What do you think?
Rate this book
Nashville U #1
Looking for Trouble
She’
Uptight
Sheltered
Allergic to fun
He’
Cocky
Crude
Unapologetic
He’s all dirty jokes and curse words, while she’s quiet and shy. She blends into the background, while he is the center of everyone’s attention.
Clay Mitchell never expected to fall in love. Especially not with a girl he’s known all his life and one who’s always been off-limits.
Opposites might attract, but in this case of explosive chemistry, someone's heart is bound to be shattered.
As enemies become friends and friends morph into more; Clay has definitely met his match.
Uptight
Sheltered
Allergic to fun
He’
Cocky
Crude
Unapologetic
He’s all dirty jokes and curse words, while she’s quiet and shy. She blends into the background, while he is the center of everyone’s attention.
Clay Mitchell never expected to fall in love. Especially not with a girl he’s known all his life and one who’s always been off-limits.
Opposites might attract, but in this case of explosive chemistry, someone's heart is bound to be shattered.
As enemies become friends and friends morph into more; Clay has definitely met his match.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2016
327 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 1, 2016
I have to say that I was surprised at just how much I ended up enjoying this book. Stacey is a new author to me and the synopsis sounded interesting (I'm a fan of the enemy to lovers and nerd girl/popular boy tropes). The book was only .99c so what the hell....
First off I will say that the synopsis is a bit misleading. I didn't find Kat to be the uptight, sheltered, or allergic to fun girl that was described. I expected some girl who kept to the shadows but thats not what I got. While compared to Clay she is those things - he fits his description perfectly - I found her to be a strong heroine. When she reached her breaking point with Max she had no problem walking away and telling him how he hurt her. She did that multiple time too so it just wasn't a one off. Was she a bit doormatty at some point in the past? Probably...she did pine for him for 4 years after all and from what we could discern just let him hurt her over and over again and accepted his apologies. However, the girl we got to know in this book was strong. In fact our first introduction to her was her going head to head with our Hero, Clay (who happens to be Max's older brother).
As for Clay, like I said before he fits his description perfectly. He was rather crude in his description of women and he constantly played with the gray area between acceptable hero douchbag (because he was one in the beginning) behavior and there is no redemption for you. He had no problem describing just how intimately he was familiar with the female body. The good thing is, and this is for the safety girls like me, there was only one other woman who he was physical with through out the book, besides the heroine, and all we saw was some making out and him leading her away - Kat kindly referred to the scene as "porn" and had no problem telling Clay that. That scene, however, was our first introduction to him.
Even with Clay's crudeness and his expressed indifference to Kat (Kat had been around for the past 4 years pining after Max, his brother, and they were pretty snarky with each other. They didn't hate each other but they weren't friends. I would say they were cordial to each other when need be - otherwise they typically avoided each other) he came off as the protector when it came to her. He was the one there when Max let her down, whether it was some guy groping her on the dance floor or Max forgetting to pick her up for dinner. He was the one who took her feelings into consideration and he was the one to put Max in his place when he did something to hurt Kat. For Clay it was his protectiveness of Kat that showed him his real feeling for her. The same can be said for Kat too...it was Clay standing up for her that allowed her to see him differently.
For me, one of the best things about this story is how the grew into their feelings for each other. They didn't realize they were falling in love until they were already there. They didn't have the typical courtship to build from. They never dated...they were just in situations that lead them to get to know each other on a different more intimate level. Both of them had preconceived notions of each other to overcome and only through getting to really know each other was that possible. Also, their sex wasn't rushed. Its not like they fell in bed together and then regretted it and had to rebuild. They got to a point where they were comfortable and both wanted it before it happened at the 80%ish mark. At this point, Clay was already in love with Kat and if there was any doubt he won me over with this:
"Its a dick thought to have, especially right at this moment, but I've fucked plenty of girls. NONE of them have affected me the way this one does. Kat just fucking undoes me, in every possible way. I feel like I've been torn apart and put back together..."
Plus, Clay came to realize his love for Kat before she knew she loved him! I hate when its the heroine who has to sit back and wait for the hero to realize he loves her. Clay actually confessed his love for Kat before she did. He ran after her and layed it on the line without knowing how she felt. Their relationship felt very organic and realistic.
Now, after all that why only 4 stars? Well, I wanted to see more of them being in a relationship. It was new for both of them, especially Clay, and I wanted to see how they adapted. The epilogue did give us a little peek (4 months out) into their lives but I wanted more. I also wanted there to be more of a confrontation between Clay and Max. They had a small one but after that Max just disappeared. I wanted Max to look at Kat and see what he lost. I wanted him to know that he threw her and her friendship away. And quite frankly, I wanted him to see her happy with someone else.
The other reason...well, there are two more books that will be in the series and after reviewing the author's website it will be late 2017 before we get the 2nd one and probably 2018 before we get the final one - the one I'm most interested in. There was 16 months between this book and the authors previous release. I hate that. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that writing is a process that sometimes can't be hurried but damn it...I want to know what happens next now!! :-)
In the author's defense though...the first 4 books of the previous series were all released within 4-6 months of each other.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book even though the next one doesn't come out for a while. This book can be read as a stand alone - it includes characters from the previous series but I didn't feel lost.
First off I will say that the synopsis is a bit misleading. I didn't find Kat to be the uptight, sheltered, or allergic to fun girl that was described. I expected some girl who kept to the shadows but thats not what I got. While compared to Clay she is those things - he fits his description perfectly - I found her to be a strong heroine. When she reached her breaking point with Max she had no problem walking away and telling him how he hurt her. She did that multiple time too so it just wasn't a one off. Was she a bit doormatty at some point in the past? Probably...she did pine for him for 4 years after all and from what we could discern just let him hurt her over and over again and accepted his apologies. However, the girl we got to know in this book was strong. In fact our first introduction to her was her going head to head with our Hero, Clay (who happens to be Max's older brother).
As for Clay, like I said before he fits his description perfectly. He was rather crude in his description of women and he constantly played with the gray area between acceptable hero douchbag (because he was one in the beginning) behavior and there is no redemption for you. He had no problem describing just how intimately he was familiar with the female body. The good thing is, and this is for the safety girls like me, there was only one other woman who he was physical with through out the book, besides the heroine, and all we saw was some making out and him leading her away - Kat kindly referred to the scene as "porn" and had no problem telling Clay that. That scene, however, was our first introduction to him.
Even with Clay's crudeness and his expressed indifference to Kat (Kat had been around for the past 4 years pining after Max, his brother, and they were pretty snarky with each other. They didn't hate each other but they weren't friends. I would say they were cordial to each other when need be - otherwise they typically avoided each other) he came off as the protector when it came to her. He was the one there when Max let her down, whether it was some guy groping her on the dance floor or Max forgetting to pick her up for dinner. He was the one who took her feelings into consideration and he was the one to put Max in his place when he did something to hurt Kat. For Clay it was his protectiveness of Kat that showed him his real feeling for her. The same can be said for Kat too...it was Clay standing up for her that allowed her to see him differently.
For me, one of the best things about this story is how the grew into their feelings for each other. They didn't realize they were falling in love until they were already there. They didn't have the typical courtship to build from. They never dated...they were just in situations that lead them to get to know each other on a different more intimate level. Both of them had preconceived notions of each other to overcome and only through getting to really know each other was that possible. Also, their sex wasn't rushed. Its not like they fell in bed together and then regretted it and had to rebuild. They got to a point where they were comfortable and both wanted it before it happened at the 80%ish mark. At this point, Clay was already in love with Kat and if there was any doubt he won me over with this:
"Its a dick thought to have, especially right at this moment, but I've fucked plenty of girls. NONE of them have affected me the way this one does. Kat just fucking undoes me, in every possible way. I feel like I've been torn apart and put back together..."
Plus, Clay came to realize his love for Kat before she knew she loved him! I hate when its the heroine who has to sit back and wait for the hero to realize he loves her. Clay actually confessed his love for Kat before she did. He ran after her and layed it on the line without knowing how she felt. Their relationship felt very organic and realistic.
Now, after all that why only 4 stars? Well, I wanted to see more of them being in a relationship. It was new for both of them, especially Clay, and I wanted to see how they adapted. The epilogue did give us a little peek (4 months out) into their lives but I wanted more. I also wanted there to be more of a confrontation between Clay and Max. They had a small one but after that Max just disappeared. I wanted Max to look at Kat and see what he lost. I wanted him to know that he threw her and her friendship away. And quite frankly, I wanted him to see her happy with someone else.
The other reason...well, there are two more books that will be in the series and after reviewing the author's website it will be late 2017 before we get the 2nd one and probably 2018 before we get the final one - the one I'm most interested in. There was 16 months between this book and the authors previous release. I hate that. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that writing is a process that sometimes can't be hurried but damn it...I want to know what happens next now!! :-)
In the author's defense though...the first 4 books of the previous series were all released within 4-6 months of each other.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book even though the next one doesn't come out for a while. This book can be read as a stand alone - it includes characters from the previous series but I didn't feel lost.
November 6, 2016
Could not finish. the writing was a little immature for me. Too much detail that I found myself a little lost.
August 18, 2016
This book has everything in it that I love! Clay and Kat struggle with being friends. Can Clay find his happiness? Will his inner struggles with relationships be too much? Can Kat learn to live with her disappointment in Max? Will she ever know the fears and worry that Clay is dealing with?
The push-pull friendship, communication and trust are all in play! Stacey Mosteller's scenes are filled with details that will make you feel like you're there. Clay and Kat truly come alive on the pages.
I not only recommend this book, but I can honestly say that I could reread it...and that's saying a lot. This book has comedy, tears, laughter and anticipation. It's a romantic love story without the heavy scenes; a real feel good book. A MUST read!
The push-pull friendship, communication and trust are all in play! Stacey Mosteller's scenes are filled with details that will make you feel like you're there. Clay and Kat truly come alive on the pages.
I not only recommend this book, but I can honestly say that I could reread it...and that's saying a lot. This book has comedy, tears, laughter and anticipation. It's a romantic love story without the heavy scenes; a real feel good book. A MUST read!
January 23, 2020
Well not a masterpiece and The wall of Winnipeg and me and Off campus series and Sara Ney ‘s Douche bag Zeke story to me are near to... but not a disaster
So nice read nice haters to lovers story
Super asshole BFF and nice heroine
3,5 fully deserved stars
So nice read nice haters to lovers story
Super asshole BFF and nice heroine
3,5 fully deserved stars
April 26, 2019
I mean... I liked the consent but... I don't quite see what the authors point was? I dunno, this feels like wattpad fanfic... Just the "let me write is on the go" kinda book?
November 20, 2016
review originally posted on joyfully reviewed
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
I came across Looking For Trouble by Stacey Mosteller by complete accident. I thought the synopsis sounded like something I would enjoy. I mean who wouldn’t want to read about two opposite characters coming together? Since this was my first book by Ms. Mosteller I wasn’t sure what to expect but once the story started to get going I found out that I enjoyed it.
Kat has been in love with her best friend and Clay’s brother Max as long as she can remember but Max has never seen her that way, or if he has he never said anything. When Max forgets to pick up Kat one day after class, Clay offers her a ride to his apartment. When they arrive the real reason why Max forgot her comes to light and finally she has had enough, she is tired of being Max’s back up plan and forgiving him and Kat is almost ready to move on from her feelings. What she never expected was to start having feelings for Clay; he’s crude, and a man-whore and they have been rubbing each other the wrong way for years. But while working on a class project with Clay, Kat starts to see he might not be so bad after all, but can he give her everything she wants?
Clay knows Kat’s feelings for Max so when they arrive at his apartment and hear why Max forgot about her all his protective instincts start to come out. He wonders how Max could be so stupid but the closer he gets to Kat the more confused he starts to become and wonders where all these feelings are coming from. The more Clay gets to know Kat the more his feelings come into focus. There is just one problem, she still has feelings for Max. But when Kat doesn’t forgive Max he thinks he might have a chance, he just hopes he doesn’t do any more damage to the girl who is slowly taking over his heart.
The first thing I noticed about Looking For Trouble was that the synopsis is a little off from the story. I didn’t find Kat allergic to fun, sheltered or uptight, I thought she was a little inexperienced compared to Clay but that’s all. I enjoyed her fire and spunk, and the way her and Clay banter from the very beginning had me curious to see how they would come together. Clay was cocky, crude and unapologetic but he was so damn fun to read about. I enjoyed watching him uncover his feelings for Kat and being confused by them, I mean after all he has never felt this way before. I also really liked his characters growth and by the end of the story I really started to love him and swoon over how protective and caring he actually was.
Kat and Clay didn’t have the typical courtship which I did kind of miss in this story. Yes, these two were falling for one another and had no idea it was happening but I missed the romance and flirty nature that I usually see in New Adult stories. I enjoyed the process of them falling but at 80% in when everything comes together it just felt a bit late which annoyed me a little. I was put on edge waiting and hoping for something big and then I has to ask “that’s it?” but I wanted more of them together building a relationship. There is a glimpse into their life in the epilogue but it wasn’t enough for me.
Also, Max isn’t too happy about Clay and Kat being with one another and after a confrontation that’s it. It’s almost as if Max just disappears into thin air and it kept me wondering did Max indeed have some kind of feelings for Kat that he just never acknowledged. I guess we will never know or maybe if Max gets his own story then it might come to light.
For fans of Elle Kennedy, you won’t want to miss Looking For Trouble by Stacey Mosteller. Looking For Trouble was a great read and I am excited to see where the Nashville U series will go. I can’t wait to see whose book will be next and how their story will turn out.
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
I came across Looking For Trouble by Stacey Mosteller by complete accident. I thought the synopsis sounded like something I would enjoy. I mean who wouldn’t want to read about two opposite characters coming together? Since this was my first book by Ms. Mosteller I wasn’t sure what to expect but once the story started to get going I found out that I enjoyed it.
Kat has been in love with her best friend and Clay’s brother Max as long as she can remember but Max has never seen her that way, or if he has he never said anything. When Max forgets to pick up Kat one day after class, Clay offers her a ride to his apartment. When they arrive the real reason why Max forgot her comes to light and finally she has had enough, she is tired of being Max’s back up plan and forgiving him and Kat is almost ready to move on from her feelings. What she never expected was to start having feelings for Clay; he’s crude, and a man-whore and they have been rubbing each other the wrong way for years. But while working on a class project with Clay, Kat starts to see he might not be so bad after all, but can he give her everything she wants?
Clay knows Kat’s feelings for Max so when they arrive at his apartment and hear why Max forgot about her all his protective instincts start to come out. He wonders how Max could be so stupid but the closer he gets to Kat the more confused he starts to become and wonders where all these feelings are coming from. The more Clay gets to know Kat the more his feelings come into focus. There is just one problem, she still has feelings for Max. But when Kat doesn’t forgive Max he thinks he might have a chance, he just hopes he doesn’t do any more damage to the girl who is slowly taking over his heart.
The first thing I noticed about Looking For Trouble was that the synopsis is a little off from the story. I didn’t find Kat allergic to fun, sheltered or uptight, I thought she was a little inexperienced compared to Clay but that’s all. I enjoyed her fire and spunk, and the way her and Clay banter from the very beginning had me curious to see how they would come together. Clay was cocky, crude and unapologetic but he was so damn fun to read about. I enjoyed watching him uncover his feelings for Kat and being confused by them, I mean after all he has never felt this way before. I also really liked his characters growth and by the end of the story I really started to love him and swoon over how protective and caring he actually was.
Kat and Clay didn’t have the typical courtship which I did kind of miss in this story. Yes, these two were falling for one another and had no idea it was happening but I missed the romance and flirty nature that I usually see in New Adult stories. I enjoyed the process of them falling but at 80% in when everything comes together it just felt a bit late which annoyed me a little. I was put on edge waiting and hoping for something big and then I has to ask “that’s it?” but I wanted more of them together building a relationship. There is a glimpse into their life in the epilogue but it wasn’t enough for me.
Also, Max isn’t too happy about Clay and Kat being with one another and after a confrontation that’s it. It’s almost as if Max just disappears into thin air and it kept me wondering did Max indeed have some kind of feelings for Kat that he just never acknowledged. I guess we will never know or maybe if Max gets his own story then it might come to light.
For fans of Elle Kennedy, you won’t want to miss Looking For Trouble by Stacey Mosteller. Looking For Trouble was a great read and I am excited to see where the Nashville U series will go. I can’t wait to see whose book will be next and how their story will turn out.
October 16, 2016
Looking for Trouble was a good read about college frenemies that struggle with what they really are to one another. Clay and Kat have know each other for years and have been like oil and water. They clash about everything and throw jabs at each other whenever they can.
These two are opposites in every way possible yet they run in the same circle of friends. When I first started reading I honestly thought it was going to be two different love stories because to me there was no way these two would ever even be caught alone together.
Things come crashing down on Kat and her whole perspective on her life changes. Clay gets swallowed up by it too and together they struggle with the new feelings they are both experiencing.
“Kat hasn’t noticed that the only female I’ve spent anytime with recently…is her. No one else holds my interest.”
Clay the manwhore was morphing before my eyes as I read. As the reader you could see what they were both feeling in their POV chapters yet they were both still clueless as to what they were feeling. This was a book that made me want to shake BOTH main characters.
Looking for Trouble was sweet and sexy with a smidgen of angst!
These two are opposites in every way possible yet they run in the same circle of friends. When I first started reading I honestly thought it was going to be two different love stories because to me there was no way these two would ever even be caught alone together.
Things come crashing down on Kat and her whole perspective on her life changes. Clay gets swallowed up by it too and together they struggle with the new feelings they are both experiencing.
“Kat hasn’t noticed that the only female I’ve spent anytime with recently…is her. No one else holds my interest.”
Clay the manwhore was morphing before my eyes as I read. As the reader you could see what they were both feeling in their POV chapters yet they were both still clueless as to what they were feeling. This was a book that made me want to shake BOTH main characters.
Looking for Trouble was sweet and sexy with a smidgen of angst!
August 22, 2019
Non mi ha coinvolta, per niente, non so se la colpa è mia che sono sotto l’effetto di un pesante blocco del lettore (Ho appena terminato un libro che mi ha stravolta e non riesco a trovare niente che sia alla sua altezza) o se la colpa è del editing del romanzo che lo rende poco curato.
September 20, 2016
*3.5 stars*
March 11, 2018
Am I getting to old for NA? Is everyone this immature?!
Why don‘t you just talk about your feelings instead of getting butthurt because someone didn‘t take those feelings into consideration.
I like the slow burn feel of Kat and Clay‘s relationship and how they struggled to get to that certain point.
But oh my god, everything was about Kat, Kat, Kat. She never said anything about anything but she still got aggravated because people didn‘t bow to her feelings and expectations 🙄 that’s fine in the beginning but get‘s really tiring after a while.
What happened to character developement?!
Why don‘t you just talk about your feelings instead of getting butthurt because someone didn‘t take those feelings into consideration.
I like the slow burn feel of Kat and Clay‘s relationship and how they struggled to get to that certain point.
But oh my god, everything was about Kat, Kat, Kat. She never said anything about anything but she still got aggravated because people didn‘t bow to her feelings and expectations 🙄 that’s fine in the beginning but get‘s really tiring after a while.
What happened to character developement?!
September 16, 2016
I am a huge fan of Stacey Mosteller's books, so I was very excited to hear that Clay, the crude and rude typical college jock who could get any girl he wanted, character who made me sometimes laugh and sometimes cringe in several of her earlier books, was getting his own book. I was a bit afraid that I wasn't going to like his character, or he was going to be one I love to hate. Boy was I wrong! As I began reading, I started liking him. His cocky attitude drew me in, and as I read more he intrigued me more and more. There were so many different layers to Clay, and Ms. Mosteller began peeling back layer by layer as the story developed. By the end of this book, Clay became my favorite male character of all of her books.
I loved the constant push and pull between Clay and Kat. One moment he was frustrating her to no end, the next moment he was the one who came to her side when she needed someone the most. there was a continuous tension between them that caused me to keep reading on to see if they would ever get together.
Looking For Trouble was a fun read. It was not too angsty, and there were definitely enough twists to keep me turning pages to find out what would happen next.
If you are looking for a good fun New Adult read with a great HEA Looking for Trouble is for you!
I loved the constant push and pull between Clay and Kat. One moment he was frustrating her to no end, the next moment he was the one who came to her side when she needed someone the most. there was a continuous tension between them that caused me to keep reading on to see if they would ever get together.
Looking For Trouble was a fun read. It was not too angsty, and there were definitely enough twists to keep me turning pages to find out what would happen next.
If you are looking for a good fun New Adult read with a great HEA Looking for Trouble is for you!
October 25, 2016
**4 1/2 STARS**
Enemies to friends. Friends to lovers. Sounds cliche, but the way Stacey cleverly wrote this story it is far from cliche. It's a smart, lovely, entertaining read that will keep you pulled in to the very end.
-Fans of Jay Crownover's RULE will enjoy this book.
Enemies to friends. Friends to lovers. Sounds cliche, but the way Stacey cleverly wrote this story it is far from cliche. It's a smart, lovely, entertaining read that will keep you pulled in to the very end.
-Fans of Jay Crownover's RULE will enjoy this book.
Want to read
September 7, 2015Okay, I can't wait for this book!
March 30, 2019
Kat has love Mac since freshman year of high school. They are now sophomores in college. Everyone knows how she feels except Max. He seems oblivious. He has always kept Jat in the friend zone. Kat does not speak up for herself and is a little bit of a doormat. Max, her roommate and Mac’s older brother Clay walk all over her. Clay is obnoxious, arrogant, and mean to Kat. He teases her constantly. Clay is constantly rescuing Kat from situations. Eventually they find feelings for each other. A lot of secrets, misunderstandings, insecurities and immaturities cause a long road to HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2016
5 ***** A ‘Coming of Age’ story for all ages 18+.
**I read this with my KU subscription**
Well, where should I start? This is such a great book!
Even though I’m in the university environment taking my Master’s degree, I’m way past the characters’ group age, who are undergraduates. However, I could totally relate to their struggles and drama. I can get a little tired of some novels that portrait ‘Coming of Age’ situations; but that was NOT the case with Looking for Trouble at all.
Granted I sometimes had to remind myself the characters were young so that I wouldn’t roll my eyes at them. But that’s actually a sign of how realistic they were to the point of getting an eye-rolling reaction from the grumpy old lady in me. If I’m honest, though, I must confess I was very much like Kat when I was going to college for my first BA, in the sense that I was too clueless as to how to attract the men I was interested in. So much so, it was only in our twenty-year reunion that I found out the guy I had a HUGE crush on for four years was also interested in me when we were going to college. Only back then, I pined over him, thought we were just good friends, and put it in my head he hung out with me so much because he was into one of my best friends. Talk about blind and pathetic, huh? LOL Luckily for Kat, it doesn’t take her twenty years to realize some truths. This is no spoiler; if you read the blurb this is a given. No worries, I don’t write spoilers.
Another characteristic I share with Kat is the annoying habit (or should I say instinctive reaction) of crying whenever she’s really mad, feeling overwhelmed or extremely happy. It annoys the heck out of me; but I can rarely control it. I know some readers find this kind of emotional display to be a weakness on the female character – I know some of my readers have complaint about one of my leading ladies’ crying -; but I’m not a wimp in the least. Kat isn’t either. It’s just her traitorous body making her life difficult.
As for Clay, he’s my kind of leading man. He’s gorgeous and he knows it so he’s self-confident borderline arrogant. He’s also flawed, full of it on the outside; but, caring and sweet on the inside. He just doesn’t know it so nobody else does either. And he’s a fan of Jessica Jones, a show I adore too. We’re perfect for each other. LOL
This is the first time I read any of Stacey Moseller’s books and although this is the first one in the Nashville U series, there are characters who seem to have been introduced to the readers in previous stories and situations that feel like resolutions to other plots. I don’t say that as a negative. On the contrary, both characters and storylines are well rounded and add to Looking for Trouble’s main plot. In fact, you feel like you’ve already met these people and they’re old friends you like to hang out with. They also made me curious to read other books from this author so I just added them to my ever growing, seeming endless TBR list. Now all I need is to find a place where I can buy some extra hours for my days so that I can actually read the titles in the list. I guess about other 24 hours would do it. LOL
Both setting and plot are skillfully constructed and engaging; in conjunction to the realistic characters, the book is a truly page-turner. I started reading it last night and it kept me awake into the wee hours. I had to force myself to stop and get some sleep or I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. I resumed reading it as soon as I got home from work. Although it’s not a thriller or a mystery that you want to read its resolution, Looking for Trouble’s main story is so captivating you just keep going. In my opinion, the transitions between Kat’s and Clay’s POVs have a lot to do with that urgency to keep reading. They’re right on top of the other, sometimes overlapping a bit; but in a way that the reader gets a better understanding of the situation because we get to read both characters’ thoughts and feelings.
I always leave my favorite bit for last as it’s my specialty: sex scenes. No, I’m not a pervert, I’m an author of erotic stories. And boy did Clay and Kat made my toes curl and took my breath away! Their chemistry is scorching hot and their love scenes are awesome – real and imagined ones. LOL Not saying anything more on that.
My two favorite quotes, not surprisingly, come from Clay’s POV:
““Can I touch you?” I hesitate to ask the question afraid she’ll say no, but breathe a sigh of relief when her head moves, barely a nod. “The words, Kat. I need the words.””
“I shut my eyes at the loss of the possibility of her touch.” – This one is some CUTE! But I won’t say why. No spoilers, sweeties.
**I read this with my KU subscription**
Well, where should I start? This is such a great book!
Even though I’m in the university environment taking my Master’s degree, I’m way past the characters’ group age, who are undergraduates. However, I could totally relate to their struggles and drama. I can get a little tired of some novels that portrait ‘Coming of Age’ situations; but that was NOT the case with Looking for Trouble at all.
Granted I sometimes had to remind myself the characters were young so that I wouldn’t roll my eyes at them. But that’s actually a sign of how realistic they were to the point of getting an eye-rolling reaction from the grumpy old lady in me. If I’m honest, though, I must confess I was very much like Kat when I was going to college for my first BA, in the sense that I was too clueless as to how to attract the men I was interested in. So much so, it was only in our twenty-year reunion that I found out the guy I had a HUGE crush on for four years was also interested in me when we were going to college. Only back then, I pined over him, thought we were just good friends, and put it in my head he hung out with me so much because he was into one of my best friends. Talk about blind and pathetic, huh? LOL Luckily for Kat, it doesn’t take her twenty years to realize some truths. This is no spoiler; if you read the blurb this is a given. No worries, I don’t write spoilers.
Another characteristic I share with Kat is the annoying habit (or should I say instinctive reaction) of crying whenever she’s really mad, feeling overwhelmed or extremely happy. It annoys the heck out of me; but I can rarely control it. I know some readers find this kind of emotional display to be a weakness on the female character – I know some of my readers have complaint about one of my leading ladies’ crying -; but I’m not a wimp in the least. Kat isn’t either. It’s just her traitorous body making her life difficult.
As for Clay, he’s my kind of leading man. He’s gorgeous and he knows it so he’s self-confident borderline arrogant. He’s also flawed, full of it on the outside; but, caring and sweet on the inside. He just doesn’t know it so nobody else does either. And he’s a fan of Jessica Jones, a show I adore too. We’re perfect for each other. LOL
This is the first time I read any of Stacey Moseller’s books and although this is the first one in the Nashville U series, there are characters who seem to have been introduced to the readers in previous stories and situations that feel like resolutions to other plots. I don’t say that as a negative. On the contrary, both characters and storylines are well rounded and add to Looking for Trouble’s main plot. In fact, you feel like you’ve already met these people and they’re old friends you like to hang out with. They also made me curious to read other books from this author so I just added them to my ever growing, seeming endless TBR list. Now all I need is to find a place where I can buy some extra hours for my days so that I can actually read the titles in the list. I guess about other 24 hours would do it. LOL
Both setting and plot are skillfully constructed and engaging; in conjunction to the realistic characters, the book is a truly page-turner. I started reading it last night and it kept me awake into the wee hours. I had to force myself to stop and get some sleep or I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. I resumed reading it as soon as I got home from work. Although it’s not a thriller or a mystery that you want to read its resolution, Looking for Trouble’s main story is so captivating you just keep going. In my opinion, the transitions between Kat’s and Clay’s POVs have a lot to do with that urgency to keep reading. They’re right on top of the other, sometimes overlapping a bit; but in a way that the reader gets a better understanding of the situation because we get to read both characters’ thoughts and feelings.
I always leave my favorite bit for last as it’s my specialty: sex scenes. No, I’m not a pervert, I’m an author of erotic stories. And boy did Clay and Kat made my toes curl and took my breath away! Their chemistry is scorching hot and their love scenes are awesome – real and imagined ones. LOL Not saying anything more on that.
My two favorite quotes, not surprisingly, come from Clay’s POV:
““Can I touch you?” I hesitate to ask the question afraid she’ll say no, but breathe a sigh of relief when her head moves, barely a nod. “The words, Kat. I need the words.””
“I shut my eyes at the loss of the possibility of her touch.” – This one is some CUTE! But I won’t say why. No spoilers, sweeties.
February 16, 2018
College romance
Who would have guessed that the one guy you couldn't stand would be "the one". Kat and Clay have known each other for a long time and he constantly likes to goad her. She can't stand him. What happens when things shift between them.
Who would have guessed that the one guy you couldn't stand would be "the one". Kat and Clay have known each other for a long time and he constantly likes to goad her. She can't stand him. What happens when things shift between them.
February 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this one! Favorite out of the connected books so far. Kat and Clay make me swoon. I loved the build up, the angst, it was done perfectly and left me longing for more the entire time. So good!
August 17, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Looking for Trouble is the first in a new adult contemporary romance series, called Nashville U, by Stacey Mosteller. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by author Stacey Mosteller. I really enjoyed Looking for Trouble. it is what I would consider a classic new adult tale of falling for the wrong brother, but with a twist. Stacey kind of takes the idea and spins it on its' head, making it feel fresh. I really enjoyed it. even though I knew which brother was going to be the love interest, I expected the book to take a few different twists and turns, and I was pleasantly surprised when they didn't happen.
Looking for Trouble is told in dual narrative between Kat and Clay. Kat has had a crush on her best friend, Max for as long as she can remember. Max just happens to be Clay's brother- who is a huge pain in Kat's side. You know where this is going. Except...maybe you don't. I loved that Stacey took such a classic storyline, and made it her own. I can't wait to read more of this series and more by this author. I am not sure who the next book is going to be about, but I have a feeling it is going to be about a new couple.
Clay is the stereotypical player with a soft side. Even though him and Kat are always butting heads, Clay isn't a total jerk to her. Sure, sometimes he says jerky things, but honestly. he really does seem to take into consideration for her feelings. Which is more than I can say about his brother- her supposed best friend. In fact, my only gripe about Looking for Trouble is that we didn't get a good enough picture of the friendship between Kat and Max. I wanted to see why they were so close, but a majority of the story was spent on Clay and Kat instead. Not that I am complaining about that, because they are pretty explosive together. And I absolutely loved that this was a slow burn romance. It wasn't some hot and heavy right off the bat thing where the characters regret afterwards. They slowly worm their way deeper and deeper into the life of the other, until they are en grained. That is my favorite kind of romance.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of new adult stories featuring falling for the wrong guy, I think Looking for Trouble is a really great series for you to start. It felt similar to other stories, but it is very well done and Stacey Mosteller has managed to put her own twist on the story. This is a series I am looking forward to continuing. Be sure to grab a copy when it releases on September 20th.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Looking for Trouble is the first in a new adult contemporary romance series, called Nashville U, by Stacey Mosteller. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by author Stacey Mosteller. I really enjoyed Looking for Trouble. it is what I would consider a classic new adult tale of falling for the wrong brother, but with a twist. Stacey kind of takes the idea and spins it on its' head, making it feel fresh. I really enjoyed it. even though I knew which brother was going to be the love interest, I expected the book to take a few different twists and turns, and I was pleasantly surprised when they didn't happen.
Looking for Trouble is told in dual narrative between Kat and Clay. Kat has had a crush on her best friend, Max for as long as she can remember. Max just happens to be Clay's brother- who is a huge pain in Kat's side. You know where this is going. Except...maybe you don't. I loved that Stacey took such a classic storyline, and made it her own. I can't wait to read more of this series and more by this author. I am not sure who the next book is going to be about, but I have a feeling it is going to be about a new couple.
Clay is the stereotypical player with a soft side. Even though him and Kat are always butting heads, Clay isn't a total jerk to her. Sure, sometimes he says jerky things, but honestly. he really does seem to take into consideration for her feelings. Which is more than I can say about his brother- her supposed best friend. In fact, my only gripe about Looking for Trouble is that we didn't get a good enough picture of the friendship between Kat and Max. I wanted to see why they were so close, but a majority of the story was spent on Clay and Kat instead. Not that I am complaining about that, because they are pretty explosive together. And I absolutely loved that this was a slow burn romance. It wasn't some hot and heavy right off the bat thing where the characters regret afterwards. They slowly worm their way deeper and deeper into the life of the other, until they are en grained. That is my favorite kind of romance.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of new adult stories featuring falling for the wrong guy, I think Looking for Trouble is a really great series for you to start. It felt similar to other stories, but it is very well done and Stacey Mosteller has managed to put her own twist on the story. This is a series I am looking forward to continuing. Be sure to grab a copy when it releases on September 20th.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
September 27, 2016
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Rather monochromatic, obscure, vague. Shadowy. Part of the title is lost in the smaller view, leaving only "trouble" visible... but that is what catches your eye and really makes you LOOK at it. Synopsis is interesting enough; thankfully, not another step-sibling trope! LOOKING FOR TROUBLE will be the first book I've read by this author.
> > Looking Deeper < <
Clearly defined alternating first-person POVs.
Kat's been secretly in love with her best friend Max and open enemies with Max's brother, Clay, for YEARS... or has she? Clay - the token jerk brother that suddenly began protecting and defending Kat when crap happened. Max - the clueless meathead. The characters were somewhat stereotypical, but not in a way that was overdone or bland, they were well-developed, as were the half-dozen or so secondary cast members. None of the characters were perfect, but they were age-appropriate, dynamic, and humanly flawed. The chemistry developed slowly and naturally. The push and pull was vibrant and entertaining. Dialogue was realistic. Interaction was believable. The plot was full of college-aged angst and drama; it flowed at a steady pace, if not a bit slow with all the mundane daily in and outs. There were obstacles and conflicts faced along the way, all of which were managed in a timely manner. I do wish Ms. Mosteller would have included a little more in the epilogue regarding their assignment that paired them together (obviously it was a passing grade, but...) as well as the job Clay did not want to fill for his father. Overall, the epilogue managed to convey an implied HEA or, at the least, a Happy-for-Now ending. There are enough secondary characters here that just about any of them could be the subject of "the next book" and the reader would most likely enjoy just about any one of them getting their book and as an added bonus, we may be treated to the continuance of Kat & Clay as secondaries.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received this book for Review from the Publisher. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Rather monochromatic, obscure, vague. Shadowy. Part of the title is lost in the smaller view, leaving only "trouble" visible... but that is what catches your eye and really makes you LOOK at it. Synopsis is interesting enough; thankfully, not another step-sibling trope! LOOKING FOR TROUBLE will be the first book I've read by this author.
> > Looking Deeper < <
Clearly defined alternating first-person POVs.
Kat's been secretly in love with her best friend Max and open enemies with Max's brother, Clay, for YEARS... or has she? Clay - the token jerk brother that suddenly began protecting and defending Kat when crap happened. Max - the clueless meathead. The characters were somewhat stereotypical, but not in a way that was overdone or bland, they were well-developed, as were the half-dozen or so secondary cast members. None of the characters were perfect, but they were age-appropriate, dynamic, and humanly flawed. The chemistry developed slowly and naturally. The push and pull was vibrant and entertaining. Dialogue was realistic. Interaction was believable. The plot was full of college-aged angst and drama; it flowed at a steady pace, if not a bit slow with all the mundane daily in and outs. There were obstacles and conflicts faced along the way, all of which were managed in a timely manner. I do wish Ms. Mosteller would have included a little more in the epilogue regarding their assignment that paired them together (obviously it was a passing grade, but...) as well as the job Clay did not want to fill for his father. Overall, the epilogue managed to convey an implied HEA or, at the least, a Happy-for-Now ending. There are enough secondary characters here that just about any of them could be the subject of "the next book" and the reader would most likely enjoy just about any one of them getting their book and as an added bonus, we may be treated to the continuance of Kat & Clay as secondaries.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received this book for Review from the Publisher. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
September 28, 2016
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
Prepare for some major . . . NA content. The first few pages are rather explicit as a random girl gives Clay a . . . a lap dance. But this opens our mind to the understanding that . . . Clay is all over with the girls. But there is only one girl he teases the most, and that is his younger brother's best friend, Katrina. Or Kat . . . Kitty Kat.
Of course, you know it has been done before: Bad boy, good girl, brother's best friend. Girl is in love with the brother. They can't stand each other . . . all known facts in such books, but you have not read it told by this author. Every author has their own way to tell something that seem to have been "overdone", and Stacey definitely tells it in a new way.
It was very easy to fall in love with Clay and Kat. Both character are strong and easy to relate to, and it is fun to follow them slowly unwind with each other. Kat . . . I reflect on Kat quite a bit. She is always so forgiving to Max (Clay's brother and her best friend) whenever he does something that totally crushes her. There is a point in the book when she just can't take it anymore. And the dude is completely oblivious to how she truly feels. I just feel like I've been there before, but not exactly. Just her character in general feels like me. I think that is important in any book. That the reader can connect to a character this way.
5 of 5 Stars.
I happen to own several of Stacey's Nashville Nights books. I've just made the connection while pulling this post together. I am definitely going to be reading those now that I am HOOKED on Stacey's writing. ♥
Sept. 30th
Prepare for some major . . . NA content. The first few pages are rather explicit as a random girl gives Clay a . . . a lap dance. But this opens our mind to the understanding that . . . Clay is all over with the girls. But there is only one girl he teases the most, and that is his younger brother's best friend, Katrina. Or Kat . . . Kitty Kat.
Of course, you know it has been done before: Bad boy, good girl, brother's best friend. Girl is in love with the brother. They can't stand each other . . . all known facts in such books, but you have not read it told by this author. Every author has their own way to tell something that seem to have been "overdone", and Stacey definitely tells it in a new way.
It was very easy to fall in love with Clay and Kat. Both character are strong and easy to relate to, and it is fun to follow them slowly unwind with each other. Kat . . . I reflect on Kat quite a bit. She is always so forgiving to Max (Clay's brother and her best friend) whenever he does something that totally crushes her. There is a point in the book when she just can't take it anymore. And the dude is completely oblivious to how she truly feels. I just feel like I've been there before, but not exactly. Just her character in general feels like me. I think that is important in any book. That the reader can connect to a character this way.
5 of 5 Stars.
I happen to own several of Stacey's Nashville Nights books. I've just made the connection while pulling this post together. I am definitely going to be reading those now that I am HOOKED on Stacey's writing. ♥
Sept. 30th
September 20, 2016
Move over David, Jeremy, Wyatt, Emmett, and Tyler, there is a new kid in town in the form of a cocky, crude jock named Clay. Looking for Trouble is a spin off of the Nashville Nights series, but can be read as a stand alone. However the characters do apparent in some of the books before it if you would like to grab those to get to know some of the characters mentioned in here. The one liners and banter between the characters of this story, especially Clay and Kat was hilarious! This book had me laughing and then would make me so mad at some of the characters that I could scream! Kat and Clay have a hate friendship. Kat is in love with Max and has been for years but Max doesn't know it. But there is more to the story then just that. The back and forth between Clay and Kat keeps this story moving and interesting. The secondary characters are just as much a part of this story as the rest. There is drama, love, hate, laughter and so much more within these pages. This is definitely a book you will want to pick up and read.
September 18, 2016
I really loved this book for start to finish, I couldn't put it down. After reading the first chapter I was hooked. This book was a breath of fresh air for me. Lately I have been reading books filled with sadness and heartbreak and this allowed me a much need break in my emotions. I fell in love with the characters instantly. Their personalities really added to the story line. You could fell the emotions with the characters which allowed you to form a connection to them. The banter between the characters added some great humor to the book which helped to lighten the mood. The story line is the average boy falls for girl he shouldn't but with a twist so it does have some originality to it. I love Stacey's writing style she doesn't rush things but let's them play out at a great pace. Overall I really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a book that has a more lighthearted feel I suggest you pick up a copy you won't be disappointed.
September 18, 2016
This was a wonderful book to kick off the Nashville U series! I've loved all of Stacey's books and the same goes for this one. It was interesting to see Kat and Clay banter back and forth and watch how they interact with each other. I thought Clay was going to be a real jerk, but there is more to him than meets the eye. This book had me from beginning to end and I'm looking forward to future Nashville U books.
October 8, 2016
So happy!
I am so in love!!! With love!!! This book too ❤ I am addicted to the way Stacey M writes and I love her books.
She did not let me down and I can't wait for the next one!!
I am so in love!!! With love!!! This book too ❤ I am addicted to the way Stacey M writes and I love her books.
She did not let me down and I can't wait for the next one!!
October 14, 2016
Definitely interested in the rest of the series!
April 1, 2019
Kat has had a crush on Max Mitchell since she was 14 years old. His older brother Clay, not so much. Clay has been the ultimate player as long as she has known him and the bane of her existence with his crude comments and attempts to embarrass Kat. To be close to Max, who thinks of her as his best friend, not as a girlfriend, Kat has to deal with Clay.
Every thing changes as Clay is nearing graduation - he and Kat end up in the same class doing a project together, Max hurts Kat in an unforgivable way and Clay finds himself being protective of Kat, which he finds very confusing after all the years of baiting her. Kat starts finding out that Max is an immature jerk and that Clay may not be the immature jerk she thought he was. Throw in some mean girls and guys who think they are irresistible to women - the story really takes off.
It took me a while to get into the story but once I did, I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers novel. It is part of a series that I have not read but that did not stop me from enjoying the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every thing changes as Clay is nearing graduation - he and Kat end up in the same class doing a project together, Max hurts Kat in an unforgivable way and Clay finds himself being protective of Kat, which he finds very confusing after all the years of baiting her. Kat starts finding out that Max is an immature jerk and that Clay may not be the immature jerk she thought he was. Throw in some mean girls and guys who think they are irresistible to women - the story really takes off.
It took me a while to get into the story but once I did, I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers novel. It is part of a series that I have not read but that did not stop me from enjoying the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2019
I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one didn't disappoint. Kat is your all around good girl while Clay is your obnoxious over the top boy/man that is always picking on her. O and he is the older brother to her best friend/crush Max. But as Clay and Kat are forced to spend more time together through events gone wrong everything begins to change. I really love the growth throughout the story because it shows the struggle of the couple coming together. As the characters themselves grow and change they start to see the difference and other people as well which changes the way they feel. Over all I have to say I just loved pretty much everything about this story from the characters in the story line can't wait to read book 2 !!
April 1, 2019
This was my first read by Stacey Lewis. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Clay is a dirty talker, cocky and a total player. Kat is quiet, shy and totally infatuated with Clay's brother Max. After blowing her off and forgetting to pick her up from class, Kat has finally realized Max will never see her as more than a friend. She is so tired of waiting for Max to take notice. Clay and Kat don't hate each other but they aren't really friends either. They have known each other for years. And even though he may love to tease Kat, when she is in trouble, his protectiveness goes into overdrive. Cannot wait to read more!
April 1, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written Stacey Lewis; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2019
Soulmates don't always start as friends. Sometimes they start as enemies.... after all, there's a fine line between love and hate.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the cocky arrogant bad boy and the pure sweet good girl!
A fun read with well developed characters be it the hero & heroine or the supporting cast
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the cocky arrogant bad boy and the pure sweet good girl!
A fun read with well developed characters be it the hero & heroine or the supporting cast
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews