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Search and Seduce #1
Tell Me You Need Me
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
Playing dirty can be the best kind of fun…
Chloe Franklin wouldn’t call herself a commitment-phobe, so much as she’s allergic to anything long term. She loves the sexy, sweaty, and intensely hot hours of the night that come before the sun rises, though. Especially when those nights are spent with Search-and-Rescuer Gage McGraw...
Gage loves his job, but there is one thing he’s starting to like more than the rush of a mission—a stacked blonde with a mouth that haunts his dreams. Every time he steps foot in the sleepy town of Beaufort, he hooks up with Chloe. But he’s tired of hooks-ups. He wants more.
Just the sight of Gage gets Chloe's blood going. Hot, bothered, and finally naked, she’s ready for their night to start. But before he takes her, he whispers what his intentions really are…and then the games really begin.
Playing dirty can be the best kind of fun…
Chloe Franklin wouldn’t call herself a commitment-phobe, so much as she’s allergic to anything long term. She loves the sexy, sweaty, and intensely hot hours of the night that come before the sun rises, though. Especially when those nights are spent with Search-and-Rescuer Gage McGraw...
Gage loves his job, but there is one thing he’s starting to like more than the rush of a mission—a stacked blonde with a mouth that haunts his dreams. Every time he steps foot in the sleepy town of Beaufort, he hooks up with Chloe. But he’s tired of hooks-ups. He wants more.
Just the sight of Gage gets Chloe's blood going. Hot, bothered, and finally naked, she’s ready for their night to start. But before he takes her, he whispers what his intentions really are…and then the games really begin.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
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November 13, 2016
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2.5 stars. Nothing really stood out for me with this book. The characters were in a booty call type of relationship and after something happens to him, Gage wants more. Yet... he doesn't expect anything to change for him. Chloe is a commitment-phobe with daddy issues. You can pretty much get the full experience with those three lines. The writing was good. The plot was predictable. The characters didn't really stand out for me. Keeping it short because I don't really have much more to say that would add value or that hasn't already been said. Safety: No others for her while they are together. Unclear about him. No rape or abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
2.5 stars. Nothing really stood out for me with this book. The characters were in a booty call type of relationship and after something happens to him, Gage wants more. Yet... he doesn't expect anything to change for him. Chloe is a commitment-phobe with daddy issues. You can pretty much get the full experience with those three lines. The writing was good. The plot was predictable. The characters didn't really stand out for me. Keeping it short because I don't really have much more to say that would add value or that hasn't already been said. Safety: No others for her while they are together. Unclear about him. No rape or abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2015
1.5-2 Stars!!
Too lazy to write a review for this one, but God..what a waste of time. So disappointed..
Too lazy to write a review for this one, but God..what a waste of time. So disappointed..
November 19, 2015
3.5 - Time for the sex. Not the reality. Stars!
I am a fan Joya Ryan’s writing, Tell Me You Need Me falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum if we were listing my favorites.
I am not going to lie and say that there is anything new and unusual about the story-line, but Chloe and Gage were a likeable pair. Both commitment-phobes with their own sets of issues. But their banter was enjoyable and the sexy-times plentiful.
She'd rather be a momentary fantasy than a heartbroken reality.
Chloe is trying to keep her mother’s restaurant alive in Beaufort, while Gage rolls into town on occasion to help out with Search and Rescue responsibilities. Both are happy with their lives as they are, but Gage wants to turn their ‘when he’s in town’ hook-ups into a little more, and idea which Chloe is more than a little resistant to.
”Sorry, no dating. And definitely no romance…”
“Then no sex.”
Tell Me You Need Me was a quick and easy read, a good starting point to Joya’s new, Search and Seduce series. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall well worth a few hours of your time.
"Stop running… Let go so we can fall together."
ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
I am a fan Joya Ryan’s writing, Tell Me You Need Me falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum if we were listing my favorites.
I am not going to lie and say that there is anything new and unusual about the story-line, but Chloe and Gage were a likeable pair. Both commitment-phobes with their own sets of issues. But their banter was enjoyable and the sexy-times plentiful.
She'd rather be a momentary fantasy than a heartbroken reality.
Chloe is trying to keep her mother’s restaurant alive in Beaufort, while Gage rolls into town on occasion to help out with Search and Rescue responsibilities. Both are happy with their lives as they are, but Gage wants to turn their ‘when he’s in town’ hook-ups into a little more, and idea which Chloe is more than a little resistant to.
”Sorry, no dating. And definitely no romance…”
“Then no sex.”
Tell Me You Need Me was a quick and easy read, a good starting point to Joya’s new, Search and Seduce series. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall well worth a few hours of your time.
"Stop running… Let go so we can fall together."
ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 12, 2016
3.75 "indecision is a bitch" stars
Hmmm, interestingly enough, i actually liked this, semi-long story, about two people desiring the same thing yet wanting the opposite on the long run, then realizing that there can't be one without the other and that they can work.
Gage McGraw is a lead member of the Search & Rescue team. he basically travels around being called on missions, he's not a guy who'll stick to a place BUT he essentially wants to find roots with a person. A certain person - Chloe Franklin, a young woman (a restaurant owner, as she takes over her heritage after her mother passed away, and she's struggling with it, trying to uphold the reputation her mother brought to the restaurant and honor her memory, and she's not particulary good at it, cause she's messed up, distrusting of herself, of what she wants and what she can offer) Gage's been hooking up on the weekends for the last two years and it absolutely works perfectly for them until Gage wants more from Chole, he wants to know every part of her and not only on physical basis.
And Chole, having her personal issues from the family past, is reluctant towards the idea, and is trying to convice Gage that what they had so far is perfect and there's no need to change it.
then the push and pull starts to shove and squeeze when everything collides in their passionate sexy ventures and the "little truths" come pouring out in between the takes, leaving open cracks small enough for the lingering thoughts to enter, then shake and stir....
"You can't force anything to be something other than what it already is. You let it breathe. You accept it. You love it.
Who would break for whom and would it be enough for a "countinuation" of the true romantic beginning...
Love is really scary. Because love is a risk. You put everything you have into something...
This whole time I've been scared...I was so focused on the fear of the risk, but nothing good in life is easy, especially love. It's what drives us. And I'm going to let go of the wheel and hope I stay on the road. But if I get lost...
I have faith I won't be lost for long. Because there's someone who will come find me.
truth to be told, as we all know this - it takes two to tango, no matter the surfice - so fuckin let yourself go and enjoy the dance! *wink*
This was fast paced, quite entertaining and funny read with extremely hawt and sexy scenes, yet I somehow didn't fully connect with the characters...even though, I liked them both, separately and together, it's some strange vibe I felt and can't really put in to words to truly explain what I feel. *sigh*
Nevertheless, for anyone, who likes a search for more than a physical exchange between two people who have to deal with their insecurities and sour subjects, and yet find the way to neutralize and compartmentalize them for the sake of more in romantic sense, should be able to enjoy this book with no problem!
***COPY provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
November 16, 2015
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
When reading a Joya Ryan book, you can always expect a steamy, sexy, sensual, and passionate romance. And in her newest release Tell Me You Need Me, Ms. Ryan turns up the heat as she ignites one sizzling romance.
Chloe Franklin doesn't do long-term relationships. And so when her usual short term hook-up, Gage McGraw is back in town, she wasn't expecting Gage to suggest the idea that they should try dating. After a near death experience, Gage realized that his life is incomplete and is tired of the casual hook-ups. And he wants more. As Gage sets his eyes in pursuing and making Chloe his, he knows it won't be an easy task but he is the only man up to the task. And so begins his plan to win Chloe's heart by getting her all hot and bothered. Soon Chloe finds herself wanting, craving and needing Gage. Will Gage be able to show Chloe that she doesn't need to fear love because he doesn't plan on leaving her? Can Chloe finally admit to herself that she needs him..... emotionally, physically, and sexually?
As always, Joya Ryan delivers a sizzling sinful romance that will keep readers engaged. There is never a dull moment in this book, as Ms. Ryan showcases a tangible connection brewing between Gage and Chloe. I love that Gage was able to break down Chloe's walls and at the same time making her realize that she needs more than just a casual hook-up. So if you are looking for a quick hot read, that is sexy and beautiful, then Tell Me You Need Me might be the book for you. Trust me...there is nothing like reading a Joya Ryan book because this author always delivers a steamy HEA romance!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Joya Ryan
When reading a Joya Ryan book, you can always expect a steamy, sexy, sensual, and passionate romance. And in her newest release Tell Me You Need Me, Ms. Ryan turns up the heat as she ignites one sizzling romance.
Chloe Franklin doesn't do long-term relationships. And so when her usual short term hook-up, Gage McGraw is back in town, she wasn't expecting Gage to suggest the idea that they should try dating. After a near death experience, Gage realized that his life is incomplete and is tired of the casual hook-ups. And he wants more. As Gage sets his eyes in pursuing and making Chloe his, he knows it won't be an easy task but he is the only man up to the task. And so begins his plan to win Chloe's heart by getting her all hot and bothered. Soon Chloe finds herself wanting, craving and needing Gage. Will Gage be able to show Chloe that she doesn't need to fear love because he doesn't plan on leaving her? Can Chloe finally admit to herself that she needs him..... emotionally, physically, and sexually?
As always, Joya Ryan delivers a sizzling sinful romance that will keep readers engaged. There is never a dull moment in this book, as Ms. Ryan showcases a tangible connection brewing between Gage and Chloe. I love that Gage was able to break down Chloe's walls and at the same time making her realize that she needs more than just a casual hook-up. So if you are looking for a quick hot read, that is sexy and beautiful, then Tell Me You Need Me might be the book for you. Trust me...there is nothing like reading a Joya Ryan book because this author always delivers a steamy HEA romance!!!
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Joya Ryan
November 13, 2015
3.5
Chloe and Cage have been having sex for the last 2 years. Anytime Cage is in town, they hookup. When they are apart, Cage can't keep Chloe out of his mind and he wants more from her - a commitment and relationship. Chloe doesn't do relationships. She saw how much her mom was hurt and never wants to put herself in that position. Even if she loves her hookups with Cage - she isn't ready to give in to the one thing he wants from her - romance.
This was a short, sweet and sexy story! There was a lot of sexy scenes in this short book and they were pretty hot. Chloe got on my nerves a bit with her pushing away and I wasn't a fan of Cage's request that Chloe commit to him when he wouldn't commit on a place to live. Overall, I did enjoy this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a short and super sexy story!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Chloe and Cage have been having sex for the last 2 years. Anytime Cage is in town, they hookup. When they are apart, Cage can't keep Chloe out of his mind and he wants more from her - a commitment and relationship. Chloe doesn't do relationships. She saw how much her mom was hurt and never wants to put herself in that position. Even if she loves her hookups with Cage - she isn't ready to give in to the one thing he wants from her - romance.
This was a short, sweet and sexy story! There was a lot of sexy scenes in this short book and they were pretty hot. Chloe got on my nerves a bit with her pushing away and I wasn't a fan of Cage's request that Chloe commit to him when he wouldn't commit on a place to live. Overall, I did enjoy this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a short and super sexy story!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 16, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Tell Me You Need Me by Joya Ryan
Book One of the Search and Seduce series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: November 16, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Playing dirty can be the best kind of fun…
Chloe Franklin wouldn't call herself a commitment-phobe, so much as she's allergic to anything long term. She loves the sexy, sweaty and intensely hot hours of the night that come before the sun rises, though. Especially when those nights are spent with Search-and-Rescuer Gage McGraw...
Gage loves his job, but there is one thing he's starting to like more than the rush of a mission--a stacked blonde with a mouth that haunts his dreams. Every time he steps foot in the sleepy town of Beaufort, he hooks up with Chloe. But he's tired of hooks-ups. He wants more.
Just the sight of Gage gets Chloe's blood going. Hot, bothered, and finally naked, she's ready for their night to start. But before he takes her, he whispers what his intentions really are…and then the games really begin.
What I Liked:
This book and the next book I'll be reviewing (Once Upon a Power Play by Jennifer Bonds) both feature a woman named Chloe, and both Chloe's are commitment phobes and don't want to shack up with the respective man they've come to enjoy spending time with (physically). In this book, Chloe and Gage have known each other for years; he visits a weekend at a time, and he and Chloe hook up, and then he leaves. Both are always anticipating the next time he comes. But Gage might be looking into a more permanent position in Beaufort, and he wants Chloe to go steady with him. But Chloe doesn't want anything permanent, and Gage isn't even sure he wants to stay in the town permanently. But neither of them are going to give up what they currently have.
The first scene in the book took me by surprise, because I had no idea that Chloe and Gage already knew each other (I didn't read the synopsis well enough, I think). I was like... why is she about to hook up with someone who uses THOSE lines?! But they already knew each other. Nevertheless, the first scene is SO hot. Right from the start, we get to see what type of relationship Chloe and Gage have - purely physical, no emotional strings attached.
I really liked Gage; he's a Search-and-Rescuer, and he is currently in between rescues. He's teaching young search-and-rescuers the tricks of the trade in the forest in Beaufort. Gage would never consider settling down in Beaufort (or anywhere), but after a near-death experience, he's decided that he wants Chloe in his life, permanently. Gage is an honest, noble, hot guy, and I liked him.
Chloe was a little harder for me to like because she kept pushing away Gage. She knew she wanted him but didn't want any more from him than a physical relationship. Yet she had feelings for him. I hate this type of confusion, it hurts people unnecessarily! Still, Chloe is a strong type of woman, despite not really knowing what she wants. She's dedicated to her mother's restaurant, and it's really amazing to see how committed she is to see it flourish, after her mother's death.
The pair are good together, especially physically. I didn't feel as much of a connection as I had wanted (maybe because they already knew each other?), and I wish I liked Chloe more, but they definitely had good chemistry. Good, but not really hot, like I was expecting. I've not read any of Joya Ryan's books, but I'd heard that her books were SUPER hot. This book was hot but not really hot, if that makes sense.
Overall, my opinion of this one is fairly positive, despite the three-star rating. I liked it but didn't love. See below for my (vague) dislikes.
What I Did Not Like:
I already stated that I had a hard time liking Chloe. Unfortunately, I didn't like her indecisiveness, and when she made a decision, I still didn't like her. There was a scene in which she finally decided she wanted more from Gage, only to then back out. I'm not really a fan of the way Chloe thinks. It's totally okay to not be sure of what you want; but to string someone along in the process is cruel.
This book wasn't as hot as I'd expected! Maybe my expectations were too high. I'd heard how hot Joya Ryan's books were, but this book didn't see *that* hot? Maybe I'm too demanding. Ha!
I didn't quite feel the emotional connection that these two had, though this could just be me. They had decent chemistry, and the steamy scenes were hot (better than okay but not smokin', if that makes sense). But I didn't quite catch their emotional connection as the book went on - which was sad, because that's basically what this book was about. They already had a great preexisting physical relationship, and this book went through their emotional relationship.
The ending felt a bit neat, which is okay in Brazen books, but doesn't stop me from wanting more! I'm not a fan of the man being the only one to work for the relationship, and the woman not doing anything. I don't really care if that view isn't seen as "feminist" - if you mess up, or even if you just really want to be with the person, you should also be invested in working things out. Grand gestures by the man shouldn't JUST be by the man.
Would I Recommend It:
No. I don't really recommend this one - there are much better Brazen novels. It wasn't that this one was bad - it just wasn't good enough to recommend. Typically I'd only recommend Brazen books that get a rating of four stars or higher from me. 99% of my Brazen reads have been four stars or higher, so there are a lot more Brazen novels that I could recommend!
Rating:
3 stars. Not terrible, but not impressive, either. I might try one of Joya Ryan's other Brazen novels, but this one didn't really do much for me. My next review, for Once Upon a Power Play by Jennifer Bonds, is one in which I highly recommend that novel!
Tell Me You Need Me by Joya Ryan
Book One of the Search and Seduce series
Publisher: Brazen
Publication Date: November 16, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Playing dirty can be the best kind of fun…
Chloe Franklin wouldn't call herself a commitment-phobe, so much as she's allergic to anything long term. She loves the sexy, sweaty and intensely hot hours of the night that come before the sun rises, though. Especially when those nights are spent with Search-and-Rescuer Gage McGraw...
Gage loves his job, but there is one thing he's starting to like more than the rush of a mission--a stacked blonde with a mouth that haunts his dreams. Every time he steps foot in the sleepy town of Beaufort, he hooks up with Chloe. But he's tired of hooks-ups. He wants more.
Just the sight of Gage gets Chloe's blood going. Hot, bothered, and finally naked, she's ready for their night to start. But before he takes her, he whispers what his intentions really are…and then the games really begin.
What I Liked:
This book and the next book I'll be reviewing (Once Upon a Power Play by Jennifer Bonds) both feature a woman named Chloe, and both Chloe's are commitment phobes and don't want to shack up with the respective man they've come to enjoy spending time with (physically). In this book, Chloe and Gage have known each other for years; he visits a weekend at a time, and he and Chloe hook up, and then he leaves. Both are always anticipating the next time he comes. But Gage might be looking into a more permanent position in Beaufort, and he wants Chloe to go steady with him. But Chloe doesn't want anything permanent, and Gage isn't even sure he wants to stay in the town permanently. But neither of them are going to give up what they currently have.
The first scene in the book took me by surprise, because I had no idea that Chloe and Gage already knew each other (I didn't read the synopsis well enough, I think). I was like... why is she about to hook up with someone who uses THOSE lines?! But they already knew each other. Nevertheless, the first scene is SO hot. Right from the start, we get to see what type of relationship Chloe and Gage have - purely physical, no emotional strings attached.
I really liked Gage; he's a Search-and-Rescuer, and he is currently in between rescues. He's teaching young search-and-rescuers the tricks of the trade in the forest in Beaufort. Gage would never consider settling down in Beaufort (or anywhere), but after a near-death experience, he's decided that he wants Chloe in his life, permanently. Gage is an honest, noble, hot guy, and I liked him.
Chloe was a little harder for me to like because she kept pushing away Gage. She knew she wanted him but didn't want any more from him than a physical relationship. Yet she had feelings for him. I hate this type of confusion, it hurts people unnecessarily! Still, Chloe is a strong type of woman, despite not really knowing what she wants. She's dedicated to her mother's restaurant, and it's really amazing to see how committed she is to see it flourish, after her mother's death.
The pair are good together, especially physically. I didn't feel as much of a connection as I had wanted (maybe because they already knew each other?), and I wish I liked Chloe more, but they definitely had good chemistry. Good, but not really hot, like I was expecting. I've not read any of Joya Ryan's books, but I'd heard that her books were SUPER hot. This book was hot but not really hot, if that makes sense.
Overall, my opinion of this one is fairly positive, despite the three-star rating. I liked it but didn't love. See below for my (vague) dislikes.
What I Did Not Like:
I already stated that I had a hard time liking Chloe. Unfortunately, I didn't like her indecisiveness, and when she made a decision, I still didn't like her. There was a scene in which she finally decided she wanted more from Gage, only to then back out. I'm not really a fan of the way Chloe thinks. It's totally okay to not be sure of what you want; but to string someone along in the process is cruel.
This book wasn't as hot as I'd expected! Maybe my expectations were too high. I'd heard how hot Joya Ryan's books were, but this book didn't see *that* hot? Maybe I'm too demanding. Ha!
I didn't quite feel the emotional connection that these two had, though this could just be me. They had decent chemistry, and the steamy scenes were hot (better than okay but not smokin', if that makes sense). But I didn't quite catch their emotional connection as the book went on - which was sad, because that's basically what this book was about. They already had a great preexisting physical relationship, and this book went through their emotional relationship.
The ending felt a bit neat, which is okay in Brazen books, but doesn't stop me from wanting more! I'm not a fan of the man being the only one to work for the relationship, and the woman not doing anything. I don't really care if that view isn't seen as "feminist" - if you mess up, or even if you just really want to be with the person, you should also be invested in working things out. Grand gestures by the man shouldn't JUST be by the man.
Would I Recommend It:
No. I don't really recommend this one - there are much better Brazen novels. It wasn't that this one was bad - it just wasn't good enough to recommend. Typically I'd only recommend Brazen books that get a rating of four stars or higher from me. 99% of my Brazen reads have been four stars or higher, so there are a lot more Brazen novels that I could recommend!
Rating:
3 stars. Not terrible, but not impressive, either. I might try one of Joya Ryan's other Brazen novels, but this one didn't really do much for me. My next review, for Once Upon a Power Play by Jennifer Bonds, is one in which I highly recommend that novel!
November 17, 2015
3.5 Hottie McSearchy stars
Chloe Franklin has spent the last two years getting down and dirty when the sun sets, but only with one particular Search and Rescue camo wearing beast, and only when he is in town.
She has enough to think about running her Mum’s restaurant, so any commitment avoidance suits her perfectly.
Gage McGraw loves his job. The call to potentially save lives on a daily basis is what lives in his veins, and when he visits Beaufort, he’s content to fall into Chloe’s bed. That is until he decides he wants a little more. Not marriage, but just a meal and a conversation before bedtime.
This was sweet and steamy, and the story flowed well as each character loosened their commitment ties. Gage enjoyed taunting Chloe, but he was thoughtful and earnest in his attempts to woo her.
I have always enjoyed Joya’s writing previously, with her Chasing Love series being a winner for me. This was a good start to this new Search and Seduce series, although I did find elements of the story rushing towards the conclusion.
There are a few candidates for the next story, so I’m suitably satisfied that whoever will be fine in Joya’s capable hands.
ARC gratefully received from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review
Chloe Franklin has spent the last two years getting down and dirty when the sun sets, but only with one particular Search and Rescue camo wearing beast, and only when he is in town.
She has enough to think about running her Mum’s restaurant, so any commitment avoidance suits her perfectly.
”She wanted to stay in suspended bliss with him. Was that too much to ask?"
Gage McGraw loves his job. The call to potentially save lives on a daily basis is what lives in his veins, and when he visits Beaufort, he’s content to fall into Chloe’s bed. That is until he decides he wants a little more. Not marriage, but just a meal and a conversation before bedtime.
This was sweet and steamy, and the story flowed well as each character loosened their commitment ties. Gage enjoyed taunting Chloe, but he was thoughtful and earnest in his attempts to woo her.
I have always enjoyed Joya’s writing previously, with her Chasing Love series being a winner for me. This was a good start to this new Search and Seduce series, although I did find elements of the story rushing towards the conclusion.
There are a few candidates for the next story, so I’m suitably satisfied that whoever will be fine in Joya’s capable hands.
ARC gratefully received from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2015
Over the past twelve months or so, I have become a fan of Joya Ryan’s writing. And, whilst fairly predictable, Tell Me You Need Me continues her trend of delivering a quick, easy-read steamy romance with a likeable couple.
Having inherited her mother’s restaurant, Chloe is focused on making it a success, pausing only to satisfy her own hunger whenever Search and Rescue officer, Gage arrives in town. Both with an aversion to commitment, their arrangement has worked perfectly fine, that is until Gage decides he wants more and Chloe isn’t exactly welcoming of his idea.
"You’re the only man I’ve gone back to more than once..."
This couple do have a great chemistry and create plenty sexy moments, but I do feel that the ending seemed rushed considering Chloe’s general reticence in taking things to the next level. However, on the whole it was an enjoyable sexy friends-to-lovers read and a promising start to Joya’s Search and Seduce series.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Having inherited her mother’s restaurant, Chloe is focused on making it a success, pausing only to satisfy her own hunger whenever Search and Rescue officer, Gage arrives in town. Both with an aversion to commitment, their arrangement has worked perfectly fine, that is until Gage decides he wants more and Chloe isn’t exactly welcoming of his idea.
"You’re the only man I’ve gone back to more than once..."
This couple do have a great chemistry and create plenty sexy moments, but I do feel that the ending seemed rushed considering Chloe’s general reticence in taking things to the next level. However, on the whole it was an enjoyable sexy friends-to-lovers read and a promising start to Joya’s Search and Seduce series.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 5, 2017
1.5 stars
I totally forgot I was still reading this book so obviously I did not love it. The first 40% was actually really good but it went really freaking down hill from there, the writing was weird and choppy and I did not enjoy the fact that the hero was super dense, he wanted the heroine to change everything about her and never bothered to ask her to maybe open or or consider meeting her halfway until some random dude who showed up like 3 times yelled at him to get it together.
It gets an extra half star because after it went super downhill the Grand Gesture was actually pretty cute but wasn't really enough to save the entire mess of a book.
I totally forgot I was still reading this book so obviously I did not love it. The first 40% was actually really good but it went really freaking down hill from there, the writing was weird and choppy and I did not enjoy the fact that the hero was super dense, he wanted the heroine to change everything about her and never bothered to ask her to maybe open or or consider meeting her halfway until some random dude who showed up like 3 times yelled at him to get it together.
It gets an extra half star because after it went super downhill the Grand Gesture was actually pretty cute but wasn't really enough to save the entire mess of a book.
January 6, 2016
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***
Tell Me You Need Me is a playful romantic story that is full of steamy scenes and is also about second chances at love.
Right at the very beginning of the book we get introduced to Search-and-Rescuer, Gage McGraw, who has come to Beaufort to take some time off. In the mist all of that he is at a bar when a beautiful stranger gets his attention and as the two start to flirt they get up, and when she guides him outside he immediately calls her by her name. Gage has known Chloe for some time now and every time he gets back to Beaufort, they get together. Their relationship has been always been of the no-strings-attached-type of relationship, and it has worked for them for a couple of years now. Yet after Gage comes close to losing his life, he has realized that he doesn't have anyone permanent in his life, and by coming back to Chloe he wants to see if they can have a real relationship. Which doesn't turn out as he planned, because Chloe immediately tells him that she is not interested in having a long term relationship with someone that is not going to be there all the time. The story really begins when Gage starts to plan out how he is going to get Chloe to go out with him and get to know her better instead of just having sex.
Chloe Franklin is clear on not wanting a relationship and when Gage comes into her life everything starts to change. She can't stop thinking about him all the time, and when he gets back to town and tells her that he wants more she immediately starts to take a step back. She knows that Gage will never leave his job to relocate to her town, and having a long distance relationship doesn't appeal to her. But when she starts to spend more time with him, and getting to know him better she starts to wonder if he might just be the one for her.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it was funny and romantic. The characters had a lot of personality and that kept me interested in the book. It is evident that the characters have a past that they haven't worked out, but as the two start to get to know each other they help one another move on. The writing was great and the story had a good flow that was easy and enjoyable to read. Overall if you are looking for a story about second chances, then I highly recommend reading this book it is worth the read. :)
***ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.***
Tell Me You Need Me is a playful romantic story that is full of steamy scenes and is also about second chances at love.
Right at the very beginning of the book we get introduced to Search-and-Rescuer, Gage McGraw, who has come to Beaufort to take some time off. In the mist all of that he is at a bar when a beautiful stranger gets his attention and as the two start to flirt they get up, and when she guides him outside he immediately calls her by her name. Gage has known Chloe for some time now and every time he gets back to Beaufort, they get together. Their relationship has been always been of the no-strings-attached-type of relationship, and it has worked for them for a couple of years now. Yet after Gage comes close to losing his life, he has realized that he doesn't have anyone permanent in his life, and by coming back to Chloe he wants to see if they can have a real relationship. Which doesn't turn out as he planned, because Chloe immediately tells him that she is not interested in having a long term relationship with someone that is not going to be there all the time. The story really begins when Gage starts to plan out how he is going to get Chloe to go out with him and get to know her better instead of just having sex.
Chloe Franklin is clear on not wanting a relationship and when Gage comes into her life everything starts to change. She can't stop thinking about him all the time, and when he gets back to town and tells her that he wants more she immediately starts to take a step back. She knows that Gage will never leave his job to relocate to her town, and having a long distance relationship doesn't appeal to her. But when she starts to spend more time with him, and getting to know him better she starts to wonder if he might just be the one for her.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it was funny and romantic. The characters had a lot of personality and that kept me interested in the book. It is evident that the characters have a past that they haven't worked out, but as the two start to get to know each other they help one another move on. The writing was great and the story had a good flow that was easy and enjoyable to read. Overall if you are looking for a story about second chances, then I highly recommend reading this book it is worth the read. :)
***ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.***
December 22, 2015
Tell Me You Need Me is the first book in Joya Ryan's new Search and Rescue series. This book can very obviously be read as a standalone, and I'm going to bet the others in the series can as well. It told from a third person POV between the hero and heroine. There is an HEA, and no cliffhanger!
This was one of those stories that stuck with me. It's been about a month since I read it, and I still remember the plot and characters. The best way I can describe this one, is short and sweet. It is not a long novel, but the content is well worth it and have you turning the pages as fast as you can.
The two main characters have a connection that you can feel right off the bat. They butt heads, but you can tell there are feelings there. The depth fo emotion is very evident, and the chemistry as well.
I will admit to being slightly confused at first by what was going on, and then completely intrigued. No, really, I flipped to the synopsis twice like, "Am I reading the right thing?". Yes, yes I was. Just stick with it, it makes sense quickly.
The book is a definite 4 star read for me, and I can't wait to dig into the rest of the Search and Rescue series. :D
This was one of those stories that stuck with me. It's been about a month since I read it, and I still remember the plot and characters. The best way I can describe this one, is short and sweet. It is not a long novel, but the content is well worth it and have you turning the pages as fast as you can.
The two main characters have a connection that you can feel right off the bat. They butt heads, but you can tell there are feelings there. The depth fo emotion is very evident, and the chemistry as well.
I will admit to being slightly confused at first by what was going on, and then completely intrigued. No, really, I flipped to the synopsis twice like, "Am I reading the right thing?". Yes, yes I was. Just stick with it, it makes sense quickly.
The book is a definite 4 star read for me, and I can't wait to dig into the rest of the Search and Rescue series. :D
November 28, 2015
2.5/5
Earlier this year, I binge-read all of Joya Ryan's Brazen books and absolutely loved them! They were sexy and so romantic. So I was very excited to read Tell Me You Need Me. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up the high expectations I had. My main issue was that I had a really hard time connecting with either of the character as a result of which their emotional connection never felt real to me. To top it off, I felt like the story was rushed, too rushed. The ending scenes especially sped through and I had to re-read a couple of times to get a clear picture of what had happened. I still finished the book despite my disappointment because there's no denying that Joya Ryan's writing is very addicting. While this one wasn't for me, I don't hesitate to recommend her other books one bit!
Earlier this year, I binge-read all of Joya Ryan's Brazen books and absolutely loved them! They were sexy and so romantic. So I was very excited to read Tell Me You Need Me. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up the high expectations I had. My main issue was that I had a really hard time connecting with either of the character as a result of which their emotional connection never felt real to me. To top it off, I felt like the story was rushed, too rushed. The ending scenes especially sped through and I had to re-read a couple of times to get a clear picture of what had happened. I still finished the book despite my disappointment because there's no denying that Joya Ryan's writing is very addicting. While this one wasn't for me, I don't hesitate to recommend her other books one bit!
November 9, 2017
Joya Ryan has put a delightful twist on the friends-to-lovers trope in her latest Tell Me You Need Me. Chloe and Gage have known each other for a couple years. They aren’t a couple, but they can’t wait to see each other each time Gage, a search and rescue man, comes to town.
This is a fuck buddies-to-lovers story. One could argue that the former term and the latter are the same, but any romance reader knows otherwise. Chloe craves a no-strings-attached relationship, and Gage has been happy to oblige for two years. He’d blow into town, they’d indulge in each other and all their fantasies, and then he’d be gone by the end of the weekend. The perfect arrangement for Chloe.
Gage, though, wants more. After a close call on a mission, he knows Chloe is the one for him. He wants a commitment to her, but not to staying in town. He wants romance and dating and to know her better. That’d all be wonderful if Chloe didn’t abhor the thought. She watched her mother—who passed away just before she met Gage—pine for her father, wait for him to return to her. Chloe has no interest in falling into the trap of waiting and worrying about a man. However, she really wants to have sex with Gage.
Neither of them sleep with other people during their two-year “we’re totally just sex partners” arrangement. They think about one another, miss each other, and aren’t supposed to admit that. Gage is ready to change that, and is ready to play dirty to get some sweetness from Chloe. This means a battle of wills with plenty of compromises in regards to what counts as a dinner date in exchange for some bedroom time.
When together, though, the banter is wonderful, and it’s refreshing to see the heroine be the one who aces dirty talk. She baits Gage with filthy images that lead us to an alpha male taking control. It’s a win-win.
The crux of the conflict, though, isn’t just Chloe not willing to admit she wants his man as more than a weekend activity. Gage needs to realize he can’t ask for her trust without taking some scary leaps, too.
Tell Me You Need Me plays with commitment phobia in a new way, and brings together a caring alpha hero with a determined heroine. While the couple does go to bed without having sex on more than one occasion, they also have a filthy romp on the grass in the rain. Basically, Tell Me You Need Me balances sweet and dirty across the board.
This is a fuck buddies-to-lovers story. One could argue that the former term and the latter are the same, but any romance reader knows otherwise. Chloe craves a no-strings-attached relationship, and Gage has been happy to oblige for two years. He’d blow into town, they’d indulge in each other and all their fantasies, and then he’d be gone by the end of the weekend. The perfect arrangement for Chloe.
Gage, though, wants more. After a close call on a mission, he knows Chloe is the one for him. He wants a commitment to her, but not to staying in town. He wants romance and dating and to know her better. That’d all be wonderful if Chloe didn’t abhor the thought. She watched her mother—who passed away just before she met Gage—pine for her father, wait for him to return to her. Chloe has no interest in falling into the trap of waiting and worrying about a man. However, she really wants to have sex with Gage.
Neither of them sleep with other people during their two-year “we’re totally just sex partners” arrangement. They think about one another, miss each other, and aren’t supposed to admit that. Gage is ready to change that, and is ready to play dirty to get some sweetness from Chloe. This means a battle of wills with plenty of compromises in regards to what counts as a dinner date in exchange for some bedroom time.
When together, though, the banter is wonderful, and it’s refreshing to see the heroine be the one who aces dirty talk. She baits Gage with filthy images that lead us to an alpha male taking control. It’s a win-win.
The crux of the conflict, though, isn’t just Chloe not willing to admit she wants his man as more than a weekend activity. Gage needs to realize he can’t ask for her trust without taking some scary leaps, too.
Tell Me You Need Me plays with commitment phobia in a new way, and brings together a caring alpha hero with a determined heroine. While the couple does go to bed without having sex on more than one occasion, they also have a filthy romp on the grass in the rain. Basically, Tell Me You Need Me balances sweet and dirty across the board.
November 17, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Holy batcave batman this was hawt. Fanning yourself hawt. Gage will have you melt. And serious Chloe what the heck? You have a gorgeous, sweet amazing guy wanting more and you keep pushing him away. I understand you have issues. Heck so does Gage. He has a thing for needing to save people. It takes him awhile to see that he can help others without being the one to save them. He can help more by training others how to rescue people than he can be being a one man rescuer. this does take him awhile to see but his love for Chloe isn’t.
Gage has a scare that puts his world in perspective. He wants someone in his life to care. For him that is Chloe. Except Chloe is closed off to the idea. She only wants the benefits of being with Gage and not the relationship. the benefits are wowza but not all Gage wants. so they go on this fun battle of the wills. Tit for tat is how gage goes about trying to get a date from Chloe.
chloe is stubborn and set in her ways. She cares for Gage but doesn’t want to. she wants to be with him but is afraid he will leave. She compares him to her dad and that is unfair to him. Gage slowly breaks her down and when she lets him in we get a more intimate and sensual story. We also get more vulnerability for both of them.
This is the story of two people coming together and loving each other despite their fears. The journey is one of both a couple and personal. For Gage his journey is to see he can do more helping people a different way that lets him be there for Chloe all the time so she doesn’t feel lost. For Chloe the journey is trusting someone with her heart and trusting them period. We have flirty, sexy and fun in the journey for these two as they find a way to be themselves and open themselves up to loving one another.
Holy batcave batman this was hawt. Fanning yourself hawt. Gage will have you melt. And serious Chloe what the heck? You have a gorgeous, sweet amazing guy wanting more and you keep pushing him away. I understand you have issues. Heck so does Gage. He has a thing for needing to save people. It takes him awhile to see that he can help others without being the one to save them. He can help more by training others how to rescue people than he can be being a one man rescuer. this does take him awhile to see but his love for Chloe isn’t.
Gage has a scare that puts his world in perspective. He wants someone in his life to care. For him that is Chloe. Except Chloe is closed off to the idea. She only wants the benefits of being with Gage and not the relationship. the benefits are wowza but not all Gage wants. so they go on this fun battle of the wills. Tit for tat is how gage goes about trying to get a date from Chloe.
chloe is stubborn and set in her ways. She cares for Gage but doesn’t want to. she wants to be with him but is afraid he will leave. She compares him to her dad and that is unfair to him. Gage slowly breaks her down and when she lets him in we get a more intimate and sensual story. We also get more vulnerability for both of them.
This is the story of two people coming together and loving each other despite their fears. The journey is one of both a couple and personal. For Gage his journey is to see he can do more helping people a different way that lets him be there for Chloe all the time so she doesn’t feel lost. For Chloe the journey is trusting someone with her heart and trusting them period. We have flirty, sexy and fun in the journey for these two as they find a way to be themselves and open themselves up to loving one another.
November 16, 2015
4 stars
Tell Me You Need Me was a very good read.
Author Joya Ryan has written an enjoyable storyline with likable and relatable characters.
I enjoyed watching Gage and Chloe's relationship develop, my interest was held from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from this talented author.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Tell Me You Need Me was a very good read.
Author Joya Ryan has written an enjoyable storyline with likable and relatable characters.
I enjoyed watching Gage and Chloe's relationship develop, my interest was held from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from this talented author.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 3, 2017
Unfortunately another book that I did not finish (apparently this is my trend this week).
The book opens with a couple who have a typical friends with benefits arrangement when Gage comes into town every few months. But things change when he announces he wants something more than just friends with benefits.
While the sex scenes were hot, the characters lacked any development. I didn't feel connected to either character and we weren't provided with any sort of back story about who they were prior to the author diving into the "relationship" issues.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
The book opens with a couple who have a typical friends with benefits arrangement when Gage comes into town every few months. But things change when he announces he wants something more than just friends with benefits.
While the sex scenes were hot, the characters lacked any development. I didn't feel connected to either character and we weren't provided with any sort of back story about who they were prior to the author diving into the "relationship" issues.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
November 23, 2015
This novel is a strange kind of Romance. The heroine, Chloe Franklin, is commitment phobic. Her late mother pined for the husband who left her and always expected/waited for him to return. Chloe saw how that took an emotional toll on her mother. Even as her mother lay dying of Cancer her thoughts were if her husband would be coming to see her. Chloe vowed never to be that kind of woman - waiting for a man to call her, to go on dates, or to get into a relationship. The closest thing to a "relationship" that Chloe has is for two years she has been a "booty call" for Search and Rescuer Gage McGraw. He comes to her small town for a week-end, they have mind-blowing sex, he leaves, no strings, and everybody's happy.
Gage McGraw had a close call recently on a job. While rescuing some climbers he was scaling down a cliff to get to them when his line broke and he was free falling through the air. Luckily he was able to catch hold of a nearby rope in time. But that near death experience make him realize that if something were to happen to him, there would be no one to call. He has no family, no close friends, and no girlfriend. But as he was falling he was thinking about Chloe. So on his next trip to Beaufort he is there for three weeks to train some new recruits and volunteers and to convince Chloe to take their arrangement to a relationship. Three weeks Chloe is horrified about. That and that Gage wants to ... take her on a date. This is a plan that Gage is determined to pursue and Chloe is to thwart.
The sex is extremely hot in "Tell Me You Need Me" - there is no doubt there. However it seems as though even when Gage is trying to woo Chloe he succumbs too easily to her games of distracting him from his goal of getting her to go on a date with him. I'm a big fan, HUGE, of the SMEXY. But I felt that it took away from the story in this case. Again, the scenes were fantastic and tremendously sensual and erotic but ... I don't know ... Gage wanted to go on a date, Chloe denied him, then Gage said he'd deny her sex, but she'd trick him in to some semblance of sex and finally they go on a date and BOOM they have sex.
The big thing that bothered me about this novel was that Gage wanted to date in order to get to know Chloe - talk to her rather than just have sex. Have something more meaningful that just be a "booty call" - be in a "relationship". But in talking to her he learned about her feelings about her mother and her father's leaving and how that affected her. But Gage wants Chloe to be his girlfriend - and still go away and do jobs and return to Beaufort whenever he can. So basically he wants the same arrangement as what they already had - but he wants someone to call his girlfriend, accompany him to nice meals, worry about him while he's gone, and have a next of kin on his Emergency Contacts card. How Romantic.
Unfortunately "Tell Me You Need Me" did not grab me as many other novels do - in fact it took me quite a while to get into it. Even then I really wasn't invested in the main characters as much as I was the secondary characters, the friends of Chloe and Gage. Hopefully, Joya Ryan was just off her game with this novel.
This novel was provided by the Publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Gage McGraw had a close call recently on a job. While rescuing some climbers he was scaling down a cliff to get to them when his line broke and he was free falling through the air. Luckily he was able to catch hold of a nearby rope in time. But that near death experience make him realize that if something were to happen to him, there would be no one to call. He has no family, no close friends, and no girlfriend. But as he was falling he was thinking about Chloe. So on his next trip to Beaufort he is there for three weeks to train some new recruits and volunteers and to convince Chloe to take their arrangement to a relationship. Three weeks Chloe is horrified about. That and that Gage wants to ... take her on a date. This is a plan that Gage is determined to pursue and Chloe is to thwart.
The sex is extremely hot in "Tell Me You Need Me" - there is no doubt there. However it seems as though even when Gage is trying to woo Chloe he succumbs too easily to her games of distracting him from his goal of getting her to go on a date with him. I'm a big fan, HUGE, of the SMEXY. But I felt that it took away from the story in this case. Again, the scenes were fantastic and tremendously sensual and erotic but ... I don't know ... Gage wanted to go on a date, Chloe denied him, then Gage said he'd deny her sex, but she'd trick him in to some semblance of sex and finally they go on a date and BOOM they have sex.
The big thing that bothered me about this novel was that Gage wanted to date in order to get to know Chloe - talk to her rather than just have sex. Have something more meaningful that just be a "booty call" - be in a "relationship". But in talking to her he learned about her feelings about her mother and her father's leaving and how that affected her. But Gage wants Chloe to be his girlfriend - and still go away and do jobs and return to Beaufort whenever he can. So basically he wants the same arrangement as what they already had - but he wants someone to call his girlfriend, accompany him to nice meals, worry about him while he's gone, and have a next of kin on his Emergency Contacts card. How Romantic.
Unfortunately "Tell Me You Need Me" did not grab me as many other novels do - in fact it took me quite a while to get into it. Even then I really wasn't invested in the main characters as much as I was the secondary characters, the friends of Chloe and Gage. Hopefully, Joya Ryan was just off her game with this novel.
This novel was provided by the Publisher in exchange for a honest review.
November 21, 2015
Ms. Ryan is a new-to-me author and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Chloe and Gage. Gage lives in New York and leads Search and Rescue teams, traveling all over the country at a moment’s notice. Chloe lives in her hometown of Beaufort, NC, and works to continue her mother’s restaurant. They first met two years ago and hook up every few months whenever Gage can get to Beaufort, which works well for both of them but you can tell that things are going to change!
When Gage is injured during a rescue, Chloe’s face comes to mind and he realizes that he has no one that would miss him if he was gone, so he is determined to spend more time with Chloe and see if they have enough of a connection to move forward.
They have an exciting way they meet each time he comes to town. Chloe and Gage have an extremely passionate connection and the first scene is not only sexy, with Gage liking control, it is interesting that Chloe becomes somewhat submissive. There are mentions of some previous steamy scenes with Chloe being tied up and I would have liked to read more of that!
When Chloe finds out that Gage will be in town longer than a day, it is so funny how she takes the news. When Gage states that he wants to date her, she is adamant that she only wants sex. Neither one gives in so it is hilarious to see how they barter and dare each other to get what they want.
It struck me that Gage wants to date and see how that goes but he has no plans to stop traveling the country. It’s as if he initially doesn’t think what will happen next if they date and then want to spend more time together. It is interesting to see his thought processes on the situation.
This was a fairly quick read for me since I read so fast, but it was so enjoyable with the quick wit and banter, the two friends, Natalie and East, and the steamy and sensual scenes. I could easily feel the emotions of both characters and I’m also curious about Natalie and her background.
There is one scene where Gage thinks she will go on a date with him, but when he gets to her place, it’s evident that she has planned something else – think of a dining room table and fruit! “Well played, sweetheart”, he growled. She’d lured him in and played him. To her credit it was f***ing brilliant – she was taking Candyland to the next level.” I don’t think I’ll think of fruit the same way again!
I loved how the story progresses with Chloe hesitantly becoming closer to Gage. The story tends to focus on the two and it was refreshing that there wasn’t any drama from exes.
I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this story with the clever storyline, the laugh-out-load moments, and the sexy times. I love epilogues and this was a short but sweet one! Even though there are some sad parts in the story, it was a fresh perspective on working towards a HEA.
When Gage is injured during a rescue, Chloe’s face comes to mind and he realizes that he has no one that would miss him if he was gone, so he is determined to spend more time with Chloe and see if they have enough of a connection to move forward.
They have an exciting way they meet each time he comes to town. Chloe and Gage have an extremely passionate connection and the first scene is not only sexy, with Gage liking control, it is interesting that Chloe becomes somewhat submissive. There are mentions of some previous steamy scenes with Chloe being tied up and I would have liked to read more of that!
When Chloe finds out that Gage will be in town longer than a day, it is so funny how she takes the news. When Gage states that he wants to date her, she is adamant that she only wants sex. Neither one gives in so it is hilarious to see how they barter and dare each other to get what they want.
It struck me that Gage wants to date and see how that goes but he has no plans to stop traveling the country. It’s as if he initially doesn’t think what will happen next if they date and then want to spend more time together. It is interesting to see his thought processes on the situation.
This was a fairly quick read for me since I read so fast, but it was so enjoyable with the quick wit and banter, the two friends, Natalie and East, and the steamy and sensual scenes. I could easily feel the emotions of both characters and I’m also curious about Natalie and her background.
There is one scene where Gage thinks she will go on a date with him, but when he gets to her place, it’s evident that she has planned something else – think of a dining room table and fruit! “Well played, sweetheart”, he growled. She’d lured him in and played him. To her credit it was f***ing brilliant – she was taking Candyland to the next level.” I don’t think I’ll think of fruit the same way again!
I loved how the story progresses with Chloe hesitantly becoming closer to Gage. The story tends to focus on the two and it was refreshing that there wasn’t any drama from exes.
I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this story with the clever storyline, the laugh-out-load moments, and the sexy times. I love epilogues and this was a short but sweet one! Even though there are some sad parts in the story, it was a fresh perspective on working towards a HEA.
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
November 14, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Author Joya Ryan has a new contemporary romance series entitled Search and Seduce and she starts it off with Tell Me You Need Me, a love story between two people who were each other's constant hook-up for a couple of years before Gage McGraw informs Chloe Franklin that he wants more. I liked that it was the male lead character who wanted to pursue a more committed relationship because female lead characters tend to be the ones who demand or look for that shift after a certain amount of time has passed. Gage and Chloe have a purely physical on-going affair and even though Chloe hasn't slept with anyone else since her first time with Gage, she refuses to see what they have as an actual relationship, albeit a purely sexual one. There are reasons for their respective stances, putting them at odds with each other for the first time ever.
I really liked Gage and Chloe as a couple and I did feel that they had that necessary chemistry that went beyond the physical. I did find myself frustrated with both of them when it came to whether or not they should pursue a commitment to one another. Gage couldn't seem to clue in as to why Chloe was resistant even after his best friend both hinted and laid everything out more than once. Then there was Chloe who was insistent on keeping it just about sex and walking away whenever things became too emotionally intense. However, I could more than appreciate the parallels between the whole deal with cooking and their pursuit of an actual relationship and who everything had to be about taking their time, though that ending did feel like it was suddenly on fast forward. Tell Me You Need Me was a 4.5-starred series starter. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Author Joya Ryan has a new contemporary romance series entitled Search and Seduce and she starts it off with Tell Me You Need Me, a love story between two people who were each other's constant hook-up for a couple of years before Gage McGraw informs Chloe Franklin that he wants more. I liked that it was the male lead character who wanted to pursue a more committed relationship because female lead characters tend to be the ones who demand or look for that shift after a certain amount of time has passed. Gage and Chloe have a purely physical on-going affair and even though Chloe hasn't slept with anyone else since her first time with Gage, she refuses to see what they have as an actual relationship, albeit a purely sexual one. There are reasons for their respective stances, putting them at odds with each other for the first time ever.
I really liked Gage and Chloe as a couple and I did feel that they had that necessary chemistry that went beyond the physical. I did find myself frustrated with both of them when it came to whether or not they should pursue a commitment to one another. Gage couldn't seem to clue in as to why Chloe was resistant even after his best friend both hinted and laid everything out more than once. Then there was Chloe who was insistent on keeping it just about sex and walking away whenever things became too emotionally intense. However, I could more than appreciate the parallels between the whole deal with cooking and their pursuit of an actual relationship and who everything had to be about taking their time, though that ending did feel like it was suddenly on fast forward. Tell Me You Need Me was a 4.5-starred series starter. ♥
November 9, 2015
Chloe and Gage have a commitment problem - She's quite happy with their current status as hook up material when Gage comes into town on his occasional search and rescue mission layovers , but Gage wants more. Not that's he's unhappy with things the way they are either, he'd just like to make things sort of permanent - like, a permanent long distance relationship. Someone's going to have to take a leap of faith if they want a happy ever after - will they be bold enough to leap together?
I really enjoyed this story! There are some super sexy times, as I've come to expect from this author, and the sexual chemistry between Gage and Chloe is sizzling. But I also really liked the conflict. Chloe is hesitant to form a deep attachment to Gage because of her father's abandonment of her at a young age, and the subsequent pining for him from her mother has taught her that emotional attachment leads to heartache. Gage on the other hand is committed alright - but it's his job that gets his full attention. Leaping from one disaster to the next and making a difference in people's lives is all he's ever wanted. Yet, he wants Chloe too, and this is a problem for him as he's never had any intention of staying in one place too long, and it's pretty clear that Chloe is not going anywhere. It seems like an impossible to solve situation, but it takes seeing a future without the person you want in it for both of them to realize that they've got to be willing to risk their hearts for the happiness they both desire.I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and Gage just about lost some hero points from me for being a bit too stubborn near the end, but it was overall an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this story! There are some super sexy times, as I've come to expect from this author, and the sexual chemistry between Gage and Chloe is sizzling. But I also really liked the conflict. Chloe is hesitant to form a deep attachment to Gage because of her father's abandonment of her at a young age, and the subsequent pining for him from her mother has taught her that emotional attachment leads to heartache. Gage on the other hand is committed alright - but it's his job that gets his full attention. Leaping from one disaster to the next and making a difference in people's lives is all he's ever wanted. Yet, he wants Chloe too, and this is a problem for him as he's never had any intention of staying in one place too long, and it's pretty clear that Chloe is not going anywhere. It seems like an impossible to solve situation, but it takes seeing a future without the person you want in it for both of them to realize that they've got to be willing to risk their hearts for the happiness they both desire.I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and Gage just about lost some hero points from me for being a bit too stubborn near the end, but it was overall an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 6, 2015
I tend to really enjoy books where one person is averse to romance and falling in love. It's always fun watching them be proven wrong and just seeing what pushes them over the edge into love territory. I was hoping for all that and more when this book, but it fell kind of flat to me.
I guess what really bothered me about this story was how conflicting Gage was. Yes, he wanted a "committed" relationship from Chloe, yet he wasn't willing to give her the same thing in return. to expect that from anyone, even if they're not a commitment phone like Chloe, is kind of asking for a lot, especially when there's no strong ties between the couple. Also, Gage is incredibly gung-ho about being in the field and his drive is admirable, but I still couldn't understand why it was so important to him. Yes, he's noble in wanting to make sure those who need rescuing are safe, but I half expected some emotional and inspiring back story to go along with his drive, and I got nothing.
Things between Gage and Chloe moved a bit too fast for me, too, especially given how much they weren't willing to commit. Even though they knew each other for years, it wasn't really for any extended length of time and most of it was physical, so I couldn't really feel their connection. They had great chemistry though and I really enjoyed watching them give the whole romance thing a try, even if it did feel a bit forced at times. I did have one favorite scene, however, that centered around their first "real date". It was very entertaining. All in all, it was an okay read, but not one I would recommend.
I guess what really bothered me about this story was how conflicting Gage was. Yes, he wanted a "committed" relationship from Chloe, yet he wasn't willing to give her the same thing in return. to expect that from anyone, even if they're not a commitment phone like Chloe, is kind of asking for a lot, especially when there's no strong ties between the couple. Also, Gage is incredibly gung-ho about being in the field and his drive is admirable, but I still couldn't understand why it was so important to him. Yes, he's noble in wanting to make sure those who need rescuing are safe, but I half expected some emotional and inspiring back story to go along with his drive, and I got nothing.
Things between Gage and Chloe moved a bit too fast for me, too, especially given how much they weren't willing to commit. Even though they knew each other for years, it wasn't really for any extended length of time and most of it was physical, so I couldn't really feel their connection. They had great chemistry though and I really enjoyed watching them give the whole romance thing a try, even if it did feel a bit forced at times. I did have one favorite scene, however, that centered around their first "real date". It was very entertaining. All in all, it was an okay read, but not one I would recommend.
November 9, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
I've read two of Joya Ryan's books, Chasing Mr. Wrong and Rules of Seduction, both Entangled Brazen books, and I adored them both so much. It's reached the point where I want to read every last one of her books all at once. So this one definitely made the list of top priority...and I was not wrong in making it a priority.
Chloe and Gage are "if I'm in town, let's hook up" friends with benefits. They've been doing this for awhile, and every time they're together it's spectacular. But this time is different: Gage wants more. Chloe immediately panics because what they had was exactly what she wanted and she doesn't want anything to change. Thus begins the battle between Gage and Chloe--she's trying to seduce him back into her bed, while he's trying to convince her to join him for dinner. Their game takes them where they never expected their relationship to go, but are they prepared for where it leads them?
Tell Me You Need Me is a wonderfully steamy story full of heart. Gage and Chloe have chemistry that is seriously ridiculous, and the physical flowed into the emotional flawlessly. Joya Ryan is a complete master at the fine art of romance and heroes with seduction techniques that make you swoon. Amazing book from the Search and Seduce series!
My Rating: Very Good
My Thoughts:
I've read two of Joya Ryan's books, Chasing Mr. Wrong and Rules of Seduction, both Entangled Brazen books, and I adored them both so much. It's reached the point where I want to read every last one of her books all at once. So this one definitely made the list of top priority...and I was not wrong in making it a priority.
Chloe and Gage are "if I'm in town, let's hook up" friends with benefits. They've been doing this for awhile, and every time they're together it's spectacular. But this time is different: Gage wants more. Chloe immediately panics because what they had was exactly what she wanted and she doesn't want anything to change. Thus begins the battle between Gage and Chloe--she's trying to seduce him back into her bed, while he's trying to convince her to join him for dinner. Their game takes them where they never expected their relationship to go, but are they prepared for where it leads them?
Tell Me You Need Me is a wonderfully steamy story full of heart. Gage and Chloe have chemistry that is seriously ridiculous, and the physical flowed into the emotional flawlessly. Joya Ryan is a complete master at the fine art of romance and heroes with seduction techniques that make you swoon. Amazing book from the Search and Seduce series!
My Rating: Very Good
February 16, 2017
I liked the story and I could identify with the characters. There was one moment I thought the author went too far with the drama, but she made it work and how!
January 2, 2016
3-1/2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I love Brazen books. There are very few that I don't at least really like. They're always hot and usually a quick read that's just what I need. I also love books where the guy wants more. So, this book was pretty much exactly what I wanted, right when I needed it.
Chloe and Gage have had a sort of FWB relationship for the past couple of years, where they hook up whenever he rolls into town for Search and Rescue missions. He wants that to be a more regular occurrence, but Chloe is definitely not down for that. She's all about the sex but wants no part in anything resembling a commitment. Who will give in?
Like I said, this was a super quick read and it was hot, right from the beginning. I liked these characters, especially Gage (no surprise there). He's a stand-up guy, and I really liked his personality. Chloe annoyed me that she kept pushing him away with her flip-floppyness. I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and for sure the storyline was predictable. No complaints about the predictablilty from me, though.
I haven't read anything by Joya Ryan before, but she's definitely on my radar now.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I love Brazen books. There are very few that I don't at least really like. They're always hot and usually a quick read that's just what I need. I also love books where the guy wants more. So, this book was pretty much exactly what I wanted, right when I needed it.
Chloe and Gage have had a sort of FWB relationship for the past couple of years, where they hook up whenever he rolls into town for Search and Rescue missions. He wants that to be a more regular occurrence, but Chloe is definitely not down for that. She's all about the sex but wants no part in anything resembling a commitment. Who will give in?
Like I said, this was a super quick read and it was hot, right from the beginning. I liked these characters, especially Gage (no surprise there). He's a stand-up guy, and I really liked his personality. Chloe annoyed me that she kept pushing him away with her flip-floppyness. I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and for sure the storyline was predictable. No complaints about the predictablilty from me, though.
I haven't read anything by Joya Ryan before, but she's definitely on my radar now.
November 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this one.
We have Gage and Chloe, two people who hook up whenever Gage is in town for a weekend. That works perfectly ok for both of them… until Gage wants more. Then it’s about trying to convince Chloe to get on board with the plan. And that proves to be tricky, lol.
I actually liked this chasing game they had going on. They both wanted to be with the other, but not only they had their hang ups, but they also wanted things their own way. And when you have two stubborn people pulling in their direction, well, you have trouble. ;-)
This was a very entertaining read, I loved both Gage and Chloe, I wanted to know more of them now, and their backgrounds. I wanted them to be together in the end, and was constantly rooting for them to solve their issues.
It was a great read and a great start of a new series. I sure look forward to reading more of it in the future. I already saw a couple of characters I’d like to get to know better.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
We have Gage and Chloe, two people who hook up whenever Gage is in town for a weekend. That works perfectly ok for both of them… until Gage wants more. Then it’s about trying to convince Chloe to get on board with the plan. And that proves to be tricky, lol.
I actually liked this chasing game they had going on. They both wanted to be with the other, but not only they had their hang ups, but they also wanted things their own way. And when you have two stubborn people pulling in their direction, well, you have trouble. ;-)
This was a very entertaining read, I loved both Gage and Chloe, I wanted to know more of them now, and their backgrounds. I wanted them to be together in the end, and was constantly rooting for them to solve their issues.
It was a great read and a great start of a new series. I sure look forward to reading more of it in the future. I already saw a couple of characters I’d like to get to know better.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
October 25, 2015
Friends with benefits. You know the deal, you know how things work.
Sex, no strings.
Lust minus the love.
Until one of them wants more. How do you take a friends with benefits relationship and build it into something more? Especially one of them sees commitment like a lovers plague.
Chloe and Gage are officially a couple favorite. While their friendship has a funny banter, their sexual chemistry is off the charts hot. Gage is alpha and dominant. Chloe likes sex and can be creative when she's denied what she wants. When they come together all those connections and emotions just complicates what they have, what they need and what they want.
I read this book in a day, because I was invested, intrigued and seriously could not put the book down. Which are the essentials to a good story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I strongly recommend this book!
Sex, no strings.
Lust minus the love.
Until one of them wants more. How do you take a friends with benefits relationship and build it into something more? Especially one of them sees commitment like a lovers plague.
Chloe and Gage are officially a couple favorite. While their friendship has a funny banter, their sexual chemistry is off the charts hot. Gage is alpha and dominant. Chloe likes sex and can be creative when she's denied what she wants. When they come together all those connections and emotions just complicates what they have, what they need and what they want.
I read this book in a day, because I was invested, intrigued and seriously could not put the book down. Which are the essentials to a good story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I strongly recommend this book!
October 27, 2015
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 3.5*
Chemistry: Simmering
One-Sentence Summary: Two people have a casual fling and the guy wants more
Review: I was super into this book at the beginning. I loved the set-up of two people doing the casual thing and the guy wanting more. By the end of the book though I have to say that my interest had tailed off a bit ..... I just felt that Chloe went from "commitment? NO WAY" to "I love you" to "yes I will marry you" was way too fast.
March 16, 2016
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