Avoiding Mr. Right

Walk on the Wild Side #2

by C.J. Ellisson

In order to take control, you often have to let it go... Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla's future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of: Casual Sex Friends with Benefits Avoidance of Intimacy Carla ignores the list--unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her. Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It'll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla's sexual awareness and win her heart. He's up for the challenge to convince her he's the one--and eager to prove this number cruncher won't make a boring bedmate.

Genres: Erotica, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Erotic Romance, Amazon

222 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2013

About the author

C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. She's battled severe chronic illness for years and is thrilled to report she’s finally approaching the end of treatment. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary erotic romance, urban fantasy, and erotica has helped save her sanity.

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Reviews

[Grammy 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.J. Ellisson, New York Times bestselling author, has recently branched out from her fabulous vampire series of the VV Inn, and is taking a “Walk on the Wild Side” with a new non - paranormal series. The first was called Vanilla on Top, where we meet shy and lonely Heather Pierce. Heather, is, being conned into a speed dating night by her best friend Carla; that does change her life.

Heather worries about her best friend Carla as well, feeling Carla chooses a relationship that is “ all about me “ and hands her friend a list of don’ts.

1. Casual Sex
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Enter Andy Shea “ accountant.” Andy has been trying to get Carla’s attention, but the word accountant is too grey for Carla’s tastes until one night the stars are aligned and Carla invites him home after the office Friday night bar ritual. Since Miss Priss has had too much to drink, their encounter in bed was not memorable for her and she wants nothing more than to discourage any further interaction between them; other than office related. But, Andy has something to prove, and the line in the sand has been drawn. Carla is the carrot dangling in front of his nose, and this accountant is no shade of grey when it comes to awakening a woman sexually.

I must admit that Ms Ellisson wrote a very short Novelette called More Than Tolerable a few years back that I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. This now is the New Improved Economy Size and has been expanded into this charming new story for her new series.

Carla has been looking for something she has never found before, a man to compliment her, feed her sexual side that she has kept hidden, even from herself. Andy Shea is not the bleak, boring accountant she thought him to be….Fireworks.

Wow what a great story they make.

Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Review Team

[Kim Engstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avoiding Mr. Right is the 2nd contemporary romance in a series for C.J. Ellisson. The 1st book, Vanilla on Top, explored the romance between Heather and Tony. In this book, we get to see how things fair for Heather's best friend, Carla. Carla is a misguided woman when it comes to relationships due to events from her past. Andy may just be the man to snap her out of it. He wants to pull her out of her "love'em and leave'em" ways and convince her he is worth her time. He will do whatever it takes to get Carla to believe in him and in them. The lengths he will go to leave you breathless and panting for more.

If you're looking for a book that will grab you from the 1st page and keep you wanting more with every turn, this is DEFINITELY the book for you! I have already added it to my list to be read again :) C.J. is definitely talented no matter which genre she is choosing to write. I promise you won't regret reading her latest!!!!!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avoiding Mr. Right is the second in the Walk on the Wild Side Series for C. J. Ellisson. It is an exemplary example of erotic romance that offers so much more than just a great summer beach read. Heather (from Vanilla on Top) shares her concerns with her friend’s love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude. Carla’s character stubbornly insists that she knows what she wants. She just doesn’t realize how much she really does want a real, long lasting relationship.
Andy has his hands full, from the first chapter of the story. Carla doesn’t want to cooperate. We follow his progress with Carla while learning more about his depth of character as an honorable man that any woman would love to have in their lives.
Every emotion one explores in starting a new relationship is examined through the lenses of Carla and Andy’s past experiences. We learn of Carla’s deep seeded fears, of Andy’s desire to have a loving family experience like his folks. The excitement of the ‘firsts’, the realizations of growing desires, and deepening relationship are all explored with the delightful writing style of Ms. Ellisson. You feel like these characters become a part of your family. You feel yourself rooting for them, and wanting to pop them upside the head.
I know this is one book that I’m going to read over and over. I laughed, I cried, and nodded thinking “Amen, Sister” as I read it. It really is one of my favorite books.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say. CJ has hit it out of the park again. Her second book Avoiding Mr Right is a home run. The main character Carla is into casual sex and avoiding relationships. Until one night she meets Andy, an accountant at the firm she works for. Their first encounter is left them both unsatisfied. As Carla tries to run. Andy's resolve to get her. leads them down a road that entices both of them. Andys firmness and alpha male is exactly what Carla has been looking for her whole life. Not giving anything away but the supply closet scene was hot, hot. As they grow closer the wounds of Carla's past are brought forth and slowly healed. With the firm hand and the love from Andy

This book should be one everyone's summer reading list. CJ rocked it yet again. I recommend this to anyone who wants a good read so check it out . You wont be disappointed

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Avoiding Mr. Right" is great installment in the series "Walk on the Wild Side." Getting to see into Carla's mind and past helps us figure out some of her puzzles represented by her from book one, "Vanilla on Top". She may not seem very likable at times from certain behaviors, but the depth of her character, makes it impossible to not like her and at times feel sympathy for her. Her struggle to come to turns with her past, and possibly start a lasting relationship with a hot guy, make the book hard to take food and drink breaks. The sex scenes left me hot and panting for more. Once a again CJ Ellisson does not disappointment me. She wrote a book with believable characters and storyline, humor, emotion and steamy sex. All the qualities I love it a great romance novel. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk on the Wild Side Series Book 2 is Carla & Andy's story. This one was such a joy to read!

Carla has a reputation for holding the men she dates at arms length. Never wanting to pursue a relationship. Enter Andy...he is nothing if not persistent when it comes to winning Carla's heart. You see an amazing transformation with Carla, from her tough as nails exterior she's maintained for so many years....to the hot sexy submissive that enjoys a good spanking!!

I loved how both Carla & Andy break out of their comfort zones....by exploring some new and exciting ways to spice up their sexual relationship. There are also some very sweet touching moments between the couple, it's not all about sex.

I recommend this lovely story to those who like a little bit of everything....humor, sadness and a hot steamy sexy ride too the finish!!

[Alexandrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say that I loved reading this story. In my opinion, this was even better than Vanilla on Top. The back story and chemistry between Carla and Andy made me wish that I had something or someone like that in my life. Through their struggles and their arguments as a couple or trying to figure out if they even belonged with one another, the story and detail of their affection and life just made me wish that I had something like this one day. I want to re-read this one more time because some chapters truly made me tear up, with the emotions and struggles that the both Andy and Carla went through.

[Denice Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Party Girl Carla just does not know what she wants until she meets Andrew....

This second book of the Wild Side series, shows us that we don't always know what we want even if our internal voice is yelling it at us, and that is the case for Carla, her just for fun attitude is her way of warding off any real interests and Andrew is just what she needs, this is a great book by a great author, great story line, steamy scenes but wonderfully written.

Thank you for another great book, looking forward to book 3...

[Crystal Mugridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Carla and Andy's story! I picked this book up and finished reading it in one day! It caught my interest from the beginning and didn't let go even at the end. The love scenes between Carla and Andy are titillating. Their verbal sparing very interactive and believable.. I must say I loved this story as much as Heather and Tony's (Vanilla On Top) if not more. All and all I must admit that I enjoy reading C.J Ellison's work she is a very talented author and hope she continues with her amazing work!

[Poison Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ bumps the heat up a good 100 degrees in Avoiding Mr. Right. This is one of hers you don't want to miss!

Full review to come on the 17th both here and on the blog.

Thanks!

* ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review*

[MARQUETTA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of Carla from the previous book. I thought she was a total bitch. My opinion of her didn't change much when I finished reading Avoiding Mr. Right.

Carla claims that the men she meets and sleeps with are dumb and boring in bed. She's tired of having bad sex. But I'm thinking she's the one who's bad in bed. After that "tolerable" encounter with Andy, with Carla barking out orders and then falling asleep, I firmly believe that she's the problem. Not the men. Carla has trust and commitment issues which stems from her dad leaving them when she was a teen and her being still being super bitter about it 15 years later.

Andy is a nice guy who has the hots for Carla. But because he's an accountant (gasp! the horror!), in Carla's warped mind, Andy can't possibly be exciting or good in bed. Uh okay Carla. Weird generalization you got going on there. But Andy is determined to prove Carla wrong even though Carla is being mean and bitchy to him.

For the most part, I enjoyed Avoiding Mr. Right despite not liking Carla. I still don't think I fully understood her motivation or her actions. I adore Andy and don't think Carla is good enough for him. Throughout the book, I wondered what he saw in her. I mean, it's not like Carla's the nicest person in the world or the most open.

There were a couple of things that happened in the book that confused me. Or made me feel that it was an unnecessary to the plot. The whole thing with Carla's dad felt abrupt and completely out of left field. I guess this was supposed to happen to help Carla and her mom move on but it didn't feel organic to the plot. The ending of Avoiding Mr. Right felt abrupt. I wasn't expecting it to end when it did.

An overall enjoyable story with a too nice hero with a naughty side in the bedroom, Avoiding Mr. Right was a fun read. Carla never won me over. She was too much work, played too many games and at times not a very nice person. But thankfully, Andy more than made up for it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla is an independant women who as intimacy issues. She loves being single and finding a random guy to sleep with and leave them. One day she went from her usual spot to drink and a co-worker Andy helps her home. One thing led to another and they end up sleeping together. In the morning the makes it clear that he was ok, and that this was a one time only thing and will not happen. Even after some times she still can't get her mind off of Andy and their brief and surprising encounters.

Andy is a man who knows what he wants. For a while he'd been pining over Carla and managed to get close to her. He refused to just be a one night stand and wants to prove to her that he can be fun.

When I first gotten ahold of this book was was a little bit worried when I found out that this was book two to the Wild Side Series. Rest assured, if you get this book (And I encourage you to get this amazing book) that don't worry if you don't read the first book first because each book has its own little story with little connection to the first book.

I would say that this is a perfect summer read but its perfect to read at anytime. I really enjoyed this book it was fun, steamy and interesting to read. I loved that there was two point of views Carla and Andy. I loved that Carla was a strong, independant, and hardheaded. I loved that Andy is a hott, determined, Musician/Accountant who works for what he wants. The steamy sex scenes were great. The story was fun to read.

Overall I loved this book and I look forward to reading the first book being that I loved the second one so much. I'll be keeping an out out for the author and can't wait to check out her other books!

Highly Recommend.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some readers might be familiar with the first book of this series, Vanilla on Top, and after reading this one might think Carla (Avoiding Mr. Right) isn't like Heather (Vanilla on Top). They'd be right. That's not a bad thing and in fact in my opinion its great. Great because author, C.J. Ellisson, has not done the cheap cop-out and recycled the previous book and just changed the names of the characters which I see much too often in contemporary romance books.

Carla like all of us is unique and is written as such; not a blonde copy of Heather. It makes for a much richer book and overall series. Some readers might not like Carla when she's first introduced, but this book is all about a woman's spiritual and emotional growth as well as a sexy romance.

For those readers who only care if it is a sexy story, no fear there either. I personally loved the character Andy. He's strong and commanding along with an equal balance of manly and sensitive. *of course his name does mean "manly" ;)* Andy senses Carla's worth and deep need for a strong man in her life who can take charge without being abusively controlling. His demonstrations of dominance in and out of the bedroom atmosphere are HOT.

This book even though part of a series can stand on its own. However I think the reader will get much more out of the series if they also read Vanilla on Top.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, C.J. Ellisson delivers a spicy, steamy, well-written piece, with a good amount of drama and characters that draw you in! Carla, Heather's friend, believes that she has to order a man around to get satisfaction, but is always lamenting to Heather how unsatisfying her encounters are! Heather worries about her friend's happiness and gives her a set of rules, which she ignores. Andy, someone she works with, ends up being one of the guys she quickly tries to discard, but he refuses to be dumped by her. He shows her just what she needs by pursuing her and taking charge, showing her that sometimes you have to let go and let someone else control your satisfaction, to be able to be in control. Andy doesn't give up and you get to see more development of both characters along the way, and learn why Carla has such commitment issues, and how Andy helps her overcome them... I loved this book and couldn't put it down!

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book started I liked Carla, and then after she starts seeing Andrew I didn't like her for a bit, but once you find out why she is the way she is, she really grew on me. As she learned to trust Andy the story just kept getting better.

I loved how we got to see Andy's point of view, the book alternates on the chapters one from Carla's, one from Andy's. He is great, and I loved finding out how much attention he had paid to her over the course of time. While I struggled to figure out how come he liked her, he would lay out the reeasons, and I would just melt a little. It was pretty sweet.

The romance part was solid - started slow, and got hotter from there. I would read more books from this author, but it is not a favorite. I don't have the burning desire to read the very next book, but I will definitely @ some point read more. Always glad when I can find a new author.

This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cheeky 5 stars from me!

What can I say, I just LOVE CJ Ellisson's books!



She writes strong female leads and proper alpha male hero's...



I've been saving that pic for just the right guy - let's just say that Andy knows exactly which spot to hit!!

An easy read, this story follows Carla (Heather's friend from Vanilla on Top) and her struggle to find the right guy! Fortunately for us, she finds Andy! I didn't want to put this book down!

ARC kindly sent by CJ Ellisson - thank you so much for sending me hours of pleasure!

[Nila · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Casual Sex or
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy
That pretty much tells you want this 3rd book in the Walk on the Wild side story is about! Carla is the female best friend of Heather from the first 2 books, kinda cocky man eater, with whorish tendencies. She works with Andy who she automatically puts him into the boring accountant category of men. But he has been watching her, wanting to get to know her as more then just a co-worker. There is much more to find under that full suit as Carla uncovers. Ups and Downs of their relationship start at the very beginning but Andy does well drawing out her prickly fake personality. As a reader I really enjoyed this story much more then I thought I would. Not recommended to any young readers because of the loads of sex scenes but a romance all the same.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the amazing CJ Ellisson, who writes the Vampire Vacation books, comes the second of this new series Wild Side. Its not really a second book, or a spin off but a single character story. It isn't necessary to have read the first Wild Side book, there are subtle hints and story helpers but its easy to follow.

The story itself is amazing. You really feel for Carla, and follow her on a roller coaster of events with some steaming results. Its beautifully written and is one of those books that draw you in, making you finish it in one seating.

[Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the first one in this series, and wasn't sure what to expect - so the direction of this book REALLY snuck up on me. Just imagine if Christian Grey was working as an accountant at your company in a cubicle nearby and really wanted to date you, but you blew him off because he was a "nerdy accountant." Big mistake, right? I just wish it was a little longer. Will definitely have to read the first one now.

VERY steamy!

[B.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and I loved that it was a follow on from Vanilla On Top. Carla is what some could call free and easy with relationships and when she's challenged by her best friend to stop her friends with benefit relationships and avoidance of intimacy. When her workmate Andy pushes those boundaries and his way into her life, she finds she can't resist. Hot love scenes. Looking forward to more books from this author.

[Dawn Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy a book with some steamy sex then you will enjoy this one.  The interaction between the main 2 characters is great.  Its a steamy fast read. I enjoyed the book  and I liked how each chapter alternated from Her or his viewpoint.

Loved it & would recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot-as-hell sex scenes but overall the book was to short.

[Sandie Book Boyfriend Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 hearts....
Alright I think this book is more up my alley and has successfully brought me out of my slump. You know when you keep reading essentially the same book over and over. I am not going to lie and IDK if I am just in a rut, or what but it took me about 3/4 pages before I was able to get into this book. Have no fear though because once I was into it I was pretty much submerged in this story/book/characters and ummm dinner??? what dinner? yeah thats what the hubby and kids said. So glad for pizza (sorry)

Carla oh man Carla. I love her, and I like the "love em and leave em" attitude. What?? I mean really its not that bad. She has been through a lot in her life that has brought her to this point. I mean for me its pretty obvious that thats the reason as most women want to have a relationship and all that right? anyways Carla isn't looking for love. So meeting Andy was just supposed to be another one of those casual encounters...

Andy wow Andy. I think I was expecting something else and I was pleasantly surprised by him. He is a mix of HOLY HOTNESS, with a touch of YES SIR anything you want.


Yeah that's pretty much how I was when he came on the scene. I was actually excited to see how this was going to play out. I mean you read as many books as I do and I think the premisses pretty much is the same right? UMMMM NO! Andy is an accountant and yeah I was with Carla ehh whatevs accountant pppfffttt....BOY was I wrong. So the first encounter is not all that great. 

So Carla is like dude its cool but Andy is like oh hecks no, I need to PROVE to you that it can be better. Well not exactly like that but I am paraphrasing here. Andy is an Alpha and if you didn't already know well hell yes I love me some Alpha's.

Guess what happens??? c'mon just guess....

HOLY HELL YES!!! I was actually rooting for Andy, like get that girl and show her who's boss (hehehe). Yeah I know I know you all need to know about the story. Geez ok....Carla begins to find and we read about her issues and why she avoids relationships.

Lets just say Andy is noooo boring accountant. He is actually like hot and wow and

PLEASE??? LOL I loved the way the story developed. I was intrigued and I couldn't stop reading. Like I said pizza was dinner this night because I was so absorbed in the story. CJ did a great job in keeping my interest. Carla is a character that I connected with and totes got. I am glad that Andy fought and proved his worth.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

CJ Ellisson's Avoiding Mr. Right: Gender Bias in "Promiscuity:" Are Women Sluts and Men Players?

Original Post:http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...

Part of CJ Ellisson's Bewitching Books Tour. Book provided by author for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own unless otherwise noted.

Can you be lost and confused, and domineering and hard all at the same time? C.J. paints a character just like this. Her admirer nicknames her after the Durian fruit (which I am perplexed by since it is so stinky on the outside and though I have not eaten it my husband says it tastes like A$$) But the guy nicknames her this because she is prickly on the outside and so different on the inside.

He's really interesting, sweet and complex, caring and dominant and then, not dominant.

The story starts off with Carla wondering why a woman who is sexually liberated is only seen by society as slutty -- she's annoyed by the intervention described in the blurb but even then, her friend's caring makes her think. If she is actually liberated when why she can't get that thought out of her own head? Does a woman's promiscuity equate to sluttiness, while a promiscuous man is just a player or ladies' man? As much as the women's movement achieved in the past 60 years, societal norms continue to affect attitudes towards gender roles especially in love, romance and family. Those norms bleed their way into our upbringings and thereby take up a lot of space in our beds.

Maybe empty sexual relationships are not the best idea for most people, given what most are brought up to believe about sex and relationships. In the case of this stories protagonist, it is more of a reaction to her upbringing than a liberated sexuality.

C.J. does write some crazy sex, and it is really hot in this book. Sometimes the talk is a bit rough but because she uses a variety of words to describe bodies and activities it is more arousing than off-putting.
The theme in this book is really intriguing: when your subconscious has taken in the lessons of your childhood to the point that it rules your relationships with men, and then the foundation of those lessons is toppled, it can really up end your whole world. It is a real paradigm shift.

AVOIDING MR. RIGHT is short, and the characters are sketched broadly, but it offers a lot of punch in its 145 pages. C.J. has a unique voice!

[Annette M Guerriero Nishimoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's review is on Avoiding Mr. Right by CJ Ellisson

Though I wasn't an instant fan of Mrs. Ellisson work, over the course of her books I have become a true follower. Each of the books I have read; all of her V V Inn books and Vanilla on Top, have shown growth in not only her base writing skills but also her ability to spark desire in the reader. In fact, after reading Vanilla on Top I had no problem writing a positive review and taking a cold shower. And while I enjoyed Avoiding Mr. Right, I feel that it fails to reach the height of the bar set by its predecessor in it's eroticism.

Where VOT was full of hot attraction and blazing sex, Avoiding Mr. Right was more of a love story. Emotionally scarred woman, strong man to help, love ensues. Don't get me wrong, there was sex, just not as hot and heavy as VOT. And let's be real, hot and heavy sex is what I was looking forward to and expecting. (I've been married for 19 years, I need some dreaming material.)

Carla Johnson is in complete control of her life, including her sex life. She decided a long time ago that she didn't need a man in her life to fulfill her. What she does need though is nookie, and a lot of it. After all, she's a very sexual woman. Her friend Heather; who used to be a meek woman turned dominatrix in VOT, worries that Carla will never find her Mr. Right if she continues having casual sex the way she does.

Andy works in the same office as Carla and has been in love with her for months. Though he has tried to get closer to her, she continues to pretty much ignore him. Sure he's smart and handsome, but he's also an accountant. And there's no way a boring accountant could provide the excitement in life and in the bedroom that she needs. But after a few drinks at the end of the day and a night of less than memorable sex between the two, Andy sets out to show Carla that he really is the man for her.

If I had to rate Avoiding Mr. Right on it's eroticism alone it would rate a bit low, but I cannot rate any book on just one point. I have to take the whole piece into consideration. And with it's love story and the way Ellisson shows the struggle and growth of her main character I'm happy to give it the rating it deserves.

4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me just start by saying that I really enjoyed this story, like a lot. It was short and sweet and just the book I needed. A love story that was so utterly sweet with just enough of an edge to not become sickly sweet. Andy and Carla crackle with the sexual tension from the get go. Their first night together was very awkward, but funny. It gets better, the sex is off the charts amazing hot. Totally and completely blush worthy, and incredibly well written.

Carla was a bit tough for me, I didn’t really like her or dislike her in the beginning of the story, I was sort of apathetic towards her. But as the storyline progressed I started to really like her. With personal issues involving her parents, it has had an effect on her and how she has relationships. She has become a woman that only wants a “friends with benefits” type of relationship with unemotional sex. It was really awesome to watch her change and I loved that Andy just came in and shook her up.

I kind of adore Andy. An accountant that comes off as very sweet, he seemed like a nice guy but I wasn’t very impressed in the beginning, I shared the same opinion of him as Carla, he’s an accountant, boring. And lets just say his first night with her wasn’t really something to write home about, okay well the end there was definitely write worthy ;)

Anyways, I just got distracted, where was I?

That’s right, Andy being boring, well, that didn’t last long, he was so far from boring its not even funny. Hot in bed and a musician, plus he has his own emotionally painful stuff going on his personal life. His yummy factor exploded on the pages.

Such a fun relationship to read come together, I genuinely started to care about them as characters and as a book couple. It was believably awesomely done.

A sweet, hot, easy read. I am definitely adding C.J. Ellisson to my to-read list. Now, excuse me while I go read Vanilla on Top, book one in the Wild Side Series :)

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books Blog
http://memyselfandbooksblog.blogspot.com

[Gigi Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for solid writing and some good steam.

I didn't enjoy this story as much as the first, Vanilla on Top. The characters did not feel as transformative and I was not so endeared to them. Carla is a rough character, but she does make sense in the end, though I didn't enjoy reading about her as much. Andy was a solid character but there was something about the firmness of his pursuit that left me feeling a little uncomfortable at times. I wish I could pin it down better, but I haven't been able to decipher what it was.

Like Vanilla on Top, you have head jumping by chapter again. I still find it takes time to adjust to when reading it in first person. I had recently read something that did head jumping through third person and even with a temporal element and found I had no trouble with it. Which left me wondering how transitions could be achieved more seamlessly with first person. With first person, head jumping reads like a jump cut, which is visually jarring. If one could pan the camera from one side to the other, it's a better transition. Which had me thinking that perhaps the environment or even an event could be used as a mode of transition and for more than a line or two. Just a bit of a rambly analytical thought.

What I love about CJ's writing though is what she does with her characters. They aren't flat one-dimensional beings with a single track. They have activities and hobbies like you and me and their passions aren't necessarily their career. It makes them real and I love her for writing them this way. I can't thank her enough for these details!

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc provided fee by author for honest review

Loved this book!! Nothing better than a man who knows what he wants and goes out and gets it - especially when the author knows just how to write it!

The old adage never judge a book by its cover couldn't be more true in the cases of both Andy and Carla. Is Andy really the boring accountant?? Is Carla really just a 'good time girl'? Together they make so much sense, but can Carla see that in time? Can she get figure out why she feels the need to use men? Can Andy be the one who changes that?

I wanted Andy to be her mr right from the very first time we met him. I wanted him to be her knight in shining, erotic, armour! This was a quick but really enjoyable read, I loved the alternating POV's, I loved the sexual tension, the background stories, the musician across the hall and the best friend. Loose ends were nicely wrapped up and I didn't feel like there were a lot of unanswered questions left, but I do want to know if we will get to see what happens next...I'd happily read that book to! Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, spicy. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. There was just enough spice to make the sex really interesting but not so much that you were like, "really? an accountant?" However, it really is such a perfect contemporary example of that you really can't judge a book by its cover, and watching Carla learn that lesson firsthand was just beautiful. My favorite part of this book was when he serenaded her and his mother (by phone) with "She's Always a Woman" on the piano. Oh my. SMOKING HOT, dude. I think this probably could have been read after Vanilla on Top and Vanilla Twist since Heather and Tony don't really feature other than a small mention, or could have been read without having read the Vanilla books at all. It really just focuses on the two main characters and what is going on in their lives, which is great. Wonderful sexy contemporary read with a healthy shot of erotica.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.


C.J. reminds the reader that you can’t assume anything because nine times out of ten your assumption could be wrong. You could also be missing out on the best thing that ever happened to you. It also shows how some people in love want to test the boundaries of what they’re comfortable with. And then C.J. gives the reader the perfect HEA ending.

This is the second book in the Walk on the Wild Side series that I have read. Carla’s story leaves me anticipating when the next book will be coming out. If you liked book one, you will love this one. You can stop over to her web site, http://www.cjellisson.com/, and look under “Books” to see what titles are available. And while you’re there, sign up for her newsletter so you can be kept up to date.

To see my full review, look for it to be posted on Urban Girl Reader (http://www.urbangirlreader.com)