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Men at Work #3
One Hot December
Hard as steel...and hotter still!
Never mess with a woman who carries a blowtorch in her backpack. Welder and artist Veronica "Flash" Redding's playful sense of evil sometimes gets the better of her. Like when her insanely handsome, wealthy, suited-up boss gave her the most sensuously wicked night of her life...then dumped her. Yep, revenge is a dish best served hot.
Only Ian Asher isn't letting Flash get away quite so easily. He's not ready to forget the intensity between them. The searing heat when they touch. And the deliciously demanding control Ian wields in the bedroom. Now he has only the holidays to convince Flash that they belong together...and that even the most exquisite, broken things can be welded back together.
Never mess with a woman who carries a blowtorch in her backpack. Welder and artist Veronica "Flash" Redding's playful sense of evil sometimes gets the better of her. Like when her insanely handsome, wealthy, suited-up boss gave her the most sensuously wicked night of her life...then dumped her. Yep, revenge is a dish best served hot.
Only Ian Asher isn't letting Flash get away quite so easily. He's not ready to forget the intensity between them. The searing heat when they touch. And the deliciously demanding control Ian wields in the bedroom. Now he has only the holidays to convince Flash that they belong together...and that even the most exquisite, broken things can be welded back together.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2016
78 people are currently reading
1384 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Reisz
160 books9,321 followersTiffany Reisz is the USA Today-bestselling author. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats. Find her online at TiffanyReisz.com.
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November 7, 2016
One Hot December is book three in the Men at Work series by Tiffany Reisz. First, let me fan girl just a little bit. I started this series because I was looking for a Halloween romance and came upon the first book, Her Halloween Treat. I was instantly smitten and went on to book two for Thanksgiving, Her Naughty Holiday. And now, I am gong to tell you about the third book which happens at Christmas time. These three books are not only sexy as heck but they are sweet and fun and the characters are all heart warming. I am just so glad I found this series.
Veronica “Flash” Redding is a welder by trade but it’s not what she lives for. She lives for her art. She creates beautiful sculptures, mostly of flowers and greenery, with metal. She is immensely talented but just hasn’t gotten her break yet. The problem is, by the time she works a full shift welding, she is exhausted. She has lost her drive to create. The perfect change came along when she got hired full time at a plant nursery. What better place to work than among the things she loves to create. So she is turning in her two weeks notice at her welding job.
Ian Asher is the son of a wealthy state Senator. But he didn’t get his position as the boss of the construction company easily. He worked his way up the ladder just like everyone else. Flash is the only female welder. She is beautiful, sassy, stubborn, sexy and tough. And he can’t get her off his mind. Six months ago, he and Flash gave in to their mutual attraction for the best night of his life. But then he had to end things before they went any further. He was her boss. He knew he hurt her but he had to protect the both of them and not let things go any further, even though that is what he really wanted. Now she is quitting and there is no way he is going to let her walk out of his life. Is there any way she can forgive him and give them another chance?
“I want you. As much of you as you are willing to give me. I can’t deal with watching you walk out of my life again.”
The last six months since “that” night have been torture for Flash. She fell big time for Ian and then he broke her heart. There is no way she can give him the chance to hurt her again. Her brain is telling her one thing but her heart wants another. Maybe she can just use him for sex and keep her heart out of it?
Ian will do anything to get Flash back in his life. He can’t let her go again. It’s almost Christmas and Ian will use the time they have to find a way to make her trust him again.
“You aren’t like this with anyone else are you?”
“Only you. It scares me a little.”
“Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.”
I loved this book. I loved all three of these books. Flash wanted to be so tough but she really wasn’t. And Ian, “sigh,” was perfect. When he finally opened up and explained, I melted. And of course, their chemistry was off the charts hot.
“You bring out the worst in me. Or the best. Can’t tell sometimes.”
“I bring out the you in you.”
Even though Halloween has passed us by, it’s not Thanksgiving yet, so I recommend you start at the beginning. Even though each one of these books can be read as a stand alone, you don’t want to miss any of them. They will make you smile, sigh (a lot) and swoon. Thanks to Tiffany Reisz for this fantastic series and for entertaining my holidays with her Men at Work.
Veronica “Flash” Redding is a welder by trade but it’s not what she lives for. She lives for her art. She creates beautiful sculptures, mostly of flowers and greenery, with metal. She is immensely talented but just hasn’t gotten her break yet. The problem is, by the time she works a full shift welding, she is exhausted. She has lost her drive to create. The perfect change came along when she got hired full time at a plant nursery. What better place to work than among the things she loves to create. So she is turning in her two weeks notice at her welding job.
Ian Asher is the son of a wealthy state Senator. But he didn’t get his position as the boss of the construction company easily. He worked his way up the ladder just like everyone else. Flash is the only female welder. She is beautiful, sassy, stubborn, sexy and tough. And he can’t get her off his mind. Six months ago, he and Flash gave in to their mutual attraction for the best night of his life. But then he had to end things before they went any further. He was her boss. He knew he hurt her but he had to protect the both of them and not let things go any further, even though that is what he really wanted. Now she is quitting and there is no way he is going to let her walk out of his life. Is there any way she can forgive him and give them another chance?
“I want you. As much of you as you are willing to give me. I can’t deal with watching you walk out of my life again.”
The last six months since “that” night have been torture for Flash. She fell big time for Ian and then he broke her heart. There is no way she can give him the chance to hurt her again. Her brain is telling her one thing but her heart wants another. Maybe she can just use him for sex and keep her heart out of it?
Ian will do anything to get Flash back in his life. He can’t let her go again. It’s almost Christmas and Ian will use the time they have to find a way to make her trust him again.
“You aren’t like this with anyone else are you?”
“Only you. It scares me a little.”
“Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.”
I loved this book. I loved all three of these books. Flash wanted to be so tough but she really wasn’t. And Ian, “sigh,” was perfect. When he finally opened up and explained, I melted. And of course, their chemistry was off the charts hot.
“You bring out the worst in me. Or the best. Can’t tell sometimes.”
“I bring out the you in you.”
Even though Halloween has passed us by, it’s not Thanksgiving yet, so I recommend you start at the beginning. Even though each one of these books can be read as a stand alone, you don’t want to miss any of them. They will make you smile, sigh (a lot) and swoon. Thanks to Tiffany Reisz for this fantastic series and for entertaining my holidays with her Men at Work.
December 28, 2021
Re-read: December 2018
'Tis the season. Love!
Re-read: December 2017
I couldn't let December pass before a One Hot December re-read! Fun times ;)
Re-read: January 2017
This one is still my favorite of Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work series. I had to read it once more before taking down my Christmas tree and officially exiting the holidays. This romance definitely doesn't disappoint (...well except for the corny cover art). Loved it!
Original Review: November 2016
One Hot December is the third installment in Tiffany Reisz's holiday-based adult romance series titled Men at Work. I think I referred to the first two books as likable but a bit cheese-filled, but this one was definitely a story I wanted to read more of. I would describe One Hot December as a second-chance romance between an affluent man stuck under his father's thumb and a heroine who I loved! She's an assertive, pierced, and tatted up welder who knows what she wants. This story features lots of attention to character development, family dynamics, relationship building with a hint of Ms. Reisz's specialty BDSM...and surprisingly it all fit perfectly into this modest-sized book. At 224 pages via ebook and 5 hours, 45 minutes via audiobook, it's an easy read.
Any of these three books can be read without the others and in any order. Whether you have heard of Tiffany Reisz or not, this is a great read for fans of adult romance. It's got humor, emotion, and sexy times. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"They call people like Veronica crabby but that only means she has a hard shell. Inside, she's soft as the rest of us. She takes things much harder than she lets on."
Tiffany Reisz’s holiday-themed Men at Work series includes the following installments as of November 2016:
#1-Her Halloween Treat (September 2016)
#2-Her Naughty Holiday (October 2016)
#3-One Hot December (November 2016)
'Tis the season. Love!
Re-read: December 2017
I couldn't let December pass before a One Hot December re-read! Fun times ;)
Re-read: January 2017
This one is still my favorite of Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work series. I had to read it once more before taking down my Christmas tree and officially exiting the holidays. This romance definitely doesn't disappoint (...well except for the corny cover art). Loved it!
Original Review: November 2016
One Hot December is the third installment in Tiffany Reisz's holiday-based adult romance series titled Men at Work. I think I referred to the first two books as likable but a bit cheese-filled, but this one was definitely a story I wanted to read more of. I would describe One Hot December as a second-chance romance between an affluent man stuck under his father's thumb and a heroine who I loved! She's an assertive, pierced, and tatted up welder who knows what she wants. This story features lots of attention to character development, family dynamics, relationship building with a hint of Ms. Reisz's specialty BDSM...and surprisingly it all fit perfectly into this modest-sized book. At 224 pages via ebook and 5 hours, 45 minutes via audiobook, it's an easy read.
Any of these three books can be read without the others and in any order. Whether you have heard of Tiffany Reisz or not, this is a great read for fans of adult romance. It's got humor, emotion, and sexy times. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"They call people like Veronica crabby but that only means she has a hard shell. Inside, she's soft as the rest of us. She takes things much harder than she lets on."
Tiffany Reisz’s holiday-themed Men at Work series includes the following installments as of November 2016:
#1-Her Halloween Treat (September 2016)
#2-Her Naughty Holiday (October 2016)
#3-One Hot December (November 2016)
December 16, 2018
Tiffany Reisz does it again! This final book in the series didn't have quite as much going for it plot-wise as the previous two installments did, but it VERY much made up for that with all the dirty talk. Have MERCY. This was such a fun series!
December 23, 2020
4,50 Flash Stars
Not a Classical Christmas Book, But it Definitely has the Spirit!!
“So...what are you wearing?”
Flash answered absolutely truthfully this time. “A smile.”
“I need to be steel-reinforced around you. You are an earthquake.”
“That’s the sexiest thing any man has ever said about me.”
CHARACTERS
Ian Asher: White Collar, Boss, Senator's Charming Son, Blue eyes sandy brown hair dreamy man.
Veronica ''Flash'' Redding: Blue Collar, Welder, Sculptor, Artist, Short Scarlet red hair, Tattoed, the Tough Cookie, she is naturally cool and bad-ass!
“Yes, Flashdance is a dance movie.”...
“The main character in it is a woman who works as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night... But I don’t dance so it got shortened to Flash. I’ve been Flash ever since.”
STORY
Ian is determined to convince Flash that no matter what the challenges are, they belong together. But Flash is afraid of refusal and not being able to fit into his world.
I am not unfamiliar with a rich man - poor, poorer woman trope, but It has been a while that I read about the insecurities which the woman has because of the class differences between them. It was sad and heartbreaking to read through from her side.
“...You and I, we don’t match very well. We clash. We’re like Joe Biden and Joan Jett.”
“I can’t believe you called me Joe Biden.”
“He’s the first Catholic guy I could think of who wears suits all the time.”
PROS
*Okay, I always like hs easily. I just like them... But Flash is an admirable character. I loved her! I respected her. I never said, oh, Poor Woman or Woman Up!
She is insecure but never shows it. She is prideful, strong-willed, talented, handy, powerful, and sarcastic! No one can mess with this woman! I need more women like her in my books.
*And there's Ian:
1. I always love it when the lead-man is not full of himself and when I am actually able to hear his insecurities. It was adorable to read about such a charming man like him feeling so uncool around h.
He would impress her and to impress her was to impress himself because anyone who could impress Flash was impressive as hell.
2. When it comes to Hs, yes, I like│get attracted│love│love to hate│ etc. them but most of the time I only verb (something) them in fiction. I simply don't believe they work in real life. But this man. I seriously would want him as a lover │bf │friends+w+benefits │friend │anything. He is a healthy man with no mental illness whatsoever. Not unhealthily possessive, not obsessive, not insane... He is a charming man!
* The only place she let him have the domination is during sexual intercourse. Oh, did I not like this balance?!
*I know I sound a bit sexist by saying this, but I am writing it anyway at the beginning She was the Alpha-Man type and I loved it. I needed it! It was good to have a change!
“In sex,” she said.
“Excuse me?” “You heard me.”
She wiped her hands on her pants.
“You can pay me for the work in sex.”
“You know this is creepy, right? You coming into my house while I’m in the shower?”
He hated how much he liked seeing her making herself at home in his place. Especially since she was technically breaking and entering.
...
*Awesome main characters+ awesome couple + They are true equals in their relationship!
*Her description of creating art. As a design graduate, I can't tell how much I related to that!
Her brain lit up and her fingers tingled...images floated through her mind—lines, turns, light glancing off metal, curves...beautiful metal curves... She felt a rush of adrenaline.
*Inside jokes, pillow talks, general dialogues, writing.
*Sex is still oh-so-amazing, but it feels real also. + I love their stupid jokes / comments during sex.
When his vision cleared, he looked down and saw her beautiful back that he had marked.
“I added to your decor,” he said between breaths.
“Does my night sky look like the Milky Way now?” “You’re so gross,” he said, laughing.
*So many things about this book that felt real and sincere.
*Their sexual descriptions; e.g. 5 stages of cock, how vaginal sex felt from both sides.
*Mrs. Scheinberg
“He’s a man. You’re a woman. No man is out of any woman’s league,” Mrs. Scheinberg said.
OVERALL
*I would also want to say the cover is so gorgeous, but... the man seems handsome tho?
*I can add more likings, but overall, yes, I absolutely loved this book. Great read! It was romantic, sexy, sweet, a tiny bit angsty, partly dramatic but totally fun and entertaining. And It definitely has the Christmas Spirit.
*Okay, normally I don't have such high expectations in these matters, I get what it's given, but just because I truly appreciated this book, I felt like I must add this fact. The word choices are not so genderless, man things and woman things, and the difference is quite obvious, but when I consider its publish date (2016), I understand it. I am not the same as 5 years ago either, so yeah, so I do not mind. I just wanted to mention.
*Well It was a bit short, I wish It were longer.
*Renee, thank you for introducing me to Tiffany Reisz with this lovely read.
“Are you in love with me?” she asked.
“You know I am.” “Say it.”
“I’m in love with you, Veronica Redding.
Not a Classical Christmas Book, But it Definitely has the Spirit!!
“So...what are you wearing?”
Flash answered absolutely truthfully this time. “A smile.”
“I need to be steel-reinforced around you. You are an earthquake.”
“That’s the sexiest thing any man has ever said about me.”
CHARACTERS
Ian Asher: White Collar, Boss, Senator's Charming Son, Blue eyes sandy brown hair dreamy man.
Veronica ''Flash'' Redding: Blue Collar, Welder, Sculptor, Artist, Short Scarlet red hair, Tattoed, the Tough Cookie, she is naturally cool and bad-ass!
“Yes, Flashdance is a dance movie.”...
“The main character in it is a woman who works as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night... But I don’t dance so it got shortened to Flash. I’ve been Flash ever since.”
STORY
Ian is determined to convince Flash that no matter what the challenges are, they belong together. But Flash is afraid of refusal and not being able to fit into his world.
I am not unfamiliar with a rich man - poor, poorer woman trope, but It has been a while that I read about the insecurities which the woman has because of the class differences between them. It was sad and heartbreaking to read through from her side.
“...You and I, we don’t match very well. We clash. We’re like Joe Biden and Joan Jett.”
“I can’t believe you called me Joe Biden.”
“He’s the first Catholic guy I could think of who wears suits all the time.”
PROS
*Okay, I always like hs easily. I just like them... But Flash is an admirable character. I loved her! I respected her. I never said, oh, Poor Woman or Woman Up!
She is insecure but never shows it. She is prideful, strong-willed, talented, handy, powerful, and sarcastic! No one can mess with this woman! I need more women like her in my books.
*And there's Ian:
1. I always love it when the lead-man is not full of himself and when I am actually able to hear his insecurities. It was adorable to read about such a charming man like him feeling so uncool around h.
He would impress her and to impress her was to impress himself because anyone who could impress Flash was impressive as hell.
2. When it comes to Hs, yes, I like│get attracted│love│love to hate│ etc. them but most of the time I only verb (something) them in fiction. I simply don't believe they work in real life. But this man. I seriously would want him as a lover │bf │friends+w+benefits │friend │anything. He is a healthy man with no mental illness whatsoever. Not unhealthily possessive, not obsessive, not insane... He is a charming man!
* The only place she let him have the domination is during sexual intercourse. Oh, did I not like this balance?!
*I know I sound a bit sexist by saying this, but I am writing it anyway at the beginning She was the Alpha-Man type and I loved it. I needed it! It was good to have a change!
“In sex,” she said.
“Excuse me?” “You heard me.”
She wiped her hands on her pants.
“You can pay me for the work in sex.”
“You know this is creepy, right? You coming into my house while I’m in the shower?”
He hated how much he liked seeing her making herself at home in his place. Especially since she was technically breaking and entering.
...
*Awesome main characters+ awesome couple + They are true equals in their relationship!
*Her description of creating art. As a design graduate, I can't tell how much I related to that!
Her brain lit up and her fingers tingled...images floated through her mind—lines, turns, light glancing off metal, curves...beautiful metal curves... She felt a rush of adrenaline.
*Inside jokes, pillow talks, general dialogues, writing.
*Sex is still oh-so-amazing, but it feels real also. + I love their stupid jokes / comments during sex.
When his vision cleared, he looked down and saw her beautiful back that he had marked.
“I added to your decor,” he said between breaths.
“Does my night sky look like the Milky Way now?” “You’re so gross,” he said, laughing.
*So many things about this book that felt real and sincere.
*Their sexual descriptions; e.g. 5 stages of cock, how vaginal sex felt from both sides.
*Mrs. Scheinberg
“He’s a man. You’re a woman. No man is out of any woman’s league,” Mrs. Scheinberg said.
OVERALL
*I would also want to say the cover is so gorgeous, but... the man seems handsome tho?
*I can add more likings, but overall, yes, I absolutely loved this book. Great read! It was romantic, sexy, sweet, a tiny bit angsty, partly dramatic but totally fun and entertaining. And It definitely has the Christmas Spirit.
*Okay, normally I don't have such high expectations in these matters, I get what it's given, but just because I truly appreciated this book, I felt like I must add this fact. The word choices are not so genderless, man things and woman things, and the difference is quite obvious, but when I consider its publish date (2016), I understand it. I am not the same as 5 years ago either, so yeah, so I do not mind. I just wanted to mention.
*Well It was a bit short, I wish It were longer.
*Renee, thank you for introducing me to Tiffany Reisz with this lovely read.
“Are you in love with me?” she asked.
“You know I am.” “Say it.”
“I’m in love with you, Veronica Redding.
February 7, 2017
4* a bit kinky STARS!!
For better or worse, this is the best vanilla romance from Tiffany Reisz. I don't think I will read this type of Harlequin ever again. Ugh my heart couldn't take it. Every part of my body turns into prune. But, this was so much better than the previous.
Veronica "Flash" Redding couldn't forget her most memorable one-night-stand with her handsome boss, Ian Asher. Unfortunately, he was kinda dumped her and she really need to move on. When Flash decided to quit working for his company, Ian could't let her go. He offers friendship but Flash wants more. Sex.
As a female welder in Asher Construction, Flash really did amazing job. I really loved her character. She's brave, smart and independent. Flash live with jokes and sarcasm. There was never a dull moment with her. Outside her tough exterior, she's a softie inside. Flash liked Ian too much.
Ian isn't your usual spoiled rich billionaire. He admit has nothing; all the richness came from his father. I'm in love with this guy quickly, but not at first. He's kinda irritated me a bit when he dumped Flash. But there is a reason in every problem. They're quickly solved the misunderstanding and get back together. I loved their chemistry. All the sexual tension between them.
Office romance is one of my favorite. Technically, Ian is her ex-boss. But still, he has commanding aura, sexy and quite a pervert. Bottom line, Ian is the most uber HOT male species in vanilla category. I really enjoyed the story especially their bonding time. How they're pouring out each other feelings. It brought them closer together. So intimate. Overall, I was impressed. There was a little drama happened but it didn't matter. I enjoyed it so much!
For better or worse, this is the best vanilla romance from Tiffany Reisz. I don't think I will read this type of Harlequin ever again. Ugh my heart couldn't take it. Every part of my body turns into prune. But, this was so much better than the previous.
Veronica "Flash" Redding couldn't forget her most memorable one-night-stand with her handsome boss, Ian Asher. Unfortunately, he was kinda dumped her and she really need to move on. When Flash decided to quit working for his company, Ian could't let her go. He offers friendship but Flash wants more. Sex.
As a female welder in Asher Construction, Flash really did amazing job. I really loved her character. She's brave, smart and independent. Flash live with jokes and sarcasm. There was never a dull moment with her. Outside her tough exterior, she's a softie inside. Flash liked Ian too much.
Ian isn't your usual spoiled rich billionaire. He admit has nothing; all the richness came from his father. I'm in love with this guy quickly, but not at first. He's kinda irritated me a bit when he dumped Flash. But there is a reason in every problem. They're quickly solved the misunderstanding and get back together. I loved their chemistry. All the sexual tension between them.
“I’m never like this with anyone but you,” he said as he caught his breath. She loved hearing him out of breath from fucking her. “You bring out the worst in me. Or the best. Can’t tell sometimes.”
“I bring out the you in you.”
“You like me like this, don’t you?”
Office romance is one of my favorite. Technically, Ian is her ex-boss. But still, he has commanding aura, sexy and quite a pervert. Bottom line, Ian is the most uber HOT male species in vanilla category. I really enjoyed the story especially their bonding time. How they're pouring out each other feelings. It brought them closer together. So intimate. Overall, I was impressed. There was a little drama happened but it didn't matter. I enjoyed it so much!
He’d never said her name before—only Flash, never Veronica. She’d forgotten he’d known her real name and then to hear him say it in that breathless desperate way while he was penetrating her, it was like he’d cut her open all the way to her heart.
November 28, 2016
3.5 Stars
Veronica "Flash" fell hard for her boss Ian after months of crushing led to an unparalleled night of passion. Both body and mind were engaged that night, but Ian broke it off the next day and Flash has spent the last six months trying to get over Ian.
Ian had to break things off with Flash, but he never explained why. He, too, has had a difficult time getting over Flash, but their was situation impossible. Circumstances have changed and now he hopes he can convince Flash to give them another chance.
I think One Hot December had to be the most scorchingly hot of the series. Seriously flipping hot!! Man Tiffany Reisz knows how to push my buttons, making me a hot mess! Wth that said, I think Flash was the character I related to the least in this series, though, just because I'm not the really edgy type. Not saying I didn't like her, though, because she was a very likable character, just saying that being a welder in a male dominated construction job, having tattoos of women on my biceps, and short, flaming red hair is completely out of my comfort zone. I don't like to stand out so much. Luckily for Flash, Ian, the man she fell hard for, completely dug the whole package. It's a total "opposites attract" situation with Ian the classically handsome, straight-laced bachelor coming from privilege, and Flash the blue collar girl with a poor background, and Flash frets over this a bit. Their roles were completely tossed out in the bedroom, though, Ian was very dominant, bossy and in charge, just the way Flash craved!
I love that there was no lengthy unreasonable relationship drama, instead we get Ian and Flash all hot and totally into each other! I love the wintery setting, perfect for this time of year. A chalet at the top of the mountain, surrounded by snow sounds perfect! Ian and Flash warmed themselves up in all kinds of interesting ways!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica "Flash" fell hard for her boss Ian after months of crushing led to an unparalleled night of passion. Both body and mind were engaged that night, but Ian broke it off the next day and Flash has spent the last six months trying to get over Ian.
Ian had to break things off with Flash, but he never explained why. He, too, has had a difficult time getting over Flash, but their was situation impossible. Circumstances have changed and now he hopes he can convince Flash to give them another chance.
I think One Hot December had to be the most scorchingly hot of the series. Seriously flipping hot!! Man Tiffany Reisz knows how to push my buttons, making me a hot mess! Wth that said, I think Flash was the character I related to the least in this series, though, just because I'm not the really edgy type. Not saying I didn't like her, though, because she was a very likable character, just saying that being a welder in a male dominated construction job, having tattoos of women on my biceps, and short, flaming red hair is completely out of my comfort zone. I don't like to stand out so much. Luckily for Flash, Ian, the man she fell hard for, completely dug the whole package. It's a total "opposites attract" situation with Ian the classically handsome, straight-laced bachelor coming from privilege, and Flash the blue collar girl with a poor background, and Flash frets over this a bit. Their roles were completely tossed out in the bedroom, though, Ian was very dominant, bossy and in charge, just the way Flash craved!
I love that there was no lengthy unreasonable relationship drama, instead we get Ian and Flash all hot and totally into each other! I love the wintery setting, perfect for this time of year. A chalet at the top of the mountain, surrounded by snow sounds perfect! Ian and Flash warmed themselves up in all kinds of interesting ways!
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2019
I needed something cute, fun, Christmassy and sexy.
It ticked all the boxes!
It ticked all the boxes!
December 28, 2020
To close out my Christmas Romance week, of course I chose one of my favorite authors. This little Harlequin Blaze series started off with such a bang, Her Halloween Treat was one of my favorite reads this year. Plus, I really can't wait to start my new "Life Changing BJs" shelf, and I was sure I'd be able to make this the first inductee.
Don't get me wrong, I did like this book. It was a sweet and sexy love story about a strong, independent woman and her charming, clean-cut man. They joke about themselves as Joe Biden meets Joan Jett, and it's somewhat fitting, honestly. The banter was exceptional, their dialogue stands out as my favorite aspect of the story.
But listen, I have SUPER high expectations for Tiffany Reisz books, and this one didn't quite meet them. Veronica "Flash" Redding was a pretty cool character, except I hated that everyone called her Flash. Horrible nickname, not sexy at all. And Mr. Ian Asher was a nice guy, I enjoyed him. But he was really forgettable to me, and that is not what I'm used to with her stories.
Plus, the first time these two were together was before the story starts. So we're told they're so sexually compatible that one night together had them falling in love with each other. Well, you know... I'm here for the sex, so I would have really liked to have read about that apparently life-changing encounter.
So yes, I did like it. I just didn't like it as much as I was expecting to. Could be that's just a personal problem of mine, though. It had all of my favorite TR elements - hot sex, funny banter, and characters being comfortable in their sexuality. I just didn't connect to it like I do with most of her stuff.
Here is where I say sayonara to Christmas romance for the year. A few duds, one shiny gem, and this one that falls somewhere in the middle. It's been fun!
Don't get me wrong, I did like this book. It was a sweet and sexy love story about a strong, independent woman and her charming, clean-cut man. They joke about themselves as Joe Biden meets Joan Jett, and it's somewhat fitting, honestly. The banter was exceptional, their dialogue stands out as my favorite aspect of the story.
But listen, I have SUPER high expectations for Tiffany Reisz books, and this one didn't quite meet them. Veronica "Flash" Redding was a pretty cool character, except I hated that everyone called her Flash. Horrible nickname, not sexy at all. And Mr. Ian Asher was a nice guy, I enjoyed him. But he was really forgettable to me, and that is not what I'm used to with her stories.
Plus, the first time these two were together was before the story starts. So we're told they're so sexually compatible that one night together had them falling in love with each other. Well, you know... I'm here for the sex, so I would have really liked to have read about that apparently life-changing encounter.
So yes, I did like it. I just didn't like it as much as I was expecting to. Could be that's just a personal problem of mine, though. It had all of my favorite TR elements - hot sex, funny banter, and characters being comfortable in their sexuality. I just didn't connect to it like I do with most of her stuff.
Here is where I say sayonara to Christmas romance for the year. A few duds, one shiny gem, and this one that falls somewhere in the middle. It's been fun!
November 28, 2016
This series had been a wonderful treat for me. It's on the shorter side, but it's filled with Tiffany Reisz' trademark banter. And it's effin' hot. I liked all the books in the series but this is probably my favorite of the three.
I loved Veronica "Flash" Redding's character. She's the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability. She's a welder-slash-sculptor who fell in love with her boss at first sight. I don't blame her though, because Ian Asher is as swoony as they come.
If you guys are in the mood for some heartfelt, lighthearted but sexy as hell romance, I highly recommend this series.
ARC provided by Harlquin for a review.
I loved Veronica "Flash" Redding's character. She's the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability. She's a welder-slash-sculptor who fell in love with her boss at first sight. I don't blame her though, because Ian Asher is as swoony as they come.
If you guys are in the mood for some heartfelt, lighthearted but sexy as hell romance, I highly recommend this series.
ARC provided by Harlquin for a review.
November 12, 2016
4 "FlashArtist"Stars!
And that's a wrap for the holidays with Tiffany Reisz romances! One Hot December, the third and last book in the Men at Work Series, takes a slightly different tone than the prior books as the "man at work" is really a woman (welder) and her love interest is a CEO, son of a rich State Senator. Nonetheless--though the roles are reversed--we are still treated to a special, erotic holiday romance. In this case a heartwarming Christmas/Hanukkah romance. Ms. Reisz being the religious expert she is adds touches of two December holidays to this story making it doubly as festive!
They shared one night of passion and then Ian Asher, her boss, quickly apologized noting his "superior" status and said it could never happen again. It was bad enough being the only female on staff in a construction company. The jokes she was suffered to bare and doled out were just part of the price. But being required to see him every day and not be able to lay claim to him notwithstanding their undeniable attraction made it unbearable torture. So Veronica "Flash" Redding finally throws her hands up in defeat and turns in her notice.
With the one impediment out of the way (their employer/employee status), Ian now feels free to explore what he has been dreaming of for months: a relationship with Flash. But when Flash makes it clear that she is not willing to put her heart on the line again, Ian has one steep hill to climb. Fortunately for him, he is one dominant man (especially in the bedroom) who is willing to go after what he wants--no matter what others (including his politician father) may think. Can Ian win "Flash" over and convince her to give him one more chance?
All in all, One Hot December is an enjoyable romance that brings together a whole case of secondary characters to prove that even a couple composed of persons from different sides of the tracks can find a HEA in the end.
Source: Review copy provided for honest review purposes.
And that's a wrap for the holidays with Tiffany Reisz romances! One Hot December, the third and last book in the Men at Work Series, takes a slightly different tone than the prior books as the "man at work" is really a woman (welder) and her love interest is a CEO, son of a rich State Senator. Nonetheless--though the roles are reversed--we are still treated to a special, erotic holiday romance. In this case a heartwarming Christmas/Hanukkah romance. Ms. Reisz being the religious expert she is adds touches of two December holidays to this story making it doubly as festive!
They shared one night of passion and then Ian Asher, her boss, quickly apologized noting his "superior" status and said it could never happen again. It was bad enough being the only female on staff in a construction company. The jokes she was suffered to bare and doled out were just part of the price. But being required to see him every day and not be able to lay claim to him notwithstanding their undeniable attraction made it unbearable torture. So Veronica "Flash" Redding finally throws her hands up in defeat and turns in her notice.
With the one impediment out of the way (their employer/employee status), Ian now feels free to explore what he has been dreaming of for months: a relationship with Flash. But when Flash makes it clear that she is not willing to put her heart on the line again, Ian has one steep hill to climb. Fortunately for him, he is one dominant man (especially in the bedroom) who is willing to go after what he wants--no matter what others (including his politician father) may think. Can Ian win "Flash" over and convince her to give him one more chance?
All in all, One Hot December is an enjoyable romance that brings together a whole case of secondary characters to prove that even a couple composed of persons from different sides of the tracks can find a HEA in the end.
Source: Review copy provided for honest review purposes.
December 31, 2018
All I can say is that cum was mentioned a few too many times for my comfort in this book. It wasn't the worst romance book, but it definitely wasn't the best. I described all of my feelings about this in my most recent Christmas Drunk Literacy: https://youtu.be/sdFyYEIuKX8
December 4, 2016
3'5. Es el más flojo de los tres de la serie pero quién lee estos libros para encontrar la historia de su vida? Sigue siendo entretenido y estupendo para leer un ratito algo sin consecuencias y disfrutar con las secuencias calentorras (aquí, con algo de BDSM) y los estupendísimos diálogos que escribe Tiffany Reisz. Ay, si todos las festividades fueran tan hot como las que nos cuenta esta mujer...
January 1, 2017
Veronica "Flash" has it bad for her boss, well former boss, in two-weeks. After one heated night, Ian Asher gave her the brush off and she hasn't gotten over the sting just yet. When Flash tells Ian that she's giving her notice, he knows he can't just let her walk away. It wasn't a lack of desire that drove him to turn her down, but now that she isn't his employee anylonger, he isn't going to just let her walk out of his life.
Another steamy, witty romance from Reisz. One Hot December gives you a taste of the forbidden, characters from two very different worlds. Ian has everything, while Flash is still waiting for the other shoe to drop. I loved the balance we saw with Flash. She was a spitfire, but still so very vulnerable. Being that this was a short read, the insta-love didn't really bother me, since there was a whole backstory that we didn't get in this book - but gave the characters enough history to really justify those feelings.
Whether you are already a fan of this author - or if you just want to pick up a fun read -- you can't go wrong with anything this woman writes.
Another steamy, witty romance from Reisz. One Hot December gives you a taste of the forbidden, characters from two very different worlds. Ian has everything, while Flash is still waiting for the other shoe to drop. I loved the balance we saw with Flash. She was a spitfire, but still so very vulnerable. Being that this was a short read, the insta-love didn't really bother me, since there was a whole backstory that we didn't get in this book - but gave the characters enough history to really justify those feelings.
Whether you are already a fan of this author - or if you just want to pick up a fun read -- you can't go wrong with anything this woman writes.
July 20, 2017
I didn't connect with this book as much as the last two, but it's still Tiffany Reisz goodness – hot, funny, and utterly charming. Review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
December 24, 2022
This wasn’t great. I’m kind of annoyed by this book actually. I liked the idea of a Hanukkah book featuring a nontraditional FMC -a tattooed welder- and a rich, pampered MMC. This seemed to be a bit of a nod to the movie Flashdance, without the dancing. But the execution of this book was lacklustre. Mainly my problems with this book have to do with timelines and pacing. We start off 6 months after the two mains had a one night stand and the hero ended things because he’s her boss. Veronica, quite hurt by this, has spent the last six months playing pranks and acting inappropriately at work to get back at him. In the first couple chapters she quits her job, their animosity is resolved and their relationship resumes. The remainder of the book is just them having sex and flashbacks of their previous time together. I didn’t like the way the author laid out this story because she often would go into character backstory, previous interactions or their inner thoughts DURING their sexual encounters. So she would break us out of the sex and put us in the heroine’s head as she went to a Christmas party the year before, or how she felt being a child of a single mother. MY GAWD! It was totally not the time to do character development. Then we would be thrust back into the sexual encounter again having lost most of the momentum. Just over all a badly paced story. Maybe reduce the amount of sex in the book and actually FOCUS on those elements that you want to develop. The story itself could have been sweet but it was badly done in favour of stuffing as much steam as possible into the short book. I don’t know if this is because it’s a ‘Blaze’ novel, maybe there is a requirement for % of sex verses # of pages, because I’ve read three of these this year and the sex is always abundant and always overwhelms the story. These are less than 200 page books, there is no way to have a romantic story and 10 - 15 sexual encounters in that short a span. I think I will try this author outside of this Harlequin format. I don’t think these Blaze books are for me.
December 31, 2020
.
Never sleep with your boss!
Of course they both broke that rule 6 months ago and Ian ended it in a coldly efficient manner. Flash isn't one to take that kinda thing lying down and has pulled pranks on him and generally given him a hard time since then. Now she is in his office to tell him she's quitting.
Ian kinda panicks. He can't just let her walk away!
This is one of those rare second chance stories where the H really did have a good reason and he was super apologetic. It sucked sure. But he really didn't have a choice.
So the story moves on to Flash's insecurities about the disparity in their status'. And they are given weight, but not so much as to sink the story.
I absolutely loved how Ian stood up to his father about Flash. And like everything with this author, it wasn't a predictable cliche conversation.
I love this author's writing style. Her dialogue is so witty I am always envious.
There's quite a bit of sex, but it's realistic and inventive at the same time. Plus even then there is wit that pushes the story forward.
There's a bit of a misunderstanding at the end, but it made sense and they actually communicated.
Safety is good
Never sleep with your boss!
Of course they both broke that rule 6 months ago and Ian ended it in a coldly efficient manner. Flash isn't one to take that kinda thing lying down and has pulled pranks on him and generally given him a hard time since then. Now she is in his office to tell him she's quitting.
Ian kinda panicks. He can't just let her walk away!
This is one of those rare second chance stories where the H really did have a good reason and he was super apologetic. It sucked sure. But he really didn't have a choice.
So the story moves on to Flash's insecurities about the disparity in their status'. And they are given weight, but not so much as to sink the story.
I absolutely loved how Ian stood up to his father about Flash. And like everything with this author, it wasn't a predictable cliche conversation.
I love this author's writing style. Her dialogue is so witty I am always envious.
There's quite a bit of sex, but it's realistic and inventive at the same time. Plus even then there is wit that pushes the story forward.
There's a bit of a misunderstanding at the end, but it made sense and they actually communicated.
Safety is good
December 16, 2016
Welp! It wasn't Shakespeare but it was entertaining, smutty, funny, smutty, lighthearted and did I mention smutty? I mean, look at that cover! Total smutty cheese fest... yup, just what the doctor ordered after a more serious read!
October 17, 2017
Cute book. Quick read. Oregon setting.
3rd person POV. This is book 3 in the series, so Ian and "Flash" already know each other.
Ian's her boss. The son of the Construction Co owner.
Snarky humor. A lot of sexy scenes. Low angst. Opposites attract. Flash/Veronica is a goth/hipster, welder/mixed metal sculptress.
Ian is the boss & he's crazy about Flash.
Mrs Scheinberg is an awesome friend.
This was a case of perfect book at the perfect time.
I might read book 2 (Halloween theme). I heard that's the favorite.
This was my first OverDrive loan (library ebook).
3.75 stars
3rd person POV. This is book 3 in the series, so Ian and "Flash" already know each other.
Ian's her boss. The son of the Construction Co owner.
Snarky humor. A lot of sexy scenes. Low angst. Opposites attract. Flash/Veronica is a goth/hipster, welder/mixed metal sculptress.
Ian is the boss & he's crazy about Flash.
Mrs Scheinberg is an awesome friend.
This was a case of perfect book at the perfect time.
I might read book 2 (Halloween theme). I heard that's the favorite.
This was my first OverDrive loan (library ebook).
3.75 stars
December 1, 2020
I really can’t recommend this holiday romance series enough. An absolute delight. Not overly Christmas themed but it’s there. And I absolutely loved the couple and the humor.
December 3, 2016
Book & Audiobook Review: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars Performance: 5+ Stars
The last addition to the Men At Work Series was hilariously awesome! Veronica AKA Flash and Ian AKA The Boss were perfect together. When I started reading the book, I first saw a very bitter and vindictive Flash, and a grumpy and kind of an asshole Ian, but later, when their truer personalities were showing as the story was progressing, I found funny and easy going characters that I ended up loving so much.
This story had five stages, just like Ian’s dick.
Stage One: Flaccid . It was when Flash was all mad at Ian for dumping her, because he was her boss. In this stage they both were miserable.
Stage Two: Yawning and Stretching . It was when Flash quit her job. They both were sure they wouldn’t see each other ever again, but… Thanks to Ian’s brilliant and desperate idea of her doing some welding in his new fireplace lead them to better and hotter things.
Stage Three: Full hard on. You can imagine what Flash and Ian were doing during this stage. *chuckles*. But this full force erected stage also meant them opening their hearts to each other. It was beautiful <3
Stage Four: About to orgasm. I loved this part of the book, because they were tested and there was a little drama but what Ian and Flash had was true love, true respect for each other, and true support. There was also solo accomplishments for both of them that made this story even better.
Stage Five: Coming. One Hot December has an awesome happily ever after.
What did I love the most about this book? The resemblance it had with The Original Sinners Series. It’s kinky and funny and the characters felt like a gender swap for Kingsley—Flash— and Nora—Ian—, which made me love them even more.
As for the audiobook, Lidia Dornet did a flawless performance for One Hot December . She made the characters sassier and sexier and her breathy voice for the sex scenes was just perfect. I loved her tone of voice and her pace. I also loved the inflexions she made for the secondary characters.
Finally, I have to say WELL DONE, TIFFANY. I loved the whole series, all three stories set in Mount Hood were unique and sexy and romantic and funny as hell. I can’t wait what the next year brings.
Story: 5 Stars Performance: 5+ Stars
The last addition to the Men At Work Series was hilariously awesome! Veronica AKA Flash and Ian AKA The Boss were perfect together. When I started reading the book, I first saw a very bitter and vindictive Flash, and a grumpy and kind of an asshole Ian, but later, when their truer personalities were showing as the story was progressing, I found funny and easy going characters that I ended up loving so much.
This story had five stages, just like Ian’s dick.
Stage One: Flaccid . It was when Flash was all mad at Ian for dumping her, because he was her boss. In this stage they both were miserable.
Stage Two: Yawning and Stretching . It was when Flash quit her job. They both were sure they wouldn’t see each other ever again, but… Thanks to Ian’s brilliant and desperate idea of her doing some welding in his new fireplace lead them to better and hotter things.
Stage Three: Full hard on. You can imagine what Flash and Ian were doing during this stage. *chuckles*. But this full force erected stage also meant them opening their hearts to each other. It was beautiful <3
“I’ve spent six months not being able to take a full breath because of you and now I can breathe again and all I want to breathe in or out is you.”
Stage Four: About to orgasm. I loved this part of the book, because they were tested and there was a little drama but what Ian and Flash had was true love, true respect for each other, and true support. There was also solo accomplishments for both of them that made this story even better.
Stage Five: Coming. One Hot December has an awesome happily ever after.
What did I love the most about this book? The resemblance it had with The Original Sinners Series. It’s kinky and funny and the characters felt like a gender swap for Kingsley—Flash— and Nora—Ian—, which made me love them even more.
As for the audiobook, Lidia Dornet did a flawless performance for One Hot December . She made the characters sassier and sexier and her breathy voice for the sex scenes was just perfect. I loved her tone of voice and her pace. I also loved the inflexions she made for the secondary characters.
Finally, I have to say WELL DONE, TIFFANY. I loved the whole series, all three stories set in Mount Hood were unique and sexy and romantic and funny as hell. I can’t wait what the next year brings.
December 15, 2020
I really really don't like the covers of this series, but I absolutely LOVED the inside of this book. I thought the Halloween Book in this series was okay, loved the Thanksgiving Book, and this Christmas one is probably my favorite. I think reading Flash and Ian's prequel would be a good idea before diving into this one.
Tiffany Reisz knows how to write great characters I've noticed, and it's especially true in One Hot December. Veronica, aka Flash, is this badass chick covered in tattoos with short, spiky red hair. She welds for a living, and doesn't take any crap from the men she is surrounded by all the time at work. Ian is her Boss, and he is a great character. Of course he's lived a totally different life than Flash, but he's humble. He's also incredibly charming, sweet, sarcastic, funny... all the adjectives! Their chemistry and banter together was off the charts and this book was incredibly steamy!
Tiffany Reisz knows how to write great characters I've noticed, and it's especially true in One Hot December. Veronica, aka Flash, is this badass chick covered in tattoos with short, spiky red hair. She welds for a living, and doesn't take any crap from the men she is surrounded by all the time at work. Ian is her Boss, and he is a great character. Of course he's lived a totally different life than Flash, but he's humble. He's also incredibly charming, sweet, sarcastic, funny... all the adjectives! Their chemistry and banter together was off the charts and this book was incredibly steamy!
December 7, 2021
2.5 Stars
I really enjoyed the previous book in this 3-book series and had high expectations for this one, but the couple hadn’t really worked for me. The sad thing is, when Ian and Veronica were apart and had scenes with family or close friends, I really liked the dialogue, interactions, and the characters themselves. When together, the dynamics weren't as compelling. I also didn’t enjoy their intimate scenes, unless they were engaged in some silly banter. In regards to my overall enjoyment, this story was split right down the middle. Hence, my 2.5-star rating.
November 23, 2016
I have loved, loved, loved this three-book (all stand alone) holiday contemporary series by Tiffany Reisz. One Hot December features a heroine who is a welder, with short spiky hair and goes by the name Flash (aka Flashdance from the movie), although she also answers to the name Veronica. Flash has worked for a few years for Ian's company - the only female employee and an amazing welder. She has fought tooth and nail to earn their respect, and finally (kind of) has it. Flash has a problem though - she is in love with her boss. Six months ago, Flash and Ian spent a wild night together, and Flash fell for him hard. But Ian refused to repeat that night, and pretty much keeps his distance now. Even after Flash welded a pair of metal nuts to his truck, he still isn't wooed. Weird.
When Flash accepts a new job elsewhere, this leaves her free to lust after Ian -- and he her -- without any fear of sexual harassment. The problem is that Ian is so nervous around her (he really likes her but hides it) and Flash is all defensive walls.
Although this one doesn't have a ton of conflict in it, I still felt their chemistry is well done. They both like each other so much, but the whole boss/employee sex thing isn't really cool. When Flash leaves her job and they both finally admit they have the hots for the other, it's so sexy. Ian has a hot control thing that goes on in the bedroom and Flash is all for it. With her short spiky hair, tattoos, and unique sense of style, she makes a fun heroine. She felt like a welder, and some of the art pieces mentioned in the book are told in nice detail.
There were also scenes that made me giggle:
“Second floor,” he said. “Last room on the left.”
“What is?” she whispered back.
“My old bedroom. Slip out while nobody’s watching us. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“You’re really going to fuck me at your family’s Christmas party?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
“You know, Mrs. Scheinberg said you had a big Christmas present you were going to give me tonight. Is it your cock?”
“I can’t tell you that. It would ruin the surprise.”
“Okay, I’m going,” she said. “But if you show up with your dick in a box, it's not going to be a happy holiday."
And did I mention sexy? There is one particular scene where Flash may be on her knees....*ahem*
Grade: B
When Flash accepts a new job elsewhere, this leaves her free to lust after Ian -- and he her -- without any fear of sexual harassment. The problem is that Ian is so nervous around her (he really likes her but hides it) and Flash is all defensive walls.
Although this one doesn't have a ton of conflict in it, I still felt their chemistry is well done. They both like each other so much, but the whole boss/employee sex thing isn't really cool. When Flash leaves her job and they both finally admit they have the hots for the other, it's so sexy. Ian has a hot control thing that goes on in the bedroom and Flash is all for it. With her short spiky hair, tattoos, and unique sense of style, she makes a fun heroine. She felt like a welder, and some of the art pieces mentioned in the book are told in nice detail.
There were also scenes that made me giggle:
“Second floor,” he said. “Last room on the left.”
“What is?” she whispered back.
“My old bedroom. Slip out while nobody’s watching us. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“You’re really going to fuck me at your family’s Christmas party?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
“You know, Mrs. Scheinberg said you had a big Christmas present you were going to give me tonight. Is it your cock?”
“I can’t tell you that. It would ruin the surprise.”
“Okay, I’m going,” she said. “But if you show up with your dick in a box, it's not going to be a happy holiday."
And did I mention sexy? There is one particular scene where Flash may be on her knees....*ahem*
Grade: B
March 16, 2018
Now the only reason a person should give this a lower rating is because this series is to damn short. I love Tiffany's writing. I loved how Flash like it to when Ian bosses her around when their intimate. Once you pick up this book you won't be able to put it down. Now that I finished it I'm sad I'm having Tiffany withdrawal she always does this to me.
September 25, 2023
Reread- I like my Christmas-themed books full of banter and with loads of spice.
Tropes
Opposites attract
Class Differences
Second chance
Pining
Tropes
Opposites attract
Class Differences
Second chance
Pining
November 28, 2016
One Hot December is the third book in the Men At Work trilogy by Tiffany Reisz, a lighthearted, funny and super sexy series set in the in the idyllic forested locale surrounding Mount Hood, Oregon. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book in the standalone series that has loosely connected characters but can be read in any order. This story is a second chance romance with a Christmas and Hanukkah theme and definitely belongs on your holiday bookshelf.
Veronica ‘Flash’ Redding is a welder extraordinaire, who uses her artistic talents to create masterpieces of metal sculptures alongside her day to day job in construction. She and her boss, wealthy businessman Ian Asher shared a passionate night together a few months earlier when their attraction to each other and a handful of drinks got the better of them. But immediately after Ian backed off and made it clear to Flash that a relationship and repeat of their steamy night together was not in the cards. Flash took it all in stride, not giving away the hurt she felt at his declaration and continuing to do her job and do it well. But the time has come for her to move on, and she’s given her notice. She’s got a new job with Clover (heroine of book 2 of the series, Her Naughty Holiday) and she’s looking forward to being able to spend more time on her art. Ian is sorry to see her leaving his company, but not that sorry – because now that they aren’t going to be working together he’s hoping he can convince her to give him a second chance after blowing it with her the first time. Convincing her to come up to his newly purchased chalet to use her welding skills on a dilapidated iron grating over the fireplace is really just an excuse to get her back in his arms again. Flash isn’t so foolish as to pass up the opportunity for great sex with Ian, since the first time around made it clear that they had some compatible kinks in the bedroom. But this time she's determined to keep her heart out of the equation. Can Ian convince her to let him into her heart again?
What fun! I loved seeing a woman in a non-typical role, and Flash definitely fits with her brash demeanor, her tattoos and punk hair, and her job as a welder. She’s quite adept at working around the misogyny she encounters because of her job, and the guys she works with have learned to have her back and trust her judgement. She may not always be ultra feminine in appearance but it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a soft heart, and Ian hurt her deeply when he rejected the possibility of a relationship between them after their startlingly erotic first night together. She hides that hurt with a snarky exterior but one Ian is capable of seeing behind. I appreciated that once Flash quit her job and questioned Ian about why he dumped her so abruptly, he came clean about the reasons and didn’t let it be a sore spot that lingered through the story. (Nothing annoys me more than a misunderstanding or secret that can be easily cleared up in one conversation!). I also thought there was an interesting dynamic in their sexual relationship that you don’t often see in a Harlequin romance, namely a soft BDSM theme with Ian being very dominant in the bedroom and Flash happily submissive, a role not expected based on her external personality. Since Ms. Reisz is well known outside of this series for her intense BDSM novels, it’s not surprising that she snuck in a little nod here. But it’s definitely not going to put any Blaze readers off. Rather it just adds a little bit of kink to what is already a steamy story.
The conflict in this novel results mostly from the fact that Ian and Flash are such opposites in upbringing, temperament and society status. Ian comes from a very wealthy background, and Flash is definitely not the type of woman his father expects him to date and marry. Flash, while confident on the outside, harbors those feelings of inadequacy that keep her thinking she doesn’t belong in Ian’s world, even as he tries to convince her otherwise. Eventually though they make their way through to a lovely happy ending. Ian’s Jewish background features prominently as Flash helps him embrace his roots, and I really enjoyed seeing a holiday romance that featured not just the Christmas holidays. In the end, this is another wonderful sexy and fun romance with delightful banter and steamy scenes that will delight Tiffany Reisz and Harlequin Blaze fans alike.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blot post at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-one...
Veronica ‘Flash’ Redding is a welder extraordinaire, who uses her artistic talents to create masterpieces of metal sculptures alongside her day to day job in construction. She and her boss, wealthy businessman Ian Asher shared a passionate night together a few months earlier when their attraction to each other and a handful of drinks got the better of them. But immediately after Ian backed off and made it clear to Flash that a relationship and repeat of their steamy night together was not in the cards. Flash took it all in stride, not giving away the hurt she felt at his declaration and continuing to do her job and do it well. But the time has come for her to move on, and she’s given her notice. She’s got a new job with Clover (heroine of book 2 of the series, Her Naughty Holiday) and she’s looking forward to being able to spend more time on her art. Ian is sorry to see her leaving his company, but not that sorry – because now that they aren’t going to be working together he’s hoping he can convince her to give him a second chance after blowing it with her the first time. Convincing her to come up to his newly purchased chalet to use her welding skills on a dilapidated iron grating over the fireplace is really just an excuse to get her back in his arms again. Flash isn’t so foolish as to pass up the opportunity for great sex with Ian, since the first time around made it clear that they had some compatible kinks in the bedroom. But this time she's determined to keep her heart out of the equation. Can Ian convince her to let him into her heart again?
What fun! I loved seeing a woman in a non-typical role, and Flash definitely fits with her brash demeanor, her tattoos and punk hair, and her job as a welder. She’s quite adept at working around the misogyny she encounters because of her job, and the guys she works with have learned to have her back and trust her judgement. She may not always be ultra feminine in appearance but it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a soft heart, and Ian hurt her deeply when he rejected the possibility of a relationship between them after their startlingly erotic first night together. She hides that hurt with a snarky exterior but one Ian is capable of seeing behind. I appreciated that once Flash quit her job and questioned Ian about why he dumped her so abruptly, he came clean about the reasons and didn’t let it be a sore spot that lingered through the story. (Nothing annoys me more than a misunderstanding or secret that can be easily cleared up in one conversation!). I also thought there was an interesting dynamic in their sexual relationship that you don’t often see in a Harlequin romance, namely a soft BDSM theme with Ian being very dominant in the bedroom and Flash happily submissive, a role not expected based on her external personality. Since Ms. Reisz is well known outside of this series for her intense BDSM novels, it’s not surprising that she snuck in a little nod here. But it’s definitely not going to put any Blaze readers off. Rather it just adds a little bit of kink to what is already a steamy story.
The conflict in this novel results mostly from the fact that Ian and Flash are such opposites in upbringing, temperament and society status. Ian comes from a very wealthy background, and Flash is definitely not the type of woman his father expects him to date and marry. Flash, while confident on the outside, harbors those feelings of inadequacy that keep her thinking she doesn’t belong in Ian’s world, even as he tries to convince her otherwise. Eventually though they make their way through to a lovely happy ending. Ian’s Jewish background features prominently as Flash helps him embrace his roots, and I really enjoyed seeing a holiday romance that featured not just the Christmas holidays. In the end, this is another wonderful sexy and fun romance with delightful banter and steamy scenes that will delight Tiffany Reisz and Harlequin Blaze fans alike.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blot post at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-one...
November 23, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work series has been fantastic, I have loved every single book in this three book series and I want more! Do you hear me Harlequin? I hope so because these books are fresh, crisp, funny, and sexy and they are impossible to put down. I loved One Hot December because it was a spin on the old classic good girl meets bad boy only in this one it was bad girl meets good boy and she brings out all kinds of bad in him and it was wickedly delicious.
I love strong heroines and Veronica "Flash" Redding defines that word. She's hard working, smart, talented, she speaks her mind, she puts up with men who don't think she should be working in a "man's world" but she is also a woman with a soft inside so when after a night with the man of her dreams who also happened to be her boss she gets the "dumped" speech she is a bit devastated. Six months later she's gotten over it somewhat, but leaving behind the job will help because she won't have to see Ian Asher every day and hopefully she can move on.
Running his father's construction company is something that Ian Asher loves, he's good at it, he worked his way up through the ranks and he feels he has a good relationship with all of his employees except one and he knows that is on him. He never meant for it to happen, but a night of drinks and the intoxicating woman welder, Flash, led to more and then on the advice of his father's legal counsel he had to break it off with her immediately. For six long months he's had to watch her and wish things were different and when she gives him her two week notice he's upset their company is losing the best welder around, but on the other hand she won't be working for him anymore, but getting back in her good graces might be a bit difficult.
I loved every little thing about this couple and their relationship and it was exciting to watch them put the pieces back together and built back the trust even though it took some time because once burned, twice shy. They were so different in their upbringing and backgrounds, but when they were together there was just this mutual admiration for one another that went beyond the somewhat kinky sex they enjoyed together. She appreciated the way he ran the company and made every employee feel important, she liked that he got her needs, and she loved that when she was in the room he always focused on her. He was in awe of her talent as an artist as well as her talent as a welder, he loved her unconventional look and her smart mouth, but most of all he appreciated that with her he could be himself. Seriously, guys on paper these two look so mismatched, but when they are together it is so obvious they are meant for one another.
Things that really set this book apart for me; the way Ian opened up about his mother to her and the way Veronica took it to heart and understood how important it was for him to honor her memory, Veronica's friendship with her elderly neighbor Mrs. Scheinberg who not only gave her sound advice, but inspired her to be herself no matter what, and Ian's father, Dean, for understanding that Veronica made his son happy despite the fact she was very different than the women people would expect him to choose and wanting his son to have the all encompassing love he had with Ian's mom.
Despite their tumultuous relationship and the "kinky light" nature of their sexy times, there was a whole lot of heart and emotion in One Hot December and even though I really, really wanted a Catholic/Jewish wedding epilogue with Mrs. Scheinberg as the best man; it was a perfect romance and one of my top holiday reads of 2016.
ARC provided with no expectations.
Tiffany Reisz's Men at Work series has been fantastic, I have loved every single book in this three book series and I want more! Do you hear me Harlequin? I hope so because these books are fresh, crisp, funny, and sexy and they are impossible to put down. I loved One Hot December because it was a spin on the old classic good girl meets bad boy only in this one it was bad girl meets good boy and she brings out all kinds of bad in him and it was wickedly delicious.
I love strong heroines and Veronica "Flash" Redding defines that word. She's hard working, smart, talented, she speaks her mind, she puts up with men who don't think she should be working in a "man's world" but she is also a woman with a soft inside so when after a night with the man of her dreams who also happened to be her boss she gets the "dumped" speech she is a bit devastated. Six months later she's gotten over it somewhat, but leaving behind the job will help because she won't have to see Ian Asher every day and hopefully she can move on.
Running his father's construction company is something that Ian Asher loves, he's good at it, he worked his way up through the ranks and he feels he has a good relationship with all of his employees except one and he knows that is on him. He never meant for it to happen, but a night of drinks and the intoxicating woman welder, Flash, led to more and then on the advice of his father's legal counsel he had to break it off with her immediately. For six long months he's had to watch her and wish things were different and when she gives him her two week notice he's upset their company is losing the best welder around, but on the other hand she won't be working for him anymore, but getting back in her good graces might be a bit difficult.
I loved every little thing about this couple and their relationship and it was exciting to watch them put the pieces back together and built back the trust even though it took some time because once burned, twice shy. They were so different in their upbringing and backgrounds, but when they were together there was just this mutual admiration for one another that went beyond the somewhat kinky sex they enjoyed together. She appreciated the way he ran the company and made every employee feel important, she liked that he got her needs, and she loved that when she was in the room he always focused on her. He was in awe of her talent as an artist as well as her talent as a welder, he loved her unconventional look and her smart mouth, but most of all he appreciated that with her he could be himself. Seriously, guys on paper these two look so mismatched, but when they are together it is so obvious they are meant for one another.
Things that really set this book apart for me; the way Ian opened up about his mother to her and the way Veronica took it to heart and understood how important it was for him to honor her memory, Veronica's friendship with her elderly neighbor Mrs. Scheinberg who not only gave her sound advice, but inspired her to be herself no matter what, and Ian's father, Dean, for understanding that Veronica made his son happy despite the fact she was very different than the women people would expect him to choose and wanting his son to have the all encompassing love he had with Ian's mom.
Despite their tumultuous relationship and the "kinky light" nature of their sexy times, there was a whole lot of heart and emotion in One Hot December and even though I really, really wanted a Catholic/Jewish wedding epilogue with Mrs. Scheinberg as the best man; it was a perfect romance and one of my top holiday reads of 2016.
ARC provided with no expectations.
November 16, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
One Hot December is the crown jewel of the Men at Work series - it's beautiful, tender, hot, sweet, funny, flirt and my feels are all oh so invested!
I think what surprised me the most with One Hot December was the complete and utter sense of tenderness I felt while reading about Ian and Flash! Reisz always manages to draw me in, but somehow, I got even more with this story - which is another surprise as it was only 224 pages long, and yet, I am completely and utterly satisfied. My heart is still beating hard and fast, and I am sure my eyes look a little wet, too. This story, it just has the best parts of romance and erotica in this neat little package, and the the characters just got to me in such a big way!
It's incredible when you find the perfect kind of love story in which you get great characters who grow and show each other both love and respect - and a lot of dirty jokes as well! Veronica - Flash - is the kind of woman I'd want to be friends with, and Ian is close to irresistible. One Hot December is about the beginning of Flash and Ian's relationship, but it's not their true beginning, as that was six months before this story started. And while they are from seemingly different worlds, they just fit together so well - on every level.
One Hot December also has the promise of many more hot months, even years, to come for these to characters, and I have a goofy smile on my face while writing my review, because there was so much to feel good about in this novel. A female welder who welds for work, but who also uses metal and welding for her art. And I have to say I'd definitely go to a gallery to see her pieces, they sound beautiful and kind of magical. While most of the action pertains to Ian and Veronica, there are other characters that made a strong impression on me as well, both Ian's father, Dean, and Veronica's elderly neighbor both deserve their own books.
Written in third person point of view, past tense, and peppered with amazing dialogues, One Hot December is a true romance, where you dream about the happily ever after and where your feels are invested from start to finish!
She could do this. More importantly, she had to do this. She would have told herself to "man up" but with the way the men in her life were behaving lately, manning up would be a step down. She'd have to woman up instead.
Drew's eyes widened hugely, and Flash grinned fiendishly in reply. She knew she was grinning fiendishly because she'd practiced that grin in the mirror.
But this was Veronica "Flash" Redding, and if making men feel like they were nothing special was a game show, she'd go home with one million dollars and a brand-new car.
One Hot December is the crown jewel of the Men at Work series - it's beautiful, tender, hot, sweet, funny, flirt and my feels are all oh so invested!
I think what surprised me the most with One Hot December was the complete and utter sense of tenderness I felt while reading about Ian and Flash! Reisz always manages to draw me in, but somehow, I got even more with this story - which is another surprise as it was only 224 pages long, and yet, I am completely and utterly satisfied. My heart is still beating hard and fast, and I am sure my eyes look a little wet, too. This story, it just has the best parts of romance and erotica in this neat little package, and the the characters just got to me in such a big way!
It's incredible when you find the perfect kind of love story in which you get great characters who grow and show each other both love and respect - and a lot of dirty jokes as well! Veronica - Flash - is the kind of woman I'd want to be friends with, and Ian is close to irresistible. One Hot December is about the beginning of Flash and Ian's relationship, but it's not their true beginning, as that was six months before this story started. And while they are from seemingly different worlds, they just fit together so well - on every level.
One Hot December also has the promise of many more hot months, even years, to come for these to characters, and I have a goofy smile on my face while writing my review, because there was so much to feel good about in this novel. A female welder who welds for work, but who also uses metal and welding for her art. And I have to say I'd definitely go to a gallery to see her pieces, they sound beautiful and kind of magical. While most of the action pertains to Ian and Veronica, there are other characters that made a strong impression on me as well, both Ian's father, Dean, and Veronica's elderly neighbor both deserve their own books.
Written in third person point of view, past tense, and peppered with amazing dialogues, One Hot December is a true romance, where you dream about the happily ever after and where your feels are invested from start to finish!
She could do this. More importantly, she had to do this. She would have told herself to "man up" but with the way the men in her life were behaving lately, manning up would be a step down. She'd have to woman up instead.
Drew's eyes widened hugely, and Flash grinned fiendishly in reply. She knew she was grinning fiendishly because she'd practiced that grin in the mirror.
But this was Veronica "Flash" Redding, and if making men feel like they were nothing special was a game show, she'd go home with one million dollars and a brand-new car.
December 6, 2017
My review cross-posted from
Wit and Sin
One Hot December is wildly sexy, insanely funny, and quite simply a fantastic read. Every book in Tiffany Reisz’s Men at Work series has been incredibly addictive and Flash and Ian’s love story is no exception. It’s a wonderful romance that is so much fun I cannot help but smile when I think about it.
Flash is an awesome heroine. She’s got a quit wit (and sometimes a quick trigger), a spine of steel, and she’s refreshingly straightforward. She’s not afraid to be different, to speak up for herself, and I loved her strength. Flash isn’t invulnerable, though. She’s been hurt and has had to fight for respect more than once. I admired and adored Flash and wanted to see her find someone she could both love and trust. On the surface, Ian seems like an odd match for her. But the two of them simply click. Beneath the suit and the all-business demeanor, Ian is a funny, caring, deliciously filthy hero. Even though he is a wealthy businessman whose father owns the company he works at, Ian has worked hard to get where he is. He also has some hidden vulnerabilities. His mother died when he was a baby and one of my favorite parts of One Hot December was how Flash helped Ian connect with his heritage through his mother’s faith. The quiet moments of honesty and caring between Flash and Ian give this story its heart and are just lovely.
While I do love the emotional moments of One Hot December , it’d be a crime if I didn’t talk about how incredibly fun and dirty this book is. Humor in romance tends to be hit-or-miss for me, but the banter between Flash and Ian had me laughing out loud. And when Flash and Ian hit the sheets… Well, this book ain’t called One Hot December for nothin’. Ian and Flash could keep you warm in a snowstorm (not literally – please don’t attempt ;-)).
If you love holiday romances (and I admit to being a sucker for them, particularly Hanukkah romances), One Hot December has double the holiday cheer as it celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. I truly loved reading Ian and Flash’s story. It’s a festive and fun read that is guaranteed to delight all year long.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One Hot December is wildly sexy, insanely funny, and quite simply a fantastic read. Every book in Tiffany Reisz’s Men at Work series has been incredibly addictive and Flash and Ian’s love story is no exception. It’s a wonderful romance that is so much fun I cannot help but smile when I think about it.
Flash is an awesome heroine. She’s got a quit wit (and sometimes a quick trigger), a spine of steel, and she’s refreshingly straightforward. She’s not afraid to be different, to speak up for herself, and I loved her strength. Flash isn’t invulnerable, though. She’s been hurt and has had to fight for respect more than once. I admired and adored Flash and wanted to see her find someone she could both love and trust. On the surface, Ian seems like an odd match for her. But the two of them simply click. Beneath the suit and the all-business demeanor, Ian is a funny, caring, deliciously filthy hero. Even though he is a wealthy businessman whose father owns the company he works at, Ian has worked hard to get where he is. He also has some hidden vulnerabilities. His mother died when he was a baby and one of my favorite parts of One Hot December was how Flash helped Ian connect with his heritage through his mother’s faith. The quiet moments of honesty and caring between Flash and Ian give this story its heart and are just lovely.
While I do love the emotional moments of One Hot December , it’d be a crime if I didn’t talk about how incredibly fun and dirty this book is. Humor in romance tends to be hit-or-miss for me, but the banter between Flash and Ian had me laughing out loud. And when Flash and Ian hit the sheets… Well, this book ain’t called One Hot December for nothin’. Ian and Flash could keep you warm in a snowstorm (not literally – please don’t attempt ;-)).
If you love holiday romances (and I admit to being a sucker for them, particularly Hanukkah romances), One Hot December has double the holiday cheer as it celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. I truly loved reading Ian and Flash’s story. It’s a festive and fun read that is guaranteed to delight all year long.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 7, 2017
Much better than book one!
ONE HOT DECEMBER features a strong sassy heroine, what I thought was to be a beta-hero but turned out to not really be the case (slightly disappointing but oh well) though thankfully he wasn't an alphatard either, a sweet old Jewish lady and the requisite Flashdance references due to the lady welder theme. Sometimes I wasn't totally sold on one thing or another but honestly this was fun so whatever, I've griped enough about books this week.
Due to availability I've temporarily skipped book two but I'll get there eventually to round out this series.
For now, in lieu of a further in depth review, have some quotes :
She'd been in love with him for a long time. Nice to finally like him a little bit, too.
"[..]I have very strong feelings for you."
"Anger? Fear? The usual dark-side stuff?"
"Attraction, fascination, adoration, affection, erection."
"Is erection an emotion?"
"It's definitely a feeling."
"What's it feel like?"
"Come here and find out for yourself."
"It's just.. nobody wants to see the captain of the football team with the weird Goth girl at school. They want to see him with the head cheerleader. I'm not a cheerleader, Ian. I eat cheerleaders."
"Literally or in a sexual way?"
"Both. I'm a bisexual cannibal and proud of it."
4 "Bob Ross the cat might have been my favourite character" stars
ONE HOT DECEMBER features a strong sassy heroine, what I thought was to be a beta-hero but turned out to not really be the case (slightly disappointing but oh well) though thankfully he wasn't an alphatard either, a sweet old Jewish lady and the requisite Flashdance references due to the lady welder theme. Sometimes I wasn't totally sold on one thing or another but honestly this was fun so whatever, I've griped enough about books this week.
Due to availability I've temporarily skipped book two but I'll get there eventually to round out this series.
For now, in lieu of a further in depth review, have some quotes :
She'd been in love with him for a long time. Nice to finally like him a little bit, too.
"[..]I have very strong feelings for you."
"Anger? Fear? The usual dark-side stuff?"
"Attraction, fascination, adoration, affection, erection."
"Is erection an emotion?"
"It's definitely a feeling."
"What's it feel like?"
"Come here and find out for yourself."
"It's just.. nobody wants to see the captain of the football team with the weird Goth girl at school. They want to see him with the head cheerleader. I'm not a cheerleader, Ian. I eat cheerleaders."
"Literally or in a sexual way?"
"Both. I'm a bisexual cannibal and proud of it."
4 "Bob Ross the cat might have been my favourite character" stars
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