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Bad Boys of Boulder #2
Perfect Pleasures
World famous MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Phuket, Thailand, and his elite training camp, Revolution. Thanks to his twin brother, a renowned pro trainer in Colorado, Zachary is primed and ready for his next title bout—but his toughest match may be with the sports journalist assigned to write an exposé on him. Not only is she gorgeous, she’s after a well-guarded secret that Zach soon realizes makes her off limits in every way…
It’s true that Kenzie Monroe has an ulterior motive for pursuing Zachary. The half-Asian beauty believes he’s connected to her estranged father, a former MMA fighter who disappeared years ago. And the more Zachary avoids her, the more determined she is—and the hotter their game of cat and mouse becomes…until they both surrender. But as lust, love, and friendship combine, Zachary knows he has to answer all of Kenzie’s questions—because outside of the ring, the heart makes the rules…
“Mello hits all the right notes…A smart heroine, a sensual hero, witty repartee, and complex family dynamics.” – Publishers Weekly on Playing for Keeps
It’s true that Kenzie Monroe has an ulterior motive for pursuing Zachary. The half-Asian beauty believes he’s connected to her estranged father, a former MMA fighter who disappeared years ago. And the more Zachary avoids her, the more determined she is—and the hotter their game of cat and mouse becomes…until they both surrender. But as lust, love, and friendship combine, Zachary knows he has to answer all of Kenzie’s questions—because outside of the ring, the heart makes the rules…
“Mello hits all the right notes…A smart heroine, a sensual hero, witty repartee, and complex family dynamics.” – Publishers Weekly on Playing for Keeps
- GenresRomance
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
25 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Fletcher Mello
130 books202 followersFor Deborah Fletcher Mello, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. Her first novel, TAKE ME TO HEART, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005 she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel THE RIGHT SIDE OF LOVE. In 2008, Deborah won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Series Romance for her ninth novel, TAME A WILD STALLION.
A true renaissance woman, Deborah's many career paths have included working as a retail buyer and size model for a national women's clothing chain, a finance manager for a well-known beverage organization, a sales manager for an infamous candy company, a telecommunications administrator and corporate trainer for a hotel-owning company, an art gallery director for a world-renowned artist, and an administrative consultant for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Deborah is also a licensed real estate broker and general building contractor.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 12, 2016
"Every woman wants to know that the man she loves will fight for her if it ever came down to it."
Kenzie is no different than most real-life women which makes her story quite relatable. She is on a journey to find herself and along the way she "finds" Zachary. He too is on a journey and is at a professional crossroads so the last thing he needs is a woman distracting him. Mello delicately weaves a story that keeps the reader interested from the very first page.
Mello has slowly become one of my favorite romance writers. Her stories always seem to break the mold and have a deeper element to them than the typical insta-love trope so regularly seen. Perfect Pleasures was fun, emotional, and a joy to read!!
Kenzie is no different than most real-life women which makes her story quite relatable. She is on a journey to find herself and along the way she "finds" Zachary. He too is on a journey and is at a professional crossroads so the last thing he needs is a woman distracting him. Mello delicately weaves a story that keeps the reader interested from the very first page.
Mello has slowly become one of my favorite romance writers. Her stories always seem to break the mold and have a deeper element to them than the typical insta-love trope so regularly seen. Perfect Pleasures was fun, emotional, and a joy to read!!
April 11, 2021
Decent tale with a small amount of angst. Some may decide that the issues were a little silly, others who've experienced said issues may disagree, but it is what it is. I won't give any spoilers so I don't ruin the book for future readers.😁😁😁
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
September 7, 2017
Perfect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello is a contemporary African American novel. It's heat level is packed full. The characters' chemistry ignites with every page. Lighting a fiery passion within them. One is after the other for answers. She won't stop until she gets what she wants. However, neither character expected the raw desires to flare up...
This novel looked good. It's written fine. But there's really no personal connection from the reader to the characters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn't really developed. They struggle with their issues. It's like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven't read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can't compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. (I got this book from the publisher.)
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
This novel looked good. It's written fine. But there's really no personal connection from the reader to the characters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn't really developed. They struggle with their issues. It's like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven't read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can't compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. (I got this book from the publisher.)
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
December 11, 2016
Disappointed
I was so in love with the first book in the series and was excited for Perfect Pleasures however, this book didn't meet my expectations. The book was written well, but the execution of the plot was off. What shoud have been major issues for Kenzie and Zachary were swept under the rug. I felt amost every issue the two had was fixed with sex and then not to mention most of the sex scenes did nothing for the story. There was no new information revealed. It got to the point where everything became redundant. The development also felt like it was lacking. Overall it was a decent read.
I was so in love with the first book in the series and was excited for Perfect Pleasures however, this book didn't meet my expectations. The book was written well, but the execution of the plot was off. What shoud have been major issues for Kenzie and Zachary were swept under the rug. I felt amost every issue the two had was fixed with sex and then not to mention most of the sex scenes did nothing for the story. There was no new information revealed. It got to the point where everything became redundant. The development also felt like it was lacking. Overall it was a decent read.
October 28, 2016
I Promise
Welcome to the world of Z boxer, lover, secret keeper, friend did I say lover. Z's life is back on track , he and his twin brother A are best friends again his business is thriving all is right under the sun. Great read a story line which pulls the heart string. One which many of us can identify with. Get your favorite drink, Kleenex, go to your favorite reading place the second book in the Bad Boys of Boulder series will take you there.
#cillasbookmaniacs
Welcome to the world of Z boxer, lover, secret keeper, friend did I say lover. Z's life is back on track , he and his twin brother A are best friends again his business is thriving all is right under the sun. Great read a story line which pulls the heart string. One which many of us can identify with. Get your favorite drink, Kleenex, go to your favorite reading place the second book in the Bad Boys of Boulder series will take you there.
#cillasbookmaniacs
February 28, 2017
Perfect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello
Kenzie is a petite, bodacious bombshell. Everywhere she goes she’s used to turning heads. She can have any many she wants….that is except the elusive Zachary Barrett. A gifted journalist, her talents take her half a world away to have an exclusive interview with twin brothers Alexander and Zachary Barrett. She figures this is her chance to kill two birds with one stone: interview her subjects and finally find out the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance years before. Nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find on this trip. Starting with the open hostility of the man she’s sent to interview.
Zachary is the reigning heavyweight champion of the world. Tall, chocolate, with a body that exemplifies perfection, he is the stuff dreams are made of. Clearly he’s a man who can have any woman he wants. But who would think that this Adonis is gun shy when it comes to women? His heart has been broken, almost beyond repair, and the thought of putting it out to be crushed again is just not a risk he’s willing to take. Despite his bravado, status and extreme wealth, Zach is a man who lives by a code of honor that he can’t break, even when it costs him that which means the most. He is a man who few people can truly say they know and that’s just the way he likes it. All is well in his world until the tiny and breathtaking dynamo from New York, Kenzie Monroe, comes on the scene and turns his world upside down.
The chemistry between Zachary and Kenzie is explosive. It simply leaps off the pages. The complicated pair find themselves at a crossroads when dreams they never allowed themselves to have plop down in their worlds, front and center, demanding to be acknowledged. Although the attraction is extreme, Kenzie and Zach are like oil and water, who frequently find themselves at odds, yet unable to keep away from the other.
This is an enjoyable read with scenes that had me chuckling aloud. The inclusion of Thai culture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome treat. Mello writes with such description at times I felt I was right in the heart of the scenes feeling the mist of the rain upon my face, smelling the fragrant aroma of the flowers, and viewing the amazing Asian countryside. The characters were multi-dimensional and believable. Mello has tapped well into the human behaviors in her writing, sharing their joys, fears, triumphs, heartaches and failures. Although Kenzie is of African American and Thai heritage, she is often shown as hostile, impetus, and easy to trigger, thus perpetuating the stereotype of the angry black woman. I would have liked to see Kenzie embrace all of who she is without having fallen into the stereotype. All in all, it was a very good read and definitely made me want to know more about what goes on with these characters after Perfect Pleasures.
4 stars
____
Reviewed by Tumika Patrice Cain
Kenzie is a petite, bodacious bombshell. Everywhere she goes she’s used to turning heads. She can have any many she wants….that is except the elusive Zachary Barrett. A gifted journalist, her talents take her half a world away to have an exclusive interview with twin brothers Alexander and Zachary Barrett. She figures this is her chance to kill two birds with one stone: interview her subjects and finally find out the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance years before. Nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find on this trip. Starting with the open hostility of the man she’s sent to interview.
Zachary is the reigning heavyweight champion of the world. Tall, chocolate, with a body that exemplifies perfection, he is the stuff dreams are made of. Clearly he’s a man who can have any woman he wants. But who would think that this Adonis is gun shy when it comes to women? His heart has been broken, almost beyond repair, and the thought of putting it out to be crushed again is just not a risk he’s willing to take. Despite his bravado, status and extreme wealth, Zach is a man who lives by a code of honor that he can’t break, even when it costs him that which means the most. He is a man who few people can truly say they know and that’s just the way he likes it. All is well in his world until the tiny and breathtaking dynamo from New York, Kenzie Monroe, comes on the scene and turns his world upside down.
The chemistry between Zachary and Kenzie is explosive. It simply leaps off the pages. The complicated pair find themselves at a crossroads when dreams they never allowed themselves to have plop down in their worlds, front and center, demanding to be acknowledged. Although the attraction is extreme, Kenzie and Zach are like oil and water, who frequently find themselves at odds, yet unable to keep away from the other.
This is an enjoyable read with scenes that had me chuckling aloud. The inclusion of Thai culture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome treat. Mello writes with such description at times I felt I was right in the heart of the scenes feeling the mist of the rain upon my face, smelling the fragrant aroma of the flowers, and viewing the amazing Asian countryside. The characters were multi-dimensional and believable. Mello has tapped well into the human behaviors in her writing, sharing their joys, fears, triumphs, heartaches and failures. Although Kenzie is of African American and Thai heritage, she is often shown as hostile, impetus, and easy to trigger, thus perpetuating the stereotype of the angry black woman. I would have liked to see Kenzie embrace all of who she is without having fallen into the stereotype. All in all, it was a very good read and definitely made me want to know more about what goes on with these characters after Perfect Pleasures.
4 stars
____
Reviewed by Tumika Patrice Cain
February 28, 2017
Kenzie is a petite, bodacious bombshell. Everywhere she goes she’s used to turning heads. She can have any many she wants….that is except the elusive Zachary Barrett. A gifted journalist, her talents take her half a world away to have an exclusive interview with twin brothers Alexander and Zachary Barrett. She figures this is her chance to kill two birds with one stone: interview her subjects and finally find out the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance years before. Nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find on this trip. Starting with the open hostility of the man she’s sent to interview.
Zachary is the reigning heavyweight champion of the world. Tall, chocolate, with a body that exemplifies perfection, he is the stuff dreams are made of. Clearly he’s a man who can have any woman he wants. But who would think that this Adonis is gun shy when it comes to women? His heart has been broken, almost beyond repair, and the thought of putting it out to be crushed again is just not a risk he’s willing to take. Despite his bravado, status and extreme wealth, Zach is a man who lives by a code of honor that he can’t break, even when it costs him that which means the most. He is a man who few people can truly say they know and that’s just the way he likes it. All is well in his world until the tiny and breathtaking dynamo from New York, Kenzie Monroe, comes on the scene and turns his world upside down.
The chemistry between Zachary and Kenzie is explosive. It simply leaps off the pages. The complicated pair find themselves at a crossroads when dreams they never allowed themselves to have plop down in their worlds, front and center, demanding to be acknowledged. Although the attraction is extreme, Kenzie and Zach are like oil and water, who frequently find themselves at odds, yet unable to keep away from the other.
This is an enjoyable read with scenes that had me chuckling aloud. The inclusion of Thai culture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome treat. Mello writes with such description at times I felt I was right in the heart of the scenes feeling the mist of the rain upon my face, smelling the fragrant aroma of the flowers, and viewing the amazing Asian countryside. The characters were multi-dimensional and believable. Mello has tapped well into the human behaviors in her writing, sharing their joys, fears, triumphs, heartaches and failures. Although Kenzie is of African American and Thai heritage, she is often shown as hostile, impetus, and easy to trigger, thus perpetuating the stereotype of the angry black woman. I would have liked to see Kenzie embrace all of who she is without having fallen into the stereotype. All in all, it was a very good read and definitely made me want to know more about what goes on with these characters after Perfect Pleasures.
Zachary is the reigning heavyweight champion of the world. Tall, chocolate, with a body that exemplifies perfection, he is the stuff dreams are made of. Clearly he’s a man who can have any woman he wants. But who would think that this Adonis is gun shy when it comes to women? His heart has been broken, almost beyond repair, and the thought of putting it out to be crushed again is just not a risk he’s willing to take. Despite his bravado, status and extreme wealth, Zach is a man who lives by a code of honor that he can’t break, even when it costs him that which means the most. He is a man who few people can truly say they know and that’s just the way he likes it. All is well in his world until the tiny and breathtaking dynamo from New York, Kenzie Monroe, comes on the scene and turns his world upside down.
The chemistry between Zachary and Kenzie is explosive. It simply leaps off the pages. The complicated pair find themselves at a crossroads when dreams they never allowed themselves to have plop down in their worlds, front and center, demanding to be acknowledged. Although the attraction is extreme, Kenzie and Zach are like oil and water, who frequently find themselves at odds, yet unable to keep away from the other.
This is an enjoyable read with scenes that had me chuckling aloud. The inclusion of Thai culture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome treat. Mello writes with such description at times I felt I was right in the heart of the scenes feeling the mist of the rain upon my face, smelling the fragrant aroma of the flowers, and viewing the amazing Asian countryside. The characters were multi-dimensional and believable. Mello has tapped well into the human behaviors in her writing, sharing their joys, fears, triumphs, heartaches and failures. Although Kenzie is of African American and Thai heritage, she is often shown as hostile, impetus, and easy to trigger, thus perpetuating the stereotype of the angry black woman. I would have liked to see Kenzie embrace all of who she is without having fallen into the stereotype. All in all, it was a very good read and definitely made me want to know more about what goes on with these characters after Perfect Pleasures.
November 7, 2016
Perfect Pleasure
It was nice catching up with the Barrett twin brothers. This book gives you great details to the Thailand culture.
It was nice catching up with the Barrett twin brothers. This book gives you great details to the Thailand culture.
June 2, 2017
Loved it . We try to fight how we feel about someone, but when it is ment to be let if flow don't try to block it . Zachary tried . This book is a book you will enjoy .
February 29, 2020
Good
This book was good too bad I read book two before booked one. Now I have to go back and read the first book.
This book was good too bad I read book two before booked one. Now I have to go back and read the first book.
June 29, 2021
A perfect end to the series
I enjoyed this story so much, the bickering , the love, and Barbie Doll, lol. There was a lot going on but it made flr a great story.
I enjoyed this story so much, the bickering , the love, and Barbie Doll, lol. There was a lot going on but it made flr a great story.
August 19, 2022
Lots of sexy scenes!
August 29, 2017
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I absolutely loved traveling to Thailand to read about two of the most stubborn and strong willed individuals.. Kenzie and Zachary their love story was intriguing.. Deborah never disappoints...
I absolutely loved traveling to Thailand to read about two of the most stubborn and strong willed individuals.. Kenzie and Zachary their love story was intriguing.. Deborah never disappoints...
September 25, 2016
via netgalley
loved this book, excellent read.
loved this book, excellent read.
August 28, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
As always, I enjoyed reading Perfect Pleasures, written by Ms. Fletcher-Mello. I came across her writing some years ago and since my first read by her, I have not been disappointed. In Perfect Pleasures, the characters are well thought out, the story is well developed, and there is drama, romance, suspense; it’s an easy-paced read, and I couldn’t put this book down. I actually kept questioning myself as to how someone could write with such depth. To read Ms. Fletcher-Mello’s writing allows a glimpse into someone else’s life; that's how I feel when I read her writing. She tells a story as if the character themselves are giving her word for word. I have traveled to many lands in my mind, while reading her writing and each time the description where she takes us leaves me with a desire to visit one day. I would definitely recommend this book.
As always, I enjoyed reading Perfect Pleasures, written by Ms. Fletcher-Mello. I came across her writing some years ago and since my first read by her, I have not been disappointed. In Perfect Pleasures, the characters are well thought out, the story is well developed, and there is drama, romance, suspense; it’s an easy-paced read, and I couldn’t put this book down. I actually kept questioning myself as to how someone could write with such depth. To read Ms. Fletcher-Mello’s writing allows a glimpse into someone else’s life; that's how I feel when I read her writing. She tells a story as if the character themselves are giving her word for word. I have traveled to many lands in my mind, while reading her writing and each time the description where she takes us leaves me with a desire to visit one day. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 27, 2016
I want me a Bad Boy!!!
The Bad Boys of Boulder......whew!! In the first book, Guilty Pleasures, we got a glimpse of Zachary. In Perfect Pleasures, we get a full frontal view...literally.
I absolutely loved this story. At first Alex was my favorite twin but Z took his place. Zachary and Kenzi's love burns up the pages. Zachary is keeping a secret for a dear friend but that secret can hurt the only woman he has ever really loved.
I recommend this book to all my readers who love a spicy romance and if you haven't yet, don't forget to pick up the first book, Guilty Pleasures which is Alexander and Sarai story.
#cillasbookmaniacs
The Bad Boys of Boulder......whew!! In the first book, Guilty Pleasures, we got a glimpse of Zachary. In Perfect Pleasures, we get a full frontal view...literally.
I absolutely loved this story. At first Alex was my favorite twin but Z took his place. Zachary and Kenzi's love burns up the pages. Zachary is keeping a secret for a dear friend but that secret can hurt the only woman he has ever really loved.
I recommend this book to all my readers who love a spicy romance and if you haven't yet, don't forget to pick up the first book, Guilty Pleasures which is Alexander and Sarai story.
#cillasbookmaniacs
November 1, 2016
I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review.
When an International Sports Illustrated writer is sent to Thailand to meet twin brother athletes sparks fly. Zachary the unmarried MMA fighter is immediately attracted to the reporter but with his secrets he must keep her at bay. He tries to keep her away by being, rude, short and unfriendly, but it doesn't work. They eventually come together but again his secrets could ruin everything. While I really liked the story and the characters, I felt like the book long over before the book actually ended.
When an International Sports Illustrated writer is sent to Thailand to meet twin brother athletes sparks fly. Zachary the unmarried MMA fighter is immediately attracted to the reporter but with his secrets he must keep her at bay. He tries to keep her away by being, rude, short and unfriendly, but it doesn't work. They eventually come together but again his secrets could ruin everything. While I really liked the story and the characters, I felt like the book long over before the book actually ended.
February 16, 2017
Absolutely loved it! M M A champion, Zachary Barrett, just wants to fight his last match and retire. He has no desire for love after his ex-wife left, cleaned out the house and Zachary's bank accounts. Then journalist Kenzie Monroe arrives in Thailand to interview him and they soon realize they have "someone" in common. But if the secret is revealed, it could destroy them both before they even get started!
October 13, 2016
I enjoyed reading Zachary and Kenzie's love story. I liked the social issue that it covered as well. I finished it one day. It had many events I didn't expect and I had to keep reading until I finished.
October 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the story flowed well. The vivid descriptions of Thailand and smoking hot love scenes made me want to plan a trip and look for my own Zachary lol Great job!
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
November 26, 2016
Perfect Pleasure
This was a wonderful book. Deborah Fletcher Mello hit another one out of the park! This book was written with passion, Love, romance, and intrigue. I would definitely recommend this book to read,
This was a wonderful book. Deborah Fletcher Mello hit another one out of the park! This book was written with passion, Love, romance, and intrigue. I would definitely recommend this book to read,
November 29, 2016
Zachary and Kenzie are funny, loving, at times irritating, but most of all they belong together. There were times when they both were acting like 2 year olds, that I wanted to send them both to a corner. The love scenes were sizzling Deborah Mello, a very good job.
December 3, 2016
I thought this was a great romantic read with a lot of attention to detail as well as a lot of surprises.
January 1, 2017
I enjoyed this story. I recommend that it one hasn't already they should definitely read this two book series.
April 29, 2017
Perefect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello is a contemporary African American novel. It's heat level is packed full. The charcaters' chemistry ignites with every page. Lighting a fiery passion within them. One is after the other for answers. She won't stop until she gets what she wants. However, neither charcater expected the raw desires to flare up...
This novel looked good. It's written fine. But there's really no personal connection from the reader to the charcaters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn't really developed. They struggle with their issues. It's like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven't read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can't compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. (I got this book from the publisher.)
This novel looked good. It's written fine. But there's really no personal connection from the reader to the charcaters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn't really developed. They struggle with their issues. It's like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven't read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can't compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. (I got this book from the publisher.)
March 15, 2018
MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Thailand to get ready for his title bout. But his toughest opponent may turn out to be sports journalist Kenzie Monroe who has been assigned to write an expose' on him. Kenzie has an ulterior motive in pursuing Zach because she believes he can help her find her estranged father. Zach is caught between a rock and a hard place because of a promise he made years ago. That promise can possibly jeopardize his relationship with Kenzie.
May 16, 2018
ok so it wasn't what i wanted it to be it could of had more to the store but it was a good read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews