Laney Townes of the Cougarette Series is back with her own adventures in business and pleasure!
When CeeCee Banks announces her plans to leave her post at Chronicles to pursue her motivational speaking career full-time, Laney is counting on her best friend to hand over the reins of the non-profit to her – finally fulfilling her lifelong CEO dream. That is, until CeeCee’s new hire, Alex Esteban, shows up.
Alex, the fiftysomething president of his own corporate management consulting firm, locks horns with the resistant Laney as he attempts a reorganization of Chronicles. Between managing the seesaw of her friends with benefits relationship with law professor Jess and co-parenting her daughter Izzy with her ex-wife Roxy, the last thing Laney needs is Alex taking her chance at the top seat out from under her.
When Chronicles’ dismal annual report is released, the two Alphas set aside their differences to work together to keep the organization afloat. Laney and Alex slowly begin to find common ground and get along well. Too well…
In this sexy first installment of the Laney series, we find out if our favorite lady-loving BFF is ready to give up her legendary gold-star lesbian status for a chance at love with Alex – a man just as savage in the boardroom (and bedroom) as she is.
Eliza David is the contemporary romance author of eleven self-published novels, including the Cougarette series. She was born and raised on the noisy South Side of Chicago, but now lives in quiet Iowa City, one of the renowned Cities of Literature. A member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Eliza also maintains a local literary presence, serving on the Iowa City Public Library’s Board of Trustees, moderating The Scarlet Boudoir romance writing group at The Writers’ Rooms, and serving as an annual headlining author at the Iowa City Book Festival.
In addition to writing the naughty words, Eliza is a blogger as well, having served as a contributing writer for The Good Men Project and Thirty on Tap. Toward the close of 2018 and start of 2019, Eliza will be featured in three upcoming anthologies: Best Women's Erotica: Volume 4, The Sexy Librarian's Dirty 30: Volume 3, and Cleis Press' Erotic Teasers. In 2018, she was selected as a Pitch Wars mentee for her next project, The Lamar St. Jon Experience.
When she’s not writing, working full-time, or raising two children with her loving husband, Eliza enjoys reading throwback Jackie Collins, acting out on Twitter, and indulging in the occasional order of cheese fries.
So this book was definitely interesting and completely funny. Girlfriends who have your back are a dime a dozen and Laney has 2 who tell her like it is. It's about finding yourself even though you thought you were taking a new path. It's not a fairytale or a happily ever after story but it's a fresh take on finding true happiness no matter what age you are or what stage in life you decide to grab it by the horns.
I really enjoyed this book. Not quite what I thought it would be but it turned out to be a really good read. I loved the story line, especially since it dealt with older adult characters who were very well developed and quite likable. Laney...she was so confused about herself and her life that she left me feeling just a confused, which is a good thing as I was really feeling her character. I adored Alex and CeeCee . This story isn't as straight forward as you might think it as when you begin reading it, so expect some twists and turns. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.
It was hard to get away from the Cougarette series because I love CeeCee and Jay so much. But if you've read that series you know CeeCee's best friend Laney always kept you laughing and either wishing you had a friend like her or glad you already do. Laney did not disappoint in Savage either. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed! I can't wait to see what twists and turns Eliza will take us on next time.
Stellar spinoff from The Cougarette series! Best friend of the infamous Cee Cee Banks, Laney Townes is back and is showing us how you can be a successful woman and literally have it all. “Necesito más de ti, señora de jefa” (I need more of you, boss lady). YAAAAAASSSS!
I’ve been looking forward to this because I really like Eliza David’s writing. It’s smart, sexy, and full of strong, capable women who have charge of their lives (if not always their loves). I was looking forward to some more steamy fun.
For the most part, that’s what I got, but I will admit I had to suspend my disbelief. This is definitely not a representation of a woman growing into her identity later in life. It’s a sort of twist on the “gay for you” trope, only it’s “straight for you.” If you can get past that aspect, it’s pretty well-written and has some terrific moments.
What I loved: Lainey is smart, strong, and independent. Her struggles to let someone in, to love and be loved in return, are relatable. I also liked how she handles things with her young daughter. She has to repeatedly fend off well-meaning people who believe she isn’t enough, and her growth when it comes to Izzy is terrific. That alone is reason to read the story.
What I liked: I appreciated the effort to include queer relationships and to highlight some very real issues between Lainey and the women she previously dated. There’s also some pretty good sex between them. For the most part, Lainey’s friends are casual about her sexuality, and when they say foolish things or get excited that she might be into a man, she at least makes an effort to set them right. I was really hoping she would acknowledge more about her attraction to Alex and how that changes the way she moves through the world as a woman who loves women. I appreciated her internal confusion, but it also left me feeling conflicted and a bit confused myself. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially for those of us who have experienced those feelings.
What didn’t work for me: This didn’t really ring true to me as an exploration of queer women. I was put off by Alex’s consistent pressure on Lainey to give it up to him; he wasn’t willing to respect her no. There is a whole lot of phrasing throughout which made me cringe. Lainey repeatedly assures everyone she is a lesbian despite her attraction to Alex. She refers to bisexual college women as “straight girls looking to experiment.” CeeCee implies that Alex has “conquered” a lesbian. I already don’t like the trope of “gay for you,” and a straight version is actually somewhat worse because lesbians in particular are often erased, and they are marginalized both by straight people and by men. This left me with the impression that lesbians just need to meet the right man in order to develop “proper” hetero feelings or that it’s juicy to read about the big, bad lesbian being taken down a sexual notch or two by a man.
Ultimately, this was a decent read, but as a queer person, I’m hesitant to read more. If I want to read about women who love women, I prefer genuine lesbian or bisexual fiction. I’m not interested in reading about a lesbian who gets hot for a man because he challenges her, and I don’t see a whole lot of reason why another woman couldn’t be equally challenging (and hot). I understand that the books are probably intended for a straight-but-tolerant readership, but in that case, some educating about the stereotypes is necessary rather than fueling them.
For a likable protagonist, a stellar mom-daughter relationship, and a bit of suspended disbelief, this gets 3.5 stars.
I've loved Laney since TheCougarette Book 1. If you haven't already read the series that introduced us to the fabulous Elaine Townes, aka Izzy's Mama, then you're missing out on life. Lol
Laney is everything. She's your good good girlfriend that always tells you the truth, even if it hurts. She's the friend who knows when to bring 1 bottle of wine, and when to bring 3. We got to know and love her through the eyes of CeeCee (The Cougarette series...go get you some!), so Savage is a welcomed reintroduction of Laney, in her own words.
This story is raw, and funny, and refreshing, and scary, and loving, and tender, and exceptional. It isn't just about Laney's crazy love life. It's about the realization of self worth, comfort in knowing who your real family is, and showing love to those who truly mean the most to you. I recommend you find a small space, remodel it with some decorative & comfortable pillows, grab a large glass of red, get comfortable, and enjoy your quiet time with Savage.
Eliza David, Author has done it again!!!! She has successfully eased us from the adventures of CeeCee Banks into the confusion that is her best friend Laney Townes......and she IS.... Savage!! I cannot tell you how this book drew me in, had me picking up my jaw multiple times, and also informed me of some of the struggles that others face in this crazy game of life. Laney---who is a "gold star" Lesbian finds a MAN attractive. This makes Laney question everything about her life thus far. Her adoreable little girl Izzy is the only thing that seems to be keeping her grounded........ then a break-up, a custody battle, as well as the fight for the CEO of Chronicles, all have Laney in a tail-spin......(no pun intended). Great Read!!!! Buy It!!!! Coming on Amazon this Friday!!!!!!!!!! <3 you AuthorGirl!! Keep writing!!! (less)
Eliza David does it again! After reading the Cougarette Series, I was fascinated with Cee Cee's best friend Laney. I was excited when Miss David announced that Laney would have her own spin off. Laney is one tough chick. Afraid to open herself up to love again, she goes through the motions with her girlfriend Jess. Jess is head over heels for Laney and Laney's precocious little girl, Izzy. Jess worked my nerve a bit with her takeover spirit. If it was me, she would have been out on her clingy behind a long time before Laney woke up to her shenanigans. The flirting and eventual sex between Laney and Alex left me still wanting more, just like Alex. Overall this book was a good read and I look forward to book 2!
This book was a little different than the normal books that I read yet was intriguing. Laney fights against her attraction to a man that has now been thrown into working side by side with her, her equal, because she feels that she is not “straight”. Laney’s constant conflict with identity makes this book a good read. The plot was unique and the book was well written. There are times in the book that you smile and other times you just want to snack the silliness out of the characters. Overall this book was a pleasant read and I am definitely curious to see how book 2 will play out.
Laney considers herself a gold star lesbian, so when she has an attraction to Alex it turns her world upside down. Alex is a consultant hired by CeeCee to help with the Chronicles so she can focus on her other interests.
This is Laney's books we watch how this strong women deals with her daughter, family, relationships and her job. She seems to have her life under control but this snag in the road will change the way she handles things and she has to take a good look at herself.
I thought this book was intriguing it really kept my interest from the first word. I felt for Laney and all she goes through in this book. I think it is a good read
I'm fairly new to Goodreads, so I don't entirely know what my limitations are regarding language and the sort. So the PG versio, Laney Townes is one of my favorite fictional characters...period. Loved reading her grow into her own story, coming off the heels (no pun) of her major supporting role in The Cougarette series. There's a neverending conflict that seems to exist in Laney, that is very relatable on a number of levels. And she's dumb sexy.
This was my first Eliza David book and it certainly will not be the last. I absolutely LOVED Laney! The story flowed effortlessly and I really enjoyed the side characters (I'll be adding the Cougarette series to my ever growing list of "must reads").
I made no secret that Laney is my favorite character from Eliza David's Cougarette series. I am excited to now learn more about Laney and how complex she seems as a main character. Shes got some demons to fight and I am here for them. Ready for book #2 Mrs. David! Book 1 was hot!
Laney has depth and a refreshing sense of self. Ms. Eliza David has created another juicy story that's difficult to put away. I do hope CeeCee and Laney get to show themselves on the big screen. *fanning self*
This was a book that encompassed characters that were substantially older than my normal characters, and it was great! The author covered some sexy scenes, great friendships, and woman empowerment. I would have liked to have seen some relationships more in depth and I feel that this might be delved into with the second book. Overall it was a great read and I look forward to the next book.