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Spiked Lemonade
I traded in my Navy uniform and short hair for tats and a scruffy beard to become a man on the run. Moving from town to town, taking comfort in hot cars and fast women was the only way I could outrun the nightmares.
Then I met her…
Looking like a Southern Belle in a small Texas town, all layered in pretty dresses and perfume, I call her beautiful.
She calls me a perv.
This beauty won’t admit I have something she wants (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), or that I’m the one she’s looking for, but I love that she has something I never knew I needed.
I may be labeled as a jerk, but she’s going to fall in love with me, and I’m going to make her cuss and drink whisky instead of lemonade. Why? Because sometimes beauty comes with a dirty mouth and sometimes your lemonade needs to be spiked.
Then I met her…
Looking like a Southern Belle in a small Texas town, all layered in pretty dresses and perfume, I call her beautiful.
She calls me a perv.
This beauty won’t admit I have something she wants (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), or that I’m the one she’s looking for, but I love that she has something I never knew I needed.
I may be labeled as a jerk, but she’s going to fall in love with me, and I’m going to make her cuss and drink whisky instead of lemonade. Why? Because sometimes beauty comes with a dirty mouth and sometimes your lemonade needs to be spiked.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2016
55 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Shari J. Ryan
65 books2,010 followersShari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 28, 2016
Spiked Lemonade is my second book from Shari J. Ryan and I went into this expecting a sweet romance that was going to be packed with a ton of emotion.
Jags is a former Navy medic who has endured and seen far more than any one person should have to. Looking to live a carefree life he hides behind the mask of his dirty mouth and who-gives-a-shit attitude but that façade cracks just a bit when he meets Sasha. In all her class and pureness, Sasha is struggling with the crass man that has her cringing but excited all at the same time.
This book started off a bit shaky for me. The transition between the first few chapters left me feeling like I was missing something. I felt like I got dropped into the middle of a story by the time Sasha and Jags are both in the same room together, it was a bit off putting, but I figured that things would eventually fall into place.
As I got deeper into the story – I loved the way Sasha and Jags interacted. The sarcastic, the reserved, the crass, all of it. Watching Sasha come into her own a little bit at a time was a fun experience, until it started to break my heart.
Towards the end of this book, emotions hit me out of nowhere. It snuck up on me so damn fast. I loved it. When I first started this book, I was worried about being able to finish it and by the end, I didn’t want it to be over. I love it when the story and the characters win me over.
The involvement of Tango and Cali was a little overwhelming at times. From looking at a few other reviews, I discovered that these two are crossover characters (and I’ll be checking out their books too), but they sort of were tossed in here without giving us too much about the. I felt like I was missing something, like I was expected to know who these characters were vs. getting to know them through this book.
Overall this book hit some marks perfectly and missed a few. A solid overall read though and the last 20% of the story really made this book for me.
Jags is a former Navy medic who has endured and seen far more than any one person should have to. Looking to live a carefree life he hides behind the mask of his dirty mouth and who-gives-a-shit attitude but that façade cracks just a bit when he meets Sasha. In all her class and pureness, Sasha is struggling with the crass man that has her cringing but excited all at the same time.
This book started off a bit shaky for me. The transition between the first few chapters left me feeling like I was missing something. I felt like I got dropped into the middle of a story by the time Sasha and Jags are both in the same room together, it was a bit off putting, but I figured that things would eventually fall into place.
As I got deeper into the story – I loved the way Sasha and Jags interacted. The sarcastic, the reserved, the crass, all of it. Watching Sasha come into her own a little bit at a time was a fun experience, until it started to break my heart.
Towards the end of this book, emotions hit me out of nowhere. It snuck up on me so damn fast. I loved it. When I first started this book, I was worried about being able to finish it and by the end, I didn’t want it to be over. I love it when the story and the characters win me over.
The involvement of Tango and Cali was a little overwhelming at times. From looking at a few other reviews, I discovered that these two are crossover characters (and I’ll be checking out their books too), but they sort of were tossed in here without giving us too much about the. I felt like I was missing something, like I was expected to know who these characters were vs. getting to know them through this book.
Overall this book hit some marks perfectly and missed a few. A solid overall read though and the last 20% of the story really made this book for me.
September 26, 2016
Barely finished this one.
I started this one not sure what was happening, but I was curious and wanted to continue. Then I thought that this was a love triangle with the hero trying to decide between two women. I have no idea what was going on.
I was reading and was liking it, but then at 60% it fell flat and I barely finished it.
I started this one not sure what was happening, but I was curious and wanted to continue. Then I thought that this was a love triangle with the hero trying to decide between two women. I have no idea what was going on.
I was reading and was liking it, but then at 60% it fell flat and I barely finished it.
August 26, 2016
First, many thanks to the author, who provided a free copy of Spiked Lemonade to this reader in exchange for an honest review.
While not technically part of any series, Spiked Lemonade features characters from two of Shari’s previous books, Tag, and its follow up novella, You’re It. I have not read either of these, so I went into this not knowing much about it other than what my BFF told me about it when she was reading it some time ago. I’m told that the beginning of Sasha and Jag’s story originated in You’re It, and while it was explained well in the beginning of this story how all these characters knew each other, for my own understanding, I found myself wishing that I had read You’re It first.
That being said, I think Jags is probably hands down my favorite of all of Shari’s male leads. Every now and then you run across a character that you enjoy so much that you sit back and say, “You know, I’d like to buy them a beer.” Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson is one of those characters for me, as is Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones - and Deadpool, can’t forget Deadpool - and now Jags has his own seat at the bar. I loved his pervy, screwed up, foul mouthed butt. Him and Sasha could not be any more polar opposites. She’s a lady - a real Southern belle, and butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She’s naive, she’s innocent, and she’s gotten herself into a dangerous situation with an ex-boyfriend. Her life was literally on the line, and Jags has a hand in helping her out. These two - they were like magnets; he couldn’t resist goading her and she couldn’t help reacting to him, despite her protests to the contrary.
It’s not all fun and games - there is a deeper story to these characters. Jags is a medic who has seen too much, and part of his cocky don’t-care attitude is a cover for a man just feels too much. Sasha, for all her class, has been raised in a bubble of how life is supposed to be like, and finds herself completely lost when she is exposed to how the real world works. That bubble is closing in around her, and she is gasping for air. Also I have to mention a secondary character, Greta, better known as Bambi - her story heartbreakingly well done. I loved her from the moment I met her.
This is billed as a romantic comedy, and it delivers. There is romance, and it’s hilarious, often at the same time. But it’s not just a romantic comedy, there is drama, action and suspense. There is a twist at the end of this story that I most definitely did not see coming, and it was that twist that earned this book’s five stars from me. This author keeps earning high ratings from me, every time I open one of her books. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
While not technically part of any series, Spiked Lemonade features characters from two of Shari’s previous books, Tag, and its follow up novella, You’re It. I have not read either of these, so I went into this not knowing much about it other than what my BFF told me about it when she was reading it some time ago. I’m told that the beginning of Sasha and Jag’s story originated in You’re It, and while it was explained well in the beginning of this story how all these characters knew each other, for my own understanding, I found myself wishing that I had read You’re It first.
That being said, I think Jags is probably hands down my favorite of all of Shari’s male leads. Every now and then you run across a character that you enjoy so much that you sit back and say, “You know, I’d like to buy them a beer.” Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson is one of those characters for me, as is Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones - and Deadpool, can’t forget Deadpool - and now Jags has his own seat at the bar. I loved his pervy, screwed up, foul mouthed butt. Him and Sasha could not be any more polar opposites. She’s a lady - a real Southern belle, and butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She’s naive, she’s innocent, and she’s gotten herself into a dangerous situation with an ex-boyfriend. Her life was literally on the line, and Jags has a hand in helping her out. These two - they were like magnets; he couldn’t resist goading her and she couldn’t help reacting to him, despite her protests to the contrary.
It’s not all fun and games - there is a deeper story to these characters. Jags is a medic who has seen too much, and part of his cocky don’t-care attitude is a cover for a man just feels too much. Sasha, for all her class, has been raised in a bubble of how life is supposed to be like, and finds herself completely lost when she is exposed to how the real world works. That bubble is closing in around her, and she is gasping for air. Also I have to mention a secondary character, Greta, better known as Bambi - her story heartbreakingly well done. I loved her from the moment I met her.
This is billed as a romantic comedy, and it delivers. There is romance, and it’s hilarious, often at the same time. But it’s not just a romantic comedy, there is drama, action and suspense. There is a twist at the end of this story that I most definitely did not see coming, and it was that twist that earned this book’s five stars from me. This author keeps earning high ratings from me, every time I open one of her books. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
August 29, 2016
This is my first book by this author and both the title and synopsis drew me in. This is a stand alone but there are characters from another series that show up in this book. I thought their history was very easy to catch up on without having read Tag’s book first.
This is a classic bad boy meets too innocent lady and sparks fly book. Jags is a former military medic with lots of ghosts haunting him day and night. Sasha is a true southern lady. No swear words out of her mouth, ever. She always is looking for the good in people and tries to keep up appearances. But Sasha has had her world implode recently and what she puts out on the surface is hiding the fear and insecurity in her life.
There is a fair bit of suspense in this novel along with the romance. I enjoyed the banter between Jags and Sasha and with their friends. I also really championed Sasha needing to be true to herself or in this case actually find out who she was. The secondary characters were all intriguing as well. I loved the side story of Bambi and Jags. Good people right there!
I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
*ARC received for an honest review.
This is a classic bad boy meets too innocent lady and sparks fly book. Jags is a former military medic with lots of ghosts haunting him day and night. Sasha is a true southern lady. No swear words out of her mouth, ever. She always is looking for the good in people and tries to keep up appearances. But Sasha has had her world implode recently and what she puts out on the surface is hiding the fear and insecurity in her life.
There is a fair bit of suspense in this novel along with the romance. I enjoyed the banter between Jags and Sasha and with their friends. I also really championed Sasha needing to be true to herself or in this case actually find out who she was. The secondary characters were all intriguing as well. I loved the side story of Bambi and Jags. Good people right there!
I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
*ARC received for an honest review.
August 23, 2016
What a great story!! I laughed, was scared and felt all kinds of crazy emotions. So happy I won an ARC of Spiked Lemonade, I got to experience a great love. I love Shari's writing. Go one click today!
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August 29, 2016I got about halfway into this book and had to call it quits. For some reason this story and I just did not connect.
October 16, 2016
First off, I was a beta reader for this story. That in no way takes an effect on my review. I loved this book from page 1.
The characters, the setting and the dynamics make this Romantic Comedy even more awesome. There are aspects of suspense, some intense moments that lead to some serious laughs. You have so many emotions and actions in one book that you get lost in each and every page. We first met both Jags and Sasha in Shari's novella, You're It, but do not worry, you do not have to read it first, unless you want to.
I love Jags, hard core. (and I'm not a beard chick but.. yeah he is yummy) I want to steal him and never let him go. Ha. And Sasha, dear sweet, I don't have a clue Sasha... I can't help but love her too. Weird for me but that is how it goes. You have a gruff, hardcore looking man who has seen more hurt and death in his life than anyone should have to deal with. You have a sweet, sassy (at times) southern belle who is shelter, coddled and has no clue of what the real world holds. Not only that but the two of them together are like night and day. Until they're not.
Callie, good lord her and Tango give this poor girl nightmares in a whole new way but its that kind of connection that you share with your bestfriend that keeps them in this place of needing to stay safe yet, not wanting to be a burden. Sasha is... a brat. There, I said it. LOL She is the kind of girl in school that always got A's, never had a hair out of place and was student body president. Jags, oh man, the big, burly, tatted up ex navy medic is a bear. So you have 'goldilocks' and Papa bear who have trouble fighting the attraction, the need to be close and the need to stay apart because they are so different.
Sasha, as I said was pampered. Jags wouldn't know pampered if it jumped out in front of him and sucked him off. Just saying. He is so far out of her grasps yet he is pulled in by her willingness to let him flirt, turn her cheeks pink and make her squirm. lets not forget the escapades they get into in a dark bathroom during a storm. And, oh man the shower, the things that bathroom could tell us all about if it could talk. The misunderstandings, moments of clarity and the chaos that has become Sasha's new life make things hard for her to wrap herself around what is right in front of her. The real threat that is waiting on her. the determination for Jags to save her... it's all a lot for her to take in. She has to fight to keep herself together.
In the end they both learn a valuable lesson. No one can fight your path out of the forest if you aren't willing to do it for yourself. Goldilocks got to sample the porridge, question is does she come to her senses and decide to take it all in. Let it warm her and keep her safe, or does she run and hide in another bubble and stop living the way she should. The way she could if she would open her heart to the man that has wormed his way into her life. Even if he was unwanted in the beginning.
The characters, the setting and the dynamics make this Romantic Comedy even more awesome. There are aspects of suspense, some intense moments that lead to some serious laughs. You have so many emotions and actions in one book that you get lost in each and every page. We first met both Jags and Sasha in Shari's novella, You're It, but do not worry, you do not have to read it first, unless you want to.
I love Jags, hard core. (and I'm not a beard chick but.. yeah he is yummy) I want to steal him and never let him go. Ha. And Sasha, dear sweet, I don't have a clue Sasha... I can't help but love her too. Weird for me but that is how it goes. You have a gruff, hardcore looking man who has seen more hurt and death in his life than anyone should have to deal with. You have a sweet, sassy (at times) southern belle who is shelter, coddled and has no clue of what the real world holds. Not only that but the two of them together are like night and day. Until they're not.
Callie, good lord her and Tango give this poor girl nightmares in a whole new way but its that kind of connection that you share with your bestfriend that keeps them in this place of needing to stay safe yet, not wanting to be a burden. Sasha is... a brat. There, I said it. LOL She is the kind of girl in school that always got A's, never had a hair out of place and was student body president. Jags, oh man, the big, burly, tatted up ex navy medic is a bear. So you have 'goldilocks' and Papa bear who have trouble fighting the attraction, the need to be close and the need to stay apart because they are so different.
Sasha, as I said was pampered. Jags wouldn't know pampered if it jumped out in front of him and sucked him off. Just saying. He is so far out of her grasps yet he is pulled in by her willingness to let him flirt, turn her cheeks pink and make her squirm. lets not forget the escapades they get into in a dark bathroom during a storm. And, oh man the shower, the things that bathroom could tell us all about if it could talk. The misunderstandings, moments of clarity and the chaos that has become Sasha's new life make things hard for her to wrap herself around what is right in front of her. The real threat that is waiting on her. the determination for Jags to save her... it's all a lot for her to take in. She has to fight to keep herself together.
In the end they both learn a valuable lesson. No one can fight your path out of the forest if you aren't willing to do it for yourself. Goldilocks got to sample the porridge, question is does she come to her senses and decide to take it all in. Let it warm her and keep her safe, or does she run and hide in another bubble and stop living the way she should. The way she could if she would open her heart to the man that has wormed his way into her life. Even if he was unwanted in the beginning.
August 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Jags is a Navy medic whose seen more in his lifetime than any of us can imagine or understand unless you've experienced it yourself. Lost and trying to find himself he roams from place to place trying to out run his nightmares. Then in small town Texas he met Sasha. His polar opposite in every way. She's the prim and proper southern belle. Can such polar opposites, one with a dirty might and one who blushes when he uses it, ever find their way together in this crazy world?
I've read just about everything Shari Ryan has written. I love her books and generally end up at some point with my heart shattered and put back together. She's good at that. A little to good but I love every second of it. If you've read her previous books you know what I am talking about. When you pick up Spiked Lemonade you know right away this book is different from what she usually writes. I fell for Jags in the Prologue. He's actually quiet dreamy and his mouth just cracked me up. He's a good guy all tatted up with a beard whose running from things he's seen and experienced in his past. Then he meets his polar opposite in Sasha. From that point on he's hooked and knows this is the woman for him. Sasha on the other hand is having none of it. Here is where I got worried. I wanted to like Sasha as much as I liked Jags from the second I met him. I didn't though and that worried me. A lot. I swear she got on my nerves so bad I wanted to shake her. If you find yourself with this little delima too I strongly strongly recommend not putting the book down and giving up. Your going to miss something absolutely amazing if you do.
Spiked Lemonade is not at all what I expected from the beginning. It turned into something meaningful and quiet frankly beautiful. It's a story of growth and finding ones self. Of not being what everyone expects you to be but what makes you happy. It's living your life to the fullest and having no regrets because life is short. Shari Ryan has written a book about this journey with emotions you won't see coming till your laughing your head off or shedding tears. I'm so glad I didn't give up on Sasha. It's not often a character surprises me. Sasha however did.
Jags is a Navy medic whose seen more in his lifetime than any of us can imagine or understand unless you've experienced it yourself. Lost and trying to find himself he roams from place to place trying to out run his nightmares. Then in small town Texas he met Sasha. His polar opposite in every way. She's the prim and proper southern belle. Can such polar opposites, one with a dirty might and one who blushes when he uses it, ever find their way together in this crazy world?
I've read just about everything Shari Ryan has written. I love her books and generally end up at some point with my heart shattered and put back together. She's good at that. A little to good but I love every second of it. If you've read her previous books you know what I am talking about. When you pick up Spiked Lemonade you know right away this book is different from what she usually writes. I fell for Jags in the Prologue. He's actually quiet dreamy and his mouth just cracked me up. He's a good guy all tatted up with a beard whose running from things he's seen and experienced in his past. Then he meets his polar opposite in Sasha. From that point on he's hooked and knows this is the woman for him. Sasha on the other hand is having none of it. Here is where I got worried. I wanted to like Sasha as much as I liked Jags from the second I met him. I didn't though and that worried me. A lot. I swear she got on my nerves so bad I wanted to shake her. If you find yourself with this little delima too I strongly strongly recommend not putting the book down and giving up. Your going to miss something absolutely amazing if you do.
Spiked Lemonade is not at all what I expected from the beginning. It turned into something meaningful and quiet frankly beautiful. It's a story of growth and finding ones self. Of not being what everyone expects you to be but what makes you happy. It's living your life to the fullest and having no regrets because life is short. Shari Ryan has written a book about this journey with emotions you won't see coming till your laughing your head off or shedding tears. I'm so glad I didn't give up on Sasha. It's not often a character surprises me. Sasha however did.
September 12, 2016
This book was so much more than I expected. From the intense emotions of the beginning scenes to the moments I laughed so hard my stomach hurt, I just loved this book! Sasha, the sweet Southern Belle, and Jags, the down and dirty Navy Medic have a totally different kind of love and romance. Even as I sit to write this review, I remember some of their antics and cannot help it - I am laughing hysterically.
They met under some stressful situations and through their best friends Tango and Cali (their story is begins in TAG). Tango and Cali knew that Jags and Sasha could bring out the best in each other. Jags was lost and jagged from his time in combat overseas. Sasha is coming out of very bad relationship where her life was at risk. He's foul and wants to f*ck. She's so repressed she can't even say the word f*ck. So what do you get when you combine surly with sass? I got an amazing story that once I started I could not put down.
I will admit that for a bit I wasn't sure what story I was reading. If you had not read Cali and Tango's story before, it would be easy to feel somewhat lost. Still the story was written in such a way that after a time it was simply Sasha and Jags' story. Two people who really were quite lost and trying to discover who they are underneath the disguises that they wore. No way was Jags this manwhore that he professed to be and no way was Sasha this stuck up wanna be Southern housewife in training.
They both had demons to face and decisions to make so that they could be together. They have an all out amazing journey discovering who they are individually as well as being a couple. A bit of insta-love and really, I cannot said it enough about the belly aching laughs. Don't read this in public. I got the worst looks for laughing! My favorite line and scene from the book? "Are you Irish?" And there I go laughing all over again.
This was my first read from Shari. What a great introduction. This is not your typical romance! It's down and dirty, complex and complicated. It's fun and frivilous. It has moments of serious contemplation and deals with a very important issue that needs more attention. It has just some of the hottest sex scenes. It was a total blast! Fantastic, Shari!
They met under some stressful situations and through their best friends Tango and Cali (their story is begins in TAG). Tango and Cali knew that Jags and Sasha could bring out the best in each other. Jags was lost and jagged from his time in combat overseas. Sasha is coming out of very bad relationship where her life was at risk. He's foul and wants to f*ck. She's so repressed she can't even say the word f*ck. So what do you get when you combine surly with sass? I got an amazing story that once I started I could not put down.
I will admit that for a bit I wasn't sure what story I was reading. If you had not read Cali and Tango's story before, it would be easy to feel somewhat lost. Still the story was written in such a way that after a time it was simply Sasha and Jags' story. Two people who really were quite lost and trying to discover who they are underneath the disguises that they wore. No way was Jags this manwhore that he professed to be and no way was Sasha this stuck up wanna be Southern housewife in training.
They both had demons to face and decisions to make so that they could be together. They have an all out amazing journey discovering who they are individually as well as being a couple. A bit of insta-love and really, I cannot said it enough about the belly aching laughs. Don't read this in public. I got the worst looks for laughing! My favorite line and scene from the book? "Are you Irish?" And there I go laughing all over again.
This was my first read from Shari. What a great introduction. This is not your typical romance! It's down and dirty, complex and complicated. It's fun and frivilous. It has moments of serious contemplation and deals with a very important issue that needs more attention. It has just some of the hottest sex scenes. It was a total blast! Fantastic, Shari!
August 30, 2016
Taking A Walk On the Wild!!!
Jags aka Jason Andrew Gaits was a former Navy medic and best-friend of Tango from TAG and YOU'RE IT . After all he saw and experience while in the service, when he came home things were equally bad on home soil. An incident made him give up his uniform, he got some tattoos and was daeling with demons from his past.
Sasha Caldwell was in a relationship with a man who tried to kill her and her best-friend Cali's family. She met Jags but decided to avoid him and his womanizer ways. Despite his ways, Sasha lnew that Jags had a heart of gold.
Tango and Cali wanted their best friends to get to know each other better, even though Sasha wasn't up to it. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Jags. The latter felt the same way but he also felt like he couldn't outrun his demons.
Jags thought he was no good for Sasha what he didn't know was that he was just what she needed in her life to make her come alive. They decided to give themselves a chance at happiness, Sasha came out of her shell while Jags kept falling in love with her each passing day.
Liked that Jags and Bambi aka Greta (the woman he helped years ago after a bombing attack) were friends. They both lost a lot that fateful day and felt haunted.
SPIKED LEMONADE is a standalone novel by Shari J. Ryan. It was enthralling, humorous and oh so combustible. Loved how Jags was able to break through Sasha's defensive walls. Having Cali, Tango and Tyler a part of this incredible journey was well done.
Their makeshift family was one of the most cutest and loyal family ever. If you love dirty mouth alphas, a smarty pants five years old kid, friends who are more like sisters and a shy beautiful woman discovering her wings. This book is for you. Shari J. Ryan did a magnificent job.
Jags aka Jason Andrew Gaits was a former Navy medic and best-friend of Tango from TAG and YOU'RE IT . After all he saw and experience while in the service, when he came home things were equally bad on home soil. An incident made him give up his uniform, he got some tattoos and was daeling with demons from his past.
Sasha Caldwell was in a relationship with a man who tried to kill her and her best-friend Cali's family. She met Jags but decided to avoid him and his womanizer ways. Despite his ways, Sasha lnew that Jags had a heart of gold.
Tango and Cali wanted their best friends to get to know each other better, even though Sasha wasn't up to it. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Jags. The latter felt the same way but he also felt like he couldn't outrun his demons.
Jags thought he was no good for Sasha what he didn't know was that he was just what she needed in her life to make her come alive. They decided to give themselves a chance at happiness, Sasha came out of her shell while Jags kept falling in love with her each passing day.
Liked that Jags and Bambi aka Greta (the woman he helped years ago after a bombing attack) were friends. They both lost a lot that fateful day and felt haunted.
SPIKED LEMONADE is a standalone novel by Shari J. Ryan. It was enthralling, humorous and oh so combustible. Loved how Jags was able to break through Sasha's defensive walls. Having Cali, Tango and Tyler a part of this incredible journey was well done.
Their makeshift family was one of the most cutest and loyal family ever. If you love dirty mouth alphas, a smarty pants five years old kid, friends who are more like sisters and a shy beautiful woman discovering her wings. This book is for you. Shari J. Ryan did a magnificent job.
August 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review on behalf of Bangor Belles Book Besties.
This is the first book of this author’s that i have read, and i pretty much enjoyed it.
Jags is Ex Navy and has seen more death and destruction than anyone should have to. He’s spent the last few years since leaving the services, being a nomad, getting attached to no one, neither emotionally nor physically. After all ya gotta scratch that itch right? He’s hot, sexy, foul mouthed, tattooed, and really is at a point in his life where he doesn’t give a *h** as long as there is hot cars and loose women !
He returns to Texas to help out a friend and his wife and in that process he meets Sasha (the wife’s best friend) Sasha is everything he should never want. She’s hot, gorgeous.. but she’s the total opposite, she’s judgmental, moral, good girl, snobbish and she hates him. But unfortunately neither of their hearts or bodies agree and the attraction just won’t be abated. Hot steamy session’s partnered with a good dose of humour !
I really liked Jags, he was funny, smart, and truly alpha. His banter with Sasha had me in fits of laughter, although he never really showed a serious side, you always knew it was there and he was a man you could rely on. Sasha i wasn’t so keen on, i found her personality winney and juvenille and didn’t really take to her.
As the story progress there are some good plot twists that definitely keep you turning the pages. A good enjoyable read, but i think i’d have loved him to have ended up with Bambi !!!
Looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
This is the first book of this author’s that i have read, and i pretty much enjoyed it.
Jags is Ex Navy and has seen more death and destruction than anyone should have to. He’s spent the last few years since leaving the services, being a nomad, getting attached to no one, neither emotionally nor physically. After all ya gotta scratch that itch right? He’s hot, sexy, foul mouthed, tattooed, and really is at a point in his life where he doesn’t give a *h** as long as there is hot cars and loose women !
He returns to Texas to help out a friend and his wife and in that process he meets Sasha (the wife’s best friend) Sasha is everything he should never want. She’s hot, gorgeous.. but she’s the total opposite, she’s judgmental, moral, good girl, snobbish and she hates him. But unfortunately neither of their hearts or bodies agree and the attraction just won’t be abated. Hot steamy session’s partnered with a good dose of humour !
I really liked Jags, he was funny, smart, and truly alpha. His banter with Sasha had me in fits of laughter, although he never really showed a serious side, you always knew it was there and he was a man you could rely on. Sasha i wasn’t so keen on, i found her personality winney and juvenille and didn’t really take to her.
As the story progress there are some good plot twists that definitely keep you turning the pages. A good enjoyable read, but i think i’d have loved him to have ended up with Bambi !!!
Looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
August 28, 2016
We have good girl, Sasha and alpha male with a soft side, Jags. They are complete opposites and like the old saying goes those usually attract. I loved Jags in this book but Sasha was such a stick in the mud. She was very high strung, very judgmental and quick to have her nose in the air. As the book progresses she finally loses up and I was able to tolerate her better. Her best friend Cali and her husband Tango made this book for me!! They are so hilarious and I loved their relationship. Ok, back to Jags and Sasha, they go through some stuff before they finally get it together. Sasha, has an ex boyfriend, Landon who is stalking her and won't stop until he gets her back. I was expecting more when it came to this part of the storyline but it kinda felt flat for me. This book does have some hilarious laugh out loud moments. The romantic comedy aspect of this book was great but the suspense fell flat. I will definitely be checking out Cali and Tango's book since I liked them so much. Oh and I can't forget Bambi! I hope we get a story about her as she is another interesting character. Ryan is a new to me author and I was impressed with my first book by her.
*arc was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
*arc was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
August 29, 2016
Star Rating: 4 stars
Amazing!
Just amazing!
I will say I cried like a baby in just the prologue. It was that good, all of the emotions that were poured into this book were amazing.
JAGs, the corpsman who has a horrible past because of what he has seen. Comes together and pulls his life together but it isn't alone. Can a southern belle get inside this guarded man?
Sasha, a woman who is stuck in a life role that she has seen her entire life takes a back seat and watches it unfold and a realization hits her hard. Will her life turn out just like she has seen all of her life or will she make a change so it doesn't happen to her?
I loved this story. It has a lot of truth in it and being able to relate to the characters and their lives is what pushes you to want more and more and eventually when it's over all you want is for it to never end because it is just to hard to let them go.
This book has it's hilarious moments that's for sure because JAGs is just alpha to his core with a dirty as hell mouth and mind and I loved it. Shari has a way of writing and I immediately want to read her books, this won't be the last book I read of hers that is for sure.
-Michele Y
Amazing!
Just amazing!
I will say I cried like a baby in just the prologue. It was that good, all of the emotions that were poured into this book were amazing.
JAGs, the corpsman who has a horrible past because of what he has seen. Comes together and pulls his life together but it isn't alone. Can a southern belle get inside this guarded man?
Sasha, a woman who is stuck in a life role that she has seen her entire life takes a back seat and watches it unfold and a realization hits her hard. Will her life turn out just like she has seen all of her life or will she make a change so it doesn't happen to her?
I loved this story. It has a lot of truth in it and being able to relate to the characters and their lives is what pushes you to want more and more and eventually when it's over all you want is for it to never end because it is just to hard to let them go.
This book has it's hilarious moments that's for sure because JAGs is just alpha to his core with a dirty as hell mouth and mind and I loved it. Shari has a way of writing and I immediately want to read her books, this won't be the last book I read of hers that is for sure.
-Michele Y
September 8, 2016
I actually DNF at like 35% I'll estimate, I already deleted the book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. It claims to be a romantic comedy, but I didn't get to any romance and I definitely didn't think anything was very funny. I read some comments that I think were supposed to be considered funny, but they just missed the mark for me.
The writing of the prologue was actually REALLY good, but it was deep and dark... Not comedy at all. I wasn't sure I was reading the right book but I really really liked the prologue. It just wasn't what I had expected.
Then the prologue was tied into the present and I was confused about wether this was a love triangle or like some sort of mystery. Like was the girl at the hotel the girl from the prologue because if so she was either lying about her age or that was a continuity issue.
I don't know. The writing was good. The story just wasn't for me and didn't make sense so much of the time. Like is this a follow up to another book? Because some of the characters had back stories that I felt like I needed to know more of. They kept being alluded to, "you know how I am, running away." Ok are you running away? Should I already know why? What?
The blurb and the prologue are great. That's where it ended for me. *shrugs shoulders*
The writing of the prologue was actually REALLY good, but it was deep and dark... Not comedy at all. I wasn't sure I was reading the right book but I really really liked the prologue. It just wasn't what I had expected.
Then the prologue was tied into the present and I was confused about wether this was a love triangle or like some sort of mystery. Like was the girl at the hotel the girl from the prologue because if so she was either lying about her age or that was a continuity issue.
I don't know. The writing was good. The story just wasn't for me and didn't make sense so much of the time. Like is this a follow up to another book? Because some of the characters had back stories that I felt like I needed to know more of. They kept being alluded to, "you know how I am, running away." Ok are you running away? Should I already know why? What?
The blurb and the prologue are great. That's where it ended for me. *shrugs shoulders*
August 9, 2016
I read Spiked Lemonade in return for an honest review.
Spiked Lemonade gets 5 stars from me, because it is sexy and sweet but it is also suspenseful, hilarious, and emotional. Sparks fly like crazy with the two main characters and I am so glad that these two opposites attract! Many scenes made me laugh out loud, blush with embarrassment or sing along to the awesome 80's music! I loved hearing this story through both perspectives of Jags and Sasha and getting a glimpse at what both characters were feeling. There are a few climaxes - both in the plot and between the characters ;) - that make this story quite the romatic and steamy, comedy! It is a must read - both hot and hillarious!
If you've read TAG and fallen in love with Cali and Tango, like me, they're back in Spiked Lemonade - and I looooved getting to spend more time with them too!
Spiked Lemonade gets 5 stars from me, because it is sexy and sweet but it is also suspenseful, hilarious, and emotional. Sparks fly like crazy with the two main characters and I am so glad that these two opposites attract! Many scenes made me laugh out loud, blush with embarrassment or sing along to the awesome 80's music! I loved hearing this story through both perspectives of Jags and Sasha and getting a glimpse at what both characters were feeling. There are a few climaxes - both in the plot and between the characters ;) - that make this story quite the romatic and steamy, comedy! It is a must read - both hot and hillarious!
If you've read TAG and fallen in love with Cali and Tango, like me, they're back in Spiked Lemonade - and I looooved getting to spend more time with them too!
August 20, 2016
This was my first read by Shari J. Ryan but it won't be my last. It had a little bit of everything. It was cute and funny, sexy and sad, there was even some suspense.
They say opposites attract and that couldn't be more true for Jags and Shasha. They really are spiked lemonade. I absolutely adored Jags with his grizzly looks and his selfless ways. Shasha was a little harder to like but once she left that southern belle routine behind I did. I also loved the crazy banter between Cali and Tango! (I just realized they have their own books....next on my list.)
I was surprised and heartbroken for Bambi and her niece. It wasn't something I seen coming and I would LOVE to read something from their POV.
I loved when Shasha was drunk and said cocking instead of talking and it was just sort of the new word from then on. I think I'll even start saying it.
They say opposites attract and that couldn't be more true for Jags and Shasha. They really are spiked lemonade. I absolutely adored Jags with his grizzly looks and his selfless ways. Shasha was a little harder to like but once she left that southern belle routine behind I did. I also loved the crazy banter between Cali and Tango! (I just realized they have their own books....next on my list.)
I was surprised and heartbroken for Bambi and her niece. It wasn't something I seen coming and I would LOVE to read something from their POV.
I loved when Shasha was drunk and said cocking instead of talking and it was just sort of the new word from then on. I think I'll even start saying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2016
**3.5 stars**
This cover... That's what caught my attention first - so cute! Then I read the blurb and I was hooked. The banter between Jags & Sasha kept me entertained and wanting to keep turning the pages. They are likable characters and I wanted to see how their story turned out.
There were many parts that I really liked, but the story ended up being just okay for me. There were certain things that happened during the last 20-ish % that I wasn't a fan of, but all in all, I enjoyed this book.
This cover... That's what caught my attention first - so cute! Then I read the blurb and I was hooked. The banter between Jags & Sasha kept me entertained and wanting to keep turning the pages. They are likable characters and I wanted to see how their story turned out.
There were many parts that I really liked, but the story ended up being just okay for me. There were certain things that happened during the last 20-ish % that I wasn't a fan of, but all in all, I enjoyed this book.
August 24, 2016
This is my first Shari Ryan book. I loved Jags, he was funny, smart, sexy & a charmer. I truly didn't care much for Sasha's character. She was whiney, rude and annoying. And I'm usually a sucker for a southern man or a southern Belle. I would've given the book more stars if it hadn't been for her. I liked a few secondary characters. This book was good save for the heroine.
September 10, 2016
Sweet sweet lemonade!!!!!
I so loved this story! I couldn't put it down. I loved the plot, the characters. I was absolutely floored when Sasha left, I wanted to cry! It was nice to see a man share his feelings.
I so loved this story! I couldn't put it down. I loved the plot, the characters. I was absolutely floored when Sasha left, I wanted to cry! It was nice to see a man share his feelings.
October 25, 2016
I was gifted a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher. I volunteered to read and review it, and was not given any incentives for doing so. This is my honest review.
Writing these type of reviews stink especially when it's an author you enjoy reading. Shari is a very talented Author and her writing is flawless but this story line was not one of my favorites. I got the humor and the romantic ending, but the plot itself just seems jumbled. There are parts of the story when it seems like everything is going to finally come together but then it just ends, jumps to the next chapter. There is a character that is a part of Jag's life before Sasha and I felt more of connection between them than Sasha and Jags. While I get that it's a story of two lost souls, Jags is overcoming PTSD & a tough life in the service and Sasha has been shafted by her ex-boyfriend & having a structured life growing up, I felt like it jumped all over the place. Jags & Sasha couldn't be any more different and I enjoy reading stories of opposites attract, but until the end, I didn't think they belonged together. I did enjoy the friendship, camaraderie the characters all shared and the beginning of the book started out strong, just felt like it the rest of it fell short.
Although this book wasn't one of my favorites, I look forward to reading Shari's upcoming releases.
Writing these type of reviews stink especially when it's an author you enjoy reading. Shari is a very talented Author and her writing is flawless but this story line was not one of my favorites. I got the humor and the romantic ending, but the plot itself just seems jumbled. There are parts of the story when it seems like everything is going to finally come together but then it just ends, jumps to the next chapter. There is a character that is a part of Jag's life before Sasha and I felt more of connection between them than Sasha and Jags. While I get that it's a story of two lost souls, Jags is overcoming PTSD & a tough life in the service and Sasha has been shafted by her ex-boyfriend & having a structured life growing up, I felt like it jumped all over the place. Jags & Sasha couldn't be any more different and I enjoy reading stories of opposites attract, but until the end, I didn't think they belonged together. I did enjoy the friendship, camaraderie the characters all shared and the beginning of the book started out strong, just felt like it the rest of it fell short.
Although this book wasn't one of my favorites, I look forward to reading Shari's upcoming releases.
August 28, 2018
Firstly, I love the title and cover and wanted to read this after checking out the synopsis. I assumed this novel was a complete standalone when I picked it up. But, I was wrong as it can be read as a standalone, however, supporting character's crossover from another novel called Tag & a novella called You're It. In, my opinion you should read Cali's and Tango's romance first as without reading the other novels you miss out on understanding all the character's. As, apparently Sasha & Jags beginning originated in the novella You're It. The prologue was dark, deep, & heartbreaking as well as very intriguing. However, when I read the first few chapters I was a bit confused as from the prologue I was expecting something a little different. But, as I kept reading I could understand where the story was going. I'm sure if I had read the other books first I would not been confused. I had trouble connecting with these character's and I have no idea why. The banter between Jags and Sasha is witty and keeps you entertained. The narrative is humorous, romantic, and suspenseful all rolled up into a entertaining read.
June 24, 2017
I love love Loved this story! Jags was the perfect character. He was the great friend, the protector, and always selfless. I love that it was the continuation to the Tag novel and You're It novella. It was the perfection continuation with different lead characters (Jags and Sasha). It is labeled as a stand alone, and I think she explains enough that it is true, but I would read the other two first so it doesn't give anything away. Because you're not going to get enough of these characters with just one book!
March 24, 2018
Spiked Lemonade .....Cheers!!!!
Sweet, sexy and heart warming. A southern belle and a rough around the edges marine. Jags and Sasha have stolen my heart. What a wonderful journey. Books like this, makes me fall in love again and again with reading. I loved their story and definitely I'm curious about Cali and Tango's story now. Gonna check that out. Have to.....Lobed my time with this spiked lemonade.
Sweet, sexy and heart warming. A southern belle and a rough around the edges marine. Jags and Sasha have stolen my heart. What a wonderful journey. Books like this, makes me fall in love again and again with reading. I loved their story and definitely I'm curious about Cali and Tango's story now. Gonna check that out. Have to.....Lobed my time with this spiked lemonade.
February 5, 2017
Loved it
I did not want to put this book down.. I would recommend this book to my friends to read. Made me laugh a few times and made me sad at the start of the book
I did not want to put this book down.. I would recommend this book to my friends to read. Made me laugh a few times and made me sad at the start of the book
August 29, 2016
JAGS, as everyone calls retired Navy medic, has spent six years moving from town to town trying to outrun the nightmares from his years serving. He no longer has his short hair but instead is covered in tattoos with a scruffy beard. Stopping in the one town of Texas to help out a buddy with a situation he ends up staying longer than he planned. This is where he meets Sasha.
Sasha, the Southern Belle, has lived her life in a bubble in her small Texan town. She can not stand the sailor talk that comes from JAGS or pretty much anything about him. Sure her world has just been turned upside down and her life isn’t safe any longer. Will JAGS be the one to be there for her on her way of learning sometimes that Southern lemonade needs to be spiked.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be my last. JAGS right from the start had me wanting to know more. The event that takes place in the prologue was tragic and I knew right from there that this was going to be a book I wasn’t going to be able to put down.
As JAGS states at one point “After all, it isn’t the life around us that makes us who we are, it’s the life within us that forces us to keep living.”
The emotions in the book are real and at times raw. “I hate my life. I hate every morning that I wake up. I hate every breath that I take. I hate the seconds I accidentally look into a mirror and catch my horrid reflection. I hate when people look at me for longer than necessary.”
Then you have the sexual tension and mishaps between JAGS and Sasha that brings some humor to the story. Add in JAGS love for cars, or women as he refers to them, and there will be times that leave you with a silly smile. I particularly loved when he took a job as a mechanic and is working on a car when his female boss comes in. He may have some screws loose as she states that he agrees with “I do. And it’s a good thing I know how to use a screwdriver to make things tight and hard, don’t you think?”
This story is not your simple love story, there are several suspenseful moments as well as unexpected twists that bring the story into a different light. There are struggles with trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with life.
“Does that include people who cover up their pain with a smile? Or people who say anything they’re thinking because it’s better than hiding the truth? I know I’m brash and ‘rough around the edges’ as you put it, but I still have a heart.” JAGS
This books takes you on ups and downs, leaving you laughing as well as in tears. There wasn’t a moment when I was able to fully figure everything out. The supporting characters added to this roller coaster ride you travel through. I do hope Greta gets her own book as I would love for her to have a happy ending.
“Life...this thing we do every day where we wake up, take a few breaths, eat some food, sometimes get lucky, and then repeat. It’s a ride. You can hang out in the slow-as-a-slug lane, or you could merge on over to the fast-as-f**k lane and feel the wind in your face and make your heart pound out of your chest. The choice is yours, but I think I’d rather show up at my grave with smoke lit up in my path” JAGS
Sasha, the Southern Belle, has lived her life in a bubble in her small Texan town. She can not stand the sailor talk that comes from JAGS or pretty much anything about him. Sure her world has just been turned upside down and her life isn’t safe any longer. Will JAGS be the one to be there for her on her way of learning sometimes that Southern lemonade needs to be spiked.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be my last. JAGS right from the start had me wanting to know more. The event that takes place in the prologue was tragic and I knew right from there that this was going to be a book I wasn’t going to be able to put down.
As JAGS states at one point “After all, it isn’t the life around us that makes us who we are, it’s the life within us that forces us to keep living.”
The emotions in the book are real and at times raw. “I hate my life. I hate every morning that I wake up. I hate every breath that I take. I hate the seconds I accidentally look into a mirror and catch my horrid reflection. I hate when people look at me for longer than necessary.”
Then you have the sexual tension and mishaps between JAGS and Sasha that brings some humor to the story. Add in JAGS love for cars, or women as he refers to them, and there will be times that leave you with a silly smile. I particularly loved when he took a job as a mechanic and is working on a car when his female boss comes in. He may have some screws loose as she states that he agrees with “I do. And it’s a good thing I know how to use a screwdriver to make things tight and hard, don’t you think?”
This story is not your simple love story, there are several suspenseful moments as well as unexpected twists that bring the story into a different light. There are struggles with trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with life.
“Does that include people who cover up their pain with a smile? Or people who say anything they’re thinking because it’s better than hiding the truth? I know I’m brash and ‘rough around the edges’ as you put it, but I still have a heart.” JAGS
This books takes you on ups and downs, leaving you laughing as well as in tears. There wasn’t a moment when I was able to fully figure everything out. The supporting characters added to this roller coaster ride you travel through. I do hope Greta gets her own book as I would love for her to have a happy ending.
“Life...this thing we do every day where we wake up, take a few breaths, eat some food, sometimes get lucky, and then repeat. It’s a ride. You can hang out in the slow-as-a-slug lane, or you could merge on over to the fast-as-f**k lane and feel the wind in your face and make your heart pound out of your chest. The choice is yours, but I think I’d rather show up at my grave with smoke lit up in my path” JAGS
August 30, 2016
*Grateful to have received and ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
I will have to be completely honest. I had a major “What the Hell?!?” moment at the beginning of this book. I was very confused at what was going on and where the storyline was going but I am very glad I pushed through this confusion and continued on. This book was amazing!
This was a story about finding one’s self and being able to grow in many different ways. It is not often that characters surprise me anymore. I can generally see things coming or at least get an inkling of where things are going to go. I can honestly say Sasha surprised me. In many ways she grew when other characters would give in or completely run away.
JAGS is one of my favorite male characters of the year. He was strong, cocky, swoony, and definitely my kind of man! JAGS and Sasha were complete opposites in the absolute best ways possible. The tension between them was amazing and the climax!!! WOW!
I am so excited to go back and read TAG because I completely fell in love with Tango and Cali! They are so funny! They are by far some of my favorite supporting characters that I’ve ever read about and I am interested to see how they are as main characters.
I promise! If you push past the first few confusing parts you will fall in love with this book and all of the characters. (Seriously, the beginning is the only reason I couldn’t give this book a full 5 stars.)
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“The Sawdust Motor Inn? That place is run by roaches, like I actually think cockroaches scared away the owners.”
“I bet you she’s been locked up in her parents’ attic for so long that she’s dying to see what she can spike her lemonade with.”
“Look, I don’t care how crazy or all over the place you are, just be you. Be the girl I’ve fallen for.”
“I’m dirt, and she’s a polished piece of gold. I’m Jack, and she’s lemonade. Spiked drinks don’t always taste so good, I guess.”
“Holy crap girl. Now this is true love, and you are officially a hot-looking glass of spiked lemonade.”
I will have to be completely honest. I had a major “What the Hell?!?” moment at the beginning of this book. I was very confused at what was going on and where the storyline was going but I am very glad I pushed through this confusion and continued on. This book was amazing!
This was a story about finding one’s self and being able to grow in many different ways. It is not often that characters surprise me anymore. I can generally see things coming or at least get an inkling of where things are going to go. I can honestly say Sasha surprised me. In many ways she grew when other characters would give in or completely run away.
JAGS is one of my favorite male characters of the year. He was strong, cocky, swoony, and definitely my kind of man! JAGS and Sasha were complete opposites in the absolute best ways possible. The tension between them was amazing and the climax!!! WOW!
I am so excited to go back and read TAG because I completely fell in love with Tango and Cali! They are so funny! They are by far some of my favorite supporting characters that I’ve ever read about and I am interested to see how they are as main characters.
I promise! If you push past the first few confusing parts you will fall in love with this book and all of the characters. (Seriously, the beginning is the only reason I couldn’t give this book a full 5 stars.)
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“The Sawdust Motor Inn? That place is run by roaches, like I actually think cockroaches scared away the owners.”
“I bet you she’s been locked up in her parents’ attic for so long that she’s dying to see what she can spike her lemonade with.”
“Look, I don’t care how crazy or all over the place you are, just be you. Be the girl I’ve fallen for.”
“I’m dirt, and she’s a polished piece of gold. I’m Jack, and she’s lemonade. Spiked drinks don’t always taste so good, I guess.”
“Holy crap girl. Now this is true love, and you are officially a hot-looking glass of spiked lemonade.”
September 25, 2016
Yet another instance where this is called a standalone, but there's so much reference made to something that happened before this book starts, that it's almost impossible to ignore.
A lot went on in that book, apparently and even more goes on in this book.
Sacha is a "southern belle" who is forced to live with her BF Cali and her husband Tango. (S was apparently used by her psycho-ex long term boyfriend (with whom she lived) in order to extract info from Cali. Tango tried to handle the issue by calling in his best friend Jags and that's how they meet).
Jags has an intense backstory as a medic in the Navy or Marines. Sacha, despite her MBA, was a waitress in the same restaurant where the psycho ex worked. She's now homeless, jobless, boyfriendless. And Cali and Tango are very loud in the bedroom, despite their 5 yr old daughter and S being in the house. S does not like Jags' foul mouth or rude comments. But J is attracted to her and S is attracted to him despite the she who protests too much demeanor. So that's fun to read.
Despite my high rating, I had MAJOR issues with the ending. I wanted WAY more communication between these two. The banter was funny, but I needed to read some serious stuff about how they were going to make things work between them. The ending just was weird. She's KIDNAPPED, but decides to leave Texas IMMEDIATELY. Ummmm. Heard of PTSD? Seemed she had no side effects, although we learn that Jags has this and it's alluded to, but not really addressed. This felt lazy. During the year they're apart, they merely text? Or have light conversations? WTF?? It's weird and made for another poor effort to try to wrap up their relationship. Her insecurities were pretty evident, despite her finding herself. The side story with Greta and her niece was intriguing, but I wanted to learn more. This got short shrift and could have made an even deeper, richer story had this been addressed adequately.
A lot went on in that book, apparently and even more goes on in this book.
Sacha is a "southern belle" who is forced to live with her BF Cali and her husband Tango. (S was apparently used by her psycho-ex long term boyfriend (with whom she lived) in order to extract info from Cali. Tango tried to handle the issue by calling in his best friend Jags and that's how they meet).
Jags has an intense backstory as a medic in the Navy or Marines. Sacha, despite her MBA, was a waitress in the same restaurant where the psycho ex worked. She's now homeless, jobless, boyfriendless. And Cali and Tango are very loud in the bedroom, despite their 5 yr old daughter and S being in the house. S does not like Jags' foul mouth or rude comments. But J is attracted to her and S is attracted to him despite the she who protests too much demeanor. So that's fun to read.
Despite my high rating, I had MAJOR issues with the ending. I wanted WAY more communication between these two. The banter was funny, but I needed to read some serious stuff about how they were going to make things work between them. The ending just was weird. She's KIDNAPPED, but decides to leave Texas IMMEDIATELY. Ummmm. Heard of PTSD? Seemed she had no side effects, although we learn that Jags has this and it's alluded to, but not really addressed. This felt lazy. During the year they're apart, they merely text? Or have light conversations? WTF?? It's weird and made for another poor effort to try to wrap up their relationship. Her insecurities were pretty evident, despite her finding herself. The side story with Greta and her niece was intriguing, but I wanted to learn more. This got short shrift and could have made an even deeper, richer story had this been addressed adequately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2016
Spiked Lemonade is my third book by Shari J. Ryan. I was looking forward to this one since I loved the previous books I've read. While this one was a cute read, I didn't connect with it as much as her other ones. It's possible that I've been reading too many dark books this month so I wasn't in the right frame of mind.
I was a little confused when I started reading. I knew this was supposed a romantic comedy, but the prologue was so serious and I couldn't stop crying. So I was unsure where the direction was going. Then the first chapter had a completely different feel. I then thought JAG's love interest was going to be the first girl that was introduced since they had some chemistry. I was then surprised when the next chapter came from the heroine's POV and it was a different girl. I did find while I was reading that the story got better and better.
I kept going back and forth on whether or not I really liked the characters. I did grow to like them all as the story progressed. I liked Bambi from the very beginning and I really hope she gets her own story. If so, I will definitely be reading it. I of course loved Tyler from the beginning. Kids are one of my weaknesses in books. JAG drove me crazy at times with his jokes and cocky attitude, but then he would be really sweet and have a tea party with a little girl. I didn't really care for Sasha at first, but I got a kick out of her never able to say a "dirty" word. The friendship between Sasha and Cali was amazing to see. Cali and TAG's relationship was a hoot, and I am for sure going to read their story.
I felt especially towards the beginning that there was too much sex. Whether someone was "doing it" or talking about it. I did enjoy this cute read that made me laugh-out-loud a couple of times. I'm looking forward to Shari's next book.
I was a little confused when I started reading. I knew this was supposed a romantic comedy, but the prologue was so serious and I couldn't stop crying. So I was unsure where the direction was going. Then the first chapter had a completely different feel. I then thought JAG's love interest was going to be the first girl that was introduced since they had some chemistry. I was then surprised when the next chapter came from the heroine's POV and it was a different girl. I did find while I was reading that the story got better and better.
I kept going back and forth on whether or not I really liked the characters. I did grow to like them all as the story progressed. I liked Bambi from the very beginning and I really hope she gets her own story. If so, I will definitely be reading it. I of course loved Tyler from the beginning. Kids are one of my weaknesses in books. JAG drove me crazy at times with his jokes and cocky attitude, but then he would be really sweet and have a tea party with a little girl. I didn't really care for Sasha at first, but I got a kick out of her never able to say a "dirty" word. The friendship between Sasha and Cali was amazing to see. Cali and TAG's relationship was a hoot, and I am for sure going to read their story.
I felt especially towards the beginning that there was too much sex. Whether someone was "doing it" or talking about it. I did enjoy this cute read that made me laugh-out-loud a couple of times. I'm looking forward to Shari's next book.
September 16, 2016
I was given an ARC for an honest review. This is the first time I've read a book by Shari J. Ryan. We have a ex-military bad boy hero and a June Cleaver type heroine. Together, they mix like alcohol and sweet lemonade to equal Spiked Lemonade. This title totally describes each of their personalities, Jags & Sasha. Quick wit and funny come backs are all throughout this story and I found myself in many, really good, laugh out loud moments, risking everyone around me wondering if I was crazy or not. Why yes, yes I am. There was also the element of a small sinister plot going on with Sasha dealing with her ex-boyfriend. And there was a PTSD type struggle that Jags was going through with his Navy Medic career, along with an incident that happened when he got back home, which he came face-to-face with when he moved back to Texas. I absolutely loved how he practiced his dirty mouth talk to his "woman" which was the car he was working on at the time. Now I understand where he learned to talk dirty! And then how he deflected actual feelings by using this dirty talk thinking it would insult a woman and turn her off. But Jags and Sasha are too close all the time and it wears down Sasha's defenses.
The only problem I had with this story is the abrupt exit Sahsa takes at the end after a very harrowing time for her. There was no mention of her wanting to leave earlier in the book and I think that all of a sudden 180 kind of had my head spinning. Then, I didn't like the 1 year away for each of them. That was way too much time in between for the relationship they ended up in. I loved that Jags returned to duty and faced his demons. I don't think Sasha faced her running away though.
Overall a very good, laugh-out-loud rom com, in my opinion. I'll definitely pick up some other books by Shari in the future.
The only problem I had with this story is the abrupt exit Sahsa takes at the end after a very harrowing time for her. There was no mention of her wanting to leave earlier in the book and I think that all of a sudden 180 kind of had my head spinning. Then, I didn't like the 1 year away for each of them. That was way too much time in between for the relationship they ended up in. I loved that Jags returned to duty and faced his demons. I don't think Sasha faced her running away though.
Overall a very good, laugh-out-loud rom com, in my opinion. I'll definitely pick up some other books by Shari in the future.
August 30, 2016
I love being surprised when I read a book. When I started to read this book I had an expectation of what would happen. Those expectations were met in a surprising package that left me satisfied and in love with Shari's storytelling. Spiked Lemonade is a fantastic blend of what is sexy, passionate, and dangerous.
This story is the epitome of what it looks like for opposites to attract. What would happen if there was undeniable chemistry between a clean talking southern belle and a foul mouthed sailor? A connection that burns bright and hot? Well, this book is your answer. Shari does a great job of giving us a cast of brilliant characters, people who are family to the core, and showing what their deep connection looks like. All the people in this story are vital to what is happening, keeping the pace heightened.
A big part of this story is the romance. Everything between Sasha and Jags is electric. I loved the constant push and pull between these two. And while the romance is a big part, the growth of characters make this book wonderful. Watching Sasha learn who she is and what she wants from life is both endearing and vital to this book. Jags is a wanderer and he finds his place in the world again. Wrap those two themes together, adding in a crazy ex who will go to any length to get what he wants, and you have a winner!
Needless to say, I will be keeping an eye on Shari J Ryan. This book hits all the spots and it wraps a great story in a romantically thrilling package. Don't miss this book!
This story is the epitome of what it looks like for opposites to attract. What would happen if there was undeniable chemistry between a clean talking southern belle and a foul mouthed sailor? A connection that burns bright and hot? Well, this book is your answer. Shari does a great job of giving us a cast of brilliant characters, people who are family to the core, and showing what their deep connection looks like. All the people in this story are vital to what is happening, keeping the pace heightened.
A big part of this story is the romance. Everything between Sasha and Jags is electric. I loved the constant push and pull between these two. And while the romance is a big part, the growth of characters make this book wonderful. Watching Sasha learn who she is and what she wants from life is both endearing and vital to this book. Jags is a wanderer and he finds his place in the world again. Wrap those two themes together, adding in a crazy ex who will go to any length to get what he wants, and you have a winner!
Needless to say, I will be keeping an eye on Shari J Ryan. This book hits all the spots and it wraps a great story in a romantically thrilling package. Don't miss this book!
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