Needed: A hot guy with a huge toolbox
She’s about to blow a fuse. When Fiona ends a fight with her boyfriend Jake by telling him to get out, he takes her flash of temper seriously. Now he's her ex-boyfriend, and she's all alone in a house that's falling apart…
He needs a cold shower when he’s around her. Jake is a skilled handyman, and he’s still Fiona’s friend. He doesn't mind coming over to work on the house... but when he turns up the heat on their friendship, Fiona must make a difficult decision.
This house could be their home. Friends with benefits is fun and exciting, but it isn't enough for Fiona. Not when it comes to Jake. She wants so much more from him…
Dirty Work is a steamy romantic novella with no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a happy ending guaranteed.
Note: This standalone novella was previously published as Fiona’s Fixer-Upper.
I've always said that it's pretty hard to write good books under 100 pages. Well, it's just as hard to write short books that are so bad that they make me skim them. And yet, this author managed to do it.
Flat, boring, weird characters. Annoying and stupid most of the times. The plot made no sense, the writing was meh and the chemistry was non-existent. Why didn't I DNF this book, you might ask? Well, because I skimmed a lot (yes, apparently, one can skim a 70-page book; weird, I know).
Dirty Work was a cute second chance novella. A fixer upper house and a dirty bargain between recent exes...handywork for orgasms. Mmhm.
I liked Fiona and Jake. They're both a little stubborn in admitting their feelings to themselves but they were nice characters and people. Easy to get along with.
It was a cute romance or rekindling. They'd had a dumb fight and broke up but really did love each other just didn't know how to fix things or if the other even wanted them still. The naughty bargain was rather fun. A good in for fixing things up. Things do get nicely steamy and I enjoyed seeing them grow up a bit and figure things out.
Overall, a fun read. It's quick and a little dirty and just right for an evening in. 3 stars, 3 heat
"Dirty Work", was a creative, sexy steamy short second chance at love, that uses a house in constant state of needed repair to bring this couple back together. Fiona and Jake shard a life and this house up until a few months ago; Fiona never expected Jake to leave , a heated argument between them was normal, they always made up but when in the heat of an argument when she told him to just leave the man who never paid attention before suddenly did. When Jake came back the next day however it was not to make up , but to pack up. The two have managed to stay freinds and Fiona can always rely on him to come help with repairs. Jake being a general contractor by trade makes him a reliable and knowledgable help, but each visit finds Fiona, remembering sexy times of the past and still wanting more. But a freind with benefit is not what she wants she wants a real adult relationship , sure they had plenty of love between the two but they always just used sex as a distraction. Which is why when Jake starts seeking payment for his repair timeFiona tries to keep her desires in check, because Jakes form of payment has moved from a meal to a Massage, A Fiona Special. Fiona gives in to providing a Fiona special, he'll it's just a massage but Jake makes her aware that next time he is upping his fee.
Of course it is not long before Fiona needs Jake again, but what will he want this time? “Let’s see … the price for fixing a water heater … and allowing a lovely lady to soak her smokin’ hot body in equally hot water is …” “Jake!” “An orgasm.”
Can Fiona agree? Why is he trying to break down her defenses when he is the one who left?Can these two find a way back to each other? Pick up this delightful novella and find out!
Arc copy graciously supplied for an honest review by author.
Second chance romance. Jake and Fiona can't compromise or agree on a lot of things (like who does more chores, or who's spending too much money without giving the other person a heads up). And it seems like the only thing holding this relationship (or bringing them back together) is the sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a story of two people who loved each other so much but had to break up due to misunderstanding and miscommunication. If they didn’t want to lose the only love worth fighting for, together they needed to find the way to work things out and make their love last forever.
After Jake had dated Fiona for a while, he finally moved in with her. And like other couples, both of them had fought or sometimes argued with each other over something that mostly stupid. One day, it started out as another silly argument but then turned into a huge fight. Things ultimately got worse and they ended up breaking up. Jake packed up his belongings and moved out. They were both heartbroken but somehow, they could still remain friends effectively.
From the beginning, her house wasn't exactly in a good shape and things often went wrong, like the window, the sink, the door, and so on. And since Jake was the only contractor she knew, she had to call him to come fix those things every time they went kaput. And this was where their wicked home repair barter system began. When he fixed something, she would pay him whatever he asked. Things started getting hotter and hotter between them.
During those times, they both had so much fun with this naughty little game. But was physical pleasure alone enough to make their relationship last? Was it possible for them to get their second chance at love?
For the most part, it was an enjoyable read. It made me laugh, smile, squirm, and heartbroken. If you’re looking for a short story with a little mix of everything—sweet, sexy, playful, and funny, then pick up this one. It’s for you.
I received a digital copy of Fiona's Fixer Upper from the author for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.
Fiona's Fixer Upper is a sweet, sexy, fun, angsty tidbit of reading.
Fiona and Jake have been together a while, but then during one of their fights, she says something she can't take back. Her boyfriend takes her at her word and skedaddles. Fiona's completely baffled about why that one thing, of all the things she's said in their fights, is the thing he listened to.
Thing is, Fiona's house needs some TLC, and she keeps calling Jake to fix things.
I enjoyed the flirty bits between these two. Fiona seemed truly to not understand why Jake left, and Jake was equally clueless as to why she'd thrown him out. All it would take to fix things was a good conversation, but they were speaking different languages.
The resolution was good, with realistic give and take between the two characters.
The writing was good, and I'll be reading more of Aytuzi's work. It's not like I can forget her name, right? lol
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review....
This is a very fun and enjoyable novel. It had me from the very beginning completely to the very end. I felt as if at times I was Fiona with hoping or holding me my breath during parts of this book. It definately has a HEA ending. But more than just the HEA it has Fiona and Jake grow up, not just grow up but grow together, and strengthen their relationship. I really am hooked on this author now. I will admit this is the firs book from Erika Aytuzi I have read, but I am completely interested in all of her works. It is a quick little novel to read, doesn't get too heavy or sappy, just an AWESOME amount of detail of sex scenes but not overboard. Kept it all real and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book Erika Aytuzi, I am honored and look forward to reading more of your novels.
Only been broken up for three months Fee and Jake still have a house called a money pit is a way. One argument with a few words causes Fed's world to spiral. Things need fixing and professionals are expensive but will Fee be a pit to handle what Jake demands as payments to the work?
Told in Fiona 'Fee' p.o.v. and the rollercoaster of emotions she has the deal with months after watching the man she loves leave, hears about him dating a friend of sorts in the group of friends and the truth she talks Jake at the end to find out if he only wants her to 'play house's and have the inferno sex they have.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jake & Fiona's story! Sometimes saying "Get out!" isn't what you really meant for him to take to heart. Every relationship has it's issues and both partners need to work at getting through the rough times. Fiona ends up contacting Jake to make a house call to fix her garbage disposal. Fiona realizes that she really does miss living with him under the same roof. And Jake is such a tease. This story had me smiling a lot. I will be reading more from this author!
Let me start by saying I HATED Felicia, the heroine. She is everything I don't like in a person, fictitious or real. Despite my dislike of the heroine in this book, I actually really liked and enjoyed it. This was the first realistic romance novella I have read. There isn't a lot of smut, but what's there is steamy. I'm looking forward to reading more work by Brooks
This was a simple charging story about recently broken up Felicia and Jake. Although amicable, things are strained, and Felicia's house is falling down around her thus needing help. It's more about the relationship and the effects lack of communication had on a relationship. Charming, and sexy story really enjoyable.
Ohhh. Needed cold shower after chapter 5 pool table fantasy. Not a lot of substance but writer definitely knows how to get into your head with steamy real and fantasy scenes.
An easy read to get your blood pumping, these two have their issues, but their fire and ice relationship has you rooting for them from the beginning. And an HEA that doesn’t disappoint.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The story line captured my interest from the first sentence. The characters were great and continued to develop with the story.
Deliciously hot! The premise is like a naughty fantasy, yet the story ends up being really sweet and relatable because the female character misses her ex-boyfriend and the life they used to have together, all the good memories and the warm feelings.
I really like this novella. The writing is good and well edited, the situations are funny and provocative, and the overall feeling is bittersweet romantic.
Fiona has a big house in need of all kinds of repairs and her ex comes around to fix this and that. Until the payment he exacts is not part of regular business rates. That was extremely hot as it escalated from an outrageous proposition to a scorching-hot walk down memory lane.
Fiona's creaky house becomes a catalyst for unfinished business between she and Jake. What starts as casual turns into volatile, and I really loved how their emotions exploded. By the way, there is a certain thing here that's called Fiona's Finest that... wow, it made me want to practice it myself!
So I'm happy that this naughty fantasy became such a real-life, romantic and emotional sweet story with lots of the good hot stuff we enjoy, heart included. Nice work!
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, and Dirty Work did not disappoint. It was so much fun reading how sexy, hunky Jake and ex-girlfriend Fiona find their way back together. What’s a girl to do when her ex-boyfriend works in construction, knows his way around fixing things, but not quite adept at fixing a relationship? And what if her house is falling down around her without ready cash to fix them? Fiona and Jake play a sexy game bartering for “play” time for fixer upper repairs. But Fiona wants more than being friends with benefits, wishing for a real relationship and hoping Jake feels the same. I loved how they finally figured out what was really important to them both since they’ve been apart. Love and family.
Ms Brook’s style of writing is fluid and fast paced in this fun novella which made for an enjoyable read. Written in Fiona’s POV, Dirty Work is equal parts story, steamy sex, and romance. It has all the reasons why I read romance. *sigh*
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Jake and Fiona had a fairly typical relationship up until a few months ago. They loved each other, that's for sure. But they also fought a lot. Mostly about things like money and chores and who should be responsible for what. Jake never listened. But during a heated moment, when Fiona screamed at him to just get out, he did. He packed up his things and left. And Fiona's been regretting it ever since.
But the thing is, they're still friends. He's still the one she calls when something needs fixing, so he's around quite a bit. Maybe more than he really needs to be, if they're honest. Fiona is both excited and terrified when Jake devises a barter system that could fix both her crumbling house and their ruined relationship.
I was really surprised at how sweet this romance was. There were no tragic backstories. There was very little angst. It was really just a cute story about exes reconnecting and rekindling their romance.
It's very short (only 72 pages) and I read it in about an hour. I'd highly recommend it to anybody looking for a quick HEA.
Jake didn't want to believe that they had problems. The house is too much for Fiona's to afford and make the repairs so she turns to Jake whenever she needs help with something. Jake gets tired of how things are going so he decides to change things up and asks for something different as payment. This leads to some steamy exchanges between the. For Fiona it ends up being to much because her feeling get more involved. This leads to more questions about their relationship and where they are heading. Is Jake back for good or just wanting a good time?
This was a great read I actually laughed out loud at some parts. These characters are character you can relate to. Especially the whole fight that starts everything into a downward spiral. I finished this book in one setting couldn't put it down until I knew what was going to happen. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a nice quick read.
It's been a while since I read a realistic romance, and it was an enjoyable sidetrack from the larger than life stories I've been consuming lately. No dark pasts, no deep secrets, just regular guys, who are crazy about each other, and need to overcome daily issues to get to their happily ever after. Just the right amount of drama, and lots of fun and sexy times.
The book: • 72 Pages • Contemporary • Standalone • Happily Ever After • First-Person Narrative • Her POV
The romantic theme: • Second Chances
The read: • Light Read • Page Turner • Made Me Smile • Made Me Laugh • Sexy
Heat level: • 3 / 5 (Includes hot and explicit sex scenes) • MF scenes • Dirty Talk • Vanilla Sex • Beyond Vanilla Sex
Story ingredients: • Cat And Mouse Games • Witty Banter
He is... • Cocky • Hot • Beautiful • Fit • Poor • Blue Collar
Jake's great with his hands--Sexy romance with a lot of heart and heat
Such a good book! It's hot and sexy with some wicked sex scenes, yet it's still cute and full of emotion. The heat sizzles between this former couple, and Fiona wonders if that's all there ever was.
Even though they broke up and Jake moved out, it's clear they still have feelings for each other. The opportunity to reconnect strikes when something in the house breaks.
Good thing Jake's still pretty handy, although his fees are a little unusual. The Better Business Bureau probably wouldn't approve of his payment system, but I bet he'd have a straight-A rating on Angie's List, though!
I love the emotion in this story. There's the right amount of angst, making this a wonderful, erotic, sweet little romance that can be read in a few hours. The length lets their love story unfold without any unnecessary distractions. Really nice.