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Cocktales #1
Party Naked
Stephanie Harper is perfectly happy co-owning Books and Brew, where she slings drinks and entertains her friends with cutting wit and a cynical take on love. She’s convinced she has no time for anything deeper than sex; she has a business to run, after all. And her thrice-married mother has proven happy ever after doesn’t exist.
Jarod Nolan begs to differ. Chance has him running into Steph—and giving her a ticket—one morning, but it’s fate that finds him in her place of business that same evening. A sizzling one-night stand ensues, and although Stephanie escapes before he wakes the next morning, Jarod is already sure she’s worth the chase.
Steph’s more than willing to party naked with the hot cop, but she’s adamant they’re driven by lust, not love. Jarod is prepared to prove otherwise, even if it means giving up one of the things he and Stephanie do best…
What’s that old saying? Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?
Be sure the check out the other books in the Cocktales series:
Screwdriver
Bachelor's Bait
Screaming O
This book has been previously published.
Jarod Nolan begs to differ. Chance has him running into Steph—and giving her a ticket—one morning, but it’s fate that finds him in her place of business that same evening. A sizzling one-night stand ensues, and although Stephanie escapes before he wakes the next morning, Jarod is already sure she’s worth the chase.
Steph’s more than willing to party naked with the hot cop, but she’s adamant they’re driven by lust, not love. Jarod is prepared to prove otherwise, even if it means giving up one of the things he and Stephanie do best…
What’s that old saying? Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?
Be sure the check out the other books in the Cocktales series:
Screwdriver
Bachelor's Bait
Screaming O
This book has been previously published.
126 pages, ebook
First published September 21, 2011
376 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
230 books4,000 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 19, 2013
4 stars
What a fun read this was, Party Naked was exactly what I needed, something fun, sexy and HOT. On a side note, if Books and Brew actually existed, I’d be there all day every day…alcohol and books, sign me up ;)
Steph, has no time for love, she has a three-year commitment to Books and Brew, as a part owner along with her three girlfriends and as the resident bartender/psychologist. Who needs a relationship when when need is a warm body to satisfy the craving once in a while that even you need more than your BOB. Chance has it, after a first meeting that ended with Steph getting a ticket, Jarod’s walks into her bar as part of his new assignment. Surprised they survived the night without killing each other, and how easy it is for them to talk to each other, they decide to continue their little party at his house…
Jarod realizes, she is not your ordinary kinda chick, more than comfortable in her own skin and wants nothing more than a friends with benefit arrangement and sets out to prove her wrong, that what they have could be more than just lust
Steph doesn’t understand why Jarod can’t just give her what she wants, he is a man after all, don't all guys want a fuck buddy?!? Being born and raised without the romance gene, she has no clue what to do with him, he has too much damn control for his own good, but she refuses to go down without a fight, two can play this game
I love strong chicks because you know the man to take her on is an even stronger man, one who would worship the ground she walks on and won’t let her push him away. Jarod was a delicious-sexy-sweet-as-sin cop, and was perfect for Steph, she was witty, sarcastic and freakin horny all the damn time. If you were wondering where Party Naked comes from, get your head out of the gutter, it’s a drink on their menu…makes you wanna have one right?!? I will definitely be reading this series.
"I’m not looking to fall in love. Lust? Definitely. Sexual attraction? I’m in. Red-hot, set-the-sheets-on-fire fucking? Hell yeah. Forever? No way.”
What a fun read this was, Party Naked was exactly what I needed, something fun, sexy and HOT. On a side note, if Books and Brew actually existed, I’d be there all day every day…alcohol and books, sign me up ;)
Steph, has no time for love, she has a three-year commitment to Books and Brew, as a part owner along with her three girlfriends and as the resident bartender/psychologist. Who needs a relationship when when need is a warm body to satisfy the craving once in a while that even you need more than your BOB. Chance has it, after a first meeting that ended with Steph getting a ticket, Jarod’s walks into her bar as part of his new assignment. Surprised they survived the night without killing each other, and how easy it is for them to talk to each other, they decide to continue their little party at his house…
Jarod realizes, she is not your ordinary kinda chick, more than comfortable in her own skin and wants nothing more than a friends with benefit arrangement and sets out to prove her wrong, that what they have could be more than just lust
"Game over. It was official. He wanted Stephanie Harper and he intended to bring her in. He’d pull out the cuffs if necessary. Hell, he’d pull them out regardless."
Steph doesn’t understand why Jarod can’t just give her what she wants, he is a man after all, don't all guys want a fuck buddy?!? Being born and raised without the romance gene, she has no clue what to do with him, he has too much damn control for his own good, but she refuses to go down without a fight, two can play this game
"She was going to take the lead and she’d pull out all the stops, fighting as dirty—please God, let things get dirty—as she needed to."
I love strong chicks because you know the man to take her on is an even stronger man, one who would worship the ground she walks on and won’t let her push him away. Jarod was a delicious-sexy-sweet-as-sin cop, and was perfect for Steph, she was witty, sarcastic and freakin horny all the damn time. If you were wondering where Party Naked comes from, get your head out of the gutter, it’s a drink on their menu…makes you wanna have one right?!? I will definitely be reading this series.
March 25, 2013
This a really sweet and pretty hot short little read! Some authors do better with shorter stories and Mari Carr is one who does! She manages to make you care for the characters and believe in the relationship without leaving you feeling that something is missing. In this story we meet Stephanie and Jarod. Stephanie has opened a bar/bookstore with three of her friends. They agreed to give it three years of their complete attention to make it a success, two years into this Steph meets Jarod when he gives her a parking ticket. Talk about getting off to a great start!! They meet up again at her bar and after a night of steamy sex, Jarod discovers he wants more. And not just sex, he wants it all. Stephanie is more that a little wary of relationships and even the idea of love. She didn't have the best example growing up with her mother having been married four times! In the end, he wears her down so we get a happy ending. I can't wait to see what is in store for her three friends!!
April 17, 2018
This was such a great book heart is sex on a stick and she didn't believe in love but they are made for each other can't wait to read more books by this author
May 17, 2021
Who doesn't like a "cocktail"? This novella was like a quickie.... fast but satisfying. I enjoyed it.
November 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this one and didn't put it down until I was finished. Stephanie Harper joined forces after college with her three friends to open Books and Brew, a combination of a bookstore and a bar. First off... what a great idea! I would so love to go to a place like this!
For Stephanie the hard work is paying off with business, but taking a major toll on her social life. After one hell of an awful day, she gives into her frustration and double parks not realizing that she just who she parks in. Newly appointed Detective Jarod Nolan just got dumped for being too nice, so he is feeling anything but when he notices someone has parked him in. Sparks fly when the two meet and it is an attraction that both of them feel, but she takes off with a bit of sass and her ticket in hand. The two meet later when he follows his first suspect into her business and to keep her from blowing his cover, he decides to blow both their minds with a scorching kiss. Neither of them can deny the heat between them, but Stephanie has some major hang ups when it comes to the word relationship. Jarod makes it his personal mission to prove that they have more than lust between them, and like a dog with a bone, he won't allow her to give up on the chance they have.
I loved the witty banter between the two characters, and I could definitely feel the heat between them. That aside, Stephanie isn't an overly emotional person, but you definitely get a feel for her feelings and notice the changes in her as the story progresses. These two burn up the pages and this is one series I will continue reading. :)
For Stephanie the hard work is paying off with business, but taking a major toll on her social life. After one hell of an awful day, she gives into her frustration and double parks not realizing that she just who she parks in. Newly appointed Detective Jarod Nolan just got dumped for being too nice, so he is feeling anything but when he notices someone has parked him in. Sparks fly when the two meet and it is an attraction that both of them feel, but she takes off with a bit of sass and her ticket in hand. The two meet later when he follows his first suspect into her business and to keep her from blowing his cover, he decides to blow both their minds with a scorching kiss. Neither of them can deny the heat between them, but Stephanie has some major hang ups when it comes to the word relationship. Jarod makes it his personal mission to prove that they have more than lust between them, and like a dog with a bone, he won't allow her to give up on the chance they have.
I loved the witty banter between the two characters, and I could definitely feel the heat between them. That aside, Stephanie isn't an overly emotional person, but you definitely get a feel for her feelings and notice the changes in her as the story progresses. These two burn up the pages and this is one series I will continue reading. :)
February 24, 2012
This was a sweet story. Not super-long, but good. I do enjoy a story where the woman is not fit, not fat, but completely comfortable in her skin. I thought how Stephanie and Jared met was unique and humorous. That he showed up later at her bar/store, not knowing she'd be there, was even better. And how he pursued her on his terms was great. While I understand why Stephanie felt as she did, I thought Jarod was pretty strong to have gone through what they went through just for the sake of proving a point. And it had a sweet HEA which I always love. I look forward to the next in the series.
August 31, 2013
To me, Ellora's Cave books are hit or miss, falling on either one side of the "Too short/Just right" line. This one fell squarely on the Too Short side! One thing that we can count on from Ellora's Cave is hot and steamy romances, and this one is no exception, but at the end I was left wanting to know what happened to the couple! To me, there are too many unanswered questions about if the relationship survives or not. It ended abruptly for me, and I didn't care for that at all. Glad that I picked it up for free, but I wish there was a lot more to it.
September 26, 2011
Didn't quite do it for me but not sure why. I usually love anything by Mari Carr. I think the heroine was a little too "romance hating" for me. Great chemistry between Stephanie and Jarod though.
September 19, 2013
Cute fast read
November 20, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: No
Stand-alone: Yes** (Cocktales Book 1)
Author: Mari Carr
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Jarod and Stephanie
Trope(s): Rom-Com, Girl Gang
If you want a quick, easy, low angst, witty read with steam mixed in… Party Naked will fit the bill. I’ve had this sitting on my kindle for a while and needed something light to read. So, I dove in.
Stephanie owns Books and Brew with her friends, Jordan, Jayne, and Sophie. They are 2 years into their three year plan to make the place a success. Stephanie is the resident bartender, slinging the drinks, keeping her relationships simple, and avoiding commitment altogether.
Jarod has finally made his way up from street cop to detective. He is also coming out of a relationship where he was told he was too nice. So, when he finds himself blocked in by a double parked car. He decides he has had enough.
Writing the owner of the car a ticket, he waits. Feeling justified he goes on with his day. Until he comes face to face with Stephanie as he is working undercover.
Stephanie is a complete grump when it comes to love. Jarod knows there is something here worth looking into. So, let the convincing begin.
Stand-alone: Yes** (Cocktales Book 1)
Author: Mari Carr
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Jarod and Stephanie
Trope(s): Rom-Com, Girl Gang
If you want a quick, easy, low angst, witty read with steam mixed in… Party Naked will fit the bill. I’ve had this sitting on my kindle for a while and needed something light to read. So, I dove in.
Stephanie owns Books and Brew with her friends, Jordan, Jayne, and Sophie. They are 2 years into their three year plan to make the place a success. Stephanie is the resident bartender, slinging the drinks, keeping her relationships simple, and avoiding commitment altogether.
Jarod has finally made his way up from street cop to detective. He is also coming out of a relationship where he was told he was too nice. So, when he finds himself blocked in by a double parked car. He decides he has had enough.
Writing the owner of the car a ticket, he waits. Feeling justified he goes on with his day. Until he comes face to face with Stephanie as he is working undercover.
Stephanie is a complete grump when it comes to love. Jarod knows there is something here worth looking into. So, let the convincing begin.
October 8, 2021
Giving Up Her Heart
Who would have thought that double parking would cause so much trouble? Stephanie has had a horrible day & the cop she is dealing with is being a jerk! Jarod can't believe the nerve of this woman, law abiding citizen? Whatever! Later that night, he ends up in her bar, with a chance to apollogize for his behavior. Kissing her wasn't the plan, but when she responds by kissing him back.... whoa!! Jarod is interested in starting something with the beautiful bartender, however Steph is a workaholic with a terrible role model, her mother is on husband #4! Relastionships are not something she is interested in...crawling in the sack with the smoking hot detective & burning up the sheets, she can get down with that! Can Jarod prove to her that she is capable of a deep love even though she thinks the romance gene has skipped her? I really enjoyed Jarod & Steph's story. It was fun to watch Steph struggle to keep everything light, while Jarod knew they were made for each other!
Who would have thought that double parking would cause so much trouble? Stephanie has had a horrible day & the cop she is dealing with is being a jerk! Jarod can't believe the nerve of this woman, law abiding citizen? Whatever! Later that night, he ends up in her bar, with a chance to apollogize for his behavior. Kissing her wasn't the plan, but when she responds by kissing him back.... whoa!! Jarod is interested in starting something with the beautiful bartender, however Steph is a workaholic with a terrible role model, her mother is on husband #4! Relastionships are not something she is interested in...crawling in the sack with the smoking hot detective & burning up the sheets, she can get down with that! Can Jarod prove to her that she is capable of a deep love even though she thinks the romance gene has skipped her? I really enjoyed Jarod & Steph's story. It was fun to watch Steph struggle to keep everything light, while Jarod knew they were made for each other!
March 25, 2022
As I'm reading this book, my first by this author, I find myself rolling my eyes on every page. There are so many clichéd and generic phrases, and very little in-depth character development for the H and h.
In Ch 6, the H complains about being tired of being "ridden hard and put away wet" when they've only had sex one night?! But she was "still cruising along, cool as a cucumber." Lame. He also thinks "what a woman" b/c she downs a tequila shot sans salt and lime. During a sex scene later in the same chapter, we're treated to "his body was flying this plane" in explanation for why he was in a hurry to screw her. Oh lordy.
I'm going to keep reading b/c I like Stephanie's sass and Jarod seems like a good guy, but if this her prose, I'll pass on any more books.
On second thought, this is going onto the DNF shelf. I mean, after reading "without the condom, the incredible feelings he'd experienced before were amplified a thousand times."...can you blame me??
This book was like erotica for elementary schoolers. UGH.
In Ch 6, the H complains about being tired of being "ridden hard and put away wet" when they've only had sex one night?! But she was "still cruising along, cool as a cucumber." Lame. He also thinks "what a woman" b/c she downs a tequila shot sans salt and lime. During a sex scene later in the same chapter, we're treated to "his body was flying this plane" in explanation for why he was in a hurry to screw her. Oh lordy.
I'm going to keep reading b/c I like Stephanie's sass and Jarod seems like a good guy, but if this her prose, I'll pass on any more books.
On second thought, this is going onto the DNF shelf. I mean, after reading "without the condom, the incredible feelings he'd experienced before were amplified a thousand times."...can you blame me??
This book was like erotica for elementary schoolers. UGH.
January 13, 2023
*** 3.5 ⭐️ ***
While I don’t usually comment, review, or rate erotic novellas (mainly because the trajectory only goes down a unidirectional path and doesn’t need further explanation), I was pleasantly surprised that this book had a bit more substance to it.
The MCs of Stephanie and Jerod are flawed in their own respects and yet compliment each other perfectly. Stephanie has childhood issues regarding her mother’s multiple marriages and the mystery of what makes a stable relationship, while Jarod is more of a romantic, love-at-first-sight kinda guy. After having met under the worst of circumstances, a friendship does actually form between them. Then, comes a heated debate about love vs lust during a book club meeting one night, and all bets are off… or are they? Each MC has a point to make, and the only thing to do is be willing to listen instead of argue.
As I stated earlier, I was pleasantly surprised by the maturity of the dialogue between the characters, and I would definitely continue with the rest if this series.
While I don’t usually comment, review, or rate erotic novellas (mainly because the trajectory only goes down a unidirectional path and doesn’t need further explanation), I was pleasantly surprised that this book had a bit more substance to it.
The MCs of Stephanie and Jerod are flawed in their own respects and yet compliment each other perfectly. Stephanie has childhood issues regarding her mother’s multiple marriages and the mystery of what makes a stable relationship, while Jarod is more of a romantic, love-at-first-sight kinda guy. After having met under the worst of circumstances, a friendship does actually form between them. Then, comes a heated debate about love vs lust during a book club meeting one night, and all bets are off… or are they? Each MC has a point to make, and the only thing to do is be willing to listen instead of argue.
As I stated earlier, I was pleasantly surprised by the maturity of the dialogue between the characters, and I would definitely continue with the rest if this series.
April 12, 2019
Cute freebie.
I felt like perhaps I'd read this before ... ? But GR is telling me otherwise so..
Stephanie and her friends own a bookstore-bar, she runs the bar part. Her mother is a serial-bride and Steph tends to keep things light and short term with her own relations.
Jarod is a cop - would have liked a little bit more cop - who writes Steph a ticket when she double parks and blocks him in.
Then he turns up in her bar, undercover, and has to kiss her before she spills his identity.
Then we get to watch as Jarod attempts to prove to Stephanie that love and romance are real.
Flowed nicely, short read that had likeable characters.
I felt like perhaps I'd read this before ... ? But GR is telling me otherwise so..
Stephanie and her friends own a bookstore-bar, she runs the bar part. Her mother is a serial-bride and Steph tends to keep things light and short term with her own relations.
Jarod is a cop - would have liked a little bit more cop - who writes Steph a ticket when she double parks and blocks him in.
Then he turns up in her bar, undercover, and has to kiss her before she spills his identity.
Then we get to watch as Jarod attempts to prove to Stephanie that love and romance are real.
Flowed nicely, short read that had likeable characters.
January 14, 2021
Cute read. While there is nothing ground breaking in this story, it did resonate with me. There's the "meet cute" when Jarod gives Stephanie a parking ticket. They later run into each other at the bookstore/bar where Stephanie is a part owner. Jarod pretty much has his shit together and wants to pursue a relationship with Stephanie. Stephanie is influenced by her mother's past string of marriages past and is reluctant to pursue a real relationship. Jarod and Stephanie find their way to a HFN. I liked that Stephanie's issues weren't so extreme as to have the story not believable. Will definitely read additional stories in the series.
January 14, 2021
Party Naked is a fabulous contemporary romance by Mari Carr. Ms. Carr has provided readers with a well-written book. The characters are fun and lovable. Stephanie is having a bad luck day and had to replace liquor for the bar/book store. No parking anywhere leads to a little double parking nightmare when she finds hot cop Jarod waiting with a ticket. Stephanie and Jarod's story is loaded with drama, humor and sizzle. I loved reading this book and look forward to my next book by Mari Carr. Party Naked is book 1 of the Cocktales Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 21, 2017
It was alright.
I didn't really get on with the main character. She was just soo jaded. I get it, this was the whole point. But I found reading page after page of her stubborn 'love doesn't exist!' to just be annoying.
I like the idea of a Bar / Book shop, having thought of something like that myself. However... what kind of bar closes at 11pm????
Lost a star for that, cause dude... reality much??
I didn't really get on with the main character. She was just soo jaded. I get it, this was the whole point. But I found reading page after page of her stubborn 'love doesn't exist!' to just be annoying.
I like the idea of a Bar / Book shop, having thought of something like that myself. However... what kind of bar closes at 11pm????
Lost a star for that, cause dude... reality much??
March 2, 2019
Loved this story about the bartender Stephanie and the hot & sexy Detective Jarod. What starts off as a really bad day for Stephanie, including her initial encounter with Jarod, turns into a night with some very hot sex. But will it be able to develop into a relationship or will it remain only about the sex? Loved the other characters in the story and the humor!
March 22, 2020
Jarod and Stephanie set off more fireworks than the Fourth of July whenever they're around each other. Unfortunately it's not all sunshine and roses. He wants more than she's capable of giving at least in the relationship department. It takes a battle of differing opinions over lust vs love to finally move the needle in his direction.
March 3, 2021
Jerk! Overbearing cop!
Just when she thought her day couldn’t get worse, the cop givers her a ticket. She doubled parked fir a minute, or maybe 10. Long enough for him to realize and make her day even longer! She was so done. She might file a complaint. Then, he walks into her bar and plants the kiss to end all kisses on her!
Just when she thought her day couldn’t get worse, the cop givers her a ticket. She doubled parked fir a minute, or maybe 10. Long enough for him to realize and make her day even longer! She was so done. She might file a complaint. Then, he walks into her bar and plants the kiss to end all kisses on her!
June 12, 2021
This is one hot quickie, don't let the title fool ya! Carr has a real knack for writing character dialogue that is funny, believable, and sucks you right in. I enjoyed this short little tale from the first letter to the last. Lots of hot spice, characters that feel like friends, sexual suspense, and off the charts relatability, if that's a word. Kudos to Carr!
March 18, 2023
This was a great easy romp that was well written. I'm getting the other 3 in the series. The only flaw was the continued use of "cunt" which pulled me out of the story with each use (maybe 5 times) and left me feeling a bit sick. Maybe there are no better words? (as a body part, not a derogatory slur)
March 5, 2017
Fun Romance
This was a fun romance to read. The first in a series of related stories that can be read as standalones, it has a fun premise and likeable characters. Although there is some hot sex between the hero and heroine, it's not as erotic as some by this author.
This was a fun romance to read. The first in a series of related stories that can be read as standalones, it has a fun premise and likeable characters. Although there is some hot sex between the hero and heroine, it's not as erotic as some by this author.
May 24, 2018
Party naked
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
March 10, 2019
Another hot one from Mari Carr!
If you have read her Wild Irish series or any of her other books, you should try this one. I will be getting the rest of the series soon! Great weekend read!
If you have read her Wild Irish series or any of her other books, you should try this one. I will be getting the rest of the series soon! Great weekend read!
April 2, 2019
This little book has so much heart!
Stephanie and Jerod’s meet cute doesn’t give any clue to this sweet sexy tale. Their second meeting, yeah that’s a good lead in. These characters just steal your heart.
Stephanie and Jerod’s meet cute doesn’t give any clue to this sweet sexy tale. Their second meeting, yeah that’s a good lead in. These characters just steal your heart.
April 12, 2019
Easy read.
Quick and easy to read story. Very steamy. Stephanie is super feisty and independent and not a relationship kind of girl. Jarod is a follow his gut cop, with a mission to prove to Stephanie that live is possible. Some witty repartee.
Quick and easy to read story. Very steamy. Stephanie is super feisty and independent and not a relationship kind of girl. Jarod is a follow his gut cop, with a mission to prove to Stephanie that live is possible. Some witty repartee.
April 18, 2019
Screwdrivers
This was a very hot read about a very strong woman who thought she had herself all figured out and determined to go at life full bore just as intended until she parked wrong. Loved it!
This was a very hot read about a very strong woman who thought she had herself all figured out and determined to go at life full bore just as intended until she parked wrong. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews