected with her on a personal level about shoes. Haha!! Don't miss out on these books!
I think I had the biggest love/hate with this book. In the best and worst way. I loved the characters. I REALLY loved Tate. I love his devotion and they way he wouldn't give up. But he wasn't unrealistic because he still lost his temper in an argument. At times I felt bad for him because it almost seemed impossible. But mostly I just wanted to jump his bones. LOL!!
I also loved Rachel, she was ballsy and funny and brass and bold. She was a real character and I just enjoyed her. She made me laugh at loud more times than I can count. But HOT DAMN!!! She is stubborn. I wanted to slap her in the face more often than not. Here comes the love/hate. LOL. But the thing is, I think Karla wrote her that way because just when you are ready to give up on her, she admits her weaknesses and her stubbornness. She KNOWS what's going on. So it kind of makes it ok.
However, there were times where I just forgot WHY she was so stubborn. She would get all worked up and say she couldn't be with him and ... I just couldn't remember why. I think I wish the reason was made to be a bigger deal than it was so it played a more prevalent role in the book and made Rachel's actions more acceptable.
Otherwise, the book was good. It was an easy, quick read. The side characters were fun and made sense and I look forward to the next book. Hell, I look forward to the first one. I'm actually pretty excited about Casey. I think I connected with her on a personal level about shoes. Haha!! Don't miss out on these books!
May 29, 2015
I received an ARC in return for my honest review.
This was my first Karla Sorensen book and it will not be my last. Light Me up is a MUST read. I absolutely loved ball-busting event planner, Rachel. Her spunk, wit, and fiery nature was everything you look for in a female lead. As for Tate, the hunky attorney who is secretly smitten by Rachel, he is the complete opposite- composed, reserved, and quiet. But, as we all know it's those quiet ones that we all have to watch out for! Tate and Rachel's undeniable chemistry was one that seared thoughts in my head and had me wanting to rush ahead as I read this book. I literally did not put it down until I was finished. It was that good! I'm a sucker for romances of convenience. Although Tate and Rachel vow to stay friends, the undeniable pull between these two is still there just below the surface and agonizingly wonderful to read as they overcome their own head games finding their way to the simplicity of their love. Can't wait for you all to read it and fall in love just as I have!
This was my first Karla Sorensen book and it will not be my last. Light Me up is a MUST read. I absolutely loved ball-busting event planner, Rachel. Her spunk, wit, and fiery nature was everything you look for in a female lead. As for Tate, the hunky attorney who is secretly smitten by Rachel, he is the complete opposite- composed, reserved, and quiet. But, as we all know it's those quiet ones that we all have to watch out for! Tate and Rachel's undeniable chemistry was one that seared thoughts in my head and had me wanting to rush ahead as I read this book. I literally did not put it down until I was finished. It was that good! I'm a sucker for romances of convenience. Although Tate and Rachel vow to stay friends, the undeniable pull between these two is still there just below the surface and agonizingly wonderful to read as they overcome their own head games finding their way to the simplicity of their love. Can't wait for you all to read it and fall in love just as I have!
June 29, 2015
My favorite kind of romances are those that center around real-life circumstances, but capture the heart of the matter and make the love between the two characters so raw and real. I totally got that with Light Me Up. Accidental pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes and Sorensen did it right.
Rachel's sassy and I love that about her. She's also very protective of her heart. Then there's Tate. Sincere and so wonderfully masculine, he takes Rachel head on. I can't imagine anyone better for Rachel than Tate. They're a wonderful ying yang of personalities and its this back and forth, give and take that add so much heat to their relationship.
Packed with laughter and clever writing, Light Me Up is the perfect pick me up.
Rachel's sassy and I love that about her. She's also very protective of her heart. Then there's Tate. Sincere and so wonderfully masculine, he takes Rachel head on. I can't imagine anyone better for Rachel than Tate. They're a wonderful ying yang of personalities and its this back and forth, give and take that add so much heat to their relationship.
Packed with laughter and clever writing, Light Me Up is the perfect pick me up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2015
Really enjoyed this second installment of the Three Little Words series. Light Me Up features a lovable sassy heroine and a swoon-worthy hero who face real-life challenges on the way to their happily ever after. In addition to Sorensen's humorous voice, I also loved that Tate was all-in when it came to Rachel. It was refreshing to see a hero ready to take the leap up against a reluctant heroine. Definitely recommend!
August 9, 2023
I wasn't the biggest fan of this read. It took me ages to finish because I lost interest.
There was hardly any spice.
Tate seemed like a lovely daddy to be. He knocked Rachel up and really wanted to take care of her. He has had atough time with the females.
I hated that Rachel was so mean to Tate for no reason. She loves him but was still a raging bitch. It annoyed me how the author made it seem that it was 'pregnancy hormones'. No, she was just an awful person.
Tate was a good partner. All he wanted to do was be involved in the pregnancy and baby decisions. He had to run everything by Rachel but she could do what she wanted because "it's my baby, I'm carrying the child". Thats ridiculous.
I thought Tate was too good for her. He bought a house so that they could stay with him and help raise the baby together even though they were not 'together together'.
This novel was about miscommunication and not in the fun light hearted way. It was annoying.
I really REALLY did not like Rachel.
I will never read this book again. Although I have to read book three as it is the last in this series. I'm hoping to god I have a better experience because I'm disappointed in Karla at the moment.
There was hardly any spice.
Tate seemed like a lovely daddy to be. He knocked Rachel up and really wanted to take care of her. He has had atough time with the females.
I hated that Rachel was so mean to Tate for no reason. She loves him but was still a raging bitch. It annoyed me how the author made it seem that it was 'pregnancy hormones'. No, she was just an awful person.
Tate was a good partner. All he wanted to do was be involved in the pregnancy and baby decisions. He had to run everything by Rachel but she could do what she wanted because "it's my baby, I'm carrying the child". Thats ridiculous.
I thought Tate was too good for her. He bought a house so that they could stay with him and help raise the baby together even though they were not 'together together'.
This novel was about miscommunication and not in the fun light hearted way. It was annoying.
I really REALLY did not like Rachel.
I will never read this book again. Although I have to read book three as it is the last in this series. I'm hoping to god I have a better experience because I'm disappointed in Karla at the moment.
February 18, 2020
Honestly I lovedddd the first book in this series; the slow burn of Casey and Jakes relationship was lovely.
I really enjoyed Rachel's spitfire attitude throughout the first book, and the beginning of this one- but I have to say she REALLY grated my nerves in this book. Tate waited on her hand and foot and was an absolute dream, and he still couldn't do anything right in Rachel's eyes. (Not giving away spoilers) She had some really stupid reasons for constantly pushing him away in my opinion. So your parents are annoyingly close and have a mushy relationships? GREAT! I get that most of us don't want to become our mothers but honestly, Rachel's strong independent woman card was played up too much for me.
Their relationship was fireworks from the start, and she fought it. Just when Tate would be ok giving her space, she would pull him in for a moment of passion, just to push him away again like it was his fault.
This story could have been so much sweeter, but there was just too much back and forth for me.
I still enjoyed reading about the characters, and of course things worked out in the end.... I just need to go recover from some whiplash and frustration now.
I really enjoyed Rachel's spitfire attitude throughout the first book, and the beginning of this one- but I have to say she REALLY grated my nerves in this book. Tate waited on her hand and foot and was an absolute dream, and he still couldn't do anything right in Rachel's eyes. (Not giving away spoilers) She had some really stupid reasons for constantly pushing him away in my opinion. So your parents are annoyingly close and have a mushy relationships? GREAT! I get that most of us don't want to become our mothers but honestly, Rachel's strong independent woman card was played up too much for me.
Their relationship was fireworks from the start, and she fought it. Just when Tate would be ok giving her space, she would pull him in for a moment of passion, just to push him away again like it was his fault.
This story could have been so much sweeter, but there was just too much back and forth for me.
I still enjoyed reading about the characters, and of course things worked out in the end.... I just need to go recover from some whiplash and frustration now.
November 8, 2020
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series
Ages of H and h: Rachel is 28 and Tate is 34
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail:
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Oh my god was Rachel a raging b*tch for the entirety of this book. What did Tate see her in? What did her friends see in her? What
Ages of H and h: Rachel is 28 and Tate is 34
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail:
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Oh my god was Rachel a raging b*tch for the entirety of this book. What did Tate see her in? What did her friends see in her? What
January 4, 2024
infuriating but good too
So I have to confess forest off: I couldn't read it cover to cover.
Here's the thing- the main female character is an infuriating selfish and stubborn character who is so self focused that it was scream worthy.
At 60% I couldn't take it any more.
Basically they start off with a one night stand, and ever since then he is patiently pursuing her whole she runs.
If you were hoping for a steamy romance this is not it.
There's an initial encounter, closed door.
there's another, open door but very discreet and a final off page? Its at the very end and frankly I didn't care anymore.
there was so much potential but bc the female lead has emotional Damage they waste the entire book.
So I have to confess forest off: I couldn't read it cover to cover.
Here's the thing- the main female character is an infuriating selfish and stubborn character who is so self focused that it was scream worthy.
At 60% I couldn't take it any more.
Basically they start off with a one night stand, and ever since then he is patiently pursuing her whole she runs.
If you were hoping for a steamy romance this is not it.
There's an initial encounter, closed door.
there's another, open door but very discreet and a final off page? Its at the very end and frankly I didn't care anymore.
there was so much potential but bc the female lead has emotional Damage they waste the entire book.
June 12, 2025
I spent most of the book wanting to smack Rachel about. She cannot get out of her own way. For 90% of the book, she is her own worst enemy. She is horrible to Tate and the behavior is classified as a ball buster. She’s just a strong willed woman. No, she is runs away from anything real and pushes away people. Tate does nothing wrong and yet, she believes the worst about every action he does.
I cheered when Tate called her out, finally. I’m tired of books where the trope really is emotionally unavailable incidentals who desperately need therapy. Tate put up with her bullshit longer than I would.
This author has clearly improved since writing this series as I typically like her work. Not sure I’m going to pick up the third book.
I cheered when Tate called her out, finally. I’m tired of books where the trope really is emotionally unavailable incidentals who desperately need therapy. Tate put up with her bullshit longer than I would.
This author has clearly improved since writing this series as I typically like her work. Not sure I’m going to pick up the third book.
November 27, 2018
I almost rated this as a 3 but the last 10% saved it. Rachel at times was extremely hard to relate to and or like at times. She teased him and played some mind games and I just didn't care for it in fact it didnt sound that much better than his previous girlfriend and the reason (her mom being a drama llama) why she couldnt commit seemed contrived and a little silly. As an aside my favorite part of the book was when her mother told her that it wasnt for her or anyone to judge how she displayed love. I almost cheered. 3.5 stars.
June 10, 2021
Hmm... this doesn't seem to be my storyline. I've already seen that previously but accidental pregnancies don't work for me for different reasons. Also I had a hard time with Rachel as a main character and the whole relationship development, which was either very focused on the arriving offspring or a one sided interest as arwchel denies so often to even consider anything more...
In the end it was a nice enough read, but I wouldn't pick it up again and are mostly glad to be through it to start with Liz' story!
In the end it was a nice enough read, but I wouldn't pick it up again and are mostly glad to be through it to start with Liz' story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
Cute enough story. I was very surprised this takes place in GR/Ada, they drink my fave Michigan wine and reference GVSU, BUT that was not enough to overcome the transphobic moment. Who knows what the author intended, but when referencing 'crossdressers' and laughing about men buying heels and beautiful shoes to wear, I am extremely off put but the inherent transphobia. It was one small moment, but totally unnecessary and soured my taste for the book as a whole.
June 17, 2025
I normally love her books
DNF fairly early on.
I liked all her Ward/Wilder etc series. But I really don’t like this one. At all. The MFC is just a straight up b1tch. So unlikeable. There is no way I can get behind her no matter if she manages to turn her personality around somehow.
There’s also too much describing what happened vs actually seeing it take place. Dialogue is limited. Just not my cup of tea.
DNF fairly early on.
I liked all her Ward/Wilder etc series. But I really don’t like this one. At all. The MFC is just a straight up b1tch. So unlikeable. There is no way I can get behind her no matter if she manages to turn her personality around somehow.
There’s also too much describing what happened vs actually seeing it take place. Dialogue is limited. Just not my cup of tea.
September 30, 2026
Best Friend’s Brother
I prefer first person to third person narration but this showed the dual points of view well. Rachel is prickly and so many of those moments with her mom had familiarity and was so relatable. I enjoyed the Steadman family, Liz, and Casey, and the humor they brought to this story as they supported Rachel and Tate. The burn was slow as Rachel figured out her feelings but the resolution was satisfying.
I prefer first person to third person narration but this showed the dual points of view well. Rachel is prickly and so many of those moments with her mom had familiarity and was so relatable. I enjoyed the Steadman family, Liz, and Casey, and the humor they brought to this story as they supported Rachel and Tate. The burn was slow as Rachel figured out her feelings but the resolution was satisfying.
June 22, 2021
I loved Rachel in the first book, but she drove me nuts in the this one. 80% of the book was her pushing Tate away. This poor guy couldn’t win with her. Her constant back and forth took away the enjoyment of the book for me. And I love surprise pregnancy tropes! And Tate was pretty near perfect. Damn shame.
Part of a series. But can be read as a stand-alone.
Part of a series. But can be read as a stand-alone.
September 16, 2021
Like book 1, this book didn't work for me as well as the author's more recent works.
My impression is that the dual PoVs are more balanced in this book, but the heroine is so frustratingly stubborn about freezing out the chance of love...
This is a best-friend's brother accidental one-night-stand pregnancy story.
My impression is that the dual PoVs are more balanced in this book, but the heroine is so frustratingly stubborn about freezing out the chance of love...
This is a best-friend's brother accidental one-night-stand pregnancy story.
October 18, 2021
I absolutely loved Tate and I wanted to love Rachel but I struggled with her. I wanted to throw my kindle several times….she was hot and cold, immature and selfish, stubborn and frustrating but finally at the end she redeemed herself although for me it was almost too little to late. Tate is the reason I’m giving 4 stars because he was awesome and truly deserved a metal for putting up with her.
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