Virgin Wars

by Sarah Bale

"Sex and the City meets Magic Mike in this hilarious tale of love, friendship, and finding yourself." Stacie Gregory and her three closest friends share the same they’re all mid-twenties virgins. It's never been an issue before, but when one of them loses their virginity it sets off a race the others don’t want to lose. The last one with their V-card will never live it down. Stacie’s solution is simple - she’ll seduce her favorite male stripper. If he does other things half as well as he dances she’ll have no problem winning the war against her friends. Only it’s not as easy as she thought. Turns out even strippers have baggage, and she has way more to lose than her virginity. With her plans for a grand seduction in ruins, Stacie must decide what’s more Love or Sex.

Genres: Romance

270 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2016

About the author

Sarah Bale's family always knew she would write romances when they saw the elaborate stories she created for her Barbie dolls. At fifteen she penned her first book, which will never see the light of day if she has any say.


When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and also planning what she’d do in a zombie apocalypse. One of her favorite pastimes is attending comic cons, where she can nerd out over all things Marvel.

She is a USA Today Bestselling Author living in Oklahoma and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.


Reviews

[InkedBookDragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com

Virgin Wars by Sarah Bale was one of those books that I had trouble putting down. I read it in two sittings and that was only because of life distractions. Surprises at every turn. Well developed characters. Friendship dynamics are good and then complicated. There were moments where I could have automatically written off one or two of them because of catty behavior.

Though I enjoyed the book, the scenario has been done to death. Virginal pacts/races are a common theme. There were moments of some confusion. I questioned the lack of support in some situations.

Thank you Netgalley and Sarah Bales Publishing for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating it Three Stars because of the reasons stated above. This book wasn't truly for me but I would read other books by the author.


InkedBookDragon

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Virgin Wars is a light, quick read. Love the cover! It was a little sluggish for me in the beginning but then it picked up. However, I had a hard time believing in Stacie and Jace's relationship. He's a stripper she sees every few weeks in a strip club. He even admitted he creates an illusion and it's not who he really is. And then she feels weird giving him money after getting a private dance? That's his job!

I also had an issue with Stacie's so-called friends. She should really dump the sisters. I couldn't stand them.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Bale Publishing and Sarah Bale for a copy of "Virgin Wars" in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Virgin Wars in 1 sitting on a quiet Sunday. The book is compared to Magic Mike and Sex in the City. Ok you can disown me now but I have NEVER watched a single episode or the film of SITC. Never really been my thing although yes I know what it is. The comparison to Magic Mike, well there are male strippers... That count? I hate it when books are likened to films or programs like this. But still I want to say if you are don't love those 2 films it doesn't mean you won't enjoy this book (As in honesty I didn't live Magic Mike although do think Channing looked hot doing Pony). Virgin Wars is a close knit group of virgins. I did like the friendship dynamics although had issues with some of the characters. Namely as I just didn't get how they could be the way they were with eachother, issues or not. I don't want to talk about the issues, I don't do spoilers but Amy was self centred and only seemed to care about herself (Or what her sister was out doing her by), Lori needed to grow the hell up and the only 2 who I remotely liked was Evie (Who felt the most genuine out of all of them) and Jer. But even Jer had his moments. Moving on I even had a few issues with Stacey. Now I know this isn't a teen book but I do think many of the New adult, contemporary romance books still need to boost those 'its ok to be you' and 'you don't need to change to get what you want' (Physically speaking). So then couldn't get over the whole Stacey low self esteem thing with her weight (I got this was due to the ex) and how her confidence only came from losing weight and working out. And what was the deal with leggings?! I'm a size 18/20 (I think that's a 14/16 in the US) and wear leggings. I don't need confidence to wear them!!!! I also felt at times she was as judgemental to her friends but mainly with regards to Maverick.

You may wonder with my character issues then why the hell did I give this a 4 star rating? Well, firstly this was barely a 4 for me. I debated it being a 3.5 but I am honest if nothing else with my reviews and this book did make me laugh, plus it was enjoyable. I really loved Evie, she kept this book going for me and Jace/Maverick had that air of mystery although I felt that should have been elaborated on a bit more. The character chemistry worked for me, I liked the writing style and I didn't get bored of the pace. In fact this book had me tearing up at times and laughing out loud so I really couldn't give it a 3.5 rating as you see.

Over all I liked Virgin Wars. It warmed my gloomy Sunday and made me smile. Yes you have a HEA and there's another book coming (I'm not giving spoilers but it mentions it at the end of this one). If you like a happy romance then this is one I would recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the ARC!

[Amy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start off saying I COULD NOT put this book down. It was so relatable. Sarah Bale has done a fantastic job at writing characters we would come across in every day life. She captures the essence of a modern day twenty something and holds it throughout every page.

The group of friends are extremely tight knit, and very realistic. They argue, makeup, cry, and hang out and party like.any group of friends would do. They all have one thing in common though, they are virgins. When one of their tight group loses her virginity, it becomes a race against the clock for them all to lose their v-card. The story follows along as th group one by one loses it, each in their own way, and deals with the aftermath and how it effects their friendship.

The author tackles all the emotions encaptured in many different ways, and its refreshing to see even book besties have disagreements, but still find a way to work it out. This group of friends manages to find a way to support each other no matter what, and its really an endearing , hysterical, can't put down read.

Can't wait for the second book in this series!!

[Jenn __Garden Of REden · Rating 3 out of 5]

After hearing this title and seeing the cover I wanted to love this book.  It started out fun with a very diverse group of characters.  However the further into the story I got the less I liked the characters.  They quickly became people that I wouldn't call friends.

I enjoyed the Heat portion of the book.  The guys were fun, diverse, and sexy.  I also really loved getting a more in depth look into a writers life. Both of these parts of the storyline grabbed and held my attention.  The relationship between Stacie and Evie was real and genuine.  Whenever they were together I ate the story up. 

What I had a hard time with was the relationship between Jace and Stacie.  Their interactions were minimal and almost all took place in the backroom of a strip club.  It wasn't believable to me that they built any kind of real relationship based on how little time they spent together or even communicated via text.

I enjoyed this book enough to read it wall in a day but there were too many little things that didn't flow right for me to love it.

Amy's Review

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This book was definitely different from the books I normally read. The writing was solid, and it did keep the pages turning. Unfortunately, I just didn't feel a connection between the characters or the plot.

I tried not to, but I really did have a problem with the stripper for a boyfriend concept. I'm not sure that I believe that a bunch of virgins frequented a male strip club. The h felt desperate and her inexperience made it feel even less believable.

I also did not like some of the h's friends. She so easily forgave their thoughtless actions--and sorry, but if your friend goes after the same man you have your eye on...it's time for a new friend.

Finally, I was disappointed that the H never once took the initiative. Overall, I just couldn't buy in to the story. I will try another book by this author, but this one wasn't for me.

[Gerardo Delgadillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

5 out of 5 virgin stars, pun intended.

I finished VIRGIN WARS in one sitting. So much fun to read!

Stacie and her close friends have something in common: At twenty-something they're still virgins. Which is good and cool. That is, till one breaks the virgin circle, throwing the rest into havoc, no one wanting to be left behind. Lighthearted, fun, and with deep emotions, VIRGIN WARS delivers, even for dudes like me. Thing is, I don't usually read romance because it tends to be flowery and unrealistic. VIRGIN WARS isn't. I can see men digging this novel. The author's humor comes across in the writing and is excellent! POV is also very good.

Overall, a winner. Actually, I'd like to see VIRGIN WARS as a movie.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 1/2 hours. I could not put it down!! The characters are so realistic and I wanted this circle of friends to be my circle of friends. A story of a group of friends all over 21 and all still virgins. One of the group decides enough is enough and hands in her V-card. This sets the others to scrambling (no one wants to be the last virgin standing) I simply adored this book...excellent writing, and the book makes you laugh and yes, I even cried. I also found myself yelling at Stacie and Jace and wanting to smack them both upside the head. I am looking forward to the next book....maybe it will be Matrimonial Wars? LOL I can't wait to find out!! Sarah Bale is a new to me author and I am now hooked! Great Job!!

[Katherine Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun and has one of the most unique premises I've read in the contemporary romance genre. I really loved the diversity of personalities in all the characters. Very relatable, not just as characters, but also the dynamic of a group of friends. All of their spats were very realistic, but also made for some great, "OMG, how DARE you!" moments. I loved the personal growth, not only in Stacie, but also in each of her friends. The ending was so satisfying and I really hope it means there will be a sequel.

Overall this book is a fun escape with characters who make you laugh and feel lots and lots of feels, and a really sweet happy ending.

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a light, quick read about a group of friends who all feel obligated to have sex after one of them takes the plunge. These friends, they aren't the nicest people. Two of the girls (sisters Amy and Lori) scream out to be removed from your contacts, but the other two (Jeremiah and Evie) are pretty nice.

This is meant to be a contemporary, but is more like a fantasy, what with Stacie having a relationship with a stripper that she meet in a strip club. It is confusing, what with the way the characters race to have sex just for the sake of getting it over with, and how they text each other immediately after the act. There is a happy ending.

[Laurie Beemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was full of so many different and unexpected surprises. I love the relationship that the best friends have with each other. It was so fun to read. Stacie is one of a group of friends that are still virgins, that is fine until one of the friends loses their virginity and then the others don't want to be the last. What follows is a chaotic adventure into the dating world where they realize what the want may not be what they need. Thank you for allowing me to read this book and write a honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was read in one sitting. I really enjoyed it. Stacie and her friends are all in their twenties and all are still virgins. Then when one of their group “saves a horse” when she meets her cowboy, it becomes a competition that the others don’t want to be left in the dust and be last.

I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Stella Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacie is one of a group of friends over 21 years of age and all still virgins. When one loses her virginity, the others all determine they will do the same and none want to be the last. This forces Stacie to try to determine what she wants from a relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Yohonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was so realistic. It was a wonderful book I couldn't put down. I love the drama and how everyone evolved into a better person. The plot was wonderful especially the little twist at the end.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I liked the description, and the beginning was ok, but it never picked up for me. I just didn't care what was going on with the characters. It was a good idea, but poorly executed.